Skip to main content

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.

to
740
2,719
2,017
4,715
106
94
198,621
115,246
44,115
33,263
16,609
12,244
10,863
10,847
9,986
8,903
7,353
6,665
6,480
6,391
6,249
6,143
4,915
3,746
245
3,049
1,421
200
489
353
221
106
15
84
50
46
48
78
53
53
23
2,687
2,011
1,469
1,003
822
4,023
2,753
410
283
242
4,915
4,871
4,893
45
33
19
18
13
Style: Empire
French Empire Style 19th Century Walnut Chest with Drop Front Desk, Two Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire style walnut chest from the 19th century with drop front desk and two additional drawers. This elegant French Empire style walnut chest from the 19th century exudes c...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Scarce French Empire Period Opaline Glass Brass Candlestick Table Lamp Pair
Located in Forney, TX
Elegant sophistication at its finest, we present this exceptionally rare pair of early 19th century fine quality French Empire Period candlestick lamps. The original antique table lamps complete, with clear and frosted glass lotus hurricane shades, patinated gilt bronze leaf decorative accents, inner spring-loaded brass column candle tubes, within white opaline glass stems, resting on beautifully patinated brass and iron circular base. circa 1810; France PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION Property from the Collection of Pat and Michael York Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Heritage Auctions...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Iron

Circa 1920 Antique American Hook Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1920 Antique American Hook Pillow
Category

1920s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Pair of Austria Blown Glass Bronze Hanging Bell Jar Hall Lanterns R. Wien 1850
By Wien
Located in Charleston, SC
Rare pair of Austria blown glass and bronze hanging bell jar hall lanterns, Signed R. Ditmar Wien, Austria. Mid 19th Century
Category

1850s Austrian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Monumental Walnut and Velvet Throne Chair
Located in Queens, NY
"French Empire style (19th Cent) monumental walnut throne chair with carved figure with wreath and red cut velvet upholstery Antique condition. Show...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Velvet

Vintage French Empire Style Partners Desk by Maitland Smith
Located in Westfield, MA
This remarkable vintage partners desk by Maitland Smith showcases the grandeur of the French Empire style, reinterpreted for modern sophistication. Crafted from richly grained mahoga...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Large Late Empire Upholstered Bench with Carved Gilt Carvings
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative and elegant Late Empire bench with upholstered seat. Frame crafted in beech with original white color and delicate gilt woodcarved details. Resting on elegant turned taper...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Beech

19th Century Italian Iron Safe / Cassaforte / Side Table / Nightstand
Located in Viterbo, VT
Hand-wrought iron safe hand-made in Italy in the early 1800s. The safe is made of thin sheets of iron folded and nailed together over a wooden case. Thicker bands of iron were then u...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of Empire Style Vases in Blue and Gold Porcelain
Located in Prato, IT
Germany, mid-20th century Empire style Blue and gold painted porcelain and white background band with floral decoration Dimensions cm W28 x D20...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Dore Bronze Mounted French Empire Verdi Marble Cassolettes with Serpents
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Dore' bronze mounted French Empire verdi marble cassolettes, dating to the early 19th century, represents the pinnacle of French Empire style and craftsmanship. The luxu...
Category

1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze

Empire Cut Crystal Bread Basket With Sterling Silver Handle Voneche Baccarat
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
ntique large crystal bread basket with silver handle Made of Regency cut crystal The handle is made & marked jean Francois Warnots Origin Flanders 1832 - 1838 Condition good ...
Category

Early 19th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

Ten-Light Crystal Chandelier / Gilt Brass Frame
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Late 19th century French Empire style tear drop cut crystal / brass frame twelve light hanging chandelier. The chandelier is in great working condition. Rewired for US used. no speci...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 5.7X6.7
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

Saint-Louis, Empire Decor Crystal Liquor Service (11 pieces), France Late 1800s
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb Empire Saint-Louis manufacture crystal liquor service, model 286, late 1800s. Exquisite decorations of hand cut and gilt garland, foliage, cornet and fruits. Composed of 9 liquor glasses and 2 carafes. Very good condition. Dimensions in cm ( H x D ) : - Liquor Glasses : 12.8 x 4.7 - Carafes : 28 x 6.5 Secure shipping. To note, since this is an antique: - The Maison Saint-Louis did not sign its crystalware pieces prior to 1936, which means that no signature is present on these pieces, but the model is referenced and documented. - Additionally, for international clients outside the EU seeking to purchase this Baccarat service...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Camille Le Tallec Gilded Porcelain Signed Cups Empire-Style Set
Located in Roma, IT
Camille Le Tallec Gilded Porcelain Cups Empire-Style Set Spectacular set of ornately gilt service cups hand-painted by Le Tallec of France Important and magnificent Empire-style gi...
Category

Early 20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Table Box blue and gold with handpainted miniature fire-enameled on guilloche Sa
Located in Firenze, FI
Octagonal table box in 800/1000 silver gold plated with translucent enamel on guilloché and beautiful enamel miniature hand painted by the painter Renato Dainelli in early 1900s Engl...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Pair of French Gilt Bronze and Slate Candelabras, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This regal pair of bronze and slate candelabras originated in 19th-century France and are beautifully detailed with molded and gilt embellishments. Crafted in the style of Empire furniture, each candlestick rests on a tiered, triform bronze base of gilt foliate scrollwork surrounding a central baluster post. From each base, a sleek stone stem of polished black slate rises to support the cast bronze top of three curved arms and four candle dishes, embellished with further gilt elements and bobèches, or drip pans. A gorgeous example of French opulence...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Slate, Bronze

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

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Meditation French Empire Mantel Clock by Claude Galle
Located in New Orleans, LA
Empire Mantel Clock Claude Galle Circa 1810 This Empire period mantel clock by Galle exemplifies the sophisticated allegorical artistry of early 19th-century French horology. Repres...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel

Pair of Exquisite French Empire Gilt Bronze Two-Light Candelabra ca 1810
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
These candlesticks are ornate artifacts from the French Empire period, which dates back to the early 19th century, typically considered as the reign of Napoleon I from 1804 to 1814. ...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold, Bronze

Danish Midcentury Birthday Table Flagpole with Dannebrog And Lion On The Base
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish birthday table flag, "Dannebrog", name of the Danish flag. It is placed on a green marble base, with a posed lion.   
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Silver Plate

Vintage Woven Scene Tapestry 6.9X5.5
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

Palatial French 19th Century Empire Style Giltwood Carved Eagles Center Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very Fine and Palatial French 19th Century Empire Style Giltwood Carved Figural Center Table with Figures of Winged Eagles and Wreaths, the center medallion with a figure of a bull and and raised on lion paws over a sphere, fitted with a veined verde d'alps marble top (Marble top is recent and not the original - Gilding restored with 23.5 cart...
Category

1880s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Gilded Empire Wall Mirror, Early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Profiled wall mirror in the Empire style with a rectangular frame and applied acanthus leaf decorations. The surface is fully gilded with an elegant patina. The mirror glass has been...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mirror

Etched Glass and Gilt Bronze Rhyton
Located in Sharon, CT
Gold gilt bronze holding a fine etched cornucopia shaped glass.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Wall Decoration En Grisaille by Dufour, Paris, France, 19th Century
Located in Rome, IT
A fPapiers peints 'En Grisaille' from the psyche´ series manufactured by Dufour, Paris, after designs by Merry-Joseph Blondel and Louis Lafitte. -'Psyche´ about to stab the sleeping ...
Category

19th Century European Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Paper

1930 s French Empire Lion and Swans Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French Empire bronze sconces with swans and lions head backplate.
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Picture Frame large size Red Enamel on Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large shaped photograph frame in gold plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guillochè with borders and laurel frieze in Louis XVI French Empire style. Exte...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

19th Century French Empire Style Light Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A French Empire style light chandelier with blue painted dish having Empire style cast bronze mounts and detailed cast bronze charioteers, suspended ...
Category

1880s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Early 19th Century Italian Empire Walnut Antique Wall Mirror
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Beautiful elegant antique Empire wall mirror, 1800s walnut wood hand carved with finely decorations. Elegant carved and gilded decorations. On the sides two columns with gilded corin...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mercury Glass, Walnut

19th Century Gold French Empire Pair of Embossed Brass Candlesticks
Located in Savannah, GA
This graceful pair of antique French candlesticks are made of hand crafted brass and are in very good condition. Details include downward tapering on fluted shafts supported by a rou...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique 18th Century French Tapestry Pillow - 23 X 10
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 18th century French tapestry pillow. 23'' x 10'' x 6''.
Category

18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

French Empire period Inkwell, identical to the one of Elisa Bonaparte
Located in Paris, FR
Empire period gilt bronze and bird's eye maple veneer inkwell. This model is an exact replica of the inkwell that belonged to Elisa Bonaparte, Princess of Lucca and Piombino, sister...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

1930 s French Empire Chandelier with Eagles
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930's French Empire style black painted chandelier with eagle's heads.
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Wood with Marble Top Italian Empire Style Dresser, 1960s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Italian chest of drawers from the mid-20th century. Cantù production furniture carved and veneered in walnut, burl, beech, mahogany and fruitwood in Empire style. Commode with four l...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

19th Century French Faux Bamboo Burl White Marble Chest Drawer Sideboard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A good antique 19th century French Empire faux bamboo & white marble pine small sideboard /chest of drawer. The chest having the original veined white marble top above four drawers, ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Gorgeous Pair of French Empire Carved Walnut Armchairs with Dolphin Armrests
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Handsome pair of classic French Empire walnut square back carved armchairs with stunning dolphin armrests. Measures: Seat height 17.5 Arm height ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Picture Frame Holder pocket Sterling Silver Enamel 3 Photographs
Located in Firenze, FI
Pocket photos holder in sterling silver 925/1000 gold plated with two-tone translucent fired enamels on guillochè, with hand-engraved edges. Empire style Napoleon III. Octagonal hing...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

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

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold

C1810 Petite French Empire Commode with Grey Marble Top Ormolu Mounts
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
C1810 Petite French Empire Commode with Grey Marble Top Ormolu Mounts Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos. Message us with any questions.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair of French 19th Century Empire Style Giltwood Gesso Carved Console Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and rare pair of French 19th century Empire style giltwood carved and ebonized gesso figural console tables with figures of winged lions and f...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Romweber Empire Mahogany, Burl Wood, and Brass Nightstands, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Empire or Neoclassical style nightstands By Romweber USA, circa 1940s Mahogany cases, with gorgeous book...
Category

1940s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 5.7X4
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

French Toleware Converted Oil Lamp, Circa 1875
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Painted Toleware Converted Oil Lamp, France Charming French Tole Lamp on a frosted lucite base. Wonderful patina on this vintage piece. Certainly a statement piece in any home libr...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Large low bookcase in Mahogany and mahogany veneer
Located in Paris, FR
Large low bookcase in mahogany and mahogany veneer, opening with two full doors and two central glass doors in the form of a pointed arch, for displaying books or collectibles. Rich ...
Category

1880s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Fine Pair of Early 19th Century Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Miami, FL
A fine pair of French 19th century Empire candlesticks. We are pleased to present you a gorgeous pair of French Empire period, original gilt bronze candlesticks, finely chiseled of ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Meyer Gunther Martini French Empire Swan Armchairs Pair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details Below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Pair of 1970s Meyer Gunther Martini French Empire Swan Armchairs...
Category

1970s Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Cotton, Wood

Magnificent Pair of Russian Imperial Ruby Glass Vases w/ Gilded Bronze Mounts
Located in New York, NY
While Napoleon's armies never conquered Russian, French taste did, and in a big way. This pair made at the Imperial Glass Workshop, under the Sponsorship of the Imperial Family would have been at home in a Paris drawing room as easily as in St. Petersburg. The Intense Ruby Red color of the Crystal is created by adding large quantities of gold to the molten glass before the object is created. The resulting color is dense yet full of light just like its namesake the precious jewel. The Dore bronze mounts use motifs taken from antiquity. Likewise, the shape of the handles is inspired by Greco-Roman amphora...
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Fine Ormolu and Green Marble Eight-Light Torcheres/Centerpieces
Located in New York, NY
An unusual and rare pair of ormolu and green marble eight-light torcheres/floor centerpieces attributed to E. F. Caldwell and Co New York. In the Empire style, the circular pierced f...
Category

1890s American Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Empire Swedish Salon Group with Gilt Caryatids and Laurel wreath Decorations
Located in New York, NY
Empire style grouping from the early 20th Century beautifully made in mahogany in Stockholm, Includes sofa, table, two armchairs and two side chairs. Length of sofa 50...
Category

20th Century Swedish Empire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

21th Century Authentic Wall Hanging Tapestry 7 4 X 6 Ft
Located in Los Angeles, US
Est. Delivery from Los Angeles, CA
Category

Early 2000s French Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

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

Mid-20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

French Empire Mahogany Centre Table with Bronze Dore Mounts, Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Early 19th century Empire mahogany center table with grey dish marble top, ormolu mounts and paw feet.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

French Empire Yellow Tole Lavabo
Located in Essex, MA
With a removable cover with gallery and finial, tapered body with spigot lacking handle, all above the rectangular basin.
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Tin

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

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Vintage Tapestry Depicting Farm Kids 6.9 X 5.2
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

Pair of 19th Century Empire Lyre Back Dining Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of 19th century Empire Lyre back dining chairs Wonderful pair of walnut dining chairs with carved double eagle head and lyre carving. Mea...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Rare Pair of 1st Empire Benches from Parma, 18th Century Italian Settees
Located in New Orleans, LA
A rare and important pair of 18th-century neoclassical -1st Empire benches from Parma, retaining their original gilded and polychrome finish. Each with finely carved lion-head arm te...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Early 20th C Ebonised Mahogany Empire Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Troy, MI
Found in France, this circa 1910 Empire style mahogany chest of four drawers has a new ebonised finish and black marble top. Decorative columns on the front sides have brass trim and...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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.

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed