Empire Furniture
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
Antique Empire Style Gondola Chairs, Set of 6 With Carved Swan Heads
Located in Houston, TX
Step into the charm of yesteryears with this captivating set of six Vintage French Dining Chairs, each adorned with intricately carved duck heads. Crafted with the finesse and elegan...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
1970 Italian Empire Style Set of Six Metal Folding Side Table
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Spectacular old school set of six Italian folding side table originally from the 1970s. Made of metal. They are signed in the back. The condition is really good. We would like to sell...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Restored set of 6 chairs and 2 armchairs - Empire
Located in STRAČOV, CZ
Original from 1815, newly upholstered in luxurious Napoleon Bonaparte fabric
This exclusive set, consisting of six chairs and two armchairs, is a unique example of Empire style from...
Category
1810s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Empire Marble Top Carved Walnut Side Table with Bronze Mounts
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a living room or bedroom with this elegant antique side table. Created in France and built of walnut, the occasional table stands on circular column legs ending with bun fee...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Henredon Flamed Mahogany Empire Dining Table Natchez Collection Banded Top
By Henredon
Located in Toledo, OH
Henredon flamed mahogany banded top dining table. Empire style part of the Natchez collection. Two pedestals with bun feet. Very nice condition. 86" long x 52" wide x 30" tall. One e...
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century French Empire Marble Top Mahogany Bedside Table with Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1850 and built of mahogany, the elegant antique cabinet stands on front rounded columns ending with bun feet and embellished with decorative bronze mounted ri...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Italian Carved Wood Gold Gilded Eagle Holding Arrows Wall Decor by Palladio
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful Italian carved wood gold gilded eagle holding two arrows wall decor by Palladio, it has the label in the back. It is in good condition. It has no damages. No broken parts. ...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Russian Tempera Icon Unusual Depiction of Jesus Christ 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
This scarce depiction of Jesus Christ was painted presumably in Moscow in early 19th century. The icon is painted in the author's (improvisational) manner, which differs from the rec...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French 19th Century Empire Small Commode
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This Charming Small Empire Commode is made of flamed mahogany and has been refinished. It has a black marble top and bronze rings around the columns. The contrast of colors is just w...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Dutch Empire Style Mahogany 6-Drawer Chest
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A tall Empire style 19th century mahogany chest from the Netherlands. This case piece has six beautifully figured mahogany drawers all with working locks and two keys. The top drawer...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Austrian bed 1850s empire period mahogany with inlays and gilding
Located in Cesena, FC
Important and elegant double bed circa 1850.
Bed of Austrian origin, from the Empire period (late Empire circa 1850).
Made of mahogany, with inlays and carved and gilded details.
Mea...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze from the 1820s.
Located in Knivsta, SE
A very Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Richly decorated in period design.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Early French Empire Style Bronze & Crystal Chandelier, 3 Lights
Located in Miami, FL
Empire Style early round Bronze and Crystal Chandelier with 3 Light-sockets in the center.
Wired for the US and takes 3 candelabra light bulbs max. 60 watts.
In original vintage c...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
18th Century Oil Painting of Child with Tambourine Walking on a Panthera
Located in NICE, FR
The child, at the center of the composition, is dressed in an immaculate white tunic that delicately falls over their shoulders and stops just above their knees. The simplicity of th...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Vintage Ceramic Dancing Couple Sculpture (1960s/1970s) -1Y07
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your home with this captivating vintage ceramic sculpture of a dancing couple. Dating back to the 1960s/1970s, this piece exudes the charm and art...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Art Deco Double Inkwell (1920s/1930s) -1Y04
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Embrace the elegance of the Art Deco era with this exquisite vintage Art Deco double inkwell from the 1920s/1930s. This piece exudes sophistication and functionality, adding a touch ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Early 19th Century French Empire Secretary, Mahogany and Ormolu Fittings, c 1820
Located in Greven, DE
19th Century Empire Secretary
France
Mahogany
Empire around 1820
Dimensions: H x W x D: 143 x 97 x 49 cm
Description:
Very fine French writing desk with delicate dimensions and a ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Jean-Joseph Chapuis Rare Pair of Empire parcel-gilt japanned Fauteuils
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Despite his long life, very little is known about the general production of menuisier (chairmaker) Jean-Joseph Chapuis and even less about his use of bent laminates, which must be viewed as the most advanced of its kind until the appearance of Michael Thonet’s work of the 1830s.
The profound reverence for the classical world in enlightened circles in early nine-teenth-century Europe and the United States often resulted in the archaeological resurrection of the art, architecture, and design of ancient Greece and Rome. No chair employing the innovative technique of bending wood more boldly expresses this allegiance to the past than this armchair painted in le style antique and based on the ancient Roman sella curulis (folding stool); With a curved toprail decorated with putti supporting a medaillion and flanked by scrolling acanthus, the arms with ball finials, above a caned seat, on curved supports terminating in foliate gilt-metal sabots. This merger of technological innovation with fashionable aesthetics parallels the work of the American Samuel Gragg...
Category
Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bentwood
Empire Mirror In Stuccoed And Gilded Wood, Early 19th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Empire Mirror In Stuccoed And Gilded Wood, Early 19th Century
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
Empire Eclectic Set, Unique Set of 4 Armchairs Each in Different Design
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Here the set of 4 Empire armchairs.
Each armchair carries a typical motif of the empire style. Refers to the moment of re-discover of classical o...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Walnut
Elegant pair of Empire Table Lamps, originally candelabra from the 1830s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Empire Table Lamps in gilt and dark patinated metal. Originally a pair of Empire candelabra from the 1830s, converted to tablelamps in the early 20th Century.
Newly ...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Metal
Art Deco Elegance: Signed Gilly Acid-Etched Glass Bowl (1930s) -1Y09
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Step back in time and add a touch of timeless elegance to your home with this exquisite Art Deco glass bowl, signed by Gilly. Dating back to the 1930s, this piece exudes the charm an...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
Antique French Empire Style Gilt Eagle Motif & Emerald Glass Paperweight
Located in Atlanta, GA
French, early 20th century.
An antique French empire style paperweight. The paperweight features an emerald green glass base adorned with gilt bronze laurel wreaths surrounding a ce...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
A Pair of Elegant Empire Candlesticks, Gilded and Patinated Brass, 1820s France
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of exquisite Empire candlesticks which combine gilt and patinated brass. Made in 1820s France. Various intricate rose, floral and leaf patterns adorn the bases in gilt brass. ...
Category
Early 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
An Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Satinwood Buffet Cabinet
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Satinwood Buffet Cabinet.
The attractive and original Verde Antico marble top above three freize drawers. The central door with a burr-amboyna l...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Antique French Empire Mahogany Cheval Mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Envision yourself in the unrelenting elegance of Napoleon's French Empire with this stunning antique mahogany cheval mirror. Featuring a...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Charles X Empire Mahogany Dressing Table, France, Circa 1820
Located in Alexandria, VA
Dressing stands such as this were found in the boudoir or bedroom of French ladies of fashion in the early 19th Century. This Empire dressing table has a white marble top and ormolu ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
French Empire Caryatids Gilded Bronze Cut Glass 4-Light Lantern Chandelier, Pair
Located in Coimbra, PT
Beautiful pair of antique large French Empire caryatids cast bronze lanterns. Fire gilded solid heavy bronze and cut glass shade with four-light.
Measures:
Diameter 12 in/ 30 cm
H...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Glass Shoe-Shaped Decanter (Mid-20th Century) -1Y02
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Add a touch of whimsy and sophistication to your bar or dining area with this unique vintage glass shoe-shaped decanter from the mid-20th century. ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass
French Empire Style Beige Painted Trumeau Mirror with Carved Gilt Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire style beige painted trumeau mirror from the 20th century with gilded décor. This exquisite French Empire style trumeau mirror from the 20th century is a testament to ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Antique Bohemian Crystal Cornet Vase (Early 20th Century) - Etched Castle -1Y10
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Embrace the timeless elegance of Bohemian crystal with this exquisite antique cornet vase, dating back to the early 20th century. This captivating piec...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Vintage Art Deco Blotter (1920s/1930s) -1Y03
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Step back in time with this exquisite vintage Art Deco blotter from the 1920s/1930s. This piece embodies the elegance and sophistication of the Art Deco era, adding a touch of timele...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Set of 5 French Empire Mahogany Living Room Set
Located in New York, NY
Set of 5 French Empire-style (19th century) mahogany salon or living room set with bronze trim and red damask upholstery.
Measurements:
2 arms 27½" W 28" D 40½" H
2 sides 22½...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage French Napoleonic Table Lamps Tripod Base Lion Paws Empire Lamps a Pair
By Chapman Manufacturing Company, Stiffel, Frederick Cooper, Gilbert Poillerat, Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Vintage French Empire Table Lamps
Style: Vintage Antique, Empire, Napoleonic, Traditional, Classic, Baroque,
Design: Traditional Napoleonic Column lamps in the manner of Chapman, He...
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Art Deco Majesty: Vintage Ibex Bookends (1930s/1940s) -1Y08
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Step back in time and add a touch of timeless elegance to your home with this exquisite pair of Art Deco bookends featuring majestic ibexes. Dating back to the 1930s/1940s, these bookends exude the charm and artistry of a bygone era. Crafted from high-quality spelter metal and mounted on marble bases, the bookends depict two ibexes standing proudly, their horns intertwined in a graceful embrace. The intricate details and rich bronze patina capture the essence of Art Deco style, making these bookends a truly captivating piece of art for your bookshelf.
Key Features:
Vintage Art Deco bookends...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Spelter
Beautiful Pair of French Empire Gilt and Dark Patinated Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Knivsta, SE
A beautiful pair of French Empire gilt and dark patinated bronze candlesticks from the 1820s. Decorated with flower baskets and bunches of grapes and a dark patinated column.
Wear ...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Bronze
Vintage Maurin Advertising Carafe (Early 20th Century) -1Y05
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Step back in time and add a touch of French heritage to your home with this exquisite vintage Maurin advertising carafe from the early 20th century. This charming piece is a testamen...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Pulaski Empire Style Cherry Wood Large Bowed Glass Curio Display Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pulaski Empire Style Cherry Wood Large Bowed Glass Illuminated Curio Display Cabinet. Item features 2 side entry doors, carved paw feet, large impressive size, curved glass panes, li...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry
19th Century French Empire Marble Top Mahogany Bedside Table Chest of Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France, circa 1850, the elegant antique cabinet stands on front rounded columns ending with bun feet and embellished with decorative brass mounts at the shoulder and the b...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
pair of French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and Ormolu side chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality pair of French 19th century Neo-Classical/Empire st. Mahogany and Ormolu side chairs. Each wonderful chair is raised on four square curved legs all connec...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Pair 19th Century Ebonized Empire Style Black Hair Hide Armchairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th Century ebonized mahogany Empire style fauteuil with winged caryatids, newly upholstered in a deep espresso hairhide.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Vintage “Knife Wrestlers” After The Statue By Johan Peter Molin
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage “Knife Wrestlers”, After The Statue By Johan Peter Molin, Stockholm 1867
Introducing the Vintage "Knife Wrestlers" figurine, inspired by Joha...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
A 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Commode with Marble Top
Located in London, GB
France, circa 1820
A fine early nineteenth century santos mahogany Empire commode, with three graduated drawers, retaining the original handles and escutcheons, the carcass embellis...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Early Empire Tiger Oak Sideboard Server
Located in New York, NY
Dark tone Empire style oak sideboard buffet console with a pull out drawer and bottom shelf. Good condition with appropriate wear from age, with minor scratches. One available. Pleas...
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Oak
French Empire Style 19th Century Painted Four-Drawer Commode with Gilded Busts
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire style painted wood four-drawer commode from the 19th century with ebonized columns, carved giltwood female busts and tapered legs. Experience the grandeur of 19th-cen...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
EMPIRE FIREPLACE IN WHITE CARRARA MARBLE WITH BACCHANT SCENES began 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
EMPIRE FIREPLACE IN WHITE CARRARA MARBLE WITH BACCHANT SCENES began 20th Century
Empire style fireplace in high quality white marble, large pediment approximately 128cm x 30cm high ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
Antique French Empire Cast Iron & Silvered Bronze Paw Foot Andirons - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Cast Iron & Silvered Bronze Paw Foot Andirons - a Pair. Item featured has Distressed/weathered finish, ornate casting, heavy construction, very nice antique pai...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Iron
pair of French early 19th century Empire st. Mahogany benches
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality pair of French early 19th century Empire st. Mahogany benches. Each bench is raised by curved square legs and supported on paw feet connected by two turne...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Massive French Empire Gilt Bronze Figural Mounted Malachite Urn Jardinière 38"
Located in Dayton, OH
An opulent French Empire Style bronze ormolu mounted malachite urn or jardiniere. Features a rim cast with shells, foliage and bellflowers, the body centered on each side by a medall...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Bronze
Wonderful Pair French Patinated Dore Bronze Empire Neoclassical Candelabras
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of French Patinated & Dore Bronze Empire / Neoclassical Candelabras
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Empire Gueridon
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large French Empire period gueridon from the 1800’s. The original fossil black marble top has been professionally repaired. Its refined mahogany base has a simple apron above a col...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
EARLY 19th CENTURY ROUND WALNUT TABLE WITH MARBLE TOP
Located in Firenze, FI
Beautiful walnut coffee table with a refined central frame in ebonized and gilded wood. The triangular-shaped base is supported by turned and ebonized pine cones, while the band has ...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
Commode Empire, France, vers 1860.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Commode Empire, France, vers 1860.
Très bonne condition.
Dimensions : hauteur 104 cm / largeur 178 cm / profondeur 59 cm
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Empire Flame French Mahogany Credenza
Located in Countryside, IL
Empire Flame French Mahogany Credenza
This credenza measures: 97 wide x 22 deep x 37.25 inches high
About Photos: We take our photos in a controlled lig...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
2 Antique French Empire Figural Gilt Bronze Candelabras Sculpture Statues 54"
Located in Dayton, OH
Monumental pair of large figural French gilt bronze candelabras possibly executed by Pierre Philippe Thomire, circa 19th century. Each candelabra is supported by a Nike-form standing...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair French Empire Style Swan Candle Wall Sconces
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of French Empire style bronze or brass candle wall sconces with swan and serpent motif. Expertly executed with fine detailing throughout. Not electrified uses candles only.
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Vintage original IMPERO dresser, in inlaid and ebonized wood. First 1800
Located in Torino, IT
IMPERO Dresser
original vintage,
in walnut wood
inlaid and ebonized.
PERIOD
First half
of the nineteenth century
MODEL
Dresser dresser
with three drawers
MATERIALS
Walnut wood inl...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
19th Century French Hand Painted Room Divider 4 Panel Leather Screen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic leather four panel room divider hand painted and hand crafted screen from the latter part of the 19th century France. Hand painted cherubs with floral accents in outstandin...
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Modenese Gastone, Europa Antiques, Baker Furniture Company, and Gherardo Degli Albizzi. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $56 and tops out at $955,603 while the average work can sell for $4,296.
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