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 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
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
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
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
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
Vintage French Napoleonic Table Lamps Tripod Base Lion Paws Empire Lamps a Pair
By Chapman Manufacturing Company, Stiffel, Frederick Cooper, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Gilbert Poillerat
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
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
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
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
18Th. C French Empire Collection of Rare Straw Marquetry Bottles, Set of 7
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this rare and exceptional collection of seven French 18Th C. Straw Marquetry Bottles.
These were made by convicts in the 18Th century.
This is a very rare collection, you ...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Straw, Blown Glass
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
A classical wall light with an ornate design
Located in London, GB
The Empire wall light is a decorative two-branch piece from luxury British brand Beaumont & Fletcher. Its intricate design includes a hoop of richly carved leaves suspended from a ri...
Category
2010s British Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
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
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
Elegant pair of Salt Cellars in Silver from GAB. Empire style in 1909
Located in Knivsta, SE
A Elegant pair of Salt Cellars in Silver from GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget) from Sweden in Empire style dated in 1909 = G7.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
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
Beautiful pair of 1940's French Empire style sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pair of French empire style sconces, the patina is much nicer in person
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
1970′ French Guéridon in the Style of Adam Weisweiler Maison JANSEN
Located in Paris, FR
Bronze guéridon with a veined awhite marble top, is supported by three pairs of faux-bamboo ormolu legs, joined by a triangular stretcher with incurved sides
the lower spacer receive...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Antique Bronze Wall Candelabra, France, 1910
Located in Bastogne, BE
Elegant French Empire style two-arm gilt bronze sconce with two arrows on body and round backplate, early 20th Century.
The candelabra will become the highlight of your interior; they will add an atmosphere of romance and mystery.
Luxurious candlestick amaze with their exquisite decor, ornament and material, known for its durability and special charm.
The antique style will decorate the interior of a room or office even without a candle.
A candelabra, a luxurious piece of furniture that will attract the attention of all guests and will delight all your loved ones!
Use candle holders...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
19th Century Black Round Gueridon Empire Style Table, around 1870
Located in Berlin, DE
Crafted circa 1870, the 19th Century Black Round Gueridon Table epitomizes the lavish elegance of the Empire style. With its sleek black hue and graceful curves, it stands as a testa...
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Black Empire Chest of Drawers with 3 Drawers, around 1800
Located in Berlin, DE
Crafted around 1800, the Early 19th Century Black Empire Chest of Drawers with Three Drawers embodies the opulence and grandeur of the Empire style. Made with meticulous craftsmanshi...
Category
Early 1800s German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
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
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
A 19TH Century Blue Painted Commode
Located in London, GB
France, circa 1820
An early nineteenth century blue painted Empire commode with three drawers, bronze lion mask handles, all supported on simulated crocodile feet, with black marble ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Pair of Italian Empire Dining Chairs From Early 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A pair of Italian early 19th Century Empire dining chairs in solid walnut.
This Tuscan pair of chairs, with swan decoration on the back, was likely crafted in the city of Lucca. This...
Category
1820s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Swedish 19th century flame mahogany breakfront bookcase
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 19th century Scandinavian empire flame mahogany breakfront bookcase circa 1820.
Stunning bookcase of grand proportions veneered in golden flame mahogany. Bookcase comprises o...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Beautiful Sauce Boat in Silver by Johan Petter Grönvall, Sweden from 1832
By Johan Petter Grönvall 1
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful Sauce Boat in Silver made by the well-known silversmith Johan Petter Grönvall ( 1774-1843) in Stockholm, Sweden. This sauce boat was manufactured in 1832=B4 (see pictures) ...
Category
1830s Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Antique Empire Salesman Sample Chest of Drawers
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Empire mahogany and birch salesman sample chest of drawers, circa 1820. With a rectangular birch top, a protruding frieze drawer, two larger lower...
Category
1820s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
French Empire Period Chest w/Black Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire period commode, with black and brass accents, from the early 19th century. This antique chest from France features a rectangular-shaped top, with case which houses th...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Table lamp, early 20th century, Empire style, bronze and onyx
Located in Monza, IT
Table lamp, early 20th century, Empire style, bronze and onyx
Elegant table lamp made of onyx and bronze decorations, Empire style.
The object has a base so well made that it is aest...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Onyx, Bronze
Empire Mantel Clock “au Char de l’Amour”, signed Bourez à Paris, circa 1810
Located in Greding, DE
French mantel clock crafted from fire-gilt bronze, featuring a green marble plinth supported by paw feet. Atop the clock sits Cupid, depicted as a charioteer riding a two-horse chari...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Late 19th Century Porcelain Coffee Set - Paroutaud Frères La Seynie - Limoges
By Limoges
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique porcelain coffee set from the French brand Limoges (Paroutaud Frères La Seynie). Beautiful slender design in Empire st...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Antique Empire Style Black & Gold Torchere Floor Lamps
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Antique Empire Style Black & Gold Torchere Floor Lamps
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ebonized Empire Recamiere , Austria Ca. 1800's
Located in New York, NY
Fine ebonized Austrian Empire recamiere. Ebonized wood featuring elegantly curved sides and four highly detailed carved lions paw feet with giltwood accents.This fully restored large...
Category
Early 1800s Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Early 19th Century French Empire Chaise Lounge Daybed
Located in San Francisco, CA
Elegant Empire Period black lacquered walnut chaise or daybed with brass ormolu decoration. Has its original horsehair mattress.
Sturdy and sound, b...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Upholstery, Walnut
19th Century French Empire Style Circular Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th Century French Empire style circular side table, or nightstand, made of beautifully patterned veneer of mahogany on pine with a dark gray St. Anne marble top. Door with small ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Pair of Late 19th Century French Empire Cherubs Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of late 19th Century French Empire sconces with cherubs body, two lights. originally for candles, newly rewired for US
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Danish Antique Sofa, 19th century
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Absolutely stunning, this early 19th-century sofa hails from the Empire period, showcasing impeccable craftsmanship and timeless design. Built to withstand the test of time, this Dan...
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Oak, Mahogany
Empire Style Pair Of Italian Chairs "King" With "Vienna Straw"
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, as we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects.
Fascinating and ra...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Straw, Walnut
Empire Column with fire-gilt Appliqués, 2nd Half 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Fluted column in mahogany veneer, with a white marble top and fire-gilt appliqués in the fluting. The chest of drawers stands on a round, multi-profiled base over gilded paw feet. Th...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Box engraving on the lid and hand-painted floral miniature Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fine fire-enameled engraving on the lid and hand-painted floral miniature in 18th century French Empire style. Dimension...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
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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