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
Empire Brass Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Ceiling Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Italian Empire Style Brass and Crystal Chandelier, circa 1930
A stunning Italian chandelier from circa 1930, crafted from solid brass and featuring hand-knotted crystal strands in a...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
20th Century Burl Wood Marble Top Italian Empire Style Commode, 1970s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Italian chest of drawers from the second half of the 20th century. Empire style furniture veneered in burl and ebonized wood of beautiful lines and pleasant furnishings. Commode with...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Weiman Heirloom Italian Regency Empire Mahogany Side Table w/ Black Columns
By Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Weiman Heirloom Italian Regency/Empire Style Flamed Mahogany Side Table with Black Columns, Satinwood Inlay, and Dovetailed Drawer. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 24" ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Maitland Smith Empire Style Large Banded Inlay Mahogany Glass Top Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Maitland Smith Empire Style Large Banded Inlay Mahogany Glass Top Coffee Table. Item features beveled glass, inset top, 6 saber legs, 2 tier band...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
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
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
Charles Pollock for William Switzer Giltwood Center /Dining Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunningly beautiful center or dining table designed by Charles Pollock for William Switzer.
The table has a combination of solid woods and veneers such as burlwood on the base al...
Category
1980s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Baker Furniture French Empire Cherry Wood and Parcel Ebonized Sideboard Credenza
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Empire or Neoclassical style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Baker Furniture
USA, circa 1980s
Carved cherry wood, with ebonized columns and feet, an...
Category
1980s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
A pair of 1920s brass wall sconces in the empire style with feather design
Located in London, GB
A pair of 1920s solid brass wall sconces in the empire style with feather design, each with two fittings, rewired with new fittings and PAT tested
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
$1,094 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Circa 1920 Antique Cartoon Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1920 Antique Cartoon Tapestry Pillow
Category
1920s Unknown Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Empire Gilt Bronze 9 Light Empire Style Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Restored French Empire 9 light chandelier. Gilt bronze finish. Requires nine E-12 bulbs. Cleaned and restored. Please note, this item is located in our NYC location.
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Pair of Carved X Base Benches With Cushions
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Pair of carved and stained wood X form benches in Empire style with striped fabric upholstered cushions
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$1,920 / set
Mid 20th century frame Italian bisque Taglio
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid 20th century Italian frame bisque Taglio. This Greco Roman style bisque porcelain medallion is framed in a gold leaf shadowbox frame with pink interior and gold details...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Estate French Empire Gold Bronze and Steel Chandelier, Circa 1950's.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Estate French Empire Gold Bronze and Steel Chandelier, Circa 1950's.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Steel
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
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
French Empire Style Chandelier This is a lovely piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Empire Style Chandelier
This is a lovely piece especially where a very large chandelier is not suitable, it has a bright brass crown hung with chains of cut crystal beads, co...
Category
1930s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Royal Copenhagen, pair of Blue Fluted candlesticks. 1962.
Located in København, Copenhagen
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
Bing & Grøndahl Empire Sauce Bowl in Hand-Painted Porcelain
Located in København, Copenhagen
Bing & Grøndahl empire sauce bowl in hand-painted porcelain modelled with seahorses.
Early 20th century.
Measures: 23.5 x 15 x 11 cm.
In excellent condition.
Stamped.
2nd facto...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
French Empire Style Beige Painted Trumeau Mirror with Carved Gilt Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire style beige painted trumeau mirror from the 20th century with gilded décor. This exquisite French Empire style trumeau mirror from the 20th century is a testament to ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Early 20th C Empire Bronze & Gilt Mounted Mahogany Console / Wall Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th century Empire Neoclassical Brass Mounted and Mahogany Wall Mirror in good condition. Solid Mahogany frame. Measures 18" in width and 36" tall. Mirror glass is 15"W x 2...
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$1,421 Sale Price
25% Off
Gorgeous Pair of Empire Style Black & Gold Wall Mirrors
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful pair of Empire gold gilt and ebony black mirrors which are elegant statement pieces. The giltwood finish is complemented by a lovely ebony black washed gesso patina, and t...
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror
Empire Style Carved Wood and Gilded Armchair and Settee Suite
Located in El Monte, CA
This exquisite Empire style armchair and settee suit, hand carved and rendered in a striking combination of gilded and cream-painted wood, exemplifies the grandeur of the Napoleonic ...
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Hammered Copper Bas-Relief of Poseidon's Head – Exquisite Detail - 2Y59
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This finely detailed hammered copper bas-relief depicts the majestic head of Poseidon, showcasing the craftsmanship of this stunning piece. The intricate detailing highlights the pow...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Copper
$170 Sale Price
75% Off
French Empire Style Commode w/Figural Columns & Pink Marble
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is an adorable petite commode with wonderful grained veneer and blackened flat columns on the sides which have a bronze woman's head on the top and bronze feet on the bottom. It...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Empire Style Heraldic Coat of Arms Carved Mahogany Double Eagle Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
An early 20th Century Empire Style Heraldic coat of arms Intricately Carved Mahogany Double Eagle Bench with loose seat cushion. Measures 36.5" in width, 25" in depth and stands 37.5...
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$3,746 Sale Price
25% Off
Pair Italian Heavy Brass Empire Style Candle Sconces
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of heavy, un-wired single arm sconces from Florence, Italy. Features a sunburst back plate with concave bowl and eagle-head motif. Masterful casting with wonderful detail. Candle cup measures...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Small Gilt Bronze Empire style Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine & Decorative Gilt Bronze & Patinated Bronze Empire style Chandelier. 6 lights. France, circa 1920.
Dimensions: Height 25" Diameter 16"
CW5549
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Monumental Hollywood Regency French Cut-Crystal Beads, Gilt 19-Light Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
Stunning extra large impressive Empire cut crystal and gilt brass 19-light chandelier with crystal drops.
Measures:
Diameter 37.8 in/ 96 cm
Height 35.5 in / 90 cm
Weight 44 lb/20 Kg
...
Category
Late 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
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
Large French Empire Ebony Black and Gold Carved Giltwood and Gesso Mirror
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Large scale Empire gold gilt and ebony black mirror is a large statement piece. The giltwood finish is complemented by a lovely ebony black washed gesso patina. The neoclassical embo...
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gesso, Mirror
Vintage Coat Rack Bronze Clothes Hook, France, 1970s
Located in Bastogne, BE
A great vintage wall hanging coat rack with red velvet and brass hooks from France, 1970s.
The set includes a coat rack and 5 hooks.
A coat rack in the hallway is a convenient and...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Hand-carved Napoleon Bonaparte in nut-wood
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Hand-carved Napoleon Bonaparte in walnut on a colorful marble base.
You often see sculptures of Napoleon Bonaparte in bronze, rarely in wood.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Pair of French Crystal and Brass Sconces in the Style of Maison Jansen
Located in Chicago, IL
These Empire-style sconces showcase a signature element of Maison Jansen lighting: pierced brass encrusted with beaded crystals. This intricate combination of brass and encrusted crystal beads creates a stunning visual effect resembling a glistening, flowing fountain of light.
This meticulous craftsmanship embodies the elegance and sophisticated artistry for which Maison Jansen is famous. Maison Jansen, a renowned Parisian interior design firm...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Chandeliers
Located in London, GB
Designed to mimic the appearance of a star-studded celestial globe, theses Empire style chandeliers are simultaneously charming and outstandingly beautiful. Each chandelier is design...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu, Metal, Bronze
$24,895 / set
Early Mid-Century Empire Style Black and Gild Greek Key Mirror
Located in Wichita, KS
Large and impressive mirror from mid-century with black paint and gilded Greek key. The mirror has a large and deep frame molding.
To view all of our listings at Tiffany Farha De...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
$4,400 Sale Price
20% Off
1900's French Empire Sconces With Swans three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1900's French empire style bronze sconces with swans and three lights
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Hexagonal Empire Gilt Bronze & Etched Glass 3-Light Lantern or Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
Antique French Empire cast bronze lantern. Gilt bronze and etched glass shade with 3-light.
Measures:
Diameter 12 in/ 30 cm
Height 20.5 in (10 in, chain)/ 75 cm (25 cm, chain)
Weight...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Lion and Tiger Bookends
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Pair of French Lion and Tiger Bookends
A pair of bookends. Each bookend features a metallic sculpture of a big cat, with one being a lion and the other a tiger. The sculptures are mo...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Metal
$1,700 / set
Antique French Empire Style Walnut Dining Table with Leaf
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Empire Style Walnut Dining Table with Leaf will bring understated elegance to your dining experience! Hand-crafted from sumptuous walnut, it features six tapered legs...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Pair of Gilt Bronze Empire Sconces
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Pair of gilt bronze three-arm Empire sconces with leaf detail.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$1,800 / set
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
Fine French Neoclassical Russian Baltic Empire Doré Bronze Crystal Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful French Made Elegant Russian / Baltic Empire / Neoclassical Style Doré Bronze And Crystal 8 Candelabra Light Chandelier, Wiring Is Up To Date.
...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
French Bronze Lamp, Enameled with Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French bronze lamp, interesting, modern form with fine enameling of Jacques-Louis David's, 1812 painting of The Emperor Napoleon in his Study at the Tuileries, New wiring
The heigh...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$1,000 Sale Price
20% Off
A French ebonized Empire style marble top coffee table with bronze mounts.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French ebonized Empire style marble top coffee table with bronze mounts circa 1940.
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Pair 1960s Austrian Empire style 24K Framed w/ Glass Bag/ Tent Form Wall Sconces
By Palwa
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair Austrian Empire style 24K Gold Framed "Bag and Tent" form Wall sconces. Manufactured by Palwa. Labelled.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass
STUNNING PAIR FRENCH EMPIRE STYLE GOLD DETAILED BURR WALNUT BEDSIDES NiGHTSTANDS
Located in Pulborough, GB
Antiques of London
We are delighted to offer for sale this Stunning Pair Of French Empire-style bedside Nightstands.
They exude opulence and sophistication. Crafted from beautif...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Mid 20th century framed Italian bisque Taglio
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid 20th century Italian framed bisque Taglio. This Greco Roman style bisque porcelain medallion is framed in a gold leaf shadowbox frame with pink interior and gold detail...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair Palatial Bronze and Steel French Empire Style Torchieres Floor Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of palatial vintage torchiere floor lamps in the French empire style, finely crafted from gilt and patinated bronze and steel. Each with a circular shallow dish-form basin fitt...
Category
Late 20th Century European Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Steel
French Empire Style Gilt Leaf and Urn Motif Wall Mirror
Located in Peabody, MA
French empire style wall mirror featuring a classic motif of gilt leaf and flower vining emanating from a center urn, circa 1960s.
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
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
1930s Empire Gilt Bronze Swan Head Sconces three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930’s gilt bronze sconces with swan’s head and three lights
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Elegant Empire Style Gilt & Patinated Bronze Figural Table Lamp
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Ornate and elegant Empire style table lamp having patinated bronze figural goddess form with marblized base.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Empire Style Painted & Gilded Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
French Empire Style Painted & Gilded Mirror is the perfect size for the dressing room, bath, or any cozy niche. The design also lends itself to either horizontal or vertical hanging...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Paint
Pair of Early 20th Century French Empire Style Lapis Lazuli Side Tables
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of Circa 1900 French Empire Style side tables made of lapis lazuli, malachite, and onyx. This is a beautiful set that has been marvelously handcrafted with a variety of high-q...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Onyx, Brass
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
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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