EMPIRE STYLE
Empire Style: Grandeur, Neoclassicism, and Timeless Luxury
The French Empire style emerged in the early 19th century as a neoclassical design movement under Napoleon Bonaparte. He encouraged a propagandistic style inspired by the glorious ancient Greek and Roman Empires. Additionally, the grandeur of ancient Egypt influenced the style following Napoleon’s Egyptian Campaign. Through architecture, furniture, and interiors, Napoleon promoted and legitimized his regime. Consequently, Empire interiors conveyed power, authority, and elegance, reflecting the political and cultural ambitions of the era.
The movement celebrated high-quality craftsmanship and luxurious materials. Leading architects and designers, such as Percier and Fontaine, received numerous public and private commissions. They applied motifs like golden eagles, laurel wreaths, palm leaves, sphinxes, swans, bows, arrows, and lyres, as well as the imperial cypher of Napoleon and Josephine. Furniture often featured mahogany veneers, gilt-bronze mounts, and architectural detailing, balancing grandeur with functionality. Renowned makers such as Jacob Desmalter supplied pieces to Napoleon for the Chateau de Malmaison, Tuileries Palace, and other imperial residences, setting a standard of luxury and refinement.
Empire Design Across Europe
The Empire style achieved widespread popularity, extending beyond France to royal and imperial courts across Europe. In Russia, the style was adopted with local adaptations, and in England, it became known as the Regency style. Its influence shaped interiors, furniture, and decorative arts, ensuring the language of neoclassical elegance spread internationally. Designers emphasized symmetry, proportion, and architectural motifs, creating pieces that were both visually commanding and practical. Empire interiors celebrated the blend of historic grandeur and contemporary utility, making them timeless in both royal and high-society settings.
Vosges: Contemporary Luxury Inspired by Empire
At Vosges, we reinterpret the Empire style for modern luxury interiors. Our artisans select premium woods, marble, and gilt bronze, applying meticulous craftsmanship to every detail. Each piece balances architectural geometry, material richness, and contemporary functionality. By blending classical inspiration with modern precision, Vosges creates bespoke beds, chairs, tables, screens, and lighting that reflect both historical grandeur and refined contemporary taste.
Every creation embodies the spirit of the Empire, offering furniture that is bold yet harmonious, luxurious yet practical, and designed to enhance sophisticated interiors. Vosges perpetuates the legacy of French neoclassical elegance, ensuring each piece delivers timeless artistry, exceptional craftsmanship, and enduring luxury.
> See a Malmaison-inspired bronze painted stool.
> And also a French Empire gueridon with porphyry-veneer top.
