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
Mirror Made In Mahogany With Carvings From 1880s
Located in Lejre, DK
The mirror of hand-polished mahogany is a beautifully crafted piece of furniture that was made in Denmark during the late Empire period, around the 1840s. The mirror is made from hig...
Category
1880s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Late Empire Corner Cabinet With Shelves Made In Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
The antique Late Empire corner cabinet with mahogany shelves from the 1840s is an impressive piece of furniture history that exudes elegance and timeless beauty. The corner cabinet i...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$1,511 Sale Price
24% Off
Tilt Top Table Swedish Empire in Birch Burl
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Swedish Empire tilt top table, circa 1810–1820.
The tabletop is veneered with birch burl (masur birch), creating a beautiful and highly decorative surface.
The base is made of solid birch with a finely turned central column, resting on a gracefully shaped tripod.
The tilting mechanism allows the table to be folded upright, making it both practical and decorative.
Measurements H: 73 / 110 W: 71,5 D: 71.5 cm
A fine and well-preserved example of Swedish Empire furniture...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch
Late Empire Cylinder Burl Walnut Pedestal Cabinet.
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant oval late empire pedestal cabinet in beautiful walnut veneered oak.
Door veneered with mirror-cut walnut, behind which there are removable shelves.
Very fine quality
Made in ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Oak, Walnut, Burl
Italian Late Empire Carved and Gilded Chandelier with Cut Glass Prisms
Located in Kastrup, DK
Italian Late Empire chandelier, carved in wood, richly decorated and water-gilded, adorned with cut glass prisms.
The central section features classical Empire motifs, including aca...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Bronze Table Lamp by Danish Sculptor TH Stein Denmark 1850’s
Located in Valby, 84
Artist made Bronze lamp attributed Danish Sculptor TH Stein and is made in the 1850’s.
The lamp has clear references to both Pompeii and Herculanum.
The lamp is made in solid bronze ...
Category
1850s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Antique Meissen Empire Coffee Pot with Gold Decoration, 19th Century
Located in København, Copenhagen
Antique Meissen Empire coffee pot with gold decoration. 19th century.
Measures: 27 x 20 cm.
1st factory quality.
In good condition with wear in the ...
Category
19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Early 19th Century Danish Empire Console Clock in Mahogany
Located in Kastrup, DK
A beautiful and decorative late Empire console clock crafted in Cuban mahogany. The case is architecturally shaped with gracefully curved lines and executed with fine craftsmanship.
...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Danish Empire Set of 4 Small Chairs, Elm Wood with Hand Embroidered Seats 1850s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Set of four antique danish empire or Biedermeier style dining chairs handmade by a skilled danish master carpenter in Denmark the middel of the 19th.
The frame is made of elm wood, ...
Category
1850s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Wood, Elm
Pedestal Table in Mahogany from Empire period with carved details from 1820
s
Located in Lejre, DK
Dining table in Empire style from the 1820s, crafted in mahogany as a classic pedestal table with a rectangular top. A decorative and functional piece with period-typical design, sui...
Category
1820s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pedestal Table in Mahogany Period Late Empire with Carved Details from 1840
s
Located in Lejre, DK
Pedestal table in late Empire style from around the 1840s, crafted in mahogany with rich carved details and classic proportions. The table can be extended with four additional leaves...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Round Entrance Or Lobby Table In Mahogany From The 19th century
Located in Lejre, DK
Entrance or lobby table from the 19th century, crafted in mahogany as a classic pedestal table with a round top. A decorative and period-characteristic piece suitable for hallways, l...
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Wilhelm Marstrand – Portrait of Italian Boy, ca. 1840, Danish Golden Age
Located in Kastrup, DK
Wilhelm Marstrand, Danish 1810–1873
Small portrait of an Italian boy wearing a hat and red jacket.
Oil on canvas. Visible image dimensions: 21 x 14.5 cm.
Signed: W. Marstrand.
Presum...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Wood
French Empire Boxwood Tabatière with Erotic Enamel Plaque and Gilded Bronze Acce
Located in Kastrup, DK
A French Empire tabatière, exquisitely crafted from boxwood.
The lid is adorned with an erotic enamel plaque, elegantly framed by a gilded bronze band, while the underside features a...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Two Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain Candlesticks with Lion Heads
Located in København, Copenhagen
Two Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain candlesticks with lion heads.
Dated 1969-1974. Model number 1/15.
Measures: 23 x 8 cm.
In excellent ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, pair of Blue Fluted candlesticks. 1962.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen, a pair of Blue Fluted candlesticks in porcelain.
1962.
Model 1/15.
Marked.
In perfect condition.
First factory quality.
Dimensions: Height 22.5 cm x 7.8 cm.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chartol In Louis Seize Style Made In Oak
Brass From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique Louis Seize style chatol from around 1840. Oak with brass fittings. H: 190 cm, W: 117 cm, D: 55 cm. Classic 19th century furniture craftsmanship.
— Origin: Europe (presumabl...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Elegant Empire Bench i Mahogany
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Empire bench crafted in Cuban mahogany. Gracefully curved ends with finely profiled splats.
Newly upholstered in exclusive fabric from Colefax & Fowler.
Recently restored and...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Engravings Hand-Coloured Pair “Tableau de l’Armée Française” Rare
Located in Kastrup, DK
Beautiful set of two hand-colored copper engravings depicting the French Imperial Army during the Napoleonic and Restoration periods.
The subjects respectively show the cavalry (1re Section, La Cavalerie – Nouvelle Organisation) and the infantry (2e Section, L’Infanterie – Nouvelle Organisation), both executed after paintings by Louis-François Lejeune (1775–1848) – French general, diplomat, and artist, renowned for his precise and dramatic depictions of the Napoleonic Wars.
The engravings were published by Louis de Kleist in Dresden around 1830–1840, with text in both French and German:
“Die Königl. Französische Armee” / “Tableau de...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paper, Glass
Pair Tall Antique Danish Empire Candelabra of Gilded Metal + Bronze 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Pair of large Empire style 3-armed candelabras made of a combination of gilded and brown-patinated metal and bronze.
Made in Denmark by skilled metalworkers circa 1880s.
Very nice c...
Category
Late 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Danish Empire Style Chest of Drawers Solid Pine with Cream Colored Paint 1930s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish empire style corrugated three drawer chest on high legs made of solid pine wood. Handmade by Danish master carpenter in the 1930s.
The chest is decorated with cream colored p...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Pine, Paint
Elegant Pair of Empire Benches, Copenhagen, Denmark
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Empire benches crafted in mahogany.
The high, architecturally designed sides feature string inlay in satinwood, topped with an ebonized panel and mounted with gilt bronze orn...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire Style Mirror With Gilded Frame In White
Gold With Decorative Ornaments
Located in Lejre, DK
Large wall mirror in empire style with gilded frame in white and gold. The mirror is decorated with decorative ornaments that give a classic and elegant expression.
Style: Empire (I...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold
Pair of Large Danish Vaseline Opaline Wine Glass or Vases
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish pair of large white Vaseline opaline wine glasses or vases.
Category
Late 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass, Art Glass, Opaline Glass
Small Round Tray with Red Carrara Marble Top and Brass Edging
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small round barware tray with red carrara marble top and brass edging.
This tray was most likely an old table top, that is now being used as a tray.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Bench In Beech Elegant Empire
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Empire bench in beech with curved end panels and slats.
Refined design with encircling profiles.
Under the slats is a decorative fan-shaped semi-arched carving. The bench re...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Danish Late Empire Mahogany With Inlay Bureau / Secretair
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare Danish early 19th century secretary or slant front bureau.
Exquisitely crafted from mahogany with fabulous marquetry decoration in black n...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bone, Mahogany, Satinwood, Walnut
$9,943 Sale Price
20% Off
Late 18th Century Pewter Wine Beaker or Cup, Denmark
By Wiggers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Danish Pewter beaker or cup for wine or beer, Denmark Circa 1790-1810
The cup is marked with a large W on the base.
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Pewter
$316 Sale Price
20% Off
J.L. Jensen - 19th Century Danish Golden Age Oil Painting of Kingfishers
Located in Kastrup, DK
Johan Laurentz Jensen (J. L. Jensen), 1800–1856
Painting: A detailed and vividly colored bird motif depicting a pair of kingfishers (Halcyon cyanoventris) nestled in lush green foli...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Austrian Empire Center Table Cherry
Lime Stone
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Austrian Empire center table with a single drawer. Cherry veneer with ebony trim and inlayed limestone top on elegantly tapered legs with ebony feet....
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Limestone
Pair of Naïve Allegorical Landscape Paintings Sign, Christian Georg v. Lind
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of naïve allegorical landscape paintings.
Oil on canvas
Signed Lieutenant Christian Georg V. Lind, 1837 and 1838.
See text on the back.
In original gilded damgaard frames. ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Jepthas "Distress at Meeting His Daughter" Colored Copper Engraving
Located in Kastrup, DK
Jephthah's Distress at meeting his Daughter.
Painted by H. Singelton. Engraved by W. Bond
Colored copper engraving in contemporary Empire mahogany frame...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany, Paper
Empire
Chest on Chest
Mahogany, Danish West Indies ( Virgin Islands) C. 1810
Located in Kastrup, DK
A tall Empire chest of drawers, also known as a 'Chest on Chest,' composed of two pieces. This model is expertly crafted from solid, high-quality Cuba mahogany with original brass fi...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire Style Secretary Made In Mahogany
Intarsia From 1820s
Located in Lejre, DK
This impressive Empire style secretary from the year 1820 is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty. Hand-polished mahogany wo...
Category
1820s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$3,027 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Yellow Empire Oval Metal Bread Basket with Brass Accents and Engraved Handles
Located in Kastrup, DK
Empire Bread Basket in Oval Form, Crafted from Metal with Ochre Finish.
This elegant Empire bread basket features an oval shape, crafted from metal with an ochre-colored finish. The...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
A Pair of Late Empire Silver Candlesticks by Caspar Julius Worm (1788-1857)
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of late Empire silver candlesticks crafted by master silversmith Caspar Julius Worm.
Created in Copenhagen in 1837, these candlesticks are richly decorated with intricate acan...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Large Antique Late Empire Corner Cabinet Made In Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This large antique late Empire corner cabinet exudes the grandeur and elegance characteristic of the 1840s. Crafted from rich mahogany, a prized wood choice for furniture of this era...
Category
1840s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of French Empire Andirons in Wrought Iron with Brass Finials
Located in Kastrup, DK
A charming pair of French Empire andirons crafted from wrought iron, featuring elegant brass finials on the front tops.
These fireplace supports are presented in their original, unto...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Elegant Danish Empire Armchair, circa 1810
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant and decorative Empire armchair. Made in mahogany, with light wood inlaid (lemon tree). Oval backboard in ebonised wood. Front of arms in the form of wooden cut grippers with ...
Category
1810s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Velvet, Wood, Fruitwood
Antique Danish Oak Chest of Drawers, ca. 1800.
Located in Asaa, DK
Antique Danish Oak Chest of Drawers, ca. 1800.
Amazing Empire oak dresser made by Danish master carpenter 1790-1810. Solid oak body and drawer fronts. Ebonized trim and concealed top...
Category
Late 18th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Oak
Sampson
Dalilah "At The Gate Of Prison" Colored Copper Engraving
Located in Kastrup, DK
Sampson & Dalilah, At the gate of prison.
Colored copper engraving in contemporary Empire mahogany frame with internal line intarsia, gilt with ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
Large B&G, Bing
Grondahl Vase in Pink with Handles in Gold, Early Stamp
Located in København, Copenhagen
Large B&G, Bing & Grondahl vase in pink with handles in gold.
Early stamp. Dated 1865.
1st. assortment. In perfect condition.
Measures 29.5 x 14.5 cm.
Category
1860s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Pair of Naïve Allegorical Landscape Paintings Sign, Christian Georg v. Lind
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of naïve allegorical landscape paintings.
Oil on canvas
Signed Lieutenant Christian Georg V. Lind , 1837 and 1838.
See text on the back.
In original gilded Damgaard frames....
Category
Mid-18th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Hall Chair In Late Empire Style Made In Mahogany
Floral Fabric, 19th century
Located in Lejre, DK
Dining or hall chair in late Empire style, crafted in mahogany and upholstered in floral fabric. Classic design with period-typical lines and a gently curved back. A decorative chair...
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Limoges, France, Two Candlesticks and a Dish in Hand Painted Porcelain
Located in København, Copenhagen
Limoges, France. Two candlesticks and a dish in hand painted porcelain with a green edge and gold decoration, 1930s-1940s.
The candlestick measures: 16 x 8 cm.
The dish measures: 2...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Bing
Grøndahl Empire Sauce Bowl in Hand-Painted Porcelain
Located in København, Copenhagen
Bing & Grøndahl empire sauce bowl in hand-painted porcelain modelled with seahorses.
Early 20th century.
Measures: 23.5 x 15 x 11 cm.
In excellent condition.
Stamped.
2nd facto...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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
Glass, Mahogany
Large Antique B&G Bing
Grondahl Vase in Purple with Handles in Gold
Located in København, Copenhagen
Large antique B&G Bing
Grondahl vase in purple with handles in gold with faun-face.
Early stamp. Dated 1888, with monogram.
1st. factory quality. In perfect condition...
Category
1880s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Large Empire Bureau Of Hand Polished Mahogany With Inlaid Wood from 1820s
Located in Lejre, DK
This grand Empire bureau is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the 1820s, crafted from hand-polished mahogany adorned with intricate inlaid wood detailing. Its imposing pr...
Category
1820s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Royal Copenhagen Figure H.C. Andersen
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen figure H.C. Andersen
Measures: 19 cm.
In perfect condition.
Designed by Hanne Warming.
2. Factory quality.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Empire Furniture
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
Sensational B&G
Bing
Grondahl
Large Egg Shaped Vase in Empire Style
Located in København, Copenhagen
Sensational B&G (Bing & Grondahl) large egg shaped vase in Empire style on stand. Lid with mythological figures in biscuit. Decorated with the Stock Ex...
Category
20th Century Danish Empire Furniture
Large Late Empire Chatol Made In Mahogany From 1820s
Located in Lejre, DK
The large Late Empire hand-polished mahogany chatol with marquetry from the 1820s is an impressive piece of furniture that exudes an aura of elegance and historical significance. The...
Category
1820s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century, Silver Dredging Spoon
Located in Copenhagen, K
Danish silver dredging spoon from circa 1820.
Category
19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Mirror Made In Mahogany With Carvings, Danish Design 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, warm tones of th...
Category
1880s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Set of Five 19th Century Glasses with Gold Leaf Motive
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very nice set of five German glasses with gold motives. Gilding very nicely preserved.
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass
$630 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Danish 18th Century Empire Mirror
Located in Copenhagen, K
Elegant Empire mirror with hand-painted flowers and statue in the upper glass part.
Category
18th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Set Of 2 Antique Empire Style Armchairs Made In Mahogany From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
A pair of Danish Empire style hand-polished mahogany armchairs with striped fabric from around the 1920s.
Measurements in cm: H:84 W:52 D:47 SH:50
This product will be inspected ...
Category
1920s Danish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Table Mirror With Frame Made In Walnut From 1880s
Located in Lejre, DK
This small table mirror, crafted from walnut wood and dating back to around the 1880s, is a charming and elegant example of late 19th-century design...
Category
1880s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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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