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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
Period: 20th Century
Drexel Heritage French Empire Style Walnut Burl Marble Top Commode Chest Dresser
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Drexel Heritage French Empire Style Commode, Console or Chest of Drawers. Features a rectangular form made from walnut with lacquered and gilt columns and a marble top. The...
Category

Late 20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Faux Malachite Empire style Centre Table
Located in London, GB
Stunning French Empire Style Center Table Faux Malachite Stunning Center Table
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Vintage Atmos Jaeger le Coultre Mantle Clock 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a very elegant Vintage Atmos perpetual mantle clock by Jaeger-Le Coultre, with a jewelled movement bearing their ref  No. 88942 and dating from Circa 1950. The clock is disp...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Ralph Lauren French Empire Carved Mahogany King Size Poster Bed
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding French Empire style king size poster bed By Ralph Lauren USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 78.5"W x 93"D x 66.5"H. Very good ori...
Category

Late 20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

45-Piece Dinner Set - Leclair Limoges - Classic Design with Gold Laurel Trims
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful porcelain dining set, made by the French brand Limoges, complete for 12 people. A classic and timeless design, with gilded edges, a laurel border, and gold accents. The s...
Category

1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage French Empire Style Birdseye Maple Ormolu Sideboard Display Cabinet 69"
Located in Dayton, OH
A beautiful French Empire style Buffet Cabinet. Made in Egypt, circa 1980s. Features a serpentine form with a marble top over an attractive birdseye maple case accented by ornate o...
Category

Late 20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

French Vintage Empire Style Crystal Basket Pendant Chandelier in Brass and Glass
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Empire style crystal basket pendant chandelier, 1970s – timeless elegance in a compact form. An elegant French vintage Empire-style crystal basket chandelier from the 1970s, ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Putti Baroque Chandelier Crystal Gold Basket Antique Brass Porcelain rose
Located in Berlin, DE
Magnificent Restored Solid Brass Chandelier with Cherub & Hand-Painted Porcelain Roses – 9 Lights A true masterpiece of classic lighting design, this opulent chandelier is crafted e...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Wire

Baker Furniture Stately Homes Collection Burl Wood and Ebonized Regency Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Empire, Regency, or Biedermeier style round pedestal breakfast table, game table, or center table From the exclusive "Stately Homes" Collection by Baker Furniture USA, C...
Category

1980s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Burl

Music Box handpainted miniature with Swiss Mechanism by Maison Reuge Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Exquisite Reuge S.A. Musical Table Box Description:Discover a stunning large rectangular table box featuring elegantly concave corners, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of th...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold Plate

Maitland Smith French Empire Style Iron Inlaid Stone Round Center Dining Table
Located in Dayton, OH
An eye catching handmade Breakfast, Centre or Foyer table by Maitland Smith, circa 1990s. Features a rounded top with inlaid and tessellated stone in the shape of shells and tulips. ...
Category

1990s Empire Furniture

Materials

Stone, Iron

Empire Double Headed Eagle Wall Mirror in Bronze, Spain 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two Headed Eagle Bronze Wall Mirror, Spain, 1930s-1940s. Spectacular bronze wall mirror with a crowned double headed eagle surrounding a shield shaped beveled glass. This stunning br...
Category

20th Century Spanish Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

English Plant Flower Pot Holder Cachepot Jardiniere Lion Head and Paw Feet
Located in New York, NY
An English copper plant or flower pot holder cachepot jardiniere with lion head and paw feet design, circa early-20th century, England. Dimensions: 8" Diameter x 6.94" Height.
Category

Early 20th Century English Empire Furniture

Materials

Copper

Wilhelm II 1901 Zwei Mark Coin – Historical German Collectible - 2Y104
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This remarkable piece of numismatic history is a Wilhelm II Zwei Mark coin from the German Empire, minted in 1901. In excellent condition, this coin is an exquisite addition to any c...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

A Pair of Empire Style Sterling Silver Three Arm Candelabras
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
A pair of Empire-style removable arms, weighted sterling silver three-arm candelabras by Gorham. Nice patina to the silver, dating to the 1930's.
Category

1930s Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage French Empire Brass Italian Black Marble Column Table Lamps (B), Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Italian Black Marble & Polished Brass Column Table Lamps With Black Textured Shades - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 27.5" H (to finial) x...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Pair Fine Brass Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Antique Empire Sac-à-Perle Chandeliers – Lovingly and Professionally Restored This stunning pair of antique chandeliers has been carefully and expertly restored in Berlin. T...
Category

1950s European Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Wire

Vintage Danish Rectangular Wood Gilt Gold Art Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive Danish gilt gold art frame found in a Paris market. Perfect piece for that special oil painting or watercolor. The frame has wonderful patina throughout and would look fan...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold

English Caviar Dish
Located in New York, NY
An English gold metal over silver plate and glass caviar covered dish with lion paw feet, in the Empire style, circa mid-20th century, England. Piece has an easy rolltop lid with cut...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Vintage West Kéramik Grand Vase with Knight Decoration – W. Germany - 2Y195
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Add a touch of vintage elegance to your collection with this grand vase from West Kéramik, featuring a charming knight decoration. Made in West Germany, this piece showcases a classi...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Dinky Toys Autocar Chausson Méccano – 15 cm Long - 2Y02
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Explore a piece of history with this vintage Dinky Toys model, featuring the classic Autocar Chausson by Méccano. Perfect for collectors and vintage toy enthusiasts, this model car showcases the timeless design and craftsmanship that Dinky Toys is renowned for. Details: Type: Vintage Model Car...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

20th Century Black Ebonized Empire Style Swan Bench
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Empire style bench featuring Neoclassical style carved swan frame newly padded and upholstered in a Chanel style chuncky tweed.
Category

20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Lovely Pair of French Style Black Lacquer Side Tables
Located in London, GB
A Striking Pair of French Style Side Tables with Black Lacquer Finish and Floral Decoration Lovely Detail Dated C20th
Category

20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Vintage Kodak Instamatic 133 Camera - 2Y218
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Capture a piece of photographic history with this vintage Kodak Instamatic 133 camera, a classic from the iconic brand that revolutionized amateur photography. This compact and light...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique French Empire Fruitwood Console Table with drawer, Early 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Antique French Empire- Biedermeier fruitwood console table with drawer and bronze details In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beaut...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Plafonnier Crystal Chandelier Brass Lustre Ceiling Antique Art Nouveau
Located in Berlin, DE
Exquisite Antique Chandelier: A restored masterpiece from the past Discover the charm of a bygone era with our carefully restored antique chandelier, a true labor of love from Berli...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Dinky Toys Peugeot 403 - Vintage Toy Car - 2Y40
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Add a touch of classic automotive history to your collection with this vintage Dinky Toys Peugeot 403. This small but charming toy car is a classic example ...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Early 20th century empire revival Swedish birch bookcase
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century empire revival Swedish birch bookcase circa 1900. Superb quality piece of Swedish made furniture with influences from Biedermeier and empire periods. Stepped top...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Furniture

Materials

Birch

Antique French Empire Solid Mahogany Ball Foot Curule Bench Seat Low Stool
Located in West Chester, PA
Wonderful antique bench with curved seat and solid mahogany curule frame on ball feet.
Category

Early 20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Empire Brass Chandelier Crystal Lustre Ceiling Light Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing an exquisite Empire Brass Chandelier, adorned with sparkling crystals, and professionally restored with love in Berlin. This timeless piece has been thoughtfully re-wired...
Category

1940s European Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Wire

119-Piece Silver Plated Flatware for 12 Persons by SFAM Model Sans-Gêne Empire
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful set of silver plated tableware from the French brand SFAM (Société Française d'Alliage de Métaux). The cutlery is beautifully decorated in Empire style. SFAM ceased to exis...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Baker Furniture French Empire Green Lacquered Nightstands, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of French Empire style nightstands or end tables By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Green lacquered cherry wood, with original brass hardware and accents. Each m...
Category

1960s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Empire Style Ebonized Cocktail Table with Marble Top
Located in Houston, TX
Early 20th Century rectangular cocktail table executed in the Empire style. The ebonized wood base is fitted with applied bronze ormolu mounts with shaped supports joined by a lower ...
Category

20th Century Italian Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Vintage French Empire Brass Tole Metal Candlestick Bouillotte Desk Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Brass Tole Metal Twin Candlestick Bouillotte Desk Table Lamp with White Painted Metal Adjustable Oval Shade. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 26" H ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Classic Pair of Bouillotte Vintage Finely Cast Brass Lamps
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Pair of stunning bouillotte style brass table lamps having 3 arms finely cast from the 1940s with painted green and gold tole shades. Base 9” round Adjustable shade
Category

1940s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair 1930’s Empire Cut Crystal Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of very nice cut crystal table lamps with bronze fittings, French Empire style. newly UL rewired
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Baker Furniture French Empire Cherry Wood and Parcel Ebonized Sideboard Credenza
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Empire or Neoclassical style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Baker Furniture USA, circa 1980s Carved cherry wood, with ebonized columns and feet, an...
Category

1980s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Small Round Vintage Baker Pedestal Table In Gold Trompe L oeil
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This rare Baker round gold pedestal end table features Napoleon style bronze hardware throughout. This accent table would be great next to a chair in any...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair French Empire Caryatids Gilded Bronze Cut Glass 4-Light Lantern Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
Beautiful pair of antique large French Empire caryatids cast bronze lanterns. Fire gilded solid heavy bronze and cut glass shade with four-light. Dimensions : Diameter 12 in/ 30 cm ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

China Dinner Service for 6 by Richard Ginori Black Onice Rim, Gold Trim Verge
Located in Roma, IT
A Tableware set in very fine porcelain made in Italy between the 60s and 70s by the Doccia factory "Richard Ginori". Richard Ginori is an historic Italian ceramic's factory founded in Tuscany, in Sesto Fiorentino, near Florence, of which Gio Ponti was creative director for 10 years. This dinnerware is part of a Manufacture collection inspired by the elegant lines of the Empire style and which was out of stock for a long time. Now, the new ownership of the brand, recently purchased by the Gucci Group, has included the Contessa collection back in the range but without the subtle tone-on-tone trim that embellished the gold encrusted rim. We could say that this vintage dinner service...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Kindel Furniture Empire Carved Mahogany and Gold Gilt Console Tables, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding pair of Empire, Neoclassical, or Regency style console tables, sofa tables, or entry tables By Kindel Furniture, "National Trust" Collection USA, Circa 1980s Carved...
Category

1980s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany, Giltwood, Lacquer

Pair of Empire Style Mahogany Wood Nightstands, 1930s
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful pair of 1930s empire style mahogany nightstands. They are shaped like a half moon and two legs give elegance and typical style of their time. They also have a central dra...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Large Empire Style Alabaster and Bronze Sixteen-Light Chandelier, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Large Empire-style alabaster and bronze chandelier, Germany, ca. 1920. An impressive sixteen-light alabaster and bronze chandelier. The extra large, exceptional, and masterfully carv...
Category

1920s German Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Alabaster, Bronze

Empire Style Burlwood Desk
Located in Houston, TX
Mid 20th century Empire style leather top desk constructed with hardwood and burl wood veneers featuring ormolu, three drawers and stretcher.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Elegant vintage classical Empire inspired marble top table by Maitland Smith
Located in Allentown, PA
This is an elegant empire inspired marble topped side table by Maitland Smith. This Empire inspired table has a hand forged wrought iron base with three decorative brass wings. This ...
Category

1990s Philippine Empire Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pocket Cigarette Case Vessel Miniature Hand-Painted Sterling Silver Enamel Salim
Located in Firenze, FI
6238-7239- Pocket cigarette case with spring button in 925/1000 fire-enamelled sterling silver with beautiful vessel miniature hand-painted by th...
Category

1990s Italian Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver, Enamel

French Early 20th Century Empire Brass and Bronze Table Lamp and Shade
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An early 20th-century French Empire-style brazier, which was used as a portable heater burning hot coals or other fuel for interior warmth. This example was converted to a table lamp...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass, Bronze

Sherle Wagner Empire Gold Bathroom Faucet Set Mounted on Travertine Stone Top
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Sherle Wagner International is still manufactured in their Massachusetts factory staffed by highly skilled artisans dedicated to preserving old world craftsmanship. Sherle Wagner has been producing the highest quality bathroom sinks and lever sets for 80-years. We are offering another example of one of their classic designs, the Empire Onyx Lever set complimented by a Gold Glazed Scalloped Ceramic Over Edge Sink, mounted on a Stone travertine Vanity top. Vitreous China, Integral overflow drain, 1-3/4˝ discharge drain, 6˝ water depth. Onyx Bathroom Sink Handles with Ribbon and Reed Spout model number 818. Nothing makes a statement quite like a powder room adorned with a Sherle Wagner Sink...
Category

1970s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Onyx, Travertine, Gold, Gold Plate

Camille Le Tallec Gilded Porcelain Tureen Empire-Style Set
Located in Roma, IT
Camille Le Tallec Gilded Porcelain Tureen Empire-Style Set Spectacular set of ornately gilt service plates hand-painted by Le Tallec of France Important and magnificent Empire-styl...
Category

1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Empire Style Gilded Tole Toleware Mirror Vintage, Italy, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning Empire style toleware mirror. The gilded resin or plastic frame surrounds a glass mirror. Made in Italy, circa 1950s. Beautiful mirror for any room or your hall entry. Nice ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Resin

French Limoges Porcelain Gilded Baluster Vase
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A large pedestal baluster-shaped vase in hand-painted Limoges porcelain, and dating from the mid-20th century. Featuring an exquisite decoration of spring flowers in vibrant polychro...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

20th Century Gilded Brass and Glass Flowers Chandelier, 1970s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Rare and beautiful 20th century gilted brass and glass flowers chandelier from the 1970s. At the center of the chandelier you will find a brass ball that have a light at the extre...
Category

1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Metal

Italian Green Marble Lidded Bonbonnière with Brass Mounts, Early 20th Century
Located in Hamburg, DE
This exquisite lidded bonbonnière was crafted in Italy during the first half of the 20th century and showcases the elegance of fine materials and skilled craftsmanship. Made from a f...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Alabaster, Brass

Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Sofa
Located in Trenton, NJ
nfuse your home with timeless sophistication with this Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Sofa. Its ebonized wood frame features exquisite carvings that highlight the skill and craftsmanship...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Sofa
Antique Duncan Phyfe Style Sofa
$900 Sale Price
50% Off
French Empire Style Mahogany Commode with Marble Top
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a very mellow, stylish mahogany French Empire chest of drawers with a light gray marble top with straight edge over frieze drawer and three long, graduated drawers flanked by...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Early 20th Century Large Russian Imperial Brass Samovar Set
Located in Germantown, MD
A gorgeous, early 20th century large Russian imperial brass samovar set. Tray and bowl included. Measures 16" in width, 16" in depth and stands 22.5" tall.
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Late 20th Century Bouillotte Table Lamp – Neoclassical Style – Gilt Bronze
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An elegant late 20th century table lamp in neoclassical bouillotte style, made of high-quality gilt bronze with refined detailing and a beautifully polished finish. The craftsmanship...
Category

1990s French Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass, Bronze

Impressive Pair of Empire Black Leather Gilded Club Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Impressive pair of Empire style black and gilded wood club chairs having black leather upholstery, curved backs and arms in the form of swans resting on saber shaped legs. The backs...
Category

1990s American Empire Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Set of 11 Heinrich H&Co Selb Bavaria Gold Encrusted Porcelain Dinner Plates
Located in Germantown, MD
An exceptional set of 11 Heinrich Selb porcelain and gold encrusted dinner plates in white body in good antique condition.Listed price is ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold

Solid Brass and Glass Lantern or Pendant Lamp
Located in Verviers, BE
Beautiful solid brass lantern or pendant lamp made in the style of the Italian designer Gaetano Sciolari, circa 1960-1970, Rome, Italy. The fabulous of vintage light takes three E14 ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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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