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
French early 19th century Empire period Mahogany and Ormolu chaise, Circa 1805
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most decorative French early 19th century Empire period Mahogany and Ormolu chaise, Circa 1805. This exquisite chaise is raised by six elegant Mahogany legs with Ormo...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Elegant Barometer and Thermometer with Copper Bas-Relief of a Woman - 2Y64
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Enhance your décor with this stunning barometer and thermometer featuring a detailed copper bas-relief of a woman. Combining functionality with art, ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Copper
$242 Sale Price
75% Off
19th century Swedish carved birch sofa
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century swedish carved birch sofa circa 1880.
Elegant Swedish formal sofa which seats a comfortable 3. Straight back with shaped birch border. Roll top arms with carved acant...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Pair of Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Female Figures Vestals Candlesticks
By Claude Galle
Located in Berlin, DE
A beautiful French early 19th century Empire pair of ormolu and patinated bronze candlesticks with female figure decoration in the manner of Claude Galle:
Each candlestick with a...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Griotte Marble, Bronze
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 20" x 10"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
17th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$1,600 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century French Empire Antique Mahogany, Marble Chest of Drawers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, antique French single chest of drawers made of hand crafted shellac polished Mahogany, veneered on Oakwood in good condition. The rectangular cupboard is composed with a grey-white marble top, the inside is consisting one shelf, enhanced by its original brass hardware and keys, standing on two wooden feet and two lion feet. The detailed carved cupboard represents the First French Empire time...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Metal, Brass
French Pair of Gilt Bronze Candelabra with Putti Empire Period 19th Century
Located in Milano, MI
From a luxury villa at Como Lake a stunning pair of early 19th century Empire four-light gilt bronze figural candelabras, of French origin, dating back to circa 1810, measure: 31.50 ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
English Needlework Pillow 1850 - 21" x 12"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
1850s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
$2,480 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Book on Wool Fabrication - 1926 Edition by C. Thomas
P. Araud, 2Y122
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Discover the craftsmanship of wool fabric production with this antique book titled "La Fabrication du Drap," authored by Charles Thomas and Pierre Araud. Published by Léon Eyrolles i...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$154 Sale Price
70% Off
19th Century French Hand Painted Wallpaper, Second Empire Era, E. Muller Style
Located in Sofia, BG
19th century roll of wallpaper, second Empire era, polychrome printing in the style of E. Muller enhanced with gold decorating cartridges with a floral cut of poppies and daisies.
M...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$2,412 Sale Price
30% Off
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Brass and Onyx Base Floor Lamp
Located in Tarry Town, NY
A striking example of early 20th-century neoclassical design, this elegant floor lamp showcases the perfect fusion of timeless style and exquisite craftsmanship. The lamp features a ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Onyx, Brass
French Silk Tapestry Pillow 1850
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
French 19th Century Empire St. Mahogany and Ormolu Executive Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely handsome and impressive French 19th century Empire st. mahogany and ormolu executive desk. At the frieze is a central wider drawer flanked by smaller drawers at each sid...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Pair French Empire Ormolu
Patinated Bronze Fluted Column Lamps, Signed, 1830s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair French Empire Ormolu & Patinated Bronze Fluted Column Lamps, Signed, Dombrowski Fabricant Rue St. Honoré 343 a Paris, Circa 1830s
A magnificent pair of French Empire Ormolu and...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
$2,920 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Set of Ten French Empire Mahogany Caned Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Glorious set of ten mahogany dining chairs made in the neoclassical French empire taste. The chairs feature decorative bronze mounts ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Paris Porcelain Toiletry Bottle with Stopper
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This pretty little 'flacon' bottle, complete with its original stopper, is made from delicate white 'Porcelaine de Paris' and dates from the early 19th century. Both bottle and stop...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 8.2X6.10
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
Vintage Century Royal Bavarian Hutschenreuther Hand Painted Floral Plates Selb
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Set of 10 early 20th century Royal Bavarian dinner plates.
Finely decorated with hand painted floral design and raised gold accent.
Stamped Royal Bavarian Hutschenreuther on the ba...
Category
Early 20th Century German Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Aubusson French Tapestry 1850 - 21" x 19"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Feathers
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
Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Hartmann À Paris
Located in Warsaw, PL
An exceptional 19th-century Empire-style mantel clock by Hartmann à Paris, meticulously crafted in gilt bronze. This distinguished timepiece showcases a finely detailed white enamel ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Style Malachite and Gilt Bronze Pedestals
Located in London, GB
Pair of French Empire style malachite and gilt bronze pedestals
French, 20th Century
Height 115cm, width 35cm, depth 35cm
This pair of 20th century French pedestals is crafted fro...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Ormolu
19th century French empire revival mahogany cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century French empire influenced mahogany cabinet circa 1890.
This cupboard was constructed using a flat pack technique, with panels held in place by bolts.
Central door with ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Antique Round Table in Walnut
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present an elegant antique Italian round table dating back to the early 19th century. The table features typical features of the Empire period.
Its round top features a walnut bu...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French 19th Century Double Arm Empire Brass Sconce
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite Empire brass sconce of classic French design, using two arms for candelabra-base bulbs. Perfect for a small space that needs some extra li...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair French Empire Style Arrow Horn Wall Sconces
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of Antique French Empire style brass horn and arrow motif wall sconces. Each with 2 candelabra size lights with black and gold clip on shades. Newly wired, added are 5" round ba...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$1,695 / set
Antique Napoleonic French Empire Parcel-Gilt Mahogany Wine Cabinet Armoire 1810
Located in Portland, OR
A very fine quality French Empire Napoleonic period Mahogany & parcel gilt wine cabinet/armoire, circa 1810.
Made of the finest mahogany this cabinet has the shape of a secretaire ab...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Early 19th c Empire Gilt Bronze Cassolettes
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Early 19th C Empire Gilt Bronze Cassolettes. With a classic egg and dart pattern on the rim, the pair are adorned with two sets of winged male figures. The pair rest atop rec...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$12,000 / set
Settee 3-Seat Early 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Upholstered in Horsehair
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
This handsome settee is in rare original condition retaining all the original timber and horsehair stuffings. The form is bold and fluid and the carved ornament very well executed. T...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
A Pair French 1st Empire Period Ormolu
Verde Antico Marble Figural Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
A Fine and Unusual Pair of French 1st Empire Period Doré Bronze and Verde Antico Marble Figural Neoclassical Five-Arm Candelabra. Each candelabrum features a tall central shaft issui...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French Empire Mahogany 3-Fold Screen with Bronze Mounts
Located in Miami, FL
French Empire style (19th century) mahogany 3 fold screen with bronze trim.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Nidervillier "Ecume" Hand-Decorated Plate or Trinket Tray, Made in France, 2Y109
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This magnificent piece from Nidervillier, known for its intricate craftsmanship, serves as both a plate and a trinket tray. The "Ecume" design showcases a hand-decorated bicolore pat...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
$248 Sale Price
75% Off
Empire Chest of Drawers with Columns, France, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Large cherrywood chest of drawers with four drawers and metal escutcheons in the shape of coats of arms and wooden handles. The chest of drawers is flanked by smooth full columns wit...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Circa 1900 Antique Ikat Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1900 Antique Ikat Tapestry Pillow
Category
Early 1900s Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
A Pair of Empire Marble Gueridon Side Tables Raised On Ebonized Column Supports
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Pair Of Matching French Empire Style Marble Gueridon Side Tables Raised On Column Supports United By A Triform Base and Side Drawer.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Large French Empire Parcel-Gilt and Beige Rectangular Mirror
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful Empire period large rectangular mirror with neoclassical relief ornamentation with gilded details and a very nice patina in beige color with red accents, France, circa 1810...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Rare Pair French Retour D
egypt Terracotta Lions Sculptures Statues Los Angeles
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare Pair French Retour D'egypt Terracotta Lions Sculptures Statues Los Angeles , Exceptional fine pair of Large French Retour D'egypt period terra...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
$105,000 Sale Price / set
25% Off
19th Century Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Pair Armchair
Located in Tarry Town, NY
19th century French Empire style handcrafted gilt bronze mahogany framed upholstered pair of armchair. Each armchairs is set on four straight mahogany legs, the front two of which ar...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Urn and Rams Head White
Gold Porcelain Table Lamp Empire Style, German, Large
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous large white and gold porcelain table lamp in urn form with detailed ram's head design, in the Empire style, attributed to Furstenberg Porcelain, Germany, circa 20th centur...
Category
Early 20th Century German Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold
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
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Category
17th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Pair Italian Neoclassical Eagle Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair Italian neoclassical eagle armchairs in yellow silk taffeta. Italian Empire painted and parcel-gilt carved armchairs with finely carved eagle arm t...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
$13,600 / set
19th century Swedish birch root shaped occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish burr birch shaped occasional table circa 1870.
Fine quality table which is ideal for multiple uses around the home. Scalloped shaped top which has been beautif...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch
Late 18th Century Walnut Empire Chest of Drawers, South Germany
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This elegant walnut chest of drawers from southern Germany dates from around 1790 and belongs to the late 18th century, showing the clear transition from the Louis XVI to the early E...
Category
Late 18th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$8,424 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Neoclassical Style Empire Armchairs with Gilt Details
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant pair of neoclassical-style armchairs in the French Empire tradition, crafted with refined mahogany frames and adorned with intricate gilt accents. These striking chairs featu...
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold
20th Century French Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century French Crystal Chandelier. Empire style bronze and crystal chandelier with new wiring. 4 lights
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
$6,650 / item
19th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
19th Century French Tapestry Pillow 13" X 11"
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
1876 The Family of Serbs Russian Imperial Porcelain Manufacture August Spiess
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful, extremely rare and valuable unglazed Bisque Porcelain group depicting a family of Serbs. An armed man is saying goodbye to his wife and little son before leaving for war against Turks.
Manufacture : Russian Imperial Porcelain...
Category
1870s Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Mini Turkish Mat Rug
Located in New York, NY
A mini size Turkish rug from the third quarter of the 20th century
Measures: 1'6” x 2'8".
Category
20th Century Turkish Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Antique Empire Bronze Column Table Lamp, Early 19th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 19th century Empire brass column table lamp
Additional information:
Materials: Brass
Color: Gold
Period: early 19th century
Styles: Empire
Lamp Shade: Not Included
...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Empire Patinated Bronze
Ormolu Chandelier Ca. 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th century French Empire patinated bronze and ormolu, Circa 1880-1890.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Geometrical Marquetry Inlaid Mahogany Mirror with Carved Crest
Located in Miami, FL
About
This is a beautiful antique Spanish flame mahogany and marquetry wall mirror, circa 1840, 19th century.
The mahogany frame is beautifully inlaid with a continuous marquetry...
Category
Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
$2,880 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Empire Style Campaign Armchair with Red Wood Finish
Located in Dallas, TX
A handsome antique empire style campaign armchair, walnut, with green and white striped fabric cushions for seat and back. Brass lion paw feet....
Category
17th Century North American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Beautiful Pair of Gilt Bronze Empire Appliques from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A beautiful and rare pair of gilt bronze Empire Appliques. Made in France during the 1820s. Some wear on the gilding exists, but also carries a beutif...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Bronze
Vintage Stiffel Empire Style Burnished Brass
Porcelain Table Lamps (C) - Pair
By Stiffel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Stiffel Empire Style Lacquered Burnished Brass & Porcelain Table Lamps (C) - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 37" H (to finial) x 27" H (to light socket) x 6.5"...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire Mantel Clock in Mercury-Gilt Bronze, France, early 19th century
Located in Madrid, ES
Empire mantel clock in mercury-gilt bronze,
France, early 19th century
Magnificent French Empire-era clock, made in mercury-gilt bronze with a fine allegorical scene: an angel playin...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Early American Classical Empire Period Flame Mahogany Sewing Stand Work Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare fine quality Federal period American Empire flame mahogany sewing stand work table from the early 19th century.
Exquisitely hand-crafted in the northeastern United States, most likely Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1820, having a hinged top, opening to reveal contrasting Birdseye maple marquetry oval cartouche inlay, a fitted maple divided compartment interior, the front having two nicely shaped curved drawer fronts, consisting of a faux drawer front over a single dovetailed ogee drawer, above a vasiform pedestal standard, molded stepped platform base, rising on bracket feet, resting on casters.
Attractive highly figured crotch cut swirl mahogany with striking grain patterns, rich and deep antique wood color...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Exotic Animals 5 X 3
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
Rare French Blue Opaline Glass Lamp Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning pair of rare French Opaline Glass lamps. Each lam features an elegant urn shaped silhouette with a smooth, high gloss finish that beautifully reflects light. The bases and...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
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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