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.
Pair of Ormolu Bronze and Baccarat Crystal Chandeliers, France, circa 1870
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of Ormolu bronze and Baccarat crystal chandeliers, France, circa 1870.
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
Pair Fine Brass Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Antique Empire Sac-à-Perle Chandeliers – Lovingly and Professionally Restored This stunning pair of antique chandeliers has been carefully and expertly restored in Berlin. T...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Antique French Empire Style Tole Chandelier, Circa 1890's.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Empire Style Tole Chandelier, Circa 1890's. We have 2 of these chandeliers available, and they are sold individually.
Metal
Italian Genovese Empire Chandelier 1780 in Gilded Wood and Crystal Twelve Lights
Located in Milano, MI
Extraordinary Genovese Chandelier circa 1780 with Twelve Lights with transparent and blue crystals. Large Empire chandelier in Sculpted and Gilded Wood from the late 18th century, li...
Crystal, Iron, Gold Leaf
19th Century French Empire Style 4-Light Gilt Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
19th century gilt bronze chandelier in the French Empire style with circular form with reticulated designs of rose flowers surmounted with neoclassical torches, and four electrified ...
Bronze
Russian Empire Gilt Bronze and Cut-Glass Twelve-Light Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
An Empire Cut-Glass Mounted Ormolu Twelve-Light Chandelier Russian Early 19th century Consisting of a palmette and anthemeon-cast corona top suspending four chains and a circular ...
Bronze, Gold Leaf
$6,959Sale Price|30% Off
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...
Crystal, Wire
1900's Swedish Empire 6 Lights Chandelier with Cobalt Blue Glass
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1900 Swedish Empire chandelier with Cobalt blue glass inset, with 6 lights
Crystal, Brass
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Art Deco 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...
Crystal
Antique French Billiard, Snooker or Kitchen Island Brass Chandelier, 1850s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A huge and impressive French Empire brass chandelier for billiard/snooker or kitchen island. Lamp socket: 2 x E27 or E26 ( US) for standard screw bulbs. France, circa 1840 - 1860s....
Brass
19th Century Italian Empire Style Gilt Metal and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning 19th century Italian Empire style gilt metal and crystal chandelier with 6 lights. Beautiful basket shape with gorgeous crystals. Creates an elegant image!
Crystal, Metal
Putti Empire Chandelier Crystal Gold Basket Antique Brass Classic
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant Vintage Chandelier with Charming Putti – Lovingly Restored in Berlin This stunning chandelier is a true masterpiece, combining timeless elegance with delightful details. Fea...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Marjorie Skouras Samantha Empire Chandelier Turquoise + Quartz
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A spectacular Marjorie Skouras Design "Samantha" Empire Chandelier featuring Catalina white turquoise and pink rose quartz. The piece is constructed in a classical French Empire-style basket silhouette out of luminous white polished turquoise bead strands...
Stone, Iron
1930 Swedish Empire Chandelier with Crystals and Etched Glass
Located in New York, NY
1930 Swedish Empire bronze chandelier with etched glass inset and crystals around
Crystal, Bronze
French Empire Style Chandelier, Bronze Swan Arms, Green Body, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
This beautiful French Empire-style chandelier features six bronze swan arms. Dark green painted body with decorative bronze mounts and richly ornate pine finial, on top centered with...
Bronze, Brass
Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
18th Century Large Scale Italian Empire Gilt Tole and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Exquisite 18th century large scale Italian Empire style gilt tole and crystal chandelier with 8 lights. An impressive fixture that is a classic beauty. Gorgeous!
Crystal, Bronze
Impressive and Large Antique French Empire Gilt and Patina Bronze Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A large French Empire gilt and patina bronze chandelier of circular form, suspended from six elongated chains composed of alternating openwork and solid links. The corona is cast wit...
Bronze
$8,819Sale Price / item|25% Off
Angel 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 99 cm without the chain, and a diameter of 83 cm, this chandelier weighs approximately 18 kg. With 18-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
Wonderful French Empire Neoclassical Regency Bronze Crystal Basket Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Empire / neoclassical / Regency bronze and graduating crystal basket form chandelier with medusa heads and six candelabra sockets around the outer frame and a beau...
Crystal, Bronze
French Empire Style Chandelier This is a lovely piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Empire Style Chandelier This is a lovely piece especially where a very large chandelier is not suitable, it has a bright brass crown hung with chains of cut crystal beads, co...
Crystal
19th c Rare Crystal Beaded Empire Chandelier French Hand Tied Oval Prisms, c1850
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 4 lights, sitting on metal posts that slide into a small pocket on chandelier. This chandelier was made for candles, but we will rewire with certified UL US sockets for the ...
Crystal
Exceptional late 19th-century Murano chandelier
Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna
An exceptional late 19th-century Murano chandelier, handcrafted on the island of Murano, Venice, and distinguished by the extraordinary refinement of its decorative craftsmanship. Th...
Murano Glass
19th Century French Empire Bronze and Crystal Basket Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Experience the grandeur of the 19th century with this elegant French Empire-style chandelier. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the piece features a sturdy bronze framewor...
Crystal, Bronze
French Empire, Thirteen Light Basket Chandelier, Bronze, Crystal, France, 19th C
Located in Stamford, CT
French Empire, Bronze, Crystal, Thirteen Light Chandelier, France, 19th Century An exquisite 19th century dore bronze chandelier featuring a classic basket ballroom design with intr...
Crystal, Bronze
Italian Empire Style Chandelier with Bohemian Crystal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This refined 1950s Italian Empire-style chandelier features a beautifully tapered basket design crafted in gilded brass and adorned with high-quality Bohemian crystal. The upper sect...
Crystal, Brass
Empire Style Brass and Crystal Glass Three-Light Basket Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
Adorable French Empire-style crystal glass and brass chandelier from the 1950s. This lovely piece has a brass and metal frame hung with chains of crystal glass beads forming a basket...
Metal, Brass
1920’s French Empire Chandelier with 3 lights
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920’s French Empire three lights chandelier with swans and beaded crystals
Crystal, Bronze
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...
Metal, Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze
Big Crystal Beaded Empire Dome Chandelier circa 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
I have two similar, if interested. Housing one light, will be rewired and ready to hang. We use certified UL US sockets and appropriate sockets for all other countries. Strands and ...
Crystal
$16,000 / item
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
Bronze
$18,826Sale Price / item|20% Off
Low Huge Flush Mount Crystal Chandelier Empire Big Palace Lamp Chateau Lustre
Located in Berlin, DE
Montgolfière Style Chandelier: Tailored Empire Elegance Introducing our new Montgolfière style chandelier, a magnificent embodiment of Empire splendor adorned with exquisite lead cr...
Crystal
$22,500 / item
French Empire Style Chandelier
Located in Westwood, NJ
French Empire style eight-light chandelier, with intricate brass casting that, contrasts with the black to create a striking effect. The fine detai...
Brass
Small Gilt Bronze Empire style Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine & Decorative Gilt Bronze & Patinated Bronze Empire style Chandelier. 6 lights. France, circa 1920. Dimensions: Height 25" Diameter 16" CW5549
Bronze
Estate French Empire Gold Bronze and Steel Chandelier, Circa 1950's.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Estate French Empire Gold Bronze and Steel Chandelier, Circa 1950's.
Bronze, Steel
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
Fine French Empire Gilt Bronze and Patinated Metal Six Light Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Classical French Empire gilt bronze, patinated metal and gilt wood six light chandelier. 19th Century Well proportioned central gilt and patinated bronze Empire tazza with a large gi...
Metal, Bronze
Small Brass and Enamel Empire Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add timeless elegance to your home with this stunning vintage French Empire-style chandelier. Featuring six gracefully curved arms, ornate gilt bronze detailing, and beautiful turquo...
Brass, Enamel
Putti Baroque Chandelier Crystal Gold Basket Antique Brass Porcelain rose
Located in Berlin, DE
Magnificent Restored Solid Brass Chandelier with Cherub & Hand-Painted Porcelain Roses – 9 Lights A true masterpiece of classic lighting design, this opulent chandelier is crafted e...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Classic Swan Chandelier, Gilt Bronze, French Empire Style, Circa 1880
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Classic model for this French Empire chandelier, perfect in any particular: gilt bronze, classic swan, green nail, 6 lights. It's perfect ! over Your table or sleeping room...
Bronze
$5,300 / item
French Ivory Lantern
Located in Westwood, NJ
French Ivory lantern, based on a French design, the delicate hand-painted decoration on the slatted glass adds texture. The motif on the coronet is reflec...
Metal
Antique French Chandelier, Cut Crystal & Brass, Empire Style, 1920
Located in Austin, TX
Antique chandelier from France made with cut crystal elements of cabochons and pendants. They are displayed on a brass structure. It has been newly wired to fit US standards and is i...
Crystal, Brass
19th Century French Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Crystal Eleven Light Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Fine antique French 19th century Neoclassical gilt bronze and cut crystal eleven light chandelier 19th Century Height: 34 inches Diameter: 22.5 inches Superbly detailed gilded bronze...
Crystal, Bronze
$11,150
Empire Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine & Impressive Gilt Bronze & Patinated Bronze Chandelier in the Empire Taste featuring four eagles. France, circa 1900. Dimensions: Height 40" Diameter 27" CW5660
Bronze
Sublime 19th Century French Empire Chandelier
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Sublime French Empire chandelier.
Tôle
Early 20th Century French Empire Style Beaded Crystal Chandelier
Located in Chicago, IL
This French Empire-style chandelier from circa 1930 is crafted from brass and crystal. Featuring the traditional ‘tent and basket’ design, it has a domed lower body adorned with casc...
Crystal, Brass
Small and Lovely Napoleon / Empire Style Bronze Chandelier / Pendant Light
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare size chandelier from the 1920s. If you look at the shape of the centre and the shape of the arms that grow out of this pendant then you capture the essence of it. It is stylish...
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Empire Style Cut Crystal and Ormolu Chandelier.
By Baccarat
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th Century French Empire Style Finest Cut Crystal and Ormolu Chandelier.
Crystal, Ormolu
Empire style bronze dore chandelier with crystal
Located in Houston, TX
Fine gilt bronze frame which has fifteen lights Makes this piece exceptional. This chandelier Has five lights in the bowl and ten lights around The perimeter. The wiring is new and...
Crystal, Bronze
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Crystal "Sac à Perles" Chandelier Baccarat
By Charles Percier
Located in CABA, AR
A grand French Empire style 'Sac à Perles' chandelier. The piece features a finely chased gilt bronze frame with the Baccarat name stamped into the metalwork. The design consists of ...
Crystal, Bronze
1920 French Empire Small Chandelier with Swam Heads 6 Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1920’s French Empire style small chandelier with swam’s heads. Original unique chains. 6 lights. Green body color
Bronze
Late 19th Century Swedish Empire Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A mid to late 19th century Swedish empire chandelier with cobalt glass inset and crystal hanging
Crystal, Bronze
Empire Style Bronze, Brass and Cut Crystal chandelier, France ca. 1950
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Beautiful Chandelier depicting what appears to be a glass waterfall coming out of a "jeweled" crown manufactured in bronze and cut crystal pearls and lancets. The wires have been re...
Crystal, Bronze
Pair Chandelier Crystal Montgolfièr Empire Sac a Pearl Lustre Lighting Set
Located in Berlin, DE
A Piece of History Recreated – Timeless Beauty, Faithfully Reborn Every now and then, you come across a piece that leaves a lasting impression. For me, it was this chandelier a stu...
Crystal, Brass
$3,924Sale Price / item|24% Off
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...
Crystal, Wire
Pair of Large and Important Antique French Empire Gilt Bronze Chandeliers
Located in New York, NY
A pair of large and important antique French Empire gilt bronze chandeliers, each of circular form with a white enamel central dish and multiple ormolu-mounted branches. The dishes a...
Bronze
Italian Empire-Style Chandelier in Gilt Brass and Bohemian Crystal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant 1950s Empire-style chandelier crafted in gilt brass and adorned with finely cut Bohemian crystal. The tapering silhouette features a decorative crown at the top, from which s...
Crystal, Brass
1930's French Empire Chandelier with Eagles
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930's French Empire style black painted chandelier with eagle's heads.
Bronze
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...
Crystal