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.
$1,505Sale Price|30% Off
19th C French Yellow Toleware Tiered Tray Table Stand Chinoiserie Pastoral Scene
Located in Dayton, OH
This antique 19th-century French Empire toleware tier table, also classified as a table à ouvrage, chiffonière or gueridon, is a stunning example of late Louis XVI or Directoire revi...
Metal
French 19th Century Empire Mahogany Desk, Refinished
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A handsome French Empire desk made of mahogany that has been recently refinished to preserve the beautiful color and grain of the wood. The top surface is a gold-tooled leather in a ...
Brass
Rare French Empire Wooden and Brass Folding Console or Card Table, circa 1820
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning antique table for unforgettable games of poker, bridge etc. At first sight, this is an exceptionally elegant Empire console table: narrow, architectural and beautifully bal...
Brass, Bronze
French 19th Century Painted Empire Console Table
Located in Carmine, TX
Elegant French 19th-century Empire console featuring a painted finish, long rectangular top, and architectural column supports with decorative carved capitals. The lower shelf and sy...
Walnut, Paint
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Antique Round Table in Walnut
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present an elegant antique Italian round table dating back to the early 19th century. The table features the typical characteristics of the Empire period, when large, smooth woode...
Walnut
Swedish Empire Style Center Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Swedish Empire style center table combines bold architectural design with refined neoclassical influence. The circular top rests on a fluted pedestal supported by a square platf...
Wood
French 19th Century Empire Gueridon with Oyster Marble Top
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A 19th-century Empire-style gueridon with dark grey marble atop a mahogany base. The marble is punctuated with stunning inclusions of light grey fossilized shells. The stone is in ...
Marble, Brass
Dutch 19th Century Octagonal Ebonized & Burl Maple Center Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Dutch, 19th century Empire-style octagonal center table that features ebonized detail around burled maple surface. The expansive table top is near-seamlessly matched for continuity w...
Brass
French 19th Century Empire Flame Mahogany Marble Top Gueridon Table
Located in Carmine, TX
Elegant round table featuring a richly figured flame mahogany apron and sculptural pedestal base with carved tripod legs and decorative feet, supporting a veined marble top. A fine e...
Marble
Antique Empire Ormolu Mounted Bureau Plat Desk Writing Table 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a fine antique French gilt-bronze mounted flame mahogany Empire bureau plat, Circa 1820 in date. The rectangular top is fitted with a black gold-tooled inset leather writing...
Mahogany
Antique Empire Tile Top Table with Dutch Tiles Denmark 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Antique Danish or perhaps Swedish empire tile top table with dutch tiles and 1 drawer. It's made in the 19th century period by a skilled carpenter of soli...
Ceramic, Wood
$2,368Sale Price|58% Off
Italian Empire Style Elegant Writing Desk
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Introducing this elegant Italian desk dating back to the 20th century. An extremely refined desk, inspired by the Empire style. Featuring a linear design with black ebonized column ...
Bronze
Contemporary Empire Style Brass Dolphin Table
Located in Houston, TX
A chic vintage brass dolphin pedestal dining table with 48" diameter glass top.
Brass
Pair Empire Style Mahogany Two-Tier Single Drawer Side Tables
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair Empire Style Mahogany Two-Tier single drawer Side Tables Dimensions: 23.5" in width, 16.5" in depth and 24 inches in height.
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century Empire or Louis XVI Mahogany Dutch Side Table
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant side table was made in The Netherlands around 1780. It has a beautiful mahogany top made of two symmetrical planks, also known as “livre ouvert”. The two pieces of timber are cut and folded open like a book. (livre ouvert is French for open book” The top is surrounded by a slightly raised and molded trim. The table features one dovetailed central drawer with two Dutch ajour cut brass pulls. The drawer has its original lock and key. The interior of the drawer is made in the best quality thin watered oak...
Mahogany
$3,587Sale Price|30% Off
Side table with secret compartments, Westphalia, c. 1800, plum, maple, rosewood
Located in Münster, DE
Rare side table with secret compartments, Westphalia, c. 1800, plum wood, maple and rosewood veneered on softwood, table top with floral banding and vase motif, ingenious mechanism w...
Fruitwood, Maple, Rosewood
Antique Swedish Desk from the Empire Period, Decorated Drawer and Rustic Paint
Located in Kramfors, SE
Antique Swedish empire desk made by hand in solid pine. The desk is from the empire period in northern Sweden around 1850. Straight tapered legs and a functional extendable drawer. H...
Pine
French Blue Painted Bedside Nightstand End Table with Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This classically styled side table features three drawers with original brass hardware. The table has been hand painted in a Gustavian shade of blue and has been constructed from sol...
Brass
French 19th Century Empire Marble Top Mahogany Console Table
Located in Carmine, TX
French 19th Century Empire Marble-Top Console Table — Elegant Empire-style console featuring a richly figured mahogany veneer, rectangular Carrara marble top, single frieze drawer, a...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Reproduction Empire Revival Gueridon Tables
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A small yet dramatic pair of French Empire inspired reproduction side tables. Nero Marquina black marble tops are ringed with bronze bezels, su...
Marble, Metal
Late 20th Century Empire Style Fruitwood Pedestal Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 20th Century Empire Style Fruitwood Pedestal Side Table in great vintage condition. Very sturdy. Quality made in USA. Measures 16" in diameter
Fruitwood
19th Century French Empire Style Walnut Pedestal Center Table with Marble Top
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant late 19th-century French Empire-style pedestal table, sourced from Provence and expertly restored. Crafted from solid walnut with beautiful grain character and warm tones,...
Marble, Brass
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Mahogany Console Table with Marble Top
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This early nineteenth century French Empire period mahogany console table features columns at the front corners and a black marble top. A single drawer of dovetail construction fits ...
Marble, Bronze
Pair French Empire Mahogany Gilt Consoles Jean-Jacques Werner Palais Eynard 1820
Located in Epfach, DE
A rare and exceptionally well-documented pair of French Empire console tables, attributed to the celebrated Paris ébéniste Jean-Jacques Werner (Geneva 1791–1853 Paris), originating from the celebrated Palais Eynard in Geneva. Executed in flame mahogany veneered over an oak carcass, each console is fitted with a black marble top above a frieze centered by a finely chased and fire-gilt bronze mount of palmettes, a rosette, and scrolling acanthus foliage. The scrolled legs, headed by gilt-bronze acanthus capitals, terminate in bold lion's-paw feet, while the back is fitted with star-studded gilt-bronze-framed mirror plates — a hallmark of the finest Empire console design. The pair survives in exceptional original, untouched condition. Provenance: Palais Eynard, Geneva Commissioned for the Palais Eynard, built 1817–1821 for the financier and philhellene Jean-Gabriel Eynard (Lyon 1775–1863 Geneva), one of the most celebrated private residences of early 19th-century Geneva. Eynard, who made his fortune as financial advisor to the Queen of Etruria and to Grand Duchess Elisa Bacciocchi (sister of Napoleon), returned to Geneva in 1810 and later attended the Congress of Vienna alongside Charles Pictet-Rochemont. An admirer of Italian palazzo architecture...
Brass
Antique French Empire Mahogany Dressing Table & Mirror 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an elegant Antique French Empire Flame Mahogany dressing table, circa 1870 in date. The shaped rectangular mirror is flanked by cylindrical columns and adorned with gilded ...
Bronze, Ormolu
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Mahogany Somno or Drum Table with Marble
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This early nineteenth century French Empire period mahogany somno or drum table features a thick Saint Anne marble top and a hinged curved door with a bronze pull detailed with a ros...
Marble, Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Mahogany Somno or Drum Table with Marble
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This early nineteenth century French Empire period mahogany somno or drum table features a black marble top and a hinged curved door with bronze pull. Its cylindrical form and clean ...
Marble, Bronze
$3,230Sale Price / set|41% Off
A Pair of Empire Marble Gueridon Side Tables Raised On Ebonized Column Supports
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A handsome pair of Empire gueridon side tables, each with a circular black marble top set above a warm mahogany-toned frieze. The tables are raised on three ebonized column supports...
Marble
19th Century French Empire Console Table with Mahogany & Marble
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French 19th century mahogany console in the Empire style with dark stone top. The gray, Saint Anne-type marble is in wonderful ...
Marble
Spectacular Italian Empire Style Round Center Table with Pietra Dura Marble Top
Located in Milford, NH
A spectacular Italian Empire style round center table with bold pietra dura marble top with a center starburst surrounded by geometric and scrollwork contrasting designs, supported b...
Marble
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...
Brass
Cylinder Burl Walnut Pedestal Cabinet, Copenhagen, 1830-1840
Located in Kastrup, DK
Cylinder burl walnut pedestal cabinet. Late empire. Oak beautifully veneered with walnut. A large front door that opens to reveal a set of four shelve...
Oak, Walnut
French Empire Mahogany Vanity with Marble Top, Circa 1804-1814
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This Vanity is made of mahogany with a white marble top. It has some bronze pineapple on each side of the mirror. dimension from the floor to the marble top 30.8''H dimension from th...
Marble
19th century Swedish empire elm marble top console table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century Swedish elm marble top console table circa 1860. Fine quality console table of grand proportions. Shaped marble top standing on an elm base. Single concealed draw...
Marble
French Empire Demilune Console Table, Mahogany, Hand-Carved, 1840-1860
Located in Winter Park, FL
A French Empire demilune console table with a pair of large hand-carved mahogany swans. Good craftsmanship and beautiful stylized sculptural swans wit...
Mahogany
Antique French Empire Period Walnut Marble Top Console Table 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a magnificent, imposing antique French Empire Period marble-topped walnut and parcel gilt console table, Circa 1810 in date. The rectangular specimen marble top features ro...
Carrara Marble, Siena Marble
Baker Furniture Mahogan Double Pedestal Extension Dining Table, Newly Restored
Located in South Bend, IN
A stunning and rare Brighton Pavilion English Regency or Empire style pedestal extension dining table, banquet table, or conference table From the exclusive "Stately Homes Collectio...
Brass
Superb 19th Century French Empire Neoclassical Mahogany Dressing Table Vanity
Located in Hopewell, NJ
This exceptional French 19th century Empire mahogany dressing table is complete with its original mercury glass mirror and white Carrara marble top. The oval mirror is framed with be...
Ormolu
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
Maitland Smith French Empire Style Iron & Inlaid Stone Round Center Dining Table
Located in Dayton, OH
An eye catching handmade Breakfast, Centre or Foyer table by Maitland Smith, circa 1990s. Features a rounded top with inlaid and tessellated stone in the shape of shells and tulips. ...
Stone, Iron
$401Sale Price|42% Off
Square French Empire Brass Swans and Wrought Iron Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Square French Empire brass swans and wrought iron coffee table is a striking example of neoclassical design, blending refined craftsmanship with timeless elegance. The table fea...
Metal
Empire Style Michael Vanderbyl For Baker Furn. Dining Or Center Table 2 Leaves
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Vanderbyl
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a timeless piece! It is an Empire or Biedermeier style dining / center table by Baker Furniture Company. It was designed by the award winning Michael Vanderbyl as part of the...
Cherry, Ebony
$2,820 / item
Classic Empire Center Table, Oatmeal
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classic Empire style grey cerused oak oatmeal stained center table with a carved ogee edge, raised on an octagonal pedestal base. Dimensions: 42" W x 42" D x 30" H. Clearance: 27"
Wood
19th Century Mahogany Wood Empire Console Table With Marble Top
Located in High Point, NC
This piece presents as a console table, distinguished by dark mahogany, marble top, carved scroll legs. Originating in France during 19th Century, it shows the construction technique...
Marble
19th Century Russian Pair of Antique Beechwood, Brass Wall Mirrors and Consoles
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Russian pair of wall mirrors and console tables, nightstands made of hand crafted Karelian Beechwood in good condition. The floor mirrors are supported by two arched legs ...
Metal, Brass
Thomasville Grand Classics Neoclassical Empire Maple Wood Dining Room Table
By Thomasville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Thomasville Grand Classics Neoclassical Empire Style Maple Wood Double Pedestal Base ...
Maple
French Empire Antique Burl Walnut Center Table with Black Marble Top, circa 1815
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A very fine Empire center table crafted of beautifully patinated burl walnut veneers over secondary woods, the table retains its original black marble top. This was turned to create the dished top with an integral raised rim. Over each of the three columns is a honeysuckle gilded bronze mount, each pillar...
Marble, Brass, Bronze
$2,060 / item
Empire Style Round Side Table, Country Finish
Located in Westwood, NJ
An Empire-style Neo Classic wooden round side table in a rustic country finish, with a dish top, four tapered column legs and an X stretcher base. Dimensions: 30" W x 30" D x 27....
Wood
Baker Furniture Stately Homes Collection Burl Wood and Ebonized Regency Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Empire, Regency, or Biedermeier style round pedestal breakfast table, game table, or center table From the exclusive "Stately Homes" Collection by Baker Furniture USA, C...
Ebony, Burl
French Country Provincial Biedermeier Cherry Marble Side Table Ice Bucket Holder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage French Country Provincial Biedermeier Style Cherry Wood Marble Side Table w/ ...
Marble
Vintage mahogany and leather Empire style martini table after Maitland Smith
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a handsome vintage mahogany and tooled black leather martini side table. This empire style side table features a black leather top with tooled gold decoration around the edge...
Wood
$3,250 / item
Early 19th Century French Empire Walnut Console
Located in Atlanta, GA
Early 19th Century French Empire Walnut Console with Ebonized Marble Top & Bronze Dore Details, ca. 1810
Walnut
$2,820 / item
Classic Empire Center Table - Weathered Finish
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted from grey cerused oak with an unusual weathered acacia finish, this table features a beautifully carved ogee edge that adds a touch of intricate detailing. The table is supp...
Wood
19th Century French Empire Style Mahogany Bedside Cabinet
Located in Forney, TX
A French Empire style marble-top mahogany bedside cabinet (nightstand - end table) with elegant beautifully aged warm rustic patina. circa 1870 Hand-crafted in France in the secon...
Marble, Brass
French Empire Cherry Wood Black Column 1 Drawer Lamp End Table by Heritage, Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage French Empire Style Cherry Wood Black Column One Drawer Lamp End Tables by He...
Wood, Cherry
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
Antique French Empire Side Table, Mahogany & Marble, Circa 1820
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A round, antique French Empire side table made of hand crafted shellac polished, partly veneered Honduran Mahogany in good condition. The detailed small center table is composed with a black marble top, standing on three arched legs, supported by a wooden base, resisting on three round feet. The Parisian table is enhanced by detailed gilded wood carvings...
Marble
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Walnut Console Table with Marble Top
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This small scale early nineteenth century French Empire period book matched walnut console table features a black marble top with white veining. A single drawer of dovetail construct...
Marble, Bronze
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
A rare 19th century French Empire gilt bronze mounted mahogany dining table
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare 19th century French Empire gilt bronze mounted mahogany dining table. The top with a molded edge ,over baluster legs joined by a stretcher, carved with a Vitruvian scroll, (2)...
Bronze
$4,500 / item
Empire Style Gilt Bronze Gueridon Table
Located in New York, NY
Very finely cast Empire style gilt bronze gueridon table with swan motif.
Bronze