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.
Antique French Porcelain Centerpiece or Bowl
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty 19th century French porcelain centerpiece decorated in blue, white and gold, having an extravagant composition with cherubs and mythological cats joined by a brass chain around...
Brass
Exquisite Napoleon III French Ormolu Figural Basket Centerpiece, Circa 1880
By Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
An exquisite Napoleon III French ormolu figural basket centerpiece, Circa 1880, Attributed to Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley. Depicting four mercury-gilded bronze ormolu cherubs holding a basket, the base with trophies and scrolling. This monumental centerpiece...
Ormolu
Marble Bowl, 20th Century, Napoleon III Style.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Marble bowl, 20th century, Napoleon III style. A 20th century grey marble bowl in the Napoleon III style. Dimensions : H: 24cm, D: 35cm Contact us before ordering to confirm produc...
Marble
Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870
By Louis-Constant Sevin, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870, The Design Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin. An exceptional qualit...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Paris Porcelain, Floral Bowl with Tritons, France, circa 1870
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful polychrome porcelain bowl with a turquoise ground inspired by Sèvres “celestial blue,” enriched with a gilt decoration of scattered lozenge motifs dotted with small flowers...
Bronze
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Footed Shell Dish/ Vide-Poche
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Footed Shell Dish/Vide-Poche France, circa 1870s An exquisite Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Footed Shell Dish/Vide-Poche from France, circa the 1870s. This...
Ormolu
Ferdinand Barbedienne, a French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sevin
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870, The Design Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin. An exceptional qualit...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Napoleon III Papier-Mâché Catchall, France, circa 1880
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Elegant French Napoleon III papier-mâché catchall dating from the late 19th century. The piece features a deep black lacquered finish enhanced by delicate gilt decoration and mother-of-pearl inlays. Its sculptural, scalloped form is divided into several radiating compartments, each embellished with finely painted floral motifs and shimmering inlaid details. The central medallion presents an intricate figurative scene, while the raised back incorporates an openwork handle for easy carrying. A richly decorative example of Napoleon III craftsmanship, combining an elaborate silhouette with the refined contrast of black lacquer, gold and iridescent mother-of-pearl. Style : Napoleon III Second Empire Victorian Key Features : France, circa 1880 Papier-mâché construction Black lacquered finish Mother-of-pearl inlays Gilt painted decoration Figurative central scene Floral motifs Multiple radiating compartments Scalloped and lobed silhouette Openwork carrying handle Late 19th-century French craftsmanship Decorative and functional object Keywords : Napoleon III catchall, French papier mâché, papier mâché tray, 19th century French decor, circa 1880, Second Empire decorative object, black lacquer catchall, mother of pearl inlay, mother of pearl tray, gilt decorated tray, French Victorian decor, antique catchall, antique French tray, Napoleon III decorative arts, black and gold tray...
Paper composite
Pair Antique Paris Porcelain Botanical Dishes Hand Painted Flowers Circa 1850
Located in Katonah, NY
This pair of Paris porcelain botanical dishes is hand-painted with finely observed flowering plants rendered in soft purple-pink tones with fresh gree...
Porcelain
$305Sale Price|31% Off
Green Glass Basket Center Piece or Empty Pocket, French circa 1900
Located in Labrit, Landes
French green molded glass basket, to be used as a center piece or empty pocket. Decorated with vegetal and floral motifs on imitation wickerwork. Good condition Shipping: 10 ...
Glass
$5,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair 19th C. Christofle Silvered Bronze Putti & Crystal Centerpieces
By Christofle
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair 19th C. Christofle Silvered Bronze Putti and Crystal Centerpieces France, circa 1875 Highlighting the extraordinary skill of Christofle’s makers, this exquisite pair of 19th-ce...
Crystal, Bronze
Bronze cup Barbedienne
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Bronze cup Barbedienne Bronze gilt stripper Barbedienne Foundry Excellent condition with no restorations Origin France Circa 1940 Napoleon III style Founded by former Parisian wallpa...
Bronze
Bohemian Crystal Overlay Bowl, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bohemian crystal Overlay bowl, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A Napoleon III period crystal bowl, 19th century, in red and white Bohemian Overlay crystal. H: 24.5cm. D: 23.5cm
Crystal
Painted Porcelain and Gilded Bronze Bowl, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th century bowl, Napoleon III period, in painted porcelain and gilded bronze, Louis XV style. Dimensions : H: 29cm, W: 46cm, D: 24cm Contact us before ordering to confirm product...
Bronze
Mid-19th Century Hand-Painted French Porcelain Urn, Napoleon III Style
Located in Stockbridge, GA
19th century French porcelain urn painted with polychrome decoration.
Porcelain
Crystal Bowl With Gilded and Silver-Plated Bronze, Fish Motifs, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Crystal bowl with gilded and silver-plated bronze, featuring fish motifs, 19th century. 19th-century bowl from the Napoleon III era, made of crystal with gilded and silver-plated b...
Crystal, Bronze
Pair of Opaline and Gilded Brass Baskets, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of opaline and gilded brass baskets, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Pair of 19th-century baskets, Napoleon III period, made of opaline and gilded brass. H: 23 cm, W: 22 cm,...
Opal, Brass
French Bronze Vide-Poche with Rooster by Auguste Cain, 19th Century
By Auguste Cain
Located in New York, NY
This finely cast 19th-century French bronze vide-poche takes the form of a broad, naturalistically modeled leaf, animated by a sculptural rooster perched upon a rocky outcrop at one ...
Bronze
A Sèvres Style Porcelain Covered Bowl, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A Sèvres style porcelain covered bowl, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A Sèvres style porcelain covered bowl decorated with a gallant scene, gilt bronze mounting, 19th century, N...
Bronze
19th Century Yellow Floral Porcelain Trinket Dish, circa 1890
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A charming late 19th-century porcelain vide-poche, circa 1890, distinguished by its wonderfully vibrant yellow ground and delicate hand-painted floral decoration. The softly squared...
Porcelain, Paint
Regulate Pocket Tray , XIXth century
Located in Beaune, FR
Regulate pocket tray supported by pierrot, harlequin and polichinelle. Good condition. Dimensions Height 15cm Width 24cm Depth 12cm
Bronze
$1,432Sale Price|36% Off
19th Century Napoleon III Sèvres Style Porcelain and Bronze Centerpiece
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An exquisite 19th century Napoleon III compote, or centrepiece, in delicate Sèvres style porcelain and gilt bronze. Designed to grab all the attention as the decorative focal point o...
Bronze
Napoleon III Gilt Brass Woven Oval Basket, France, 1870s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Napoleon III Gilt Brass Woven Oval Basket, France, 1870s 13" W × 10.5" D × 3" H Elegant and finely executed, this Napoleon III–period gilt brass oval basket, France, circa the 1870...
Brass
A Catchall – France - Napoleon III Era
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A superb boiled cardboard catchall from the Napoleon III era. Its refined shape, adorned with delicate golden tile motifs on a black background, perfectly embodies the elegance of th...
Other
Shell-Shaped Catchall or fruit bowl – France - Napoleon III Era
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A superb boiled cardboard catchall or fruit bowl from the Napoleon III era. Its refined scallop shell shape, adorned with delicate golden tile motifs on a black background, perfectly...
Other
Shell-Shaped Catchall or fruit bowl – France - Napoleon III Era
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A superb boiled cardboard catchall or fruit bowl from the Napoleon III era. Its refined scallop shell shape, adorned with delicate golden tile motifs on a black background, perfectly...
Other
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
1880s Victorian Bronze Tazza Centerpiece Fruit Bowl Cherub Sea Creature Napoleon
By Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley
Located in Hyattsville, MD
An unpolished patinated French 19th century cast bronze Tazza bowl supported by three seated cherubs in fine details, on a tripod of sea creatures; fish and turtles. Very heavy. Proc...
Bronze
Large Crystal and Silver-Plated Bronze Bowl, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large crystal and silver-plated bronze bowl, 19th century, Napoleon III period. 19th-century bowl from the Napoleon III period, made of crystal and silver-plated bronze. H: 24.5 cm,...
Crystal, Silver Plate
A 19th C French Wirework Log Carrier Basket This is a charming piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A 19th C French Wirework Log Carrier Basket This is a charming piece based on the design of a French Tuileries Flower Basket, it is made in heavy wrought iron, one thing to point o...
Iron
Antique Napoleon III Gilt Metal Dish, 19th Century Decorative Tazza
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th century Napoleon III dish from France is worked in richly toned metal. Its gilt detailing gives the piece a distinct, well-considered character. As a dish, it was built for...
Metal
Austrian Napoleon III Style Ceramic and Gilt Bronze Centerpiece Jardinière
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
19th Century Austrian Napoleon III Style Ceramic and Gilt Bronze Centerpiece Jardinière Elegant and richly detailed, this exceptional Napoleon III style centerpiece jardinière was c...
Bronze
19th Century French Porcelain Allegorical Charger
Located in Houston, TX
19th century French porcelain Allegorical charger. Stunning 19th century French hand decorated, artist-signed allegorical porcelain charger. This b...
Porcelain, Faience
Covered Bowl in Red and Gold Bohemian Crystal, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Covered bowl in red and gold Bohemian crystal, 19th century. A 19th century red and gold Bohemian crystal covered bowl, Napoleon III period. Dimensions : H: 38cm, D: 14cm Contact ...
Crystal
Late 19th Century Napoleon III Empire Gilt Bronze Putti and Marble Centerpiece
Located in Berlin, DE
Late 19th Century French Empire gilt bronze putti and marble centerpiece The centerpiece stands on a triangular, fluted base with arched feet; on th...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Oval Tole Tray with Painted Genre Scene
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a cocktail table, ottoman, or wall with this elegant antique tray from France, crafted circa 1870. Oval in form, the large tole platter features a deep black ground framed w...
Tôle
$973 / set
2 Cut Crystal Bowls, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Two oval cut crystal bowls, from the 19th century Small chips and a few bubbles Height 10.5cm 21 x 13.5 cm These cups can be kept as is, but also set in mounts: base dimensions 17...
Crystal
Shell-Shaped Catchall or fruit bowl – France - Napoleon III Era
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A superb boiled cardboard catchall or fruit bowl from the Napoleon III era. Its refined scallop shell shape, adorned with delicate golden tile motifs on a black background, perfectly...
Other
ClassiCon Bowl for firewood, mod. 1191
Located in Greding, DE
Elegant polished steel bowl for firewood with curved surface and cylindrical feet. Stamped on the rim ClassiCon 1191.
Steel
Pair of French 19th Century Dore and Patinated Bronze Handled Tazzas w/ Putti
Located in New York, NY
A fantastic pair of French 19th century Napoleon III period patinated and dore bronze tazzas/centerpieces. Each circular tazza top is beautifully patinated and further decorated with...
Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Hand-Painted Tole Tray with Coastal Scene
Located in Dallas, TX
Serve or display with this elegant antique tole tray, crafted in France circa 1870 during the Napoleon III period. The oval metal platter is fitted with integrated side handles and f...
Tôle
G. Denière, "Cupids" Bowl, France, circa 1870
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful oval-shaped bowl with flared edges, in engraved crystal with floral interlacing decoration. It is enclosed in an elegant openwork frame in chiseled and gilded bronze with e...
Crystal, Bronze
$2,245Sale Price|30% Off
A Gilt Bronze and Violet Crystal Square Bowl, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A gilt bronze and violet crystal square bowl, very fine chasing of the bronze, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Contact us before ordering to confirm...
Crystal, Bronze
Crystal Element, 19th Century, Cups and Bouquetière
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Crystal element, 19th century, Goblets and Bouquetière, Napoleon III Pair of cups: W 27cm, D 22cm, H 7cm Flower girl: H 17cm, D 17cm. Contact us before ordering to confirm product ...
Crystal
1950s Giltwood Neoclassical Florentine Wood Box Acanthus Leaves Claw Feet Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Giltwood Florentine Box, Bowl or Centerpiece crafted out of one piece of Wood, comes with four claw feet. Features a custom piece from Florentina, Italy with hand ...
Giltwood, Paint
Bronze Cup Foot, With Elephant Heads, XIXth Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Support / Foot for cup or centerpiece, bronze with brown patina, with elephant heads harnessed with a beautiful adornment Usual wear to the patina 19th century H18.5cm 17x17cm Dia...
Bronze
Potpourri In Athenian Bronze, 19th century
Located in Beaune, FR
Athenian potpourri in bronze resting on a cherry red marble base. Very decorative, this potpourri is in good condition apart from a small lack on the top.
Bronze
19th Century Blue Porcelain Cup in Sevres Style
By Samson & Cie
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Oval blue porcelain cup with polychromatic decoration composed of a large cartouche with gilt-decorated borders depicting a man and a young woman in a landscape, sitting on the grass...
Porcelain
Napoleon III Porcelain Basket
Located in New Orleans, LA
A delightful French basket mounted in doré bronze which provides the framework for the six panels veneered in mother-of-pearl and set with French porcelain plaques...
Bronze
$1,295Sale Price|21% Off
19th Century French Paris Porcelain Compote
Located in San Francisco, CA
19th century French Paris porcelain compote of bold form. Blue and gilt Rococo decoration. Good large scale centerpiece, circa 1860.
Porcelain