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: 1970s
Italy Post-Modern Sky Blue Porcelain Brass Chandelier 6 Lights
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant and glamorous 6 lights Chandelier in sky-blue color, is one of the latest pieces manufactured by a well known Italian factory during the 1970’ and then left in stock unt...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Chandelier Vintage Crystal Brass Pendant Lighting With 3 Light Points, France
Located in Bastogne, BE
Adorable Crystal Chandelier with Brass Frame, for 3 light points.
Richly Decorated chandelier with decorative elements and pendants made of transparent crystal.
One of the main ad...
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Italy Post-Modern Sky Blue Porcelain Brass Chandelier 9 Lights
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant and glamorous 9 lights Chandelier in sky-blue color, is one of the latest pieces manufactured by a well known Italian factory during the 1970’ and then left in stock un...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Basket Chandelier Brass Empire Crystal Ceiling Antique Art Nouveau
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our beautifully restored old chandelier from Berlin! This exquisite piece has been professionally refurbished with love, making it suitable for use in the US with its rew...
Category
1970s European Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Gilt Bronze / Black Marble Seven-Light Candelabra Pair Table Lamp
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Illuminate your space with the enchanting charm of our Late 20th Century Italian Gilt Bronze and Black Marble Seven-Light Candelabra Table Lamps. This exquisite pair of lamps seamles...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
empire brass column lamp
Located in Brooklyn, NY
empire lamp stem in solid brass with contemporary lampshade from the 1950's
base is 44 centimetres high ( 17 1/3")
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Italy 1970 Post-Modern Pair Brass and Porcelain Wall Lights
Located in Brescia, IT
This pair of elegant and glamorous two lights wall light in Pink Lilac color, it is part of the latest pieces manufactured in Italy during the 1970’ and left in the warehouse of the ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Italian Carved Giltwood Balloon Form French Empire Inspired Wall Mirror
Located in Kennesaw, GA
It is an Italian carved giltwood balloon form mirror with French Empire styling. It has mirrored frame and Greek key and tassel appointments. It is marked and in very good condition....
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Table Cigar Box two-tone stripes enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
This divine Table Box is in 925/1000 sterling silver.
Table Box hand-painted miniature has a Rectangular shape with rounded corners.
On the cover there is a beautiful hand-engraved...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold, Enamel, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate
Italian metal folding side table Empire style, yellow and black, Mid century
Located in Hamburg, DE
Transport your living space back to the opulent Empire era with this Italian folding table crafted from metal, dating back to around 1970. The Em...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
French Empire style Mahogany Armchairs Giltwood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our exquisite French Empire style Mahogany Armchairs Giltwood, a timeless addition to any luxurious living space. These stunning armchairs embody the opulence and eleganc...
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold
1970s Gilt Carved Resin Sculptural Wall Mirrors, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning wall mirrors you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Resin
Charming Large Vintage Chandelier in Gilt Bronze Deknudt Belgium
By Deknudt
Located in Bastogne, BE
Very Beautiful Vintage Ceiling Chandelier in Bronze by Deknudt, Belgium.
Circa 1970s.
A very nicely chased vintage six light chandelier in bronze with...
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Enormous Italian Blanc De Chin pottery table lamps/a pair
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a pair of very large mid century Vintage Italian blanc de chin pottery table lamps. These lamps have shell and empire inspired motifs around the entire surface of the lamps. ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Basket Chandelier Brass Empire Crystal Lustre Ceiling Antique Art Nouveau Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our exquisitely restored old chandelier from Berlin! This stunning piece has been professionally refurbished with care and love, and its electrical wiring is compatible w...
Category
1970s European Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Snuff Box Light Blue Ornament in Relief, Empire Style Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular pocket snuff box with oval section in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè, with laurel ornament in relief in Empire style. Wit...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
20th Century Empire Style Small Curio Display Cabinet
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautiful mahogany wood 1970s small Curio cabinet glass shelves. The curio cabinet features three adjustable glass shelving resting on four tapere...
Category
1970s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire Revival Lacquered Swan Neck Settee, 20th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant French Empire style settee offers a truly spectacular silhouette that is sure to impress. Wonderfully detailed featuring a reeded top rail, down swept arms are intricately ha...
Category
1970s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Photo Frame Heart-Shaped Fired Enamel on Guillochè Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Heart-shaped rounded frame with oval photo in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè. With hinged silver-gilt foot engraved in Empire style. ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Empire Style Belgian Gilt Metal and Glass 6-Light Chandelier, 1970s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Empire style glass chandelier features 6 lights and framework with a golden iron.
Made in Belgium. 1970s.
This chandelier is lavishly draped in fine quality sparkle transparent glass cut facets.
Surprisingly elegant and memorable ceiling lamp will attract the attention of lovers of the unique and unusual. The luminaire not only performs its task well as lighting interiors, but is also a real work of lighting art.
A fine line between fantasy and reality futuristic lamps...
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Set of Four Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Blown Glass Wall Lights
Located in New York, NY
Set of four french empire style gilt bronze and blown glass wall lights.
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Louis XVI White Photo Frame Sterling Silver Enamel on Guillochè Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè and hand-painted miniature of a garland of flowers with oval border interna...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Empire, Hand Knotted Wool Antique Reproduction Rug
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Imperio rug made in Spain, circa 1970.
Hand knotted wool antique reproduction
Measures: 300 x 400 cm.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pair of Monumental Empire Style Candle Wall Sconces Candlestick, Italy, 1970s
By Palladio
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Pair of giltwood candlestick wall sconces 1970s in empire style. Each fixture requires two candles. The wall lights have a beautiful patina and gives each room an eclectic statement.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Neoclassical Empire Rectangular Gold Hand Carved Wooden Mirror, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Empire style handcrafted mirror. Rectangular hand carved wooden structure with gold foiled finished.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Neoclassical Empire Round Silver Hand Carved Wooden Mirror
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Regency Empire style handcrafted mirror. Round hand carved wooden structure with silver foiled finish. Spain, 1970.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Empire Hand Knotted Wool Large Rug, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique Imperio rug made in Spain, circa 1970.
Hand knotted wool.
Measures: 265 x 315 cm.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Neoclassical Empire Round Silver Hand Carved Wooden Mirror
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Regency Empire style handcrafted mirror. Round hand carved wooden structure with silver foiled finish, Spain, 1970.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Neoclassical Empire Oval Silver Hand Carved Wooden Mirror, Spain, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Empire handcrafted mirror. Oval shaped hand carved wooden structure with silver foil finish.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Leaf
Neoclassical Empire Oval Silver Hand Carved Wooden Mirror
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Regency Empire style handcrafted mirror. Oval hand carved wooden structure with silver foiled finish. Spain, 1970.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Italy 1970 Post-Modern Meant Green Porcelain Brass Table Lamp
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant and glamorous table lamp in light green porcelain and brass, is one of the latest pieces manufactured by a well known Italian fa...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
1970 Post-Modern Pair Brass Porcelain Wall Lights with Lampshades
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant and glamourous two lights wall light in pink lilac color, it is part of the latest pieces manufactured by a well known Italian factory during the 1970' and then left in...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Neoclassical Empire Rectangular Gold Hand Carved Wooden Mirror, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Empire style handcrafted mirror. Rectangular hand carved wooden structure with gold foiled finished.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Neoclassical Empire Oval Gold Hand Carved Wooden Mirror, Spain, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Empire handcrafted mirror. Oval shaped hand carved wooden structure with gold foil finish.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Italy 1970 Post-Modern Brass Porcelain Wall Lights
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant and glamorous two lights wall light in Pink Lilac color, it is part of the latest pieces manufactured by a well known Italian factory during the 1970’ and then left in ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Soviet Union Russian Silver Plated, Melchior 1970s, Marked, Free Shipping
Located in Sofia, BG
Vintage Russian German silver Melchior set of:
12 forks (six x two different ornaments)
Six (Two dessert or cake and four tea ) spoons
Three knives
Four soup spoons ( one is differen...
Category
1970s Russian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Neoclassical Empire Round Silver Hand Carved Wooden Mirror
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Regency Empire style handcrafted mirror. Round hand carved wooden structure with silver foiled finish. Spain, 1970.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Italy 1970 Pair Post-Modern Brass Porcelain Wall Lights
Located in Brescia, IT
This pair of elegant and glamorous two lights wall light in Pink Lilac color, it is part of the latest pieces manufactured by a well known Italian factory during the 1970’ and then ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire Style Mahogany and Gold Gilt Console by Kindel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French Empire style console or entry table made in mahogany wood having gold gilt wood carvings.
The table has a faux marble top and am mirrored back. The table was made by Kindel...
Category
1970s North American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Neoclassical Empire Oval Silver Hand Carved Wooden Mirror, Spain, 1970
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Empire handcrafted mirror. Oval shaped hand carved wooden structure with silver foil finish.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Leaf
Neoclassical Empire Rectangular Gold Hand Carved Wooden Mirror
Located in Madrid, ES
Neoclassical Empire style handcrafted mirror. Rectangular hand carved wooden structure with gold foiled finish. Spain, 1970.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
20th Century Gilded Brass and Glass Flowers Chandelier, 1970s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Rare and beautiful 20th century gilted brass and glass flowers chandelier from the 1970s.
At the center of the chandelier you will find a brass ball that have a light at the extre...
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Royal Copenhagen Figure H.C. Andersen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Royal Copenhagen figure H.C. Andersen
Measures: 19 cm.
In perfect condition.
Designed by Hanne Warming.
2. Factory quality.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Empire Furniture
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Pedestals
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Empire Neo-classic style gilt bronze 3 leg pedestals with bird heads supporting a round grey marble top. (Maison Jansen, 1970s)
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Mid century vintage bronze obelisk after Maitland smith.
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a handsome mid century vintage bronze obelisk. This bronze obelisk stands on fort ball feet that stands on a black Lacquered and walnut plant. This bronze obelisk has a dark ...
Category
1970s Philippine Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Brass Sunburst Mirror 1970s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Midcentury brass sunburst or flower mirror with convex glass.
This mirror fits in most interiors and is a perfect add-on for a regency style interior.
The mirror is made from b...
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire Style Gold Urns on Black Lacquered Wall Art Panels
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A large elegant pair of wooden wall panels, black lacquered with crackle finish and gold gilt decoration. Both matching with Empire urns , they add a regal presence to a room; they...
Category
1970s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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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