French Empire Bench
Vintage 1980s Empire Benches
Cotton, Wood
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Benches
Velvet, Hardwood
Early 20th Century French Directoire Benches
Beech
Vintage 1960s Empire Benches
Fabric
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Benches
Iron
1990s Empire Benches
Gold Leaf
Antique 19th Century French Empire Benches
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique 1890s French Empire Revival Benches
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Empire Benches
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Empire Benches
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Benches
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Ebony, Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century French Empire Benches
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Early 20th Century American Empire Benches
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Benches
Brass, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique 19th Century French Empire Benches
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Benches
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century French Empire Benches
Gesso, Upholstery, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Benches
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Empire Benches
Mahogany, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century French Empire Benches
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Empire Sofas
Mahogany
Vintage 1930s French Empire Revival Footstools
Bronze
20th Century American Empire Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Settees
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Benches
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Revival Benches
Brass, Iron
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Benches
Paint
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Benches
Walnut
Antique 1820s French Empire Benches
Mohair
Antique 19th Century French Empire Benches
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century French Empire Revival Benches
Brass, Steel
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Benches
Ormolu
20th Century French Patio and Garden Furniture
Antique 19th Century French Footstools
Antique 19th Century French Empire Sofas
Antique 19th Century French Empire Stools
Wood, Fabric
Antique 19th Century French Empire Benches
Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Empire Benches
Giltwood, Velvet
Antique 19th Century French Benches
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century French Benches
2010s French Empire Benches
Iron
20th Century American Benches
Wood
Late 20th Century French Empire Benches
Wood
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Benches
Antique 1890s French Empire Benches
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Benches
Walnut, Upholstery
Early 20th Century French Empire Benches
Early 20th Century French Benches
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Benches
Walnut
20th Century Empire Benches
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century French Benches
Metal
Early 20th Century Empire Benches
Upholstery, Hardwood
20th Century French Benches
Walnut, Upholstery
Late 20th Century Philippine Empire Benches
Upholstery, Mahogany, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century French Empire Benches
Fruitwood
20th Century European Regency Benches
Hardwood
Antique Early 1900s French Empire Revival Benches
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Benches
Bronze, Iron
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Benches
Vintage 1930s Argentine Benches
Wood, Fabric
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French Empire Bench For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a French Empire Bench?
Finding the Right Seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Classical world is primarily what influenced French Empire furniture. Greek and Roman motifs appear on many pieces. In addition, the opulence of Egyptian furniture inspired furniture makers active during the period. On 1stDibs, shop a range of French Empire furniture.
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