This style was very popular through out most of Northern Europe, especially in Austria, Germany, and Hungary. An old world style refined during early 1800’s, it has evolved in to many sub styles in the course of the last century. Also some times recognized as “Biedermeier”, this style was considered to be the style guide for rich and indolent bourgeois of the day.

Spotting an empire home is tricky and the earlier method to describe these homes based on the style of furniture might be too confusing. Due to the variety of woods used for furniture, it is impossible to identify the style simply by color or contrast alone. It is necessary to learn to recognize the details and forms, which characterize the style. An essential point to be noted while recognizing will be the presence of lots of motifs on furniture and accessories; simple forms of swans, dolphins, sphinx, lion paws, acanthus and garlands are probably widely used. Carving was used sparingly for executing receded lines and classical accents. The elements of classical architecture, such as pediments, arches, domes, columns, cornices, and molding enhanced the simple clean lines of many pieces. Typically, drawers did not have pulls. They were opened by keys for their respective locks. The simple molded bases and crowns of chests and secretaries, the sleek tapered legs of chairs with open, gracefully curved backs, and massive sofas with their exaggerated lines and rolled arms all typify details of the style.

Empire styles home are known for great lavishness in the display of fabulous paintings, gilding, the use of bronze mountings and very rich textiles. Another identifiable feature is the excellent use of architecture, mostly Corinthian in nature at times with an admixture of Egyptian influences. Decorating an empire room is a delicate thing of art, requiring knowledge of intricate medieval arts. Empire décor varies often with place to place with minute variations. Some of the salient features of style guide are:

• Walls, as a clear rule, are to be decorated well. Pictures, mirrors or painted panels adorn middle portions, while the frieze will contain molded or painted figures, undraped or in classic drapery, trophies, or the anthemion and palmettos.

• Ceilings are also lavishly decorated, with minimum details neither strong nor clear for pictorial considerations.

• Extensive usage of bronze mountings framed mirrors is quite common; male and female figurines are favorites in some homes.

• Usage of low color tones. Walls and ceilings have backgrounds of buff and grey with garlands, trophies etc in lighter shades of brown, pale and dark yellows, dull greens and reds.

• Furniture is heavy and exquisite and made of maple, cherry and fruitwood. Mahogany is also used in some cases. The upholstery can be tough, seasoned leather and in pale brownish or creamy color.

• Fabric are grand and elegant, mostly drapery cotton with inlays of silk. Often the fabric used is bulky as seen in the tall drapery over big windows. Fabric are plain and simple with very basic colors like pale green, browns and any other lighter tones.

• Occasional use of ornamentals in a simple brass or Chinese Ming on a delicate side or window table.

• Carpets are bare minimum and usually adorn the floor near the coffee table and chairs.

• Flooring is made of smooth bricks and polished just enough for a rough shine.

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