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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Item Ships From: Denmark
Style: Empire
French Empire Commode / Chest of Drawers, Walnut
Bronze Mounts, 19th century
By Bernard Molitor
Located in Odense, DK
A grand yet grounded piece, this antique Empire commode dates back to the early 19th century. Crafted in rich walnut with glowing depth, the piece reflects the stylistic ideals of th...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain. Antique gravy boat in porcelain.
Located in København, Copenhagen
PRE-OWNED GOODS ARE EXEMPT FROM IMPORT TARIFFS FOR U.S., UK, AUSTRALIAN & CANADIAN CUSTOMERS.
THEREFORE, NO IMPORT TARIFFS WILL BE APPLICABLE TO YOUR PURCHASE.
Royal Copenhagen ...
Category
1820s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Elegant Mahogany Empire Secretary Desk with Satinwood Intarsia
Located in Kastrup, DK
This small charming Empire secretary desk, crafted in Copenhagen around 1810, consists of three sections.
The upper section has three doors: a l...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bone, Leather, Mahogany, Maple, Satinwood
$1,631 Sale Price
35% Off
Swedish Late Empire Black-polished Birch Bookcase
Located in Kastrup, DK
Swedish late empire bookcase / display cabinet in black-polished birch.
In 2 parts, upper case having mullioned glass front with cathedral arch cornice.
Lower part with a pair of ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Petit Danish Late Empire Antique Chest of Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
Small 19th century Danish Late Empire chest of drawers in flamed birch. French polished.
The façade showcases an arrangement of four drawers (a smaller drawer over 3 larger drawers)...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Beech
Elegant Empire Bench in Mahogany with Satinwood Inlays
Located in Kastrup, DK
Small, elegant Danish Empire bench crafted from mahogany, featuring delicate string inlays in satinwood on the ends.
The seat has been newly upholstered in light gray linen, accented...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany, Satinwood
Danish Architect’s Drawing Cabinet
Located in Kastrup, DK
Architect’s Drawing Cabinet / Plan Chest
Danish design, c. 1920
Exceptionally well-crafted drawing cabinet from around 1920, made as a unique piece and originally commissioned for a...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Maple
Late Empire Bench in Mahogany, Denmark c. 1820
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Late Empire bench crafted in beautiful mahogany with profiled round legs in the classic Empire style.
The bench has been newly upholstered in a soft dove-blue fabric, creatin...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Oval Late Empire Pedestal Cabinet in Walnut with Bookmatched Burl
Located in Kastrup, DK
Oval pedestal cabinet from the Late Empire period, crafted in Copenhagen around 1820–30.
This elegant piece is veneered in walnut and adorned with bookmatched walnut burl on the door...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Late Empire Bench in Cuban Mahogany, Denmark c. 1820
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Late Empire bench crafted in beautiful Cuban mahogany with profiled round legs in the classic Empire style.
The bench has been newly upholstered in a soft dove-blue fabric, c...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Empire Chest of Drawers With Four Drawers Made In Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This exquisite Empire chest of drawers boasts a timeless design and is crafted from rich mahogany, reflecting the elegance of the 1840s. With its stately presence and intricate deta...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
18th Century Porcelain Snuff Tobacco Box with Ormulu Gilt Decorations
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-18th Century porcelain snuff tobacco box with Ormulu gilt embossed relief and with empire classical motives. The inside of the lid is decorated with colorful flowers.
Wonderful a...
Category
Mid-18th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
$1,760 Sale Price
44% Off
Cylinder Burl Walnut Pedestal Cabinet, Copenhagen, 1830-1840
Located in Kastrup, DK
Cylinder burl walnut pedestal cabinet. Late empire. Oak beautifully veneered with walnut. A large front door that opens to reveal a set of four shelve...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Empire Chiffonier Ebonized, Danish, Approx. 1840
Located in Kastrup, DK
Late Empire black ebonized mahogany chest of drawers / tall boy, with raised semi-oval top.
Seven drawers flanked by gilt quarter columns.
Brass keyholes.
Denmark, Copenhagen Appro...
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$4,490 Sale Price
36% Off
Pair of Elegant Empire Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of elegant Empire armchairs crafted from Cuban mahogany, featuring classic details from the period.
The backrests have an oval recess, adorned with line inlays in satinwood an...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany, Satinwood
$3,446 / set
Late Empire bench in Polished Beech, Denmark
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant late Empire bench in polished beech, newly upholstered in a light velour blend.
The seat rests on gracefully curved legs — a refined example of Danish craftsmanship from the ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Pair of Empire Armchairs in Mahogany with Satinwood Inlays Original Cane Seat
Located in Kastrup, DK
A stunning pair of Empire armchairs from Copenhagen, circa 1810, made from solid mahogany with intricate satinwood inlays on the backrest, apron, and front legs.
The chairs feature t...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Cane, Fruitwood, Mahogany
$2,147 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Antique Danish Late Empire Mahogany Secretary Bureau
Located in Kastrup, DK
Late empire secretary bureau in mahogany veneered oak with beautiful grain.
In 2 parts.
Desk top offers three bowed doors. A concave door in the mid...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Oak, Mahogany
$1,684 Sale Price
60% Off
Oak Antique Empire Danish Sofa 1800s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Absolutely stunning, this early 19th-century sofa hails from the Empire period, showcasing impeccable craftsmanship and timeless design. Built to withstand the test of time, this Dan...
Category
1850s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Antique Mirror in Mahogany from the Late Empire perid from about 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique mirror in mahogany wood from the late Empire period from around the 1840s. Light in colour, due to sunlight over the years.
Dimensions in cm: H:1...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Danish Golden Age Painting of a Soldier and a Lady at Rosenborg Castle
Located in Kastrup, DK
Oil painting from the Danish Golden Age (c. 1840-1860) portraying a soldier engaged in conversation with a lady, with the historic Rosenborg Castle elegantly positioned in the backgr...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Pair of Danish Empire Mahogany With Inlay Arm Chairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of elegant Danish early 19th century empire armchairs.
Crafted in mahogany with ebony and satinwood marquetry on backrest and apron.
Apron and upper part of backrest decorated...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Mahogany, Satinwood
Late Empire Tall Cabinet of Dark Polished Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This late Empire tall cabinet, crafted from dark polished mahogany, is a stunning example of 19th-century craftsmanship. Dating back to 1840, it s...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Tray Table with Candle Slides. Swedish Empire
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Swedish Empire tray table with pull-out candle holders, crafted in birch with diamond inlays in maple and light satinwood stringing along the aprons and corners.
The legs are...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
18th Century Snuff Box With Secret Erotic Motive
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very funny little snuff box with a text about Etimologie; the true learning or real learning, on the lids outside and a hidden erotic motive on the inside of the lid.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paper
Pair of Danish Late Empire Birch Armchairs With Inlay, 1810-1820
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of elegant late empire armchairs.
Crafted in birch wood with marquetry inlaid on backrest in the form of vases. Fine line inlays on backrest and apron.
The tops of the bac...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch
Empire Bench in Mahogany with Walnut and Maple Inlays
Located in Kastrup, DK
A beautiful Empire bench crafted from mahogany with gracefully curved legs.
The end panels feature central inlays of walnut and light maple detailing.
The seat has been newly upholst...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany, Maple
Tray Table Light Green Painted Metal , Late Empire
Located in Kastrup, DK
Late Empire side table / lamp table with a metal tray featuring a painted brass rim, placed on a later collapsible stand.
The tray dates from around 1820–30, while the stand was mad...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Elegant Empire Pedestal Cabinet, Copenhagen 1810-20
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Empire pedestal cabinet with convex front.
Top top edge with a refined detail in the form of dark wood edging.
One drawer with light intarsia edge in birch and maple.
Drawer ...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bone, Hardwood, Birch, Mahogany, Maple
Empire Mahogany Bench with Blue Upholstery, Satinwood and Gilt Bronze Inlay
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Empire bench crafted in mahogany with gently curved legs.
The end panels are adorned with satinwood line inlay and gilt bronze mounts set in ebonized fields.
The seat has be...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Mahogany Bench with Blue Linen Upholstery, Satinwood and Gilt Bronze I
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Empire bench crafted in mahogany with gently curved legs.
The end panels are adorned with satinwood line inlay and gilt bronze mounts set in ebonized fields.
The seat has be...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Danish Early 19th Century Children’s Portraits Oil on Canvas
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 19th Century Children’s Portraits Oil on Canvas, A Pair
Charming pair of Danish Early 19th Century paintings oil on canvas. Thes...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Wood
$1,440 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Collection of French Opaline Apothecary Jars
Located in Copenhagen, K
Collection of 20 opaline apothecary jars from the 19th century.
Collection consists of 14 larger jars and 6 smaller jars.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Opaline Glass
$135 / item
Large Late Empire Upholstered Bench with Carved Gilt Carvings
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative and elegant Late Empire bench with upholstered seat. Frame crafted in beech with original white color and delicate gilt woodcarved details. Resting on elegant turned taper...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Pair Empire Tazzas in Maple Root and dark Hardwood
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of elegant Empire tazzas crafted in solid maple root and ebony.
The rounded stems feature profiled lower edges and rest on square ebony bases.
Each shallow bowl is supported b...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Maple
Antique " KPM " Empire Porcelain Cup
Located in Kastrup, DK
KPM Porcelain cup decorated with a finely hand painted depiction of two women in nature. Inside with gilding (light wear to the gilding).
KPM (Königlich...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Danish 19th Century Empire Mahogany Commode
Located in Kastrup, DK
Danish Empire commode made in Regency style. Unique, probably made to order.
Cuba mahogany with gorgeous color and grain and beautiful patina. Original fittings. 5 drawers. High-qua...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$3,667 Sale Price
30% Off
Late Empire Flamed Mahogany Pedestal Cabinet
Located in Kastrup, DK
Oval pedestal cabinet, late empire.
Mirror-cut flamed mahogany with beautiful grain. Door flanked by columns with wood-carved capitals.
Behind the door 3...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$3,586 Sale Price
25% Off
Mahogany Empire Bow Front Corner Cabinet
Located in Kastrup, DK
Danish empire bow fronted corner cabinet in flame mahogany.
Bow front with a single door, dressed with brass lock in the middle, flanked by f...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$2,207 Sale Price
30% Off
Danish Midcentury Birthday Table Flagpole with Dannebrog And Lion On The Base
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish birthday table flag, "Dannebrog", name of the Danish flag. It is placed on a green marble base, with a posed lion.
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Silver Plate
Danish Late Empire Tobacco Box in Nobel Wood, Lid with Walrus Tooth
Located in Kastrup, DK
Late empire tobacco box in rosewood.
The top of the lid is adorned with a walrus tooth.
Denmark 1830-1840.
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Mirror With Frame Made In Mahogany, Denmark From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This antique mirror, crafted from hand-polished mahogany and originating from Denmark around the 1880s, is a stunning example of late 19th-century design and craftsmanship.
The fram...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Danish Malm Candle Holders, 1950s. Set of 4.
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Malm Candle Holders, 1950s. Set of 4.
Two pairs of candleholders in malm, which is a brass alloy with added copper. The cobber gives the brass a darker color.
The hei...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Danish Early 19th Century Empire Tobacco Box
Located in Kastrup, DK
A charming mahogany tobacco box in an architecturally intriguing form. The top of the lid is adorned with a small knob of bone.
Great quality and craftsmanship.
Empire. Denmark, ...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bone, Mahogany
Antique Decorative Swedish Cast Iron Garden Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative Swedish cast iron garden table. C 1860-1880
Painted leg formed as griffins.
Made in decorative style and high quality.
"The griffin is a ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Iron
Pair of Sevres Style Swan Cream Cups
Located in Copenhagen, K
A beautiful pair of Sevres Style cream cups, in the form of gilded Swans.
Category
18th Century and Earlier European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$1,080 Sale Price / set
22% Off
Empire B&G 10 p. Coffee Service, Bing and Grondahl, B&G No. 102
Located in København, Copenhagen
Empire B&G 10 p. Coffee service.
Bing and Grondahl, B&G No. 102.
Contents: 1.25 dl. Measures: 7.8 cm. x 6.2 cm
Old No. 102. New No. 305.
1st. factory quality., in...
Category
20th Century Danish Empire Furniture
Late Empire Antique Mirror Made In Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This antique mirror, crafted from rich mahogany wood, dates back to the late Empire period around the 1840s. It is a stunning example of the elegance and craftsmanship characteristi...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century Empire Chandelier
Located in Copenhagen, K
Beautiful large Empire chandelier with original candleholders, restored and cleaned.
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$6,632 Sale Price
26% Off
Mirror With Frame Made In Mahogany With Marquetry From 1890s
Located in Lejre, DK
This pair of mahogany mirrors with marquetry from the 1890s is a splendid example of late 19th-century craftsmanship and design. Each mirror features a beautifully crafted mahogany f...
Category
1890s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Mirror Made In Mahogany With Carvings From 1880s
Located in Lejre, DK
This mirror, crafted from hand-polished mahogany and adorned with intricate carvings, is a stunning example of Danish craftsmanship from around the 1880s. The rich, deep tones of the...
Category
1880s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Late Empire North German Corner Cabinet In Polished Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
The antique Senempire corner cabinet from Northern Germany, made of polished mahogany and dated to the 1840s, is a splendid representative of the elegance and sophistication typical ...
Category
1840s German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$3,311 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 19th Century Plateau Mirror
Located in Copenhagen, K
Plateau mirrors was used on the dining or dressing table, in front of guest of honor, to put flowers or candles on.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$378 Sale Price
30% Off
Set Of Rare Danish Antique Silverware By Nicolai Brandt, Horsens (1787-1813).
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very nice set of solid silver and horn cutlery for six persons, by famous silversmith Nicolaj Brandt, Horsens, Denmark, 1787-1813.
Category
Early 1800s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
$1,550 Sale Price / set
26% Off
Two Antique Meissen Plates in Pierced Porcelain with Hand Painted Floral Motifs
Located in København, Copenhagen
Two antique Meissen plates in pierced porcelain with hand painted floral motifs.
Museum Quality. Dated 1773-1814.
Measures: 23 cm.
In very good condition.
Stamped: Marcolini.
Category
1770s German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Late Empire Armchairs in Birch from the 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
A pair of Late Empire birch armchairs, upholstered in red fabric and from around the 1840s, make a beautiful and period feature in any interior with their...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Antique Empire Table with Flaps and Marquetry in Birch Wood from 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
The Empire dining table, an antique piece featuring intricate intarsia work, crafted from birch wood and originating from Denmark in 1840, is a remarkable testament to the craftsmans...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch
Late Empire Antique Mirror Made In Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This antique mirror, crafted from rich mahogany wood, dates back to the late Empire period around the 1840s. It is a stunning example of the elegance and craftsmanship characteristic...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Jørgen Roed (1808–1888) — Sewing Table, Denmark, circa 1840
Located in Valby, 84
An exceptionally rare and historically significant sewing table by Jørgen Roed (1808–1888), crafted in veneered mahogany with exquisite precision and sculptural balance. The circular...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bone, Mahogany, Nutwood
Mirror Made In Mahogany, Marquetry From 1910s
Located in Lejre, DK
This small mirror, crafted from mahogany wood and featuring intricate intarsia, dates back to around the 1910s. It is a beautiful example of early 20th-century craftsmanship and desi...
Category
1910s Danish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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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