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.
Napoleon III Period Mantel Clock by Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
This stunning clock expertly showcases the ingenuity of its maker, Ferdinand Barbedienne, and its smart styling in the opulent Napoleon III style will make it an excellent addition t...
Malachite, Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century French Gilt Bronze and Marble figural Clock Garniture Set
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century French gilt bronze and marble figural clock garniture set in the manner of Rollin of Paris depicting a pair of putti playing on naturalistic base raised on oval, white s...
Marble
$25,000 / set
Pair of Vases Champleve, Enameled Crystal and Bronze
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful and rare pair of crystal,onyx and champleve bronze vase by the size Onyx base surmounted by three cupids holding an openwork cup in en...
Onyx, Bronze
Important Bather On A Rock, Large White Marble (155cm), Late 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Imposing white marble sculpture of a nude bather sitting on a rock, looking to the sky or the horizon, in a posture that is both gentle or meditative The base, which has remained r...
Marble
Nineteenth-Century Porcelain Sculpture, Elegant Woman at her Writing Table
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Nineteenth-century porcelain sculpture, Elegant woman at her writing table" Nineteenth-century porcelain, Napoleon III period, representing an elegant woman at her writing table wr...
Porcelain
Christophe FRATIN (1801-1864) rare Asian elephant clock, in gilded and patinated
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
France, circa 1870 Gilded and patinated bronze, modern marble base. Signed « Fratin » on the bronze base This beautiful elephant clock was made in the 19th century by the Animalier ...
Bronze
$1,213Sale Price|20% Off
Carved and Gilded Wood Candle Stick, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Carved and gilded wood candle stick, 19th century Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability. Measures: H: 68 cm, W: 18 cm, D: ...
Wood
Pair of Small Ewers Decorative Gilt Bronze
Located in Marseille, FR
Pair of small ewers decorative gilt bronze.
Pair of French Ormolu Candle holders, Napoleon III style
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Antique French Ormalu Pair of Candleholder. Beautiful piece, fine detailing. Must see photos.
Bronze
$2,013Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Ormolu Candlesticks with Palmettes and Flowers
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of candlesticks in gilded and sculpted bronze. The stem is adorned with a frieze of Greek waves that separate the upper, polished part from the lower part that is richly decorat...
Bronze
$787Sale Price / set|25% Off
19th Century Ormolu Bronze Antique Candlestick Holders with Putti
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of antique candlestick holders crafted of beautiful ormolu or gilt bronze. They feature a figure of a child standing on a ribbed cylind...
Ormolu, Bronze
Cut Crystal Cup or Small Vase
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A cut crystal cup or small vase, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Measures: H: 18 cm, D: 11 cm. Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability.
Crystal
Column and Vase in Gold Cobalt Blue Ceramic and Decals, 1920s, Set of 2
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Vase with glazed ceramic column and pure gold decoration. The base and vase are designed together and feature a classic, elegant and sinuous design. The decoration starts from bottom...
Gold
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
19th Century French Parquetry Ebonized Domed Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed by maker on lock. Paris, France. Bronze/brass mounted.
Brass, Bronze
19th Century French Mantel Clock, by 'Monbro Aine, Paris'
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality, large French 19th century gilded ormolu and white marble mantel clock, signed; 'Monbro Aine, Paris'. Having an urn of grapes with semi...
Marble, Ormolu
Pair of French 19th Century Napoleon III St. Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Tazzas
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful and charming true pair of French 19th century Napoleon III st. patinated bronze and ormolu tazzas. Each tazza is raised by a square ormolu base with concave corners and a...
Ormolu, Bronze
$2,334Sale Price|20% Off
Late 19th-Century Carrara Marble Bust of a Young Girl
Located in NICE, FR
This bust of a young girl in Carrara marble from the late 19th century beautifully captures the innocence and charm expressed on the subject's face. The sculpture exudes remarkable e...
Carrara Marble
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
Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Bronze and Marble Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a console or a mantel with this elegant pair of antique candlesticks. Crafted in France circa 1870, each candelabra stands on scrolled feet over an integral square base with...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Neo-Greco Gilded and Tole Iron Candelabra
Located in Hudson, NY
This fine and interesting pair of candelabra are from the late 19th century and are most likely French made from iron, the three light pair show both classical Greek design as well as Assyrian and Roman elements. Unusual styles were considered all the rage in France during the Napoleon III period. The gilding is all original and the tole is an interesting addition giving the pair a great presence when seen in candlelight. Each reeded stem with draped scarf supporting oil lamp shaped arms centering satyr headed candle...
Iron
19th Century French Bronze and Marble Inkwell
Located in New Orleans, LA
Crafted of brilliant doré bronze and fine brocatelle marble, this wonderful Napoleon III-period inkwell is as functional as it is beautiful. In a style reminiscent of Louis XV Rococo...
Marble, Bronze
Napoléon III Marble Mantle Clock by James Pradier, France, Circa 1860
By J. Pradier
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Napoléon III Marble Mantle Clock With A Patinated Bronze Figure of 'Phryné' by James Pradier. France, Circa 1860. Surmounted by a finely cast pa...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
BACCARAT, Opaline Vase with a Poetic Ornamentation and a Silvered Bronze Mount
By Baccarat
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This beautiful opaline vase was made by the Baccarat manufacture in the 19th century. The Baccarat crystal factory, an internationally renowned French manufactory, was founded unde...
Opaline Glass
Pair of Restoration Period Gilt-Bronze Allegorical Groups. French, circa 1830
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An exceptional pair of restoration period gilt-bronze allegorical groups depicting music and wine. Each group is set on a naturalistically modelled base and finely modelled and ch...
Bronze
Carved Napoleon III Oak and Velvet Mirror, France, 19th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Large and gorgeous frame, with hand-carved thistles motifs applied to a deep teal blue velvet background. The wood is oak. New mirror.
Velvet
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
French 19th Century Napoleon III Period Marble, Ormolu and Bronze Garniture Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality French 19th century Napoleon III period black Belgian marble, ormolu and patinated bronze garniture set. The three pi...
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
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
Napoleon III Style Clock Made Out of Porcelain and Gilded Bronze
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This beautiful clock was made out of porcelain and gilded bronze during Napoleon III period. The porcelain dial indicates the hours with Roman numerals. It is decorated with gilded r...
Bronze
Napoleon III, Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Mantel Clock, 19th Century
Located in Beaune, FR
Imposing and magnificent fireplace gilded bronze and blue porcelain vases. The clock is decorated with putti representing the 4 seasons. It is su...
Bronze
Pair of Restoration Period Gilt-Bronze Figural Groups. French, circa 1830
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An exceptional pair of restoration period gilt-bronze figural groups, allegorical of hunting and fishing. Each group is set on a naturalistically modelled base and finely modelled...
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
Antique Napoleon III Portrait Vases, Ceramic, France, 1930s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Circa 1930's Pair Portrait Vases Orange Accent Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questio...
Ceramic
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
Ernestine Sirine-Real "Bust of a Man", Signed Plaster
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Ernestine Sirine-Real (1899-1994) "Bust of a man". Signed and dated 44, plaster.
Plaster
$2,614Sale Price|20% Off
Ernestine Sirine-Real "Bust of a Woman", Unsigned Plaster
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Ernestine Sirine-Real (1899-1994) "Bust of a woman". Unsigned plaster. Measures: H. 61cm.
Plaster
Pair of Gueridon Tripods in Mahogany Wood Napoleon III 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of Gueridon Tripods in mahogany wood Napoleon III 19th century with marble top and finely chiseled and gilded bronze finishes. Napoleon III period....
Bronze
19th Century Pair of French Opaline Hand Painted Trumpet Vases
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Pair of French Opaline Hand Painted Trumpet Vases - Attributed Baccarat. Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with...
Opaline Glass
"Blind Love" Patinated Bronze Statuette of Cupid Seeking Love Blindfolded
Located in Marseille, FR
Blind love bronze 19th century symbolized by a cupid seeming to play hackney jersey with brown patina on gilded bronze base. Note a difference in patina between the upper part and th...
Bronze
French Ormolu Candle Holders 'Grape Pickers', Bronze, Napoleon III
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair French Ormolu Candle Holders "Grape Pickers". Beautiful set, must see photos.
Bronze
Palatial & Rare Napoleon III French Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock, Detouche
By C. Detouche
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A Palatial and Extremely Rare Napoleon III French Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Regulateur de Parquet Clock by Louis-Constantin Detouche, Paris, Circa 1850 An exceptional testament to the grandeur and technical mastery of 19th-century French horology, this palatial and extraordinarily rare Napoleon III ormolu and patinated bronze Regulateur de Parquet clock stands as a crowning achievement of the renowned Parisian horologist Louis-Constantin Detouche. Created circa 1850, this monumental timepiece exemplifies the perfect synthesis of artistic opulence and mechanical precision, distinguishing itself as one of the most impressive works from Detouche’s illustrious oeuvre. At over six feet tall, this clock’s imposing scale and decorative grandeur make it an object of immense historical and aesthetic significance. The case, crafted from the finest French ormolu, features two majestic patinated bronze seated putti, serving as allegorical figures and underscoring the artistic sophistication characteristic of the Second Empire style. The white enamel dial, elegantly signed "C. Detouche/Paris," affirms its prestigious maker, while the movement, meticulously numbered 7064 and bearing the stamps "C. Detouche RUE St. MARTIN" and "C. DETOUCHE 158 R. St MARTIN 160," speaks to the highest standards of 19th-century horological craftsmanship. Further distinguishing this piece is the medaille d’argent stamp, a testament to the numerous accolades and awards bestowed upon Detouche for his innovations in timekeeping. A Masterpiece of Horological Artistry: Louis-Constantin Detouche was not merely a clockmaker; he was a visionary whose contributions to horology redefined precision and complexity. This particular regulator clock...
Bronze, Ormolu