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
19th Century French Gilt Bronze And Marble Gueridon Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
Late 19th Century French Gilt Bronze And Marble Gueridon Table. This striking table features bronze decorative trim as well as gilt bronze legs decorated with eagles ring handles an...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Second Empire Giltwood Rectangular Mirror
Located in Astoria, NY
Second Empire Giltwood Rectangular Mirror, late 19th century, with foliate and scroll frame, William Schaus label to reverse. Mirror: 29" H x 33" W; frame: 42" H x 45.5" W x 2.5" D.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
French Empire Flame Mahogany Cabinet
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a stately French Empire flame mahogany cabinet. The top has a straight edge above a frieze with a pyramidal architectural feature. The c...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Candlesticks on Hoofed Faun Feet
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of French empire style gilt bronze candlesticks on hoofed faun feet, late 19th century.
A pair of fine French Empire-style gilt bronze candleholders. A fluted column rises on three cloven-hoofed hocked faun legs and feet. These antique candleholders...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th C. French Silver Commemorative Three-Dimensional Napoleon Portrait Spoon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century French Silver Commemorative 3-Dimensional Napoleon Portrait Spoon
Unmarked, France, 19th Century
A remarkable 19th-century French si...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
$956 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Empire Carved Mahogany
Cut Velvet Upholstered Bergere
Located in Atlanta, GA
This striking armchair is a fine example of 19th-century Empire furniture, marrying neoclassical authority with updated decorative luxury. The frame, likely crafted from mahogany or ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Bergere Chairs Attributed to Francois Linke
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Bergere Chairs Attributed to Francois Linke
Dimensions : 36.5" Tall X 25" Wide X 21" Deep SH - 17.5" AH...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Cast Brass Dual Arm Wall Sconces, pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Pair of French Empire Style casted brass wall sconces, each sconce features 2 arms each powered by 25w E12 chandelier bulb. These classic-styled scones work well in Victorian-styled ...
Category
1920s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$471 Sale Price / set
40% Off
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1860 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Children at Play 7X7.8
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 Woven Fountain Tapestry 7.2X5.5
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
Italian Neoclassical Hall Bench
Located in New York, NY
Italian neoclassical hall bench. Large and handsomely proportioned cassapanca / walnut bench in two parts with upper dentil carved trim around arms and paneled back. All fitted into ...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
Vintage Casa Nova Italian Empire Style Burl Wood 2 Tier Nightstands - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Casa Nova Italian Empire Style Burl Wood 2 Tier Nightstands - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 22" H x 27.5" W x 17" D.
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish Paperweight in Marble, Early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Swedish paperweight in the marble in the shape of a cannon barrel. Beautiful patina. Empire, early 19th century.
Minor chips (se pictures)
Wear con...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Vintage Tapestry Depicting a Royal Music Room 6.10X5.8
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
Circa 1900 Antique Embroidery Indian Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1900 Antique Embroidery Indian Pillow
Category
Early 1900s Indian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Large French Rococo Oval Gilt Wall Mirror
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A large French Rococo oval gilt wall mirror
The mirror has an exquisite gilt frame in the Rococo style, it is decorated with arrows and quiver, and many...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Pair of Empire Étagères
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Rouge Royal marble tops with two toned mahogany (the mahogany originally bleached to create this contrast) and brass mouldings.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$6,000 / set
Empire Style Gilt-Brass and Glass Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
This listing features an Empire style Gilt-brass and cut-glass chandelier that houses five candlestick lights and is approximately 18" in diameter and 29" tall. This chandelier is ac...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Empire Style Carved Mahogany
Beige, Red,
Striped Upholstery Sofa
Located in Queens, NY
American Empire three-seat sofa with a carved mahogany frame with scroll arms, upholstered in a vertically striped beige, green, and red fabric, and resting on four large carved oval...
Category
19th Century American Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Vintage Stiffel Empire Style Burnished Brass
Porcelain Table Lamps (B) - Pair
By Stiffel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Stiffel Empire Style Lacquered Burnished Brass & Porcelain Table Lamps (B) - Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 37" H (to finial) x 27" H (to light socket) x 6.5" W...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid 20th century frame Italian bisque Taglio
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid 20th century Italian frame bisque Taglio. This Greco Roman style bisque porcelain medallion is framed in a gold leaf shadowbox frame with pink interior and gold details...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Brazilian Rock Crystal Obelisks on Stepped Bases
Located in Dallas, TX
Add architectural elegance to any console or mantel with this refined pair of hand-carved rock crystal obelisks. Crafted in Brazil, each tall and slender monument rests on a stepped ...
Category
2010s Brazilian Empire Furniture
Materials
Rock Crystal
Méridienne empire
Located in PARIS, FR
Méridienne à dossier renversé et repose pied en bois mouluré, sculpté, noirci et doré reposant sur quatre pieds griffe.
Couverture de tissu blanc.
Category
Early 19th Century British Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$21,540
Circa 1700 Antique Brussels Baroque Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1700 Antique Brussels Baroque Tapestry Pillow
Category
Early 1700s Unknown Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Early 19th Century Biedermeier or Empire Demi Lune Console with Mirror
Located in Greven, DE
Antique demi-lune console with pillar mirror
North Germany
Mahogany
Biedermeier/Empire around 1820
Dimensions: H x W x D: 234 x 88 x 51 cm
single height console: 78 cm, sing...
Category
1810s German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Berlin Oval Plate Table on Carved Foot Dining Table Mahogany German
Located in Epfach, DE
19th Century Berlin Oval Plate Table on Carved Foot
A magnificent and rare 19th-century dining table, crafted in Berlin, featuring a solid mahogany oval tabletop supported by a rema...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century French Empire Antique Chest with Marble Top
Lion Pulls
Located in New Orleans, LA
This French Empire chest features a rich wood grain, stately grey marble top, and striking lion-head pulls—embodying the grandeur and symmetry of early 19th-century neoclassical design.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Late 19th Century Empire Style Side Table
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Late 19th century Empire style jewelry side table.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Fine 19th Century European Gilt Bronze Ormolu Monstrance Reliquary
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce fine quality neoclassical Empire style vasiform gilt bronze ormolu church religious relic altar monstrance reliquary.
Exquisitely hand-crafted in Continental Europe in the second half of the 19th century, most likely French Napoleon III Period (1852-1870), having a fanned cross crest, above winged angel mask, central oval display...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Pair of Empire / Biedermeier Solid Beech Bergeres, New Upholstered
Located in Darmstadt, DE
An elegant pair of Empire/Biedermeier bergères crafted from solid beech wood in the early 19th century.
Both chairs have been fully restored, hand-polished, and newly upholstered wit...
Category
19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Beech
$8,377 Sale Price / set
20% Off
French Empire Gilt Metal Figural Clock
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Gilt Metal Figural Clock, circa 1840, in two parts, the upper section with a seated lute player aside the circular metal dial, the movement strike on bell, the lower se...
Category
1840s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
A French Empire Ormolu Mounted Guéridon/Center-table w/ a Green Marble Top
Located in New York, NY
A French Empire Guéridon/Center-table with Egyptian Revival Bronze winged Figural Mounts with a circular Green Verde Antico marble top, supported by a mahogany base with gilded bronz...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
19th Century, French Wood Travel Desk
Located in IT
19th Century, French Wood Travel Desk
Measures: cm H 103 x W 52 x closed D 9. Open D 59 cm
This particular travel desk was made in France, in the earl...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
$2,240 Sale Price
20% Off
Mahogany Chest of Three Drawers with Marble Top, Sweden circa 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
A fine mahogany empire chest of drawers with canted fluted sides, tapered feet and marble top.
This elegant chest of drawers has been restored and is ready to be placed and enjoyed. ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Empire Set of Four French Sterling Silver
.950
Footed Open Salt Cellars-Venner
By Isabelle Venner
Located in New York, NY
Set of four Empire, sterling silver (.950), footed open salt cellars with matching spoons and liners, Paris, circa 1900, Isabelle Venner, maker. Each ...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver, Gold
Empire Secretary Desk, France 19th century
Located in Belmont, MA
French Empire Secretary Desk, 19th Century – Mahogany Veneer, Marble Top, Bronze Details
This stunning 19th-century French Empire secretary desk...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique Baccarat Set of 12 Cordial Glasses by St. Anne Factory, Voneche, 1810.
By Voneche
Located in Trieste, IT
Important 12Cordial glasses set of 1st Empire Cut-Glass from Sainte Anne crystal factory in Voneche, 1800 - 1830 cca.
These Glasses are very rare. Museum pieces.
The set provenance:...
Category
1810s Belgian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass, Cut Glass
Antique Empire 19th Century Wood Carved Chandelier France Solid Oak 6 Lights
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Simply amazing! This fully hand-carved Empire style chandelier in solid oak from France 19th century.
The chandelier has 3 male figures & 3 female figures on its arms all displayed...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Oak
Superb Maria Theresa Crystal Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Magnificent "Maria Theresa" (or Maria Teresa) Empire style traditional crystal chandelier features 24 lights and framework with a golden iron, with glass encased arms and rosettes.
This chandelier is lavishly draped in fine quality sparkle crystals. The Maria Theresa chandelier was named after the Archduchess of Austria who was the Empress of the...
Category
20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Center/Entry Table in Brass and Wood by La Barge
By La Barge
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful center or entry table designed and manufactured in the Philippines by La Barge.
The table has beautiful carved frame and solid brass accents with a glass top that allows t...
Category
1990s Philippine Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Empire style fireplace fender with dogs
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century French Empire style fireplace fender with dogs.
Bronze, brass, steel, and gilded bronze decoration.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Ormolu
Russian Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Located in Queens, NY
Russian (18th Century) mahogany secretary bookcase with brass gallery pediment and trim with 2 front doors revealing 3 drawers and shelves ...
Category
Late 18th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Empire Style Ormolu Mounted Malachite Centre Table
Located in London, GB
French Empire style ormolu mounted malachite centre table
French, 20th Century
Height 77cm, diameter 100cm
Wonderfully crafted from a selection of high quality materials, this Fren...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Bronze, Ormolu
Viennese Silver Jug With Finest Enamel Painting, Hermann Boehm, Circa 1870
By Herman Boehm, Viennese Manufactory
Located in Vienna, AT
Finest Viennese Enamel Work from around 1870:
Silver vessel on an oval plan, with a large, offset, domed foot, baluster-shaped body with a large, broad spout, on the back a siren hol...
Category
1870s Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Vintage Danish Malm Candle Holders, 1950s. Set of 4.
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Malm Candle Holders, 1950s. Set of 4.
Two pairs of candleholders in malm, which is a brass alloy with added copper. The cobber gives the brass a darker color.
The hei...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th century Swedish empire revival birch pier mirror
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Late 19th century Swedish empire revival birch pier mirror circa 1890.
Fine architectural pier mirror made in birch.
Rich golden empire revival birch, with architectural cornice. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Birch
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 28" X 13", Circa 1850s
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Library Chairs
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An excellent quality pair of 19th century mahogany
library armchairs, in the French empire taste, having
swept back and moulded scrolling arms with C-scroll
supports raised on elegant moulded sabre legs
(A relative typical design in the early to mid-19th century
these chairs are in the French Empire taste which was most
popular at the time, with the added benefit of being much
more sturdy and practical than the English Regency Chaise...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
1810s Bergere Armchair
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An impressive 'Bergère' armchair in solid wood, dating from the First Empire period (early 19th century) and generously upholstered throughout in alternating stripes of deep pink and...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
$1,950
Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte
By Sitzendorf
Located in
S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte by Sitzendorf, in porcelain, hand-painted.
Detailed example of the Emperor, dressed with bicorn hat,
green uniform with medals, draped with a coat.
On the...
Category
Early 20th Century German Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
French Empire Green Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire style (19th century) mahogany armchairs with bronze trim and eagle heads with green seat.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$15,000 / set
19th Century Italian Walnut Bedside Tables Pair
Located in Carmine, TX
Pair of empire bedside tables / nightstands hand-made in Italy in the early 1800s and decorated with walnut book-matched veneer. The tables are small in size and, therefore, perfect ...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set Of Rare Danish Antique Silverware By Nicolai Brandt, Horsens (1787-1813).
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very nice set of solid silver and horn cutlery for six persons, by famous silversmith Nicolaj Brandt, Horsens, Denmark, 1787-1813.
Category
Early 1800s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
$1,550 Sale Price / set
26% Off
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
Pair of 2 bronze and black stone candlesticks in Empire style, France ca. 1870
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1870 / 2 candlesticks / bronze, stone / Antique / Empire
A set of two French Empire candlesticks in bronze with feet and body of black natural stone.
The striking contrast...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Stone, Bronze
Circa 1860 Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique French Aubusson Pillow Ca. 1860
Category
1860s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
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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