Empire (French Empire - empire from lat. imperium - command, power) is an architectural and interior design style, that is a kind of reflection of Roman classics combined with Egyptian motifs. The Empire style is the highest point, and at the same time the final chord of classicism that originated in the second half of the 18th century. This is a style of aristocracy, and it doesn’t go out of fashion to this day.
In this style, everything is designed to show luxury: rich heavy draperies, metal decorations, old engravings, embossing or paintings in beautiful frames on the walls. A design in Empire style is characterized by heaviness, clarity of forms and intricate finishes. Wallpaper can be replaced with fabric and fabric can be used to cover the lampshades of all the lamps in the room.
The particularity of the interior in Empire style lay in mirrors, of which, according to the plan, they had plenty. In addition to their usual places - above a fireplace, between windows - they appeared above beds, on doors, hiding near floor between legs of furniture. In the middle of a boudoir, a psyche mirror, similar to a human height arch, was placed. A whole illusory world was formed from individual mirror reflections. Peculiar "windows" are used even on things: dishes, vases, coffee pots, snuff boxes.
Empire style is characterized by increased attention to lamps - massive crystal bronze chandeliers, multi-track wall lamps. Splendor was emphasized by large shining crystal in combination with metal, that looked luxurious and noble.
Furniture design uses antique, especially Roman architectural forms: columns, pilasters, consoles, cornices and friezes. The supporting parts of tables, armchairs, chairs, sofas are made in the form of ancient herms, sphinxes, griffins, columns and lion paws.
Carving, as a decor, is practically not used. Bronze or gilded linings are used as decorative elements. Favorite motifs are crossed swords and spears, shields and helmets, laurel wreaths.
Furniture has rectangular, massive, closed forms. Profiles and protrusions are rarely used. An important role now is played by texture of material, including quality of wood. Preference was given to dark mahogany. Its smooth surface was decorated with bronze, gilded through fire, with strictly symmetrical patterns.
Both chairs and other seating furniture are hard. Furniture of this style, prefers splendor, at the expense of convenience of use. Chairs are somewhat simpler than armchairs, and their backs are often given the shape of a lyre, which is one of the most common motifs in the decoration of Empire style furnishings.
It is better to give preference to dark-colored furniture (black, chestnut or mahogany). And let it be squat and, in general, it is better to avoid everything high in rooms made in Empire style. In such room, leather furniture and massive floor lamps with fabric shades are also appropriate.
