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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
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
18th Century Large Scale Italian Empire Gilt Tole and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Exquisite 18th century large scale Italian Empire style gilt tole and crystal chandelier with 8 lights. An impressive fixture that is a classic beauty. Gorgeous!
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

18th Century Antique Silk Metalic Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
18th Century Antique Silk Metalic Pillow
Category

18th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Silk

Italian Empire Vase Applique in Gilded Carved Wood Circa 1780
Located in Milano, MI
Gilded Empire Applique Lamp Late 1700s obtained from a carved wooden palm vase gilded in fine gold, converted into a wall sconce for use as a wall lamp. In the back of this lamp one ...
Category

18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

17th Century Flemish Pillow - 23" X 15"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

Antique Lithograph by François Boucher "Vue des Environs de Beauvais" - 2Y169
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This antique lithograph by François Boucher, titled "Vue des Environs de Beauvais," offers a glimpse into the picturesque landscapes of Beauvais as envisioned by the renowned 18th-ce...
Category

18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Paper

17th Century Flemish Pillow - 14" x 12"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

18th Century Antique Italian Needlepoint Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Italian Needlepoint Pillow 18th Century
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Throw Pillow Made from 16th Century Flemish Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
16th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow 20" x 20", Authentic 16th Century piece handmade
Category

16th Century Turkish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

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

17th Century Antique Caucasian Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Caucasian Pillow - 25'' X 11''
Category

17th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool

17th Century Flemish Pillow - 21" x 14"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

Austrian 18th Century Empire Style Two Doors Larch Wood Armoire Wardrobe Cabinet
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Precious and original larch wood wardrobe, convertible into a bookcase, with two doors in the Austrian Empire style of the 18th century The wardrobe, all in larch wood, is all origi...
Category

Late 18th Century Austrian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Other, Brass

17th Century Flemish Pillow - 21" x 11"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

A Pair of Elegant Empire Candlesticks, Gilded and Patinated Brass, 1820s France
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of exquisite Empire candlesticks which combine gilt and patinated brass. Made in 1820s France. Various intricate rose, floral and leaf patterns adorn the bases in gilt brass. ...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Table Clock Empire France
Located in New York, NY
A table clock made in France during the Empire 1790-1820. Made from blackened wood and burnt-gilt bronze. Godronned urn-formation, lion mascarons, pine cone all Empire attributes
Category

1790s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Ancient Majapahit Temple Stone Block from Java, Indonesia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
Worn by time and whispering centuries of forgotten devotion, this weathered block of stone once stood proudly as part of a sacred Majapahit temple in the heart of Java. Carved in the...
Category

16th Century Indonesian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Stone

Antique 18th Century Empire or Louis XVI Mahogany Dutch Side Table
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant side table was made in The Netherlands around 1780. It has a beautiful mahogany top made of two symmetrical planks, also known as “livre ouvert”. The two pieces of timber are cut and folded open like a book. (livre ouvert is French for open book” The top is surrounded by a slightly raised and molded trim. The table features one dovetailed central drawer with two Dutch ajour cut brass pulls. The drawer has its original lock and key. The interior of the drawer is made in the best quality thin watered oak...
Category

Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Ancient Majapahit Temple Stone Block from Java, Indonesia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
Worn by time and whispering centuries of forgotten devotion, this weathered block of stone once stood proudly as part of a sacred Majapahit temple in the heart of Java. Carved in the...
Category

16th Century Indonesian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Stone

17th Century Flemish Pillow - 12" x 11"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

Brussel 16th Century Pillow - 26" X 16"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

Early 18th Century Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Late 18th Century Danish Pewter Tankard Jug with Lid
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Found in a market in Copenhagen, this Danish tankard dates from the Early-19th Century. This jug features a handle as well as a lid. Charming jug standing alone or would make a wonde...
Category

Late 18th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Pewter

Mid-16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 19" X 9"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 19" X 9", Authentic and Antique , Woolen
Category

16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

Set of Four 18th Century Animal Engravings After Jacques E. de Sève, Framed
By Jacques Eustache de Seve
Located in Morristown, NJ
Set of Four 18th Century Animal Engravings After Jacques E. de Sève, Framed A beautifully presented set of four 18th-century animal engravings after Jacques Eustache de Sève (French...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Paper

Late 18th Century Pewter Wine Beaker or Cup, Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Danish Pewter beaker or cup for wine or beer, Denmark Circa 1790-1810 The cup is marked with a large W on the base.
Category

Late 18th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Pewter

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

Throw Pillow Made from Mid-18th Century French Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-18th Century French Tapestry Pillow 23" x 9" , handmade, authentic 18th century piece in great condition
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool

17th Century Woolen Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Woolen Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Category

17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

Circa 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1850 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Pillow
Category

18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Pair of 17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillows
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of 17th Century Tapestry Pillows. 1) Tapestry panel of brightly a brightly colored parrot amidst lush fruiting branches, representing a harmonious balance of nature, and applie...
Category

17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Textile

17th Century Flemish Pillow - 23" X 11"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

Contemporary Pillow Made from 17th Century Renaissance Flemish Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow 29'' X 10'', handmade 17th Century Piece
Category

17th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

1780s French Beauvias Tapestry Pillow - 17 X 17
Located in Los Angeles, US
Extremely fine antique French beauvias tapestry pillow with a bouquet of flawers in the center, surrounded by a circle of flowers on rose grounded CA. 1870s. 17'' x 17'' inches. Hand...
Category

1780s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique 16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow 15 X 12
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 16th century Brussels tapestry pillow. 15'' X 12'' x 6''.
Category

16th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool

Brussels 16th Century - 22" x 20"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

16th Century Andorran Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

Brussels 16th Century - 22" x 20"
Brussels 16th Century - 22" x 20"
$2,560 Sale Price
20% Off
17th Century Renaissance Style Flemish Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Renaissance Style Flemish Tapestry Pillow 17'' X 17'', handmade, authentic 17th Century Piece, Traditional Empire Style
Category

17th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow - 10" X 23"
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Flemish Tapestry Pillow - 10" X 23", Authentic
Category

17th Century German Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool

Brussel 16th Century Pillow - 24" X 12"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

Pair of Naïve Allegorical Landscape Paintings Sign, Christian Georg v. Lind
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of naïve allegorical landscape paintings. Oil on canvas Signed Lieutenant Christian Georg V. Lind, 1837 and 1838. See text on the back. In original gilded damgaard frames. ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Italian Neoclassical Parcel-Gilt Clock
Located in New York, NY
Italian neoclassical parcel-gilt clock. Roman military Empire period mantel clock of obelisk form topped by an extraordinary eagle with outs...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

17th Century Florentine Metallique Silk Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Florentine Metallique & Silk Tapestry Pillow
Category

17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Throw Pillow Made from 17th Century Brussels Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow 17" x 12", authentic 17th century European piece, good condition
Category

17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool

Mid-16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Mid-16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Category

16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool

Brussels 17th Century - 18" x 13"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

Brussels 17th Century - 18" x 13"
Brussels 17th Century - 18" x 13"
$2,160 Sale Price
20% Off
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 19" x 9"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

Circa 1650 Antique Brussels Baroque Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca. 1650 Antique Brussels Baroque Pillow
Category

1650s Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 17'' X 10'', Wool , Handmade, Traditional
Category

17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique 16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow - 29 X 18
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique 16th-century Brussels tapestry pillow. Empire and Traditional Design.
Category

16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

17th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow 17th Century
Category

17th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Throw Pillow Made from 16th Century Flemish Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
Category

16th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool

17th Century Flemish Pillow 20" X 14"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wool

17th Century Flemish Pillow - 15" X 12"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wool

Italian Florentine 18th Century - 16" x 9"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

18th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

Italian Florentine 18th Century Pillow - 15" x 14"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

Brussels 16th Century - 17" x 13"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

16th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

Brussels 16th Century - 17" x 13"
Brussels 16th Century - 17" x 13"
$2,560 Sale Price
20% Off
Italian Florentine 18th Century Pillow - 21" x 16"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

Italian Florentine 18th Century - 20" x 10"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

17th Century Flemish Pillow - 20" x 18"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

17th Century Flemish Pillow - 20" x 10"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

17th Century Albanian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

17th Century Flemish Pillow - 19" x 14"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

16th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

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.