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.
Antique Serving Dish, French, Cut Glass, Ormolu, Bowl, Empire Taste, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique serving dish. A French, cut glass and ormolu presentation centrepiece or fruit bowl in the Empire manner, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. Wonderf...
Ormolu
Small Early 19th Century European Gilt Gold Wood Fluted Art Frame
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming gilt gold art frame found in a market in France. Perfect piece for that special oil painting or watercolor. The frame has wonderful patina throughout and would look fan...
Gold
Fine Early 19th C. Bronze Mantel Clock “Saint Mark with Lion”, Detouche, Paris
By C. Detouche
Located in Lisse, NL
A fine and highly decorative early 19th century French mantel clock, signed C. Detouche, Bté, Paris, depicting Saint Mark the Evangelist seated beside his traditional attribute, the ...
Marble, Brass, Bronze
French 19th Century Mahogany Empire Enfilade with Marble Top
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A magnificent 19th century French enfilade of classic Empire styling, made of richly figured mahogany adorned with gilt bronze accents. Its original marble top of black stone is spec...
Marble, Bronze
French 19th Century Marble Column Pedestal
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A fabulous late 19th century carved marble display pedestal from France, to elevate precious artwork, décor, or greenery in your interior. Geometric elements distinguish the capital ...
Marble
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Mahogany Bookcase, Adjustable Shelving
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This early nineteenth century French Empire period bookcase is constructed of solid mahogany and features bronze detailing of laurels, and palmettes. The bookshelf is divided into th...
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Pendule Portefaix circa 1810 Paris
Located in Münster, DE
Paris, Empire, c. 1810, bronze body, fire-gilt and patinated, designed by Jean-André Reiche in 1808, 8-day movement, enamel dial with Roman numerals, figure of the wearer on an oval ...
Bronze, Enamel
19th Century Ormolu Pendule - Astronomy, France, circa 1825
Located in Greven, DE
Mantel Clock Urania - Allegory of astronomy Montpellier Bronze, marble, enamel circa 1825 Dimensions: Height x width x depth: 37 x 31 x 10 cm Description: Beautiful mantel clock designed by the famous Parisian bronzier Jean Andre Reiche...
Enamel, Ormolu
$1,575Sale Price|30% Off
Drexel Heritage French Empire Style Walnut Burl Marble Top Commode Chest Dresser
By Drexel
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Drexel Heritage French Empire Style Commode, Console or Chest of Drawers. Features a rectangular form made from walnut with lacquered and gilt columns and a marble top. The...
Marble, Brass
French Chandelier Ceiling Pendant Lustre Bronze & Glass Empire Style circa 1890
Located in Labrit, Landes
Bronze chandelier with granita glass. Made in France circa 1890, beautifully ornemented in the style of the Napoleon the 1st Empire. One central light recovered of a glass and six l...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Empire style chandelier. With swans heads
Located in New York, NY
Empire chandelier with swan’s heads and starts .
Bronze
Antique French Empire Period Walnut Marble Top Console Table 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a magnificent, imposing antique French Empire Period marble-topped walnut and parcel gilt console table, Circa 1810 in date. The rectangular specimen marble top features ro...
Carrara Marble, Siena Marble
Wonderful Pair Vaughan Empire Polished Nickel Swing Arm Sconces Wall Lamps
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Vaughan Empire Style Polished Nickel Swing Arm Sconces / Wall Lamps With Pleated Shades.
Nickel, Bronze
Antique Mahogany Empire Style Sleigh Daybed
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Mahogany Empire Style Sleigh Daybed
Mahogany
French Empire Partially Gilt Brass Box with Velvet Interior, Early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
French Empire Partially Gilt Brass Box with Velvet Interior, Early 19th Century An exquisite circular box in partially gilt brass, richly adorned with finely cast and chased ornamen...
Brass
Early 19th Century Danish Empire Mahogany Bench
Located in Kastrup, DK
Danish Empire bench in mahogany, circa 1810–1820. Frame made of mahogany with a simple, well-balanced form. The gently tapered legs and clean construction are characteristic of the ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Swedish Empire Painted Parcel Gilt Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A glamorous Swedish Empire style settee from the early 19th century (circa 1820) as a painted wood frame sheltering the fully upholstered interior of a single bench cushion, three ba...
Gold
Antique Empire Tile Top Table with Dutch Tiles Denmark 19th Century
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Antique Danish or perhaps Swedish empire tile top table with dutch tiles and 1 drawer. It's made in the 19th century period by a skilled carpenter of soli...
Ceramic, Wood
Pair of 19th Century Italian Empire Side Chairs, Two Pair Available
Located in Houston, TX
Pair 19th-century Italian Empire side chairs featuring carved foliage back with central ebonized medallion and elegantly curved legs. Two pairs available, sold in pairs.
Upholstery, Wood
Set of Six Early 20th Century French Empire Mahogany Gondola Dining Chairs
Located in Astoria, NY
A refined set of six French Empire-style dining chairs dating to the early 20th century and sourced from Provence, France. Hand-crafted in solid mahogany, the chairs display the clas...
Linen, Mahogany
Antique Pair French Empire Ormolu Mounted Bedside Cabinets 19th Century
Located in London, GB
A thoroughly delightful pair of antique French Empire mahogany, ormolu and marble-topped bedside cabinets, circa 1830 in date. They are freestanding, finished on all four sides and ...
Carrara Marble, Brass, Ormolu
French Empire Nightstand with Drawer and Door 19th Century in Solid Walnut
Located in Milano, MI
Antique Bedside Table in Empire Walnut with an elegantly threaded brass drawer surmounting a door concealing two interior shelves. The cabinet is solid walnut and has been fully line...
Brass, Bronze
French Vintage Empire Style Arrow Chandelier, Circa 1920
Located in Austin, TX
Chandelier from France featuring a bronze structure and six candelabra arms. The chandelier is adorned with an arrow motif and decorated with a green paint consistent with the style....
Bronze, Gold Leaf
19th-Century Empire French Solid Silver Coffee Pot or Ewer
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This refined French Empire period coffee pot, or ewer, dates from the early years of the 19th-century and is crafted in solid silver. The elegant silhouette, balanced proportions and...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$4,136Sale Price / item|20% Off
Montgolfiè Antique Lok Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Lamp Chateau New
Located in Berlin, DE
Montgolfière Style Chandelier - Empire Elegance with Customizability Introducing a new Montgolfière style chandelier that exudes the charm of the Empire era, reimagined with modern ...
Crystal
Empire Style Gilded Tole Toleware Mirror Vintage, Italy, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Elegant Empire-style wall mirror crafted in Italy, circa 1950s. The mirror features a beautifully detailed gilt frame, executed in molded resin or composition material with classic E...
Mirror, Resin
Contemporary Empire Style Brass Dolphin Table
Located in Houston, TX
A chic vintage brass dolphin pedestal dining table with 48" diameter glass top.
Brass
French Empire 19th Century Walnut Armoire
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An impressive French Empire-style armoire from the early 1800s. The pronounced cornice makes a statement above the pair of paneled and carved doors all crafted of solid, book-matched...
Steel, Brass
Empire Gilt Bronze Sphinx Paperweight on Marble Base, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Empire Gilt Bronze Sphinx Paperweight on Marble Base, France, Early 19th Century A charming Empire-period paperweight featuring a finely cast gilt bronze sphinx resting on a rectan...
Marble, Bronze
Empire Bench in Mahogany Denmark 1810 - 1820
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Danish Empire bench crafted in mahogany with a beautiful grain pattern and harmonious proportions. Curved end panels with finely profiled spindle slats and gently arched legs...
Fabric, Mahogany
French Vintage Empire Style Gilt Bronze & Tole Flush-mount
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French, 20th century Empire-style ceiling fixture of green tôle using eight candelabra lights to illuminate the stunning gilt bronze accents. The round painted metal bowl...
Bronze, Metal
French Empire Secrétaire á Abattant
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A handsome 19th century French Empire secrétaire à abattant made of richly figured, bookmatched walnut. This desk has a black fossil marble top resting above a hidden drawer, free of hardware and opening by a shallow groove on the bottom of the drawer front. Below is a fold-front door revealing a fitted interior with a functional writing surface, inset with worn green leather with gold tooling. The interior has an open storage shelf flanked by Empire style columns over a set of six drawers of varying sizes. The writing surface is supported with rounded brass hinges. Below are three easy to use drawers...
Marble, Brass
Fire-gilded French Empire bronze clock, ca. 1800, “Chariot of Aurora”; Deniere
Located in Münster, DE
Fire-gilded bronze clock depicting Aurora’s chariot, dial signed Deniere á Paris, Maison Deniere The signature “Denière” or “Denière Fabt de Bronzes à Paris” belongs to Jean-Franço...
Bronze, Enamel
A French Empire style ormolu and malachite centre table, Late 20th century
Located in CABA, AR
A monumental French Empire style console table featuring an extraordinary combination of richly gilt ormolu and vibrant malachite decoration, inspired by the grand decorative vocabul...
Malachite, Bronze, Ormolu
Empire Double Headed Eagle Wall Mirror in Bronze, Spain 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two Headed Eagle Bronze Wall Mirror, Spain, 1930s-1940s. Spectacular bronze wall mirror with a crowned double headed eagle surrounding a shield shaped beveled glass. This stunning br...
Bronze
19th C. Kirk & Son "Repoussé" 117-Piece Sterling Silver Flat Service, 111.8 Oz
By Kirk & Son
Located in Germantown, MD
A S. Kirk & Son, Sterling Silver Repousse set of flatware. 117 gorgeous pieces. Hand chased and hand decorated by prominent American silversmith Samuel Kirk who introduced the Repou...
Sterling Silver
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Daybed
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Early 19th century French Empire daybed.
Bronze
Antique French Recamier Sofa Bench, Ebonized Mahogany, Circa 1820
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, antique French sofa bench-recamier made of hand crafted ebonized Mahogany, in good condition. The canapé is particularized by two side backrests, standing on four arched wooden...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Ebony, Mahogany
Antique 19th century large oval gold and silver leaf gilt French mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
On offer here is a large antique oval mirror that was made in France in the second half of the 19th century, circa 1860. The mirror is decorated with beautiful ornaments with rich sy...
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
Swedish 19th Century Empire Oval Center Table, circa 1830
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking Swedish Empire oval center table, circa 1830, distinguished by its bold architectural form and richly carved pedestal base. Crafted during the first half of the 19th centu...
Wood
Danish Empire Style Piano Chair / Stool with Velvet Seat, Early 1900s
Located in Odense, DK
This elegant piano chair, stool, or bench in the Empire style—is distinguished by its characteristic intersecting semicircular frame that forms both the base and armrests. The chai...
Textile, Velvet, Mahogany
Pair of French Empire Period Fire-Gilt Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
An exceptional pair of French Empire period candlesticks executed in finely chased fire-gilt ormolu and contrasting dark patinated bronze, dating to the early 19th century. Each cand...
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair French Empire Mahogany Gilt Consoles Jean-Jacques Werner Palais Eynard 1820
Located in Epfach, DE
A rare and exceptionally well-documented pair of French Empire console tables, attributed to the celebrated Paris ébéniste Jean-Jacques Werner (Geneva 1791–1853 Paris), originating from the celebrated Palais Eynard in Geneva. Executed in flame mahogany veneered over an oak carcass, each console is fitted with a black marble top above a frieze centered by a finely chased and fire-gilt bronze mount of palmettes, a rosette, and scrolling acanthus foliage. The scrolled legs, headed by gilt-bronze acanthus capitals, terminate in bold lion's-paw feet, while the back is fitted with star-studded gilt-bronze-framed mirror plates — a hallmark of the finest Empire console design. The pair survives in exceptional original, untouched condition. Provenance: Palais Eynard, Geneva Commissioned for the Palais Eynard, built 1817–1821 for the financier and philhellene Jean-Gabriel Eynard (Lyon 1775–1863 Geneva), one of the most celebrated private residences of early 19th-century Geneva. Eynard, who made his fortune as financial advisor to the Queen of Etruria and to Grand Duchess Elisa Bacciocchi (sister of Napoleon), returned to Geneva in 1810 and later attended the Congress of Vienna alongside Charles Pictet-Rochemont. An admirer of Italian palazzo architecture...
Brass
16th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
A refined sixteenth century Brussels tapestry fragment showcasing stylized fruit and foliage in a beautifully aged palette of soft sand beige warm wheat tan golden taupe muted olive ...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
Pendant in brass with two light sockets and four candle holders, Empire style
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant pendant in brass with decor leafs and mascarones. Two light sockets and four candle holders, Empire style Sweden mid1900s. Rewired EU/Swedish standard.
Brass
Leopard Fur Pillow, Springbok Skin 16x16" 40x40cm
Located in Dural, AU
It's the season of wild and exotic leopard prints, so set your interiors free with this glamorous leopard fur pillow. A beautifully designed print, ...
Fur
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
Fruitwood
Monumental Neo-Classical Caryatid Marble Fireplace - Wall Console – Empire
Located in Beervelde, BE
This monumental Neo-Classical fireplace surround, carved from luminous white marble, is conceived as a true architectural and sculptural masterpiece. Created during the late Louis XV...
Marble, Carrara Marble
Early 19th Century French Empire Tric Trac Backgammon Games Table
Located in Essex, MA
Period French First Empire Tric Trac or Backgammon Table. Reversible top with leather on one side and felt on the other. Opening to a backgammon playing well with inlay in ebony an...
Mahogany, Ebony
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
1830s French Empire Walnut Chest with Four Drawers and Gilded Edges, Commode
Located in Miami, FL
1830s French Empire walnut chest with four drawers and gilded edges Beautiful wooden root.
Bronze
$633Sale Price|35% Off
English Silver Plate Biscuit Box or Tea Caddy
Located in New York, NY
An English sterling silver plate covered biscuit box or tea caddy with hinged finial lid top, attached claw footed gallery tray, and exterior repou...
Silver Plate
Sterling Silver Salt Cellar Lion Head and Paw Feet
Located in New York, NY
A sterling silver salt cellar with Lion head and paw feet detail, in the Empire style, circa early-20th century. Piece is a salt or pepper cellar vessel. A great piece for a dining t...
Sterling Silver
$952Sale Price|29% Off
Louis XVI-Style Crystal and Gilt Bronze Vase by Boin-Taburet, c. 1900
By Boin-Taburet
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A classic and opulent crystal and gilt bronze Louis XVI-style vase, its goblet-shaped heavy crystal bowl diamond cut and fluted to refract the light...
Crystal, Bronze
Swan French Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Baroque Empire Chandelier, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is a new reproduction, and several are available, ensuring you can bring this classic beauty to your space. Measuring a total height of 140 cm, with a height of 90 cm without the chain, and a diameter of 73 cm, this chandelier weighs approximately 18 kg. With 8-light bulb sockets (E14 base), this chandelier offers a radiant glow, making it a striking centerpiece in any space. Its wiring is compatible with the USA, ensuring easy installation and convenience. Experience the beauty of this chandelier with confidence, as it features new electricity and a new cable, ready to hang and enchant your surroundings. The total length of the chandelier is variable, providing flexibility to suit your specific preferences and room size. Indulge in the grandeur of this Brass Empire Chandelier...
Brass, Wire
Table Lamp in gilded and dark patinated bronze. Empire 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Table Lamp in gilded and dark patinated bronze. Originally an Empire Candelabra from the 1820s converted into a table lamp in the early 20th Century. The lampshade in black ...
Bronze
Antique French Empire style Gilt and Patina Bronze Chandelier
Located in Aachen, NRW
A striking and highly decorative French Empire–style chandelier featuring 12 elegantly sculpted bronze swan arms. The central body is finished in deep black, beautifully contrasted b...
Bronze
19th Century French Carved Wood Day Bed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible empire style carved wood daybed from France, late 19th century. Long oak wood frame with high sides showing beautiful carved rosette detail. Newly added blue linen cushion...
Linen, Oak
Dutch 20th Century Mahogany Empire Style Tallboy
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Early 20th century Dutch Empire-style mahogany tall chest of six drawers featuring Neoclassical elements with Art Deco geometry. A pierced brass gallery wraps the sides and partially...
Brass, Bronze
Egg on tripod Sterling Silver emerald fired Enamel on Guillochè Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg on tripod in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè, Russian Empire style inspired by Carl Fabergè eggs late 1800s, early 1900s. Measurem...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique Queen-Size Carved Four-Poster American Empire Bed, Philadelphia, c 1825
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
An extraordinary American empire four-poster bed in cherry wood from the Philadelphia area that appears in the book, Philadelphia Empire Furniture ...
Cherry, Poplar