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
1920
s French Empire Black Cherubs Sconces
Located in New York, NY
a pair of circa 1920's empire style sconces with Blackmoore putti.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$3,800 / set
Pair of Empire Style Wall Lights in Gilded and Patinated Bronze.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Empire style wall lights in gilded and patinated bronze, early 20th century.
Pair of Empire style wall lights from the early 20th century in gilded and patinated bronze.
H: ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
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
Antique French Empire Brass Converted Oil Lamp Mahogany Wood Column Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Brass Converted Oil Lamp Corinthian Column Table Lamp With Mahogany Wooden Column. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 31.5" H (to finial) x 26" H (to light ...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
Empire Style 32 Inch Diameter 9 Light Alabaster Chandelier
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a very impressive and elegant alabaster bowl chandelier. This uniquely shaped 24 inch diameter hand carved bowl has a bowed bottom with tall flat sides. There are 3 bronze do...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Alabaster
Monumental French Bronze and Alabaster Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This monumental French bronze and alabaster Empire style chandelier is a breathtaking statement of grandeur, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. Featuring a finely carved alabaster...
Category
1980s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
$2,396 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Bronze Crossed Arrows Wall Sconces
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice pair of bronze wall sconces present a chiseled macarrons with two crossed arrows. This is a French work in the Empire style. Circa 1950
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair Neoclassical Ormolu Candlestick Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair Charles X Ormolu candlestick lamps. Fine pair finely chased gilt metal candlesticks with grey painted candle sleeves above anthemion capitals with ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Ormolu
$5,000 / set
Empire Style “Quiver” Table Lamp in Italian Marble and Bronze, 19th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An unusual and imposing Empire style table lamp in white Italian Carrara marable, with ornate gilt bronze decoration. Designed in the form of an arrow quiver...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze
French Sèvres Style Bronze-Mounted Cobalt Blue Hand Painted Porcelain Table Lamp
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A large French Sèvres style gilt bronze ormolu-mounted cobalt blue hand painted porcelain urn table lamp, first half of the 20th century. Bronze figurine handles, front side with han...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Tole Shaded Cast Iron
Brass Table Lamp
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid-20th century French tole shaded cast iron & brass table lamp. Empire taste with tri-form base, acanthus leaf with ball & claw & further acanthus motifs. Some minor shade wear.
23...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of Tall Bronze Sconces with Quiver, Arrow and Eagleheads. Circa 1920
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice pair of tall wall sconces is made of bronze. The wall lights are decorated with a quiver, an arrow and eagleheads. This is a French work in the Empire style. Circa 1920
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$1,852 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Empire Style Milk Glass Lamps with Hand Painted Gilding
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of lamps, in Empire style, of milk glass, each columnar form handpainted with gilt festooning, on round brass base.
Stock ID: D7199
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Milk Glass
Pr. 19thc French Antique Empire Gilt Bronze Regal Wall Sconces by Maison Bagues
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French Antique Empire Gilt Bronze "Lions Head" Regal Wall Sconces by Maison Bagues. Very highly detailed and ultra high quality. French Estate.
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$3,180 Sale Price / item
20% Off
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
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
1940s French Empire Alabaster Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1940’s French empire style alabaster chandelier with bronze interior arms, 12 lights + 6 interiors.
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Alabaster, Bronze
French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Columnar Lamp
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome gilt and patinated columnar lamp base features Classical motifs including acanthus leaves and paw feet.
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Vintage French Empire Burnished Brass Small Bouillotte Black Column Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Burnished Brass Small Bouillotte Black Column Table Lamp. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 21" H (to finial) x 15" H (to light socket) x 10" W x 10" D. {3-...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
A pair of gilt bronze Empire style candelabra / lamps circa 1860
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A fine pair of mid- to late-19th-century French Empire–style gilt-bronze candelabra, later converted into lamps. Each piece features a fluted column rising to finely chased capitals ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
1920 Empire Bronze Swam Sconces 3 Lights
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1920’s gilt bronze French Empire sconces with swam head holding a ring with 3 lights
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$6,800 / set
Pair of Second Empire Heavy 2 Light Bronze Sconces Wall Lights Late 19th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of second Empire heavy 2 light solid polished bronze dore sconces, light fixture, wall lamps from the late 19th century.
Depict face motif in the middle a...
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Antique Wedgwood Jasperware Black and White Urn Form Table Lamps - a Pair
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Antique Black and White Wedgwood Jasperware Urn Table Lamps. Item features porcelain urn form bodies, wooden base, dual sockets, white ...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal
Italy Mid-18th Century Empire Pair Brass Candle Holders
Located in Brescia, IT
Italy Mid-18th Century pair of brass Empire five lights candleholders or table lamps
This wonderful pair of brass candle holders, is a magnificent hand made work by Italian artisan...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
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
Pair of Late 19th Century French Empire Cherubs Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of late 19th Century French Empire sconces with cherubs body, two lights. originally for candles, newly rewired for US
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Style 24-Light Gilt Bronze / Patinated Chandelier
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Illuminate your space with grandeur using this extraordinary 19th Century French Empire Style Chandelier. Crafted from two imposing circular charcoal-patinated balusters suspended by...
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal, Bronze
1900
s French Empire Arrow Gold and Black Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's French Empire style double light arrow sconces
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1930s Empire Gilt Bronze Swan Head Sconces three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930’s gilt bronze sconces with swan’s head and three lights
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
EARLY 19th CENTURY EMPIRE TUNDISH CHANDELIER IN IRON AND CRYSTALS
Located in Firenze, FI
Beautiful and elegant tundish chandelier with twelve lights. Made of wrought iron with lead bobèches and cast metal candle holders, this chandelier features bands painted in a delica...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Metal, Wrought Iron, Lead
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 Lighting
Materials
Brass
$3,990 Sale Price / set
20% Off
19th Century French Empire Chandelier
Located in New Orleans, LA
A striking 19th-century French Empire chandelier, exquisitely crafted with neoclassical elegance. This grand fixture features a gilded bronze frame adorned with finely detailed motif...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
1920s Caldwell Bronze Medusa Head Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s sconces with medusa head and arrow design. Two lights
Category
1920s American Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$4,800 / set
1930
s French Empire 4 Lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1930's French Empire 4 Lights Sconces
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$5,800 / set
Mid-20th Century French Gilt Brass Three-Arm Table Lamp
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
A mid-20th century French gilt brass three-arm table lamp, retains its original pressed card faux candles and is fitted with three individual chandelier shades...
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
19thc French Empire Green Art Glass Lantern Intricately Patterned
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc French Empire Intricately Patterned Green Art Glass Lantern with Bronze Element. Lovely antique lantern which will arrive newly electrified and with 15 inches of chain and ceil...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Art Glass
$976 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique French Empire Style Neoclassical Gilt and Patina Bronze Eagle Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
An Antique French Empire Style Neoclassical Gilt and Patina Bronze Multi-light Chandelier.
The chandelier features a circular patinated bronze body of wide, tapering form, suspended by four elaborate reticulated gilt...
Category
20th Century French Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$15,840 Sale Price
20% Off
1930s French Empire Three lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930’s French empire gilt metal 3 lights sconces with swans head, original gilding and patina
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$4,200 / set
Gilded French table lamp with putti.
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative French gilt bronze table lamp in Empire style.
The lamp features a baluster-shaped stem with a simple transition to the socket, and is finished below with three standing ...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Empire Small Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of late 19th century French empire style sconces with one light. Price per pair
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Empire Gilt Bronze Crystal Column Small Candlestick Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Gilt Bronze Crystal Glass Column Small Bouillotte Candlestick Table Lamp. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 23" H (to finial) x 11.5" H (to top of bronze ...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Empire Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of late 19th century French Empire gilt bronze small sconces. Unusual design with woman holding balls
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$4,400 / set
Frederick Cooper hand painted porcelain table lamp
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a vintage Frederick Cooper hand painted porcelain table lamp. This Frederick Cooper lamp is handpainted in the Empire style with tones of dark cobalt blue, gold and green. Th...
Category
1990s American Empire Lighting
Materials
Porcelain
1930
s French Empire Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
a pair of circa 1930 French Empire style sconces
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$2,800 / set
Vintage French Empire Style Brown Marble Corinthian Column Brass Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Brown Marble Corinthian Column Brass Table Lamp. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 28" H (to finial) x 21" H (to light socket) x 6" W x 6" D. {3-Way...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Lighting
Materials
Marble, Brass
1920’s Caldwell Empire Style Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell Empire style sconces with arrow design
Category
1920s American Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$3,800 / set
Empire Dore Lantern Chandelier, Frosted Etched Glass, 19th Century, Solid Bronze
Located in Manhasset, NY
Empire Dore Lantern Chandelier, Frosted Etched Glass, 19th Century, Solid Bronze Pendant
A finely cast dore bronze lantern pendant having etched frosted g...
Category
Early 20th Century European Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1930
s French Empire Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French Empire style gilt bronze sconces with Ram's heads.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$5,800 / set
1900
s French Empire Sconces With Swans three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1900's French empire style bronze sconces with swans and three lights
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French 19th Century Empire Cut Glass and Bronze Candelabras / Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of very large and impressive French 19th century Empire cut glass and two-tone bronze candelabras made to lamps.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Carved Wall Sconce Empire Gilded Metal
Wood, Italy, 1950s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage single sconce in the Empire style from Italy, circa 1950s.
Made of wood and gilded metal with decorative trim and mirror inserts. Decorated in a floral style. A cylindrical ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Metal
Italy 1970 Post-Modern Meant Green Porcelain Brass Table Lamp
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant and glamorous table lamp in light green porcelain and brass, is one of the latest pieces manufactured by a well known Italian fa...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
$2,660 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Candelabra with Tripartite Lion Paw Feet
Located in Dallas, TX
This pair of bronze five-light candelabras was produced in France in the early 1800’s, during the Empire period that coincided with the rule of Napoleon. Under Napoleon’s decree that...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Charming Large Vintage Chandelier in Gilt Bronze Deknudt Belgium
By Deknudt
Located in Bastogne, BE
Very Beautiful Vintage Ceiling Chandelier in Bronze by Deknudt, Belgium.
Circa 1970s.
A very nicely chased vintage six light chandelier in bronze with...
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
Large Pair of Spanish Empire Style 7-Light Crystal-Cut Chandeliers
Located in Berlin, DE
Large Pair of Spanish Empire Style 7-Light Crystal-Cut Chandeliers, in the Style of the Spanish Royal Factory of Glass and Crystal of La Granja
A large pair of Empire style 7-light ...
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Empire Lighting
Materials
Crystal, Metal
1930’s French Empire Three Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930 French empire style three lights sconces with swan heads
Category
1930s European Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$3,800 / set
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Enamel Chandelier by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Enamel Chandelier by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features best quality hand-chiseled details.
Top crowns in characterized by rich vegetal decorati...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze, Tin
1930
s French Gilt Bronze Triangle Shape Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930's French Empire style gilt bronze sconces with triangle shape
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920s French Empire Sconces with 3 lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of large French empire style sconces with 3 lights
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Bronze
1970 Post-Modern Pair Brass Porcelain Wall Lights with Lampshades
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant and glamourous two lights wall light in pink lilac color, it is part of the latest pieces manufactured by a well known Italian factory during the 1970' and then left in...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Lighting
Materials
Brass
$1,995 Sale Price
20% Off
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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