Empire Wall Decorations
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.
Late 20th Century French Empire Wall Decorations
Brass
Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Decorations
Fabric, Wood
20th Century Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Wool, Cotton
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
Porcelain
1930s English Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
Cotton
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Wool, Cotton
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Wool, Cotton
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Wool, Cotton
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Wool, Cotton
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Wool, Cotton
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Wool, Cotton
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Wool, Cotton
1950s English Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
Cotton
Early 1900s English Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Cotton
1930s English Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
Cotton
1950s English Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
Cotton
1930s English Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
Cotton
Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Decorations
Canvas, Giltwood
Early 1900s European Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Glass, Paint, Wood
Mid-20th Century Empire Wall Decorations
Acrylic, Wood
Early 20th Century Persian Empire Wall Decorations
Wool
Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Decorations
Canvas
Early 20th Century Persian Empire Wall Decorations
Wool
Early 20th Century Persian Empire Wall Decorations
Wool
Early 20th Century Persian Empire Wall Decorations
Wool
1950s French Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
Paper
Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Decorations
Canvas, Wood, Paint
1970s American Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
Wood
Early 2000s North American Empire Wall Decorations
Animal Skin, Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Empire Wall Decorations
Silk, Thread
1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
1970s French Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
Wool
2010s American Empire Wall Decorations
Wood
Late 20th Century American Empire Wall Decorations
Wool
Mid-20th Century French Empire Wall Decorations
Wool
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Silk
19th Century Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Burlap, Glass, Plaster, Wood
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Wool, Canvas
Mid-20th Century Danish Empire Wall Decorations
Rosewood
17th Century European Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Textile
1950s French Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
Paper
Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Decorations
Canvas, Wood, Paint
1970s American Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
Wood
20th Century Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Plaster, Wood
1950s British Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
Cotton
20th Century European Empire Wall Decorations
Brass
Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Wall Decorations
Leather, Paper
Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Wall Decorations
Leather, Paper
20th Century Turkish Empire Wall Decorations
Paper
Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Decorations
Glass, Wood, Paper
1940s American Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
Paper
1920s Belgian Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
Tapestry, Birdseye Maple