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: USA
Style: Empire
Maitland Smith Empire Style Large Banded Inlay Mahogany Glass Top Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Maitland Smith Empire Style Large Banded Inlay Mahogany Glass Top Coffee Table. Item features beveled glass, inset top, 6 saber legs, 2 tier band...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Large Pair of 19th Century French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of circa 1900 French Empire-style gilt bronze sconces showcases the mythological figure Acantha, a nymph beloved by the god Apollo. According to legend, Apollo transformed ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Bureau a Cylindre Gentleman
s Desk
Located in Forney, TX
A exceptionally rare Period French Empire (1804-1814) walnut bureau a cylindre.
Exquisitely hand-crafted in France, most likely Parisian work, dating to the early 19th century, the large antique cylinder desk...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Porcelain and Brass Table Lamp with Gold Lion Horse Design, Small
By Luc Lanel
Located in New York, NY
A small French porcelain table lamp with brass base, in the Empire style, circa early-20th century, France. This small French porcelain lamp, ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold, Brass
Pair of French Empire Dore Patinated Bronze Urns on Pedestals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pair of quality bronze Dore Urns on Pedestals. The pair are in wonderful vintage condition. one small bend to the lip or edge of one - not greatly noticeable or offense...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold, Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow 21
X 21
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 19th century French Aubusson tapestry pillow. 21'' x 21''
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Louis Vuitton Trunks Suitcases Monogram Art Print Framed
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Louis Vuitton Print from Paris, France framed in a vintage wooden Gold Leaf frame. The artwork features the iconic Louis Vuitton suitcases artistically stacked. Similar piece can be ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paper, Paint
19thc British Empire Bronze with Cut Crystal Lantern style Pendant/ Chandelier
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1890 British Empire Bronze with Cut Crystal Bag and Tent style Chandelier/ Pendant Ceiling Fixture. I purchased this fixture along with some other beautiful British fixtures from a ...
Category
1890s English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
$1,828 Sale Price
20% Off
French Style 62" Cast Iron Campana Urn Outdoor Garden Planters on Pedestal, Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S shipping quote.
Vintage French Empire Style 62" Tall Cast Iron Campana Urn Outdoor Garden Planters on ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Iron
19th Century Empire Style Parcel Gilt Mahogany Armchair
Located in El Monte, CA
A stately 19th Century Empire Style armchair crafted from Mahogany with detailed gilt carvings and a neoclassical print green silk upholstery. Featuring a gilt sunburst and Eye of Go...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Green and Gilt Montieth Jardiniere Cachepot
Located in New York, NY
French Empire green and gilt montieth jardiniere cachepot. Neoclassical period gilt rimmed Empire montieth/ verriere in mottled green painted tole with scalloped edge and handles. Be...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Walnut Display Cabinet Bookcase with Adjustable Shelves, Sweden circa 1850-70
Located in Round Top, TX
This stunning walnut display cabinet standing at 7' tall/ and 8' wide will make a grand and elegant statement piece.
Enlarge close up photos to appreciate the exceptional grain of th...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Lamp
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A great quality 19th century gilt bronze lamp with finely chased neoclassical detailing. Tripod base supports a tapered shaft with decorative mounts, surmounted by a 'petal' form top...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Neoclassical Empire Figural Gilt and Patinated Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent antique French Neoclassical Empire figural gilt and patinated bronze chandelier. The chandelier is suspended from a domed corona composed of pierced scrolling acanthus ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Throw Pillow Made from 16th Century Flemish Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
16th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow 19" X 12", handmade piece , from mid-16th century
Category
16th Century Turkish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Mid-19th Century White Opaline Bowl with Brass Handle
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in Denmark, we see this charming bowl with a etched brass handle used as a decorative piece as well as functional. This could be displayed on a coffee table as well used as ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Petite Empire Console with Marble Top, France 19th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Empire Period mahogany console table of small size. The rectangular top inset with a white and green variegated marble top and the frieze inset with a drawer and flanked by paint...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
English Crown Derby Porcelain Potpourri Vessel, early 19th century
Located in New York, NY
An English porcelain potpourri vessel with gold gilt god-like heads and lion paw feet, Empire design, by Crown Derby, circa early-19th century, England. Red makers' mark date range c...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
French Empire Cuban Mahogany "Somno" Side Table, circa 1805
Located in CA, CA
A beautiful "Somno" side table made of high quality Cuban mahogany with a grey marble top.
This French Empire piece dates from the early 19th century, circa 1805.
Meaning sleep in ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Elegant Empire Style Gilt
Patinated Bronze Figural Table Lamp
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Ornate and elegant Empire style table lamp having patinated bronze figural goddess form with marblized base.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Mid-16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Category
16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
Wonderful French Empire Dore Bronze Cut Crystal Figural Neoclassical Centrepiece
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Empire doré bronze and cut crystal figural neoclassical centrepiece
Measures: 7.5" W x 8" H.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
French Ormolu Bronze Malachite and White Marble Gueridon Table, circa 1870
Located in Queens, NY
A French Ormolu bronze malachite and white marble Gueridon table, in the Empire style,
circa 1870
The circular top supported on three bronze winged female...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
$14,000 Sale Price
20% Off
American Empire Gilt Three Section Wall Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
American Empire gilt horizontal three section wall mirror.
Category
19th Century American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror
Antique Empire Salesman Sample Chest of Drawers
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Empire mahogany and birch salesman sample chest of drawers, circa 1820. With a rectangular birch top, a protruding frieze drawer, two larger lower...
Category
1820s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Baker Furniture Company Empire Mahogany
Gilt-Wood Mirror, 1990s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Empire mahogany & gilt-wood mirror by Baker Furniture Company
Additional information:
Materials: mahogany, mirror
Please note that this item contains materials that are legally...
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Napoleonic Silverplated Tray by Christofle circa 1850
By Christofle
Located in New York, US
Our Christofle silverplated tray features fine engraved designs including the French coat-of-arms, and Napoleonic cipher and imperial bees. Reverse has the maker's mark in oval carto...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
19th Century Russian Pair of Antique Beechwood, Brass Wall Mirrors and Consoles
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Russian pair of wall mirrors and console tables, nightstands made of hand crafted Karelian Beechwood in good condition. The floor mirrors are supported by two arched legs ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
French Grisaille (Grey) Tapestry Portrait of Napoleon Bicorne Hat
Greatcoat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Grisaille (Grey) Tapestry Portrait of Napoleon Bicorne Hat and Greatcoat
France, circa 1920s
Capture a piece of French history with this exquisite Grisaille (Grey) Tapestry ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$592 Sale Price
33% Off
French Empire Style Mahogany Headboard with Silk Embroidery
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Empire Style Mahogany Headboard with Silk Embroidery
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silk, Mahogany
French Empire Tole Painted Metal Shade Brass Bugle Table Lamp, circa 1950s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Empire style brass bugle table lamp, dating from the 1950s, beautifully captures the neoclassical elegance of the period. Crafted with refined attention to detail, the la...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$556 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century French Gilt Bronze Empire Figural Basket
Located in Atlanta, GA
First quarter 19th century, in the manner of Pierre-Philippe Thomire (French, 1751–1843), gilt bronze and marble, figural basket, possibly Nike, holding aloft a flared, reticulated b...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Theodore Alexander Patinated Bronze Figural Center Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 34 1/4 in W: 36 1/4 in D: 36 1/4 in
This Empire Style Figural Center Table by Theodore Alexander is a commanding statement piece that reflects the grandeur and arti...
Category
Late 20th Century Vietnamese Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Mahogany Settee Made in France, Circa 1780
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Settee has a mahogany frame with tapered hand front legs with hand-carved decorative flowers on each leg and the seat back. The cushion is upholstered in a modern striped fabric.
Category
1790s French Antique Empire Furniture
European Rectangular Silver Leaf Gilt Wood Art Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage impressive wooden frame in silver gilt, with great patina, that would be suitable for most style artwork including prints, watercolors as well as oil on board paintings. Wond...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Leaf
French Mahogany Desk, circa 1850
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The rectangular top inset with a beige tooled leather writing surface and slide outs on both ends. Above five drawers, the reverse side with dummy drawers raised on columnar legs wit...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$8,640 Sale Price
20% Off
19thc French Empire Gold Bordered Crystal Candle Holder /Candlestick by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc French Antique Cut Crystal/ Gold Bordered Deluxe Candle Holder. This piece is stunning! The detail is amazing.
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
$448 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Black French Empire Ebonized Wood Center Table - Antique Game Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, antique French Empire sofa table made of hand crafted ebonized wood, in good condition. The round Parisian side table is composed with a shellac polished clear glass top to protect the surface, supported by a detailed carved gold-patinated octagonal column...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Ebony
Late 19th Century Swedish Empire Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A mid to late 19th century Swedish empire chandelier with cobalt glass inset and crystal hanging
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Large 19th Century Continental Neoclassical Between Dresser Vanity Box
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An extensively filled 19th century ormolu-mounted ebonized wood dresser vanity box fitted with silver gold washed lidded glass gars and sewing tools. The ...
Category
1880s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Vieux Paris
Old Paris
Tea Caddy or Apothocary Jar Painted with Harbor Scene
By Old Paris
Located in Mobile, AL
This empire period Old Paris tea caddy, canister or jar from the 1830's is sure to delight. It was likely designed and sold as a tea canister, but a lidd...
Category
1830s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$328 Sale Price
54% Off
French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and Ormolu bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Empire st. Mahogany and Ormolu bench. This wonderful rectangular bench with a fitted leather seat is raised by four scrolled legs with a bottom Ormolu ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
19th Century French Empire Chest of Drawers
Located in Houston, TX
A 19th-century French Empire chest of drawers in walnut, with brass pulls and column accents, showcases exceptional period craftsmanship...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 5X4.10
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
19th Century French Empire Style Mahogany Roll-Top Desk with Gilt Bronze-Mounted
Located in Cypress, CA
This impressive 19th century, French Empire style gilt bronze-mounted Fine mahogany roll-top desk,
The blackstone top over three short gilt-bronze mounted drawers, issuing a barrel top desk...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Pair French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Lamps
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of columnar form neoclassical lamps feature gilt bronze wreaths and Corinthian capitals.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Brussels 16th Century - 19" x 9"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Flame Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Commode with Rouge Griotte By Molitor
By Molitor
Located in Stamford, CT
A superbly crafted French Empire commode with Rouge Griotte marble top by Molitor. A pair of these commodes were acquired by King Jerome between 1809 and 1812 and listed in the i...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Empire Burlwood Chair
Located in Houston, TX
A 19th Century French Empire burl wood chair featuring stylized ormolu to include swans, lyre, acanthus and ribbons with lion's paw sabots. Seat newly...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Vintage French Empire Brass
Crystal Glass Column "Oil Lamp" Table Lamps, Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Brass & Crystal Glass Column "Oil Lamp Style" Table Lamps by Wilmar - a Pair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 36" H (to finial) x 30" H (to light so...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Chinese Peking Dragon Runner
Located in New York, NY
Very rare antique Chinese Peking runner with a pictorial dragon motif found in field and border in two shades of predominant blues. The size on this piece is original which makes an ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
$25,000
19th Century French Empire Abattant Secretary Desk in Flame Mahogany Drop Down
Located in Atlanta, GA
This French Empire Abattant Secretary Desk from the late 19th century is a striking piece of furniture, crafted from flame mahogany. The abattant (drop...
Category
1890s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
19th Century French Pair of Bronze Girandoles Attributed to Friedrich Bergenfeld
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold-black, antique French pair of girandoles made of hand crafted gilded bronze attributed to Friedrich Bergenfeldt, in good condition. Eac...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass, Bronze
1830s French Empire Mahogany Chest with Four Drawers and Gilded Edges, Commode
Located in Miami, FL
1830s French Empire mahogany chest with four drawers and gilded edges
Beautiful wooden root.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair 19thc French Empire Carved and Gilt Wood Wall Sconces - Unelectrified
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French Empire Carved Wood Wall Sconces. Highly detailed, beautifully carved. French estate.
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Ormolu and Tole Bouillotte Lamp
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 19th century directoire bouillotte table lamp. Lamp features original elements and original black tole lampshade with gilt brass leaf applied detailing. Newly rewired with side ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Tôle, Brass
French early 19th century Mahogany and Ormolu center table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most impressive French early 19th century Empire st. flame Mahogany and Ormolu center table, circa 1815. This high quality circular table is raised on ball supports which conceal t...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Finely Carved Mahogany Settee Loveseat Empire Claw Feet Tall Back CLEAN
By J. Horner
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Finely Carved Mahogany Settee Loveseat Empire Claw Feet Tall Back CLEAN
Category
20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Rare Fine Quality Brass and Iron Lyre Form French Empire Chandelier
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Illuminate your space with the grandeur of this rare and exquisite French Empire chandelier, crafted in a striking lyre form design. This fine quality chandelier combines brass and i...
Category
1880s European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Mid-Century Empire Style Pacel Gilt and Mahogany Coffee Table
Located in Germantown, MD
An impressive mid-century Empire Style parcel gilt and carved Mahogany coffee / cocktail Table.
Measures 46" in width, 27.75" in depth and standing 17.5" tall.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Giltwood
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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