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Empire Lighting

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
Italian Empire White Murano Opaline Beads Blue Beaded Tole Chandelier, c 1920
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 6 lights, sitting in white opaline bobéches. Will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang at ou...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Murano Glass

Large Schoenbeck crystal chandelier empire style
Located in Houston, TX
The brilliance of the crystal makes this piece especially Beautiful with forty one interior lights that reflect a Colorful glow. It cascades from a crown at the upper Structure and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Antique French Empire Converted Cobalt Blue Glass Brass Oil Lamp Urn 29"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique French Empire Sevres style oil lamp converted to electric - deep cobalt blue glass vase / trophy / mantel urn shaped with brass base, pierced top, and handles decorated with ...
Category

Early 20th Century Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

Wonderful French Empire Regency Dore Bronze Neoclassical Candlestick Pair Lamps
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French empire gilt doré bronze neoclassical candlestick pair of lamp, rewired and ready to enjoy.
Category

20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Empire Style Sconces Wall Lights, Germany, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Add a touch of opulence to your home with this charming pair of sconces. Perfect to enhance any chic or eclectic home. We'd love to see it hanging in an entryway as a charming welcom...
Category

1960s German Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Metal

French 19th Century Empire St. Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality French 19th century Empire st. patinated bronze and ormolu chandelier. The three arm chandelier is centered by a beautiful richly chased bottom acorn fini...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Empire Style Bronze, Brass and Cut Crystal chandelier, France ca. 1950
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Beautiful Chandelier depicting what appears to be a glass waterfall coming out of a "jeweled" crown manufactured in bronze and cut crystal pearls and lancets. The wires have been re...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Empire Style Brass and Painted Brass Light Fixture, American Mid 20th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very stylish Empire / Hollywood Regency style brass light fixture. All brass with satin black painted detail. Excellent high quality fixture, completely reconditioned and re-wired ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

French Empire Style Crystal and Brass Sconce Wall Light, 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
This adorable Empire-style sconce features a brass frame draped with crystal glass beading on the top level and three tiers of crystal glass pendants on the bottom. Two interior ligh...
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Brass

Art Deco Style Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chrome
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Deco Crystal Chandelier - Empire Elegance in Customizable Sizes Introducing a new Art Deco crystal style chandelier that captures the grandeur of the Empire era while offering m...
Category

2010s German Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Beautiful Czechoslovakian Crystal Beaded Empire Dome Chandelier circa 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing one light, will be rewired and ready to hang. We use certified UL US sockets and appropriate sockets for all other countries. Strands and strands of crystal beads from tiny t...
Category

Early 1900s Czech Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Empire style black enamel and gilt brass chandelier
Located in Houston, TX
This unique fixture is made in a classic empire style It hangs from a crown in black with gilt enhancements The gilt chain is decorative and can be adjusted by Eliminating some lin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

1940s Italian Completely Beaded Basket Cobalt Blue Accents Chandelier, C 1920
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 5 lights in beaded cups. This elegant chandelier is completely beaded with a beaded lace bottom. Adorning rare cobalt blue crystal prisms and cobalt blue beads...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Pair of Vintage Lamps in Empire Style with Crystals, Italy, 1970s
Located in Cantù, IT
Fine pair of Empire-style table lamps, dating from the mid-20th century. Unique decorative objects, full of charm and perfect for classic or eclectic settings. Details and materials...
Category

20th Century Italian Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

19th Century Swedish Empire Pendant
Located in Allerum, SE
Early 19th century Swedish Empire gilded bronze and patinated iron pendant with three candles resting on Eagle heads. ca 1810 - 1820, Stockholm, Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Pair Chandelier Crystal Montgolfièr Empire Sac a Pearl Lustre Lighting Set
Located in Berlin, DE
A Piece of History Recreated – Timeless Beauty, Faithfully Reborn Every now and then, you come across a piece that leaves a lasting impression. For me, it was this chandelier a stu...
Category

2010s European Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Art Deco Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chrome
Located in Berlin, DE
New Art Deco Crystal Style Chandelier: Custom Empire Elegance Introducing our latest addition, the Art Deco crystal style chandelier, a captivating fusion of Empire opulence and the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Wire

1920 French Empire Small Chandelier with Swam Heads 6 Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1920’s French Empire style small chandelier with swam’s heads. Original unique chains. 6 lights. Green body color
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

1930 French Empire Bronze Sconces 1 Light 14”
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 1930’s French empire style gilt bronze sconces with swan’s heads, one light
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chateau Lustre Silver
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a captivating blend of Art Deco charm and Empire sophistication, our lead crystal chandelier is a testament to opulence and craftsmanship. Crafted in-house, we offer the flexibility of both smaller and larger sizes, ensuring the perfect fit for your space. Our team can even facilitate on-site installation, ensuring a seamless experience for you. Key Features: - Measures: Diameter 100 cm, Height 150 cm - Accommodates 34 x E14 bulbs This chandelier is an embodiment of refined style, fusing the allure of Art Deco aesthetics with the grandeur of Empire design. Crafted from premium lead crystal, it radiates luxury and timeless beauty. Its measurements, with a diameter of 100 cm and a height of 150 cm, ensure a commanding presence that captures attention and admiration. With 34 E14 bulb sockets, it bathes your surroundings in a luminous glow, creating an ambiance that's both inviting and sophisticated. Whether for an intimate setting or a grand hall, this chandelier offers a touch of regal elegance that complements various spaces. Its exquisite construction and lead crystal elements evoke a sense of luxury and refinement. With a commitment to exceptional quality, we offer various sizing options to suit your needs. Our experienced team can even facilitate on-site installation, ensuring the chandelier becomes an integral part of your space seamlessly. Experience the allure of the Art Deco era with this crystal chandelier that exudes timeless beauty and sophistication. Its Empire sac...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Wire

Empire Style Bronze Chandelier with 3 Lights Topped with Eagles Heads
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and decorative Empire style chandelier is made of bronze with 3 lights topped with eagles heads. This is a French work, finely chiseled. Circa 1900
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Swedish Empire Style Cut-Crystal Tent and Basket Chandelier
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Swedish Empire style gilt-bronze and cut-crystal tent and basket chandelier. Swedish, Circa 1825.  
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

French Empire Silver Plate Table Lamp
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style (20th Century) silver plate 3 arm bouillotte table lamp with horn motif and green tole shade.
Category

20th Century Empire Lighting

Materials

Silver Plate, Tôle

Vintage 3 Arm Brass Tole Bouillotte Lamp
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique French Napoleonic tole lamp has gold toned brass base and arms. Arms have ornate s curve structures. Each arm has candlestick style bulb socket at ends. Top of lamp has eagle...
Category

20th Century Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

1900 s French Empire Style Small Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1900' s French Empire style small sconces with two lights
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Empire Style Ram s Head Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Six-arm Empire style ram's head chandelier. Solid brass and cast bronze and heavy. Has great patina. In working condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Pair of Empire style wall lamps, possibly gilded bronze
Located in Lugo, IT
Pair of Empire-style wall lamps, probably gilded bronze. Good condition. Thank you.
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Empire Revival Gilt-Bronze and Cut-Glass Pendant Chandelier, circa 1910
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Empire Revival gilt-bronze and cut-glass pendant chandelier. French, circa 1910. Of globular form this fine chandelier has a central gilt-bronze band cast with vases issuin...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Louis XVI Regency Empire Crystal and Bronze Twelve-Light Wedding Cake Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
Stunning large French Empire cut crystal and bronze twelve-light chandelier with crystal drops and swags Measures: Diameter 26 in/ 66 cm Height 40 in / 100 cm Weight 34 lb/16 Kg Twel...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

English Porcelain Mini Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming accent piece that embodies timeless elegance, this vintage porcelain table lamp features a delicate hand-painted floral motif in soft pinks and greens on a glossy white ba...
Category

1940s English Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Porcelain, Linen, Lucite

Large 19th century French empire bronze ormolu table lamp
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Tall 19th century french empire bronze ormolu lamp, circa 1860. Here we have a lamp of the finest quality, previously would have been a gas lamp but converted to electricity in the ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Spelter Table Lamp In Empire Style. French C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful spelter table lamp Amazing old bronze patina The lamp has been re-wired. Shade included The measurement relates to the lamp base not including shade Free UK shipping ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Spelter

French Oil Opaline and Brass Table Lamp
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

Large and elegant Table Lamp in Empire style - Early 20th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Large, beautiful table lamp of gilded and dark patinated bronze, in classic Empire style from the early 20th century. The lamp with a black lacquer shade with gold on the inside give...
Category

Early 20th Century European Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

1920s Silver Plated Empire Column Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1920’s Silver plated empire style column table lamps
Category

1920s Unknown Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Silver Plate

Italian Empire Blue Glass Beads Crystal Prisms Tole Chandelier, c 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 6 lights. Will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang. Metal body with swags of rare blue glass...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Pair of Empire Wall Sconces in Bronze with Swan Goose Motif Arms, Italy, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Pair of nice Sconces. Each fixture requires two European E14 candelabras bulbs, each bulb up to 40 watts. The wall lights have a beautiful patina and gives each room an eclectic stat...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Vintage French Empire Brass Metal "Smoky" Celluloid Column Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare Vintage French Empire Style Brass Metal "Smoky" Celluloid Column Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 35" H (to finial) x 25" H (to light socket) x 5" W...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

Italian Empire Vase Applique in Gilded Carved Wood Circa 1780
Located in Milano, MI
Gilded Empire Applique Lamp Late 1700s obtained from a carved wooden palm vase gilded in fine gold, converted into a wall sconce for use as a wall lamp. In the back of this lamp one ...
Category

18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Gold Leaf

Pair of French Brass and Crystal Sconces in the Manner of Maison Jansen
Located in Chicago, IL
These Empire-style sconces showcase a signature element of Maison Jansen lighting: pierced brass encrusted with beaded crystals. This intricate combination of brass and encrusted crystal beads creates a stunning visual effect resembling a glistening, flowing fountain of light. This meticulous craftsmanship embodies the elegance and sophisticated artistry for which Maison Jansen is famous. Maison Jansen of Paris, a renowned interior design firm...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

20th Century Black French Pair of Large Marble, Gilded Bronze Table Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, vintage French pair of large table lamps made of hand crafted marble with a new round shade, in good condition. They are composed with its original switch, particularized by...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Maison Jansen Attr. Empire Style Marble Lamps, Pr.
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Austrian Brass Mounted Columnar Black Marble Lamps, each with tole peinte shade and stepped marble base mounted on faux marble wood base, struck "Austria" to finials. Overall...
Category

20th Century Austrian Empire Lighting

Materials

Marble, Brass

Elegant pair of Empire Table Lamps, originally candlesticks from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Empire Table Lamps in silver-plated bronze. Originally a pair of Empire candlesticks from the 1820s, converted to table lamps in ...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

A Unique Large Antique French Empire Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A unique, large antique French Empire neoclassical gilt bronze chandelier. The chandelier is composed entirely of gilt bronze and is suspended from a circular ceiling canopy with ap...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Early 19th Century French Empire Period Giltwood Candlesticks or Prickets
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This pair of giltwood French Empire period prickets or candlesticks was originally used on the altar of a church. They were hand-carved and exquisitely gilded on only one side as a m...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Giltwood

French Empire Bronze and Crystal Bowl Chandelier
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (late 19th Century) gilt bronze chandelier with a cut crystal bowl supporting a ring of 8 scroll arms suspended by 3 chains to a canopy with a flame final bottom.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Vintage Corton Clarinet Lamp
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A vintage Corton clarinet made in Czechoslovakia (found in France), upcycled into a fabulous table lamp mounted on a beautiful onyx base with a vintage black silk shade. The clarinet shows signs of being a much loved and used musical instrument...
Category

20th Century Czech Empire Lighting

Materials

Onyx, Metal

Empire Style Bronze Ram s Head Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Six-arm Empire style ram's head chandelier. Solid brass and bronze, nice and heavy. Has great patina. In good working condition. Original ceiling cap ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Brass

French Empire-Style Bronze Column Table Lamp with Gilt Detailing, Circa 1840
Located in Atlanta, GA
This French Empire-style table lamp began its life circa 1840 as a finely cast bronze column, likely part of a decorative candlestick, architectural mount, or garniture element. Now ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Wonderful French Empire Regency Louis XVI Ormolu Patinated Bronze Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French Empire / Regency Louis XVI Style Ormolu & Black Patinated Bronze 5 Candelabra Light Chandelier
Category

20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

Antique Empire Painted Globe Table Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
An antique Empire style brass lamp with a hand painted glass globe. A slender central column topped with an urn finial has two sockets that light with brass chain pulls. A blush and ...
Category

Early 20th Century Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

French Tole Jardiniere Lamp
Located in New York, NY
French tole jardiniere lamp. Empire gilt painted brown tole jardiniere with paw feet on raised green faux marble platform, now converted to a l...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Tôle

Antique Gothic French Empire Renaissance Bronze Candelabra Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gothic French Empire Bronze Candelabra Renaissance Table Lamps - a Pair. Item features 6 candle arms, fluted columns, flared pedestal base, single light sockets, and tall sta...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

French Ormolu Bronze Empire Style Chandelier, ca.1960s
Located in Warsaw, PL
A beautifully detailed Empire-style chandelier made of gilt bronze. The chandelier features six gracefully scrolling arms adorned with classical motifs such as acanthus leaves, palm...
Category

1960s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Art Deco Style Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chrome
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Deco Crystal Chandelier - Empire Elegance in Customizable Sizes Introducing a new Art Deco crystal style chandelier that captures the grandeur of the Empire era while offering m...
Category

2010s German Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal

Pair French Empire Period Cast Brass 2-Light Candelabrum, electrified, ca. 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
formerly oil lamps and retaining their pump primers atop the bases, having precisely cast urn-form bases issuing two arms with sockets and wax candlecovers
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Lighting

Materials

Brass

Pair Of Antique Brass Peacock Wall light, Spain, 1960s
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of beautiful brass wall lights with crystal glass beads. Manufactured in the 1960s in Europe, Spain. The lights are in the  shape of a peacock. With crystal beads between the b...
Category

1960s Spanish Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

French Gilt Bronze Chandelier with Eagle Heads and Arrows, 1930s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A large French empire style six-light gilt and patinated bronze chandelier with eagle heads and arrows, circa 1930s. Socket: 6 x E14 for standard screw bulb.  
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Bronze

French Bronze Bows Crystal Prisms Empire Sconces, circa 1930
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing one light each. Will be rewired with certified US UL sockets for the United States and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang. Bronze detail bows with ...
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Wonderful Pair French Empire Gilt Dore Bronze Marble Neoclassical Regency Lamps
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of French Empire Gilt Dore Bronze & Marble Corinthian Column Form Ormolu Neoclassical Regency Lamps, Each Having A Medusa Plaque Mounting On A Triangular Base.
Category

20th Century French Empire Lighting

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Empire lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire lighting 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 lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire lighting 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 lighting, popular names associated with this style include Gherardo Degli Albizzi, Edward F. Caldwell Co., Alexandre Vossion, and Maison Baguès. 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 lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $194 and tops out at $220,000 while the average work can sell for $4,434.

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