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Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

NAPOLEON III STYLE

Under Napoleon III’s rule, Paris underwent a great rebuilding overseen by Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann, which created grand avenues and lavish landmarks like the Paris Opera. Antique Napoleon III–style furniture was flamboyant and eclectic. It was also known as Second Empire style since it followed and referenced the Empire style of his uncle Napoleon I.

Developing from 1852–70, Napoleon III furniture was plush and ornate, matching the fashion for masked balls and socializing in salons. It borrowed freely from earlier French styles including Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI as well as aesthetics from around the world, from antiquity to Asian art. As writer Gustave Claudin remarked in 1867, the country’s architects worked in “a style which one would be tempted to call neo-Greco-Gothico-Pompadour-Pompeian.”

Napoleon III chairs were completely covered with velvet and lined with tassels; pouf footstools invited people to put up their feet. Sofas were upholstered with tapestries, and beds were adorned with gilt bronze and theatrical canopies. The addition of conservatories to homes led to new indoor-outdoor furniture, while the spirit of hygiene promoted by Baron Haussmann inspired bright, floral motifs.

Although the most ostentatious designs were for the elite, as seen in the Napoleon III apartments preserved in the Louvre, where red velvet, gilding and chandeliers create a cacophony of luxury, these trends influenced homes across classes as manufacturing made design increasingly accessible. Papier-mâché furniture allowed for elaborate shapes that would have been difficult to carve in wood. The malleable material was painted with chinoiserie patterns and decorative designs. It was mass-produced by factories such as Jennens and Bettridge with varnishing and mother-of-pearl inlays creating an effect reminiscent of Asian lacquer. (Surfaces that had been “japanned” — a specialty of Jennens and Bettridge — were intended to resemble lacquer work that was created in East Asia.)

Find a collection of antique Napoleon III decorative objects, tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Napoleon III
Napoleon III style Fleur de Pêcher marble mantel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Napoleon III style Fleur de pêcher marble mantel. Fleur de Pêcher marble is a historic marble, used a lot during the 19th century to make exceptional works of art. For example the ex...
Category

19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

19th Century Napoleon III Brocatelle Marble Column
Located in Lisbon, PT
A brocatelle Jaune marble, set on a square and terraced base with gilted bronze details in Napoleon III style and period, circa 1870 Take into account that the colors on the items m...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Metal, Bronze

Large Wrought Iron Gate in the Napoleon III Style
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Large wrought iron gate in the Napoleon III style.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair Mid-19th Century French Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Framed Panels
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair mid-19th century French hand-forged wrought iron framed panels were painstakingly crafted by an obviously talented metal smith out of red-hot iron to create an artistic window accent that also happens to be exceedingly secure! Hand-forged during the Napoleon III Period which was the beginning of the heydays of the Belle Epoque, each panel is constructed using rivets which is difficult, tedious, and requires considerable skill, but results in a finished work that literally transcends time itself! The classically-inspired architecture of the works are undeniable, as is the subtle French touch in the elegant scrollwork and curvatures. Each is mounted in its original solid pine framework, and because they are hand-forged, are very slightly different in size which is only immediately apparent when they're placed right next to each other. Perfect for adding a timeless Old World touch to your interior or exterior decor...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Stele, Column in Marble and Gilt Bronze from the 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Stele, Column in Marble and Gilt Bronze from the 19th Century. Marble and gilt bronze column from the Napoleon III period, 19th century.   H: 120cm, W: 35cm, D: 35cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Napoleon III Style Lamartine Yellow Marble Fireplace Circa 1880
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Impressive Napoleon III style Lamartine yellow marble fireplace Hearth dimensions: 78 x 98 cm
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

19th Century Fireplace Screen in Gilt Bronze
Located in NICE, FR
This exquisite fireplace screen is crafted in the shape of a peacock and features eight retractable elements. The bronze exhibits superb gilding, with minor signs of wear on the most...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Italian 19th Century Pedestal Column White Lacquer and Gold Leaf, Vine Leaves
Located in Firenze, IT
A highly decorative Italian pedestal column, created in Florence during the “Florence Capital” years of the Kingdom of Italy (circa 1865–1871) and dating to the second half of the 19...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Gold Leaf

Pair of French Empire Style Porcelain Door Handles
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of French Empire style (19/20th Century) round white porcelain door handles with gilt trim and bee design (PRICED AS PAIR).
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Porcelain

Three Pairs of 19th Century Double-Doors Painted in Imitation of Marquetry
Located in Paris, FR
Three pairs of double doors in solid oak, painted in imitation of marquetry (walnut burl, rosewood, sycamore burl). The reserves are surrounded by a gilded wood molding, Two of the...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

19th Century French Napoleon III Style Terra Cotta Cherubin Central Fountain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Napoleon III style, French terra cotta center piece fountain head featuring three cherubs sitting on a large dolphin or dauphin grotesque in different positions, in good c...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Terracotta

Regence Style Fireplace in Breccia Nouvelle Marble
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This large Regence style fireplace was made of Breccia Nouvelle marble in the late 19th century. Its entablature adorned with spandrels is underlined with an oblong moulding. It lay...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Breccia Marble

Charles X Style Carrara Marble Mantel, circa 1880
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Charles X Style Carrara Marble Mantel, circa 1880
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

Pair of Garden Gueridons with Marble Tops and Cast Iron Bases
Located in PARIS, FR
This pair of garden guéridons features an elegant oval shape and embodies the opulence of the Second Empire style. The green-patina cast iron legs, adorned with intricate chimera and...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Iron

19th Century French Napoleon III Period Wooden Column
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful French Napoleon III black painted wooden column. Ideal to show a sculpture. Good condition and quality.
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Belgian Black Marble Mantel, 19th Century
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This beautiful antique Napoleon III style mantel was made in Belgium in the second half of the 19th century. It is a rare and strong piece because of its carved decoration in a very ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Belgian Black Marble

Pair 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Iron Garden Urns
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Iron Garden Urns still show the aged forest green painted finish that was popular during the era, along with a century and a half of pati...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Pair of Ceramic Columns, Late 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of ceramic columns, late 19th century Pair of ceramic columns, imitation Griotte marble, late 19th century. H: 99 cm, d max: 45 cm, d min: 28.5 cm.  
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Large Doble Wooden Interior Door in White Patina Color
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
Antique large double wooden Interior door in white patina color. This pair of doors is adorned with molded panels of varying sizes and light hand...
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

Antique Cast Iron French Door Knocker
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
Antique cast iron French door knocker A gilt cast iron door knocker often described as the hand of Fatima or the hand of Eve. The piece is de...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Bronze helmet spark arrester, 19th century
By Jean-François Théodore Gechter
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Bronze helmet spark arrester, 19th century This bronze spark arrester was made around 1880. Inside an architectural structure chiseled with volutes and leaves, a scalloped outline h...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of large 19th Century green painted Napoleon III urns with handles
Located in Washington, DC
Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Garden Urns. This is an extra large pair of 19th century French cast iron with large decorative exaggerated handles. This pair would work w...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

French Napoleon III Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century Period
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French fireback with a boy on a horse. Napoleon III Period. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request, it can be made black / pewt...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

20th Century French Napoleon III Style 'Cupids' Fireback.
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
20th Century French Napoleon III style fireback with cupids. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request, it can be made black/pewter colored wit...
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

French Napoleon III Style 'Hunter' Fireback / Backsplash, 20th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
20th century French Napoleon III Style 'Hunter' Fireback / Backsplash with a hunting scene. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter patina. It is in good conditi...
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

19th Century French 'Fox and the Grapes' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Beautiful 19th century French fireback featuring the 'Fox and the Grapes' design. The 'Fox and the Grapes' theme is from a fable of Jean de la Fontaine. The fireback is from the Napo...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Large French Napoleon III Period 'Soldiers' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Early 19th century French Napoleon III Period fireback. This product weighs more than 65 kg / 143 lbs. All our products that weigh 66 kg / 146 lbs or more are shipped as standard d...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

French Napoleon III 'Man' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century, Victorian Period
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French fireback. The style of the fireback is Napoleon III Period. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black/p...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Pair of Napoleon Cast Iron Urns
Located in Washington, DC
A pair of Napoleon cast iron urns.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Carrara Marble Mantelpiece
Located in Tyrone, Northern Ireland
Antique French statuary Carrara marble mantelpiece of large scale and great quality. This magnificent Napoleon III style mantelpiece is beautifully carved in the purest of white stat...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Carrara Marble

Napoleon III Fireplace In Black Belgian Or Black Mazy Marble, Circa 1880
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Napoleon III fireplace in black marble from Belgium or black marble from Mazy. Dimensions of the fireplace: 80 x 99 cm
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

Antique Napoleon III fireplace with a woman's profile decoration in a medallion
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Antique Napoleon III style fireplace, made in the 19th century in a semi statuary marble. The entablature is adorned in its centre with a woman's profile in a pearl medallion This fi...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

20th Century Massive Finely Engraved Bronze Pillar or Column, Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Massive finely engraved bronze casting. With richly structured, strongly ornamented. Ending the pillar on four volute-shaped legs. Under the doubly stepped, finely chiselled cover pl...
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Napoleon III Fire Screen, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III 3-panel fireplace screen. The screen is made of brass, iron and iron mesh. It is in a good condition and is fit for use in front of the fireplace.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Brass

Napoleon III Fireplace In Carrara Marble
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Carrara marble fireplace, circa 1880 fireplace dimensions 77 x 110 cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

19th Century French 'Grandy Fils' Fireplace Tools or Fire Tools
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III fireplace tool set, fire irons made of brass. The toolset is signed 'Grandy Fils'. The condition is good.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Napoleon III Fireplace In Carrara Marble Circa 1880
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Napoleon III fireplace in Carrara marble, hearth dimensions 76 x 112cm, repair following splinters on the bottom center of the lintel.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

Column in Green Marble Veneer and Gilt Bronze Decoration, Empire Style
Located in Paris, FR
Sumptuous column sheath in Vert de Mer marble of square section. The front face is decorated with a flaming torch, entwined with ribbons and a crown of branches of thorns in gilded a...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Exceptional Napoleon III period mantel in veined Carrara marble
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Exceptional Napoleon III period mantel in veined Carrara marble, adorned with a rich décor of palmettes and arabesques. This fireplace is sold with a modern cast iron insert adapted...
Category

19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

Important Firewall in Golden Brozne of 19th Century, Epoque Napoleon III
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Important Firewall bronze golden 19th century, Napoleon III Period, large decoration Measures: H 94cm, W 75cm, P 22cm.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

French Louis Napoleon III Style 'Arms of France' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
20th century French Louis Napoleon III style fireback with the arms of France. This is the coat of arms of the House of Bourbon, an originally French royal house that became a major ...
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

20th Century Massive Finely Engraved Bronze Pillar or Column, Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Massive finely engraved bronze casting. With richly structured, strongly ornamented. Ending the pillar on four volute-shaped legs. Under the doubly stepped, finely chiseled cover pla...
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Pietra Dura Pedestal
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive and good quality 19th Century French ebonized Pietra dura inlaid pedestal with wonderful gilded ormolu scrolling foliate mounts, brass stringing. The central panel having carved precious...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Napoleon III Spring Driven Roasting Jack Set
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Functional and beautiful 19th century French Napoleon III roasting jack set made of cast iron, wrought iron, brass, and copper. It is used for cooking in a kitchen fireplace. The set...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Brass, Copper

Prussian Fireplace in Sarreguemines Earthenware, France End of the 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful Prussian fireplace in Sarreguemines enameled earthenware, with enamelled decoration of flowers, arabesques and lion's muzzle. With a hearth base made of cast iron. The w...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of Napoleon III Urns with Original Polychromy
Located in New York, NY
Retaining their original polychromy in the neo-Gothic style, these pieces represent a trend typical of the Second Empire—large planters intended for exterior spaces with either intri...
Category

1870s Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

E. CLAVIER, Andirons with Owls, 1867 World's Fair
By E. Clavier
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This bronze andiron bar was presented at the 1867 Paris Exhibition in Paris and was crafted by the skilled bronzeworker E. Clavier. This piece is a testament to the artistry of E. C...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Napoleon III Spring Driven Roasting Jack
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Functional and beautiful 19th century French Napoleon III roasting jack made of cast iron, wrought iron, brass and copper. It is used for cooking in a kitchen fireplace. The set cons...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Copper, Iron, Wrought Iron

19th Century Pair of Wrought Iron and Bronze Railing Feet
Located in Marseille, FR
19th century pair of foot of banister of staircase in wrought iron, the pines were in silvered bronze unfortunately they were patinated in green, on the other hand can easily find th...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Napoleon III Period Cast Iron Pan XXth century
Located in Beaune, FR
Very pretty cast iron stove richly decorated with characters and arabesques, opening with 2 doors and 1 drawer to collect the ashes. Beautiful work inspired by Napoleon III made in t...
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Napoleon Style Black Noir De Mazy Marble Black Antique Fireplace
Located in Oostvoorne, NL
A magnificent marble fireplace wrapped in black marble: “Noir de Mazy”. An elegant combination of craftsmanship and distinctive styles. Everything about this mantelpiece is right, th...
Category

Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

19th Century French Roasting Jack and Attachments
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III roasting jack and attachments made of wrought iron and brass. The roasting jack can be used for cooking ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

19th Century French Napoleon III Clockwork Roasting Jack
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Functional and beautiful 19th century French Napoleon III roasting jack made of cast iron, wrought iron, brass and copper. It is used for cooking in a kitchen fireplace. The set cons...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Copper, Iron, Wrought Iron

White Carrara Marble Fireplace Circa 1880
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Carrara marble fireplace fireplace dimensions 73.5 x 110.5cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

French Napoleon III Period Fireplace Log Grate
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III Period fireplace grate. The andirons are made of cast iron and a recently forged steel grate. The grate is in a good condition and is fully functional.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

True Pair Of French 19th Century Napoleon III Period Ormolu & Bronze Andirons
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite and monumental true pair of French 19th century Napoleon III Period Renaissance st. Ormolu and patinated Bronze andirons, stamped by F. Barbedienne. Each andiron has an ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Pair of 19th Century French Cast Iron Urns
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning pair of 19th-century French cast iron urns, exuding classical elegance and fine craftsmanship. These decorative urns feature intricately designed scalloped rims that creat...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Napoleon III 'Little Red Riding Hood' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III fireback with little red riding hood and the wolf. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made blac...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Napoleon III Clockwork Roasting Jack
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Functional and beautiful 19th century French Napoleon III roasting jack made of cast iron, wrought iron, brass and copper. It is used for cooking in a kitchen fireplace. The set cons...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Copper, Iron, Wrought Iron

Napoleon III walnut fireplace surmounted by an important alcove
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This impressive fireplace made in walnut wood during the second half of the 19th century shows a very rich and eclectic decoration typical of the Second Empire's taste. Its rolled ja...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Walnut

Napoleon Iii building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III building and garden elements made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Netherlands pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original building and garden elements, popular names associated with this style include Bouhon Frères, Alfred Corneau, Corneau Freres, and Antoine Durenne Foundry. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $111 and tops out at $1,886,228 while the average work can sell for $716.

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