Empire Bathtub

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.

Choosing the right antique or vintage building and garden elements can prove pivotal when you’re working to beautify any room in your home or just put the finishing touches on a garden or other outdoor area.

It takes time and effort to improve your outdoor space or merely to bring an air of tranquility to an indoor area set aside for private relaxation or gathering with friends. The good news is that 1stDibs can help.

To introduce a sense of timelessness to a back patio or interior common area, choose cast-stone statues or sculptural busts for a dose of drama or select ornate architectural elements such as corbels, plaques or panels made of marble or iron. Elsewhere, find a focal point in your living room and create a “feature wall” by bringing pops of color into a corner with handmade antique ceramic tiles.

It helps when design changes like these have a practical upside too.

Victorian cast-iron stair treads hearken back to a time when adding decorative details to your property was a priority. While lending an attractive appearance to an exterior staircase, these safeguards render the steps slip-resistant for those coming and going. And as one good stylistic choice usually leads to another, pairing your sophisticated treads with a coupling of 19th-century hand-forged andirons would be a thoughtful, durable touch for any courtyard or comfortable lounge space, be they intended for an indoor fireplace or a patio firepit.

Where the garden is concerned, any sophisticated garden ornaments you select should work with nature, not against it. Wrought-iron garden gates will simply refuse to be relegated to the background. Instead, they’ll draw attention to your painstakingly sculpted hedges and colorful flora. When paired with a sparse arrangement of other tasteful additions, such as a stone planter, garden stool or other welcoming pieces of outdoor seating, the effect can be transformative.

On 1stDibs, find a sprawling collection of antique garden furniture and architectural elements that meet every need. Our offerings include everything from sculptural bathroom fixtures to flooring ideas to pedestals and columns designed in a variety of styles and much more.