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
Period: 20th Century
Pair of French Empire Style Bronze Mounted Demilune Mahogany Console Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 40 1/2in W: 50 1/2in D: 14 1/2in
This is an EXCEPTIONAL Pair of French Empire Style Consoles! They are made of the highest quality! Made out of the Finest Mahogany ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
1900 Antique Susani Embroidery Pillow - 21 X 12
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1900 antique susani embroidery pillow. 21 X 12.
Category
Early 1900s Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Pair French Side Tables Painted Lacquer Occasional
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous pair of French Empire style side tables
Feature a lacquer finish and hand painted floral motifs
Very colourful interiors pair with original gilt fixtures
Good size to these ...
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
A Pair Of Early C20th Italian Giltwood & Toleware Wall Sconces
Located in London, GB
A Fine Pair of Italian Giltwood and Toleware Wall Sconces from the Early 20th Century in the Empire Style.
The sconces are adorned with delicate ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Circa 1920s Vintage Cartoon Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Cartoon Tapestry Pillow Ca. 1920
Category
1920s Unknown Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Vintage Tole Columnar Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Single tole Empire style columnar lamp, having a round central column with marbelized finish, wrapped in foliate spiral decoration, raised on graduated p...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair of Bouillotte Lamps
Located in London, GB
Pair of bouillotte lamps in toleware and bronze, in the French Empire manner.
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Egg style Faberge Savoia blue Enamel Small Size Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Small egg in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché, Russian Empire style inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé, late 19th century, early 20th...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Large Empire Style Alabaster and Bronze Sixteen-Light Chandelier, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Large Empire-style alabaster and bronze chandelier, Germany, ca. 1920.
An impressive sixteen-light alabaster and bronze chandelier. The extra large, exceptional, and masterfully carv...
Category
1920s German Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Empire Style Roll-Top Desk
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century French Empire style roll-top desk
French, Early 20th Century
Height 113cm, width 84cm, depth 62cm
This charming roll-top desk is crafted from ormolu mounted hardw...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
20th Century Italian Empire Bronze Table Lamp Red Lampshade Golden Embroideries
Located in Milano, MI
An Empire style large bronze urn vase wired as table lamp with an oval red lampshade. An Italian circular handled decorative bronze center vase, the so-c...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Wall Sconces Bronze Empire Style, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Solid brass or brass wall lamp Empire style with two arms.
This wall sconces Empire style white rigid appearance, solid and basic geometric shapes. Decorated with acanthus leaves ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
1940s French Empire Alabaster Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1940’s French empire style alabaster chandelier with bronze interior arms, 12 lights + 6 interiors.
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
Exquisite Pair of French Empire Design Figured Walnut Three Drawer Nightstands
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Pair of French Empire Design Figured Walnut Three Drawer Nightstand Chests With Mounted Gilt
Provenance: From an Establishment on Belgrave Square London see images7
Known to be ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Royal Copenhagen, pair of Blue Fluted candlesticks. 1962.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Royal Copenhagen, a pair of Blue Fluted candlesticks in porcelain.
1962.
Model 1/15.
Marked.
In perfect condition.
First factory quality.
Dimensions: Height 22.5 cm x 7.8 cm.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Picture Frame internal border with enamelled leaves Salimbeni.
Located in Firenze, FI
Behold the epitome of elegance and craftsmanship: a square table photo frame, meticulously crafted from 925/1000 gold-plated sterling silver. This masterpiece features translucent fi...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Empire Style Hot Air Balloon Chandelier In Gilt Bronze And Crystal
Located in BARSAC, FR
Hot air balloon chandelier in gilded bronze decorated with crystal garlands, Empire style decorated with palmettes and pine cones.
Illuminated by six lights.
Beautiful and very ele...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
French Empire Neoclassical Style Figural Maiden Candelabra Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Neoclassical Style Figural Maiden Candelabra Table Lamps - a Pair. Lamps feature flame finials, 6 candle arms, black patinated metal female figures with water j...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Romweber Empire Mahogany, Burl Wood, and Brass Nightstands, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Empire or Neoclassical style nightstands
By Romweber
USA, circa 1940s
Mahogany cases, with gorgeous book...
Category
1940s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Empire Style Marble Top Center Table
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th Century) mahogany and bronze trimmed round center table with inlaid marble top supported on a pedestal base.
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Empire Cuban Mahogany Bookcase
Located in Austin, TX
Grand bookcase from France in the Empire style. This piece is made of Cuban flamed mahogany and solid oak as a secondary wood. There are four doors that open to interior wood shelvin...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Style High Sided Bench with Gilt Details and Mohair Velvet Upholstery
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1920s French Empire style wooden stool has an antique white painted frame with gilded details and new gray mohair velvet upholstery. Two stools available at the time of posting...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Gesso, Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Tall Bronze Sconces with Quiver, Arrow and Eagleheads. Circa 1920
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice pair of tall wall sconces is made of bronze. The wall lights are decorated with a quiver, an arrow and eagleheads. This is a French work in the Empire style. Circa 1920
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Italian 1950s Empire Silvered Swooping Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful Empire style Italian chandelier in the style of Buccellati. Rewired. 12 Light sources. Candelabra sockets. Rewired. 23” is the body. The chain can be adjusted to your nee...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver, Bronze, Enamel
Antique Wedgwood Jasperware Black and White Urn Form Table Lamps - a Pair
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Antique Black and White Wedgwood Jasperware Urn Table Lamps. Item features porcelain urn form bodies, wooden base, dual sockets, white ...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
20th Century French Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century French Crystal Chandelier. Empire style bronze and crystal chandelier with new wiring. 4 lights
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Antique Empire Antique Quarter Sawn Oak Buffet/Sideboard/Bar Cabinet with Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Empire Antique Quarter Sawn Oak Buffet / Sideboard / Bar Cabinet with Mirror
This antique sideboard with a mirror top features a distinctive tiger oak wood...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Oak
Vintage French Empire Alabaster Column Brass Metal Candelabra Table Lamps - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Alabaster Column Brass Metal Candelabra Table Lamps - Pair. Item features carved alabaster columns, 4 candelabras each with one central light. Fixture with mult...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Alabaster, Brass
French Empire Style Cocktail Table Speckled by Ira Yeager
By Ira Yeager
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Whimsical round coffee or cocktail table lacquer speckled by artist Ira Yeager (American 1938-2022). The table is made in the French Napoleonic empire style featuring bronze mounted ...
Category
20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Luxurious 13-Light Torchère on Tripod Base
Located in Warsaw, PL
This magnificent Empire-style torchère is more than just a source of illumination; it is a powerful statement of imperial grandeur and artistic mastery. Imagine it standing sentinel ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Neoclassical Empire Style Ormolu and Lapis Lazuli Table
Located in London, GB
Neoclassical Empire style ormolu and lapis lazuli table with patinated bronze mounts,
French, 20th century
Dimensions: Height 74cm, diameter 100cm
Finely wrought in the French N...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Bronze, Ormolu
Crystal and bronze chest
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Crystal and bronze chest
Empire style chest
Crystal and gilded bronze materials
Origin France Circa 1920
Excellent condition
The Empire style (in French: style Empire) is a dominant ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Pedestal Empire Style, Italy 1940s
Located in Catania, IT
1940s Italian pedestal empire style in walnut with alabaster top and bronze medallion depicting two putti on each façade
at the base porcelain plaques, bronze feet and bronze deta...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
Pair of French Antique Walnut Empire Tulip Fauteuils or Armchairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
This set of two elegant Empire arm chairs stand out for their classic simple design and the beautifully shaped front legs. These comfortable and stylish chairs feature a wealth of fi...
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique Chinese Runner
Located in New York, NY
Rare short and narrow antique soft blue Chinese runner.
Category
20th Century Chinese Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Russian USSR Made Black and Red Lacquered Snuff Box, Signed and Dated
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Rectangular Black and Red Lacquered Snuff Box, Signed and Dated 1971.
This tobacco snuff box is richly and colorfully decorated with a winter scene showing 3 people riding a sleigh in the snow being pulled by 3 wild horses.
This Soviet-era box has a strong and great condition red lacquer on the inside and fine gilded decorations running around the edges of the box.
The box is signed and dated on the front cover and with hand-written "Made in USSR...
Category
Mid-20th Century Russian Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Gianni Versace Armchairs from the Vanitas 1994 Collection
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A rare pair of elegant and unique mahogany and gilt armchairs designed by Gianni Versace, part of the 1994 Vanitas Furniture collection. The front legs have columnar shaping and tape...
Category
1990s Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Bronze French Empire Three-Arm Eagle Chandelier Light Fixture
Located in Toledo, OH
Gorgeous French Empire bronze chandelier with Eagle. Eagle with outspread wings sits atop three vines. Bronze shades holders have raised flowers. Each arm holds a flower form shade...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Late 20th Century Vintage Tapestry
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
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
1920’s French Empire Chandelier with 3 lights
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920’s French Empire three lights chandelier with swans and beaded crystals
Category
1920s European Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Antique American Empire Style Mahogany 4 Section Stacking Barrister Bookcase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Style Mahogany 4 Section Stacking Barrister Bookcase. Item features carved paw feet, 4 glass doors, stacking form, very nice antique bookcase. Top 2 sections ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Circa 1900 Antique Susani Embroidery Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1900 Antique Susani Embroidery Pillow
Category
Early 1900s Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Early-19th Century Antique Uzbek Samarkand Rug-7'5'' X 4'6''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Early-19th Century Antique Uzbek Samarkand Rug from Uzbekistan
Category
Early 1900s Uzbek Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1900 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique French Aubusson Pillow Ca. 1900
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Vintage French Empire Style Candlestick Candelabra Brass Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Candlestick Candelabra Brass Table Lamps - a Pair. Item features 3 candleholders each, figural bases, and a distressed white painted finish. Circa Mid 20t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Crotch Mahogany & Ebony Lyre Pedestal Sewing Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 20th Century Duncan Phyfe Style Occasional Sewing or Spool Table. Features a crotch mahogany frame over an ebonized lyre base with brass rods and downswept scrolled feet. Inc...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Vintage 3 Arm Brass & Tole Bouillotte Lamp
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique French Napoleonic tole lamp has gold toned brass base and arms. Arms have ornate s curve structures. Each arm has candlestick style bulb socket at ends. Top of lamp has eagle...
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
1920s Caldwell Bronze Medusa Head Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s sconces with medusa head and arrow design. Two lights
Category
1920s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Italian Buffet Sideboard Bar Empire Style Rolling
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
Vintage Italian Made Empire Style Lacquered Burlwood Dry Bar...
Category
1980s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Burl, Lacquer
Empire Style French Antique Lamp
Located in Austin, TX
Lamp, French, “Bouillote”, made of finely cast bronze. The piece mimics a traditional oil lamp and is topped with a gold leaf painted adjustable lamp shade. It has been newly wired t...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Gold Leaf
20th Century Mahogany Bronze Mounted Credenzas Cabinet / Smoke Glass Top
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This refined mahogany server/credenza showcases exquisite craftsmanship with bronze ormolu mounts and versatile design features. The front displays four drawers with brass pull hardw...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Superb Maria Theresa Crystal Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Magnificent "Maria Theresa" (or Maria Teresa) Empire style traditional crystal chandelier features 24 lights and framework with a golden iron, with glass encased arms and rosettes.
This chandelier is lavishly draped in fine quality sparkle crystals. The Maria Theresa chandelier was named after the Archduchess of Austria who was the Empress of the...
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
French Empire Style Ormolu Mounted Malachite Centre Table
Located in London, GB
French Empire style ormolu mounted malachite centre table
French, 20th Century
Height 77cm, diameter 100cm
Wonderfully crafted from a selection of high quality materials, this Fren...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Bronze, Ormolu
Mid century vintage Italian brass and porcelain whimsical decorator lamp
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid-century vintage Italian made decorator table lamp. The table lamp features a botanical inspired bouquet flowers with handmade porce...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Circa 1920 Antique Kilim Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1920 Antique Kilim Pillow
Category
1920s Unknown Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Circa 1920 Antique Kilim Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1920 Antique Kilim Pillow
Category
1920s Unknown Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Pair Of Empire Style Bronze Table Lamps
Located in Essex, MA
Lampshade diameter 17 inches. Relatively modern nice quality in the French empire style.
Category
Late 20th Century European 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.