Empire Furniture
EMPIRE STYLE
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.
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Style: Empire
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 19" x 9"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Mahogany double bed 1850s Empire period inlaid and gilded
Located in Cesena, FC
Mahogany bed from the 1850s Empire period inlaid and gilded
Austrian bed 1850s empire period mahogany with inlays and gilding
Important and elegant double bed circa 1850.
Bed of Au...
Category
1850s Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold
French Empire Chest of Drawers, 1810
Located in Belmont, MA
French Empire Chest of Drawers, France, 1810 – A Timeless Antique Masterpiece
This exquisite French Empire chest of drawers, crafted in ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Large Russian Imperial Brass Samovar Set
Located in Germantown, MD
A gorgeous, early 20th century large Russian imperial brass samovar set.
Tray and bowl included. Measures 16" in width, 16" in depth and stands 22.5" tall.
Category
Early 20th Century Russian Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique 16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 23'' X 19''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Brussels Tapestry pillow, 23" X 19" x 6" Made in the 16th century.
Category
16th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Empire Psyche, France around 1810
Located in Greding, DE
Large standing mirror with rotating mirror in an arched frame. The mirror is held by lateral columns which end in fire-gilded bronze urns. The bases are also fire-gilt. The psyche st...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Danish Early 19th Century Mahogany 3 Seater Empire Bench
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Danish Empire bench made of mahogany with inlays of satin wood and ebony.
Features a backrest with vertical spindles adorned with an ebony border and three Demi lunes with li...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Ebony, Mahogany
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 23" x 15"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Antique Napoleonic French Empire Parcel-Gilt Mahogany Wine Cabinet Armoire 1810
Located in Portland, OR
A very fine quality French Empire Napoleonic period Mahogany & parcel gilt wine cabinet/armoire, circa 1810.
Made of the finest mahogany this cabinet has the shape of a secretaire ab...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
NYC Waldorf Astoria Hotel Empire Hanging Chandelier Pendant
Located in New York, NY
20th Century Empire style chandelier pendant with cast glass dish and bronze details. These elegant lights graced many of the main corridors of the NYC Waldorf Astoria Hotel...
Category
20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Steel
Vintage Woven Creek Tapestry 6.5X5.33
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...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
French Empire Yellow Tole Lavabo
Located in Essex, MA
With a removable cover with gallery and finial, tapered body with spigot lacking handle, all above the rectangular basin.
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Tin
Antique sofa Classicism - Empire Walnut
Located in Würzburg, DE
✓ Top condition
✓ Wonderful veneers
✓ Unique craftsmanship
Dimensions:
W: 208cm H: 102cm D: 64cm
Item: Antique sofa
Item no.: 929
Epoch: Empire around 1800
Material: Walnut
Color:...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Nutwood
Antique French Billiard, Snooker or Kitchen Island Brass Chandelier, 1850s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A huge and impressive French Empire brass chandelier for billiard/snooker or kitchen island.
Lamp socket: 2 x E27 or E26 ( US) for standard screw bulbs.
France, circa 1840 - 1860s....
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 17" X 13"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wool
Empire Style Malachite on a Bronze Doré Gilded Stand Desk Decorative Object LA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Empire Style Malachite on a Bronze Doré Gilded Stand Desk Decorative Object LA. A Beautiful Empire style malachite orb on a bronze Doré stand retour d'Egypte of 3 figures of standing...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Malachite, Bronze
Empire Period Officer's Trunk
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb officer's trunk in wood and iron from the Empire period 19 century
Very beautiful and rare trunk covered with a thin layer of iron and resting ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Iron
1930s French Brass and Marble Top Coffee or Side Table
Located in Doylestown, PA
Vintage 1930s French Empire solid brass and Carrara marble top cocktail or side table.
An elegant table with delicate floral motifs throughout and graceful cabriole legs. The inset ...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
NYC Waldorf Astoria Hotel Empire Bronze Glass Dish Light
Located in New York, NY
Empire style pendant light chandelier featuring a diamond textured cast glass dish. Main pendant body has been done in black and features bronze f...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Steel, Bronze
Antique Verdi Green Marble Top French Empire Pedestal End Table Circa 1870
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Marble top. Brass accents and claw feet. Wood frame. 29 1/2" h x 15 5/8" diameter.
Condition
Loose trim. Splits in seams. Previous repair. Veneer bubbling.
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Maison Jansen Style Polished Steel & Brass Galleried Glass Top Side Tables
Located in Germantown, MD
A magnificent of French Maison Jansen style Empire Revival brass and polished steel side tables with brass gallery and inset glass tops, each with three legs joined by X-form stretch...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
A Fine Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Fine Gilt Bronze & Crystal Chandelier by Baccarat. The bottom section are concentric rings featuring crystal icycle prisms. 8 lights. France, circa 1910.
Dimensions: Height 45" Di...
Category
1910s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Burr Walnut Clapper Empire Secretaire with Detached Columns and Secret Drawer
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This beautiful Empire clapper secretaire is made of burr walnut. It has very elegant detached columns with Fine chiseled bronze elements on top and bottom of each column. Inside of the secretaire there is leather desk and several drawers including a secret drawer...
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Rectangular Empire Mahogany Wall Mirror, England Late 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique late 19th Century Empire mahogany veneer wall mirror. This rectangular wall mirror is magnificent with its tiered graduated frame. The outermost frame is flat leading to anot...
Category
1890s English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
French 7 piece 19th century empire mahogany salon suite
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
7 piece 19th century french empire mahogany salon suite circa 1880.
Rare 7-piece salon suite made in rich mahogany. Set comprises of a 2-seat sofa, 2 armchairs and 4 open armchairs....
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
English Crown Derby Porcelain Potpourri Vessel, early 19th century
Located in New York, NY
An English porcelain potpourri vessel with gold gilt god-like heads and lion paw feet, Empire design, by Crown Derby, circa early-19th century, England. Red makers' mark date range c...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Elegant Sliding-Lid Box in mahogany for candles or cutlery. Empire, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Very elegant Sliding-Lid Box in mahogany (Swietenia mahogoni) for candles, cutlery or other long narrow items. French Empire, 1820s-1830s.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Superb 19th Century French Empire Neoclassical Mahogany Dressing Table Vanity
Located in Hopewell, NJ
This exceptional French 19th century Empire mahogany dressing table is complete with its original mercury glass mirror and white Carrara marble top. The oval mirror is framed with be...
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
French 19th Century Bronze & Marble Mantel Clock Set
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A captivating three-piece mantel clock, from 19th century France, crafted in Siena marble and gilt bronze, with multiple stylistic reference points from the Grand Tour of Europe. The...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French 19th Century Empire Console
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite French mahogany Empire console with its original marble top. A single drawer is housed in the apron over a pair of column form front legs with neoclassical style brass capit...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Empire ormolu clock signed Ravrio, 19th century circa 1805
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Patinated bronze and mercury gilt bronze mantel clock featuring a vestal virgin dressed in the antique manner leaning her elbows on the Love altar. The enameled dial is signed by Rav...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Henredon Flamed Mahogany Empire Dining Table Natchez Collection Banded Top
By Henredon
Located in Toledo, OH
Henredon flamed mahogany banded top dining table. Empire style part of the Natchez collection. Two pedestals with bun feet. Very nice condition. 86" long x 52" wide x 30" tall. One e...
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Mahogany Empire Bow Front Corner Cabinet
Located in Kastrup, DK
Danish empire bow fronted corner cabinet in flame mahogany.
Bow front with a single door, dressed with brass lock in the middle, flanked by f...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Meyer Gunther Martini French Empire Swan Armchairs Pair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details Below.
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Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A
Pair of 1970s Meyer Gunther Martini French Empire Swan Armchairs...
Category
1970s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Louis XVI Regency Empire Crystal and Bronze Twelve-Light Wedding Cake Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
Stunning large French Empire cut crystal and bronze twelve-light chandelier with crystal drops and swags
Measures:
Diameter 26 in/ 66 cm
Height 40 in / 100 cm
Weight 34 lb/16 Kg
Twel...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
NYC Waldorf Astoria Hotel Empire Style 8 Arm Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
20th Century Empire style eight-arm chandelier with crest fleur-de-lis design. Cleaned and rewired. This chandelier and it's sisters hung in the corridors of the NYC Waldorf Astoria ...
Category
20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mantel Clock 19th Century Empire
Located in Warsaw, PL
Figural mantel clock signed “Al. dre Destape Palais Royal”
The bronze figural mantel clock depicting one of the mythical heroes - Orpheus originates from the Empire period. The cloc...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Abattant Secretary Desk in Flame Mahogany Drop Down
Located in Atlanta, GA
This French Empire Abattant Secretary Desk from the late 19th century is a striking piece of furniture, crafted from flame mahogany. The abattant (drop...
Category
1890s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
19th Century French Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A late 19th century Louis XV-style Bouillotte table lamp, with original, green, gilt- decorated tole lampshade, above a base of three upturned decorative brass candle arms supported ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paris porcelain milk jug, early 19th century - signed Halley
By Lebon-Halley 1
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine Empire Paris porcelain milk jug signed Halley under the base (specialized in porcelain decoration and retail), early 19th century production circa 1805.
Beautiful model enhanc...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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...
Category
2010s German Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Pair of 17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillows
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of 17th Century Tapestry Pillows.
1) Tapestry panel of brightly a brightly colored parrot amidst lush fruiting branches, representing a harmonious balance of nature, and applie...
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Textile
French Empire Console Table of Flame Mahogany with Marble Top
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome French Empire console table of fine proportions, featuring a rectangular figured marble top, set upon a frieze of flame mahogany with one long drawer, the drawer with bras...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Metal, Brass
Picture Frame miniatures and borders in Russian Empire Fabergé style Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table photo frame in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamels on guilloche and fine hand-painted miniatures of laurel friezes and borders in Ru...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
English Silver Plate Covered Biscuit Box or Tea Caddy
Located in New York, NY
An English sterling silver plate covered biscuit box or tea caddy with hinged finial lid top, attached claw footed gallery tray, and exterior repou...
Category
20th Century English Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Empire Early 19th Century Solid Walnut Antique Bench
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Antique Italian empire bench early 19th century. The bench is made of solid walnut wood. Excellent antique good conditions of the wood. Characterized by a seat with folding panels.
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
English Plant Flower Pot Holder Cachepot Jardiniere Lion Head and Paw Feet
Located in New York, NY
An English copper plant or flower pot holder cachepot jardiniere with lion head and paw feet design, circa early-20th century, England. Dimensions: 8" Diameter x 6.94" Height.
Category
Early 20th Century English Empire Furniture
Materials
Copper
Antique American Empire Victorian Oak Wood Bowed Glass China Cabinet Curio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Victorian Oak Wood Bowed Glass China Cabinet Curio. Item features three curved glass panels, mirrored back, four shap...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Oak
Super Rare Pair Of Paris (Darte Freres) Porcelain Gold-Ground Models Of Temples
By Darte Frères
Located in New York, NY
An Ultra Rare and Impressive 19th Century Pair Of French Paris (Darte Freres) Porcelain Gold-Ground Models Of Temples with Iron-Red Stenciled Marks. Each round dome with biscuit lau...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique American Empire Tiger Oak Bookcase Cabinet by Rockford Furniture, 1900
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding antique American Empire bookcase, bar cabinet, or dining cabinet
By Rockford Furniture Co.
USA, Circa 1900
Gorgeous tiger oak, with glass front doors and sides, and...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Oak
Gilt French Empire Table Clock, Early 1800s
Located in New York, NY
A French Empire table clock, first half of the 19th century.
Measures: Width 30, depth 11, height 38 cm. Key included.
Later added hatch at back. F...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Empire Bronze Mantle Clock
Located in Essex, MA
Of majestic scale with the ormolu gilding in very good condition in working order.
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Venetian Silk Velvet Pillow
Located in Canterbury, GB
Large Impressive Cushion
Finest quality Venetian silk velvet panel Circa 1900
Edged with 18th century metallic tassel fringe
Backed with antique Mohair velvet
Good antique condi...
Category
1890s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metallic Thread
Early 20th Century Italian Pietra Dura Empire Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pietra Dura Empire table. Malachite, amethyst, lapis lazuli, citrine and sienna marble inlaid in white marble. Wood is Tineo. Made in Italy early 20th Century.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Pair of Viennese Empire Beds, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
A pair of Viennese Empire beds in walnut veneer. The beds have been expertly restored and polished by hand.
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French 19th Century Empire Mahogany Semainier
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A 19th century French Empire mahogany semainier featuring artful neoclassical hardware. Hand-crafted in France circa 1810, this semainier is fitted with seven drawers to provide a dr...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Spanish Empire Console Table with Mirror in Mahogany, circa 1810
Located in Miami, FL
Fine Spanish Empire console with mirror in mahogany and rosewood with satinwood inlays, circa 1810.
Category
1810s Spanish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Hartmann À Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
An exceptional 19th-century Empire-style mantel clock by Hartmann à Paris, meticulously crafted in gilt bronze. This distinguished timepiece showcases a finely detailed white enamel ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Modenese Gastone, Europa Antiques, Baker Furniture Company, and Gherardo Degli Albizzi. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $56 and tops out at $955,603 while the average work can sell for $4,296.
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