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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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Style: Empire
Antique Khotan Samarkand Rug-8 8 X 5 8
Located in Los Angeles, US
Up for sale is an antique Khotan Samarkand Rug with birds designs on a red background.
Category

Early 1900s Uzbek Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

19th Century French Antique Empire Crystal Glass Chandelier, Parisian Candelabra
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A round, antique French chandelier, pendant made of hand crafted polished brass, in good condition. The hand blown cut crystal prisms are attached, halted to the ceiling lamp brass f...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Brass

French Empire Style Brass Table Lamp
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style (20th Century) brass 3 arm bouillotte table lamp with horn motif and green shade. Arrow finial is missing
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Empire Style Ebonized Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style (19th Century) ebonized mahogany writing table desk with a leather top & claw feet resting on a platform base. (after JACOB DESMALTER at Fonteainbleau Palace).
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Leather

Wonderful French Empire Regency Dore Bronze Neoclassical Candlestick Pair Lamps
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French empire gilt doré bronze neoclassical candlestick pair of lamp, rewired and ready to enjoy.
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

1920s Antique Baluch Sofre Traditional Design Rug 4 7 x2 6
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1920 Antique Baluch Sofre Rug Stylish Traditional Design
Category

1920s Unknown Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Pr. of Old Paris Miniature, Gilt Decorated Footed Urns With Garden Scenes, c1800
Located in valatie, NY
Pair of Old Paris Miniature, Gilt Decorated Footed Urns with garden scenes, c1800. Miniature urns of this type are rare and the decoration is exceptional. The urns have bolted construction with scrolling handles and molded face mask terminals. The beautiful hand painted panels are of a seated young man and woman in traditional dress in a neoclassical garden with classical urns, landscaping, architecture and a fountain. Fine condition with mild typical wear to the gilt. Trent Antiques has been a respected name in antiques for...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

French Empire Mahogany Drop Front Secretary "Secrétaire à Abattant"
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Early 19th century French mahogany wood Empire style drop front secretary with a removable black marble top. The secretary features two front side columns with bronze mounts detail w...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Empire Style Wall Mirror With Faux Marble Att. To Maitland-Smith
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a French Empire style wall mirror attributed to Maitland-Smith. It has a brass eagle crest and faux marble columns. The mirror itself is cased in mahogany. It is unmarked and...
Category

Late 20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage 20th Century Ceramic Lampshade Base with Bird and Flower Design - 2Y132
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Add a touch of vintage elegance to your home with this beautifully crafted ceramic lampshade base from the 1970s. Featuring charming bird and flower decorations, this piece is perfec...
Category

1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

French 68" Tall Bronze Marble Lighted Candelabra Torchere Floor Lamps
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Style 68" Tall Bronze & Marble Lighted Candelabra Torchere Floor Lamps - a Pair. Item featured is a tall impressive size, 7 electrified candelabras, stunning cast bronze ormolu with rouge marble supports, square black painted wooden bases, remarkable quality and overall presence. Approx 60 lbs each. Stunning and rare pair of floor candelabras...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Empire Side Table of Mahogany with Marble Top
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome French Empire period side or end table or nightstand of flame-cut mahogany with figured black marble top, featuring a frieze of one fitted drawer with decorative ormolu es...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Metal, Brass

Italian Tole Wood Bead Chandelier, Empire Style, 1950s
Located in Stamford, CT
1950s Italian tole and wood beaded chandelier in the Empire style most likely imported by Chapman Manufacturing Company. The chandelier consists of an octagonal metal (tole) frame w...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Tin

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

Antique 1929 Book "Mésaventures de Kato" by Yvonne Lelong - 2Y235
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Condition: Fair Comments: The book is in good condition with some yellowing of the pages and slight wear on the spine. Please refer to the photos for more details. Author: Yvonne Lelong Publication Year: 1929 Language: French...
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Paper

Neoclassical Style Cream Faux Marbre Console Table
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully faux painted in a cream marble faux finish, the rectangular top raised on two volute form supports terminating in sunflower heads and enriched with foliate decoration.
Category

20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Empire Style Rectangular Wall Mirror with Beige and Gilt Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
Empire Style Mirror, France, 1930s. Beautiful Empire style rectangular mirror in beige patina with neoclassical relief foliage and floral ornamentation with gilded details . The fra...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

1910 s Persian Sarouk Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79285 Antique Red Persian Sarouk Rug, 02'06 x 04'10. This hand-knotted wool antique Persian Sarouk rug is a rare jewel of early 20th-century artistry, a precious masterpiece that whi...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool

Empire Style Bronze Ram s Head Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Six-arm Empire style ram's head chandelier. Solid brass and bronze, nice and heavy. Has great patina. In good working condition. Original ceiling cap ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Brass

1928 First Communion Souvenir Portrait of Marcelle Girard - Framed - 2Y71
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This framed souvenir portrait commemorates the first communion of Marcelle Girard, which took place at the church of Bonnétable on June 10, 1928. The piece is in its original conditi...
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Paper

A large pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A large and beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design. Wear consistent with age and use
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Egg Navy Blue enamel with tripod Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg Navy Blue enamel is in 925/1000 sterling silver. Egg Navy Blue enamel has fired enamels on guilloché has fired enamels on guilloché and design engraved by hand. Egg Navy Blue en...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Antique 20th Century Book by Paul Bourget "André Cornélis" - Paris - 2Y237
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Condition: Fair Comments: The book is in good condition. Please see the photos for more details. Author: Paul Bourget Title: "André Cornélis" Publisher: Arthème Fayard, Paris Modern-...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Paper

Book: Le Livre et les Arts qui s y Rattachent (1887) by M.P. Louisy- 2Y96
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This classic book, "Le Livre et les Arts qui s'y Rattachent", authored by M.P. Louisy, explores the relationship between books and the arts, providing valuable insights into the subj...
Category

1880s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Paper

19th Century French Bouillotte Lamp with Green Tole Shade
Located in Stamford, CT
A 19th century French Empire etched brass bouillotte lamp, originally and oil lamp that has been electrified. With three arms below a green painted adjustable tole shade, the body an...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Zinc

French Bronze and Marble Two-Armed Candelabrum, 19th Century
Located in Toronto, CA
A wonderful 19th century candelabra in the French Empire style, made of patinated bronze, gilt bronze and marble. The stem represents a woman holding aloft a two-armed torch, the who...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Set of 3 Hand-Crafted European Silver Leaf Wood Picture Frames, 1960s
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
These impressive detailed frames with light touch of silver gilt would be suitable for most style artwork including prints, watercolors as well as oil on board paintings. It's not ea...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Empire Furniture

Materials

Silver Leaf

Candlesticks with Caryatids in Gilt and Dark-Patinated Bronze – Empire, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
French Candlesticks with Caryatids in Gilt and Dark-Patinated Bronze – Empire, 1820s A magnificent pair of French candlesticks in gilt and dark-patinated bronze, made during the he...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilded and darkpatinated bronze from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A beautiful Pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilded and darkpatinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Richly decorated with leaves and other period ornaments as well as a dar...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Pair of Vintage Lamps in Empire Style with Crystals, Italy, 1970s
Located in Cantù, IT
Fine pair of Empire-style table lamps, dating from the mid-20th century. Unique decorative objects, full of charm and perfect for classic or eclectic settings. Details and materials...
Category

20th Century Italian Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

X-Small Egg style Faberge Ruby Red Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
X-Small egg in 925/1000 gilded silver with translucent enamel on fire on guilloché in Russian Art Nouveau style, inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé late 19th century, early 20th c...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Early-19th Century English Tapestry Pillow 14" X 8"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Early-19th Century English Tapestry Pillow 14" X 8", Animal Print Style , Authentic
Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

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

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

Antique French Empire Gilt Bronze Crystal Column Small Candlestick Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Gilt Bronze Crystal Glass Column Small Bouillotte Candlestick Table Lamp. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 23" H (to finial) x 11.5" H (to top of bronze ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Vintage JRD Berliet Relaxe Truck Toy- 2Y42
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Explore a piece of vintage transportation history with this classic JRD Berliet Relaxe truck. This small collectible features a Berliet cab and is a testament to mid-20th-century toy...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pair Empire Style Enameled and Velvet Upholstered Scroll Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Empire Style Enameled and Velvet Upholstered Scroll Armchairs. Measures 22" in width x 22" in depth x 34.5" in height . Seat height is 20".
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Empire Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Upholstery, Paint

Pair of Italian Carved and Gilded Frames Rome 18th Century
Located in Milano, MI
Pair Roman Gilded Frames 1700, rare pair of antique carved and gilded wooden frames, Rome 18th century. Rectangular in shape, with three orders of carving, this pendant of ancient Ro...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Vintage Small Floral Decor Ceramic Trinket Dish - 2Y58
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming small trinket dish features a delicate floral design, perfect for holding small items or simply adding a touch of vintage style to your décor. Crafted from quality cera...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Antique Gilded Wood Empire Pier Mirror
Located in Burbank, CA
Antique 19th century gilded wall mirror for sale. It's made of solid wood, and has beautiful carved wood and details throughout, and balls at the top. The wood is gilded, and shows w...
Category

19th Century American Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

French Empire Style Mahogany Bow Front Large Chest Dresser w/ Bronze Paw Feet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Quality French Empire Style Mahogany Bow Front Large Chest Dresser w/ Bronze Paw Feet...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Restauration Ormolu and Bronze Candelabra, Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Restauration Ormolu and Bronze Candelabra, circa 1830, each with five branches on reeded leaf-capped tapering columns and conforming bases. 38.5" H x 10.25" W x 6.25" D.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

1940s Italian Completely Beaded Basket Cobalt Blue Accents Chandelier, C 1920
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 5 lights in beaded cups. This elegant chandelier is completely beaded with a beaded lace bottom. Adorning rare cobalt blue crystal prisms and cobalt blue beads...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks with Hoofed Faun Feet, circa 1890
Located in Miami, FL
A fine Pair of French Empire gilt bronze candlesticks on hoofed faun feet, late 19th century. A fluted column rises on three cloven-hoofed hocked faun legs and feet. These antique c...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royal Figures 9.9X6.4
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

Lot of 5 Crystal Wine Glasses - Mid 20th Century - 2Y27
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Elevate your dining experience with this set of 5 crystal wine glasses, likely from the mid-20th century. Crafted from fine crystal, these glasses are a sophisticated addition to any...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Late 18th Century Dutch Empire Commode
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An unusual late 18th Century Dutch Empire oak tallboy commode. With ebonised columns and original brassware. Circa 1780.
Category

Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Fabergé Porcelain Tea, Coffee Cups Set of Four in a Velvet Case
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Fine porcelain set of four Fabergé original porcelain coffee or tea cups, service for four. Enjoy the start to your day with the classical sophistication only from Faberge. These s...
Category

Late 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique book "Retour en Chrétienté" - Collection by J. Servel - 2Y36
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Explore the insightful collection titled "Retour en Chrétienté" by J. Servel, a notable work reflecting on religious themes. Published by Édition du Chalet, this book is an essential...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Paper

Ice Bucket with Lion Head Design
Located in New York, NY
A copper and brass ice bucket with lion head design, in the Empire style, circa mid-20th century. This copper ice bucket with lid has brass lion head and loop design on sides (or fro...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Copper

Baltic Mahogany and Brass Mounted Games Table
Located in Stamford, CT
A Northern European Empire games table. Flamed mahogany top opens to reveal felt lined game surface. Brass mounts embellish a neoclassic sensibility.
Category

1840s Baltic Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Empire Pedestal Mahogany Cabinet with Faux Tortoise Columns, Denmark, circa 1810
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A handsome and unusual form, this Empire pedestal cabinet in mahogany with line inlays has carved acanthus capitals on tapered torch-like columns that are in rich birch wood and have...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Mahogany

Pair of French Empire Bronze Dore Ram Head Candelabras
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire bronze dore 6 arm candelabras with 3 ram heads and 3 claw feet supported on a 6 sided triangular base. (PRICED AS Pair)
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Paris Porcelain Wash Jug and Bowls
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An elegant, three-piece set of old Paris porcelain in the style of Lebon-Halley with a pitcher, bowl, and deep plate in creamy porcelain accented by luxurious gold trim. The undersid...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold

Empire Gilt Bronze Table Clock by Claude Gallé, France, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
This rare early 19th-century French Empire style gilt bronze mantle clock was created by the renowned Claude Gallé for the 1807 Exhibition. Gallé is considered one of the finest bro...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Metal, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Antique 19th C Empire Mahogany Gilt-Wood Marble Top Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 19th C Empire Mahogany Gilt-Wood Marble Top Table
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

19th Century French Empire Candelabra Pair
Located in Winter Park, FL
A pair of 19th century French Empire five-light cast brass candelabra, each with black marble base inlaid with Lapis Lazuli. Fine casting with urn shaped form, scrolled arms with flo...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Belgian Black Marble, Brass

Antique Spelter Table Lamp In Empire Style. French C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful spelter table lamp Amazing old bronze patina The lamp has been re-wired. Shade included The measurement relates to the lamp base not including shade Free UK shipping ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Spelter

Darte Freres (?) - Cup and saucer, chinoiserie decoration, early 19th century
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

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.