Empire furniture moves towards elegant sobriety. Its lines are straight and majestic. Moulding, carving and marquetry become very rare. The pieces have sharp edges and rectangular shapes. In the early stages of the style, light or dark mahogany are spotlighted: burled, moiré, flamed, birds-eye, solid or veneered. Banned from import in 1806, it was then replaced by other species of wood: elm, walnut, ash.
The distinguishing decorations of Empire style borrow from ancient and military motifs: sphinxes, the lotus, chimeras, swans, the imperial eagle, stars. The bronzes are symmetrically placed. New furniture pieces make their appearance: cheval mirror, nightstand, vanity stand, pedestal table, sleigh bed, bookcase, chiffonier cabinet.
