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: Early 1900s
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
Elegant pair of French turn of the century woos sconces ( Empire style )
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant pair of French wood sconces, Empire style, the patina is much nicer in person
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Empire Style Console Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Empire style mahogany console table with a marble top, circa 1900. With a rectangular grey and white marble top with slightly rounded front corners, a frieze drawer with a we...
Category
Early 1900s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Palatial French Empire Doré Bronze and Patinated Neoclassical Chandelier Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
Palatial elegant French empire patinated green tone and doré bronze fifteen-light neoclassical chandelier.
Measures: 32" H x 32" W.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Berkey & Gay Furniture Mahogany Empire Rectangular Very Low Footstool Ottoman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Berkey & Gay Furniture Mahogany Empire Rectangular Very Low Footstool Ottoman. Item features solid mahogany wood frame, carved bun feet, original label, ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Style Table Clock and Inkwell
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Empire style table clock and inkwell
Origin France Circa 1900
The watch has a Paris machine and it works
Golden bronze and Onix materials
Very good general condition
the marble ...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Italian Neoclassical French Empire Green & Gold Painted Wooden Column Pedestal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Italian Neoclassical / French Empire Style Green & Gold Painted Carved Wood Column Pedestal. Circa 1900, (painted finish appears to be a vintage addition) Measurements: Over...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Antique Empire Ebonized Dresser: Timeless Craftsmanship Restored
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of our antique empire dresser, a masterpiece of craftsmanship and style brought back to life by our sk...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Gilt Bronze & Cut Crystal Centerpiece
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine gilt bronze centerpiece featuring hand cut crystal columns (4). Base and Top supporting oval container. France, circa 1900.
Dimensions: He...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Armchair, Northern Europe, around 1900. After renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
An antique armchair from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The piece of furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation, the seat is covered with new fabri...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique WMF Art Nouveau Empire Pattern Cookie Jar Barrel or Ice Cube Bucket
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Antique Art Nouveau Empire pattern biscuit barrel by WMF.
High quality crafted from silverplated brass with a cut glass liner this piece can also perfectly be used as a ice cube to...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Antique French Empire Style Bronze Brass Spiral Column Andirons- a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Style Bronze Brass Spiral Column Andirons- a Pair. Circa 1900. Measurements: 20" H x 9" W x 17.5" D
Category
Early 1900s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Rosewood Empire Chest of Drawers with Vanity Mirror
By Biedermeier
Located in Chicago, IL
52” x 25” x 35”H (without wheels); mirror adds 35”H
A captivating representation of early Biedermeier design, influenced by the Empire era. This remarkable Biedermeier dresser exhib...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
c1900 French Empire 23 Light Gilt Bronze/ Tole/ Quiver/ Chandelier Maison Bagues
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Very Rare 23 Light French Maison Bagues Empire c1900 Gilt Bronze & Tole Chandelier. Quiver/ Arrows and Cut Crystal Star Detail. 2 lights tucked into each bobesche and many more light...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
1900's French Empire Style Small Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1900' s French Empire style small sconces with two lights
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Impressive & Large Gilt Bronze / Art Glass Holding Base Chandelier
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your decor with this Impressive and Large early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Holding Frame, a work of art that seamlessly combines gilt bronze and white art glass to create a vis...
Category
Early 1900s North American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
1900's Swedish Empire Crystal Chandelier with 12 lights
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900 Swedish Empire crystal chandelier with crystal hangings, 12 lights, newly rewire for the US
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
1900's French Empire Arrow Gold and Black Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's French Empire style double light arrow sconces
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 1900's French Empire Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900 French Empire sconces with swan's head
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
Antique French Empire Style Bronze & Crystal Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful Pair of French Empire Chandelier Circa 1900's In perfect conditions, 20 lights on
ea. chandelier. Chandeliers have been US...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Ornate French Empire Figural Gilded Bronze & Marble Table Lamp
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Magnificent fancy French Empire gilded bronze figural table lamp having lovely nymph holding two branch floral torch with ceramic candles. The details such as her angelic face, love...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
1900's Swedish Empire 6 Lights Chandelier with Cobalt Blue Glass
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900 Swedish Empire chandelier with Cobalt blue glass inset, with 6 lights
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Circa 1900 Antique Ikat Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1900 Antique Ikat Tapestry Pillow
Category
Early 1900s Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Italian Empire Blue Glass Beads Crystal Prisms Tole Chandelier, c 1900
Located in Modena (MO), Modena (Mo)
Housing 6 lights. Will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang. Metal body with swags of rare blue glass...
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
1900s Antique Decorative Samarkand Rug-4'2" X 2'7"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Up for sale is an antique Samakhand rug. This is an Uzbek tribal design rug with a red design throughout the rug.
Category
Early 1900s Uzbek Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Italian Empire White Murano Opaline Beads Drops Beaded Tole Chandelier, c 1900
Located in Modena (MO), Modena (Mo)
Housing 6 lights, sitting in crystal bobéches, dripping with white opaline beads and vintage crystal prisms. Will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and appropriate...
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Murano Glass
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
1990s Savonnerie Area Rug-10'0" X 8'0"
Located in Los Angeles, US
21th Century Authentic Savonnerie Area Rug 10'0" X 8'0", handmade and hand-knotted, wool on cotton foundation, reproduction
Category
Early 1900s Asian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
19th Century Khotan Samarkand Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
The desert oasis of Khotan was an important stop on the Silk Road. The people of Khotan were expert carpet weavers who produced high quality antique rugs and carpets for both interna...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
19th Century Authentic Khotan Samarkand Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Samarkand Rugs: The desert oasis of Khotan was an important stop on the Silk Road. The people of Khotan were expert carpet weavers who produced high quality antique rugs and ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Antique Khotan Samarkand Rug-8'8'' X 5'8''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Up for sale is an antique Khotan Samarkand Rug with birds designs on a red background.
Category
Early 1900s Uzbek Antique 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
19th Century Authentic Samarkand Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Samarkand Rugs: The desert oasis of Khotan was an important stop on the Silk Road. The people of Khotan were expert carpet weavers who produced high quality antique rugs and ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
19th Century Authentic Khotan Samarkand Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Samarkand Rugs: The desert oasis of Khotan was an important stop on the Silk Road. The people of Khotan were expert carpet weavers who produced high quality antique rugs and ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Mid-19th Century Authentic Khotan Samarkand
Located in Los Angeles, US
The desert oasis of Khotan was an important stop on the Silk Road. The people of Khotan were expert carpet weavers who produced high quality antique rugs and carpets for both interna...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Circa 1900 Antique Ikat Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1900 Antique Ikat Tapestry Pillow
Category
Early 1900s Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Mid-19th Century Indian Amritzar Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Amritsar Rugs – The spectacular rugs of Amritsar capture the exotic style of India while incorporating a subtle colonial influence. This convergence of eastern and western st...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Antique Persian Bokhara Wool Rug-7'2'' X 4'10''
Located in Los Angeles, US
This is an Antique Persian Bokhara Woolen Rug
Category
Early 1900s Persian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
1900s Antique Khotan Samarkand Rug-2'5'' X 4'7''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Up for sale is an Antique Khotan Samarkand Small Rug
Category
Early 1900s Uzbek Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Ca.1900 Antique Silk Turkish Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1900 Antique Silk Turkish Pillow 29'' X 11'', Silk, Turkish Traditional.
Category
Early 1900s Turkish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silk, Wool
1900s Antique Indian Agra Rug - 12'5'' X 11'10''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Agra Rugs Agra has been a major center of area rug and carpet production since the great period of Mughal art in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. When the carpet indu...
Category
Early 1900s Indian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
1900s Antique Indian Rug - 16'2'' X 12'0''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Agra Rugs Agra has been a major center of area rug and carpet production since the great period of Mughal art in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. When the carpet indu...
Category
Early 1900s Indian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Antique Turkish Oushak Floral Rug 10'x7'10''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Turkish Oushak Floral Design 10'x7'10''
Category
Early 1900s Turkish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
1900s Antique Samarkand Rug-4'7'' X 2'7''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Up For Sale Is An Antique Samarkand Uzbek Tribal Rug
Category
Early 1900s Uzbek Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
1900s Antique European Rug 13′ × 16′3″
Located in Los Angeles, US
Savonnerie Carpets – During the early seventeenth century, a weaver named Pierre DuPont traveled to the Levant. Upon his return, he claimed to have discovered the technique of creati...
Category
Early 1900s Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
1900s Antique Samarkand Rug-4'5" X 2'8"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Up for sale is an antique Samakhand rug. This is an Uzbek tribal design rug with a lighter pink throughout the rug.
Category
Early 1900s Uzbek Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
1900s Antique Indian Agra Rug - 12'0'' X 8'9''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Agra Rugs Agra has been a major center of area rug and carpet production since the great period of Mughal art in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. When the carpet indu...
Category
Early 1900s Indian 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
1900s Antique Indian Amritsar Rug - 11'10'' X 9'6''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Amritsar Rugs – The spectacular rugs of Amritsar capture the exotic style of India while incorporating a subtle colonial influence. This convergence of eastern and western st...
Category
Early 1900s Indian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
1900s Antique Indian Amritsar Rug - 10'6'' X 7'9''
Located in Los Angeles, US
During the period of Colonial rule over India, Amritsar rugs began to reflect Western influences in their design. The craftspeople of Northern India took their chance to profit from ...
Category
Early 1900s Indian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
French Empire Gilt Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Fairfax, VA
Early electrical gilt bronze and crystal empire chandelier.
This chandelier has been professionally rewired and ready for install...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Antique Khotan Samarkand Rug-8'7'' X 4'10''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Circa 1900 Antique Khotan Samarkand Rug. This rug is a traditional style rug.
Category
Early 1900s Uzbek Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Antique Chinese Floral Design Rug - 5'4'' X 7'11''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Chinese Rugs, as opposed to most of the antique rug productions, were woven almost exclusively for internal consumption. Since they were mostly sheltered from European and We...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
1900s Antique Mahal Floral Design Rug 11'5''x10'7''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1900 Antique Mahal Stylish Floral Design 11'5''x10'7''
Category
Early 1900s Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
1900s Antique Indian Rug - 14'8'' X 12'0''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Indian Rugs – Not all the rugs that were woven in India are easy to categorize. That is why we created this antique Indian rugs section. Here you will find Indian rugs of whi...
Category
Early 1900s Indian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Antique Indian Agra Rug - 11'4'' X 9'0''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Agra Rugs Agra has been a major center of area rug and carpet production since the great period of Mughal art in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. When the carpet indu...
Category
Early 1900s Indian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Antique Botanical Indian Amritsar Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Amritsar Rugs – The spectacular rugs of Amritsar capture the exotic style of India while incorporating a subtle colonial influence. This convergence of eastern and western styles results in an exceptionally alluring appearance that has been beloved by western consumers historically and today. The outstanding old Amritsar carpets were created by influential exporters to fuel the demand for exotic rugs...
Category
Early 1900s Indian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
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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