Empire Wall Decorations
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.
to
19
138
48
105
84
1
Height
to
Width
to
8,741
6,979
2,107
1,324
847
840
710
586
482
306
284
279
252
202
191
190
148
140
9
75
21
85
10
4
6
2
115
92
88
47
25
98
88
64
13
7
190
189
190
1
1
1
1
1
Style: Empire
Antique 19th Century Gobelin Style Tapestry After Horace Vernet's "Lion Hunt"
By Gobelins Royal Manufactory
Located in Peabody, MA
Framed (behind glass) 19th century Gobelin style Belgian woolwork tapestry depicting French artist Horace Vernet’s “Lion Hunt in the Sahara Desert, 28 May, 1...
Category
1890s Belgian Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool
Vintage Tapestry Depicting A Secret Garden 6.5X6.1
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Period Giltwood Large Italian Empire Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame.
Early 19th century.
Internal measurements cm 37.5 x 45.5.
Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompanied by a certific...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wood
Period Century Giltwood Italian Empire Style Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame with two rows of carving
Early 19th century
Internal measurements cm 58.5 x 47
Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompan...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century French Empire Style Walnut Four Shelves Etagere
Located in Miami, FL
This tall late nineteenth century French Empire style walnut console table features columns at the front corners and four shelves.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wood
Empire Double Headed Eagle Bronze Wall Mirror, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two Headed Eagle Bronze Wall Mirror, Spain, 1930s-1940s.
Spectacular bronze wall mirror with a crowned double headed eagle surrounding a shield shaped beveled glass.
This bronze mirr...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Bronze
21th Century Authentic Wall Hanging Tapestry 7'4'' X 6' Ft
Located in Los Angeles, US
Est. Delivery from Los Angeles, CA
Category
Early 2000s French Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool
Vintage Tapestry Depicting a Hidden Garden 7.5X5
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Angels 6.8X5.10
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
EARLY 19th CENTURY PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN IN UNIFORM
Located in Firenze, FI
Splendid oil portrait on canvas of a gentleman in uniform, identified as Professor Moses Bosisio, mayor of Monza, who died in 1846, as reported on a plaque on the back of the paintin...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas, Wood
18th Century French Gilded Pinewood Wall Glass Mirror - Antique Wall Décor
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique rectangular mirror inscribed in a Pinewwood frame, gilded, the pediment formed by an openwork flower basket spilling sinuous gar...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood, Pine
Vintage Woven Outdoor Scene Tapestry 6.25X5.0
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Vintage Woven Creek Tapestry 6.5X5.33
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Elegant and useful Wall Shelf in brass in Empire style from the 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant and useful Wall Shelf in brass in Empire style from the 19th Century. Perfect in the kitchen for vinegar and oil or in the hallway for gloves or keys.
Wear consistent with a...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Brass
Vintage Tapestry Depicting a Cello 6.0X5.5
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Exotic Animals 5 X 3
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
French Empire Yellow Tole Lavabo
Located in Essex, MA
With a removable cover with gallery and finial, tapered body with spigot lacking handle, all above the rectangular basin.
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Tin
Vintage Tapestry With Birds 7X5
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Period Giltwood Italian Empire Style Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Empire original giltwood frame.
Early 19th Century
Internal measurements cm 13 x 10
Every item of our Gallery, upon request, is accompanied by a certifica...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wood
Miniature Portrait Painting of Napoleon Signed by Prévost
By Prevost
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
Miniature Portrait Painting of Napoleon signed by Prévost from the nineteenth century.
The frame is in solid mahogany and is dished and...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Hand Painted Wallpaper Frieze Second Empire Era
Located in Sofia, BG
19th century roll of wallpaper frieze in trompe-l'oeil ribbon on an 8-way roll.
About 61 m/0.05 cm. useful. Second Empire era, polychrome printing.
...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Paper
Original Engraved Print by Pierre Joseph Redouté, 1802, Les Liliaceés
Located in New York, NY
A stunning original engraving from The Lilies (Les Liliaceés) by P.J. Redouté, considered the greatest botanical artist of all time.
Produced between 1802 and 1816 under the patron...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Paper
18th Century French Antique Gilded Pinewood Wall Glass Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique rectangular mirror inscribed in a Pinewood, gilded frame adorned with water leaves and pearl friezes, in good condition. The mirror is consisting its original mirror glass...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Vintage Woven Tapestry 7X6
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Imperial Crest Antique Shield Coat of Arm Wall Plaque Armorial LA Antique Dealer
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Imperial Crest Antique Shield Coat of Arm Wall Plaque Armorial LA Antique Dealer , Beautiful Early 19th century Heavy Bronze Imperial Armorial Armoirie Coat...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Bronze
"The Artist in his Studio", Oil on Canvas, Italian School, circa 1810
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A wonderful circa 1810 Italian school oil-on-canvas painting of an artist or painter in his studio seated legs-crossed in a chair facing the canvas on easel with palette and brush in...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Giltwood, Paint
19th Century Historical English Painting David Wilkie
By Sir David Wilkie
Located in Roma, IT
Sir David Wilkie RA (18 November 1785 – 1 June 1841)
“The Parish Beadle”
Oil on canvas
This important painting is probably a sketch for the large painting exhibited at Tate Britain....
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Neoclassical oil on canvas nude painting contemporary Roman style 'll bath'
By Henri-Pierre Picou
Located in Palermo, IT
Attributable to HENRI PIERRE PICOU. (FRENCH !(1824-1895)
Le Bain oil on canvas, with gold leaf frame, 1900.
Big picture
Now available
Shipping with triple box.
Any information cont...
Category
20th Century Italian Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Gold Leaf
Vintage Woven Forrest Tapestry 7.2X6.0
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Vintage Woven Scene Tapestry 6.9X5.5
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Pair of Danish Early 19th Century Children’s Portraits Oil on Canvas
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early 19th Century Children’s Portraits Oil on Canvas, A Pair
Charming pair of Danish Early 19th Century paintings oil on canvas. Thes...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Mid-19th Century French Empire Carved Painted "Tabernacle" Wall Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant and petite antique vitrine was crafted in France, circa 1860. Originally used as a tabernacle in a church or chapel, the hanging cabinet features a dome top over a singl...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Woven Tapestry 9X2.4
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Vintage Woven Pond Tapestrty 7.35X5.45
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Vintage Floral and Bird Tapestry 9X2.4
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
French 1st Empire Period Dore Bronze Grouping of Lovers, Att. Thomire A Paris
Located in New York, NY
An Exceptional Antique French 1st Empire Period Dore Bronze Grouping of Lovers, Attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire a Paris. Exceptionally cast, hand-chiseled and further burnished and matted with two-tone gold, this dore bronze grouping of two neoclassical lovers is of the upmost quality and craftsmanship. As Pierre-Philippe Thomire is regarded as one of the greatest bronzier's of the late 18th century and early 19th century, this dore bronze piece could only be made by someone with his artistic talents. The lovers are seen with the man seated on a cushioned bench with tasseled...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Royalty 5X4.10
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Set of Seventeen Framed Giovanni Donegani Engravings
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Newly framed set of 17 engraved plans of architecture, irrigation, daming, etc by Giovanni Donegani.
Category
19th Century Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Iron
Vintage Colorful Floral Tapestry 5.0X5.05
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Antique Empire Head of Hermes Carved Wood Messenger of Zeus God of Merchants
Located in Munich, DE
This beautiful head of Hermes wearing his winged helmet is carved out of boxwood and has preserved the original gilding. The head is mounted on a blacke...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Boxwood, Oak
Vintage Tapestry Depicting Soliders of War 5.10X6.9
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Vintage Bird Tapestry 9X2.4
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Vintage Woven Floral Scene Tapestry 7.7X5.7
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Late 20th Century Vintage Tapestry
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Large French Empire Coastal Scenic Painted Oval Tole Tray
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
French Empire salver or oval metal tray decorated with an outstanding border. The tray features painted medallions and edges and has two hand grips. The painted coastal scene depicts...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Metal
Serene Landscape by E. Chabrier (1953) - Oil Painting on Panel -1Y11
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Embark on a tranquil journey through a captivating landscape with this exquisite oil painting on panel by E. Chabrier, dated 1953. This masterful piece captures the essence of nature's beauty, depicting a meandering river flowing through a verdant gorge, surrounded by lush vegetation and bathed in the warm glow of the sun. The artist's skillful brushstrokes and harmonious palette create a sense of depth and tranquility, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the serenity of the scene.
Key Features:
Vintage oil painting on panel by E. Chabrier (1953)
Depicts a serene landscape...
Category
1950s French Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas
Pair of Wall Decoration 'En Grisaille' by Dufour, Paris, France, 19th Century
Located in Rome, IT
A fine pair of Papiers peints 'En Grisaille' from the psyche´ series manufactured by Dufour, Paris, after designs by Merry-Joseph Blondel and Louis Lafitte.
-'Psyche´ about to stab ...
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Paper
Vintage Woven Crest Tapestry 7.6X6.3
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Period French Empire Neoclassical Wallpaper Screen by Zuber of Dufour
By Jean Zuber
Located in Essex, MA
Period Empire neoclassical wallpaper screen.
Either by Zuber of Dufour.
Was always intended as a screen.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Paper
Country Picnic, Framed Hst, Early 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Beautiful oil on canvas depicting a country picnic scene, animated by characters frolicking under a tree
Beautiful scene, beautiful quality of painting, unfortunately not signed
We...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Paint
Jewel Tone Early 20th Century Superfine Quality Antique Persian Jozan Souf Mat
Located in New York, NY
An early 20th century collector caliber Persian Souf carpet handwoven in the Jozan Region.
Measures: 2'3" x 2'7"
Souf rugs are very rare technique foun...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool
Vintage Tapestry Ddepicting Royal Emblem 3.8X3.9
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Mid 20th century frame Italian bisque Taglio
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid 20th century Italian frame bisque Taglio. This Greco Roman style bisque porcelain medallion is framed in a gold leaf shadowbox frame with pink interior and gold details...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Tapestry With Birds and Animals 6.7X4.5
Located in Los Angeles, US
A wall hanging tapestry, simply put, is a textile specifically designed and woven to portray an artistic scene with the intent of hanging it on a wall. Antique tapestries, those that...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Late 19th Century French Portrait Actress Madam George
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Late 19th Century French Portrait Actress Madam George.
Excellent Condition, Beautiful painting purchased in France.
Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with an...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Paint
Pair of Naïve Allegorical Landscape Paintings Sign, Christian Georg v. Lind
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of naïve allegorical landscape paintings.
Oil on canvas
Signed Lieutenant Christian Georg V. Lind, 1837 and 1838.
See text on the back.
In original gilded damgaard frames. ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Danish Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas
Pair of Worcester Barr Flight Barr Porcelain Saucers with Bat-Printed Shells
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A pair of early transferware English porcelain saucers, made by the Worcester Porcelain Factory during the Barr, Flight & Barr period, 1807-1813.
The late 18th and early 19th cent...
Category
Early 19th Century British Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Porcelain
Beautiful Early 19th Century Portrait
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful early 19th century portrait dated and signed at the back.
Portrait attributed to Berthon, student of David "The young girl and the c...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Wall Decorations
Materials
Canvas, Giltwood
Empire wall decorations for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire wall decorations 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 decorations created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, cotton and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire wall decorations made in a specific country, there are Unknown, Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original wall decorations, popular names associated with this style include Chapin, Claude Marie Dubufe, Cupioli made in Italy, and Jean Zuber. 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 decorations differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $150 and tops out at $95,530 while the average work can sell for $4,061.