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.
Important 19th Century Italian Console Table
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Large, important early 19th Century North Italian console or side table of monumental proportions. This outstanding table is of large size and retains its original marble top of 42...
Marble
Empire Style Beaded Crystal Basket Chandelier, Late 20th Century
Located in Milano, MI
A late 20th century Empire style beaded crystal basket chandelier with a classical circular brass structure and three E27 lights inside.Light bulbs can be replaced unscrewing the bro...
Crystal, Bronze
Danish mid 19th century flame mahogany chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Danish mid 19th century flame mahogany chest of drawers circa 1850. Stunning mid 19th century 4 drawer commode from Denmark. Rectangular top with sloped moulded edge. Below the to...
Mahogany
Late Empire Cylinder Burl Walnut Pedestal Cabinet.
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant oval late empire pedestal cabinet in beautiful walnut veneered oak. Door veneered with mirror-cut walnut, behind which there are removable shelves. Very fine quality Made in ...
Oak, Walnut, Burl
$4,500 / item
Empire Style Gilt Bronze Gueridon Table
Located in New York, NY
Very finely cast Empire style gilt bronze gueridon table with swan motif.
Bronze
$27,899Sale Price / set|65% Off
Napoleon Empire 1809 Historic Palais Beauharnais Curtains Paris France 1809
By Josephine de Beauharnais
Located in La xara, VC
Dear collector, please find this unique and exceptional piece of French History .Napoleon Bonaparte private pair of curtain from the most exclusive Palais in France from Beauharnais. This curtain was made for the Palais and go after Restauration of the Palais to another Private collection around Paris .Please don't hesitate for any request! Unique opportunity to get this exceptional private life of The Napoleon Emperor bedroom curtain! he Palais Beauharnais was a palace located in Paris, France, that was built in the 18th century for the Beauharnais family. The palace was purchased by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1809 for use as a residence for his stepson, Eugene de Beauharnais...
Textile
French Empire Style Cast Brass Dual Arm Wall Sconces, pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Pair of French Empire Style casted brass wall sconces, each sconce features 2 arms each powered by 25w E12 chandelier bulb. These classic-styled scones work well in Victorian-styled ...
Brass
Pair of Swedish Empire Stools, Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined pair of early 19th-century Swedish Empire stools, distinguished by their dark painted finish and crisply carved neoclassical details. The square upholstered seats rest abov...
Pine
Lamp - Cassolette - Oil lamp - Empire style - Bronze - 19th France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Magnificent late 19th century mantelpiece set, mounted as a lamp. This beautiful Athenian-style cassolette is made of chased and gilded bronze and brass with a brown patina. The cent...
Bronze, Brass
Antique Monumental French Empire Bureau Plat Desk Writing Table 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a fine antique French Empire ormolu mounted mahogany bureau plat, circa 1870 in date. The rectangular top has an inset gold-tooled green leather writing surface with a very...
Ormolu
Swedish Empire Center Table
Located in Essex, MA
Circular top with wood edge surrounding a geometric mosaic of hard stones raised on a triangular tapered column and tripartite base with gilded scroll feet. From the estate of Willia...
Marble
French Empire Throne Chair, Walnut & Red Velvet, Circa 1860
Located in Queens, NY
"French Empire style (19th Cent) monumental walnut throne chair with carved figure with wreath and red cut velvet upholstery Antique condition. Show...
Walnut, Velvet
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
Vintage 19th Century French Empire Sleigh Daybed
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This magnificent 19th-century French Empire sleigh daybed, or lit en bateau, is a masterpiece of Neoclassical design. Crafted from rich, polished mahogany, its deep, symmetrical curv...
Brass
Richard Ginori Pittoria Italy "Pincio Green" 103 Piece Dinner Set, Circa 1980
Located in CH
Richard Ginori “Pincio Green” Dinner Set This exquisite Pincio Green dinner set by Richard Ginori is distinguished by an imperial green band enriched with gold flowers and leaves, bordered by a green ribbon and a delicate pattern of small gold arches, all set against a pristine white porcelain background. Each piece in the set bears the Richard Ginori green...
Porcelain
Italian Green Marble Lidded Bonbonnière with Brass Mounts, Early 20th Century
Located in Hamburg, DE
This exquisite lidded bonbonnière was crafted in Italy during the first half of the 20th century and showcases the elegance of fine materials and skilled craftsmanship. Made from a f...
Alabaster, Brass
Late Empire Antique Mirror Made In Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This antique mirror, crafted from rich mahogany wood, dates back to the late Empire period around the 1840s. It is a stunning example of the elegance and craftsmanship characteristic...
Mahogany
Pair of Empire Period Porcelain Campana Vases, Parisian, circa 1815
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine pair of Paris porcelain vases, designed in campana form with the front featuring circular vignettes with landscape scenes, on the reverse are framed musical trophies created t...
Porcelain
French 19th Century Mahogany Marble-top Commode
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A substantial French commode from the 19th century wrapped in finely-grained mahogany trimmed with inlaid brass that frames the drawer-fronts and chamfered corners. The original marb...
Brass
Exquisite Pair of Early 19th Century Armchairs
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
Pair of Early 19th Century Armchairs, Walnut, France 1800 Introducing an Exquisite Pair of Early 19th Century Armchairs, a true testament to the elegance and craftsmanship of the Em...
Walnut
Early 19th Century French Tole Monteith or Jardiniere Cachepot
Located in Litchfield, CT
Antique early 19th century French tole monteith or jardiniere cachepot decorated with gilt bands in the neoclassical taste. With removable zinc liner. The top opening measures 10 1/4...
Metal
Antique 18th Century Empire or Louis XVI Mahogany Dutch Side Table
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant side table was made in The Netherlands around 1780. It has a beautiful mahogany top made of two symmetrical planks, also known as “livre ouvert”. The two pieces of timber are cut and folded open like a book. (livre ouvert is French for open book” The top is surrounded by a slightly raised and molded trim. The table features one dovetailed central drawer with two Dutch ajour cut brass pulls. The drawer has its original lock and key. The interior of the drawer is made in the best quality thin watered oak...
Mahogany
French 19th Century Mahogany Empire Buffet
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Empire (19th century) buffet made of rich flamed, bookmatched mahogany. The original Saint Anne marble top of charcoal stone with gray and white veining is removable. Below ...
Marble, Brass
Lacquered Empire Style Sofa, Leopard Upholstery, Wood, USA, 1950s
Located in San Francisco, CA
Great statement piece with white lacquer wood finish and leopard printed upholstery. Loads of drama for either a simple or layered decor.
Fabric, Wood
$2,528Sale Price|36% Off
Empire Period Gueridon Table, Marble Top, Ebonized Walnut, Circa 1815
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant guéridon is a fine example of Empire-period craftsmanship, dating back to the early 19th century. Its refined design and high-quality materials reflect the timeless eleg...
Marble
Pair of French Empire Dore Patinated Bronze Urns on Pedestals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pair of quality bronze Dore Urns on Pedestals. The pair are in wonderful vintage condition. one small bend to the lip or edge of one - not greatly noticeable or offense...
Gold, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Empire Sideboard
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This Superb French Empire Sideboard is made of flamed mahogany with a black marble top. It has bronze ring around the columns.
Marble
19th Century Bronze Ormolu Swan Koi Fish Empire Wood Marble Round Table
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning table you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it being a most spectacular and beautifully presented bronze ormolu swans...
Marble, Bronze
Early 19th Century Miniature Writing Desk Jewelry Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This vintage miniature wood box has six drawers and lots of character and patina. Some of the drawers are lined in faux marbleized paper. We see this wonderful piece being used to st...
Metal, Brass
Drexel Heritage Empire Style Sideboard or Bar Cabinet With Carved Lions
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Empire or Egyptian Revival style sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Drexel Heritage, "Pavilion" Collection USA, Late 20th Century Walnut and birch, with e...
Birch, Walnut, Giltwood
19th Century Antique Rustic Swedish Original Painted Empire Table Mirror
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish antique Empire rustic vanity mirror / table mirror. The Mirror has original paint in colorful color. This orginal painted mirror ha...
Pine
19th Century French Empire Antique Mahogany, Marble Chest of Drawers
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, antique French single chest of drawers made of hand crafted shellac polished Mahogany, veneered on Oakwood in good condition. The rectangular cupboard is composed with a grey-white marble top, the inside is consisting one shelf, enhanced by its original brass hardware and keys, standing on two wooden feet and two lion feet. The detailed carved cupboard represents the First French Empire time...
Marble, Metal, Brass
Empire Miniature Urn in Gilt and Dark Patinated Bronze, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Empire Miniature Urn in Gilt and Dark Patinated Bronze, 1820s A refined and beautifully proportioned miniature urn in finely chased gilt and dark patinated bronze, executed in the E...
Bronze
French Blue Painted Bedside Nightstand End Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This French style side table features a single drawer with two door cabinet above. The table has been hand painted in Gustavian shade of blue and has been constructed from solid wood...
Brass
Antique French Secretary, Circa 1820, Polished Ebony & Birchwood
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, antique French secretary with a writing flap made of hand crafted shellac polished, partly veneered Ebony, in good condition. The b...
Metal, Bronze, Brass
$2,200 / set
Set of Ten White and Gilt French Empire Plates
Located in New York, NY
Set of ten white and gilt French Empire plates. Empire white and gilt plates with under-glaze red markings for L. Ernie 61 Rue du Bac., France, early 1800....
Porcelain
Mid-19th Century White Opaline Bowl with Brass Handle
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in Denmark, we see this charming bowl with a etched brass handle used as a decorative piece as well as functional. This could be displayed on a coffee table as well used as ...
Brass
Italian Inlaid Walnut and Burl Walnut Center Table, Mid-19th Century
Located in Vicenza, IT
Elegant Italian center table from the Emilia region, probably produced in the area of Rolo during the mid-19th century. Crafted in solid walnut and finely veneered in exceptional bur...
Fruitwood, Fir
Pair of 19th C. French Empire Bronze and Patinated Brass Four-Light Candelabra
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring stately elegance and classical refinement to a mantel, buffet, or console with this striking pair of French Empire candelabra, crafted in France circa 1880 from finely chased g...
Bronze, Brass
Empire 'Chest on Chest' Mahogany, Danish West Indies ( Virgin Islands) C. 1810
Located in Kastrup, DK
A tall Empire chest of drawers, also known as a 'Chest on Chest,' composed of two pieces. This model is expertly crafted from solid, high-quality Cuba mahogany with original brass fi...
Brass
French Empire Gilt Bronze and Griffon Bouillotte Lamp with Tole Shade, C. 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
French Empire gilt bronze bouillotte lamp with three scrolled arms, interior griffon heads, telescopic tole shade with pineapple and feather finial, and resting on the original circu...
Bronze, Tôle, Tin, Wire
19th Century French Rococo Hand-Carved Gold Gilt Mirror, Pearls, 1860s
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gold gilt and gesso hand carved mirror from France. This mirror features pearls around the frame and folate. Certainly a versatile piece that can be used in any formal or informal di...
Gold
Antique French Empire Mahogany Ormolu Bookcase Bibliotheque Display cabinet 1810
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique French Empire Mahogany & ormolu mounted bookcase display cabinet, circa 1910. This elegant antique cabinet is made of the finest mahogany, the top with an archite...
Ormolu
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.
Marble, Bronze
Set of 4 French Empire Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs in the Maison Jansen Style
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
An elegant and highly refined set of four French Empire style side chairs, executed with remarkable sophistication and craftsmanship in the manner and quality associated with the leg...
Silk, Mahogany
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
17th Century Flemish Pillow - 20" x 10"
Located in Los Angeles, US
Good Condition, Original Design Modified.
Wool, Feathers
Late Empire Tall Cabinet of Dark Polished Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This late Empire tall cabinet, crafted from dark polished mahogany, is a stunning example of 19th-century craftsmanship. Dating back to 1840, it s...
Mahogany
French Empire Mahogany Bibliothèque Cabinet, Gilt Bronze Trim, 1820
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire flame mahogany 2 door bibliothèque cabinet with with wire mesh and tapered square column sides having gilt bronze trim with classical heads.
Bronze
French Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Three-Tired Chandelier, 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Empire style crystal glass and brass three-tired chandelier, the 1930s. Charming and compact French Empire-style crystal glass and brass chandelier from the 1930s. This lovely...
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
$6,509Sale 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
Pair of Swedish Antique Taboret Stools from the Empire Period in Yellow Birch
Located in Kramfors, SE
Pair of antique taboret stools from the empire period, around 1840. The stools are Swedish and made in solid yellow birch. Curved legs and turned armrests. The seats can be taken out...
Birch
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, 1820s A refined pair of Empire candlesticks in gilt bronze, crafted in France around the 1820s. The design features the elegant, flu...
Bronze
$1,424Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair, French Empire Gilt Bronze Crane Motif Candlesticks Circa 1815
Located in Atlanta, GA
French, circa 1815. This exquisite pair of French Empire gilt bronze candlesticks, crafted circa 1815, embodies the opulence and grandeur of the Empire style. Each candlestick feat...
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Marble Top Carved Walnut Vanity Cabinet with Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant fruitwood cabinet, crafted in France circa 1860, exemplifies classic Empire style. The antique vanity is decorated with finely carved circular columns on both sides, eac...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Empire Cabinet/ Vitrine With Mystical Figures , DE ca. 1850
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable, rare empire nutwood display cabinet/ vitrine from the mid 19th century in North Germany - the so-called "second empire" period. As part of the inventory of a stately mans...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Mid 19th century Swedish ebonised dressing table with classical detail
Located in London, GB
A decorative and functional ebonised Swedish dressing table in a Empire style with angular cornice and applied gilt rosette detail to the support columns of the mirror. The dressing ...
Wood
Vintage golden sunburst mirror, 1960s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Resin sunburst mirror with convex mirror glass. The mirror is in a good condition. 1960s - made in Belgium. Dimensions: Diameter: 43cm Ref.: 84654535 40-41
Resin
Stunning French Empire Style Walnut Writing Desk
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer sell this stunning large French Empire style walnut desk having a gilt tooled green leather top with a ormolu edge and scrolling mounts flanked by an arrangement ...
Brass, Ormolu
19th Century French Bouillotte Lamp with Green Tole Shade
Located in Stamford, CT
A 19th century French Empire etched brass bouillotte lamp, originally and oil lamp that has been electrified. With three arms below a green painted adjustable tole shade, the body an...
Brass, Zinc
Pair French Empire Egyptian Doré Bronze Candelabra Designed by Charles Percier
Located in New York, NY
Thomier A Paris, A Monumental & Quite Rare Pair of French Empire Egyptian Style Doré Bronze and Patinated bronze Seven Light Candelabras After Designs by Charles Percier, Signed ...
Bronze