Tips for furnishing an Empire-style living room in a castle, mansion, or luxury apartment

For over 25 years, Galerie Atena has been helping its clients decorate their interiors: castles, mansions, beautiful homes, luxury apartments… with unique pieces carefully restored in their restoration workshop.

Today we're going to focus on decorating an Empire-style living room . Born during the reign of Napoleon I (1804–1815), the Empire style represents one of the most majestic moments in the history of French furniture. Powerful, symmetrical, inspired by Antiquity, and crafted from noble materials, it is particularly well-suited to large spaces: castle drawing rooms, old manor houses, beautiful historic residences, or Haussmannian apartments.

 

Understanding the spirit of the Empire style

Before selecting any furniture or decorative objects, it is essential to master the codes of the Empire style :

• The shapes of the pieces are straight, imposing and architectural. Empire furniture is notably inspired by Roman lines: the backs of the seats are straight, the armrests sculpted and the uprights massive, as in this majestic Empire salon in mahogany and gilt bronzes.

• The symbolic decorations of the Empire style are: palmettes, imperial eagles, sphinxes, winged victories, swans, lion heads, as well as antique motifs… which can be found in particular on this important low bookcase .

• Noble woods , such as mahogany , are primarily used. Whether veneered or solid, mahogany lends depth and warmth to the pieces, a characteristic of Empire furniture .

• Gilded and chiseled bronzes are characteristic elements of the style as they create a contrast with the dark mahogany and brighten the rooms.

 

Choosing the key pieces for the Empire living room

A successful Empire-style living room relies on a few carefully selected central elements.

A pedestal table as a central piece

A pedestal table or center table adds dynamism to a room by creating a circulation space around it. In our collection, you will find this substantial pedestal table based on a design by Jacob-Desmalter .

A dining room table as a centerpiece

If you have a living room with an adjoining dining room, you can opt for a large dining table like this magnificent "Return from Egypt" style table resting on four claw and lion head supports.

A lounge set to accommodate

Opt for a sofa with sculpted armrests accompanied by a pair of armchairs and possibly a few chairs, such as this magnificent mahogany living room .

Seating for the dining room table 

Also consider choosing chairs, keeping in mind that the upholstery will match your living room set. We generally recommend light-colored satin fabrics (see our fabric recommendations below).

Incorporate Empire-style artwork and decorative objects

Once the key pieces have been selected, it is essential to complement your Empire-style living room with decorative accessories:

• Sculptures such as Roman busts in bronze or marble
• Porcelain vases or bowls such as this pair of pedestal baskets
• Clocks such as the alabaster clock of the abduction of Europa
• Paintings such as engravings depicting scenes from Antiquity, typically of the Empire period
• Mirrors such as this magnificent trumeau mirror
• Or again: ewers, urns, andirons and other decorative objects

 

Managing the room's lighting: the detail that enhances the Empire style

 Gilded bronze and mahogany respond very well to warm light. Therefore, it is very important to carefully consider your lighting.

• Consider an Empire-style chandelier, such as this magnificent pendant light with crystal drops.
• Placing wall lights in several places also allows you to decorate the walls in a way other than with paintings.
• Decorate furniture or fireplaces with candlesticks or torches, such as this very beautiful pair in gilt bronze signed Barbedienne .

 

Expert tips for decorating your Empire living room

• Harmonize the colors, textiles and materials
• Use textiles to soften the dark mahogany and monumental character of the Empire style: we generally recommend satin textiles in light colors such as yellow or ochre to bring light to dark mahogany furniture and the imposing lines of the Empire style.
• Avoid overly white or modern lighting that dulls the gilded bronze so prevalent in the Empire style.
• Avoid accumulation and favor a few carefully selected, remarkable objects.
• Prioritize symmetry, which is essential in the Empire style

 

The example of the Château de Peyraud, decorated by antique dealers

For the past few months, we have been operating our gallery within the Château de Peyraud . In order to showcase each piece in the gallery's collection, we have created 7 adjoining salons which we have decorated in styles representative of the 19th century, including this magnificent Empire salon .

Designing an Empire-style living room in a castle, mansion, or high-end apartment requires a subtle balance between historical prestige , stylistic coherence , and decorative flexibility .

By mastering the key pieces, noble materials, symmetry and a thoughtful selection of decorative objects, it is possible to create a space that is at once majestic, warm and resolutely timeless.

Contact us if you have a design project; we would be delighted to use our knowledge of 18th and 19th century antiques to find the pieces that suit you, restore them and deliver them to you as soon as possible.