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.
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 Empire Walnut Commode with Saint Anne Marble Top, 19th Century
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A robust French Empire walnut commode from the 19th century, topped with an incredible slab of Saint Anne marble. The dark stone of monochromatic gray shows dizzying movement among t...
Marble, Bronze, Brass
Pair of Maitland-Smith Bergère Lounge Chairs With Gilt Parcel Swan Heads
Located in Peabody, MA
A pair of Maitland-Smith empire bergère chairs in parcel gilt with hand-carved swan-neck armrests and silk grosgrain upholstery, circa 1980s. One retains its original foil Maitland S...
Upholstery, Wood, Giltwood
Early 19th Century French Empire Swan Neck Mahogany Daybed, Paris
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant early 19th-century French Empire daybed sourced from Paris, France. Crafted from solid mahogany, it features the iconic swan-neck ends with finely carved heads, floral ros...
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique Letter Opener Silver-Gilt & guilloché Enamel attr. to Fabergé Circa 1900
By Fabergé
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Russian silver-gilt and guilloché enamel letter opener attributed to Fabergé, with illegible hallmarks , possibly Faberge cyrillic mark / 88". The finial in the form of a carv...
Jade, Silver, Enamel
American Fabric and Paper Figure of a Gentleman, Giltwood Frame on Velvet
Located in Downingtown, PA
American Fabric and Paper Figure of a Gentleman, Giltwood Frame on Velvet First Half of the 19th Century A dressed fabric-and-paper figure of a gentleman is shown in full-length pro...
Fabric, Velvet
Antique French Empire Revival Mahogany Bookcase Cabinet 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful antique French Empire Flame Mahogany Ormolu mounted bookcase circa 1880 in date. It has been crafted from solid mahogany and is smothered in fabulous ormolu mou...
Ormolu
Large French Empire bed with brass mounts
Located in London, GB
An elegant large Empire bed with bronze mounts. Shown with bed base and mattress but sold as the frame alone. In good original condition with minor damage.
Fruitwood
Fine Early 19th C. Bronze Mantel Clock “Saint Mark with Lion”, Detouche, Paris
By C. Detouche
Located in Lisse, NL
A fine and highly decorative early 19th century French mantel clock, signed C. Detouche, Bté, Paris, depicting Saint Mark the Evangelist seated beside his traditional attribute, the ...
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Rare Fine French Empire Mahogany Bed by Jacob-Desmalter ca. 1805-15
By Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Shippensburg, PA
EMPIRE MAHOGANY AND GILT BRONZE MOUNTED BED BY FRANÇOIS HONORÉ GEORGES JACOB DESMALTER Paris, France circa 1805 to 1817 62" H x 58 1/2" D x approximately 81" W 74 1/8" L x 52" W ap...
Bronze
$14,004Sale Price|20% Off
Early 19th Century French Empire Pendule Portefaix circa 1810 Paris
Located in Münster, DE
Paris, Empire, c. 1810, bronze body, fire-gilt and patinated, designed by Jean-André Reiche in 1808, 8-day movement, enamel dial with Roman numerals, figure of the wearer on an oval ...
Bronze, Enamel
Drexel Heritage French Empire Style Walnut Burl Marble Top Commode Chest Dresser
By Drexel
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Drexel Heritage French Empire Style Commode, Console or Chest of Drawers. Features a rectangular form made from walnut with lacquered and gilt columns and a marble top. The...
Marble, Brass
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
$7,688
Cabinet originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
A period provincial 19th Century Swedish Empire Cabinet. Painted decorative doors opening to useful storage,below two further doors opening to more storage. The cabinet is original p...
Pine
19th Century French Hand-Carved Marble Column Pedestal, Empire Style
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A fabulous late 19th century carved marble display pedestal from France, to elevate precious artwork, décor, or greenery in your interior. Geometric elements distinguish the capital ...
Marble
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Walnut Antique Chest of Drawers
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We offer this elegant antique chest of drawers from the early 19th century. Its features are typical of the Empire period: imposing and linear, free of excessive ornamentation, yet w...
Walnut
$5,500 / set
Pair of Swedish Empire Style Armchairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant pair of Swedish Empire style armchairs featuring hand-painted black frames with carved neoclassical detailing. The gently curved arms, tapered legs, and refined proportion...
Fabric, Wood
Jacob-Desmalter Style Antique French Empire Mahogany Twin Beds, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful pair of antique French Empire twin beds In the manner of Jacob-Desmalter France, Late 19th Century Carved mahogany, with mounted gilt br...
Bronze
French Chandelier Ceiling Pendant Lustre Bronze & Glass Empire Style circa 1890
Located in Labrit, Landes
Bronze chandelier with granita glass. Made in France circa 1890, beautifully ornemented in the style of the Napoleon the 1st Empire. One central light recovered of a glass and six l...
Iron, Wrought Iron
19th Century Ormolu Pendule - Astronomy, France, circa 1825
Located in Greven, DE
Mantel Clock Urania - Allegory of astronomy Montpellier Bronze, marble, enamel circa 1825 Dimensions: Height x width x depth: 37 x 31 x 10 cm Description: Beautiful mantel clock designed by the famous Parisian bronzier Jean Andre Reiche...
Enamel, Ormolu
A Pair of Empire Style Sterling Silver Three Arm Candelabras
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A pair of Empire-style removable arms, weighted sterling silver three-arm candelabras by Gorham. Nice patina to the silver, dating to the 1930's.
Sterling Silver
Empire Chandelier, Bronze with Gilt Finish, Swan Heads, France, 1900
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th century French Empire style chandelier with swan’s heads and starts on globe.
Bronze
Fire-gilded French Empire bronze clock, ca. 1800, “Chariot of Aurora”; Deniere
Located in Münster, DE
Fire-gilded bronze clock depicting Aurora’s chariot, dial signed Deniere á Paris, Maison Deniere The signature “Denière” or “Denière Fabt de Bronzes à Paris” belongs to Jean-Franço...
Bronze, Enamel
Pair of 19th Century Italian Empire Side Chairs, Two Pair Available
Located in Houston, TX
Pair 19th-century Italian Empire side chairs featuring carved foliage back with central ebonized medallion and elegantly curved legs. Two pairs available, sold in pairs.
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Mahogany Empire Style Sleigh Daybed
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Mahogany Empire Style Sleigh Daybed
Mahogany
Pair of French Empire Ormolu Wall Sconces, circa 1810–1820
Located in Greven, DE
Pair of French Empire Ormolu Wall Sconces, circa 1810–1820 Dimensions: H x W x D: each circa: 20 x 10 x 14 cm This exceptional pair of French Empire wall sconces was created circa ...
Ormolu
19th-Century Empire French Solid Silver Coffee Pot or Ewer
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This refined French Empire period coffee pot, or ewer, dates from the early years of the 19th-century and is crafted in solid silver. The elegant silhouette, balanced proportions and...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Baccarat Harcourt 1841 36 Piece Set Champagne, Wine, Water, Liqueur Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Baccarat Harcourt 1841. The design has been chosen by some of the most notable figures in the world, Kings, Queens and Popes, for their t...
Crystal
French Empire Armoire, Walnut & Steel, Hand-Carved, Circa 1820, France
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An impressive French Empire-style armoire from the early 1800s. The pronounced cornice makes a statement above the pair of paneled and carved doors all crafted of solid, book-matched...
Steel, Brass
Empire Gilt Bronze Sphinx Paperweight on Marble Base, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Empire Gilt Bronze Sphinx Paperweight on Marble Base, France, Early 19th Century A charming Empire-period paperweight featuring a finely cast gilt bronze sphinx resting on a rectan...
Marble, Bronze
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
$25,548Sale Price / item|20% Off
Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Big Large Palace Lamp Chateau Lustre
Located in Berlin, DE
Montgolfière Style Chandelier - Empire Elegance with Customizability Introducing a new Montgolfière style chandelier that exudes the charm of the Empire era, reimagined with modern ...
Crystal
19th Century French Empire Trumeau Mirror, Pine & Giltwood, Restored
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A magnificent early 19th-century French Empire trumeau mirror, elegantly patinated in a deep forest green and delicately accented with soft grey and gilded detailing. This exceptiona...
Pine, Giltwood
Set of Six French Empire Mahogany Swan Gondola Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant set of six French Empire-style side dining chairs, each featuring a remarkable carved swan neck decorative motif. The chairs are constructed from radiant mahogany with arc...
Fabric, Damask, 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
Antique Empire Sofa in Mahogany with Turned Legs and Brown Upholstery, 1830s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique Empire sofa from the 1830s, crafted in mahogany with turned legs and brown upholstery. The sofa has a classic period appearance and measures 193 cm in width. — Period: 1830s...
Mahogany
Set of Six Early 20th Century French Empire Mahogany Gondola Dining Chairs
Located in Astoria, NY
A refined set of six French Empire-style dining chairs dating to the early 20th century and sourced from Provence, France. Hand-crafted in solid mahogany, the chairs display the clas...
Linen, Mahogany
Early 19th Century Paris Porcelain Tea Service with Rich Gilt Decoration
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This refined Paris porcelain tea service dates from the early 19th-century and beautifully reflects the elegance and technical mastery of F...
Porcelain, Paint
Pair of Empire Bronze & Mercury-Gilt Column Lamps
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
French, Empire / Charles X period, circa 1825 A handsome pair of table lamps, each modelled as a fluted column in dark patinated bronze rising to a finely cast Corinthian capital in...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Chandelier, Gilded Bronze and Green Lacquered Metal 20 Bulbs
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We are pleased to offer you this elegant and rich chandelier dating back to the early decades of the 20th century, featuring 20 light bulbs. This chandelier features a design inspir...
Metal, Bronze
$4,210Sale Price / item|20% Off
Montgolfiè Antique Lok Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Lamp Chateau New
Located in Berlin, DE
Montgolfière Style Chandelier - Empire Elegance with Customizability Introducing a new Montgolfière style chandelier that exudes the charm of the Empire era, reimagined with modern ...
Crystal
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
Swan French Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Baroque Empire Chandelier, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is a new reproduction, and several are available, ensuring you can bring this classic beauty to your space. Measuring a total height of 140 cm, with a height of 90 cm without the chain, and a diameter of 73 cm, this chandelier weighs approximately 18 kg. With 8-light bulb sockets (E14 base), this chandelier offers a radiant glow, making it a striking centerpiece in any space. Its wiring is compatible with the USA, ensuring easy installation and convenience. Experience the beauty of this chandelier with confidence, as it features new electricity and a new cable, ready to hang and enchant your surroundings. The total length of the chandelier is variable, providing flexibility to suit your specific preferences and room size. Indulge in the grandeur of this Brass Empire Chandelier...
Brass, Wire
Wonderful Pair Vaughan Empire Polished Nickel Swing Arm Sconces Wall Lamps
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Vaughan Empire Style Polished Nickel Swing Arm Sconces / Wall Lamps With Pleated Shades.
Nickel, Bronze
19th C. Kirk & Son "Repoussé" 117-Piece Sterling Silver Flat Service, 111.8 Oz
By Kirk & Son
Located in Germantown, MD
A S. Kirk & Son, Sterling Silver Repousse set of flatware. 117 gorgeous pieces. Hand chased and hand decorated by prominent American silversmith Samuel Kirk who introduced the Repou...
Sterling Silver
Contemporary Empire Style Brass Dolphin Table
Located in Houston, TX
A chic vintage brass dolphin pedestal dining table with 48" diameter glass top.
Brass
Round Empire Style Gold Mirror by Randy Esada Designs, 2010s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Round Empire style gold mirror by Randy Esada Designs. Beautiful gold gilding and beveled mirror. Additional information: Materials: Giltwood, Gold, Mirror Color: Gold Brand: ...
Giltwood
$952Sale Price|29% Off
Louis XVI-Style Crystal and Gilt Bronze Vase by Boin-Taburet, c. 1900
By Boin-Taburet
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A classic and opulent crystal and gilt bronze Louis XVI-style vase, its goblet-shaped heavy crystal bowl diamond cut and fluted to refract the light...
Crystal, Bronze
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
Baker Furniture Company Empire Mahogany & Gilt-Wood Mirror, 1990s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Empire mahogany & gilt-wood mirror by Baker Furniture Company Additional information: Materials: mahogany, mirror Please note that this item contains materials that are legally...
Mahogany
Danish Empire Style Piano Chair / Stool with Velvet Seat, Early 1900s
Located in Odense, DK
This elegant piano chair, stool, or bench in the Empire style—is distinguished by its characteristic intersecting semicircular frame that forms both the base and armrests. The chai...
Textile, Velvet, Mahogany
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
1830s French Empire Walnut Chest with Four Drawers and Gilded Edges, Commode
Located in Miami, FL
1830s French Empire walnut chest with four drawers and gilded edges Beautiful wooden root.
Bronze
$2,025Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Style Burl Wood Gondola Armchairs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Elegant pair of 19th century French Empire-style armchairs featuring beautifully figured burl wood and a distinctive gondola-shaped back, a form that became emblematic of refined sea...
Burl
Early 19th Century French Mantel Clock - Allegory of Love, Paris circa 1815
Located in Greven, DE
Antique French Mantel Clock - Allegory of Love Paris Ormolu circa 1815 Dimensions: H x W x D: 45 x 35 x 13 cm Description: Antique French mantel clock as an allegory of love. Set...
Enamel, Ormolu
Leopard Fur Pillow, Springbok Skin 16x16" 40x40cm
Located in Dural, AU
It's the season of wild and exotic leopard prints, so set your interiors free with this glamorous leopard fur pillow. A beautifully designed print, ...
Fur
Robert Abbey Templeton Bronze Trophy Urn Table Lamp Empire Shade Light
By Robert Abbey
Located in Dayton, OH
Templeton 7102G urn table lamp, way buddha bronze with golden beige cast metal empire shade with matching soutache - Robert Abbey Measures: 10.5” x 24...
Bronze
Empire Style Black Neoclassical Corinthian Column Six Light Chandelier
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Empire Style Black Neoclassical Corinthian column six light chandelier Priced each Additional information: Materials: Lights Color: Black Pe...
Metal
A French Empire style ormolu and malachite centre table, Late 20th century
Located in CABA, AR
A monumental French Empire style console table featuring an extraordinary combination of richly gilt ormolu and vibrant malachite decoration, inspired by the grand decorative vocabul...
Malachite, Bronze, Ormolu
Set of 4 French Empire Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs in the Maison Jansen Style
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
An elegant and highly refined set of four French Empire style side chairs, executed with remarkable sophistication and craftsmanship in the manner and quality associated with the leg...
Silk, Mahogany
Early 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Sideboard W/ Carrara Marble
Located in Astoria, NY
A handsome early 19th century French Empire buffet enfilade sourced in Provence, France. The façade is veneered in bird’s-eye maple with fine natural figuring, framed by a solid maho...
Carrara Marble, Brass