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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
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

Antique French Napoleon III 'Diana' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French fireback with the goddess Diana. Goddess of hunting, also protector of animals of the forest, especially the young animals. She experienced great pleasure in hunt...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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

19th Century French Napoleon III Wrought Iron Painted Outdoor Daybed
Located in Astoria, NY
Gorgeous mid-19th century authentic French Napoleon III iron daybed, sourced from Provence and beautifully aged with time and wear. This piece showcases hand-wrought ironwork with el...
Category

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

Materials

Iron, Wrought 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 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

19th Century Napoleon III Jardiniere or Planter
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century Napoleon III bronze mounted marquetry jardiniere, or planter, with inlaid veneer of kingwood. Decorated with two hand-painted Se`vres porcelain medallions, one with a ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze, Zinc

A Small Ornate French Cast Iron Coal Grate
Located in London, GB
An incredibly decorative French coal grate, with scrolled foliate , entwined serpents and paw feet. Late 19th century French. Ideal for a small fireplace, bedroom or bathroom etc.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique 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 chiselled cover pl...
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

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

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

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

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

French 'Shepherd' Fireback / Backsplash, Napoleon III Period
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th Century French 'Shepherd' Fireback / Backsplash, Napoleon III Period. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black/pewter color. The condition is good; it does not have c...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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

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

19th Century French Fireplace Screen
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French fireplace screen. Napoleon III Period. The screen has some minor perfections but is still in good condition.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, 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

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

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

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

French Napoleon III Style 'Return from the Hunt' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
20th century French Napoleon III style fireback with a scene of a hunt returning. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter patina. The fireback is in a good cond...
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Napoleon III Marble Fireplace with Caryatids, Unique Creation, 1880
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This beautiful and original fireplace was made in the second half of the 19th century in Carrara marble. Originally put in an appartement in Tarare, near Lyon in France, it is very ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

19th Century French Napoleon III Period Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Fireback / Backsplash depicting a woman with groceries and poultry. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon re...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

French Napoleon III 'Fruit Bowl' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III Period fireback. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter color. The fireback is in a good condition and does not have cracks.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Small French Napoleon III Period 'Diana' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III period fireback with the goddess Diana and a cupid. Goddess of hunting, also protector of animals of the forest, especially the young animals. She ex...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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 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

Large Set of Napoleon III French Antique Exterior Doors with Carved Panels
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
This magnificent set of large exterior double doors are French and from the Napoleon III period. Each panel has hand crafted structural detail of...
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Oak

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

Pair of Napoléon III Wrought Iron Andirons Bust Woman Braids France, circa 1890
Located in Labrit, Landes
Pair of andirons of the period Napoleon III Wrought iron This kind of little pairs of andiron were made for small fireplaces: in bourgeois homes, every room had its own fireplace, as...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Iron

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

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

Rare French 'Buddha' Andirons, Fire dogs, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th Century French Napoleon III Period andirons made of cast iron. They are in a good condition.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

French 'Swan' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century Period
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th Century French fireback with a swan. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black /pewter color. The condition is good, and it does not have cracks.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Pair of Empire Sphinx Chimneys, Brass Andirons, Paris 19th Century Napoleon III
Located in Berlin, DE
Fire-gilt bronze chimneys "aux sphinges". Pedestal standing on a round base with open worked mascaron, tendrils, flowers and bows, on which lies the winged sphinx. Finely chiseled an...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Late 19th Century Italian Napoleon III Antique Column in Green and Yellow Marble
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We offer you this splendid antique column in Italian marble, dating back to the end of the 19th century during the Napoleon III period. A perfect column to become the centerpiece of ...
Category

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

Materials

Marble

French Napoleon III Style Andirons or Firedogs, 20th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
20th century French Napoleon III style andirons made of cast iron fronts and wrought iron beams. The andirons are in good condition.
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Antique French Napoleon III Fireplace Screen or Fire Screen, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III three-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

Brass, Iron

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

Mahogany fireplace mantel and trumeau
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Napoleon III mahogany wood chimney piece and red marble fireplace mantel with full cast iron insert. Beautifully carved, the main feature ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Mahogany

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 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

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

French Napoleon III 'Train' Fireback / Backsplash, 20th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
20th century French Napoleon III fireback with a train. The fireback is made of cast iron. The patina is natural brown. Upon request it can be made black / pewter at no extra costs....
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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

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

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

19th Century Napoleon III Period 'Viticulture' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III period 'Viticulture' fireback/back splash symbolizing the winemaking. The fireback has a black/pewter patina. The condition of the fireback is good ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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

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

Beautiful Neoclassical Noir De Mazy Black Marble Antique Front Fireplace
Located in Oostvoorne, NL
Elegance personified, the Neoclassical Noir De Mazy black marble antique front fireplace is a true masterpiece that commands attention. Crafted with meticulous precision, this statel...
Category

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

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Antique French Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French fireplace grate. The grate consists of two Napoleon III period andirons, made of cast iron, and a recently forged grate, made of wrought iron. The basket is in a...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

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

Return from the Hunt Fireback, France, Napoleon III Style, 20th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
20th century Napoleon III style fireback with a scene of a hunt returning. The fireback has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter color with stove polis...
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

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 'Dated 1813' French Black Napoleon Marble Fireplace
Located in Southall, GB
A 19th century (dated 1813) French black Napoleon marble fireplace with panelled freeze and corner blocks on scrolled legs with acanthus leaf term...
Category

1910s French Vintage Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

French Napoleon III Period 'Arms of France' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III period fireback with the arms of France. The coat of arms consists of a star (symbolizing prestige, honor, and patriotism), and leaves of the palm t...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique French Fireplace Tongs, Fire Tongs, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III period fireplace tongs. They are made of wrought iron with a polished brass handle. The condition is good.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron, Brass

French Napoleon III Style Andirons or Firedogs, Early 20th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Early 20th century French Napoleon III Style fireplace andirons or fire dogs, made of wrought iron. The andirons are in good condition and are fully functional.
Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

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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