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.
19thc French Empire Gilt & Patinated Bronze Figural 5 Arm Candleholder Sconce
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc Grand French Empire Gilt & Patinated Bronze Figural Wall Sconce. Large Sconce with 5 Candleholders. This piece is in its original unelectrified state. This Sconce has majes...
Bronze
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
$2,952 / set
Pair of French Empire Bronze Table Lamps, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Bronze Table Lamps, 1820s A striking and substantial pair of French Empire table lamps in bronze, dating from the 1820s and originally conceived as large Empir...
Bronze
French Empire Cut Crystal Glass Urn & Brushed Brass Table Lamps by Wildwood Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
High Quality Contemporary French Empire Style Cut Crystal Glass Urn & Brushed Brass Table Lamps by Wildwood - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 33" H (to finial) x 24" H...
Brass
$1,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Italian Bronze and Cammeo Appliques from the 1800s
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of bronze appliques made in the 1800s, each of which has a pair of original hand-sculpted cameos with different scenes / views Both lights come with wiring and wiring, which ...
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
Pair Antique French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Tall three light electrified wall sconces with various decorative motifs top to bottom in a French inspired design. The eagle crest is perched atop clouds with an inscribed shield (t...
Bronze
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
Italian Empire White Murano Opaline Beads Blue Beaded Tole Chandelier, c 1920
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 6 lights, sitting in white opaline bobéches. Will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang at ou...
Murano Glass
Large 19th century French empire bronze ormolu table lamp
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Tall 19th century french empire bronze ormolu lamp, circa 1860. Here we have a lamp of the finest quality, previously would have been a gas lamp but converted to electricity in the ...
Ormolu
$6,800 / set
1920 Empire Bronze Swam Sconces 3 Lights
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1920’s gilt bronze French Empire sconces with swam head holding a ring with 3 lights
Bronze
A Pair Of Very Large Gilt French Torchiere Hand Wall Lights
Located in London, GB
A pair of huge Giltwood carved torchiere wall lights with opaque glass flame shades. Converted for electric, finished very well with bronze mounted shade holders. The large torchiere...
Giltwood
$5,950Sale Price / set|63% Off
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Two-Light Wall Torchère Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of French empire style gilt-bronze two-light wall torchère sconces. Each elongated gilt-bronze applique with central twin-tassels supporting a pa...
Bronze
French Empire Style Table Lamps by Stiffel, a Pair
By Stiffel
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of French Empire style table lamps made by Stiffel. Brass columns are turned with large ceramic fonts in white trimmed in gold. Bases are decorated with dentils on a square ba...
Brass
Pair of Empire Wall Sconces in Bronze with Swan Goose Motif Arms, Italy, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Pair of nice Sconces. Each fixture requires two European E14 candelabras bulbs, each bulb up to 40 watts. The wall lights have a beautiful patina and gives each room an eclectic stat...
Bronze
19th C, Style Empire Black Neoclassical Corinthian Column 2 Lite Wall Sconce
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
19th C style empire black Neoclassical Corinthian Column 2 Lite wall sconce Priced Each. Additional information: Materials: bronze Color: Black Period: 2010s Styles: Empire, ...
Bronze, Metal
21st Century Baroque Brass Empire Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Baroque Empire brass chandelier, an exquisite piece with fascinating embellishments reminiscent of the classic style of the Empire era. This is a new reproduct...
Brass
$13,484Sale Price / item|20% Off
Crystal Chandelier Empire Sac a Pearl Palace Lamp Chateau Lustre Silver
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a captivating blend of Art Deco charm and Empire sophistication, our lead crystal chandelier is a testament to opulence and craftsmanship. Crafted in-house, we offer the ...
Crystal
$556Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Brass
pair of French 19th century Empire st. Ormolu and Crystal lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and high quality pair of French 19th century Empire st. Ormolu and Crystal lamps. Each stunning candlestick mounted into a lamp is raised on four Ormolu lion paws below a ...
Crystal, Ormolu
Pair of Empire Style Milk Glass Lamps with Hand Painted Gilding
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of lamps, in Empire style, of milk glass, each columnar form handpainted with gilt festooning, on round brass base. Stock ID: D7199
Milk Glass
$3,800 / set
1930’s French Empire Three Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930 French empire style three lights sconces with swan heads
Bronze
French Empire Style Brass 3-light Bouillotte-Form Chandelier, 19th to 20th C
Located in Atlanta, GA
The pleated cream silk shade enclosing three lights issuing from a central sphere on caryatid-form scrolling arms joined by rosettes and terminating below in a spear-form pendant. C...
Brass
Vintage Tole Columnar Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Single tole Empire style columnar lamp, having a round central column with marbelized finish, wrapped in foliate spiral decoration, raised on graduated p...
Metal, Brass
Empire style bronze chandelier with Royal Eagle heads and flame. This chandelier
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice 6 arms Empire style chandelier is made of chiseled bronze with Royal Eagle heads around a center flame. This is a French work. Circa 1900
Bronze
Vintage Waterford Kinsale Crystal Glass Column Brass Empire Style Floor Lamps -
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S shipping quote. Vintage Waterford Kinsale Crystal Glass Column Brass Empire Style Floor Lamps - a Pair...
Brass
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Spelter Table Lamp In Empire Style. French C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful spelter table lamp Amazing old bronze patina The lamp has been re-wired. Shade included The measurement relates to the lamp base not including shade Free UK shipping ...
Spelter
Fine Pair French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Figural Three Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Superb pair of antique French Empire period gilt bronze figural three light sconces Circa 1830 Striking figural sconces originally created for use with oil, now electified. This beau...
Bronze
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...
Marble, Bronze
Empire-Era Chandelier, Fully Restored, Made 1800s, in Austria
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Chandelier made out of steel and carved pear tree in the 1800s Fully restored. No damages. Rare design. We guarantee safe a the cheapest air transport from Europe to the whole w...
Steel
20th Century Italian Empire Style Crystal and Black Iron Chandelier
Located in Milano, MI
Italian crystal chandelier with Empire style drop-shaped iron structure, eight curved arms ending with eight crystal bobeches. The upper part of the iron structure is originally deco...
Crystal, Iron
Pair of Empire Style Bronze Wall Lights, Quiver Model
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice pair of Empire style wall lights is made of bronze. It represents a Quiver. This is a French work. Circa 1880
Bronze
Pair Signed E F. Caldwell Neo-Classical Style Bronze Sconces
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This handsome pair of signed Caldwell bronze sconces are in the neo-classical style. They feature Antique motifs including anthemion, and leopard heads.
Bronze
$544Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Empire Wall Sconces in Bronze with Flower Basket Motif, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Pair of nice sconces. Each fixture requires a European E14 candelabra bulb, bulb up to 40 watts. Each wall light has a beautiful patina and gives each room an eclectic statement. Mad...
Bronze
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...
Bronze
1930’s Swedish Empire 6 lights Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1920’s Swedish empire style crystal chandelier with 6 lights
Crystal, Bronze
19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Lamp
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A great quality 19th century gilt bronze lamp with finely chased neoclassical detailing. Tripod base supports a tapered shaft with decorative mounts, surmounted by a 'petal' form top...
Bronze
Pair 19thc French Neoclassic Gilt Bronze Horns & Arrow Wall Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Lovely Pair French Empire Neoclassic Gilt Bronze Horns & Arrows Wall Sconces. Very nicely detailed. Parisian Estate.
Bronze
Large Gilt Bronze French Empire Style Chandelier
Located in London, GB
A large very well cast and gilt bronze chandelier or plafonnier from the late 19th to early 20th century. The large acanthus leafed ceiling rose suspending five rope twist bars, whic...
Bronze
$5,600Sale Price|20% Off
Marbro *Original* Italian Porcelain Table Lamp! Only 1. Cobalt Blue 1960s Empire
Located in Peoria, AZ
***MARBRO ORIGINAL** GILDED EMPIRE STYLE PORCELAIN LAMP! The Only One in The World! CIRCA 1960 Incredible Midnight Color! A Cobalt Blue so Deep its almost Black! DI...
Metal, Gold
Early 19th Century Pair of Gold Wall Mirrors Candle Holders
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive Pair of Empire Candle Sconce Wall Mirrors featuring carved harps as well as trompets. These wall mounted candle holders make a great addition to any living room, bedroom, ...
Wood, Paint
Antique French Empire Brown Painted Column Small Metal Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Brown Painted Column Small Metal Table Lamps with Paw Feet and Lion Heads - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 17.5" H (to light socket) x 7" W x 7...
Metal
French Crystal Rare Oval Prisms Bronze Empire Sconces, circa 1850
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing two lights each, will be newly rewired with certified UL US socket for the USA and certified socket for other countries and ready to hang. Bronze with great detail and patina...
Crystal, Bronze
Fine 19th c. French Empire Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
This 19th century French Empire bronze and crystal chandelier is a luxurious and elegant lighting fixture. The intricate combination of bronze and crystal elements exudes a sense of ...
Crystal, Bronze
$4,400 / set
Late 19th Century French Empire Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of late 19th century French Empire gilt bronze small sconces. Unusual design with woman holding balls
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Style Brass and Bronze Three-Light Wall Sconces, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant French Empire-style brass and bronze sconces with three-light configuration, circa 1920, featuring circular form and classical symmetry. A refined pair of French Empire-styl...
Brass, Bronze
Pair of Monumental Empire Style Crystal and Bronze Sconces, Austria, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Pair of gilt bronze and crystal 1930s or older, waterfall sconces in empire style. Each fixture requires three European E14 candelabra bulbs, each bulb up to 40 watts. The wall light...
Crystal, Bronze, Metal
$699 / set
Pair of Empire style lamps
Located in Lugo, IT
Pair of Empire-style lamps Good condition Thank you
Brass
Pair of Stunning Russian Empire Period Ormolu Wall Sconces , ca. 1820s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A stunning pair of Russian empire period ormolu wall candelabras , ca. 1800s-1830s.
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair Of Antique Brass Peacock Wall light, Spain, 1960s
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of beautiful brass wall lights with crystal glass beads. Manufactured in the 1960s in Europe, Spain. The lights are in the shape of a peacock. With crystal beads between the b...
Crystal, Brass
Elegant Table Lamp in bronze. Originally an Empire candlestick from the 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Table Lamp in bronze. Originally an Empire candlestick from France made during the 1820s. Richly decorated with period Empire decorations. Newly rewired electricity. Wear c...
Bronze
French Porcelain and Brass Table Lamp with Gold Lion Horse Design, Small
By Luc Lanel
Located in New York, NY
A small French porcelain table lamp with brass base, in the Empire style, circa early-20th century, France. This small French porcelain lamp, ...
Gold, Brass
Charming brass and glass centerpiece, classic style , 1970s
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Stunning centerpiece made of cobalt blue glass with fine embossed decoration and gold details along the edge. The wide and scenic bowl is supported by a richly worked base made of gi...
Crystal, Bronze
Vintage French Empire Burnished Brass Small Bouillotte Black Column Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Burnished Brass Small Bouillotte Black Column Table Lamp. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 21" H (to finial) x 15" H (to light socket) x 10" W x 10" D. {3-...
Brass
Superb Maria Theresa Crystal Chandelier
Located in Rome, IT
Magnificent "Maria Theresa" (or Maria Teresa) Empire style traditional crystal chandelier features 24 lights and framework with a golden iron, with glass encased arms and rosettes. This chandelier is lavishly draped in fine quality sparkle crystals. The Maria Theresa chandelier was named after the Archduchess of Austria who was the Empress of the...
Crystal
Pr of French Old Paris or Vieux Paris Urns Now Converted into Table Lamps, C1810
By Old Paris
Located in valatie, NY
Pr of French Old Paris or Vieux Paris urns now converted into table lamps c1810. Old Paris porcelain or Vieux Paris is very broadly defined as porcelain made by artisans in and aroun...
Porcelain
Italian Empire Blue Glass Beads Crystal Prisms Tole Chandelier, c 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 6 lights. Will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang. Metal body with swags of rare blue glass...
Crystal
Empire style brass eagle table lamp by Lusterie Deknudt, 1970s
By Deknudt
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Empire style sculptural table lamp feauturing a sitting eagle with its wings on show, candelabra mounted on a black lacquered and brass wooden tbase. Comes with its original large l...
Brass
French Bronze Bows Crystal Prisms Empire Sconces, circa 1930
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing one light each. Will be rewired with certified US UL sockets for the United States and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang. Bronze detail bows with ...
Crystal, Bronze
1930s Empire Gilt Bronze Swan Head Sconces three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930’s gilt bronze sconces with swan’s head and three lights
Bronze