All about : Antique Empire Sofa

An antique sofa Empire is an absolute find for many collectors. This beautiful piece of furniture graced the most modern halls for much of 1800.History of the Empire Style
The Empire style began in France during the reign of Napoleon (1804-1815). Napoleon and his court believed that by creating interest in ancient Rome, and compared to August Caesar, Napoleon, could change the French form of government from a republic to an empire is not caused protest. Part of this plan was implemented to encourage the Roman inspired style in fashion and decorating the house. Patterns were a symbol of (and to) Napoleon used with decorative designs of Rome.
In early 1850, Napoleon III took control in France and the Napoleonic style was born. This included the patterns and design components of the empire, but drew another historic French forms such as:

    * Gothic
    * Renaissance
    * Louis XIV (also known as Baroque)
    * Louis XV (also known as the Rococo)
    * Louis XVI (also known as Neoclassical)
The Second Empire style became popular in the United States in the 1850's and was inspired fashion, architecture and interior design for the next fifty years.Patterns and materials of the Empire style
Patterns used were those favored by Napoleon. The symbols used as its own, those who represented various military coups, and was especially this somehow was carved, mosaics, sculptures and create the Empire style. These include:

    * Monograms
    * Bees (symbol of Napoleon)
    * Egyptian motifs
          o Sphinx
          o winged lions
          o Scarabs
    * Military patterns
          o Medals
          o Prizes
          Spears o
    * Cornucopia
    * Acanthus leaf
    Honeysuckle *
    * Animal Feet Foot
    * Ball and Claw feet
    * Legs Go
    * Dolphins
    * Eagles
Many different types of materials used in the Empire and the Second Empire style, but the most popular were:

    * Mahogany
    * Ebony
    * Compressed paper
    * Iron
    * The mother of pearl, mosaic
    * Ivory, special inserts
    * Gilt
    * Faux Bamboo
    * Rosewood
    * Maple
Other Components Design
Other design elements that characterized the Second Empire style was purely American.

    * Sculptures were bold and deep without much detail.
    * The oversize pattern was almost over supply.
    * Scrolls were structural, a part of the furniture and not just an embellishment.
    * Items were stenciled.
    * Geometric shapes were favored, but without the smooth lines of the period of Art Deco.
    * Veneers used.
    * Go over and curule (X shape) used to walk on antique Empire sofas and chairs.
The mid-century Transition
At the end of the 1850 classic imperial style with geometric lines were slowly transformed by the love of Victorian opulence and curves. Sofa backs became more rounded and curves. Weapons were more padded and details increase. Until the 1870's the backs were often tufted sofa.
The number of curves in the back of the sofa could vary from a smooth and gentle curve in many, almost circular design elements. During the first rail projects over the rear were almost always exposed and carved. As time passed the wallpaper was a major part of the design.
This trend continued during the Victorian period, ending in 1920, when Art Deco and modern styles were coming into fashion.Reset Empire Sofa
If you're lucky enough to own one of these beautiful pieces of furniture history, you may need some restoration. It is always best to have an appraiser look at it and advise you what to do. Sometimes refinishing and other repairs may degrade the value and historical significance of the piece. Sometimes it is better to leave some signs of age and only if possible. When these repairs should be done is best to have someone who specializes in restoring antique to do.
In general, however, re-upholstery is essential. Some people do not care about historical accuracy when it comes to the fabric that is on their couch. If you want to be historically accurate, then here are some tips:

    * Look for signs of the original fabric. Many times there will be a bit stuck on a nail or nails can give you an idea of what the original color and design was.
    * Look antique sites and museums online for images of the Empire sofas.
    * Some fabrics and wallpapers sites specialize in period appropriate designs. These can be a great help if you know approximately when was your sofa.
    * Some suggested fabrics and colors are as follows:
          o satin or silk Damask
          o Velvet
          o tassels
          o Braid
          o Apple Green
          o malachite green
          o Gold
          o Burgundy
          o Royal Blue