Empire style is known for its antique aristocracy, clarity of form and luxury finishes. It became a vivid reflection of the historical reign of Napoleon Bonaparte. Empire is expressed in the whole direction of art, architecture and design. The classic direction in interior design is filled with grace, unique taste and charm.
Empire style furniture can be called a work of art. She absorbed the main features of the presented direction. Empire style was created to emphasize we alth, aristocracy and power, grandeur and significance. This is both a luxurious yet discreet interior.
The birth of style
Today furniture stores in the Rococo, Baroque and Empire styles are very popular. They seem to have descended from the canvases of the great artists of the past. Empire characterizes the trends in art of the 18th century. This style originated in France. Subtle art, charm and at the same time grandeur pervades it. Translated from French, Empire means "empire". Therefore, pathos and arrogance, theatricality and refinement reign in it.
Empirecorresponds to the era of the reign of the great commander Napoleon Bonaparte. The heyday of the style is considered to be 1804. This style existed from 1799 to 1820. The prevailing moods in society at that time, cultural currents left their mark on this style.
Empire became the highest point in the development of classicism. This is a rationalistic style, which involves the use of rationality and expediency of furniture. He did not appear spontaneously. It was created by the hand of an artist. That is why all the design elements look so festive and gorgeous. They seem to be painted on canvas with a brush.
Empire features
Empire is an artificially created style. He inherited the features of several great civilizations. First of all, it reflected the cultural views of Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt.
The name of the style can also be translated from Latin. In this case, it will sound like "power". This is precisely the main meaning of the old trend in art and design.
In Russia, at the time of the birth of the Empire style, it was considered good form to imitate French culture. Therefore, the emerging trends in the design of interiors, furniture and accessories were immediately adopted by the elite of Russian society. Due to this, the style was divided into two types. Furniture appeared in the Russian Empire style, as well as the French direction. In the first version, there was more softness and simplicity. France, on the other hand, preferred pretentious pathos, luxury.
Furniture Features
Empire style furniture,whose features determined its belonging to this particular direction, borrows ancient forms. Pilasters, columns, cornices, etc. reappear in decorative elements. Griffins and sphinxes, caryatids and lion paws are present in the decorations of table surfaces.
These are pompous, monumental items. The creative imagination of the authors was somewhat limited by prudence. However, the nobility preferred to strive to repeat the way of life of Ancient Rome. The interiors at that time began to be distinguished by theatricality, flashy decoration with pronounced imitation features.
Empire was clearly regulated. Local schools at that time were simply absent. This was expressed in some limited creative imagination and precise mathematical calculation. The symmetry of the lines, balance and orderliness have become the main features of the Empire style.
Furniture
Furniture in the Empire style is emphatically comfortable. For its manufacture, both dark and light woods are used. Moreover, articulations may be completely absent on the walls of products. The most commonly used material is mahogany. It is decorated with bronze or gilding. The veneer is quite simple, but its execution is perfect. The pieces of furniture were finished with it. In this case, smoothly polished black and red veneers were used.
Empire style wardrobes are massive and monolithic. Their corners are sharp. The decor is symmetrically placed on smooth shiny surfaces. The profile of straight cornices is not pronounced.
There are many new designs in this style. These are, for example, a cabinet-slide, a sideboard, a bookcase with a trellis, narrow showcases. There are also tables with round tops for serving. For the seat, a form such as recamier was developed. This is an elegant short couch. It had a curved shape that resembles the neck of a goose.
French Empire
Upholstered furniture in the Empire style, tables, cabinets and cupboards of the French direction had an underlined pathos. Symmetry, clear lines, artsy, heavy finishes were typical for this particular direction.
French Empire uses various motifs for decoration. Most often it is a military theme. For example, peaks, swords, torches, laurel wreaths. Pyramids, trophies could also be depicted. The letter N was engraved on some pieces of furniture. It symbolized the power of Napoleon, glorifying the great emperor and conqueror.
Chests of drawers were almost completely replaced by low cabinets, counters with two doors. Their top cover had a marble slab that acted as a console. The furniture was decorated with tall mirrors. The secretaries have become completely closed.
Russian Empire style
Furniture in the Empire style was also made in a completely different direction. The Russian version of the design of interior items was distinguished by the presence of naturalness and rigor. During its manufacture, antique forms and drawings, columns and pilasters were preserved.
However, it was no longer the magnificent French Empire that originated in Europe. The Russian style was academic and reserved. All elements of the interior fit into the overall picture, were designed in the same style. In addition to mahogany, material painted “under the old birch” began to be used. Also, when decorating furniture in the Russian Empire style, embroidery began to be used. Colorful paintings brought home warmth to the strict profile of interior items.
Empire, which was expressed in the objects of the royal palaces, differed from the decor present in the landowner's apartments. Imperial halls and chambers were decorated with armchairs, chairs, sofas made of the most expensive types of wood. Their decoration was elaborate and beautiful. Furniture for landowners' estates was made according to palace samples. However, the original sketches were finalized in accordance with the taste preferences of customers. Therefore, greater freedom of creative thought was determined in this direction.
Stalin Empire style
Furniture in the style of the Stalinist Empire became a reflection of the cultural development of the era of the formation of the USSR. This trend in art became a leader in the 30-50s. the last century. Stalin's skyscrapers became a vivid example of the presented style. They had oversized, heavy furniture made of different types of wood, the ceiling was decorated with crystal chandeliers and stucco. Carved wardrobes, curved lines of chairs, velvet became an expression of the Stalinist Empire style.
This direction combines several styles. As a result, the interior acquiredquality, solidity and rigor. The floor and even the walls were trimmed with solid oak. The color scheme consisted of black, green, brown and beige paints. This style has absorbed classical ancient Roman art ideas.
Folk furniture
Following the traditions of the heyday of the Empire, craftsmen began to create not only expensive furniture for the nobility, but also relatively cheap items. At the same time, the main features of the style were preserved. The difference was in the materials used.
Inexpensive furniture in the Empire style could afford to buy the middle class. She was clumsy, but in general her appearance corresponded to generally accepted canons.
To add luxury to the furniture, it was actively decorated with bronze finishes. For those who could not afford such decor, the craftsmen offered gilded papier-mâché, which imitated natural metal. This cheap material was also used to make eagle and lion paws. Furniture could also be decorated with swans, griffins, papier-mâché and gilding atlantes. There were also Egyptian motifs.
Empire today
Modern Empire style furniture is made from expensive woods (walnut, mahogany, etc.). It is distinguished by impressive dimensions, symmetrical shapes. It looks good in spacious rooms with high ceilings.
A sofa in the Empire style must have pillows, a lot of mirrors are used in the interior and decoration of furniture. Similar surfaces can be above the bed, above the tables. A classic style is the presence of a mirror abovedressing table.
Many do not dare to use the Empire style for decoration in their apartment or house. It is considered too pretentious. However, the luxurious imperial empire can be made softer and more comfortable. Properly selected decorations are able to fit each element into the overall picture. Upholstered furniture, pillows, proper lighting allow you to create a homely, warm atmosphere.
Features of modern furniture
Correctly choosing furniture for the living room in the Empire style, you can achieve a stunning effect. Antique luxury can be combined with modern design. At the same time, the interior is original, interesting and exciting.
Chairs in this style have low backs. Their shape is curved, and the dimensions are impressive. The upholstery is made of genuine leather or expensive fabric. Couches, sofas are also sheathed with brocade, velvet or silk. Their backs are also low, but the seat is quite spacious. The frame is made of bronze or wood. The legs are decorated with various ornaments, antique images. Small pillows matching the color of the upholstery complete the composition.
Cabinets are impressive. They are made from heavy solid wood. Decorated with mirrors, gilding and graceful handles. The table can be rectangular or round. The legs necessarily have beautiful curves or antique figures. The beds are large and have a beautiful headboard. Canopies are sometimes used.
After considering the features of furniture created in the Empire style, everyone can create a luxurious, unusual interior in an apartment or private house.
