From 1804–15, Napoléon I reigned as the emperor of France, bringing the country into a new era of opulence after the fall of the monarchy and the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. He declared, “We must have very solid things, made to last 100 years.” Empire-style furniture followed suit, with imposing pieces constructed from mahogany and adorned with gilded ornaments. Expanding on the neoclassicism popularized in the previous century — such as in Louis XVI style — Empire style borrowed from the great civilizations of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece and Rome, to connect this nascent empire to the power of the past.
Napoléon I believed the production of fine furniture would reflect the stature of the republic, with his official architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine leading the way with their work on his residences.
Luxurious materials, symmetrical shapes and bold colors characterize antique Empire-style bedroom furniture, armchairs, cabinets and other structures, with frequent motifs including mythological creatures, geometric designs, acanthus leaves, eagles, bees (the imperial emblem) and swans, a favorite of Empress Joséphine.
Flat surfaces, like marble tabletops, were accented with decadent details, such as the bronze furniture mounts made by sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire for the French palaces. Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who worked as the imperial goldsmith, crafted intricate luxury objects that mixed wood, fine metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
The style became popular abroad, influencing the American Empire style. Stately pieces carved with sprigs of olives by cabinetmaker Pierre-Antoine Bellange were acquired by American President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.
Find a collection of antique Empire tables, lighting, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
$18,950Sale Price|23% Off
French Napoleon III Empire Style Mahogany and Ormolu Mounted Cheval Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine French 19th century Napoleon III Empire style mahogany and ormolu-mounted freestanding Cheval swiveling mirror. The oval framed mirror plate surmounted with Empire style ...
Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century French Empire Style Mahogany Bedside Cabinet
Located in Forney, TX
A French Empire style marble-top mahogany bedside cabinet (nightstand - end table) with elegant beautifully aged warm rustic patina. circa 1870 Hand-crafted in France in the secon...
Marble, Brass
Maitland Smith French Empire Green Greek Key Sunburst Round Dining Center Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Maitland Smith French Empire Green Greek Key Sunburst Round Dining Center Tab...
Glass, Wood, Lacquer
Mirror with Vine Leaf Frame, likely Florence, Italy, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Small oval wall mirror with a profiled, gilded frame. The outer border features a sculpted vine leaf wreath with red-painted grape clusters. The antique mirror glass shows areas of a...
Mirror, Giltwood
$320Sale Price|20% Off
Couple of Candlesticks Style Empire
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Couple of Candlesticks Style Empire Empire style Marble and golden bronze Origin France circa 1900 Very good condition. Natural wear.
Marble, Bronze
$3,250 / item
Early 19th Century French Empire Walnut Console
Located in Atlanta, GA
Early 19th Century French Empire Walnut Console with Ebonized Marble Top & Bronze Dore Details, ca. 1810
Walnut
$3,078Sale Price|35% Off
Italian Empire Walnut Psyche Table Mirror with Gold Gilt Swans and Ebony Inlay
Located in Encinitas, CA
Impressive Italian 19th century Empire style "psyche" table mirror. circa 1830. The oval walnut swivel mirror frame is suspended between a pair of gold gilt carved swans with acanthus vestments, resting on hoofed feet mounted to the base. Octagonal marquetry of walnut burl veneers on the oval frame's reverse is embellished with ebony and linden floral inlay. The mirror glass is accented by a gilt beaded border, and the walnut veneered pediment-shaped base is trimmed in gilt palmette. The mirror tilt...
Gold
Antique Russian Secretary by Heinrich Gambs, Mahogany, Circa 1800
By Heinrich Daniel Gambs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Russian secretary with a writing flap made of hand crafted shellac polished, partly veneered Mahogany, designed and produced by Heinrich G...
Metal, Brass
Swedish Empire Center Table
Located in Essex, MA
Circular top with wood edge surrounding a geometric mosaic of hard stones raised on a triangular tapered column and tripartite base with gilded scroll feet. From the estate of Willia...
Marble
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
French Empire Style Mahogany Daybed with Ormolu Mounts and Velvet Upholstery
Located in Chicago, IL
20th century French Empire style mahogany daybed on casters with ormolu gilt bronze mounts in floral/thistle decoration and original wood jo...
Ormolu
Vintage Pair of Empire Style Fauteuils with Carved Dolphin Arms by Century, USA
Located in Morristown, NJ
Late 20th c., high quality American made pair of custom upholstered Fruitwood frame armchairs, labeled under seat. This pair of armchairs from Century Furniture Industries in Hickor...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Vintage golden sunburst mirror, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass. The mirror is in a good condition. 1960s - made in Belgium. Dimensions: Diameter: 43cm Ref.: 84654535 40-41
Resin
19th Century French Empire Mirror in Gilt Wood with Floral Carvings
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This French Empire mirror (c. 1800) is symmetrical to hang in either direction, exhibiting low-relief floral decorations that leave ample space for the gilt molding to reveal its red...
Gold
Richard Ginori Pittoria Italy "Pincio Green" 103 Piece Dinner Set, Circa 1980
Located in CH
Richard Ginori “Pincio Green” Dinner Set This exquisite Pincio Green dinner set by Richard Ginori is distinguished by an imperial green band enriched with gold flowers and leaves, bordered by a green ribbon and a delicate pattern of small gold arches, all set against a pristine white porcelain background. Each piece in the set bears the Richard Ginori green...
Porcelain
Antique French Empire Mahogany Marble Top Ormolu Commode Chest of Drawers 1810
Located in Portland, OR
A fine quality early 19th century antique French Empire mahogany marble top commode, with Neo-Classical ormolu mounts, circa 1810. The commode is of the finest quality, the top is ma...
Marble, Ormolu
$3,254Sale Price|44% Off
19th Century Empire Secrétaire à Abattant
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this elegant antique Italian Secretaire dating back to the early 19th century, Empire period. An extremely refined Secretaire. Made of fine solid mahogany wood (accompani...
Marble
Late Empire Antique Mirror Made In Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This antique mirror, crafted from rich mahogany wood, dates back to the late Empire period around the 1840s. It is a stunning example of the elegance and craftsmanship characteristic...
Mahogany
French Empire-Style Fauteuil Handcrafted by Trouvailles, Inc
Located in Dallas, TX
a handsome and sturdy French Empire-style throne-like fauteuil (armchair) with silver and gold gilt decoration inspired by Napoleon's Egyptian Campaign 1798-1801, square back with ca...
Damask, Wood, Giltwood
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 5X4.10
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Wool, Cotton
19th Century Italian Polychrome Queen Headboard in Garnet and Gold
Located in Miami, FL
This versatile and unique polychrome headboard was completely carved and painted by hand in Italy during the 1800’s. The headboard has a stylized garland which transitions seamlessl...
Wood
$4,500 / item
Empire Style Gilt Bronze Gueridon Table
Located in New York, NY
Very finely cast Empire style gilt bronze gueridon table with swan motif.
Bronze
Early 19th Century Empire Trumeau Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
An early 19th century painted and parcel-gilt Empire trumeau mirror with horse and chariot scene.
Wood
Empire Style Mahogany Library Tub Fauteuil de Bureau or Desk Chair
Located in Nashville, TN
Of generous proportions and presence . The front mounted with well cast bronze mounts (of some size and weight ). The top with French interpretations of the Greek Caryatids (very att...
Wood
Empire Chest of Drawers With Four Drawers Made In Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This exquisite Empire chest of drawers boasts a timeless design and is crafted from rich mahogany, reflecting the elegance of the 1840s. With its stately presence and intricate deta...
Mahogany
French Pair Empire Dore Bronze Winged Putti Candelabras
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Wonderful pair of French Napoleon III Empire style gilt doré and patinated bronze neoclassical four-arm candelabra with finely cast decorated detail. Each lamp features a classical w...
Bronze
Wonderful French Ormolu Mounted Glass Bronze Baccarat Jar Casket Jewelry Box
By Baccarat
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Empire Ormolu Mounted Glass And Bronze Baccarat Style Lidded Jar / Casket / Jewelry Box, Glass Has Damage To One Corner
Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Empire Flame Mahogany Marble Top Commode
Located in Carmine, TX
Elegant French Empire commode featuring richly figured flame mahogany veneers, a black marble top, three spacious drawers with gilt-bronze circular pulls, and imposing columnar sides...
Marble, Bronze
Antique Baltic Long Bench, Mahogany, Silk Upholstery, Circa 1830-1850
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, antique Baltic long bench with two pillows made of hand carved Mahogany, in good condition. The three seater sofa, settee is stand...
Fabric, Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany
16th Century Antique Flemish Tapestry Pillow - 25'' X 21''
Located in Los Angeles, US
16th-century antique Flemish tapestry pillow 25'' X 21''. Empire and traditional.
Wool, Feathers
19th Century Empire French Chest of Drawers with marble on top
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Empire Chest od Drawers with white marble on top, France, Ca. 1830 Spectacular Commode with original white marble on top and original empire legs. Front of d...
Walnut
Late-19th Century Khotan Samarkand Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Samarkand Rugs: The desert oasis of Khotan was an important stop on the Silk Road. The people of Khotan were expert carpet weavers who produced high quality antique rugs and ...
Wool, Cotton
$1,378Sale Price|20% Off
Antique French Playing Card Box, Rosewood & Brass Inlays, Circa 1860
Located in Münster, DE
Large casket, rosewood solid and veneered, France circa 1860/70, brass handle embedded in the lid, brass inlays, nice division inside (originally for tokens and cards), restored cond...
Brass
19th Century Ebonized Italian Empire Style Side Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Ebonized Italian Empire style side chair featuring brass ormolu, claw feet, and a lattice-work back. This piece has a newly upholstered feather down seat cushion. 20" Seat height inc...
Brass, Ormolu
Vintage French Empire Burnished Brass Small Bouillotte Black Column Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Burnished Brass Small Bouillotte Black Column Table Lamp. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 21" H (to finial) x 15" H (to light socket) x 10" W x 10" D. {3-...
Brass
Art Deco Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chrome
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Deco Crystal Chandelier - Empire Elegance in Customizable Sizes Introducing a new Art Deco crystal style chandelier that captures the...
Crystal
Rare Pair French Retour D'egypt Terracotta Lions Sculptures Statues Los Angeles
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare Pair French Retour D'egypt Terracotta Lions Sculptures Statues Los Angeles , Exceptional fine pair of Large French Retour D'egypt period terra...
Terracotta
Vintage French Tole Empire Style Six Light Chandelier With Gilt Accents Rewired
Located in Highwood, IL
Gorgeous Vintage French Tole Black Painted 6 light Empire Style Chandelier with bright Gilt details. A style popular for almost 200 years, this Empire Chandelier is a classic design ...
Brass, Metal
$800Sale Price|50% Off
Empire-Style Crystal and Brass 'Bonbonnière', or Sweet Box
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A refined French Empire style gilt brass and cut crystal casket, dating from the 19th century. This elegant decorative box beautifully reflects the neoclassical vocabulary inspired b...
Crystal, Brass
$48,950Sale Price|48% Off
Palatial French 19th Century Empire Style Giltwood Carved Eagles Center Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very Fine and Palatial French 19th Century Empire Style Giltwood Carved Figural Center Table with Figures of Winged Eagles and Wreaths, the center medallion with a figure of a bull and and raised on lion paws over a sphere, fitted with a veined verde d'alps marble top (Marble top is recent and not the original - Gilding restored with 23.5 cart...
Marble
19th century Swedish carved birch sofa
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century swedish carved birch sofa circa 1880. Elegant Swedish formal sofa which seats a comfortable 3. Straight back with shaped birch border. Roll top arms with carved acant...
Fabric, Birch
19th Century French Mahogany Commode with Marble Top and Brass Inlay
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A substantial French commode from the 19th century wrapped in finely-grained mahogany trimmed with inlaid brass that frames the drawer-fronts and chamfered corners. The original marb...
Brass
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
Empire Style Birdcage Model of Chateau de Luneville, Early 20th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The wood and wire birdcage faithfully depicting the chateau.
Wood
Vienna Empire Crystal Chandelier Lobmeyr Zahn
By J.L Lobmeyr
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
High-quality ceiling lamp in the Empire style. Hand-cut crystals and glass palmettes. The design clearly references Lobmeyr/Zahn. Manufactured circa 1920. Three E27 porcelain sock...
Brass, Chrome
Antique American Empire Neoclassical Carved Mahogany Sofa with Gold Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique American Empire Neoclassical Carved Mahogany Sofa with Gold Fabric. Item feat...
Fabric, Mahogany
Gold Giltwood Wall Mirror Neoclassical Style
Located in New York, NY
A gold giltwood wall mirror in the Neoclassical-Empire design, circa 19th century, Europe. The Empire period was another or second phase to Neoclassism. Mirror has beautiful, detaile...
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Empire Mahogany Sleigh Bed, Cabinet Makers Example, as Dog Bed
Located in Huntington, NY
This rare cabinet makers example of an antique Empire mahogany sleigh bed, As Dog bed. With new poly foam bed covered in black & white ticking.
Mahogany
Pair of French Empire Dore Patinated Bronze Urns on Pedestals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pair of quality bronze Dore Urns on Pedestals. The pair are in wonderful vintage condition. one small bend to the lip or edge of one - not greatly noticeable or offense...
Gold, Bronze
$9,535Sale Price / set|40% Off
Large Set of 25 Antique Baccarat Tumbler glasses from Sainte Anne, Voneche 1810.
By Voneche
Located in Trieste, IT
Important 33 piece set of 1st Empire Cut-Glass Tumbler glasses from Sainte Anne crystal factory in Voneche, 1810 circa. Similar pieces are in fundus of the Louvre collection. "Gobele...
Blown Glass, Cut Glass
Early 19th Century Miniature Writing Desk Jewelry Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This vintage miniature wood box has six drawers and lots of character and patina. Some of the drawers are lined in faux marbleized paper. We see this wonderful piece being used to st...
Metal, Brass
Pair of French Empire Ormolu Ewers with Winged Maidens, Att. to Claude Galle
Located in New York, NY
Important & Rare Pair of French Empire Period (circa 1805) Ormolu Ewers with Winged Maidens, Cupid Busts, Masks,and Vert de Mer Marble Bases, Attributed to Claude Galle The pair...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Vintage French Empire Style Bronze Lantern, Spain, Circa 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large bronze French Empire style lantern.
Bronze
Music Box handpainted miniature with Swiss Mechanism by Maison Reuge Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Exquisite Reuge S.A. Musical Table Box Description:Discover a stunning large rectangular table box featuring elegantly concave corners, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of th...
Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold Plate
$8,116Sale Price|30% Off
Faux Malachite Empire style Centre Table
Located in London, GB
Stunning French Empire Style Center Table Faux Malachite Stunning Center Table
Ormolu
Empire Style Gilded Tole Toleware Mirror Vintage, Italy, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Elegant Empire-style wall mirror crafted in Italy, circa 1950s. The mirror features a beautifully detailed gilt frame, executed in molded resin or composition material with classic E...
Mirror, Resin
Set Of 2 Antique Empire Style Armchairs Made In Mahogany From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
A pair of Danish Empire style hand-polished mahogany armchairs with striped fabric from around the 1920s. Measurements in cm: H:84 W:52 D:47 SH:50 This product will be inspected ...
Mahogany
$6,962Sale Price|30% Off
Art Deco Style Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chrome
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Deco Crystal Chandelier - Empire Elegance in Customizable Sizes Introducing a new Art Deco crystal style chandelier that captures the grandeur of the Empire era while offering m...
Crystal, Wire
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Swedish Empire Marble Topped Drawer Chest Commode
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A Swedish Empire three-drawer commode chest veneered in burled bird's-eye elm emblematic of Baltic furniture in the 18th-19th centuries, the rectangular side columns mounted with brass Egyptian...
Elm
Pair of 19th Century Empire Gilt Bronze and Patinated Bronze Victory Candelabras
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Large 19th Century Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Victory Sculptures Candelabras in the manner of Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) A large a...
Bronze
$1,200 / item
French Empire Style Bronze Dore Door Knockers
Located in Queens, NY
2 French Empire style (20th Century) bronze dore door knockers with swan head (PRICED EACH).
Bronze
Rare Pair of French Empire Period Stools (Tabourets) by Jean-Joseph Chapuis
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
**Pair of Neoclassical Tabourets by Jean-Joseph Chapuis, Brussels, circa 1810** An elegant pair of neoclassical stools combining sculptural form with remarkably forward-looking craf...
Wood, Cane