Empire Furniture: A Nod to Style and French Politics

Empire Furniture: A Nod to Style and French Politics

Be transported to the time of French royalty with empire furniture. These furnishings, which graced the home of Napoleon I, is sure to give any homeowner a taste of luxury and class.

The empire style, often recognized as the second phase of Neoclassicism, is a design movement that became prevalent in Europe and America from the early part of the 19th century until about 1830. The movement included architecture, visual arts, furniture design and others. The style, as well as the name, originated from the First French Empire, the time when Napoleon I ruled France. The style was a remarkable contrast to the ostentatious style that preceded it: it was referred to as 'liberated' and 'enlightened,' adjectives which described how Napoleon changed the European people. One of the things that were significantly influenced by the style, as the name suggests, is empire furniture.

Empire furniture have evolved from furnishings that had the Directoire style. The Directoire style furniture were characterized with minimal carving and highly grained veneers, and the empire style evolved from that. Empire style furnishings are marked by clear-cut silhouettes, and there is always symmetry in decoration. During this time, furniture were massive and highly architectural. The staple wood was mahogany, as well as rosewood and ebony, used both as solid or veneer. These heavy wood pieces are further decorated with trim, either brass or bronze. Gilt stenciling was also widespread in these pieces.

Popular empire furniture included the empire bed. In early 19th century France, this piece was rather typical: it is a low level item, usually set against the wall or in an alcove with one side exposed. It has curved sweeping ends that serve as headboard and footboard. This kind of bed and other empire furniture are available in antique stores and online antique suppliers.

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