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: 18th Century and Earlier
Mid-17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow
Category
Mid-17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow 16" X 11"
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow 16" X 11", Authentic 17th Century Piece , Woolen Pillow
Category
17th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Antique Roman Missal book - Contains Offices for Major Feasts 1790s - 2Y11
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This New Roman Missal is a valuable resource containing the offices for major feasts and the epistles and gospels for all Sundays. Ideal for those seeking a traditional and comprehen...
Category
1790s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
Late 18th Century Pewter Wine Beaker or Cup, Denmark
By Wiggers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Danish Pewter beaker or cup for wine or beer, Denmark Circa 1790-1810
The cup is marked with a large W on the base.
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Antique 18th Century French Tapestry Aubusson Pillow 18'' X 18''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 18th century French tapestry aubusson pillow. 18'' x 18''
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 30" x 10"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
French Directoire Bronze Skeleton Clock
Located in Rome, IT
Extremely fine quality Directoire/Empire gilt bronze mounted gilt brass skeleton clock with enameled chapter ring and openwork movement. Roman numerals for the hours and outer half...
Category
1790s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Mid-16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Category
16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
17th Century Florentine Velvet Metallique Pillow 24" x 12" Inch
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Florentine Velvet Metallique Pillow 24" x 12" Inch
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
17th Century Florentine Velvet Metallique Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Florentine Velvet Metallique Pillow
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 15" X 11", Circa 1850s
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 24" x 8"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century Albanian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
18th Century Silk Fabric French Empire
Located in Canterbury, GB
A long panel of Antique Silk
French Empire and dating from 18th century
Beautiful, hard to find Dark Olive Green colourway
Antique gently time worn condition with general signs ...
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silk
Pair of Italian Carved and Gilded Frames Rome 18th Century
Located in Milano, MI
Pair Roman Gilded Frames 1700, rare pair of antique carved and gilded wooden frames, Rome 18th century. Rectangular in shape, with three orders of carving, this pendant of ancient Ro...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
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
Throw Pillow Made from 17th Century Brussels Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow 17" x 12", authentic 17th century European piece, good condition
Category
17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Continental Marble and Gilt Eagle Console Table
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Empire late 18th Century / early 19th Century console table with a variegated marble slab and gilt caved acanthus leaves wooden top supported on a gilt carved base depicting ...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Gold Leaf
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 24" x 12"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 28" X 13" - Circa 1850s
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 13" X 16"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified, Some Imperfections
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Feathers
A Superb 18th Century French Empire Walnut Dresser
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
A superb late 18th century French Provincial walnut dresser demonstrating a three shelf plate rack with an elegant canopy displaying carved acorn like finials.
The base features unique Empire style columns flanking the two-door cupboard.
Displaying three drawers, with the central drawer housing its original lock and old replacement key.
Raised on block feet united by a shaped apron.
This dresser displays a rich patination and warm grain throughout.
Previously purchased...
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 19" X 13", Circa 1850s
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
18th Century Porcelain Snuff Tobacco Box with Ormulu Gilt Decorations
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-18th Century porcelain snuff tobacco box with Ormulu gilt embossed relief and with empire classical motives. The inside of the lid is decorated with colorful flowers.
Wonderful a...
Category
Mid-18th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
18th Century French Gilded Pinewood Wall Glass Mirror - Antique Wall Décor
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique rectangular mirror inscribed in a Pinewwood frame, gilded, the pediment formed by an openwork flower basket spilling sinuous gar...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood, Pine
Large Solid Mahogany Boat Bed from the Empire Period
Located in Paris, FR
Large boat bed in solid mahogany flamed, mahogany veneer, with rich decoration of finely chased and gilded bronzes, Empire period. Four baluster uprights, dec...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 17" X 17"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Spanish Navaja, Spain, 1806
Located in Paris, FR
Spanish Navaja, Spain
1806
This exceptional knife lates of the Spanish wars (1808-1813). Superb quality. The Blade is engraved on one face « LA INVENCI...
Category
Early 18th Century Spanish Antique Empire Furniture
18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 18" X 13" , Circa 1850s
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 28" X 13", Circa 1850s
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 17" x 12"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Italian Florentine 18th Century Pillow - 15" x 14"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
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
Circa 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
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
Cube Side Table with Tempered Glass Top, Engraved Square Block Center Side Table
Located in St Petersburg, US
Seljuk-inspired engraved travertine cube side table, meticulously designed by Haand’s renowned designer Barakli. Measuring 40x40 cm (16x16 inches), this stunning piece combines histo...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Stone, Travertine
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 20" x 10"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Italian Florentine 18th Century Pillow - 21" x 16"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 16'' X 14" , Circa 1850s
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
18th Century, Empire Walnut Wood 2-Drawer Chest
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Chest of drawers with two drawers on pointed feet. Beautiful walnut veneer with ribbon inlays on pine body. The furniture has a very clear beautiful design without much ornamentation...
Category
Late 18th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Late 18th Century Empire Roll Top Writing Desk, Nutwood, AT ca. 1790/1800
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolute extraordinary and rare late 18th century roll top writing desk from the period around 1790/1800 in Austria. This noteworthy, elegantly designed nutwood writing desk was artfully handcrafted in the transition period from the so-called "Josephinism" (1780-1790) to the famous Empire era (1800 - 1815). The extravagant executed mirrored veneer work as well as the superb shape, reflects perfectly the form language of this famous, long past period. According to the previous owner´s story who owned the castle where we found this outstanding looking, valuable Empire roll top desk...
Category
Late 18th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 20" x 12"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
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
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
18th Century Antique Silk Metalic Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
18th Century Antique Silk Metalic Pillow
Category
18th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton, Silk
18th Century Painted French Empire Style 4 Drawer Commode in Pale Blue
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Painted French Empire Period 4 Drawer Commode in Pale Blue is a true testament to the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. The commode features a stunning pale blue / ...
Category
1790s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 15" X 12"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wool
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 14" X 12"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
18th Century French Antique Gilded Pinewood Wall Glass Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique rectangular mirror inscribed in a Pinewood, gilded frame adorned with water leaves and pearl friezes, in good condition. The mirror is consisting its original mirror glass...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Brussels 16th Century Pillow - 21" x 18"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Antique 18th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow 21'' X 20''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 18th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow 21'' x 20". Empire and Traditional
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Throw Pillow Made from 16th Century Flemish Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
16th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow 20" x 20", Authentic 16th Century piece handmade
Category
16th Century Turkish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 25'' x 10"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
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...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
18th Century Antique Florentine Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
18th Century Antique Florentine Tapestry Pillow 19'' x 18''
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
18th - 19th Century French Pair of Antique Empire Gilded Bronze Candle Holders
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique French pair of candle holders made of hand crafted matted and polished burnt gilded bronze, in good condition. Each of the detailed sticks is composed with a face mascarons, a crowned man and woman, carrying a mug with flowers, loose cuffs supported by a round plinth, standing on square base. The Parisian décor...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Napoleon I French Giltwood Trumeau Mirror
Located in New Orleans, LA
Giltwood Trumeau with Beautiful Lyre Trophy
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood, Mirror
Austrian 18th Century Empire Style Two Doors Larch Wood Armoire Wardrobe Cabinet
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Precious and original larch wood wardrobe, convertible into a bookcase, with two doors in the Austrian Empire style of the 18th century
The wardrobe, all in larch wood, is all origi...
Category
Late 18th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Other
18th Century Snuff Box With Secret Erotic Motive
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very funny little snuff box with a text about Etimologie; the true learning or real learning, on the lids outside and a hidden erotic motive on the inside of the lid.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paper
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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