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.
French Empire Round Table or Gueridon of Mahogany with Marble Top
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome French round table or gueridon in the Empire style, featuring a circular top of figured black marble (25.5" diameter), set upon a tripod column support of mahogany with or...
Marble, Metal, Brass
French Marble-Top Round Table or Guéridon in the Empire Style
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome French round occasional table or gueridon in the Empire style, featuring a circular top of figured white marble surrounded by a low pierced brass gallery, set upon a tripo...
Stone, Marble, Metal, Brass
Tavolino Marmo Intarsiato, Base Legno, Fatto a Mano Italia Cupioli Disponibile
Located in Rimini, IT
Tavolino Marmo Intarsiato, Base Legno, Fatto a Mano Italia Cupioli Disponibile Cream marble round dining table or gueridon table size: diam. 80 cm h. 74 inches 31.50 h. 29.13 This t...
Marble
19th Century French Empire Style Mahogany Pedestal Side Table W/ Marble Top
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite late 19th-century French Empire-style guéridon side table, sourced directly from Provence and meticulously restored. Handcrafted from solid mahogany, the table features ...
Marble
French Mahogany Empire Style Gueridon
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A pierced brass gallery surrounds the round, white marble top on this terrific 19th Century French Empire style gueridon. The top is lifted by three column-form legs that are joined ...
Marble, Brass
$46,400Sale Price|20% Off
George Jacob Desmalter Empire Gueridon Round center Table Estampille 19th C. LA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
George Jacob Desmalter Empire Gueridon Round center Table Estampille 19th C. LA . Rare Exquisite Early 19th century Empire Gueridon with classic...
Metal, Bronze
$2,052Sale Price|32% Off
20th Century Italian Empire Style Wooden Guéridon with Bronze and Marble Top
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
20th Century Italian Empire Style Wooden Guéridon with Bronze and Marble Top. We present this splendid gueridon table, made in Italy in the second half of the 20th century. Made of s...
Marble, Bronze
Center/Entry Table in Brass and Wood by La Barge
By La Barge
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful center or entry table designed and manufactured in the Philippines by La Barge. The table has beautiful carved frame and solid brass accents with a glass top that allows t...
Brass
Stunning Gueridon Table, hand carved Dolphin, second Empire, ~1900, Italy
Located in Wien, AT
Stunning rare side table, so called Gueridon, from the second Empire, made around 1900 in Italy. This elaborate structure of the table is composed of a round base with small extens...
Mahogany, Spruce
$967Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Empire Style Beech Wood Round Pedestal Table
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare and fine quality Italian empire style round pedestal table in beech wood. The top is supported by three pairs of refined columns. In the lower part the columns end with a deligh...
Beech
French Empire Bronze Table Credited to Sormani
By Paul Sormani
Located in Roma, IT
Important a late ronde table, made in France entirely of gilded bronze. Features a circular top of white Carrara marble, enclosed by a frame finely decorated with palmettes. It rests...
Carrara Marble, Bronze
IMPORTANT PAiR OF ANTIQUE FRENCH EMPIRE BRASS BRONZE & MARBLE GUERIDON TABLES
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Stunning pair of Circa 1890-1910 Gilt Brass, Bronze and Marble Gueridon tables A very rare pair, the tops are desirable being a light salmon colour heavily grained marble. The frame...
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Italian 1820s Empire Walnut Guéridon Table with Three Drawers and Rams' Heads
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian Empire walnut guéridon table from the early 19th century, with three pop-out drawers and gilt rams' heads. Born in Italy during the first quarter of the 19th century, this...
Walnut, Giltwood
French Empire Style Marble and Brass Gueridon, Pr.
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of French Empire Style Marble and Brass Gueridon Tables, each with circular black marble top above three scroll supports and small circular undertier with tripod base on three p...
Marble, Brass
Incredible Russian Gilt Bronze Gueridon with a Granite Top, 19th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
An Incredible Russian gilt bronze Gueridon with a granite top, 19th century. The circular black painted top within a turned wood border frieze painted with laurel leaves and pink ri...
Granite, Bronze
$12,500Sale Price|50% Off
Empire Gilt Bronze Mounted Mahogany Center Table
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Attributed to Chapuis. The later circular black marble top above a frieze mounted with stylized laurel branches centered by flowerheads, raised on three square tapering legs surmount...
Bronze
French Ormolu Bronze Malachite and White Marble Gueridon Table, circa 1870
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A French Ormolu bronze malachite and white marble Gueridon table, in the Empire style, circa 1870 The circular top supported on three bronze winged female...
Malachite, Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Mahogany Gueridon or Game Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Empire Period mahogany gueridon, or game table, with Grey St. Anne marble top. A versatile table with removable top, one side with green felt and the other with...
Marble, Brass
Large Empire style pedestal table in Mahogany and Mahogany veneer
Located in Paris, FR
Very handsome Empire-style pedestal table in mahogany and superb ormolu mount after a model by Jacob-Desmalter, the circular top in verde antico marble surmounting a mahogany frieze mounted with a band of laurel leaves between rosettes, supported by the heads of three finely chased ormolu female caryatids, each facing outwards, hair braided, bare feet and arms crossed, wearing armbands and a diaphanous gown, the brace centered by a chased covered urn flanked by three elegant squatting winged sphinxes wearing Nemean headdresses and braids tied in front, all resting on claw feet. The design of this superb pedestal table was inspired by a famous table-console or "double-sided console" made by the renowned Parisian cabinetmaker Jacob-Desmalter, itself based on designs by Napoleon's chief architects and ornamentalists, Charles Percier (1764-1838) and Pierre François Léonard Fontaine...
Mahogany
19th Century Bronze Ormolu Swan Koi Fish Empire Wood Marble Round Table
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning table you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it being a most spectacular and beautifully presented bronze ormolu swans...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Empire Gilt and Patinated and Mahogany Veneered Wood Gueridons
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of Empire gilt and patinated wood and mahogany veneered Gueridons, early 19th century.
Wood
Pair of French Neoclassical Style Malachite and Gilt Bronze Side Tables
Located in London, GB
Pair of French neoclassical style malachite and gilt bronze side tables French, 20th century Dimensions: Height 85cm, diameter 50cm These striking octagonal guéridons are crafte...
Malachite, Ormolu
Coppia di gueridon in mogano, di gusto Impero, inizio XX secolo
Located in Milano, IT
Coppia di gueridon in mogano, di gusto Impero, inizio XX secolo, piano circolare in marmo bianco con ciglio dorato a palmette su cintura diritta; montanti quadrangolari con attacco a...
Mahogany
French Empire Guéridon and Marble Table
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th Century) mahogany and bronze guéridon table on triple swan leg platform with stretcher, gallery, and green marble top.
Bronze
French Empire Walnut Wood Rounded Coffee Table White Marble from Carrara Top
Located in IT
Empire Wood Rounded Coffee Table with White Marble from Carrara Top 19th century Italian Empire rounded coffee table in wood. Original Bronze details such as the stars and the neck...
Carrara Marble
$8,180
French Empire Gueridon
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This amazing large Gueridon tripod is made of flamed mahogany with gilt claw feet and inlay.
Mahogany
19th Century Italian Walnut Gueridon Table with Trifold Base & Lock Drawer
Located in Houston, TX
A remarkable piece of 19th-century craftsmanship, this Italian Walnut Round Wooden Table boasts both functionality and beauty. Its round top, crafted from rich walnut wood, showcases...
Wood, Walnut
A fine 19th century French Empire marble top and gilt bronze gueridon
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine 19th century French Empire gilt bronze and marble top gueridon table . Fine quality gilt bronze details
Marble, Bronze
German early 19th Century Guéridon after the design of Karl Friedrich Schinkel
By Karl Friedrich Schinkel
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A Neoclassical Masterpiece: Berlin Gueridon After a Design by Karl Friedrich Schinkel (1781-1841) In the refined world of early 19th-century Berlin, elegance met intellectual rigor—...
Marble
Two Neoclassical Style Wooden Guéridons with Gilt Bronze Mounts
Located in London, GB
These wonderful guéridons are designed in the Empire style—named as such because it flourished in the period when Napoleon I was Emperor of France. The style employed Imperial Roman ...
Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century Italian Giltwood and Marble Top Occasional Table
Located in London, GB
A good centre table in the Italian impero manner Constructed in carved gold leaf giltwood, and having a St Jean brecciated marble top; of circular form, the tripartite base of canin...
Marble
Fine Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mahogany Center Table inthe Manner of Jacob-Desmal
By Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Sheffield, MA
A fine Empire style gilt bronze mahogany gueridon or centre table With a verde antico marble top. In the manner of Jacob-Desmalter, circa 1880 Height 31 1/4 Diameter 35 in. A very fine Empire style gilt bronze-mounted mahogany guéridon after a model by Jacob-Desmalter, the circular verde antico marble top above a mahogany frieze mounted with laurel leaf banding in between rosettes and anthemions, supported of the heads of three finely cast gilt bronze female caryatids, each facing outward with hair in plaits, bare feet and arms crossed, wearing arm bands and a low cut diaphanous dress gathered up toward her breast, the stretcher centred by a chased covered urn flanked by three elegant crouching winged sphinxes wearing Nemes headdresses and plaits tied at the front. The design for this superb guéridon is based on a famous table-console or ‘console double face’ by the celebrated firm of Paris ébénistes Jacob-Desmalter which was itself based on designs by Napoleon’s chief architects and ornamentalistes Charles Percier (1764-1838) and Pierre François Léonard Fontaine...
Bronze
Large Sonno Bedside Table In Flamed Mahogany From The Empire Period Early 19 Cen
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb Empire period mahogany bedside table from the early 19th century. This large model is quite rare, measuring 82cm high and 42cm in diameter (they are often 74cm high). Its size...
Mahogany
$2,528Sale Price|36% Off
19th Century Empire Period Marble Top Gueridon
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant guéridon is a fine example of Empire-period craftsmanship, dating back to the early 19th century. Its refined design and high-quality materials reflect the timeless eleg...
Marble
$15,600Sale Price|20% Off
19th C. Hand Carved Wood Round Table & Marble, Top Center Entrance Hall Gueridon
Located in West Hollywood, CA
19th C. Hand Carved Wood Round Table & Marble, Top Center Entrance Hall Gueridon Elegant French Circa 1830-1848 King Louis Philippe with Hand Sculpted Saint Anne marble-top cente...
Marble, Brass
French 19th Century Empire Style Porphyry Marble Top Center Table
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive good quality 19th Century French Empire influenced Gueridon, having a rare Porphyry marble top, wonderful hand carved gilt wood decoration to the frieze of Oak leav...
Porphyry
Pair of French Empire Style Round Bronze Gueridon Tables
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire style round bronze three-legged gueridon tables with eagle heads and inlaid marble top and triangular platform base.
Marble, Bronze
Antique French Gueridon Table with Marble Top
Located in Buxton, GB
Add a touch of history to your home with this antique French Gueridon Table Empire Style. The handcrafted piece is beautifully designed with intricate carvings and made of mahogany v...
Marble, Bronze
$4,500
Ebonised French Table
Located in Houston, TX
Ebonised French Gueridon with Fossil marble top on 3 oblong bun feet. Metal detail on each of the three columns along the top and the bottom.
Marble
French 1870s Empire Style Walnut Table with Vitrine Top and Corinthian Columns
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire style walnut gueridon table from the late 19th century, with vitrine top, corinthian columns, ebonized and gilt accents. Born in France dur...
Walnut, Giltwood, Glass, Wood
Empire Gueridon, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Empire gueridon in walnut, standing on three tall columnar legs with a trefoil base and central plinth. The sides are adorned with star-shaped bronze mounts, while the circular top f...
Bronze
$5,336Sale Price|20% Off
French 19th Century Empire Style Gueridon
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality 19th Century French mahogany marble topped Gueridon, having three circular tapering column supports, each with gilded ormolu capitals and classical ormolu motifs to th...
Marble
$9,437Sale Price|20% Off
Gueridon Empire Cherry Alabaster Italy \'800
Located in Milano, IT
Gueridon supported by three uprights carved with lion feet and in the upper part with caryatids, to support the undertop band. The female figures are standing, dressed according to t...
Alabaster
Fine 19th Century French Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Plaque Topped Gueridon
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine 19th century French gilt bronze and porcelain plaque gueridon table. Napoleon hand painted with the Royal Vienna beehive mark. Signed.
Bronze
19th Century Empire Influenced Gueridon
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality 19th century burr walnut French Empire influenced gueridon / centre table. Having classical gilded ormolu mounts to the frieze and ca...
Walnut
Empire Influenced Centre Table, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality 19th century Empire influenced marble topped guéridon, having a brass gallery, gilded ormolu mounts of flowers, leaves, berries and plaques. Raised on four square tape...
Marble
French Gilt and Marble Occasional Table in the Empire Style
By Jacob Frères
Located in London, GB
A fine gueridon in the Empire manner after a model by Jacob Freres. Based on designs by Percier and Fontaine. Of circular form, constructed in Amboyna, rising from giltwood bun feet, the platform base of tripartite incurved form, centered with a fire gilt bronze waisted vase...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Empire Style Gueridon in the Manner of Jacob-Desmalter, circa 1880
By François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Empire style gilt-bronze and mahogany gueridon, with a Verde antico marble top, in the manner of Jacob-Desmalter. French, circa 1880. The circular Verde antico marble ...
Marble, Bronze