Collection

Empire Collection

The crown of crystal that lit the First Empire, made to order for the rooms of today.

The empire chandelier takes its shape from a crown: strands of cut crystal rise from a lower basket to a tapered canopy, so the whole fixture reads as a single luminous form rather than a frame with lights attached. It arrived in Paris with the Napoleonic court and has never really left; it is the chandelier most people picture when they hear the word.

Ours are strung by hand in clear faceted crystal on chrome, gold and antique brass frames. The collection runs from compact single-tier pieces for a dining room with an eight-foot ceiling to four- and five-tier fixtures over seven feet tall for double-height halls, with matching flush mounts and sconces so a whole house can be lit in one language.

Because the empire form is a column, it is forgiving of tall, narrow spaces: stairwells, entries and galleries where a wide chandelier would feel crowded. Tell us the ceiling height and we will advise on the number of tiers.

Questions we are asked

What finish suits an empire chandelier?

Chrome reads crisp and contemporary against the crystal; gold and antique brass warm the light and suit traditional rooms. Most pieces are offered in both and can be made in bronze or nickel on request.

Can an empire chandelier be used in a modern interior?

Yes, and often to great effect. A single-tier empire piece in chrome over a plain table, or a very large one in an otherwise minimal foyer, gives a room its one moment of ornament.

How are the crystals attached?

Each strand is hung by hand on a wire frame with pinned connectors, so individual drops can be replaced. Spare crystals are supplied with every piece.