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Empire Wall Decorations

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
Empire Double Headed Eagle Wall Mirror in Bronze, Spain 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two Headed Eagle Bronze Wall Mirror, Spain, 1930s-1940s. Spectacular bronze wall mirror with a crowned double headed eagle surrounding a shield shaped beveled glass. This stunning br...
Category

20th Century Spanish Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Tapestry With Birds 7X5
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Elegant French Empire Bronze Relief of Napoleon I in Thuja Wood Frame
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant French Empire Bronze Relief of Napoleon I in Thuja Wood Frame A distinguished French Empire bronze relief plaque depicting Napoleon I crowned with the classical laurel wreat...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royal Commanders 7.1X6.10
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

19th-C. French Monkey Engravings By Nicolas Henri Jacob - Jacob’s Monkeys - S/6
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of 19th century nicely framed and matted monkey engraves by the highly regarded naturalist and artist Nicolas Henri Jacob. There are thirteen total to this study. These...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood, Paper

GBV Nine Ceramic Shelf with Hand Painted Fair 19th Century
Located in Milano, MI
Ceramic shelf from Nove di Bassano with flowers and fair, hand-painted by Gian Battista Viero and made in the 19th century. Restorations have been carried out as shown in the picture...
Category

1880s Italian Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Ceramic

Period Century Giltwood Italian Empire Style Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame with two rows of carving Early 19th century Internal measurements cm 58.5 x 47 Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompan...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood

Gilt Antique Friezes from France
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Pair of antique golden friezes with olive branches. They are from the French Empire period and are perfect. ref. O/7147.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Fruitwood

Pair of French Empire Portraits of an Aristocratic Couple by Antoine Borel
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A pair of original oil paintings on canvas depicting a handsome young aristocratic couple of the Directoire, early Empire period. They are each pictured from the waist up, she holdin...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas

Empire Period Portrait of the Comte Gustave de Galard (1779–1841)
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century, Empire Period Portrait of the Comte Gustave de Galard (1779–1841), French School, c. 1805, Oil on canvas Canvas: 15.75" W × 21.5" H Framed: 19" W × 24.5" H A refined ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Angels 6.8X5.10
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Mid 19th Century French Empire Style Portrait of Lady with Coral Jewelry
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Mid 19th Century French Empire Style Portrait of a Lady with Coral Jewelry. Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, please see detailed photos or message us with q...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Paint

19th Century Italian Painted Wood Empire Folding Screen in Gilt Bronze Frame
Located in Firenze, IT
This one-of-a-kind antique Italian Empire Period folding screen is a masterpiece of early 19th-century craftsmanship, dating most likely from 1801 during the Republic of Lucca. Pain...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Framed Early 19th century French Hand-Blocked Wallpaper Panel of Artemis
Located in New York, NY
A framed early 19th century French hand-blocked wallpaper panel featuring Artemis. Artemis was the goddess of nature, wildlife, transitions, care of children, healing and fertility....
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Paint, Paper

Beautiful Early 19th Century Portrait
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful early 19th century portrait dated and signed at the back. Portrait attributed to Berthon, student of David "The young girl and the c...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

Large French Empire Coastal Scenic Painted Oval Tole Tray
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
French Empire salver or oval metal tray decorated with an outstanding border. The tray features painted medallions and edges and has two hand grips. The painted coastal scene depicts...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

Vintage Tapestry Depicting A Secret Garden 6.5X6.1
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

20th Century French Oil Painting of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor by S. Chapin
By Chapin
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage French oil on canvas painting of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor in a hand carved original gilded wooden frame, painted by S. Chapin in good condition. The wall décor art pie...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

EARLY 19th CENTURY PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN IN UNIFORM
Located in Firenze, FI
Splendid oil portrait on canvas of a gentleman in uniform, identified as Professor Moses Bosisio, mayor of Monza, who died in 1846, as reported on a plaque on the back of the paintin...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

19th Century Pair of French Reverse Painted Profile Silhouettes Art
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This charming set features framed silhouettes of a young woman and young man from the 19th Century on reversed glass. Wonderful addition to add to an existing collection on a wall or...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass, Wood, Giltwood, Paper

Pair of Danish Early 19th Century Children’s Portraits Oil on Canvas
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 19th Century Children’s Portraits Oil on Canvas, A Pair Charming pair of Danish Early 19th Century paintings oil on canvas. Thes...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Suite Of 2 Engravings, Camposanto De Pisa, Lasinio And Molini Landi & Cie, Empir
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Suite of 2 large engravings from the Empire period, after the frescoes of the Camposanto in Pisa, the city's famous monumental cemetery, frescoes dating from the 14th century The th...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Pair of Architectural Gilt Wood Wall Shelves Brackets, Mid-19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gorgeous Pair of French Gold Gilt Wall Shelves. Could certainly stand alone as a pair on a wall or functional to hold treasures on top. Wonderful classic addition to any living room,...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Metal

French Grisaille (Grey) Tapestry Portrait of Napoleon Bicorne Hat & Greatcoat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Grisaille (Grey) Tapestry Portrait of Napoleon Bicorne Hat and Greatcoat France, circa 1920s  Capture a piece of French history with this exquisite Grisaille (Grey) Tapestry ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Louis Vuitton Large LV Suitcase Artwork Print in Gilt Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Louis Vuitton Print from Paris, France framed in a vintage wooden Gold Leaf frame. The artwork features iconic Louis Vuitton words and letters artistically arranged. Similar piece ca...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood, Paint, Paper, Giltwood

Late 19th Century French Empire Style Walnut Four Shelves Etagere
Located in Miami, FL
This tall late nineteenth century French Empire style walnut console table features columns at the front corners and four shelves.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 5X4.10
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Louis Vuitton Trunks Suitcases Monogram Art Print Framed
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Louis Vuitton Print from Paris, France framed in a vintage wooden Gold Leaf frame. The artwork features the iconic Louis Vuitton suitcases artistically stacked. Similar piece can be ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood, Paper, Paint

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Angels and Royal Figures 8.2X7.0
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Colorful Floral Tapestry 5.0X5.05
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

18th Century French Oil Painting Portrait of a Woman and Child Holding a Torch
Located in Queens, NY
French (18th-19th century) large oil painting portrait of a woman holding flowers and a child bearing a torch in an ornate carved rectangular gilt...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Giltwood, Paint

Vintage Woven Still Life Tapestry 7.0X5.65
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

18th Century French Giltwood Framed Oil Painting Portrait of a Woman
Located in Queens, NY
French (18th century) oil painting portrait of a woman holding grapes sitting next to a dog in a rectangular carved giltwood frame.
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Giltwood, Paint

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 8.2X6.10
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Artwork Wall Panel Natural Motifs Relief Painting handmade in Italy by Cupioli
Located in Rimini, IT
Artwork Wall Panel Handmade Relief Painting Made in Italy by Cupioli Available. Virtue by Virtue Thorn for thorn Making a comparison between a plant (the pomegranate) and a characte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Scagliola, Wood, Paint

Louis Vuitton Trunks Suitcases Monogram Art Print Framed
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Louis Vuitton Print from Paris, France framed in a vintage wooden black painted frame. The artwork features the iconic Louis Vuitton suitcases artistically stacked. Similar piece can...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood, Paint, Paper

Late 18th–Early 19th Century Miniature Watercolor of a Military, Brass Frame
Located in Knivsta, SE
Late 18th–Early 19th Century Miniature Watercolor of a Military Figure, Brass Frame An exquisite miniature watercolor depicting a mounted military figure, dating from the late 18th ...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

Pair of Early 19th Century Miniature Portraits in Flamed Birch Frames
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of Early 19th Century Miniature Portraits in Flamed Birch Frames A charming and evocative pair of miniature portraits from the early 19th century, one of which is dated 1813. E...
Category

1810s Swedish Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass, Birch, Paper

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Exotic Animals 5 X 3
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Louis Vuitton Eiffel Tower Trunks Monogram Art Print in Gold Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Louis Vuitton Print from Paris, France framed in a vintage European gold leaf frame. Artwork features the iconic Louis Vuitton suitcases artistically formed in the shape of the Eiffe...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paper

Danish Golden Age Painting of a Soldier and a Lady at Rosenborg Castle
Located in Kastrup, DK
Oil painting from the Danish Golden Age (c. 1840-1860) portraying a soldier engaged in conversation with a lady, with the historic Rosenborg Castle elegantly positioned in the backgr...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas

C1872 French Painting of Gypsy Woman with a Parrot
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
C1872 French Painting of Gypsy Woman with a Parrot Beautifully Painted. Very Crisp. Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos. Message us with any...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Paint

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Children Playing Music 6.0X4.6
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

19th Century French Hand Painted Wallpaper, Second Empire Era, E. Muller Style
Located in Sofia, BG
19th century roll of wallpaper, second Empire era, polychrome printing in the style of E. Muller enhanced with gold decorating cartridges with a floral cut of poppies and daisies. M...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Early 19th Century Framed Napoleon Medallion by Bertrand Andrieu
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 19th-century French round cast pewter medallion, a masterpiece by Bertrand Andrieu (1761-1822), captures the Napoleonic era's essence. The laurel-crowned Napoleon, reminis...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Pewter

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 8X6.5
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Children at Play 7X7.8
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Woven Fountain Tapestry 7.2X5.5
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Tapestry Depicting a Royal Music Room 6.10X5.8
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Mid 20th century frame Italian bisque Taglio
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid 20th century Italian frame bisque Taglio. This Greco Roman style bisque porcelain medallion is framed in a gold leaf shadowbox frame with pink interior and gold details...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Porcelain

Original Antique Framed Print of Napoleon Bonaparte After David. French C.1800
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of Napoleon Bonaparte after Jacques Louis David Aquatint. Published C.1800 On paper applied to card Old Hogarth frame Slight restoration above the hair. Shown in ...
Category

Early 1800s English Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Early 19th Century Empire Period Portrait of a Gentleman
Located in Doylestown, PA
A charming portrait of a young Empire period gentleman with an earring, under glass in a period gild wood frame. Oil pastel on paper, French, circa 1800.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 5.7X6.7
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Woven Scene Tapestry 6.9X5.5
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 5.7X4
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Farm Kids 6.9 X 5.2
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Wall Decoration 'En Grisaille' by Dufour, Paris, France, 19th Century
Located in Rome, IT
A fPapiers peints 'En Grisaille' from the psyche´ series manufactured by Dufour, Paris, after designs by Merry-Joseph Blondel and Louis Lafitte. -'Psyche´ about to stab the sleeping ...
Category

19th Century European Antique Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Mother and Her Children 6.4X5.3
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Bird Tapestry 9X2.4
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 6.0X6.11
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Empire wall decorations for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire wall decorations 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 wall decorations created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, cotton and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire wall decorations made in a specific country, there are Unknown, Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original wall decorations, popular names associated with this style include Chapin, Claude Marie Dubufe, Cupioli made in Italy, and Jean Zuber. 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 wall decorations differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $150 and tops out at $95,530 while the average work can sell for $4,061.

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