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Empire Desks and Writing Tables

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.

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
20th Century Wood Italian Empire Style Demi Lune Writing Desk, 1950
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Italian writing desk from the mid-20th century. Empire style half moon furniture, of beautiful line, carved and gilded in cherry wood, fruitwood and ebonized wood. Writing desk equip...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

20th Century, French Desk or Bureau Plat with Lions in the Antique Empire Style
Located in Berlin, DE
Bird's-eye maple wood on massive beech wood, partially carved and framed. The pedestal is arched on profile shaped washers. Above the four large winged, polygonal standing heads. Th...
Category

20th Century French Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century Empire Cherry Wood Antique Side Table with Internal Desk Top
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Lovely italian of the period Empire side table in cherry wood. This rare side table turns into a delightful little desk hidden inside the drawer. Internally equipped with numerous sm...
Category

Early 1800s Italian Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

French Empire Mahogany Console Table
Located in Southampton, NJ
19th century French Empire single drawer console table with all original brass hardware, working lock & key embellished with brass beading throughout. An aesthetically pleasing multi...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique French Empire Ormolu Mounted Desk 19th Century
Located in London, GB
A superb Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Empire mahogany pedestal desk circa 1880 in date. This imposing Empire Revival pedestal desk is mounted with fine ormolu neo-classical mounts...
Category

1880s French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Mid-20th Century French Empire Writing Desk
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
French empire writing desk with drawer. Nice bronze ormolu and mahogany finish. Perfect for a computer station.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Mahogany Desk, circa 1850
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The rectangular top inset with a beige tooled leather writing surface and slide outs on both ends. Above five drawers, the reverse side with dummy drawers raised on columnar legs wit...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century French Empire Period Bureau a Cylindre Gentleman's Desk
Located in Forney, TX
A exceptionally rare Period French Empire (1804-1814) walnut bureau a cylindre. Exquisitely hand-crafted in France, most likely Parisian work, dating to the early 19th century, the large antique cylinder desk...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Antique Empire Cylinder-Top Secretary with Bookcase in Burled Ash
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional Empire secretary bookcase in fine burl ash wood. Denmark or North Germany, circa 1800. The bookcase features a tiered bonnet w...
Category

Early 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl, Ash

Vintage Regency Empire Marquetry Writing Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
Vintage Regency empire writing desk. Beautiful marquetry top with beautiful wood grain detail. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Category

Late 20th Century North American Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

French Bureau Plat or Desk with Gilt Griffin Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Empire Style Bureau Plat or Desk, France, circa 1950s. Elegant design in black lacquered wood with brass hardware and an inset black leather...
Category

1950s French Vintage Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Metal

French 19th Century Lady's Work Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This petite work table from 19th century France is full of charming elements within a compact design. Details allude to this piece serving as a correspondence and sewing table. Unloc...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

American Mahogany Partner's Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful Mahogany Partner's Desk with glass knobs. Top refinished and everything else cleaned and ready to go! Two wide drawers per each side with smaller drawers below. Beautiful c...
Category

1880s American Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

French Empire Style Desk with Gilt Metal Mounts
Located in Miami, FL
A perfect example of the Bureau Plat. French Empire style desk with wood marquetry and gilt metal mounts at all angles. This piece features three working drawers on the front with three faux drawers on the back. The superb gilt metal hardware is on the front as well as the back. The four arched legs grace gorgeous gilt metal decor...
Category

Early 20th Century Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Large French Neoclassical Mahogany Roll-Top Desk
Located in Troy, NY
French mahogany Empire desk of stately proportions, with a roll top, revealing a double row of total six drawers under an open shelf, as well as a sliding writing surface with inset ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

French Empire Style Bronze and Mahogany Desk Leather
Located in Lyon, FR
Very decorative French desk in the empire style. Structure in solid mahogany and veneered, it is composed of an empire green leather under hand, three drawers with double handles and...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French, Mid-19th Century Empire-Style Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-19th century The petite mahogany knee-hole desk with a central drawer and two slender drawers on each side, with gilt-bronze mounts and inset tooled green leather writing su...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

1900s Empire-Style Desk with Gorgeous Veneer Wood Grain Detail & Carved Legs
Located in Memphis, TN
1900s Empire-style desk with gorgeous veneer wood grain detail and graceful carved legs. Dress up a home office or bedroom with this early 1900s empire-style hardwood desk with two collabsible, fold-down leaves. The wood grain detail of the desk top surface is phenomemal and the carved base and legs are graceful and eye-catching. One, single desk-width drawer is is nestled flush underneath the desktop and is faced in elegant velvet, creating a statement piece in a classic combination of style and functionality. Would make a fabulous addition to any antique lover...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Velvet

Empire Style Burlwood Desk
Located in Houston, TX
Mid 20th century Empire style leather top desk constructed with hardwood and burl wood veneers featuring ormolu, three drawers and stretcher.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Empire Desk, Northern Germany 19th Century, Mahogany
Located in Belmont, MA
This Empire desk dates back to around 1820-30 and was made in Northern Germany. The spacious desk has a total of five drawers and pull out shelf. The elegant design has the typical c...
Category

1830s Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Empire Architect Table, Table á Tronchin, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Antique architect table France mahogany, leather Empire around 1810 Dimensions: H x W x D: 78 x 89 x 55 cm Description: Architect's...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Antique French Ormolu Mounted Kingwood Desk by J Werner
By Jean Werner
Located in Antrim, GB
Exhibition quality antique French ormolu mounted Kingwood desk stamped by the important Paris furniture maker J Werner circa 1860 . This des...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Kingwood

20th Century Empire Style Writing Table or Bureau Plat
Located in Berlin, DE
Writing table or bureau plat in Empire style after Jacob Desmalter. Solid, ebonized beech, partially carved and hand-painted. Cutted out pedestal on profiled disc feet. Over which ar...
Category

20th Century Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany and Ormolu Executive Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely handsome and impressive French 19th century Empire st. mahogany and ormolu executive desk. At the frieze is a central wider drawer flanked by smaller drawers at each sid...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Unique Austrian Empire Secretary/Writing Desk, Mahogany, 1820s Austria
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Empire secretary or writing desk, (Cylinder) Material: Mahogany. Completely restored, Shellac polish. Period: 1820-1829 Source: Austria, Wien.
Category

1820s Austrian Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany, Lacquer

Scandinavian Veneered Biedermeier Writing Desk with Lyres
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A small mahogany and walnut veneered table or writing desk with brass holders in the lyres formed sides. The top is provided with inlaid green leather; the drawers have divided small...
Category

Early 1800s Scandinavian Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

French Empire Mahogany Bureau à Cylindre Writing Table, circa 1810
Located in Rome, IT
A French gilt-metal mounted mahogany bureau à cylindre writing desk. With a grey marble top over three drawers, the fall enclosing a sliding tan lea...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Early 19th Century Empire Greek Vanity or Ladies' Desk
Located in Berlin, DE
An early 19th century gilt bronze and walnut veneer ladies desk or dressing table or vanity, with a rectangular grey fossil marble top above two mirror paneled doors and two drawers, flanked by Greek Revival female caryatids, above a folded leather lined writing surface and a frieze drawer, raised on square legs, joined by an incurved stretcher. The whole mounted with finely chased ormolu casts depicting winged figures, ribbons and foliage. Beautiful early 19th century French Empire small desk...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Mahogany construction with rectangular leather writing surface with gilt brass medallion pulls. Back has gilt metal chariot and horse plaque. Top sits on ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

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 Dimensions: Height 113cm, width 84cm, depth 62cm This charming roll-top desk is crafted from ormo...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Antique Monumental French Empire Bureau Plat Desk Writing Table, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a fine antique French Empire ormolu mounted mahogany bureau plat, circa 1870 in date. The rectangular top has an inset gold-tooled green leather writing surface with a very...
Category

1870s French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire Mahogany Bureau à Cylindre Writing Table, circa 1810
Located in Rome, IT
A French gilt-metal mounted mahogany bureau à cylindre writing desk. With a grey marble top over three drawers, the fall enclosing a sliding tan leather writing surface, an interior...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Italian Neoclassic Oval Walnut Dining Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Amazing Italian neoclassic oval walnut dining table, recalling the glory days of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, this stunning dining t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bureau Plat by Maison Forest, circa 1900
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Empire style gilt-bronze mounted bureau plat by Maison Forest. Paris, circa 1900. Bearing two labels to the underside: 'FOREST/TAPISSERIE/EBENISTERIE/31 RUE CAMBACERES.PARIS...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Mahogany Bureau à Cylindre Writing Table, circa 1810
Located in Rome, IT
A French gilt-metal mounted mahogany bureau à cylindre writing desk. With a grey marble top over three drawers, the fall enclosing a sliding tan lea...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Russian Imperial Style Desk, Chair, and Mirror
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
A three-piece, 19th century Russian Imperial style furniture set consisting of a large mirror, leather chair and a three-drawer bureau plat with an inl...
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Empire Escritoire
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a fine quality, 18th century Louis XV Escritoire. The Escritoire has a drawer at the top with ornate mounts, above a fall front opening to reveal a fitted interior compri...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Mounted Empire Style Mahogany Pedestal Desk, circa 1870
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Napoleon III gilt bronze mounted Empire style mahogany pedestal desk. French, circa 1870. This imposing Empire style pedestal desk is mounted with fine gilt bronze Egypt...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Style Mahogany Roll Top Desk with Bronze Gilt Trim
Located in New York, NY
French Empire style (19th Century) mahogany roll top desk with bronze trim.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Unique Austrian Empire Secretary/Writing Desk, Material Mahogany, Wien 1820-1829
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Empire secretary or writing desk, (Cylinder) Material: Mahogany. Completely restored, Shellac polish. Period: 1820-1829 Source: Austria, Wien. We guarantee safe a the cheapest air ...
Category

1820s Austrian Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Large Empire Style Mahogany Bureau Plat or Writing Desk
Located in Berlin, DE
A large Empire style mahogany bureau plat or writing desk with a dark green leather writing surface above a central long drawer, flanked to each side by a short drawer. The square ta...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

French 19th Century Empire Mahogany Partners Desk
Located in Troy, NY
Elegant French Empire bureau-plat or partners desk, The top, inlaid with a center-star-motive and small decorations on each corner, above five drawers, the middle one opening from th...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

French Empire Style Mahogany and Bronze Griffins Table Desk
Located in New York, NY
French Empire style (19th Century) mahogany and bronze trimmed 2 drawer table desk with stretcher, griffins, and green marble top.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Empire Style '19th Century' Mahogany and Bronze Trimmed Table
Located in New York, NY
French Empire style (19th century) mahogany and bronze trimmed table with single drawer and green (repaired) marble-top.   
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Empire Style Mahogany Bureau Plat
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
An elegant 19th century mahogany writing desk with inlaid leather writing pad in tabletop, with stamped outer acanthus leaf border and inner gold embossed fretwork border with additi...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Baltic Empire Style Writing Table or Desk, circa 1910 in Mahogany
Located in Miami, FL
A very fine Baltic writing or sofa table in the Empire style (and edging toward the Art Deco period that would follow.) In Cuban mahogany with carved trestle-base ending in carved li...
Category

1910s Baltic Vintage Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Early 19th century French Mahogany Empire Desk
Located in Troy, NY
Stately Empire desk on four monopodia legs painted a dark verdis gris, joined by two stretchers. Top inset with a tooled black leather writing surface and slide outs (16.5 inches eac...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Empire Burl Wood Desk
Located in Hudson, NY
Beautiful burl wood set against ebonized legs and trim. Desk has a single compartmentalized drawer with key and elegantly curved legs.
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl

Early 19th Century Empire Mahogany Architects Table by Jean-Joseph Chapuis
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
An elegant and attractive early 19th century Empire mahogany architects table by Jean-Joseph Chapuis (1765-1864). The double ratcheted hinged rectangular top lined with dark green oi...
Category

19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Bronze

French Empire Style 19th Century Ebonized Mahogany Writing Table Desk
By Jacob-Desmalter
Located in New York, NY
French Empire style (19th Century) ebonized mahogany writing table desk with a leather top & claw feet resting on a platform base. (after JACOB DESMALTER at Fonteainbleau Palace).  
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Gold Leaf, Bronze

Russian Empire Leather Top Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Russian Empire leather top mahogany desk with two slides, brass trim, and mounts on square tapered legs.
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Empire Desks and Writing Tables

Empire desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks and writing tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables, popular names associated with this style include Jean Joseph Chapuis, Jean Werner, and Maison Forest . 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 desks and writing tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,495 and tops out at $65,000 while the average work can sell for $9,000.

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