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
Mid-Century Bronze Venus de Milo Paperweight -1Y41
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating mid-century bronze Venus de Milo paperweight adds a touch of elegance and timeless beauty to any desk or shelf. The intricate details of the Venus de Milo sculpture ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Late 18th/Early 19th Century Rouen Faience "Cul Noir" Platter with Basket -1Y40
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating late 18th/early 19th century Rouen faience "cul noir" platter adds a touch of rustic charm and historical elegance to any home décor. The intricate basket motif and ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Faience
Mid-Century Louis XV Style Bronze Wall Sconce with Glass Teardrops -1Y39
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating mid-century Louis XV style bronze wall sconce adds a touch of elegance and vintage charm to any home décor. The intricate details of the bronzework and the delicate ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Signed Anthropomorphic Stoneware Tea Light Holder -1Y38
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating late 19th/early 20th century gilded pewter figurine of a young gentleman adds a touch of elegance and historical charm to any home décor. The intricate details of th...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Mid-Century Signed Anthropomorphic Stoneware Tea Light Holder -1Y37
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating mid-century signed anthropomorphic stoneware tea light holder adds a touch of unique charm and vintage character to any home décor. The stylized head shape and the r...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Mid-Century Porcelain and Metal Box with Rooster Motif -1Y36
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming mid-century porcelain and silver-plated metal box adds a touch of elegance and European flair to any home décor. The intricate rooster motif adorning the lid showcases ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century German Porcelain Resting Cat Figurine -1Y35
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming mid-century German porcelain resting cat figurine adds a touch of feline charm and European flair to any home décor. The intricate details of the cat's features and the...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Mid-Century German Porcelain Sitting Dog Figurine -1Y34
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming mid-century German porcelain sitting dog figurine adds a touch of canine charm and European flair to any home décor. The intricate details of the dog's features and the...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
19th-Century Painted and Enameled Opaline Vase -1Y33
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating 19th-century painted and enameled opaline vase adds a touch of elegance and vintage charm to any home décor. The intricate floral motifs adorning the vase showcase t...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Opaline Glass
Antique Opaline Candy Dish -1Y32
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite antique opaline candy dish adds a touch of elegance and vintage charm to any home décor. The delicate milk glass construction and the timeless design of the dish make ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Opaline Glass
Mid-Century Henriot Quimper Faïence Decorative Clog-1Y31
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming mid-century Henriot Quimper faïence decorative clog adds a touch of rustic charm and Breton heritage to any home décor. The intricate hand-painted design featuring a pe...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Faience
Mid-Century Dutch Folkloric Couple Stoneware Mustard Pot -1Y30
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming mid-century Dutch folkloric couple stoneware mustard pot adds a touch of rustic charm and European flair to any dining table or kitchen décor. The intricate details of ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
20th-Century African Head Plaster Sculpture -1Y29
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating 20th-century African head plaster sculpture adds a touch of ethnic charm and artistic expression to any home décor. The intricate details and aged patina of the scul...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Plaster
Mid-Century Eastern-Style Enameled Bronze Vase -1Y28
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This decorative mid-century Eastern-style enameled bronze vase adds a touch of elegance and Eastern charm to any home décor. The intricate floral and bird motifs adorning the vase, c...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Signed Enameled Stoneware Vase -1Y27
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming mid-century signed enameled stoneware vase adds a touch of rustic elegance to any home décor. The intricate floral and botanical motifs adorning the vase showcase the a...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Mid-Century Chinese-Style Polychrome Bronze Vase Lamp -1Y26
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite mid-century Chinese-style polychrome bronze vase lamp adds a touch of elegance and Eastern charm to any home décor. The intricate floral and bird motifs adorning the v...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century German Porcelain Figurine Depicting Two Horses -1Y25
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming mid-century German porcelain figurine, featuring two graceful horses, adds a touch of rustic charm to any home décor. The intricate details and hand-painted accents sho...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Early 20th-Century Fiacre Lantern -1Y24
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming early 20th-century fiacre lantern, crafted from painted metal and glass, adds a touch of antique charm and ambiance to any home décor. The lantern's classic design, rem...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Late 19th/Early 20th Century Parisian Porcelain Match Holder with Female -1Y23
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite late 19th/early 20th century Parisian porcelain match holder, featuring a graceful young woman leaning against a hollowed-out tree trunk, adds a touch of elegance and ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Mid-Century Louis XVI Style Silver-Plated Coffee Set -1Y22
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This elegant mid-century Louis XVI style silver-plated coffee set exudes the charm and sophistication of the era. Featuring a classic design with a tray, coffee pot, sugar bowl, and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Antique Art Nouveau White Metal Chalice with Thistle Motif -1Y21
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite antique Art Nouveau white metal chalice, dating back to the early 20th century, showcases the elegance and artistry of the era. Featuring a mesmerizing thistle motif a...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Silver-Plated Caviar Bowl with Sturgeon Handles -1Y20
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This elegant mid-century silver-plated caviar bowl adds a touch of sophistication to any dining table or special occasion. Featuring graceful sturgeon-shaped handles and a timeless d...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Henri Delcourt Desvres Faience Decorative Shoe -1Y19
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming mid-century Henri Delcourt Desvres faience decorative shoe adds a touch of rustic charm to any home décor. Handcrafted from fine Desvres faience, the shoe features a vi...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Faience
Early 20th-Century German Caricature Animated Metal Sculpture "Misstrauen" -1Y18
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating early 20th-century German caricature animated metal sculpture, titled "Misstrauen" (Distrust), depicts a group of two characters and a hare. The sculpture's whimsica...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Antique French Porcelain Condiment Set with La Louvesc Peasant Motif -1Y17
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming antique French porcelain condiment set, dating back to the first half of the 20th century, features a delightful depiction of a peasant woman heading to the market. A s...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Leather Playing Card Case in Garnet Red -1Y16
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming vintage leather playing card case in a rich garnet hue is a delightful addition to any collection of antique accessories or game room essentials. Dating back to the mid...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Leather
Antique French HB Faience Decorative Plate Commemorating the Madagascar -1Y15
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite antique French HB faience decorative plate commemorates the Madagascar Campaign of the early 20th century. Handcrafted from fine earthenware, the plate features a capt...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
East Asian Style Wall Vase/Car Vase/Butterfly -1Y14
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming petite wall or car vase, made of glazed terracotta, dates from the late 19th/early 20th century. It features a motif of three enameled butterflies and stylized plant el...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
French Porcelain Sculpture/Vase: Child with Medici Vase -1Y13
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming piece is a French porcelain sculpture/vase depicting a child seated beside a Medici vase. Dating from the mid-20th century, it's marked "Porcelaine de France" and numbe...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Renaissance Style Bronze Inkwell - Early 20th Century -1Y12
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Embrace the elegance of a bygone era with this exquisite antique bronze inkwell, crafted in the refined style of the Renaissance.
Dating back to the early 20th century, this magnifi...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Empire Style Commode
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French marble top commode made of bookmatched burl mahogany and decorative Empire style ormolu. The commode’s top is a Saint Anne marble with curved front edges making for a durabl...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Large French Empire Ebony Black and Gold Carved Giltwood and Gesso Mirror
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Large scale Empire gold gilt and ebony black mirror is a large statement piece. The giltwood finish is complemented by a lovely ebony black washed gesso patina. The neoclassical embo...
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gesso, Mirror
French 19th century Empire st. patinated, Verdigris Bronze and Slate console.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Empire st. patinated, Verdigris Bronze and Slate console. This impressive six leg console is raised by three maiden caryatids with lion's paw feet in t...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Slate, Bronze
French Empire style leather top mahogany writing desk, C 1890
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Empire style leather top mahogany writing desk having bronze mounts, claw feet and resting on slabs of green marble (optional) C 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
pair of French 19th century Empire st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and high quality pair of French 19th century Empire st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu sconces. Each two arm sconce is centered by a beautiful foliate bottom finial where the...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Early 19th Century Pewter Bowl Planter With Handle, Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming Danish Pewter Bowl or Planter With Handle and Makers Mark Circa 1800. This handmade piece would look wonderful sitting on a window sill holding ...
Category
Early 1800s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Pewter
French Empire Period Tole & Bronze 6-light Globe Chandelier, early 19th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
completely original and in unrestored condition this globe chandelier is constructed entirely of heavy guage painted tole and bronze, hanging from a canopy with finely cast chain the...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Tin
19th Century French Mahogany Table Empire style with Louis Philippe four Chairs
Located in Vigonza, Padua
French mahogany dining table from the early 19th century, Empire style, with four elegant hand-carved Louis Philippe mahogany chairs of the same age, still usable. Elegant table with...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Gorgeous Pair of Empire Style Black & Gold Wall Mirrors
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful pair of Empire gold gilt and ebony black mirrors which are elegant statement pieces. The giltwood finish is complemented by a lovely ebony black washed gesso patina, and t...
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror
Mid 19th century birch root occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century birch root occasional table circa 1860.
Good quality Swedish birch root table, solid burr birch circular top, standing on shaped stem and scrolled legs.
Rich golde...
Category
1860s Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch
French 19th Century Empire Petite Walnut Commode with Marble Top
Located in Hopewell, NJ
French 19th century Empire commode having lovely bookmatched walnut and gray fossil marble top that sits over a wide drawer (all are dovetailed) hidden in the apron of the piece, ove...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique Black Forest Carved Wooden Glove Box, Late 19th/Early 20th Century -1Y01
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Antique Black Forest Glove Box
Step back in time with this exquisite antique black forest glove box from the late 19th/early 20th century. This handcrafted piece showcases the intricate carving and molding techniques typical of Black Forest craftsmanship.
Features:
Handcrafted wooden construction: Made from high-quality wood, this glove box exudes a timeless elegance.
Intricate Black Forest design: Featuring elaborate carvings and moldings, this box embodies the artistry of the Black Forest region.
Spacious interior: The box provides ample storage for your gloves, keeping them neatly organized and protected.
Plush red velvet lining: The interior is lined with luxurious red velvet, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Antiques charm: This piece carries the charm of history, adding a touch of vintage character to your décor.
Dimensions:
Length: 28.5 cm
Depth: 10 cm
Height: 7.5 cm
Weight: 0.59 kg
Condition:
This antique glove box...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French Empire Period Pastel and Gouache Painting, circa 1810 in Giltwood Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire period floral pastel and gouache painting from the early 19th century, in giltwood frame. This French painting features an exquisite depiction of a bouquet of flowers...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood, Paint
20th Century French Giltwood Trophy Mirror
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Spectacular 20th Century French gilt wood mirror in good vintage condition. It has no broken parts but might have signs of wear due to used. The glass mirror has no chips or cracks. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Basket Chandelier Brass Empire Crystal Ceiling Antique Art Nouveau
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our beautifully restored old chandelier from Berlin! This exquisite piece has been professionally refurbished with love, making it suitable for use in the US with its rew...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Vintage French Empire Sofa With Carved Swan Arms
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful painted and parcel gilt Empire sofa with medallions heads on the back, uprights modeled as swan heads in the arms, ( the swan heads are carved wood). This beautiful sofa ha...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
19th Century Italian Empire Beaded Crystal Chandelier Six Light
Located in Milan, IT
A stunning Empire Crystal chandelier of Italian origin, coming from a Tuscan private palazzo in Florence dating back to the early 19th century.
Repoussé brass, iron and crystal are...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Iron, Brass
French Empire Clock Garniture By Thomire & Cie
By Thomire & Cie.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite Empire gilt bronze and griotte marble Medici vase-shaped mantel clock with urns is attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire. The beautiful ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Griotte Marble, Brass, Bronze, Enamel
Library Cabinet, France, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Three-part library cabinet with mirrored double doors and side cabinet elements, each with a door and decorative segmental arch element. The library is divided by pilasters and decor...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Beautiful Mahogany French Empire Bronze Mounted Bergere Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Measures 37.75 tall x 27.5 wide x 25 deep and seat height is 16.5. Dates to the 1940-50s era.
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Christian Dior Red Velvet Salon Mirror, Paris, 1950s
Located in St. Catharines, ON
Classic and elegant Empire-style salon mirror by Christian Dior in Paris. Covered in rich red velvet, the front is applied with neoclassical design elements in brass including rosett...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
14 French Empire Dining Chairs. Circa 1820
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very smart set of fourteen solid and elegant dining room chairs dating from 1820' s between the Empire and the Restauration period.
Although very similar...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Early 19th Century Empire Walnut Chest of Drawers with Marble on top
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
19th Century Empire Walnut Chest of Drawers with Marble on top
France, 1810
Walnut
Antique Chest of drawers with black marble on top. Beautiful grain of walnut on front and both sid...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Sevres porcelain sauce boat - gilt, signed, dated 1820 - 19th century
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Sevres porcelain sauce boat / gravy boat enhanced with fine gold.
Sevres Manufacture marks and dates under the base (mark and gilt stamp) show our plate was manufactured and gilt in ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique French Empire Style Buffet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition
Category
1940s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
19th Century inlaid birch lyre form occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century inlaid birch lyre form occasional table circa 1890.
Elegant piece of late 19th century Swedish furniture. Overall rectangular shaped top with canted corners. Made in ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch
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
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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