Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
EMPIRE STYLE
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.
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Style: Empire
1920's French Empire Single Light Swan Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of circa 1920’s French empire style one light sconces with Swan’s head
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair French Empire Style Arrow Horn Wall Sconces
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of Antique French Empire style brass horn and arrow motif wall sconces. Each with 2 candelabra size lights with black and gold clip on shades. Newly wired, added are 5" round ba...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Italian Empire Wall Sconces, circa 1950
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Gilded empire style wall sconces in the shape of ribbons cast in solid bronze with inlaid hand painted porcelain decor. Produced in the 1950s. Comes with lime green lamp...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1930 French Empire Bronze Sconces 1 Light 14”
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 1930’s French empire style gilt bronze sconces with swan’s heads, one light
Category
1930s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Double Arm Empire Brass Sconce
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A single petite Empire sconce of classic French design. Perfect for that small space that needs a little extra light. Cleaned and US wired using UL listed parts.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage Wall Sconces Louis XVI Style By Massive, Belgium Pair Of Bronze Light
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage Paired wall sconces in beautiful bronze from the Massive, Belgian manufacturer.
Set of Wall Lighting lamps in Louis XVI Style with 2 horns on each.
Very noble and sensual! ...
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
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...
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Pair Antique French Empire Style Bronze and Crystal Hoop Form Wall Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique (late 19th century) gilt bronze sconces in the French empire style, of hoop form with three inch crystal pendants and three candle holders. All pendants are brand ne...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Empire Arrow Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's Empire style sconces with two Roman warriors on black backplate.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Three Light Candelabras Sconces
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous pair of 19th-Century French Empire gilded bronze three arm light wall sconces, circa 1850-1870. These beautiful sconces have a lovely gilt patina with foliate and floral d...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19ths Century Bronze Wall Sconces
Located in Fairfax, VA
Pair of 19th century three arm gilt bronze and oxidized bronze wall sconces.
These beautiful wall sconces were candle burning that they have professionally electrified and ready for ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This French Empire style gilt bronze wall sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features the best quality hand-chiseled details.
The backplate of this sconce is a central round plate wit...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Period Giltwood Eagle Sconces, Circa 1815
Located in Dallas, TX
This pair of giltwood sconces dates to circa 1815, at the end of the period of French history when Napoleon was the emperor, known as the Empire Style. As Napoleon envisioned himself...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Giltwood
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This French Empire style gilt bronze wall sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features the best quality hand-chiselled details.
The backplate of this sconce features a lacquered round ...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This French Empire style gilt bronze wall sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi features the best quality hand-chiselled details.
The backplate of this sconce features a central round pla...
Category
2010s Italian Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Bronze Wall Sconces
Located in Fairfax, VA
Elegant pair of 19th century candle burning bronze wall sconces that professionally have been wired and ready for installation.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Sconces Two Wall Lights Gold Bronze Crystal Drops Beads, France, 1950s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage sconces bronze with gilding, crystal from France, mid-20th century, each with two lamps, very beautiful and festive!
The crystal droplets are stunning, different shapes and...
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Vintage Wall Sconces Gilt Bronze Tassels & Torch Twin Branch Wall Lamps, Set 2
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage paired wall sconces with 2 light sources, made of bronze with decoration of laurel branches, knot and tassels.
Very noble and sensual! Such wall lamps will effectively compl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Antique Wall Light Sconces in Gilt Bronze, Set 2, Empire Style, France, 1930s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Antique Paired wall sconces in beautiful gilt bronze from the French manufacturer, 1930s.
These two arm bronze candlestick wall sconces feature foliate designs.
The Empire style is...
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Monumental Empire Style Candle Wall Sconces Candlestick, Italy, 1970s
By Palladio
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Pair of giltwood candlestick wall sconces 1970s in empire style. Each fixture requires two candles. The wall lights have a beautiful patina and gives each room an eclectic statement.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
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
Category
1930s European Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Brass Empire Sconce
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A single petite Empire sconce of classic French design. Perfect for that small space that needs a little extra light. Cleaned and US wired using UL listed parts.
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
1920’s French Empire Small Chandelier 3 Lights
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1920’s French Empire style small chandelier with swam’s heads. Unusual 3 lights. Green color
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair Empire 2 Arm Brass Crystal Candelabra Wall Sconces
Located in New York, NY
These pieces were acquired from an estate located in Greenwich, Connecticut. Pair of two arm Empire style wall sconces with a brushed brass frame and icicle shaped and draped faceted...
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Brass
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, ...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Wood, Paint
A pair of French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Wall-lights
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of French Empire gilt and patinated bronze wall-lights, each with herm holding four candelabra aloft. These sconces are finely detailed and executed to a high standard, modele...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
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...
Category
1930s Austrian Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Bronze, Metal
Pair Signed Antique E.F. Caldwell Empire Gilt Bronze High Detail Wall Sconces
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Stunning and Rare Pair Antique c1890's Fire Gilt Bronze Wall Sconces Signed by E.F. Caldwell. Please look closely at pictures as these sconces are beautiful beyond words. Originally ...
Category
1890s North American Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Empire Wall Sconces
Located in Casteren, NL
Pair of 19th century Empire wall sconces made of bronze.
This wall scones were originally gas lamps later transferred to electric lamps.
Originates France, circa 1870.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Three-Light Sconce, Wall Candelabra
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
French Empire gilt bronze three-arm wall candleholder finely ornate with foliate, acorn motifs and three female faces, circa 1850-1870.
This wall candelabra can easily be converted ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
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...
Category
20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1920s French Empire Silver Swan one light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s French empire style one light silver plated sconces with swan head. Available in bronze
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Silver Plate, Bronze
Pair of Very Large French 19th Century Gilded Bronze Sconces
By Pierre Bureaux
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of very large French 19th Century gilded bronze sconces. Last picture in situ. Empire style, three-branch wall-lights, after a model by Edme Jean Gallien (1720-1797) and Pierre ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Empire Gilt Bronze Ormolu Caduceus Wall Appliques, France
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of late 19th century Empire gilt bronze ormolu wall appliques of arms holding Caduceus staffs, France
By: unknown
Material: bronze, copper, metal, cord, ormolu
Technique: cast,...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Bronze, Copper, Ormolu
Pair of French Crystal and Brass Sconces in the Style of Maison Jansen
Located in Chicago, IL
These Empire-style sconces showcase a signature element of Maison Jansen lighting: pierced brass encrusted with beaded crystals. This intricate combination of brass and encrusted crystal beads creates a stunning visual effect resembling a glistening, flowing fountain of light.
This meticulous craftsmanship embodies the elegance and sophisticated artistry for which Maison Jansen is famous. Maison Jansen, a renowned Parisian interior design firm...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Beautiful pair of 1940's French Empire style sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pair of French empire style sconces, the patina is much nicer in person
Category
1940s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Pair Of Antique Brass Peacock Wall light, Spain, 1960s
By OTHR
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...
Category
1960s Spanish Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Empire Style Crystal Glass and Brass Sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s
By Palwa
Located in Barntrup, DE
A splendid Empire-style sconce by Palwa, Germany, 1960s. Gilt brass frame adorned with crystal glass beads and prisms, three interior lights for E14 size light bulbs.
Dimensions:
Hei...
Category
1960s German Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Pair Of Antique Gilt Bronze Empire Style Wall Sconces With Swan Support
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Exceptional pair of French Bronze Swan form wall sconces Large tall and heavy bronze sconces. The backs in the form of arrows at the bottom with bow wrapped shafts above and palmette...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Carved Italian Giltwood Three-Arm Sconce by Randy Esada Designs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Carved Italian giltwood three-arm sconce by Randy Esada Designs.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Giltwood
Pair Of Empire Style Niermann Weeks Crystal Wall Sconces
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The pair of wall sconces in the Empire style with embossed gilt metal having a floral-like design, three electrified lights with beeswax candle covers...
Category
20th Century Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Pair of Tall Bronze Sconces with Quiver, Arrow and Eagleheads. Circa 1920
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice pair of tall wall sconces is made of bronze. The wall lights are decorated with a quiver, an arrow and eagleheads. This is a French work in the Empire style. Circa 1920
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Wall Sconces Bronze Empire Style, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Solid brass or brass wall lamp Empire style with two arms.
This wall sconces Empire style white rigid appearance, solid and basic geometric shapes. Decorated with acanthus leaves ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Brass and Crystal Sconces in the Manner of Maison Jansen
Located in Chicago, IL
These Empire-style sconces showcase a signature element of Maison Jansen lighting: pierced brass encrusted with beaded crystals. This intricate combination of brass and encrusted crystal beads creates a stunning visual effect resembling a glistening, flowing fountain of light.
This meticulous craftsmanship embodies the elegance and sophisticated artistry for which Maison Jansen is famous. Maison Jansen of Paris, a renowned interior design firm...
Category
Early 20th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Brass
1900's French Empire Sconces With Swans three lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1900's French empire style bronze sconces with swans and three lights
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair French Empire Style Gilt Metal Sconces with Sunburst Motif
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique gilt metal sconces in the French Empire style with sunburst motif, candelabra size sockets and white candle covers, modern wi...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1900's French Empire Style Small Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1900' s French Empire style small sconces with two lights
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1900's French Empire Arrow Gold and Black Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1900's French Empire style double light arrow sconces
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Empire Small Sconces
Located in New York, NY
pair of late 19th century French empire style sconces with one light. Price per pair
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Antique Empire-Style Cast Metal Sconces
Located in Sheffield, MA
The defining feature of this pair of antique Napoleon Empire-style lighting fixtures are the vertical arrows "shot through" the backs of the gilt cast metal sconces. Each piece has a...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
A Pair of French Empire Style Ormolu and Bronze Candelabra, Late 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Pair of French Empire Style Ormolu and Bronze Candelabra, Late 19th Century
Provenance: ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1920s Caldwell Bronze Medusa Head Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s sconces with medusa head and arrow design. Two lights
Category
1920s American Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Bronze Wall Sconces Double Armed Lighting Lamp In Candelabra Style
Located in Bastogne, BE
Pair of empire style wall lights manufactured in the 20th century.
Bronze construction.
Original gilding. The sconces are decorated with ac...
Category
1970s Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
1900 French Empire Sconces With Swams
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1900 French Empire sconces with swan's head
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Italy 1970 Post-Modern Pair Brass and Porcelain Wall Lights
Located in Brescia, IT
This pair of elegant and glamorous two lights wall light in Pink Lilac color, it is part of the latest pieces manufactured in Italy during the 1970’ and left in the warehouse of the ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
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.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
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...
Category
Early 20th Century European Empire Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Empire wall lights and sconces for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire wall lights and sconces for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage wall lights and sconces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, decorative objects, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire wall lights and sconces made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original wall lights and sconces, popular names associated with this style include Gherardo Degli Albizzi, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., Maison Baguès, and Niermann Weeks. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for wall lights and sconces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $227 and tops out at $87,500 while the average work can sell for $3,200.