Empire style is known for its antique aristocracy, clarity of form and luxury finishes. He 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 trend 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 was created with the aim of emphasizing wealth, aristocracy and power, greatness and significance. It is both a luxurious but discreet interior.
The origin of style
Today salons of furniture in the Rococo, Baroque, Empire style are very popular . They seemed to have come down from the canvases of the great artists of the past. Empire describes the direction in the art of the 18th century. This style originated in France. Subtle art, charm and at the same time greatness permeates it. Translated from French, empire means "empire." Therefore, pathos and arrogance, theatricality and sophistication reign in it.
The empire corresponds to the era of the reign of the great commander Napoleon Bonaparte. The heyday of the style is 1804. This style lasted from 1799 to 1820. Reigning at that time in society, cultural trends left their mark on this style.
Empire has become the highest point in the development of classicism. This is a rational style, which involves the use of rationality and appropriateness of furniture. He did not appear spontaneously. It was created by the hand of the artist. That is why all design elements look so festive and magnificent. They seem to be painted with a brush on canvas.
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 ancient trend in art and design.
In Russia, at the time of the birth of the Empire, it was considered a 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. Thanks to this, the style was divided into two types. Appeared furniture in the style of Russian Empire, as well as the French direction. In the first embodiment, there was more softness and simplicity. France preferred pretentious pathos, luxury.
Furniture Features
Furniture in the Empire style, the features of which determined its belonging to this particular direction, borrows antique forms. Pilasters, columns, cornices, etc. again appear in the decor elements. Griffins and sphinxes, caryatids and lion paws are present in the decoration of the table surfaces.
These are pompous, monumental products. The creative imagination of the authors was somewhat limited by prudence. However, she preferred to seek to repeat the lifestyle of Ancient Rome. Interiors at this time began to be distinguished by theatricality, screaming decoration with pronounced imitation features.
Empire was clearly regulated. Local schools were simply absent at that time. This was expressed in a certain limitation of creative imagination and accurate mathematical calculation. Symmetry of lines, poise and orderliness became the main features of the empire.
Furniture Items
Empire style furniture is emphasized comfortable. For its manufacture, both dark and light wood species are used. Moreover, on the walls of the products may not be completely divided. The most commonly used material is mahogany. It is decorated with bronze or gilding. Veneering is quite simple, but its execution is perfect. Furniture was trimmed by her. In this case, smoothly polished black and red veneers were used.
Cabinets in the Empire style are massive and monolithic. Their corners are sharp. The decor is symmetrically located on smooth shiny surfaces. The profile of direct cornices is not pronounced.
Many new designs appear in this style. This, for example, a cupboard, sideboard, a bookcase with a trellis, narrow display cases. There are also tables with round worktops for serving. For the seat, a shape such as a recye was developed. This is an elegant short couch. She had a curved shape that resembles the neck of a goose.
French Empire
Upholstered furniture in the Empire style , tables, cabinets and cabinets of the French direction had an emphasized pathos. Symmetry, clear lines, artsy, heavy finishes were characteristic of this particular direction.
For decor, the French Empire uses various motifs. Most often this is a military theme. For example, peaks, swords, torches, laurel wreaths. Pyramids and 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.
Dressers were almost completely replaced by low cabinets, counters with two doors. Their top cover had a marble slab, which served as a console. The furniture was decorated with tall mirrors. Secretaries became completely closed.
Russian Empire
Empire-style furniture was also made in a completely different direction. The Russian version of interior decoration was distinguished by the presence of naturalness and rigor. During its manufacture, ancient forms and drawings, columns and pilasters have been preserved.
However, this was no longer the magnificent French Empire that originated in Europe. The Russian style was distinguished by academicity and restraint. 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 Russian Empire, embroidery began to be used. Colorful paintings brought home warmth to the strict profile of home decoration.
The empire, which was expressed in the objects of the royal palaces, was different from the decor present in the landowner's apartments. The imperial halls and chambers were decorated with armchairs, chairs, sofas made of the most expensive types of wood. Their decoration was artsy and beautiful. Furniture for manor estates was made according to palace models. However, the original sketches were finalized in accordance with the taste preferences of customers. Therefore, in this direction a great freedom of creative thought was determined.
Stalin's Empire
Furniture in the Stalinist Empire style became a reflection of the cultural development of the era of the formation of the USSR. This direction in art became a leader in the 30-50s. last century. A striking example of the style presented was the Stalinist skyscrapers. There was dimensional, heavy furniture from different grades of wood in them, crystal chandeliers and stucco decorated the ceiling. Carved cabinets, curved lines of chairs, velvet became an expression of the Stalinist empire.
This direction combines several styles. As a result, the interior acquired a quality factor, massiveness and rigor. Solid oak trimmed the floor and even the walls. The color scheme consisted of black, green, brown and beige colors. This style has absorbed the classic ancient Roman ideas of art.
Folk furniture
Following the traditions of the heyday of the Empire, the craftsmen began to create not only expensive furniture for the nobility, but also relatively cheap products. At the same time, the main features of the style were preserved. The difference was in the materials used.
Middle-class furniture could afford cheap Empire-style furniture . She was clumsy, but on the whole her appearance corresponded to generally accepted canons.
To give the furniture a luxury, it was actively decorated with bronze trim. For those who could not afford such a decor, the craftsmen offered a gilded papier-mâché, which imitated natural metal. This cheap material was also used to make eagle, lion paws. Furniture could also be decorated with swans, griffins, papier-mâché atlantes and gilding. Egyptian motifs were also found.
Empire today
Modern Empire-style furniture is made from expensive wood (walnut, mahogany, etc.). It is distinguished by impressive dimensions, symmetrical shapes. It looks good in spacious rooms with high ceilings.
An empire style sofa must have pillows, many mirrors are used in the interior and decoration of furniture. Similar surfaces may appear above the bed, above the tables. A classic style is the presence of a mirror over the dressing table.
Many do not dare to use empire for decoration in their apartment or house. He is considered too pathetic. However, a luxurious imperial empire can be made softer and more comfortable. Properly chosen scenery is able to fit every element into the big picture. Upholstered furniture, pillows, proper lighting allow you to create a homely, warm atmosphere.
Features of modern furniture
Choosing the right 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. Upholstery is made of genuine leather or expensive fabric. The couches and sofas are also lined with brocade, velvet or silk. Their backs are also low, but the seat is quite spacious. The frame is made of bronze or wood. Legs are decorated with various ornaments, antique images. Small pillows in the color of the upholstery complement the composition.
Cabinets have impressive dimensions. They are created from heavy solid wood. Decorated with mirrors, gilding and elegant handles. The table may have a rectangular or round shape. Legs necessarily have beautiful bends or antique figures. The beds are large and have a beautiful back. Canopies are sometimes used.
Having considered the features of furniture created in the Empire style, everyone will be able to create a luxurious, unusual interior in an apartment or private house.