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
Art Nouveau Double Inkwell / Antique Pewter Inkwell from the 1900s -1Y75
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite Art Nouveau double inkwell, crafted from pewter, exudes the elegance and charm of the early 20th century. Dating back to around 1900, this piece showcases the signatur...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Pair of Antique Silver-Plated Bronze Chandeliers -1Y74
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This elegant pair of chandeliers, dating from the first half of the 20th century, is made of silver-plated bronze. Each chandelier has two gracefully curved arms, supporting bobeches...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
Antique Patinated Terracotta Bust of the Virgin and Child by Bazzini -1Y73
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite patinated terracotta bust, crafted in the early 20th century, depicts the Virgin Mary with Child, a timeless subject revered in Christian art. The delicate features an...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Signed M. Rosset Patinated Metal Roman Gladiator Sculpture -1Y72
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This commanding sculpture, crafted from patinated metal in the second half of the 20th century, depicts a valiant Roman gladiator, ready to face the challenges of the arena. The scul...
Category
Late 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mid-20th Century Original Etching "Portrait d'Homme" by Claude Weisbuch -1Y56
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating mid-20th century original etching "Portrait d'Homme" by Claude Weisbuch adds a touch of artistic charm and vintage appeal to any collection. The intricate details of...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Antique Late 19th/Early 20th Century Inlaid Wood Jewelry Box with Brass -1Y54
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating antique late 19th/early 20th century inlaid wood jewelry box adds a touch of elegance and vintage charm to any jewelry collection. The intricate marquetry work on th...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Electrified Bayeux Porcelain Oil Lamp -1Y46
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating late 19th century electrified Bayeux porcelain oil lamp with floral and guilloche motif adds a touch of elegance and historical charm to any home décor. The intricat...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
French Empire style leather top mahogany writing desk, C 1890
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Empire style leather top mahogany writing desk having bronze mounts, claw feet and resting on slabs of green marble (optional) C 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century Far Eastern Style Woven Tapestry Panel -1Y52
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating early 20th century Far Eastern style woven tapestry panel adds a touch of exotic charm and vintage appeal to any home décor. The intricate details of the woven scene...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Textile
Vintage Bronze Rugby Player Sculpture -1Y71
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating bronze sculpture, dating back to the first half of the 20th century, captures the dynamism and athleticism of rugby, a sport that has captivated audiences worldwide....
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Hindu Elephant Head Bronze Paperweight -1Y70
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite bronze paperweight, crafted in the late 19th or early 20th century, showcases the intricate artistry of the era. Depicting a majestic Hindu elephant head, the paperwei...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Moret-sur-Loing: A Bustling Scene" by Eloi-Noel Beraud -1Y69
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating oil painting by renowned French artist Eloi-Nöel Béraud (1875-1957) captures the vibrant energy of Moret-sur-Loing, a town steeped in artistic history. Béraud, known...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Miniature Porcelain Plaque "Château de Blois" by Jean Gradassi -1Y68
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Renaissance France with this exquisite miniature porcelain plaque "Château de Blois" by renowned artist Jean Gradassi.
Dati...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Wood
Art Deco Masterpiece - Signed Kovats Terracotta Sculpture "Christ" -1Y67
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Embrace the elegance and spiritual depth of the Art Deco era with this exceptional signed terracotta sculpture "Christ à l'Agneau" by Z. Kovats, a testament to the artist's mastery a...
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Rare French Military Badge - Bataillon Autonome de Mauritanie (c. 1950s) -1Y66
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Own a piece of military history with this rare and authentic French military badge from the Bataillon Autonome de Mauritanie.
This distinctive badge, crafted by the renowned Parisia...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Terracotta Crucifix by José Rodrigues -1Y65
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Brazilian folk art with this captivating mid-century modern terracotta crucifix sculpture by José Rodrigues da Silva.
This exquisite piece, ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
19th Century Candlestick Lightshade Vienna by Balthasar Wigand Mother of Pearl
Located in Epfach, DE
Mother of pearl light shade or candlestick by Balthasar Wigand Vienna about 1810-1820 with very fine painting from the Galitzerberg in Vienna.
Balthasar Wigand born 1771 lived and ...
Category
1810s Austrian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Art Deco Limoges Porcelain Salt Shakers Pair -1Y64
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Presented in its original box, this exquisite pair of Art Deco salt shakers in Limoges porcelain dates back to the 1920s/1930s. Featuring a charming cherry motif and adorned with bra...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Sacré-Coeur Watercolor Painting, Signed 1964 -1Y63
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Evoking a sense of nostalgic charm, this watercolor painting captures the beauty of the Sacré-Coeur basilica in Montmartre, Paris. Dated 1964, the artwork showcases a lively scene bu...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Vintage Moulin Rouge Watercolor Painting, Signed 1964 -1Y62
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Exuding nostalgic charm, this watercolor painting depicts the façade of the iconic Parisian cabaret, the Moulin Rouge. Dated 1964, the artwork showcases a vibrant scene teeming with ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Antique Gothic Style Candle Holder in Gilded Bronze, 19th Century -1Y61
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This highly decorative Gothic-style candle holder in gilded bronze dates from the second half of the 19th century. It features rich ornamentation with motifs of three angels, fleur-d...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Group of Four Empire Candlesticks Attributed Ravrio Paris Early 19th Century
By A. Ravrio
Located in Milano, IT
Group of four gilt and burnished bronze empire candlesticks, Paris early 19th century. Vase-shaped stand with baccellation in lower section, faceted quiver shaft ending in trio of cl...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Late 17th/Early 18th Century Carved Wood Crucifix -1Y51
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This captivating antique late 17th/early 18th century carved wood crucifix adds a touch of religious significance and historical charm to any collection. The intricate details of the...
Category
Late 17th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Chinese-Style Polychrome Bronze Vase Lamp -1Y26
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite mid-century Chinese-style polychrome bronze vase lamp adds a touch of elegance and Eastern charm to any home décor. The intricate floral and bird motifs adorning the v...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Danish Birch wood Empire Bench with Lyre Motif
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant early 19th century Danish Empire birch wood bench.
The two arms are showcasing beautiful lyre-shaped and arrow carvings.
Seat newly upholstered with brown velour. In great c...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Gorgeous Pair of Empire Style Black & Gold Wall Mirrors
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful pair of Empire gold gilt and ebony black mirrors which are elegant statement pieces. The giltwood finish is complemented by a lovely ebony black washed gesso patina, and t...
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Mirror
Gaetano Sciolari Pair of Solid Brass and Glass Lanterns or Pendant Lamp
Located in Verviers, BE
Pair of Beautiful solid brass lantern or pendant lamp made by Italian designer Gaetano Sciolari, circa 1960-1970, Rome, Italy. The fabulous of vintage light takes four E14 European s...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
A fine 19th century French Empire marble top and gilt bronze gueridon
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine 19th century French Empire gilt bronze and marble top gueridon table . Fine quality gilt bronze details
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century Biscuit Tin "The British Commonwealth"
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A biscuit tin celebrating The British Commonwealth, both natural & architectural. The 1930s Canadian Rockies train is wonderful! Also featuring Windsor, Parliament House of New Zeala...
Category
Early 20th Century English Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Semainier Empire Period Early 19th
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-LA-PLACE, FR
Semainier Empire period early 19th.
This very functional piece of furniture was very popular with the bourgeois women. It was of great convenience and already adapted to more crampe...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
14 French Empire Dining Chairs. Circa 1820
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very smart set of fourteen solid and elegant dining room chairs dating from 1820' s between the Empire and the Restauration period.
Although very similar...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
French 19th Century Empire Style Commode
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French marble top commode made of bookmatched burl mahogany and decorative Empire style ormolu. The commode’s top is a Saint Anne marble with curved front edges making for a durabl...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
French 19th century Empire st. patinated, Verdigris Bronze and Slate console.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Empire st. patinated, Verdigris Bronze and Slate console. This impressive six leg console is raised by three maiden caryatids with lion's paw feet in t...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Slate, Bronze
19th Century Italian Empire Beaded Crystal Chandelier Six Light
Located in Milan, IT
A stunning Empire Crystal chandelier of Italian origin, coming from a Tuscan private palazzo in Florence dating back to the early 19th century.
Repoussé brass, iron and crystal are...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Iron, Brass
pair of French 19th century Empire st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and high quality pair of French 19th century Empire st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu sconces. Each two arm sconce is centered by a beautiful foliate bottom finial where the...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Early 19th Century Pewter Bowl Planter With Handle, Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming Danish Pewter Bowl or Planter With Handle and Makers Mark Circa 1800. This handmade piece would look wonderful sitting on a window sill holding ...
Category
Early 1800s Danish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Pewter
Mid 19th century birch root occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century birch root occasional table circa 1860.
Good quality Swedish birch root table, solid burr birch circular top, standing on shaped stem and scrolled legs.
Rich golde...
Category
1860s Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch
Antique French Empire Mahogany Buffet ~ Credenza with Slate Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Empire Mahogany Buffet ~ Credenza with Slate Top combines classical architecture with embellishments inspired by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans to create a t...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Slate, Brass
19th Century French Mahogany Table Empire style with Louis Philippe four Chairs
Located in Vigonza, Padua
French mahogany dining table from the early 19th century, Empire style, with four elegant hand-carved Louis Philippe mahogany chairs of the same age, still usable. Elegant table with...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Empire Period Pastel and Gouache Painting, circa 1810 in Giltwood Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Empire period floral pastel and gouache painting from the early 19th century, in giltwood frame. This French painting features an exquisite depiction of a bouquet of flowers...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood, Paint
20th Century French Giltwood Trophy Mirror
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Spectacular 20th Century French gilt wood mirror in good vintage condition. It has no broken parts but might have signs of wear due to used. The glass mirror has no chips or cracks. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Large French Empire Ebony Black and Gold Carved Giltwood and Gesso Mirror
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Large scale Empire gold gilt and ebony black mirror is a large statement piece. The giltwood finish is complemented by a lovely ebony black washed gesso patina. The neoclassical embo...
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Gesso, Mirror
Serene Landscape by E. Chabrier (1953) - Oil Painting on Panel -1Y11
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Embark on a tranquil journey through a captivating landscape with this exquisite oil painting on panel by E. Chabrier, dated 1953. This masterful piece captures the essence of nature's beauty, depicting a meandering river flowing through a verdant gorge, surrounded by lush vegetation and bathed in the warm glow of the sun. The artist's skillful brushstrokes and harmonious palette create a sense of depth and tranquility, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the serenity of the scene.
Key Features:
Vintage oil painting on panel by E. Chabrier (1953)
Depicts a serene landscape...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Early French Empire Style Bronze & Crystal Chandelier, 3 Lights
Located in Miami, FL
Empire Style early round Bronze and Crystal Chandelier with 3 Light-sockets in the center.
Wired for the US and takes 3 candelabra light bulbs max. 60 watts.
In original vintage c...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Empire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Vintage French Empire Sofa With Carved Swan Arms
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful painted and parcel gilt Empire sofa with medallions heads on the back, uprights modeled as swan heads in the arms, ( the swan heads are carved wood). This beautiful sofa ha...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
French Empire Clock Garniture By Thomire & Cie
By Thomire & Cie.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite Empire gilt bronze and griotte marble Medici vase-shaped mantel clock with urns is attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire. The beautiful ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Griotte Marble, Brass, Bronze, Enamel
Christian Dior Red Velvet Salon Mirror, Paris, 1950s
Located in St. Catharines, ON
Classic and elegant Empire-style salon mirror by Christian Dior in Paris. Covered in rich red velvet, the front is applied with neoclassical design elements in brass including rosett...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Black Forest Carved Wooden Glove Box, Late 19th/Early 20th Century -1Y01
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Antique Black Forest Glove Box
Step back in time with this exquisite antique black forest glove box from the late 19th/early 20th century. This handcrafted piece showcases the intricate carving and molding techniques typical of Black Forest craftsmanship.
Features:
Handcrafted wooden construction: Made from high-quality wood, this glove box exudes a timeless elegance.
Intricate Black Forest design: Featuring elaborate carvings and moldings, this box embodies the artistry of the Black Forest region.
Spacious interior: The box provides ample storage for your gloves, keeping them neatly organized and protected.
Plush red velvet lining: The interior is lined with luxurious red velvet, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Antiques charm: This piece carries the charm of history, adding a touch of vintage character to your décor.
Dimensions:
Length: 28.5 cm
Depth: 10 cm
Height: 7.5 cm
Weight: 0.59 kg
Condition:
This antique glove box...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Sevres porcelain sauce boat - gilt, signed, dated 1820 - 19th century
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Sevres porcelain sauce boat / gravy boat enhanced with fine gold.
Sevres Manufacture marks and dates under the base (mark and gilt stamp) show our plate was manufactured and gilt in ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Empire Eclectic Set, Unique Set of 4 Armchairs Each in Different Design
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Here the set of 4 Empire armchairs.
Each armchair carries a typical motif of the empire style. Refers to the moment of re-discover of classical o...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Walnut
Antique Empire Style Gondola Chairs, Set of 6 With Carved Swan Heads
Located in Houston, TX
Step into the charm of yesteryears with this captivating set of six Vintage French Dining Chairs, each adorned with intricately carved duck heads. Crafted with the finesse and elegan...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Antique French Empire Style Buffet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition
Category
1940s American Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century inlaid birch lyre form occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century inlaid birch lyre form occasional table circa 1890.
Elegant piece of late 19th century Swedish furniture. Overall rectangular shaped top with canted corners. Made in ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Birch
French Fireplace Mantel Fender
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
M/940 - This mantel fender is very useful and elegant: it's not too large, but perfect. It's from the Empire French period.
I think it may be a good buy.
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
1970 Italian Empire Style Set of Six Metal Folding Side Table
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Spectacular old school set of six Italian folding side table originally from the 1970s. Made of metal. They are signed in the back. The condition is really good. We would like to sell...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Russian Tempera Icon Unusual Depiction of Jesus Christ 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
This scarce depiction of Jesus Christ was painted presumably in Moscow in early 19th century. The icon is painted in the author's (improvisational) manner, which differs from the rec...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Empire Marble Top Mahogany Bedside Table with Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1850 and built of mahogany, the elegant antique cabinet stands on front rounded columns ending with bun feet and embellished with decorative bronze mounted ri...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble
19th Century Empire Marble Top Carved Walnut Side Table with Bronze Mounts
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a living room or bedroom with this elegant antique side table. Created in France and built of walnut, the occasional table stands on circular column legs ending with bun fee...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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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