French Empire

Written by Donna Sapolin
Sumptuous and elaborate, the Empire style originated during Napoleon’s First Empire (1804-1815), and combined the grandeur and martial symbols of Rome with ancient Egyptian motifs and the elements of Greek architecture. Already prevalent classical motifs were supplemented by symbols of imperial grandeur as part of an ambitious scheme to glorify Napoleon and relate him to historical Roman emperors as he waged successful military campaigns and the French government evolved from a republic into an empire.

Percier and Fontaine, Napoleon’s architects for Malmaison, largely shaped the style. Typical Empire motifs included Napoleon’s monogram (the “N”) and his emblem, the bee; military trophies; and such Egyptian motifs as sphinxes, winged lions, lotus blossoms, caryatids, scarabs, acanthus leaves, stylized honeysuckles, animal-paw feet, cornucopia, dolphins, eagles, lyres, and rosettes. The furniture of the period had clear-cut silhouettes and was massive and architectural in appearance. Pieces were often lavishly trimmed in bronze and brass on rosewood, mahogany, and ebony. Gilt stenciling and the use of ormolu (a type of brass made to imitate gold) were also common. 

Also characteristic of the style were pedestal tables with claw feet, Greek Klismos chairs, and low-to-the-ground beds with sweeping ends and one long exposed side as the other met a wall.

Photo Above Inspired by French Empire Style by Designer Carole Reed.

.VIEW EXAMPLES OF FRENCH EMPIRE PRODUCTS ON DECORATI

French Empire Products on Decorati
Side Chairs from Antiques 202	Coffee Table by Matthews & Parker	Side Table by Trosby	Commode from Iliad Antik
Andirons by World Relics Vintage Market	Wall Bracket by Phoenix Day	Bed by Colombo USA	Mirror by Broesche Design

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EXAMPLES OF ROOMS THAT ARE INSPIRED BY THE FRENCH EMPIRE STYLE:

Photo Above Inspired by French Empire Style by Designers Vernon Applegate and Gioi Tran of Applegate Tran.

Photo Above Inspired by French Empire Style by Designer Mark Cocanougher.

Photo Above Inspired by French Empire Style by Decorati Partner Helene Aumont.

Photo Above Inspired by French Empire Style by Designer Raji RM & Associates.

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OTHER ONLINE RESOURCES:

Metropolitan Museum- Empire Style

Efi-Costaric- Empire Style

Puako Petroglyph Archaeological District- Empire Style

Ezine Articles- The Empire Style

Museum Furniture- Empire Style Furniture

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