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.
A Rare Pair of French Ormolu-Mounted Blue John Vases Candlesticks, C. 1870
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Rare Pair of French Ormolu-Mounted Blue John Vases / Candlesticks, C. 1870, In the stye of Matthew Boulton. These rare and extremely elegant garniture vases and covers can be tu...
Ormolu
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze 3-Light Candelabras
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… The Napoleon III style motifs are fairly evident on these beautiful gilt bronze candelabras. The three sconces sit atop a rising rinceaux of acanthus ...
Metal, Bronze
Pair of Baccarat Crystal Candle Holders, Early 20th Century, Napoleon III Style.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Baccarat crystal candle holders, early 20th century, Napoleon III style. Pair of Baccarat crystal candle holders in the Napoleon III style, 19th century. H: 41cm, D: 12.5cm
Crystal
$806Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of French Porcelain and Bronze Candle Holders Napoleon III
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of candlesticks in French Sevres style porcelain and hand-painted bronze, made in the second part of the 19th century. Two little cracks are present, as shown in the pictures. ...
Bronze
Late 19th Century Napoleon III Ormolu Candlesticks Griotte Marble Bowls
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A pair of antique French candlesticks, made of gilded bronze. At the center a bowl made of red "Griotte" marble. Under the marble bowl foliage around the stem. Made in France, at the...
Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Napoleon III Period Neoclassical Style Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in London, GB
Napoleon III Period neoclassical style three-piece clock set. French, 19th century Dimensions: Height 58cm, width 47cm, depth 19cm Comprised of a mantel clock and two flanking c...
Malachite, Enamel, Ormolu
$3,820Sale Price|20% Off
1890 French Antique Napoleon III Signed Baccarat Candelabrum/Candle Holder Large
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Grand Scale c1890's French Napoleon III Baccarat Crystal 3 Light Candelabra. Massive piece! Hand painted floral decor with 24K shades. Floral painted bells. Please look closely at pi...
Crystal
$2,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair 19thc Qajar Dynasty Crystal Table Lamps/ Candle Holders by Baccarat 1870
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French for Qajar Dynasty Amber with Hand Painted Floral Enamelled Table Lamps / Candle Holders with Crystal Shades. Manufactured by Baccarat. The amber body is floral deco...
Art Glass
An Exceptional Suite of Champleve Enamel Ormolu Candelabra by Sevin, Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sevin
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Illuminating Heritage: An Important "Exhibition" Suite of Four Ferdinand Barbedienne and Louis-Constant Sevin Champlevé Enamel and Ormolu Eight-Light Candelabra/Lamps This monumenta...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Nine-Light Candelabra, Emblematic of Hunting
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Pair of Large Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Nine-Light Candelabra, Emblematic of Hunting. Each conceived in the Louis XV style with rocaille stem supporting assymetrically modelled sc...
Ormolu
$3,822Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Napoleon III Patinated Bronze Patina 5-Light Candelabra, France C 1870s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Napoleon III Patinated Bronze Patina 5-Light Candelabra France Circa 1870s A exquisite pair of Napoleon III patinated bronze candelabra, crafted in France during the 1870s. Standing at an impressive 30 inches tall, these candelabra are a true testament to the opulence and craftsmanship of the era. Each candelabrum features a central figural sculpture of a bird holding a serpent, perched upon a tortoise. This intricate sculpture showcases the attention to detail and artistic skill of the bronze sculptor. Above the sculpture, a five-light bobeche candelabrum adds a touch of grandeur and elegance to the piece. Supported on a fluted column, the candelabra rest on triparte acanthus leaf and lion caryatids with paw feet. These decorative elements add a regal and classical aesthetic, reflecting the influence of the Neoclassical style during the Napoleon III period. In their recent use, the candelabra were adapted as lamps, and as a result, the bird finials are now removable. They were previously used as lamp finials...
Bronze
$1,760Sale Price / set|20% Off
19th Century French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Female Caryatids Candlesticks
Located in Berlin, DE
19th Century French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Female Caryatids Candlesticks A pair of early 19th century gilt bronze candlesticks having nozzles wit...
Bronze
19th Century Wall Sconces - Napoleon III - Ormolu Gilt Bronze - Candle Sconces
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An elegant and richly detailed set of French ormolu wall sconces dating from the 19th century, Napoleon III period. Executed in finely chased...
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Candlesticks from the 19th Century in Bronze, Napoeon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of candlesticks from the 19th century in bronze.
Bronze
Pair of Napoleon III Candelsticks in Ormolu Putti, Bronze, Ormolu Marble France
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind and very Exquisite and refined pair of candelabras or cancelsticks in gilded bronze at the end of the 19th century in France. In each one, a delicate putto or cherub in...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
An Exceptional Pair of Champleve Enamel Ormolu Candelabra by Sevin & Barbedienne
By Louis-Constant Sevin, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Illuminating Heritage: An Important "Exhibition" Pair of Ferdinand Barbedienne and Louis Constant Sevin Champleve Enamel and Ormolu Eight-Light Candelabra / Lamps In the realm of de...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
An important Pair of Bronze Candelabra from the 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An important pair of bronze candelabra from the 19th century. A pair of Napoleon III period bronze candelabra, 19th century, one bobèche and one saucer missing. H: 68cm, D: 37cm
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Gilt-Bronze Four-Light Candelabra
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of 19th century gilt-bronze candelabra, each with a tapering reeded stem supporting three foliate cast candle branches and one central branch, raised on lion head and paw, on a ...
Bronze
$21,849Sale Price|30% Off
19th Century Pair of French Bronze Candlesticks Lamps Signed Clodion
Located in IT
Pair of important candlesticks in gilt and patinated bronze, lamp mounted. Depicting Bacchanal of Satyrs and Signed Clodion. France 19th Century Measures h only candlesticks 65 x p 27 cm; h with lampshade 86 cm This pair of important two lights candlesticks was made in the 19th century, in France, on the style of the great sculptor Clodion. Each candlestick consists of a body with a sculptural group in patinated bronze inspired by the famous bronzes of the master. The base is circular, in gilt bronze finely chiselled with geometric decoration and foliate motifs near the four feet, of feline shape. From the sculptural groups depart two graceful arms in gilded and chiselled bronze, composed of ramage and phytomorphic elements that culminate in the two candle holders. In a candlestick the bacchanal consists of a female faun figure, that is half a woman and half a goat, playing with small fauns and putti, offering a bunch of grapes. In the other candlestick one observes the satyr Pan...
Bronze
Empire Style Set in Painted Sheet Metal, Comprising a Candlestick and a Cup.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Desk set comprising an Empire style candlestick and cup in painted sheet metal, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Cup: H: 16cm, W: 10cm, D: 10cm Candlestick: H: 19cm, W: 24cm, D: 10cm
Sheet Metal
$2,200 / set
Pair of French Napoleon Bronze Candelabra
Located in Dallas, TX
This listing features a pair of six candle bronze candelabras with hand-carved hanging crystals that originate around the 19th century and are part of the Napoleon III style. Also ...
Crystal, Bronze
$1,780Sale Price|20% Off
c1900French Napoleon III Crystal Shade and Crystal Base Noth signed by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1900 French Napoleon III Crystal Candle Lamp Base & Shade Both Signed by Baccarat. In very good clean condition.
Crystal
Pair Napoleon III French Ornate Gilt Bronze Marble Candelabras Candle Holders
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of heavy Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and white Marble candleholders or candelabras. Tarnished due to age and use some minor chips to the ...
Marble, Bronze, Gold Leaf
Paire De Chandeliers En Bronze Argentés, Estampillés "Anvers", Fin Du XIXème
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paire de grands chandeliers en bronze argentés - Estampillés "Anvers" - Fin Du XIXème" / Pair of tall candelabras made of silver plated bronze...
Bronze
Important Napoléon III Gilt-Bronze and Porcelain Clock Garniture, circa 1870
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An important Napoléon III gilt bronze and turquoise porcelain clock garniture. French, circa 1870. This very fine clock garniture comprises of a clock and a pair of vase form candelabra. The finely cast and chiselled gilt bronze case has a jewelled turquoise porcelain face with Roman Numerals above a plaque depicting children in a wooded landscape, flanked by expressive male and female cherub figures, cast in the round, beneath a scrolled pediment with torches en flambeau and surmounted by a turquoise vase and cover. The pair of candelabra en-suite are in the form of turquoise porcelain vases...
Bronze
$598 / set
Napoleon III black Candlesticks
Located in New Orleans, LA
Napoleon III Black Candlesticks – Elegant 19th-century candlesticks featuring the distinctive grandeur of the Napoleon III period. Crafted with a sleek black finish, intricate detail...
Wood
Pair of Napolean III Patinated Bronze Figural Candelabra
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Very well cast models of classical maidens standing on decorated stepped rectangular black marble bases, the upper base mounted with an Etruscan style frieze; the bases have gilt bro...
Bronze
$1,344Sale Price / set|37% Off
Set of 3 High Black Ebonized Carved French Napoleon III Candlesticks 1860s
Located in Salzburg, AT
Set of 3 large black ebonized French Napoleon III candlesticks. The turned candlesticks have an elegant siluette the slightly higher base of 15cm diameter and 7cm height on 3 small round baroque feet forms the base. The conical, slender central base is inlaid at the bottom with a triple turned baluster stem and at the top with a turned plate as a subdivision and on a small baluster above it the slender and elongated candlestick stem. The set of 3 candlesticks...
Wood
Maison Millet, Pair of “ Tritons” Candelabras, France, Circa 1870
By Maison Millet, Pierre Gouthiere
Located in PARIS, FR
Height : 78 cm (30,7 in.) ; Base : 14,5 x 14,5 cm (5,7 in. x 5,7 in.) Beautiful pair of Louis XVI style amphora-shaped vases in gilded bronze and "canon de fusil" patinated bronze a...
Bronze
Pair of Ornate French Napoleon III Gilt Ten-Light Candelabra
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Napoleon III gilt and patinated bronze ten-light candelabra with a traditionally dressed man and woman under palm trees mounted on bases.
Bronze
Napoleon III Period Neoclassical Malachite and Gilt Bronze Clock Set by Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in London, GB
Napoleon III period neoclassical malachite and gilt bronze clock set by Picard French, late 19th century Measures: Clock: Height 72cm, width 46cm, depth 27cm Candelabra: Height 78...
Malachite, Ormolu
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Candelabras by Victor Raulin
Located in Miami, FL
A Very Fine Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Candelabras Stamped by Victor Raulin An exceptional pair of 19th-century French gilt bronze candelabras from the Napoleon III period, each finely cast with elegant scrolled arms and surmounted by a distinctive bronze candle snuffer...
Bronze
$14,406 / set
Pair of "Rams" Candlesticks, France, circa 1870
Located in PARIS, FR
This pair of candlesticks is composed of a cylindrical shaft in polished rhodonite, set within an elaborate mount of finely chased and gilded bronze. Each candlestick rests on a trip...
Bronze
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
French Napoleon III Sevres Style Porcelain Ormolu Ram Candelabra Urn Stepniewski
Located in Dayton, OH
An elaborate monumental French Louis XVI / Napoleon III Sevres Style palace vase and candelabra by Eric Stepniewski. Features a cobalt blue porcelain urn wrapped in low relief chisel...
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Bronze Candlesticks, Napoleon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Pair of 19th century bronze candlesticks, Napoleon III period" Pair of small bronze candelabra, 19th century, Napoleon III period. h: 21cm, w: 22cm, d: 12cm
Bronze
$816Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Bronze Candlesticks, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Bronze candlesticks, 19th century A pair of bronze candlesticks, decorated with Chimeras, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Measures: H: 22 cm, W: 15 cm, D: 10 cm.
Bronze
Naturalist Ormolu Candelabra Lamps in Auguste Cain Taste
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of gilt bronze three-light candelabra lamps topped by Dionysus (Bacchus for the Romans) and a Maenad (Bacchante for the Romans). Dionysus is represented wearing the skin of a fa...
Ormolu, Bronze
Pair of 19th-C French Bronze Tripod Candlesticks- Martial Motifs on Marble Bases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 19th-Century Bronze Candlesticks with Martial Motifs, France, mid-19th century (circa 1850–1870), Second Empire period. Each candlestick is conceived as a sculptural tripod f...
Marble, Bronze
$1,220Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair 19thc Russian Imperial Gold Bronze Wall Candle Sconces. Eagle Decoration
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc Russian Imperial/ Period Napoleon III Bronze Eagle Figural Candle Sconces. I purchased these sconces at an auction in Europe.
Bronze
A pair of French 19th century bronze figurative double candlesticks circa 1860
Located in Central England, GB
This highly decorative pair of mid 19th century bronze double candlesticks are beautifully cast in solid bronze. They have very good detail and are each in the form of a medieval wa...
Bronze
Gilt Bronze and Hardstone Inlay Napoleon III Period Clock Set by Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Gilt bronze and hardstone inlay Napoleon III period clock set by Barbedienne French, 19th century Measures: Clock: Height 50cm, width 23cm, depth 16c...
Stone, Ormolu, Bronze
Pair of Six-Branch Gilt Bronze and Carrara Marble Candelabra – 19th Century
Located in NICE, FR
An exquisite and finely crafted pair of candelabra in gilt bronze and white Carrara marble, dating from the 19th century. Each candelabrum rests on a white marble base, enhanced wit...
Marble, Bronze
Late 19th Century Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Blowing Putto Candlestick Table Lamp
Located in Lisse, NL
Figurative and intricate bronze table lamp. This quality sculpted and cast bronze table lamp is beautifully gilded and it will make a wonderful talking piece. The plastic candle bet...
Bronze
$2,660Sale Price|20% Off
19thc French Napoleon III Cut Crystal Candelabra attributed to Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Beautiful 19thc French Napoleon III Crystal Candelabra/ Centerpiece. Incredible work on this piece. Shades included. Attrib. Baccarat.
Crystal
Early 20th Fireplace Surround in Gilt Bronze and Black Marble Neo-Classical
Located in Marseille, FR
Neo-classical fireplace surround in gilt bronze and black marble. Work in the style of Ferdinand Barbedienne
Marble
$24,754 / set
Raingo Freres Three-Piece Bronze Cherub Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This graceful, joyous antique clock set is a reminder of why the 19th century Parisian clockmaking firm Raingo Freres is so highly revered: the beautiful...
Ormolu, Bronze
$320Sale Price|55% Off
19th Century Bronze Candleholders, Greek Female Figures
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Bronze Candleholders, Greek Female Figures. Grand Tour or Napolean III style/ period
Bronze
Large Napoleon III Period French Bronze Wall Sconce of Classical Female Figure
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This Napoleon III period bronze sconce features a classical female figure standing atop curling acanthus and flowers. Two candle arms extend from the floral base. The unusual large s...
Bronze
Pair of French Porcelain Lions Holding Wrought Iron Candelabras
By Émile Gallé
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Victorian (19th Century) large porcelain lion figures holding wrought iron candelabras (signed by EMILE GALLE "Emile a Nancy"/Prov: Estat...
Wrought Iron
Pair of gilded bronze candelabra in the style of Napoleon III XXth Century
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Pair of gilded bronze candelabra in the style of Napoleon III XXth Century
Bronze
Pair of Gilt Bronze Candelabras on Stone Bases, 19th Century
Located in NICE, FR
This pair of candelabras is crafted in gilt bronze and mounted on solid black stone bases. Each candelabrum includes five candle holders: one central, slightly raised socket, and fou...
Stone, Bronze
$1,100Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair 19thc French Signed Baccarat Russo Pattern Flint Glassw/Gilt Candle Holders
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc French Antique Pair Signed Baccarat Molded Flint Glass Candle Holders. These are the "Russo" pattern with gilt enamel embellishment. Highly collectible Russian Pattern. Napoleo...
Art Glass
Pair of Bronze and Gilt Candelabra, France, 19th Century
Located in NICE, FR
This pair of 19th-century French candelabra is made from dark patinated bronze and bright gilt bronze (ormolu). Each piece features a mythical creature, possibly a dragon or a chimer...
Bronze
Pair of Bronze Candlesticks with Two Female Statues, 19th Century
Located in NICE, FR
This pair of candlesticks was made in the 19th century, around the 1870s. Each candlestick is designed as a female statue inspired by classical antique art. The two figures are not i...
Marble, Bronze
Antique French Napoleon III Spelter Candlestick, late 19th Century
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique French Napoleon III period candlestick made of bronzed spelter, late 19th Century. This antique candleholder features a design draped with chains and is supported by a three-...
Spelter
$2,040Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair 19thc Antique French Napoleon III Amber Formed Glass w/ Crystal Candlestick
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French Napoleon III Candlesticks by Baccarat France. Moulded glass in an amber tone. Enamel floral work. This color is scarce. Baccarat Medallion...
Crystal
Mid 19th Century French Louis XVI Revival Ormolu and Crystal Candelabra
By Baccarat
Located in Chicago, IL
An imposing and finely crafted pair of mid-19th-century French girandoles in the Louis XVI Revival style, each modeled as a standing classical caryatid in richly gilded bronze, suppo...
Crystal, Ormolu
A Pair of Gilt Bronze and Cloisonné Enamel Candlesticks, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A pair of gilt bronze and cloisonné enamel candlesticks, Napoleon III period, 19th century. A pair of Napoleon III period candlesticks, 19th century, in gilt bronze and cloisonné en...
Bronze
Pair of French Three-Flame Candelabra Candelabra, circa 1860
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of three-flame candelabra Cast bronze, chiselled and mercury gilded France, third quarter of the nineteenth century Height 14.96 in (38 cm) X 12.59 (32 cm) Weight 11.46 lb ...
Bronze
Pair of Gilt Bronze Candelabras, Falcons in Japanese Porcelain, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of candelabra, Napoleon III period, 19th century, in gilt bronze and Japanese porcelain, topped with falcons and three-light candelabra. H: 37.5cm, W: 28cm, D: 20cm Contact us...
Bronze