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
769
2,710
2,067
4,761
104
93
198,985
115,100
44,391
33,535
16,605
12,342
10,902
10,854
10,023
8,897
7,398
6,729
6,574
6,460
6,283
6,147
4,958
3,755
247
3,077
1,437
197
489
349
221
106
15
83
50
46
48
75
53
53
23
2,701
2,032
1,481
1,011
831
4,064
2,793
412
289
241
4,958
4,914
4,936
45
33
19
18
13
Style: Empire
Early 19th Century Gilt Bronze Cut-Glass Centerpiece
Located in New York, NY
Cut-glass centerpiece with gilt bronze mounts. Hair line crack in bowl.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Small Gilded Frames with Greek Scened Porcelain Plaques
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Set of Two Small Gilded Frames with Greek Scened Porcelain Plaques in Ormolu Gilded Bronze Frames. Great pieces to add to an existing collection.
Category
Early 1900s Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Ebonized Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style (19th Century) ebonized mahogany writing table desk with a leather top & claw feet resting on a platform base. (after JACOB DESMALTER at Fonteainbleau Palace).
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Leather
Vintage 20th Century Ceramic Lampshade Base with Bird and Flower Design - 2Y132
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Add a touch of vintage elegance to your home with this beautifully crafted ceramic lampshade base from the 1970s. Featuring charming bird and flower decorations, this piece is perfec...
Category
1970s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
$224 Sale Price
70% Off
Wonderful French Empire Regency Dore Bronze Neoclassical Candlestick Pair Lamps
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French empire gilt doré bronze neoclassical candlestick pair of lamp, rewired and ready to enjoy.
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mid 19th Century French Empire Commode With Marble Top
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful antique French Empire three-drawer mahogany commode, circa 1840, showcasing the refined craftsmanship and balanced proportions characteristic of the Empire period.
The c...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique 1929 Book "Mésaventures de Kato" by Yvonne Lelong - 2Y235
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Condition: Fair
Comments: The book is in good condition with some yellowing of the pages and slight wear on the spine. Please refer to the photos for more details.
Author: Yvonne Lelong
Publication Year: 1929
Language: French...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$133 Sale Price
55% Off
19th Century Empire Sofa Berlin Brandenburg Mahogany Carved Gilded Lions
Located in Epfach, DE
Provenance: noble Family "von Puttkamer" from Berlin Brandenburg; on the back original marked with pencil "Henriette von Puttkamer" and a transport sticker, made of paper, from the railway "Waren (Müritz)" (Henriette v. P. lived from 1799 until 1878)
This piece of furniture from the time of the German Empire has a tasteful lightness that is underlined by the extraordinary design. Both ends of the backrest are crowned by a reclining, hand-carved and gilded lion...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Empire Style Wall Mirror With Faux Marble Att. To Maitland-Smith
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a French Empire style wall mirror attributed to Maitland-Smith. It has a brass eagle crest and faux marble columns. The mirror itself is cased in mahogany. It is unmarked and...
Category
Late 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fine Old-Paris Porcelain Saucer with
En Grisaille
Decoration, French Ca 1810
By Paris Studio
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very beautiful porcelain saucer made by a French Old Paris maker, dating to the early 19th century, circa 1810.
The saucer is very well painted "en grisaille" with a deer ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
1928 First Communion Souvenir Portrait of Marcelle Girard - Framed - 2Y71
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This framed souvenir portrait commemorates the first communion of Marcelle Girard, which took place at the church of Bonnétable on June 10, 1928. The piece is in its original conditi...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$204 Sale Price
75% Off
Set of Three 20th Century NeoClassical Wall Sconces in Gilded Bronze
Located in COLMAR, FR
A set of three bronze wall sconces, made and sourced in France, dating from the 1960s—a period when Hollywood Regency interiors embraced the refined elegance of Neoclassical design. ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Book: Le Livre et les Arts qui s
y Rattachent (1887) by M.P. Louisy- 2Y96
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This classic book, "Le Livre et les Arts qui s'y Rattachent", authored by M.P. Louisy, explores the relationship between books and the arts, providing valuable insights into the subj...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$356 Sale Price
75% Off
Antique 20th Century Book by Paul Bourget "André Cornélis" - Paris - 2Y237
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Condition: Fair
Comments: The book is in good condition. Please see the photos for more details.
Author: Paul Bourget
Title: "André Cornélis"
Publisher: Arthème Fayard, Paris Modern-...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$147 Sale Price
60% Off
A large pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A large and beautiful pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Silverware drawing : crystal and vermeil ewer - Boulenger catalog
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine silverware drawing enhanced with gouache showing a crystal and vermeil ewer / bottle. The item pictured is a silverware project meant to be listed in famous French silver make...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Paint, Paper
1850 Antique Uzbek Pillow - 20
X 14
Located in Los Angeles, US
Ca.1850 antique Uzbek pillow. 20'' X 14''
Category
18th Century Uzbek Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Zabihi Collection Pair of Persian Jozan Sarouk Rugs
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th-century pair of Persian Sarouk Jozan Rugs. $ 1,500 each if purchased individually.
Details
rug no. j4476
size 1' 7" x 2' 6" (48 x 76 cm)
rug type Sarouk
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
Tavolino Ferro Battuto e Piano Marmo Bianco Intarsiato a mano in Italia Cupioli
Located in Rimini, IT
Tavolino da salotto realizzato con la tecnica decorativa dell' intarsio in scagliola su piano in marmo bianco Carrara, che appoggia su di un basamento in ferro battuto decorato in fo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Wrought Iron
Pair of crystal and bronze vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of french empire style late 19 century crystal cut ormolu bronze original gilting
You have eagle that embeds the base at the 4 corner, on the side of the vase you have magnifi...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
$18,000 / set
19th Century Swedish inlaid burr birch oval occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century inlaid burr birch oval occasional table circa 1870.
Good quality swedish burr birch center table that could be used for multiple purposes around the home. Oval shape w...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch
Antique Empire Period Bronze Table Lamp, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
An elegant French Empire bronze and marble table lamp, circa 1820 in date.
The candlestick later converted into a lamp features an ancanthus capital, a fluted tapering column on c...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
1910
s Persian Sarouk Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79285 Antique Red Persian Sarouk Rug, 02'06 x 04'10. This hand-knotted wool antique Persian Sarouk rug is a rare jewel of early 20th-century artistry, a precious masterpiece that whi...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
$2,128 Sale Price
20% Off
Empire Style Heraldic Coat of Arms Carved Mahogany Double Eagle Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
An early 20th Century Empire Style Heraldic coat of arms Intricately Carved Mahogany Double Eagle Bench with loose seat cushion. Measures 36.5" in width, 25" in depth and stands 37.5...
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century French Empire Vitrine Cabinet Ca. 1820-1840 for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A vitrine cabinet with an arched quadruple pediment above a single glazed door with one long drawer centered by bronze and ebonized mounted 3/4 classical figural columns. The whole i...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Pair Empire Style Enameled and Velvet Upholstered Scroll Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Empire Style Enameled and Velvet Upholstered Scroll Armchairs.
Measures 22" in width x 22" in depth x 34.5" in height . Seat height is 20".
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Empire Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Upholstery, Paint
Vintage JRD Berliet Relaxe Truck Toy- 2Y42
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Explore a piece of vintage transportation history with this classic JRD Berliet Relaxe truck. This small collectible features a Berliet cab and is a testament to mid-20th-century toy...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
$127 Sale Price
75% Off
Old Wooden Cigar Box, Empire Style, Probably Swedish
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely empire style wooden box probably produced in Sweden. The box is 14 x 14 cm (5.6" x 5,6") in diameter and 23.5 cm (9.4") high. It is in excellent condition except from that t...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
French Empire Side Table of Mahogany with Marble Top
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome French Empire period side or end table or nightstand of flame-cut mahogany with figured black marble top, featuring a frieze of one fitted drawer with decorative ormolu es...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Metal, Brass
19th Century Italian Walnut Burl Empire Commode / Chest of Drawers
Located in Carmine, TX
Empire chest of drawers hand-made in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy in the early 1900s using walnut. The chest has typical empire lines, with an overhanging top drawer and column...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Swedish Empire Style Cut-Crystal Tent and Basket Chandelier
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Swedish Empire style gilt-bronze and cut-crystal tent and basket chandelier.
Swedish, Circa 1825.
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Vintage Small Floral Decor Ceramic Trinket Dish - 2Y58
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming small trinket dish features a delicate floral design, perfect for holding small items or simply adding a touch of vintage style to your décor. Crafted from quality cera...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
$124 Sale Price
70% Off
Stunning Empire 19th Century Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian brass and cut-glass crystal chandelier from the end of the 19th century. It is wired and in excellent condition. Chain not included but if requested we will add chain ...
Category
Late 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
French Napoleonic 2nd Empire Style Polychrome and Giltwood Armchair Throne
Located in New York, NY
Monumental Napoleonic throne armchair, finely carved with polychrome and gilt surfaces throughout with large coat of arms of the Napoleonic Second Empire (1852-70) on the crest rail,...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Vintage Lamps in Empire Style with Crystals, Italy, 1970s
Located in Cantù, IT
Fine pair of Empire-style table lamps, dating from the mid-20th century. Unique decorative objects, full of charm and perfect for classic or eclectic settings.
Details and materials...
Category
20th Century Italian Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Lot of 5 Crystal Wine Glasses - Mid 20th Century - 2Y27
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Elevate your dining experience with this set of 5 crystal wine glasses, likely from the mid-20th century. Crafted from fine crystal, these glasses are a sophisticated addition to any...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
$123 Sale Price
87% Off
Candlesticks with Caryatids in Gilt and Dark-Patinated Bronze – Empire, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
French Candlesticks with Caryatids in Gilt and Dark-Patinated Bronze – Empire, 1820s
A magnificent pair of French candlesticks in gilt and dark-patinated bronze, made during the he...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Lamp
Located in Sheffield, MA
Ultra elegant classical Empire style dark green tôle with oil reservoir encircled by bronze band raised on cloven hoof tripod feet over incurved base. Once an oil lamp later converte...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$2,600
Superb Quality Bronze Ebonized French Empire Ormulu Mounted Figural Clock
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite French Empire figural mantel clock represents the pinnacle of 19th-century artistry and craftsmanship. Featuring a be...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$4,680 Sale Price
20% Off
1940s Italian Completely Beaded Basket Cobalt Blue Accents Chandelier, C 1920
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 5 lights in beaded cups. This elegant chandelier is completely beaded with a beaded lace bottom. Adorning rare cobalt blue crystal prisms and cobalt blue beads...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Grey/Black Marble Bilboquet with Gilded Bees, Empire Classic Style
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This elegant bilboquet in grey and black marble is inspired by classical designs from the previous century. It is finely adorned with small gilded bee motifs, popular during the Empi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique book "Retour en Chrétienté" - Collection by J. Servel - 2Y36
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Explore the insightful collection titled "Retour en Chrétienté" by J. Servel, a notable work reflecting on religious themes. Published by Édition du Chalet, this book is an essential...
Category
20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Paper
$95 Sale Price
80% Off
Elegant Pair of Empire Candlesticks in Gilt Bronze, France c. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Pair of Empire Candlesticks in Gilt Bronze, France c. 1820s
A refined pair of French candlesticks from the 1820s, crafted in gilt bronze and richly decorated in the classic ...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Empire Style Rectangular Wall Mirror with Beige and Gilt Frame
Located in Barcelona, ES
Empire Style Mirror, France, 1930s.
Beautiful Empire style rectangular mirror in beige patina with neoclassical relief foliage and floral ornamentation with gilded details .
The fra...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
$2,612 Sale Price
20% Off
20th Century Black French Pair of Large Marble, Gilded Bronze Table Lights
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, vintage French pair of large table lamps made of hand crafted marble with a new round shade, in good condition. They are composed with its original switch, particularized by...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Metal, Bronze
19th Century Authentic Samarkand Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Samarkand Rugs: The desert oasis of Khotan was an important stop on the Silk Road. The people of Khotan were expert carpet weavers who produced high quality antique rugs and ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Odysseus and Theseus French Empire Mantle Clock by André Antoine Ravrio
Located in New Orleans, LA
Odysseus and Theseus French Empire Mantel Clock
André Antoine Ravrio
Circa 1800
This monumental Empire mantel clock by André Antoine Ravrio, whose case is crafted entirely of gilded...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Jewelry Box in Leather with Diamond Pattern
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small Rectangular Leather Jewelry Box on small brass balls with diamond pattern.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$360 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century French Empire Ormolu Bronze and White Marble Portico Clock
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful antique (19th century) French portico form mantel clock in white marble with finely cast ormolu bronze mounts, distinguished by its large size and Cupid with bow among clou...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of decorative small shelves made of bronze and Green Alps marble - 19th cent.
Located in Fidenza, IT
Pair of decorative small shelves made of bronze and Green Alps marble from the first half of the 19th century. The corbels feature the face of a female figure, probably a goddess or ...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Empire Candelabra Pair
Located in Winter Park, FL
A pair of 19th century French Empire five-light cast brass candelabra, each with black marble base inlaid with Lapis Lazuli. Fine casting with urn shaped form, scrolled arms with flo...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Belgian Black Marble, Brass
19th Century Empire Style Mahogany and Gilt Side Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
The 19th Century Empire Style Mahogany and Gilt Side Chair is a luxurious and elegant piece of furniture perfect for adults in a mid-century modern home decor setting. Made of high-q...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Empire Style Gilt Metal Mahogany Pedestal
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Style Gilt Metal Mounted Mahogany Pedestal, early 20th century, the circular top on a tapering column on a quadripartite plinth and ball feet.
35.5" H x 15.25" D...
Category
Early 20th Century Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Art Deco Style Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chrome
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Deco Crystal Chandelier - Empire Elegance in Customizable Sizes
Introducing a new Art Deco crystal style chandelier that captures the grandeur of the Empire era while offering m...
Category
2010s German Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Antique Indian Agra Rug - 11
4
X 9
0
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Agra Rugs Agra has been a major center of area rug and carpet production since the great period of Mughal art in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. When the carpet indu...
Category
Early 1900s Indian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Art Deco Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chrome
Located in Berlin, DE
New Art Deco Crystal Style Chandelier: Custom Empire Elegance
Introducing our latest addition, the Art Deco crystal style chandelier, a captivating fusion of Empire opulence and the...
Category
2010s German Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
$4,227 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Vintage 1965 Jean Ferrat Barclay Vinyl Record - 33 RPM - French Chanson - 2Y145
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Discover a classic piece of French chanson with this vintage 1965 Jean Ferrat vinyl record by Barclay, spinning at 33 RPM. This record captures the timeless voice of Jean Ferrat, a c...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Plastic
$147 Sale Price
60% Off
1920
s Persian Sarouk Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79018 Antique Red Persian Sarouk Rug, 04'02 x 06'06. This hand-knotted wool antique Persian Sarouk rug is a testament to the opulent artistry and enduring legacy of Persian weaving....
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Empire Furniture
Materials
Wool
$3,640 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of French Empire Bronze Candelabra
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of French Empire bronze candelabra, sleek and sophisticated in design, each one fitted with three lights, fire gilt details, raised on an...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$2,360 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of Antique White Candlesticks XL Cast Iron France 19th Century 71cm
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful and very rare pair of antique candlesticks in white patinated cast iron, XL size, France, ca 1850.
Rare pair of high quality, the candlesticks have a beautifully decorated...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Iron
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.
More Ways To Browse
Burled Walnut Desk
Burnished Bamboo
Butter Table
Cabinet Dowel
Cabinets With Metal Inlay
Cameo Glass Bowl
Campaign Chest 1970
Campaign Chest Camphor
Canopic Jars
Canton Chinese Bowl
Cardinal Sculpture
Carrera Marble Dining Table
Carved Boar
Cast Grape Vine
Ceramic Cheetah
Ceramic Giraffe
Ceramic Pagoda
Ceramic Spanish Jug