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
Porcelaine de Paris -Gilt Ajour Centerpiece Coupe
Located in DELFT, NL
Gilt Porcelaine de Paris Openwork Coupe Centerpiece to be placed centrally on the table, for fruit or flowers.
Empire period, French, 19th century center basket with reticulated rim,...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Henredon French Empire Burl Wood Twelve Drawer Dresser
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Empire or Louis Philippe style twelve-drawer dresser or chest of drawers
By Henredon, "Charles X" Collection
USA, Late 20th Century
Beautiful burl wood, with ori...
Category
1980s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
English Crown Derby Porcelain Potpourri Vessel, early 19th century
Located in New York, NY
An English porcelain potpourri vessel with gold gilt god-like heads and lion paw feet, Empire design, by Crown Derby, circa early-19th century, England. Red makers' mark date range c...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Fine Bronze Mounted Empire Beds
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An outstanding pair of period Empire bronze-mounted beds in overall very good condition. The figural end column forms feature well cast busts and feet, and there are wreaths, Angels,...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
A Pair of Empire Style French Bronze Gueridons with Black Marble Tops
Located in London, GB
France, 20th century
A pair of mid twentieth century Empire style circular gueridon, the black marble tops with polished brass rims, all supported on tripod bronze bases with cross...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Brass, Bronze
Set of 4 early 19th Swedish mahogany empire dining chairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Set of 4 early 19th Swedish mahogany empire dining chairs circa 1820.
Good quality set of Karl Johan period Swedish dining chairs. Shaped roundel backs adorned with decorative bra...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Beautiful pair of Empire Table Lamps, originally candlesticks from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful pair of Empire Table Lamps in gilt Bronze. Originally a pair of Empire candlesticks from the 1820s, converted to table lamps in th...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Empire “Kissing Settee” with Privacy Screens
Located in Milford, NH
A wonderful French Empire walnut “kissing settee” with carved swan arms, crests, and corners, privacy screens which raise up on each side, adorned with striped satin upholstery and s...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
French Empire Marble Bronze Statue Ormulu Black Mantel
Located in New York, NY
French Empire style ornate white marble mantel with black figural statues positioned on each side and bronze ormulu details. This was acquired from an estate located in Greenwich, Co...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Empire Psyche, France around 1810
Located in Greding, DE
Large standing mirror with rotating mirror in an arched frame. The mirror is held by lateral columns which end in fire-gilded bronze urns. The bases are also fire-gilt. The psyche st...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Eighteen Light Bronze Empire Chandelier.
Located in Fairfax, VA
French large bronze eighteen light chandelier with black lacquered center part.
Professionally rewired and ready for installation.
Height can be adjusted by removing some of the chain.
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Elegant pair of French turn of the century woos sconces ( Empire style )
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant pair of French wood sconces, Empire style, the patina is much nicer in person
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique French Empire Swan Faucet, Circa 1820
Located in Dallas, TX
A unique French faucet tap dating to circa 1820, this highly detailed spout has the appearance of a swan with a craned neck. Swan motifs were sometimes see...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
19th Century French Empire Basket Style Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant 19th century French Empire style basket chandelier. Featuring a decorative bronze base, chain and canopy an...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pr of Reduced French Empire Yew Wood Banquette Tables Designed by Jacob Freres
By Jacob Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Age: 1800 - 1850
Furniture Style: French Empire (Napoleon) (1805 - 1815)
Overall Dimensions: Width - 60" Depth - 18" Height -18"
Pair of French Empire Yew Wood Banquette Tables...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Yew
Antique American Empire Carved Mahogany Bookcase in the Manner of R.J. Horner
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful antique American Empire or Victorian glass front bookcase with carved columns and lion paw feet
In the manner of R.J. Horner
USA, C...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Antique French Empire Style Marquetry Inlay Chest Commode
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Empire Style Marquetry Inlay Commode Chest of Drawers
Gorgeous French Empire style commode/chest of drawers featuring intricate inlaid marquetry with a finely detaile...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Transforming Table by Martin-Guillaume Biennais, Consulat Period, France circa 1
By Martin Guillaume Biennais
Located in New York, NY
Transformation table, on high square pointed legs with brass sabots and curved table top including intermediate shelf with gilded gallery rail. The middle part of the table top can b...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Orologio a Vaso Francia Primo Quarto XIX Secolo
Located in Milano, IT
Orologio a vaso in bronzo dorato poggiante su un plinto ornato con motivi a foglie susseguenti poggiante su quattro piedini a sfera. Il corpo dalla caratteristica forma a vaso biansa...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Style Bronze Travel Clock, late 19th Century or Early 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Empire style bronze travel clock, late 19th century or early 20th century.
Empire style bronze travel clock with double patina, late 19th or early 20th century, (movement to be revi...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair French Empire Style Gilt Metal Sconces with Sunburst Motif
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique gilt metal sconces in the French Empire style with sunburst motif, candelabra size sockets and white candle covers, modern wi...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Empire Style Bronze Ewers, Late 19th or Early 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An important pair of Empire style bronze ewers, late 19th or early 20th century.
A pair of Empire style patinated bronze ewers with marble base, late 19th or early 20th century.
H: ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Empire Bouillotte Lamp
Located in New Haven, CT
This fine French Bouillotte lamp has the highest quality ormolu and an original tôle shade held by swans.
The base, which would hold the Bouillotte game pieces is cutout in Athenian...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century Jewelry Box in Leather with Diamond Pattern
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Rectangular Leather Jewelry Box on small brass balls with diamond pattern.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Tavolino marmo bianco intarsiato e base in ferro battuto fatto a mano in Italia
Located in Rimini, IT
Tavolino da salotto realizzato con la tecnica decorativa dell' intarsio in scagliola su piano in marmo bianco Carrara, che appoggia su di un basamento in ferro battuto decorato in fo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Wrought Iron
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
1970s European Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass, Wire
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
19th Century Empire Brass and Giltwood Lamp
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Single lamp, nice elegant lines. Made in the 19th Century.
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Italy 1970 Post-Modern Pair Brass and Porcelain Wall Lights
Located in Brescia, IT
This pair of elegant and glamorous two lights wall light in Pink Lilac color, it is part of the latest pieces manufactured in Italy during the 1970’ and left in the warehouse of the ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Gilded Crystal 18 Light French Empire Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Antique French Empire style gilded bronze chandelier with 18 lights. This has been newly restored and rewired and is ready to ship. This was retrieved from an estate located in Green...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Beautiful Antique Old Paris Porcelain Coffee Tea service 1860-1880
Located in BAAMBRUGGE, NL
Beautiful antique hand painted Old Paris porcelain Coffee tea service from 1860-1880
Handpainted with flowers and finessed with gold deco...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
French Napoleon III silver jug or decanter
By Baccarat
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
French Napoleon III silver jug or decanter
Napoleon III style French silver and glass jug
Circa 1930 Origin France
Excellent quality cut crystal, could be baccarat
The silver part ha...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Silver
Fine Antique Empire / Regency Carved Ebonised Double Ended Couch
By Druce & Co.
Located in Sittingbourne, GB
Step into the captivating and opulent world of the Regency/Empire period with this exquisite double end sofa, a harmonious blend of exquisite craftsm...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Ebony
Walnut Round Leather Top Polychromed Center Table in the Classical Form
Located in Milford, NH
A nice example of a walnut polychromed round center table with leather top in a craquelure finish with beaded edge in the classical form, with center round pedestal supported by thre...
Category
20th Century English Empire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Antique French Empire Mahogany Gilt-Bronze Mounted Marble-Top Abattant Secretary
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Imported French Empire Flame Mahogany Gilt-Bronze Mounted Marble-Top Abattant Secretary Desk
This 19th-century French Empire-style secretary d...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Elegant pair of French Empire style sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pair of 1940's French empire style sconces, the patina is much nicer in person
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 19th-Century French Bronzed Urns with Gold-Plated Garland Decoration
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step into the world of classical elegance with our exquisite pair of early 19th-century French urns, true masterpieces of craftsmanship and historical beauty. These antique cassolett...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
A Very Fine Gilt & Patinated Bronze Centerpiece in the Empire style.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine Gilt & Patinated Bronze Centerpiece in the Empire style.
France, circa 1890.
Width 15 1/2" Height 18" Depth 5 1/2"
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mahogany Empire Chest Of Drawers, Stamped Jacob Frères Rue Meslée, Paris c. 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Empire chest of drawers stamped Jacob Frères Rue Meslée
Paris
Mahogany
around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 92 x 131 x 63 cm
Description:
Four carved, bronze-patinated paw feet supp...
Category
1790s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Empire-Style Marble and Ormolu Vases by Raingo
Located in London, GB
Pair of Empire-style marble and ormolu vases by Raingo
French, Late 19th Century
Height 37cm, width 22cm, depth 18cm
This superb pair of vases combines stunning veined grey marble...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Mobiletti impero francesi in Mogano con fregi in bronzo e piano in un bel marmo
Located in Cesena, FC
Coppia di mobiletti impero (1850 circa).
Mobiletti impero francesi, in Mogano con fregi in bronzo, con colonna intera e piano in un bel marmo grigio, sportelli con ripiani interni.
...
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Ancient Empire Period Bed, Large and Completely Original
Located in Cesena, FC
Antique Empire Bed, Large and Original
This large and original antique Empire bed dates back to the early 1800s. It is an important Empire bed that has never been restored and is com...
Category
1810s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Maitland Smith French Empire Figural Phoenix Bouillotte Candlestick Table Lamp
Located in Dayton, OH
Monumental late 20th century Maitland Smith Empire style Bouillote / Budoir lamp. Made from brass with a pierced and paw footed base over an acanthus wrapped column leading to a figural winged Phoenix / Griffon candlestick...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire Gueridon, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Three-legged table on casters with carved eagle heads and hooves as well as amphora decoration on the trefoil strutting. This, like the frame, is inlaid with brass threads. A low gal...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique American Empire Carved Mahogany Eagle Cornucopia Settee Loveseat Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Carved Mahogany Eagle Cornucopia Settee Loveseat Sofa. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 40.5" H x 67" W x 27" D x 19" Seat height x 33" Arm height.
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early 20th century 13 piece mahogany salon suite
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century 13 piece mahogany salon suite circa 1920
Very much in the empire taste.
Furniture could work split, such as the dining chairs and armchairs providing seating for...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
19th C. American Empire Carved Winged Paw Foot Mahogany Large Box Stool Ottoman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
19th C. American Empire Carved Winged Paw Foot Mahogany Large Box Stool Ottoman. Item featured is a very rare model, shapely raised box form, beautiful crotch mahogany veneer, black ...
Category
Early 1800s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Italy Post-Modern Sky Blue Porcelain Brass Chandelier 9 Lights
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant and glamorous 9 lights Chandelier in sky-blue color, is one of the latest pieces manufactured by a well known Italian factory during the 1970’ and then left in stock un...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Cast Iron French Empire Style Lion Head Outdoor Garden Wall Water Fountain White
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cast Iron French Empire Style Lion Head Outdoor Garden Wall Water Fountain (Black). Item features heavy cast iron construction, desirable weathered patina, approx. 40 lbs each. Does ...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Iron
Noir Empire Style Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
A timeless marvel. Crafted from wood with a Powder Black and Gold Finish, this 48"w x 21"d x 39"h piece exudes traditional charm. Its classic silhouette and the opulent blend of hues...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th century French empire mahogany armchair
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century french empire revival mahogany armchair, circa 1860.
Single french armchair made in mahogany. Shaped back linking to the padded armrests and scrolled arms. Front scroll...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
French Empire Painted Meridienne Daybed 18Th. C.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Empire Period Mahogany Painted Meridienne, Daybed, late 18Th C.
This Meridienne can float in a room as the back is also upholstered or be against the wall.
This fabulous larg...
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Mahogany, Mahogany Feather and Oak Antique French Empire Bed, 1830
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Antique French bed from the first half of the 19th century. Empire furniture with full column carved and veneered in mahogany, mahogany feather and oak of excellent quality. Single and a half bed...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Italian-Lombardy Empire Walnut Golden Bronzes Chest of Drawers
Located in IT
Three drawers, golden bronze handles, walnut wood, elegant shapes and line make this chest of drawers an interesting piece able to be used in different kind of interior decoration pr...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Danish Louis Philippe Empire Style Mahogany Secretary Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Danish Louis Philippe Empire Style Mahogany Secretary Desk
This exquisite 19th-century secretary desk beautifully combines the influence of the Louis Philippe and Danish Emp...
Category
Late 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair of French Empire Style Onyx and Gilded Bronze Tazzas
Located in Newport Beach, CA
An elegant pair of hand carved and polished onyx tazzas in the Empire style with gilded bronze mounts.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Onyx, Bronze
French Empire Style Enfilade
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Early 20th Century French Empire style bleached walnut enfilade with a marble top. 1920
Reference: 8331
Dimensions
87 inches (221 cms) Wide
22.5 inches (57 cms) Deep
36.5 inches (9...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Italian Empire Style Commode
Located in Houston, TX
1900s Italian Empire mahogany chest of drawers with gilt bronze ormolu, keys and black marble top.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
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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