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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: Pennsylvania
Style: Empire
Large Antique 64" Caved Wood Gold Giltwood Empire Pedestal Candlestick Pricket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Large Antique 64" Caved Wood Gold Giltwood Empire Pedestal Candlestick Pricket. Item ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Important 19th Century Austrian Hapsburg Family Mahogany Walnut Chest
Located in Solebury, PA
A remarkably well-preserved 19th-century Austrian four-drawer chest in exquisite mahogany stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship. Its rectangular top, adorned with richly...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold

Vintage French Empire Mahogany 25" Round Coffee Table with Brass Gallery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Mahogany 25" Round Coffee Table with Ornate Brass Gallery and Carved Tapered Legs. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 21.5" H (to gallery) x 25" W x 25" D. 2...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Empire Neoclassical Style Figural Maiden Candelabra Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Neoclassical Style Figural Maiden Candelabra Table Lamps - a Pair. Lamps feature flame finials, 6 candle arms, black patinated metal female figures with water j...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

French Empire Marble and Bronze Lamp
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This fine quality 19th Century bronze and green marble lamp base is of columnar form. It features Neoclassical motifs including floral swags and...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Maslow Freen French Empire Style Breakfront Bookcase China Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Maslow Freen French Empire style breakfront bookcase China cabinet with brass grill. Item includes 2 part construction, 8 swing doors, worki...
Category

20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

French Empire Antique Burl Walnut Center Table with Black Marble Top, circa 1815
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A very fine Empire center table crafted of beautifully patinated burl walnut veneers over secondary woods, the table retains its original black marble top. This was turned to create the dished top with an integral raised rim. Over each of the three columns is a honeysuckle gilded bronze mount, each pillar...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass, Bronze

Antique American Empire Mahogany Green Marble Top Console Hall Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Empire Mahogany Green Marble Top Console Hall Table. Item features serpentine column supports, art print scene in glass, beautiful wood grain, very nice antique item...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Vintage French Empire Brass Candlestick Tole Metal Bouillotte Desk Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Sedgefield by Adams French Empire Style Brass Candlestick Tole Metal Bouillotte Desk Table Lamp. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 24" H (to finial) x 14" H (to light so...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pair French Empire Figural Bronze Candelabra Signed Chibout
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This finely detailed, and hand chased pair of bronze candelabra were made by Pierre Chibout. Active 1806-24, he worked with Claude Francois Rabiat who's workshop he took over in 181...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Vintage French Empire Mahogany Side Chairs with Bronze "Sphinx" Ormolu - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Mahogany Side Chairs with Bronze "Sphinx/Lion" Ormolu - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 35.5" H x 18" W x 20" D x 19.5" Seat height.
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Empire Bronze Green Candlestick Column Bouillotte Desk Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Bronze Wreath Ormolu Dark Green Bouillotte Table Lamp with Dark Green Paper Shade (Not metal). Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 22.5" H (to finial). Base...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Antique French Empire Bronze Swans Green Tole Metal Shade Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Bronze Swans Green Tole Metal Shade Bouillotte Table Desk Lamp. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 26" H (to finial) x 12" H (to light socket) x 13" W x 9....
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Vintage French Empire Mahogany Pedestal Base Round Brass Gallery Center Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Mahogany Pedestal Base Round Center Table with Brass Gallery. Item features a pierced brass gallery, pedestal base, gold gilt details, beautiful wood grai...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid 20th Century Italian Tole Lamp
Located in Doylestown, PA
Mid 20th century Italian tole lamp with original shade. Fine Italian tole column form table lamp in a warm ochre hue. It is intricately painted with...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture

Materials

Tôle, Brass

Green Marble Top Fluted Wood Corinthian Column Pedestal Base Round Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
42" round green marble-top fluted Corinthian column coffee table. Item features a substantial green marble top with very attractive "wave" pattern veins. The marble top rests on a ca...
Category

Mid-20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Vintage mahogany and leather Empire style martini table after Maitland Smith
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a handsome vintage mahogany and tooled black leather martini side table. This empire style side table features a black leather top with tooled gold decoration around the edge...
Category

1990s Philippine Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Urn Form Lamp Base
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This detailed bronze urn form lamp features gilt bronze highlights including lepard head handles, and acanthus leaves.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Empire Bronze and Marble Urns
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of urns feature neoclassical motifs, including acanthus leaves, egg and dart borders, and Bacchus mask handles. The Verde antico marble plinth bases are mounted wi...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Vintage Marbro French Empire Porcelain Bouillotte Candlestick Table Lamps Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Marbro French Empire Porcelain Bouillotte Candlestick Table Lamps Pair with Original Shades. Item features very rare cast ceramic porcelain forms in a gold and smoky charcoal...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage French Empire Patinated Bronze Brass Column Table Lamps by Wildwood Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Patinated Bronze/Brass Heavy Column Table Lamps by Wildwood - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 41" H (to finial) x 25" H (to light socket) x...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze NIKE Figural Candelabra
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This stately patinated and fire gilt bronze candelabrum is of the finest quality, and retains its original finish. The figure of Nike (Winged Victory) standing on a gilt globe holds...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Empire Style Bronze Ormolu Burl Wood Large Trumeau Pier Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Style Bronze Ormolu Burl Wood Large Trumeau Pier Mirror. Item features burl wood, beveled glass, stately bronze mounts including human figured feet, maiden face...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Empire Regency Rams Head Small Bronze Column Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Regency Rams Head Small Bronze Column Table Lamps with Adjustable Height Finials - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 25.5"- 27.5" H (to finial) x...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Vintage French Empire Alabaster Column Brass Metal Candelabra Table Lamps - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Alabaster Column Brass Metal Candelabra Table Lamps - Pair. Item features carved alabaster columns, 4 candelabras each with one central light. Fixture with mult...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Alabaster, Brass

Antique French Empire Patinated Bronze Corinthian Column Candlestick Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Patinated Bronze Corinthian Column Candlestick Table Lamp. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 47" H (to finial) x 34" H (to light socket) x 8.5" W x 8.5" D...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Empire Style Carved Fruitwood Open Armchairs
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This pair of 19th century fruitwood armchairs feature carved acanthus leaves and reeded arms.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Round Table with Empire Bases 60-115 inch
Located in Annville, PA
The Round Table with Empire Bases 60-115 inch is a high quality 60 inch round table when closed. The field of the table top being produced from the...
Category

2010s Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

French Empire Gilt Bronze and Marble Figural Lamp Base
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This fine quality lamp base features a gilt classical frieze, and a patinated bronze figure of a classical maiden.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Empire Neoclassical Brass Candlestick Student Oil Style Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Neoclassical Style Patinated Brass Candlestick Student "Oil Lamp Style" Table Lamp. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 24" H (to light socket) x 9.5" W x 6....
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Empire Neoclassical Small Thin Brass Candlestick Column Table Lamp a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Neoclassical Style Small Thin Brass Candlestick Column Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 26" H (to finial) x 20.5" H (to light socke...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Baltic Neoclassical Mahogany, Brass Leather Writing Desk, late 19th century
Located in Shippensburg, PA
BALTIC NEOCLASSICAL MAHOGANY, LEATHER AND BRASS BUREAU PLAT WITH CARTONNIER Eastern European, probably the Baltic States Circa late 19th century, the tambour cabinet with alterations...
Category

19th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

NYC Waldorf Astoria Hotel Empire Pendant Light
Located in New York, NY
Cleaned and restored. Small quantity available at time of posting. Please inquire. Priced each. Please note, this item is located in our Scranton, PA location.
Category

20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Vintage French Empire Bronze Hunting Dog Marble Base Desk Pen Holder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Bronze Hunting Dog Marble Base Desk Pen Holder. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 3.5" H x 6.5" W x 3.25" D.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

French Empire style mahogany bronze mounted leather top writing desk. C 1940.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Empire style mahogany bronze mounted, leather top writing desk. C 1940.
Category

1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Italian Empire Style Gold Giltwood Swedish Gout Stool Footstool Ottoman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Italian Empire Style Gold Giltwood Swedish Gout Stool Footstool Ottoman. Item features bun feet, solid wood construction, gold gilt distressed finish, nicely carved details, ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

19th C Biedermeier Italian Burl Fruitwood Curule Base Side Chairs - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of 19th C Biedermeier Ebonized & Fruitwood Curule Base Side Chairs. Item features shapely sabre legs, ebonized back splats, rolled backs, beautiful original veneer and solid woo...
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique English Empire Mahogany 3 Part Pedestal Sideboard Buffet With Drawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Empire Mahogany 3 Part Pedestal Sideboard Buffet With Drawers. Item features three part hand dovetailed construction, side lock cab...
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique French Empire Bronze Urn Finial Fireplace Andirons w/ Paw Feet - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Bronze Urn Finial Fireplace Andirons w/ Paw Feet and Desirable Patina- a Pair. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 25" H x 11" W x 11" D.
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Style Mahogany Mother of Pearl Wreath Inlay Accent Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Empire Style Mahogany Mother of Pearl Wreath Inlay Accent Side Table. Item features mother of pearl and wood floral wreath inlay, carved reeded column-form legs, very nice vin...
Category

Early 20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Gilt Bronze and Cut Crystal Cornucopia Vases on Marble Bases, Pair
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This pair of neoclassical rython form garnitures are well detailed and finely cut.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Vintage French Empire Style Mahogany Paw Feet Side Tables, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Mahogany Paw Feet Side Tables - a Pair. Item features a claw foot tripod pedestal base, lower shelf, beautiful woodgrain,...
Category

Early 20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Antique French Ormolu Doré Gilt Bronze Etageres Bases by Thomire
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique French bases for etageres. By Pierre-Phillippe Thomire. In doré gilt bronze. Each with a central column with a mounting thread to the top surrounded by a la...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Warren Kessler French Empire Bronze Candlestick Small Table Lamps a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Warren Kessler French Empire Style Bronze Candlestick Black Column Bouillotte Small Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 23" H (to finial) x 17" H (to ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Vintage French Empire Double Wooden Corinthian Column Black Gold Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Neoclassical Double Wooden Corinthian Column Black & Gold Table Lamp. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 38" H (to finial) x 30" H (to light socket) x 10" W ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique French Empire Paw Foot Brass Pierce Decorated Fireplace Mantle Piece
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire style paw foot brass pierce decorated fireplace mantel (fireplace) piece, circa late 19th century. Measurements: 7" H x 48" W x 15.5" D.
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique American Empire Arched Mahogany Wood Frame Looking Glass Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique American Empire Arched Deep Mahogany Wood Frame Looking Glass Wall Mirror wit...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

19th Century Small Empire Giltwood Trumeau Mirror with Painting
Located in Doylestown, PA
Unique 19th century Empire giltwood trumeau wall mirror with an original painted landscape on top, circa 1850. The tranquil scene in the manner of Hungarian landscape painter, Karoly...
Category

19th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Antique Warren Kessler French Empire Crystal Glass Corinthian Column Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Warren Kessler French Empire Crystal Glass Corinthian Column Table Lamp with Brass Metal Mounts. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 38" H (to finial) x 30" H (to light s...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Empire Style Gilded Marble Pedestal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Empire style marble-top gilded plant stand or pedestal. Lovely piece with paw feet and carved details. Ships from Philadelphia. Very good condition.
Category

Early 20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Antique French Empire Black Gold Tole Metal Urn Bouillotte Table Lamp w Shade
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Black & Gold Hand Painted Tole Metal Urn Form Bouillotte Candlestick Table Lamp with Shade. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 23" H (to finial) x 11" H (t...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Vintage Empire Style Low Marble Top Pedestal Base Side Tables by Imperial - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Empire Style Low Marble Top Pedestal Base Side Tables by Imperial - a Pair. I...
Category

Mid-20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Antique French Empire Figural Bronze Marble Hunting Dog Desk Double Inkwell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Figural Bronze & Marble Hunting Dog Desk Double Inkwell. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 4.75" H x 11.5" W x 6.25" D.
Category

Early 20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Anthony Querville Drop Leaf Mahogany Table w/Acanthus Leaf Carving Circa 1845
By Anthony Quervelle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Exquisitely crafted mahogany drop leaf table attributed to renowned cabinetmaker Anthony Querville, circa 1845. Features the distinctive proportions and refined joinery characteristi...
Category

Mid-19th Century North American Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Wynwood Flex Steel Empire Carved Cherry Wood Glass Display Curio China Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Empire Style Carved Cherry Wood Glass Display Curio China Cabinet by Wynwood Flex Steel. Item features a carved wood backsplash, spiral carved columns, original label, 2 drawers, 2 a...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Cherry

19th Century French Empire Marble Top Bronze Ormolu Paw Feet Console Hall Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
19th Century French Empire Marble Top Bronze Ormolu Paw Feet Console Hall Table. Finely cast bronze ormolu, paw feet, gold gilt accents, bronze inlay,...
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique French Empire Nickel Silver Glass Corinthian Column Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Nickel Silver Etched Glass Corinthian Column Table Lamps - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 29" H (to finial) x 21" H (to light socket) x 5.5" W ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pair of Antique Old or Vieux Paris Gilt Porcelain Floral Plates by P A Hannong
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique French porcelain plates. In old Paris or vieux paris porcelain. By the Paris porcelain manufactory of Peter An...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Maitland Smith French Empire Style Mahogany Paw Foot Tall Dressing Cheval Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Maitland Smith French Empire Style Mahogany Paw Foot Tall Beveled Glass Dressing Cheval Mirror. Item features metal urn finials, metal trim to frame, gold gilt painted details, "anti...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

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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