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.
to
22
429
45
473
3
Height
to
Width
to
2,933
2,174
1,489
1,333
957
828
797
786
505
496
466
312
300
249
146
139
124
99
3
391
79
3
31
1
2
1
1
415
336
150
94
50
473
435
13
7
3
476
476
476
4
2
1
1
1
Style: Napoleon III
19th Century Napoleon III 'Justice' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French Napoleon III period Justice fireback. The personification of Justice balancing the scales of truth and fairness dates back to the Goddess Maat, and later Isis, of...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
French Napoleon III Period 'Boy with Dog' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
18th - 19th century Napoleon III Period French fireback with a piper and his dancing dog.
The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black/pewter color. It is in good condition an...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
French 'Shepherd' Fireback / Backsplash, Napoleon III Period
Located in Soest, NL
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
19th Century French Napoleon III Fireplace Toolset
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French Napoleon III period fireplace tool set. The tool set consists of tongs, shovel and stand. The tools are made of wrought iron and the stand of brass. The set is in...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century Pair of Blue Bresse Enamel Jardinières
Located in Paris, FR
Late 19th century pair of jardinières in blue enamel from Bresse. Multicolored medallions depicting delicate flowers are framed by white and red enamel beads and gilded arabesques. E...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Enamel
Antique French Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
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
French 'Swan' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century Period
Located in Soest, NL
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
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
Antique French Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
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
Bouhon Frères Fireplace Tool Set, Fire Tools, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French fireplace tool set - fire irons made of brass. Bouhon Frères were prominent French producers of fireplace tools in the 19th century. ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
French Napoleon III Style 'Arms of France' Fireback / Backsplash, 20th Century
Located in Soest, NL
20th century French 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 dynast...
Category
20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
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
19th Century French 'Marie Leszczyńska' Fireback
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French Napoleon III period fireback with Marie Leszczynska, queen of France and wife of king Louis XV. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
French 19th Century Pair of Pietra Dura Pedestals in the Manner of Befort Fils
Located in London, GB
A pair of pedestals in the manner of Befort Fils of Paris
Constructed in bois noirci, dressed with gilt bronzes, and hardstone inlays; rising from incurved serpentine stepped bases, the inverted tapering columns having central hardstone panels...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Clockwork Roasting Jack
Located in Soest, NL
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, Wrought Iron, Iron, Copper
French Napoleon III Period 'Arms of France' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
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 Napoleon III Period Fireplace Fender, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
Beautiful 19th century French Napoleon III period fire fender. The fender is made of cast iron, wrought iron and brass. The condition is good.
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Iron, Wrought Iron
French Napoleon III Style 'Return from the Hunt' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
20th century French Napoleon III style fireback with a scene of a hunt returning.
The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black...
Category
20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
French Napoleon III Style Andirons or Firedogs
Located in Soest, NL
19th-20th century French Napoleon III style andirons made of wrought iron.
The andirons are in good condition and fit for use in the fireplace.
This product has to be shipped as f...
Category
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Antique French Napoleon III 'Little Red Riding Hood' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
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
Napoleon III Fireplace Set with Bronze Greek Gods and Black Marble
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Beautiful antique fireplace set consisting of a clock and a pair of cassolettes. The black marble clock rests on lions' feet and is surmounted by a bronze engraved Medici vase with eight faces of Greek...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Small Antique French Napoleon III Fireback / Backsplash, 19th C.
Located in Soest, NL
Small 19th century French fireback. The style of the fireback is Napoleon III and it is from that period.
The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon req...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Antique French Napoleon III 'Good Samaritan' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th C.
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French fireback with the parable of the good Samaritan. The style of the fireback is Napoleon III and it is from that period.
The fireback is made of cast iron and has...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
French Napoleon III Period Fireback / Backsplash, 19th C.
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French Napoleon III period fireback depicting a woman.
The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter. The...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Antique French Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate, with Dogs, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French fireplace grate with dogs. The grate consists of two Napoleon III period andirons, made of cast iron, and a recently forged grate, made of wrought iron. The baske...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron, Iron
Aurora, Goddess of the Dawn, Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French fireback with the goddess Aurora. She renews herself every morning and announces the arrival of the sun.
The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brow...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Antique French Napoleon III Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French Napoleon III period fireback.
The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter patina. 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
19th - 20th Century French 'The Cobbler and the Financier' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
Late 19th or early 20th Century French Napoleon III period fireback.
The fable of the cobbler and the financier (Jean de la Fontaine 1621-1695). A financier's troubled rest is inte...
Category
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
19th Century French 'Louis XV' Fireback
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French Napoleon III period fireback depicting king Louis XV. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black or pewte...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Small French 'Napoleon' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th C.
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French Napoleon III period fireback with Napoleon and his eagle.
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
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
French Louis Napoleon III Style 'Arms of France' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
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
French Louis Napoleon III Style 'Arms of France' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
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
French Napoleon III Period 'Diana' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th C.
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French Napoleon III period fireback with the goddess Diana and a weeping cupid. Goddess of hunting, also protector of animals of the forest, especially the young animals...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
French Napoleon III Period 'Arms of France' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
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 Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
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
Antique French Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
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
Antique Fireback / Backsplash with an Allegory of France, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French fireback. The style of the fireback is Napoleon III and it is from that period.
The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Antique French 'Napoleon' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French Napoleon III fireback with Napoleon Bonaparte. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a black / pewter patina. The condition is good, without cracks.
...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Antique French Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
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
French Napoleon III Style 'Man' Fireback / Backsplash, 20th C.
Located in Soest, NL
20th century French fireback. The style of the fireback is Napoleon III.
The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewte...
Category
20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Aurora, Goddess of the Dawn, Fireback / Backsplash, 20th Century
Located in Soest, NL
20th century French fireback with the goddess Aurora. She renews herself every morning and announces the arrival of the sun.
The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brow...
Category
20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
19th Century French Napoleon III Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French fireback, Napoleon III period, with two women.
The fireback has a black patina. It is in a good condition and does not have cracks.
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Antique French Fireplace Tools or Fire Tools, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th Century French Napoleon III fireplace tool set. The toolset consists of a stand and three fire irons. Made of brass. It is in a good condition and is fully functional.
...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
French Napoleon III Style 'The Hunter' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
20th century French Napoleon III style fireback with a hunter.
The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter at no ext...
Category
20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Antique French Fireplace Tools or Fire Tools, 19th-20th Century
Located in Soest, NL
Late 19th or early 20th century French Napoleon III fireplace tool set. The toolset consists of a stand and two fire irons. Made of wrought iron, brass and cast iron. It is in a good...
Category
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron, Brass
Antique Dutch Game Rack, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century Dutch crown used for hanging game and birds. The crown is made of wrought iron and is in a good condition.
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Antique French Napoleon III Fireplace Screen or Fire Screen, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
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
French Napoleon III Andirons or Firedogs, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French Napoleon III andirons made of cast iron. The andirons are in a good condition.
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Antique French Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French Napoleon III fireplace grate, made of cast iron and wrought iron. The andirons represent Alsace. The basket is in a good condition and is fully functional.
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Antique French Fireplace Tools or Fire Tools, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French Napoleon III period fireplace tool set. The toolset consists of a stand and two fire irons. The stand is made of polished brass and the tools are made of wrought ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Large Antique French Fireplace Tongs, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
Large 19th century French Napoleon III fireplace tongs made of wrought iron. The handle is decorated with brass. The fire tongs are in a good condition and are fully functional.
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
19th Century, Large French Trivet
Located in Soest, NL
Large 19th century, French Napoleon III period trivet.
For heating up a pan or to keep it warm in and in front of the fire. Still in a good working condition.
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
19th Century French Napoleon III Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
19th Century Napoleon III fireback with a christian orb and stars.
The fireback has a black / pewter patina and is in a good condition.
This product weighs more than 65 kg / 143 lb...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Antique French 'Mars' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French Napoleon III period fireplace fireback with the god mars. God of strength, fertility and protector of cattle.
The fireback is made of cast iron black / pewter pa...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Antique French Napoleon III 'Cupids' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French Napoleon III period fireback with cupids harvesting. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Antique French Napoleon III Andirons or Firedogs, 19th Century
Located in Soest, NL
19th century French Napoleon III fireplace andirons or fire dogs, made of wrought iron. The andirons are in a good condition and are fully functional.
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Large 19th Century French Napoleon III Fireplace Toolset
Located in Soest, NL
Large 19th century French Napoleon III period fireplace tool set. The tool set consists of tongs, shovel and stand. The tools and stand are made of wrought iron, cast iron and brass....
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron, 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.