Question 1

What period is Empire furniture?

Accepted Answer

Developed in Paris at the end of the 18th century, Empire furniture was the official style of the Napoleonic Empire. The furniture is characterized by its heavy visual weight and Greek and Roman motifs. Shop a collection of Empire furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 2

How do I identify Empire furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify French Empire furniture, look for characteristics of the period. Pieces typically have substantial, weighty silhouettes and ornate details. You will often find Greek and Roman motifs included in their designs. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of expertly vetted Empire furniture.

Question 3

What influenced French Empire style?

Accepted Answer

The Classical world is primarily what influenced French Empire furniture. Greek and Roman motifs appear on many pieces. In addition, the opulence of Egyptian furniture inspired furniture makers active during the period. On 1stDibs, shop a range of French Empire furniture.

Question 4

What is the difference between the Biedermeier and Empire styles?

Accepted Answer

The difference between the Biedermeier and Empire styles lies largely in the characteristics most commonly associated with them. Although these two furniture styles both emerged around 1815 and persisted into the 1840s, pieces associated with them have differing features. Developed in France, the Empire style emphasized ornamentation and grandeur, with furniture makers often drawing inspiration from ancient Roman forms. Dark woods were the most commonly used materials of the style. In Germany and other parts of Central Europe, artisans working in the Biedermeier style favored simplicity. They also tended to source woods locally and chose light finishes for their pieces. Explore a selection of Biedermeier and Empire furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is Rococo style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Rococo style furniture is characterized by the flowing lines, gilded detailing and unparalleled femininity of the Rococo movement that originated in France during the 1730s. This movement is synonymous with King Louis XV’s reign, which explains its opulence and level of detail. However, unlike Baroque style furniture, which lasted throughout the whole 18th century, Rococo had a lightness and whimsy to it.

Question 6

What is Tuscan style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Tuscan-style furniture is a term for case goods, seats, tables and other types of furnishings inspired by the architecture and design of Tuscany, Italy. Pieces often feature natural materials and have rustic distressed finishes. Shop a range of Tuscan-style furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is traditional furniture style?

Accepted Answer

Traditional furniture style is a term commonly used by interior designers to describe furniture with a classic look. Many traditional pieces have ornate details like turned legs and crown molding and are often made from dark woods like oak, walnut and rosewood. Designers working in the traditional style often draw inspiration from antique furniture produced during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of 18th-century furniture and other traditional furniture.

Question 8

What is Gothic-style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Gothic-style furniture is the term for furnishings produced during the Gothic period, which lasted from the mid 12th through the late 16th centuries. Like the architecture of the time, Gothic furniture typically features ornate details, such as highly detailed wood carvings. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Gothic-style furniture.

Question 9

What are some French furniture styles?

Accepted Answer

Some popular French furniture styles of the 19th century include Directoire, Empire and Restoration. The Regency style popular from 1715 to 1730 is also well known. Many styles share their names with the monarchs who ruled during the period. Examples include the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of French furniture.

Question 10

What is Baroque style furniture?

Accepted Answer

B aroque style furniture is dramatic, extravagant and detailed and was heavily influenced by the Catholic Church in Italy, where the movement was born in the late 17th century. Baroque was specifically for the wealthy and noble classes and made use of rich and lavish materials including gilded bronze, velvet and silk. Because Baroque style was very heavy and dramatic, typical Baroque color schemes were mostly jewel tones, red and gold.

Question 11

What is Biedermeier style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Biedermeier-style furniture is a type of furniture that emerged from Germany during the 19th century. The pieces were the antithesis of the opulent French designs of the time, displaying clean, simple lines and forms that emphasized functionality. Furniture in this style became popular again in the 1970s. Shop a selection of Biedermeier-style furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What is modern style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Modern style furniture has smooth shiny surfaces, straight lines, simple shapes. The general objective is a simple uncluttered look.

Question 13

What style is rattan furniture?

Accepted Answer

The style of rattan furniture varies from piece to piece. Furnishings made of rattan grew in popularity during the mid-century, but older pieces may show off characteristics of the Victorian period. In modern homes, rattan pieces often complement coastal, organic, bohemian and modern tropical interior design styles. Shop a selection of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 14

Is wicker furniture in style?

Accepted Answer

Yes, wicker furniture is in style depending on where you live. For instance, if you live on a coast, wicker furniture is quite popular. It’s considered a timeless material that’s always in style. Find a variety of wicker furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What is Japanese-style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Japanese-style furniture is furniture done in the style of traditional Japanese pieces. It often includes materials like bamboo, wood, rice straw and paper. You may also see furniture produced by Japanese designers and artisans described with the term. Find a range of Japanese-style furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 16

What is Chippendale style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Chippendale style furniture are pieces in the style of British cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale (1718–79), whose wares were usually separated into three categories: Gothic, Rococo and Chinese.

Question 17

What is the classic furniture style?

Accepted Answer

The classic furniture style draws inspiration from design styles of the past, such as neoclassical and Baroque. Also called traditional style, the classic style often features ornate details, such as button-tufted upholstery, nailhead trim and carved or turned legs. Dark woods like walnut, oak and rosewood are commonly used to produce classic furniture. Explore a wide variety of traditional furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 18

What is Jacobean style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Jacobean style furniture is a term that defines all English style furniture from the time of King James to that of King James II. Furniture in this style tends to have a certain 3D fullness and often features deeply carved wood. Embellishments include marine motifs as well as mother-of pearl.

Question 19

What is Sheraton style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Sheraton is a neoclassical style of furniture, popular in late 18th-century England, that typically mixes several types of wood in one piece. Its name was coined by 19th-century collectors and dealers to credit Thomas Sheraton, considered one of the 18th century’s big three furniture designers, alongside Thomas Chippendale and George Hepplewhite.

Question 20

What is Victorian furniture style?

Accepted Answer

Victorian furniture often features dark woods with ornate carvings, heavy luxurious fabrics and often features natural images. Painted and gilded accents add to the luxe feel. From 1830 to 1890, during the reign of Queen Victoria, this very ornate style was popular with a great mix of other styles. Shop a collection of Victorian furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Empire Style Furniture

Early 20th Century French Empire Candle Holders

Antique Empire Style Candelabra

Vintage 1960s Empire Dressers

Baker Empire Chest of Drawers

21st Century and Contemporary English Empire Chandeliers and Pendants

French Empire Style Chandelier

Vintage 1940s French Empire Table Lamps

Pair of Empire style lamps

20th Century European Empire Trumeau Mirrors

Empire Style Giltwood Looking Glass

Vintage 1970s North American American Empire Lounge Chairs

Henredon Empire Style Lounge Chair

Early 20th Century French Empire Revival Bookcases

Empire Style Mahogany Bookcase

Vintage 1960s Armchairs

Empire Style Armchair

Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Ottomans and Poufs

Antique Empire Style Ottomans

Antique 19th Century Italian Empire Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Italian Empire Style Commode

20th Century French Empire More Lighting

Pair of Empire Style Palatial Torchieres

20th Century French Empire Candelabras

Candelabra in Empire Style

Vintage 1940s Italian Empire Pedestals

Pedestal Empire Style, Italy 1940s

Vintage 1940s Empire Console Tables

Mahogany French Empire Style Sideboard

Vintage 1920s French Empire Revival Chandeliers and Pendants

Antique Chandelier, Empire Style

Antique 18th Century French Empire Tables

18th Century Consult - Empire Style Epoque Table

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Console Tables

French Empire Style Console Table

20th Century Empire Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables

Empire Style Mahogany Nesting Tables, 2

Antique Late 19th Century Empire Secretaires

Empire Style Walnut Dressing Table

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Empire Side Tables

French Empire Style Round Accent Table

Antique Early 1900s European Empire Console Tables

Antique Empire Style Console Table

Vintage 1940s Empire Table Lamps

Gold Gilt Empire Style Lamp

Antique 19th Century French Empire Bookcases

French Empire Style Mahogany Bookcase

Antique 19th Century French Empire Candle Holders

Pair of Empire style candelabra

20th Century Empire Wall Mirrors

French Empire Style Gilt Composition Mirror

Antique Early 1900s French Chandeliers and Pendants

Empire Style Chandelier

Antique 1880s French Empire Buffets

French Antique Empire Style Buffet

Antique 19th Century French Empire Inkwells

Empire Style French Bronze Inkwell

Antique Late 19th Century Empire Revival Armchairs

Pair Empire Revival Style Leather Armchairs

Late 20th Century French Empire Side Tables

Pair of Empire Style Side Tables

Antique 19th Century French Empire Gueridon

French Mahogany Empire Style Gueridon

Vintage 1920s French Empire Chairs

Pair of French Empire Style Campaign Chairs

Late 20th Century English Empire Fireplaces and Mantels

French Empire Style Limestone Fireplace

Antique 19th Century Empire Candelabras

Bronze French Empire Style Candelabrum

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Armchairs

Italian Empire Style Black Lacquered Scroll Armchair

20th Century Unknown Empire Decorative Boxes

Empire Style Ormolu Mounted Lapis Box

20th Century French Empire Table Lamps

French Empire Style Brass Table Lamp

Antique 1870s French Empire Armchairs

Pair of French Empire Style Armchairs

21st Century and Contemporary American Empire Cabinets

French Empire Style Custom Made Cabinet

20th Century French Empire Architectural Elements