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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
Baltic Neoclassical Mahogany, Brass Leather Writing Desk, late 19th century
Located in Shippensburg, PA
BALTIC NEOCLASSICAL MAHOGANY, LEATHER AND BRASS BUREAU PLAT WITH CARTONNIER Eastern European, probably the Baltic States Circa late 19th century, the tambour cabinet with alterations...
Category

19th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Empire Style Tall Back Loveseat with Carved Mahogany Base
Located in New York, NY
Empire style tall back loveseat with carved mahogany base and claw feet. Newly upholstered in off-white fabric.
Category

1920s Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Pair of Consulat Ebony-Inlaid Birchwood Armchairs Stamped Jacob Frères
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The curved pierced back with a palmette-inlaid shaped splat terminating in dolphin supports raised on an upholstered seat, on front carved joined hairy animal legs (pieds de bîches) and hoof feet and back sabre legs; stamped: JACOB FRERES RUE MESLEE under the front rail. For a similar dolphin support, see Madeleine Jarry and Pierre Devinois, Le Siège Français, pp. 267 and 271 illustration 264 for an armchair at the Musée Marmottan stamped G. Jacob and executed in 1792. Provenance: Millicent Rogers her son, Arturo Peralta Ramos II Jacob Frères was the stamp used by brothers Georges II (1768-1803) and Francois-Honore Jacob (1770-1841) from 1796 to 1803. They were sons of Georges Jacob (1739-1814), arguably the best-known chair maker who worked for aristocracy and royalty during the reign of Louis XVI. The Jacob Frères firm's most famous client was Josephine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. She would have most likely seen the work of their father during the revolution in a progressive aristocrat's house. She used them to decorate various Imperial residences, such as the Tuileries palace, and remained a loyal customer, using them almost exclusively, until her death. When Georges II (the elder brother) died in 1803, Georges came out of retirement to help the remaining son, Francois-Honoré (who changed his named to Jacob Desmalter) from a new partnership called Jacob Desmalter Et Cie. (stamped Jacob D. R. Meslée, on two lines), which continued to be an influential supplier for the Imperial period and is credited with helping to define the Empire style as it is known today. Millicent Rogers, born Mary Millicent Abigail Rogers, was a Standard Oil heiress, but she wasn’t a poor little rich girl...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

19th Century French Empire Period Walnut Bibliotheque or Bookcase
Located in Birmingham, AL
A fine French Empire period bibliotheque handcrafted from select French walnut by skilled artisans from Lyon during the First Empire of Napoleon, circa early 1800s. The upper bookcas...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Early 20th century empire style ebonised console table
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Very stylish early 20th century Empire style console table , came out of an apartment in Paris French circa 1920’s with original marble and ormolu mounts , having an ebonised finis...
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Sapele Wood

Vintage French Empire Marquetry Secretaire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Commanding attention with its exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design, this vintage French Empire commode is a magnificent addition to any sophisticated interior. Constructed fro...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Empire Center Table/desk in Mahogany with Bronze Mounts, White Marble Top
Located in Houston, TX
Empire table with Egyptian style bronze mounts at all Corners including the sides having white marble with Gray veining throughout. Mahogany apron and legs decorated with bronze d...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Wire

Italian Empire style pedestal in wood and brass, mid 1800s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Empire style pedestal in wood and brass, mid 1800s Pedestal or display column with square top in wood. The top is supported by four round wooden strips with brass finishes at...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique French Empire Bronze Urn Finial Fireplace Andirons w/ Paw Feet - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Bronze Urn Finial Fireplace Andirons w/ Paw Feet and Desirable Patina- a Pair. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 25" H x 11" W x 11" D.
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

An Empire Style Mahogany Desk Chair, By Kahn, Paris
By Kahn
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Mahogany Desk Chair, By Kahn, Paris. Incised ‘L. KAHN’ to the back of the mounts. The bow-shaped top rail applied with a gilt-bronze anthemion m...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Antique English Empire Mahogany 3 Part Pedestal Sideboard Buffet With Drawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Empire Mahogany 3 Part Pedestal Sideboard Buffet With Drawers. Item features three part hand dovetailed construction, side lock cab...
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce Set by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This French Empire style gilt bronze wall sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features the best quality hand-chiselled details. The backplate of this sconce features a central round pla...
Category

2010s Italian Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Antique Irish Chiffoniers
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare pair of traditional Irish chiffoniers or sideboards crafted with mahogany and celebrating several early 19th century styles, including empire and regency. Featuring high quality...
Category

19th Century Northern Irish Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Antique Irish Chiffoniers
Pair of Antique Irish Chiffoniers
$12,500 Sale Price / set
32% Off
French 19th Century Baccarat Crystal and Ormolu Empire Style Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite and finely crafted Large 19th century Baccarat crystal and ormolu French Empire style Neoclassical mantel clock. This elegant timepiece features a striking architectural...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Handsome 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Trumeau Mirror with Bronze Eagle
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A wonderful French Empire style mirror in mahogany with bronze eagle and good ormolu swag with great detail and nice size. #3521.   
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Empire Malachite and Gilt Bronze Centerpiece
Located in Dallas, TX
Fine 19th century French Empire malachite and gilt bronze centerpiece. Cut crystal top bowl .Fine mercury gilt bronze sphinx's.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Malachite

Classic French 18th Century Empire Walnut Kneehole Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Found near Paris, France, we purchased this museum quality 18th century Empire style desk for its impeccable quality and style. Made predominantly from walnut and featuring Empiric s...
Category

18th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Empire Style Low Marble Top Pedestal Base Side Tables by Imperial - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Empire Style Low Marble Top Pedestal Base Side Tables by Imperial - a Pair. I...
Category

Mid-20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Pair of Italian Mid-19th Century Empire Style Mahogany Consoles from Naples
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational pair of Italian mid 19th century Empire st. freestanding flamed mahogany consoles from Naples, Italy. The consoles are raised by double mottled rectangular bases with b...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

A Pair of Gilt Bronze and Patinated Candelabra with Winged Victories.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A pair of gilt bronze and patinated candelabra with winged victories, Empire period, 19th century. Pair of Empire period candelabra from the 19th century, Napoleon 1st, gilt and pat...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique living room set from the end of the 19th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique living room set from around 1890, France. Furniture in very good condition, after professional renovation. Seats and backrests have been covered with new fabric. Dimensions...
Category

1890s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Fabric

A Fine Ormolu And Bronze Empire Chandelier
Located in Steyning, West sussex
The patented bronze frame mounted with finely chased ormolu, issuing six eagle heads supporting candle nozzles and save-alls, suspended on three chains from a foliated corona.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century Italian Gilt Tole and Crystal Basket Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
This 19th-century Italian Empire style gilt tole and crystal basket chandelier exudes a touch of elegance and sophistication. The intricate design features a beautiful combination of...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

French, Mid-19th Century Empire-Style Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-19th century The petite mahogany knee-hole desk with a central drawer and two slender drawers on each side, with gilt-bronze mounts and inset tooled green leather writing su...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Empire Candelabras by Pierre Chibout
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of Empire candelabra for five candles each, crafted by Pierre Chibout in the early 19th century. The candelabra are made of patinated and fire-gilded bronze. The candelabras f...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Style 19th Century Bleached Table with Marble Top and Column Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire style bleached wood side table from the 19th century with black marble top, three column legs, in-curving tripartite base and petite feet. Bask in the timeless allure...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble

French Empire Style Mahogany Mother of Pearl Wreath Inlay Accent Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Empire Style Mahogany Mother of Pearl Wreath Inlay Accent Side Table. Item features mother of pearl and wood floral wreath inlay, carved reeded column-form legs, very nice vin...
Category

Early 20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Rare Postmodern Empire Black Lacquered Swan Neck Wide Chairs
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare pair of Swan neck black lacquered wide chairs recovered in beige ultrasuede fabric , and a semigloss finish beautiful elegant and unique we have 4 more available we are selling ...
Category

20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Ultrasuede, Wood

A Pair of French Empire Style Bronze and Sienna Marble Tazze, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Pair of French Empire Style Bronze and Sienna Marble Tazze, 19th Century Provenance: Purchased from a private Melbourne collection, 2009. Description: Each with a shallow ovoid...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Impressive 12 Chairs First Empire Napoleon III Early 19th Cent Sold at Sotheby s
Located in Madrid, ES
Impressive 12 chairs first Empire Napoleon III early 19th century. Sold at Sotheby's for €25,000 golden wood and silk 80cm x 48cm provenance: Roman family. perfect condition for...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair French Empire candelabra, circa 1800
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality pair of French Empire bronze and gilded ormolu candelabra, each having Caryatid supports to the scrolling foliate four branch candle sconces. Raised on classical gilde...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century Empire Mirror with Brass Elements
Located in Opole, PL
19th Century Empire Mirror With Brass Elements A mirror in a wooden frame, dated to the first quarter of the 19th century. The wooden frame...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique thread table, Northern Europe, circa 1880.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique nickak table from the end of the 19th century, Northern Europe. The piece of furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation. Dimensions: height 78 cm / ...
Category

Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

set of six French 19th century Empire St. Mahogany and Ormolu dining chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome set of six French 19th century Empire St. Mahogany and Ormolu dining chairs. This wonderful set are raised by four circular tapered front legs while the back legs display ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire Walnut Commode with Ebonized Columns, Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This French Empire walnut commode presents the clean architectural lines and restrained ornamentation associated with the early 19th century. Its façade is arranged in the classic Em...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Small Empire Giltwood Trumeau Mirror with Painting
Located in Doylestown, PA
Unique 19th century Empire giltwood trumeau wall mirror with an original painted landscape on top, circa 1850. The tranquil scene in the manner of Hungarian landscape painter, Karoly...
Category

19th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

French Empire Green Damask Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 8 French Empire-style (19th Century) mahogany side chairs with bronze trim and green damask upholstery. (PRICED AS Set) Antique condition, some fa...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Damask, Upholstery, Mahogany

19th Century (Late) French Empire Style Porcelain Jardiniere
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century (Late) French Empire Style Porcelain Jardiniere. Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century French Empire Mahogany Desk Armchair with Bronze Mounts Leather
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a man’s office or study with this elegant Empire armchair. Hand-carved in France circa 1890 and built of solid mahogany, the desk chair stands on tapered legs ending with gi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Clock Depicting Apollo God of Music and the Arts
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A gilt bronze and griotte marble French Empire clock depicting Apollo Greek God of Music Art Literature and Sciences. The clock shows a a gilt bronze winged figure of Apollo leaning against a griotte marble altar pedestal decorated with gilt bronze garlands. At the center of the pedestal is the clock’s dial and movement. Sitting on top of the pedestal is a standing harp, a mallet and a scroll. The whole is supported by a griotte marble base with a gilt bronze frieze showing a number of frolicking and dancing cupids playing music, drinking wine waving laurel wreaths, carrying a standard and even crowning a bust of Athena. The base sits on two owl feet...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze

Mahogany and Bronze Veneer Middle Table, "Return from Egypt" Style
Located in Paris, FR
Important middle table in the style "Return from Egypt" in mahogany, mahogany veneer and bronze with double patina, from the 19th century. This large table is supported by four uprights claws and lion heads in patinated bronze, connected by a carved and curved strut. The table is adorned with gilt bronze appliques with swans and horns of plenty motifs and opens with six drawers. Two integrated trays extend each side of the table by 50 cm if needed. A glass window covers...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Small French Empire Style Bust of Napoleon I
Located in Queens, NY
Small turn of the century French Empire style bronze bust representing Napoleon's uniformed likeness propped upon a white marble pedestal base adorned with a bronze letter "N."
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th C. Empire Mahogany Frame Mirror W. an Inset Print after J.B. Camille Carot
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Empire Style Mahogany Frame Trumeau Mirror with an Inset Print Signed after Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. Mirror glass appears to be original. Original Hardwood backing. Measur...
Category

19th Century American Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Mahogany

Maitland Smith French Empire Style Burl Wood Tesselated Marble Top Center Table
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Maitland Smith French Empire Style Burl Wood Tesselated Marble Top Center Table Dimensions : 34" Tall X 46" Round This gorgeous center table was made by Maitland Smith in the Frenc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Empire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Military illustration titled Garde Impériale by the 19th-century French artis Al
Located in Bishop s Stortford, GB
One of a Set of Four different scenes available. This print is a reproduction of a military illustration titled "Garde Impériale" by the 19th-century French artist Alf...
Category

Early 20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Glass

French Empire Style 19th-20th Century Console Table
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style (19th-20th century) mahogany console table with a stretcher and gilt bronze trim with a green rectangular marble top.  
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Empire Style MahoganyTable with a Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
The product is a stunning 19th Century French Empire style mahogany table with a marble top and gilt brass details, embodying elegance and sophistication. There is a gorgeous finis...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Antique columns, France, around 1870.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Representative columns - pedestals from the second half of the 19th century in the Empire style. A pair of potbellied columns with marble tops, beautifully decorated with light wood...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Printing Block Wallpaper Complete Repeat Empire Acanthus Leaf Roundel
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Rare woodblock with complete repeat. Of interest to wallpaper collectors or as a conversation piece in the home as a decorative carved wallhanging. A rare, large 19th Century French wallpaper...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique English 19th Century Walnut Two Door Glazed Cabinet C.1850
Located in London, GB
Antique English 19th Century Walnut Two Door Glazed Cabinet C.1850 A walnut cabinet, mid-19th century, in the French style, with applied gilt brass mounts, on a shaped plinth base. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Glass, Walnut

LATE 18th-EARLY 19th CENTURY EMPIRE CHEST OF DRAWERS WITH A SLIDING DESK
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant chest of drawers with a sliding desk, veneered in fine walnut. The chest of drawers has truncated pyramid legs, typical of the late 18th century, while the exterior and colum...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Empire Chairs from Around 1810-1815
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique Empire chairs from around 1900 Solid wood mahogany. Seat upholstered and covered with black fabric. Very stable and robust built. Hind...
Category

19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Empire Candlesticks
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of French burnished gilded Empire candlesticks with light collars. The stems are fluted and decorated with acanthus leaves.
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

17th Century Flemish Pillow - 23" x 8"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

17th Century Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

Wonderful French Empire Neoclassical Cut Crystal Bronze Ormolu Urn Centerpiece
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Empire / neoclassical cut crystal and bronze ormolu mounted urn with lady figure handles centerpiece.   
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu

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

17th Century Belgian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Wool, Feathers

17th Century Flemish Pillow - 22" x 11"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Category

17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Feathers

Pair Of Italian Neoclassical Painted And Giltwood Mirrors
Located in Essex, MA
Small mirrors nice to flank a painting or other artwork. Arched scrolled crest over a mirror plate surrounded by a white painted border.
Category

1810s Italian Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Empire Mahogany Fauteuil de Bureau, Early 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The early 19th century desk chair with ram's head arms and turned legs, is attributable to Jacob Desmalter and dates to circa 1805.
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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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