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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: 20th Century
Vintage French Empire Style Painted Console Table Mid 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful vintage French Empire style painted gilded and ormolu mounted console table, Mid 20th century in date. The rectangular faux marble top with an ormolu plaque to t...
Category

1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Large French Empire Style Balloon Chandelier A Fine Piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large French Empire Style Balloon Chandelier A Fine Piece, with an age darkened Brass metal frame and set with crystal pendants, it has 6 bulbs giving a very attractive atmospheric ...
Category

1920s Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Large Estate Baccarat Empire Harcourt Bronze and Crystal Vase
Located in New York, NY
Impressive signed Baccarat Empire style bronze and crystal vase. Beautifully complements the Classic 1841 Harcourt and Empire patterns, similar to the ...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Empire Style Mahogany and Ebonized Side Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Beautiful and restored Empire-style Mahogany side table. Round Mahogany top and base with new polish, three ebonized legs with dual ring gilt-wood accent det...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Giltwood, Wood

Stunning 16-Light Murano Crystal Chandelier, circa 1920s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A wonderful very large sixteen light Murano glass and cut crystal silvered chandelier, Italy, circa 1920s. This beautiful handcrafted fixture is made of silvered brass elements, Mur...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Pair of Massive Patinated and Gilt Bronze 5-Light Sconces, Wall Appliques
Located in Germantown, MD
A Massive Pair of Gilt and Patinated Bronze Five-Light Wall Appliques or Sconces, 20th Century, in the style of E.F. Caldwell. This pair is large and features a patinated putti form ...
Category

20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

A French Empire Style Commode with Marble Top and Gilt Mounts, Circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… Dating to circa 1900, the motifs on this marble top commode with gilt mounts are definitely in the style of Empire. French Empire-style furniture was ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Metal

Baker Furniture Italian Empire Carved Mahogany Pedestal Breakfast Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Italian Empire or Neoclassical style round pedestal dining breakfast table, game table, or center table. By Baker Furniture, "Milling Road" Collection. Italy, circa ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of New Linen Upholstery French Empire Style Ball Finials Benches MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of New Linen Upholstery French Empire Style Ball Finials Benches MINT!
Category

20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Baker Furniture French Empire Cherry and Burl Wood Nightstands, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of French Empire style nightstands or end tables By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Cherry wood, with burl wo...
Category

1960s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Empire Antique Chandelier Gilt Bronze and Oxidized 9 light early 20th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Fine chandelier with flame decoration at center top of amphora shape body. Weapons technology oxidation finish combined with dore bronze of finest quality – just gorgeous creature of...
Category

Early 20th Century European Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze

Cut Crystal Spear Empire Chandelier
Located in San Francisco, CA
This chandelier is truly stunning, with its sparkling, leaded glass cut crystals. An Empire-style crystal chandelier in the form of a tent with a ring structure adorned with outward-...
Category

20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Empire Style Ormolu and Malachite Center Table
Located in Tarzana, CA
A large and impressive Empire style Gilt Bronze & Malachite center table. The table features a circular top, which has been beautifully inlaid with malachite and edged with gilt bron...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

French Empire Revival Green Leather Top Bronze Griffin Mahogany Desk Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Revival Style Green Leather Top Mahogany Bureau Plat Executive Writing Desk & Chair with Bronze Griffin Ormolu by Global N.Y. Listing includes a very impressive...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

1940s Carved Gilt Wood Swan Barrel Chairs, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, carved wood swan club chairs on castors set you could hope to find. In the style of George S...
Category

1940s English Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Egg style Faberge Aquamarine Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg on tripod engraved in 925/1000 gilded silver with translucent enamel on fire on guilloché, Russian Empire style inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé late 19th century, early 20th...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

1950 Empire Crystal Chandelier 18 Lights Two Tiers
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1950’s French Empire style 18 lights crystals and bronze chandelier. Two tiers. With faces on the bronze rings. Original gilding and patina.
Category

1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Vintage Film with Box "ECPA" – "Combat de Rue" (Program No. 1126) - 2Y204
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This rare piece of militaria features a vintage film titled "Combat de Rue" from the "Établissement Cinématographique et Photographique des Armées" (ECPA). Complete with its original...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal

French Empire Style Mahogany Daybed with Ormolu Mounts and Velvet Upholstery
Located in Chicago, IL
20th century French Empire style mahogany daybed on casters with ormolu gilt bronze mounts in floral/thistle decoration and original wood jo...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Antique 20th Century Egyptian-Themed Trinket Dish - 2Y135
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Discover a touch of ancient Egypt with this intriguing 20th-century piece, which could serve as an ashtray or trinket dish. Crafted, from brass, this item features a theme inspired by Egyptian art and design. The piece is sold as-is, showing signs of age with surface wear, partial scratches, and slight oxidation. The top section is somewhat damaged, and a serpent design has partially faded. Despite its imperfections, this item adds a unique historical charm to any collection. Key Features: Type: Trinket Dish Theme: Ancient Egypt Material: Brass Condition: worn with surface scratches, slight oxidation, top damage, and faded serpent design (see photos) Country of Manufacture: Egypt Dimensions: Diameter: 7 cm (2.8 inches) Height: 3 cm (1.2 inches) Weight: 93 grams (0.2 lbs) This antique piece is perfect for collectors of Egyptian artifacts...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Egg White with blue garlands in Russian Art Nouveau style Sterling Silver Salimb
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg White with blue garlands is in 925/1000 sterling silver. Egg White with blue garlands has fired enamels on guilloché and design engraved by hand. Egg White with blue garlands i...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Vintage French Bronze Empire Style Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Elegant vintage French bronze and brass Empire style Bouillotte table lamp with a metal shade. Measures: Height 20.5" in. (52 cm), diameter 15" in. (38 cm). Lighting: takes one l...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

French Empire Tole Painted Metal Shade Brass Bugle Table Lamp, circa 1950s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Empire style brass bugle table lamp, dating from the 1950s, beautifully captures the neoclassical elegance of the period. Crafted with refined attention to detail, the la...
Category

1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Czech Crystal Beaded Empire Style Dome Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
This absolutely adorable Czech crystal beaded Empire-style dome chandelier pendant from circa the 1950s consists of strands of crystal cut balls sizing from small to big. Ballroom st...
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Elegant Damascus Jewelry Box - Rectangular, Inlay Marquetry with Red Velvet
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Discover the beauty of this elegant Damascus jewelry box, featuring intricate marquetry and a luxurious red velvet interior. This rectangular, flat box is ideal for storing jewelry, ...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Pair of Large Malachite and Ormolu Mounted Empire Style Vases
Located in London, GB
These splendid malachite and ormolu mounted vases are executed in the French Empire style, and are emblazoned with gilt decoration that has an unmistakable air of confidence, pride, ...
Category

Late 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Pair of French 1920s Empire Style Bronze and Opaline Glass Table Lamps, Wired
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Empire style bronze and opaline glass candelabra table lamps from the early 20th century, with scrolling arms and volutes. Created in France during the first quarter of the 20th century, each of this pair of table lamps attracts our attention with its bronze scrolling arms resting upon a white opaline glass pedestal. Raised on a tripartite base accented with delicate volutes, the candelabras have been rewired for the US. With their Empire silhouette...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Empire-style Chandelier after Schinkel, probably Berlin, early 20th Century
By Karl Friedrich Schinkel
Located in Greding, DE
Impressive twelve-arm Empire-style chandelier featuring a scalloped ring adorned with finely detailed acanthus motifs and a rich arrangement of faceted glass prisms. The central shaf...
Category

Early 20th Century German Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Empire Form Eight-Light Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Empire chandelier, its circular frame of gilt metal, holding the opera basket bottom, finished by a ball drop, having eight S-scroll arms, each decorated with a leaf, ending i...
Category

20th Century Italian Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Iron

French Empire Chandelier with Opaline Glass 16 Lights
Located in New York, NY
1930’s French Empire chandelier with swans, cherubs and lions. Opaline glass inset. 16 lights
Category

1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French 20th Century Empire Style Mahogany Vitrine
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Display your treasured objects in this beautiful, early 20th century French Empire style mahogany vitrine. Beveled glass panels can be found in the case antique’s door and sides, all...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Fine Estate Baccarat Crystal Empire Style Jonzac Decanter
Located in New York, NY
Fine estate Baccarat decanter in the rare Jonzac pattern which pairs beautifully with Empire and Harcourt patterns- the stopper is identical to Harcourt an...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal

French Style 62" Cast Iron Campana Urn Outdoor Garden Planters on Pedestal, Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S shipping quote. Vintage French Empire Style 62" Tall Cast Iron Campana Urn Outdoor Garden Planters on ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Furniture

Materials

Iron

Fabergé Limoges Porcelain Hand Painted Egg Decorative Table Tray Ashtray
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and stunning Fabergé Limoges French porcelain hand painted parcel gilt tray. Created exclusively by House of Fabergé and Limoges porcelain as ...
Category

Late 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Piatto in Porcellana di Meissen Dipinto a Mano Anni 60
Located in Milano, MI
Piatto in Porcellana di Meissen dipinta a mano, realizzata negli anni '60 Ø cm 21 La porcellana di Meissen è considerata uno dei primi e più pregiati esempi di porcellana europea. ...
Category

1960s German Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Charles Pollock for William Switzer Giltwood Center /Dining Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunningly beautiful center or dining table designed by Charles Pollock for William Switzer. The table has a combination of solid woods and veneers such as burlwood on the base al...
Category

1980s Spanish Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Finely Carved Mahogany Settee Loveseat Empire Claw Feet Tall Back CLEAN
By J. Horner
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Finely Carved Mahogany Settee Loveseat Empire Claw Feet Tall Back CLEAN
Category

20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

STUNNING PAIR FRENCH EMPIRE STYLE GOLD DETAILED BURR WALNUT BEDSIDES NiGHTSTANDS
Located in Pulborough, GB
Antiques of London We are delighted to offer for sale this Stunning Pair Of French Empire-style bedside Nightstands. They exude opulence and sophistication. Crafted from beautif...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Italian Empire Style Elegant Writing Desk
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Introducing this elegant Italian desk dating back to the 20th century. An extremely refined desk, inspired by the Empire style. Featuring a linear design with black ebonized column ...
Category

20th Century Italian Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Picture frame Red Empire style ornaments Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular photo frame in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent ruby red enamel on guilloche, with late 19th century Russian Empire style ornaments. Blue alcantara p...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

French Empire Sword Bench Ottoman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French gilt Empire sword bench with ultra sueded fabric. Beautiful carving details. Leave as is or have your upholstery shop recover and tighten frame.
Category

1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

French Grisaille (Grey) Tapestry Portrait of Napoleon Bicorne Hat Greatcoat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Grisaille (Grey) Tapestry Portrait of Napoleon Bicorne Hat and Greatcoat France, circa 1920s  Capture a piece of French history with this exquisite Grisaille (Grey) Tapestry ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

French Empire Style Tall Dresser in Painted Gray Finish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Empire style bedroom tall chest with gilt metal ring handles painted white. We have a matching double dresser in our listing. Made for John Stuart.
Category

1950s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of French Empire Style Malachite, Lapis Lazuli and Ormolu Vases
Located in London, GB
Pair of French Empire style malachite, lapis lazuli and ormolu vases French, 20th Century Height 78cm, width 47cm, depth 30cm Skilfully crafted by French craftsmen, the unusual mixt...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Ormolu

1930s White Opaline Huge Murano Flowers Drops Green Beads Empire Chandelier
Located in Firenze, Toscana
ONE OF A KIND!! Housing 4 lights, will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the Unites States and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang. One of a kind...
Category

1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of French Empire gilt bronze candlesticks. With intricate raised decoration in the form of geometric and foliate patterns. The middle of each candlestick is fluted and ...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Napoleonic Column Table Lamps French Rosewood Gold Gilded Bronze, a Pair
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Vintage Napoleonic gold gilded brass and faux rosewood column table lamps With gold/bronze matching lampshades ( new condition ) Style: Empire, Regency, Neo classical, Napoleonic, Vintage, Antique Design: In the manner of Caldwell, Chapman manufacturng company, Stiffel Origin: France, 1980s Description: Vintage Napoleonic style tabl lamps. Made faux rosewood ( patinated metal) and brass Tuscan capitals. The lampshades are handmade and in ew condition. Condition: The lamps are in a good condition,one lamp have minor wear on the back ( see pics) socket E27, 230 volt and max 60w, black wired with switch. The lamps are US compatible but a adapter for plug is required Create the right ambience, good well positioned lighting can make a room! All our lamps are fully working condition, however, we are shipping from Europe...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Dutch Brass Umbrella Stand with Lion Paw Feet
Located in New York, NY
A Dutch brass umbrella stand with lion paw feet and blue and white Delft pottery handles, circa mid-20th century, Holland. Dimensions: 8.25" Depth x 11" Width (handle to handle) x 16...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Empire Center Table
Located in Houston, TX
Early 20th century Empire lacquered walnut dolphin center table.
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Pair of Empire Style Gilt Bronze Arrow Wall Sconces Lamp Featuring Goddess Ceres
Located in Toronto, CA
This exquisite pair of Empire style gilt bronze wall sconces effortlessly blends classical grandeur with subtle Art Deco influences, making them a rare and elegant addition to any in...
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Piatto in Porcellana di Meissen Dipinta a Mano Anni 60
Located in Milano, MI
Piatto in Porcellana di Meissen dipinta a mano, realizzata negli anni '60 Ø cm 21 La porcellana di Meissen è considerata uno dei primi e più pregiati esempi di porcellana europea. ...
Category

1960s German Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

French Gilt Bronze and Malachite Centre Table
Located in London, GB
French gilt bronze and malachite centre table French, 20th Century Height 79cm, diameter 69cm This very elegant 20th century French...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

Large Empire Style Gilt and Patinated Bronze Urn, Amphora Table Lamp
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Large, heavy Empire style gilt and patinated bronze Amphora table lamp decorated with fine ornaments and garlands on a square base supported by four feet covered with leaves. Five-li...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Baker Furniture French Empire Cherry Wood and Parcel Ebonized Sideboard
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Empire or Neoclassical style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1980s Carved cherry wood, with ebonized columns and feet, and orig...
Category

1980s American Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Canadian Nautical Brass Yacht Binnacle Mounted on Mahogany Rope Base, 20th Cent.
Located in Charleston, SC
Canadian Nautical brass yacht binnacle mounted on a mahogany rope base with an oval glass viewing port, gimballed compass, central carrying handle, and the original brass side light ...
Category

20th Century Canadian Empire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Empire Figural Swan Chandelier in Bronze
Located in Barcelona, ES
Very Fine Empire Style Neoclassical Six-Arm Bronze Swan Chandelier, France, 1930s Gorgeous six lights bronze chandelier with foliage and figural motifs. Rare French Empire style bronze tole chandelier...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Style Walnut, Bronze, and Marble Table and Chairs Living Room Set
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Empire-style walnut and marble eight-piece salon set with golden and light yellow fabric and bronze mounts. Impressive French Empire style eight-piece salon suite made of waln...
Category

1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Late 20th Century Empire Style Fruitwood Pedestal Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 20th Century Empire Style Fruitwood Pedestal Side Table in great vintage condition. Very sturdy. Quality made in USA. Measures 16" in diameter
Category

Late 20th Century American Empire Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Waldorf Astoria Hotel Empire Cut Glass Dish Pendant Light
Located in New York, NY
Empire style pendant light with a cast glass dish and bronze decorative frame. These elegant lights graced many of the main corridors of the Waldorf Astoria. This requires three stan...
Category

20th Century Empire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Antique Hand-Painted Longwy Plates - "Vacance" Design, France, 2Y116
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Enhance your collection with this charming pair of antique Longwy plates, each featuring the delightful "Vacance" motif. Crafted in France, these plates b...
Category

20th Century French Empire Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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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