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 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
Antique French Empire Gold Gilt Overmantel Mirror
Located in London, GB
A good sized Gilt Empire antique mirror with applied decorative motif gilt work on a rectangular frame, lambs tongue design inner slip. Mirror in good condition. Original boarded bac...
Mirror
French 19th Century Empire Mantel Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This French Empire mantle mirror (c. 1800) exhibits restrained surface decoration concentrated to intermittent, low-relief floral motifs that leave ample space for the gilt molding t...
Gold
Fine Antique Gilt Framed Three Panel Mantle Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine and large Gilt wood Mantle Mirror with Empire and Regency styling, designed with three divided rectangular mirror plates in a carved and gilt frame with a straight moulded ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Italian Neoclassical giltwood mirror. Antique gilt carved mirror with scrolled acanthus surround, leaf-tipped outer edge with cor...
Giltwood
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Empire Gilt Classical and Foliate Carved Triptych over Mantel Mirror 19thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
Empire triptych over mantel wall mirror features Classical foliate and bead carved and gilt frame surrounding each of three mirror panels, 19th century Measures: 30" H x 62.25" W x 4...
Mirror, Giltwood
19th Century Large French Empire Wall Mirror
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
An attractive 19th century French Empire rectangular frame wall mirror. The deep square frame with ebonized black wood frame and gold gi...
Mirror, Ebony
A carved and gilded mirror in the Second Empire style from the late 19th century.
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
A carved and gilded mirror in the Second Empire style from the late 19th century, inspired by Neoclassicism Date: second half of the 19th century. A freestanding mirror, often placed...
Wood
$7,769Sale Price|25% Off
Wood and Gilded Stucco Overmantel Mirror, Empire Period, 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Empire period overmantel mirror, in wood and stucco gilded with gold leaf. This mirror is framed by two antique style pilasters in wood and stucco, gilded with gold leaf. A rectangul...
Stucco, Wood
French Empire Mahogany Mantel Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An architectural, Empire-style mantel mirror from France with some light foxing throughout the original mercury mirror plate. The carved mahogany has gained a fine patina, composed o...
Metal, Brass
Impressive Royal Early 19th Century German Empire Mirror
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A rare early 19th century German Empire giltwood trumeau mirror. The large rectangular plate surmounted by a scrolled pediment enriched with wines leaves and a central medallion encl...
Giltwood
Large French Empire Parcel-Gilt and Beige Rectangular Mirror
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful Empire period large rectangular mirror with neoclassical relief ornamentation with gilded details and a very nice patina in beige color with red accents, France, circa 1810...
Gold Leaf
$3,483Sale Price|20% Off
Early 19th Century Italian Empire Walnut Antique Wall Mirror
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this elegant antique Italian mirror dating back to the early 19th century, Empire period. An extremely refined mirror. Made of fine walnut wood and characterized by an el...
Walnut
Imperial Triple Mirror in Louis XVI Style with Gilded Console
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Magnificent triple mirror in Louis XVI style, featuring a fine carved and gilded wooden frame. The scenic design is embellished with classical ornamental details, decorative festoons...
Gold Leaf
French Empire Giltwood and Gesso Overmantel Mirror
Located in Bradenton, FL
French Empire Giltwood and Gesso Overmantel Mirror. Mirror is crafted in carved wood with a gesso ground and original gilt finish, the mirror is framed by a rectilinear surround enri...
Gesso, Giltwood
French Empire Style Solid Walnut Bronze Ormolu Mantel Buffet Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Empire style solid walnut mirror is a striking statement of classical design and refined craftsmanship. Designed for placement above a mantel, buffet, or console, this wa...
Bronze
Beautiful Empire French Period Trumeau
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful Empire French period Trumeau.
Mercury Glass, Gesso, Wood
Large Antique French Giltwood Mirror, Empire Style Inspiration, circa 1950
Located in Paris, FR
Large antique French mirror, Empire style inspiration, circa 1950. Large antique frame in carved natural wood, grooves and crosses decorati...
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
1st Empire Gold Gilt Mantle Mirror by Luce, Giltwood & Glass, Versailles, France
Located in Johns Island, SC
1st Empire Gilt Mantle Mirror. This 1st Empire or Napoleon Period Gilt Mirror is decorated with appliqués of Greco Latin inspiration.This sophisticated mirror is has a combination of...
Mirror, Giltwood
Early 19th Century North Italy Neoclassical Walnut Giltwood Overmantel Mirror
Located in Berlin, DE
Early 19th Century North Italy Neoclassical Empire period Walnut and Giltwood Overmantel Mirror A very rare and elegant North-Italian walnut veneered and giltwood overmantel mirror...
Giltwood, Walnut
Russian Mahogany Gilt Eagle and Bell Flower Garland Rope Wall Mirror, C. 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
Russian mahogany gilt eagle wall mirror with lambs tongue, beading, bell flower garland, and rope twisted border wall mirror. Mirror retains the original spotted glass...
Glass, Mahogany, Giltwood
Classical Three Panel Horizontal Mirror, Circa 1820s
Located in Sarasota, FL
A classical three panel horizontal mirror. Wooden with decorative veneers. Above is an oil on canvas, richly carved on top with a fig leaf and arch motif. Continental, circa 1820's.
Canvas, Mirror, Wood
Empire Wall Mirror, Mahogany, Ebonized Carved Decor, South Germany, circa 1810
Located in Regensburg, DE
Stunning large Empire Wall Mirror, bright mahogany, carved black decor, South Germany, circa 1810. The wood is mahogany veneer and solid wood, which has been bleached and stained for...
Mirror, Mahogany
Regal Monumental Empire Giltwood Overmantel or Console Mirror
Located in Buchanan, MI
Very regal monumental Empire giltwood overmantel or console mirror with original plate, wonderful "Sparkly" patina.
Giltwood, Mirror
$2,496 / item
H 38.19 in W 18.9 in D 1.19 in
Quadris Rectangular Antiqued Mirror with Multiple Panels and Bronze Patina Frame
Located in London, London
Quadris™ rectangular antiqued mirror with a bronze patina finish brass frame made with 12 antiqued mirror panels. Dimensions: H 97cm x W 48cm x D 1.8cm / H 38.1in x W 18.1in x D 0.7...
Brass
$4,300
H 63 in W 44 in D 4 in
Antique French Trumeau Mirror Mantel Pier Mirror Rectangular Oak LARGE 19th C
Located in Tyler, TX
GORGEOUS Antique French Trumeau Rectangular Carved Oak Mantel Pier Mirror Popular classic French hanging wall mirror~~beautifully carved with rolled edges and with wood back~~perfect for a fireplace mantel, entry hall, living area, study, office, library, bedroom, dressing area, powder room or just about any room in your home or office Frame is 63" tall x 44" wide x 4" deep Mirror is 35.5" tall x 32.5" wide~~1" bevel Solid and sturdy~~rich oak patina~~dress up your home or office with this superb mirror! Please check out our large selection of antique framed mirrors~~always high quality~~find the right size and style to fit your home and decor...
Mirror, Oak
$1,439Sale Price|44% Off
H 37.41 in W 28.35 in D 4.73 in
Antique Large Fine Quality Early 19th Century Gilt Overmantel or Wall Mirror
Located in Wisbech, England
Antique large fine quality early 19th century gilt overmantel or wall mirror. A very decorative statement piece, with a great look. A charming mirror, that is full of age and char...
Giltwood
Louis XV Carved and Gilt Mirror, French, circa 1760
Located in San Francisco, CA
Louis XV hand carved and gilt boudoir mirror with parcel gray painting. Having a tied ribbon cartouche above a pair of love birds with tasseled cord and...
Mirror, Wood
Regency Carved Giltwood Eagle Serpent Mirror
Located in Lymington, GB
A carved giltwood mirror of classic Regency design. Surmounted by a displaying eagle set upon rock work. Circa 1820. The frame surrounded with a geometric-design border with intertwining serpents and oak leaves to the base. Nb. giltwood mirrors with carved serpents...
Giltwood
$59,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 120 in W 48.5 in D 24.5 in
French Empire Revival 19th Century Giltwood Carved Figural Console and Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine French Empire Revival 19th century giltwood and Gesso carved figural console table with matching mirror. The "D" shaped top console raised by a pair of seated winged sphinxes ...
Marble
$765Sale Price|30% Off
H 35.04 in W 31.11 in D 3.15 in
Antique Large Gilt Overmantle Wall Mirror, 19th Century
Located in Wisbech, England
Antique large quality 19th century gilt overmantle or wall mirror. A great look. A charming mirror, that is full of age and character. Lovely frame with some losses touching up, ref...
Giltwood
Neoclassical Revival Style Gold Gilt Frame Mirror
Located in Sheffield, MA
Elegant, nice size gold gilt neoclassical or Italian Renaissance style wall mirror. Pier or console mirror mantel (fireplace) and trumeau.
Wood
Federal Gilt Over Mantle Mirror
Located in East Aurora, NY
A very attractive Federal gilt over mantle mirror in original condition. A classic traditional Neo Classical design with rope twist columns and a continuous row of gilt spheres as c...
Gold Leaf
$4,800
H 71.5 in W 49.5 in D 4 in
19th Century French Louis XV Carved and Arched Giltwood Wall or Mantel Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1870, and almost 6 feet tall, the large antique gilt mirror features an arched and serpentine top showcasing a lavish crest in high relief adorned with scro...
Giltwood
$4,200
H 57.25 in W 42 in D 2.25 in
Italian Neoclassic Carved & Gilt Overmantel Mirror 'with Dark Tint' 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian Neoclassical carved and gilt wood frame mirror from the 19th century. This antique mirror from Italy is rectangular in shape and features a putto carved...
Mirror, Wood
$52,150Sale Price|30% Off
H 68.5 in W 55.5 in D 12 in
Fine Palatial Italian 19th Century Florentine Giltwood Carved Mirror Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A palatial and museum quality Italian 19th century Florentine Rococo giltwood carved mirror frame. The ornately carved frame with scrolls and acan...
Wood
Sold
H 28.9 in W 20.9 in D 1.7 in
Large Rectangular Empire Mahogany Wall Mirror, England Late 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large antique late 19th Century Empire mahogany veneer wall mirror. This rectangular wall mirror is magnificent with its tiered graduated frame. The outermost frame is flat leading t...
Mirror, Mahogany
Rectangular Empire Mahogany Wall Mirror, England Late 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique late 19th Century Empire mahogany veneer wall mirror. This rectangular wall mirror is magnificent with its tiered graduated frame. The outermost frame is flat leading to anot...
Mirror, Mahogany
Rectangular Empire Mahogany Wall Mirror, England late 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique late 19th Century American Empire mahogany veneer wall mirror. This rectangular wall mirror is magnificent with it's tiered graduated frame. The outermost frame is flat leadi...
Mirror, Mahogany
A Very Large Gold Gilt Empire Period Antique French Mirror
Located in London, GB
A very large gold gilt Empire period early 19th century over mantel mirror. Retaining its large original glass mirror plate, with some foxing and inclusions. The frame with typical...
Giltwood
French 19th Century Empire Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This French Empire mantle mirror (c. 1800) shows very careful surface decoration, the gold gilt molding is largely plain and smooth, with tight fe...
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Large early 19th century gilded over mantle
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Large early 19th gilded over mantle , great decorative mirror French circa 1830’s with original mirror and back boards Some minor damage to the plaster work and some foxing to th...
Gesso
French 19th Century Empire Gold Gilt Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Empire gold gilt mantel mirror from the 1800’s. The carved frame has its original gold gilt finish revealing the reddish bole beneath with decorat...
Mirror, Giltwood
Late 19th C. French Overmantel Mirror
Located in Houston, US
This is an impressive classically styled yet restrained overmantel mirror and frame, painted with gilded decorative elements. Fluted pilasters are topped with a classical urn with pe...
Gold Leaf
Fireplace Empire Lombardy First Quarter 19th Century
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Lombard fireplace set in walnut, with ebonized and gilded parts. In the lower part, a broken plinth base with ebonized reserves bounded by successional leaf-carved and gilded battens...
Nutwood
French Empire Style Overmantle Mirror
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire style overmantle mirror, with an egg and dart cornice on a faux marble frame encasing a beveled mirror, unmarked. Dimensions: 39" H x 59" W. Dealer: S138XX
Giltwood
Sold
H 52.76 in W 31.5 in D 2.37 in
Antique 19th Century Gold Leaf Gilt French Empire Mirror with Bow-Tied Ribbon
Located in Casteren, NL
This beautiful antique mirror was made in Northern France at the end of the 19th century, circa 1890. The classic shaped Louis Seize or Empire...
Gold Leaf
Early 19th Century English Empire Style Mahogany Mirror, circa 1830
Located in San Francisco, CA
Simple classic elegant English Empire period mirror. Thick mahogany veneer over solid oak with original mirror glass and oak back boards. In excellent ant...
Mirror, Mahogany