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: Benelux
Style: Empire
Barber Piece Empire Period Early 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant barber furniture in solid mahogany and mahogany veneer from the early 19th century Empire period
Very beautiful barbière composed of 5 drawers. interior of the drawers in oa...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage faux tusk coffee table, 1980s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Striking vintage faux tusk coffee table made from tesselated stone with a beveled clear oval glass top.
Beautiful and elegant coffee table which will be, without a doubt an eye catc...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Stone
Vintage Bronze Wall Sconces Double Armed Lighting Lamp In Candelabra Style
Located in Bastogne, BE
Pair of empire style wall lights manufactured in the 20th century.
Bronze construction.
Original gilding. The sconces are decorated with ac...
Category
1970s Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
vintage resin sunburst mirror, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Beautiful resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass.
The golden mirror is in a good condition.
1960s - made in Belgium.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 43cm
Ref.: 54676504
67 - 68
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Resin
Pair of Exquisite French Empire Gilt Bronze Two-Light Candelabra ca 1810
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
These candlesticks are ornate artifacts from the French Empire period, which dates back to the early 19th century, typically considered as the reign of Napoleon I from 1804 to 1814. ...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold, Bronze
vintage resin sunburst mirror, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Beautiful resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass.
The golden mirror is in a good condition.
1960s - made in Belgium.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 40cm
Ref.: 54676506
71
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Resin
$532 / item
Large Sonno Bedside Table In Flamed Mahogany From The Empire Period Early 19 Cen
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb Empire period mahogany bedside table from the early 19th century.
This large model is quite rare, measuring 82cm high and 42cm in diameter (they are often 74cm high).
Its size...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Empire Mirror In Stuccoed And Gilded Wood, Early 19th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Empire Mirror In Stuccoed And Gilded Wood, Early 19th Century
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
Caned chair by Jean-Joseph Chapuis , early 19th century - Sold Individually
Located in Brussels, BE
Caned chair by Jean-Joseph Chapuis , early 19th century - Sold Individually
Jean-Joseph Chapuis was born in Brussels in 1765.
He was trained in Paris, where he became a master c...
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Male Portrait, Pastel In Its Frame, Circa 1800
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Male Portrait, Pastel In Its Frame, Around 1800
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Gilded Bronze Empire Floor lamp France 1950s
By Claude Galle
Located in Den Haag, NL
Superb Gilded Bronze France Empire floor lamp ,Exceptional casting
take a look at her beathiful bronze feet . Very nice quality lamp .
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mirror With Sculpted Coper And Ebony Wood Decoration - Early 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant ebony and embossed copper pareclose mirror from the beginning of the 19th century
Very beautiful mirror which has a beautiful proportion decorated with embossed and fire-gil...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Copper
Pair of Empire Style Wall Lights
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very nice pair of chiseled bronze wall lights with very beautiful Empire style gilding from the beginning of the 20th century
Circular hook with lion mask holding in its mouth a f...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$1,420 / set
19th Century Empire Old Paris porcelain tea and coffee set
Located in Delft, NL
19th Century Empire Old Paris porcelain tea and coffee set
An early 19th Century Old Paris porcelain coffee, tea set with green painted French country scenes and gold paint. The gol...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
2 brass and glass Peacock wall-sconces in Hollywood regency style
By OTHR
Located in Zemst, BE
2 wall sconces in brass and glass
Peacock form
Wonderful condition.
Original wiring, that's still ok: ready for use.
Place of origin: Spain
No manufacturer known
Period: mid 1970...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Dressing table mirror in Empire style
Located in Delft, NL
19th Century Dressing table mirror in Empire style
A dressing table mirror with tiltable mirror, which is fixed to the side with 19th cent...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Nutwood
Empire-Style Antique Noir de Mazy with Marble Verde Circulation Fireplace
Located in Oostvoorne, NL
Empire-style black marble fireplace.
This extraordinary fireplace is made of Noir de Mazy marble, complemented by the luxurious green marble type Verde. Despite the clean lines, thi...
Category
Late 18th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble
Pair Of Mahogany Somnos/ Bedside Tables
Located in Brussels, Brussels
a fine pair of mahogany Empire-style bedside tables or end tables
cylindrical in shape, each opening with a door.
Very beautiful top with a strong molding, were we can find in it's c...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$2,190 / set
Danish Wingback Chair and Ottoman, Fabric and Walnut, 1950s Style
Located in Antwerp, BE
White; Fabric; Wingback Chair; Ottoman; Danish Design; 1950s; Walnut; Wood; Scandinavia; Scandinavian Design; Empire; Pouf; Lounge Chair; Upholstery;
Stylish 1950s high back lounge...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
$1,656 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Pressed Wood Snuff Box Depicting the Battle in Paris of 30th March 1814
Located in Bilzen, BE
Combat of March 30, 1814. On the heights of Saint Chaumont where an Artillery post served by students of the École Polytechnique fought fiercely and was saved from death by General S...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Georgian Silver Mustard Pots Blue Glass Liners 1st Empire Tableware a pair
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Museal Antique Georgian Sterling Silver Mustard pots
Style: Empire, Georgian, Antique, Regency, Napoleonic
Material sterling Silver with cobalt blue...
Category
Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Darte Freres (?) - Cup and saucer, chinoiserie decoration, early 19th century
By Darte Frères
Located in DELFT, NL
Marvelous cup and saucer, elaborately decorated with geometrical forms in red, blue and gold. Beautifully worked gilding, little details of Chinese figures and Chinese characters.
...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage golden sunburst mirror, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Gilded resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass.
The golden mirror is in a good condition.
1960s - made in Belgium.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 28cm
Ref.: 87456412 60
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Resin
Antique Silver and Crystal Serving Bowl - Empire Style
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique silver serving dish, with crystal liner.
Very nice design, in classic Empire style.
Estimated origin and age: Germany, circa 1900.
The bowl is in good condition. ...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Silver
Large 18th or 19th Century Antique Iron Anduze Style Garden Vase / Planter / Urn
Located in Lisse, NL
Very rare and highly decorative, architectural cast iron vase.
If you are a private collector or an interior designer with an eye for the rare and wonderful, then this very rare and timeless garden vase could be perfect for your home or for one of your projects. You may have seen French terracotta Anduze vases before, but we are pretty certain that you have never seen one made of cast iron. This large and possibly one of a kind specimen of cast iron has a wonderfully calm design and it is hand painted in a beigy-gray color which makes it even more timeless. Handcrafted using cast iron...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Iron
Antique 18th Century Empire or Louis XVI Mahogany Dutch Side Table
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant side table was made in The Netherlands around 1780. It has a beautiful mahogany top made of two symmetrical planks, also known as “livre ouvert”. The two pieces of timber are cut and folded open like a book. (livre ouvert is French for open book” The top is surrounded by a slightly raised and molded trim. The table features one dovetailed central drawer with two Dutch ajour cut brass pulls. The drawer has its original lock and key. The interior of the drawer is made in the best quality thin watered oak...
Category
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Dutch Empire Warm Brown Curved Commode in Solid Elm
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant four-drawer commode was made in the Netherlands circa 1860. It was made in solid elm with a pine interior. The commode has a convex-concave curved front. The piece has a two-plank top with a bullnose edge. Below four drawers are situated. Each drawer is equipped with two brass drawer pulls, a keyplate, and a lock. The brass pulls and keyplate is typical Dutch azure cut...
Category
Mid-19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$3,644 Sale Price
20% Off
Two 19th Century French Bronze Partially Gilt Candlesticks on Hoofed Faun Feet
Located in Haarlem, NL
Two 19th century French partially ormolu bronze candlesticks on cloven hoofed hocked faun legs and feet
Cast in bronze, adorned with floral and acanthus leaf motif.
The candle inse...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$2,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Vintage brass sunburst mirror 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century brass sunburst or flower mirror with convex glass.
This mirror fits in most interiors and is a perfect add-on for a regency style interior.
Good condition.
France - 19...
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fine 19th Century European Original Antique Fireplace Mantle from Empire Period
Located in Beervelde, BE
This original vintage fireplace surround is a one of a kind chimney piece. A real eyecatcher. It is influenced of the wars by Napoleon to Egypt.
The mantel is in perfect condition a...
Category
Early 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Napoleonic Empire Cushion French Silk Thread Cannetille Green Cream Throw Pillow
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Napoleonic Empire cushion silk, cannetille and metallic gold thread embroidered
Cushion with a rich and luxurious appaerance.
Made of genuine silk satin and 19th century embroidered ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Satin, Silk, Down
$842 Sale Price
52% Off
19th century pair of French Empire ormolu candlesticks
Located in Eindhoven, NL
A magnificent pair of Empire ormolu candlesticks in the maner of Jean Demosthene Dugourc.
Each with fluted, tapered shaft and delicate ornamentation, surmounted by three female heads...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
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 Furniture
Materials
Metal
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 Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Style Chairs 1950
s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Empire style chairs made in high quality wood and red fabric. in a very good condition.
PRICE PER PIECE.
Category
1950s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$1,750 / item
Vintage sunburst mirror, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Rare and beautiful resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass.
The golden mirror is in a good condition.
1960s - made in Belgium.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 54cm
Ref.: 54676501
62
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Resin
vintage resin sunburst mirror, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Beautiful resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass.
The golden mirror is in a good condition.
1960s - made in Belgium.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 42cm
Ref.: 54676503
65 - 66
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Resin
vintage resin sunburst mirror, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Beautiful resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass.
The golden mirror is in a good condition.
1960s - made in Belgium.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 43cm
Ref.: 54676504
67 - 68
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Resin
Empire Fire Gilded Mantel Clock, circa 1820
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Beautiful fire gilded Empire mantel clock with a shepherdess on top with a wreath and ribbon. On the left a staff with pan flute.
At the bottom of the clo...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Antique Classical Fireplace in Bleu Turquin and Statuary Marble
Located in Beervelde, BE
Exceptional French Antique Classical Fireplace Surround in Bleu Turquin and Statuary Marble – Musical Theme
This rare and refined original period French neoclassical fireplace surrou...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
Empire-style Bergère, 1900s
Located in Brussels, BE
Empire-style Bergère, 1900s
Category
Early 1900s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Vintage brass sunburst mirror 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century brass sunburst or flower mirror with convex glass.
This mirror fits in most interiors and is a perfect add-on for a regency style interior.
The mirror is made from pat...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$325 / item
Vintage Sconces Two Wall Lights Gold Bronze Crystal Drops Beads, France, 1950s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage sconces bronze with gilding, crystal from France, mid-20th century, each with two lamps, very beautiful and festive!
The crystal droplets are stunning, different shapes and...
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Attractive Vintage Vase Kaiser, Pavillon, Germany Porcelain Large Vase
By Kaiser
Located in Bastogne, BE
Attractive vintage vase with handles by Kaiser, Pavillon, Germany.
Baluster-shaped vase made of white high quality porcelain with gilding ...
Category
1980s German Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Chandelier With 5 Arms In The Empire Style Bronze Green Gold Lighting
Located in Bastogne, BE
An elegant vintage chandelier with 5 arms in the Empire style.
The base is made of bronze and metal of green and gold color and is decorated with a floral pattern with good detailin...
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Magnificent Bronze Chandelier In Empire Style Six Light Pendant Lighting
Located in Bastogne, BE
Majestic vintage chandelier!
The material of manufacture of this chandelier is a real 100% BRONZE, which is valued all over the world and is charact...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Vintage Pair Of Wall Lights, Circa 1960 in Chiseled and Gilded Bronze, France
Located in Bastogne, BE
An elegant Pair Of Louis XVI style Wall Lights Circa 1960 in finely chiseled and gilded bronze with two light arms.
Fake opaline candles.
Manufactured in France, 1960s.
They're op...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Classic Neo Bronze Samovar, Italy, 19th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Classic Neo Bronze Samovar, Italy, 19th Century
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Vintage brass sunburst mirror 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century brass sunburst mirror with convex glass.
This mirror fits in most interiors and is a perfect add-on for a regency style interior.
The mirror is made from gilt metal.
I...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large silver plated copper candlestick, France ca. 1900
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1900 / candlestick / silver plated copper / Antique / Empire
A large French Empire style candlestick with very detailed graphic decorations. This silver plated copper candl...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate, Copper
Empire Style French Mirror with Porcelain Gold Frame, 1950s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Luxury mirror
Massive figured frame made of porcelain, covered with enamel and painted with gold.
Beautiful floral decor.
There is a possibility...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Mirror
Bronze Antique Ceiling Lantern, France, 1920
s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Single-light Pendant Lantern is made of bronze, polished to a mirror shine, covered with gilding. France, 1920's.
An ornate French 19th-20th molded glass hanging lantern has elon...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Style Mahogany Armchair
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely empire style mahogany armchair from the end of the 19th century
Very good quality bronze and beautiful mahogany
Very beautiful armchair which can be used as a library chair or...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Beautiful Double-Armed Wall Sconce Empire Style Vintage Wall Lamp, France
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage Lumalux Paris brass wall lamp in the Empire style.
Manufactured in France.
It features bright gold and green enamel finishes.
The light ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Athenian Carved Wood, Red Patina in the Imitation of Antique Red Marble
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Athenian Carved Wood, Red Patina in the Imitation of Antique Red Marble, Early 19th Century
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Louis XVI Console In Gilded Wood, Ardennes Grey Marble, 18th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Louis XVI Console In Gilded Wood, Ardennes Grey Marble, 18th Century
Category
18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rare Empire French Fire Gilded Center Piece Tazza Warrior Horses Harp
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
More than 200 years old showpiece for on the table. Made from glass, fire-gilt bronze and green veined marble. Beautiful horses with a warrior and mythological figures with harp and ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Large armchair in walnut, leather and bronze, Empire style, circa 1930/1950
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Large armchair in walnut, leather and bronze, Empire style, circa 1930/1950
the leather on the back of the seat back has been replaced
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
A mahogany Empire commode à l
anglaise, Attributed to Jacob Frères
By Jacob Frères
Located in Wijnegem, BE
A top quality Empire commode made in beautiful mahogany veneer (acajou moucheté) on solid oak.
Ornaments of gilded bronze and with a fantastic ( purple -brown -white) Fossil Marble ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
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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