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 enamel and ormolu urn clock signed in the bronze Eug. Hazard
Located in London, GB
A small French vase clock of the highest quality. The clock is fitted within the body of an enamelled lidded vase. The body of the vase of silvered bronze & enamelled in deep blue. T...
Bronze, Enamel
E Picault, Victoria, Bronze Sculpture, Late 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Victoria: bronze sculpture with a brown patina of a victorious warrior, on a red marble base This bronze is entitled "Victoria" and is signed by the artist Emile Picault Emile Pica...
Marble, Bronze
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze and Cloisonné Enamel Jardinière on White Onyx Base
Located in New York, NY
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze and Cloisonné Enamel Jardinière on White Onyx Base This oval form jardinière is wrapped with black, white and gold cloisonné enamel, with a shield at the ...
Onyx, Bronze, Enamel
Mantel Set with a Clock and Two Candelabras, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Mantel set with a clock and two candelabras, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A 19th century Napoleon III period Sèvres porcelain and gilt bronze mantelpiece with a clock and two...
Bronze
Tall cobalt blue Baccarat crystal vase, gilt ivy pattern, 19th century
By Baccarat
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine tall Baccarat crystal vase, Napoléon III period, mid 19th century circa 1850. The pattern is known as the vase decorated with a molded ivy garland. It is listed in the a refer...
Crystal
$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
19th Century Napoleon III Pendulum Clock Regulateur De Parquet
Located in Berlin, DE
Museale Pendulum clock "Regulateur de parquet" after Jean-Henri Riesener Napoleon III, Paris, circa 1850-1880. A model by Jean-Henri Riesener ...
Bronze
Baccarat, Pair Of Red Baluster Vases, Golden Decor, 1880
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, a magnificent pair of small opaline Baluster Vases Cross by Lorraine Baccarato, gold decoration, very beautiful pieces. Napoleon III period 19th century. With...
Crystal
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
Sèvres Porcelain Casket, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sèvres porcelain casket, Napoleon III period, 19th century. 19th century casket, Napoleon III period, Sèvres porcelain and gilt brass mount. Dime...
Porcelain
Sèvres Porcelain Box, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sèvres porcelain box, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Box, Sèvres porcelain box, gilt brass mount, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Dimensions : H: 7 cm, W: 15 cm, D: 10 cm Co...
Brass
French Napoleon III Pair of Petite Gilt Brass Mounted Glass Vases
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This refined pair of French vases, dating to the Napoleon III period in the late 19th century, combines elegant proportions with delicate ornamental work. Each vase features a clear,...
Brass
Pair of tall Paris porcelain vases - mid 19th century circa 1850
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine pair of Paris porcelain vases, Napoléon III period. Very decorative set of pieces decorated with fine gold gilt patterns, cartouche and lines on an aqua-colored background (a ...
Porcelain
19th Century Napoleon III Fire-Gilt Bronze Figural Mantel Clock
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This beautifully detailed Napoleon III fire-gilt bronze figural mantel clock is from France, circa 1860-1880. Featuring a graceful maiden in classical dress seated upon a boulder whi...
Bronze
19th Century French Silver Plated over Bronze Jewelry Box with Repousse Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant, antique Napoleon III silverplated box in your master bath to keep your jewelry safe and organized. Crafted in France circa 1870, and built of bronze, the rectangular casket with raised top, sits on small scrolled feet, and is dressed with lion face handles on both sides. All sides including the top are decorated with detailed repousse floral and leaf motifs in high relief throughout; the top is decorated with a oval medallion featuring Poseidon, one of the Twelve Olympians in ancient Greek religion and mythology...
Silver Plate, Bronze
Baccarat Opaline Vases, Art Nouveau, Pink Accents, 19th Century Pair
By Baccarat
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This stunning pair of Baccarat Style opaline vases is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the Art Nouveau period. Dating back to the end of 19th century, these vases are a...
Opaline Glass
Picture frame Squared Empire style ornaments Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
quare table frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè with edges and ornaments in French Empire Napoleon III style. External cm. 18 x 2...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Exotic Burlwood Jewelry/ Table Box, France, Circa 1870s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Napoleon III Exotic Burlwood Jewelry/Table Box France, circa 1870s A stunning Napoleon III exotic burlwood jewelry/table box from France, circa 1870s. This exquisite 19th-century wo...
Brass
18th Century Dutch Longcase Grandfather Clock by Rutgerus van Meurs
Located in New York, NY
Antique (late 18th century) longcase clock by the Dutch firm, Rutgerus van Meurs (1738–1800) with a beautiful burr walnut veneer with fruitwood string inlay, and gilt bronze mounts i...
Brass
Amendola, Bronze Sculpture Of An Antique Woman, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large bronze sculpture with a brown patina, representing a naked woman, sitting in an armchair, a pencil in one hand, a vase in the other, surrounded by antiques. Signature of the...
Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Jardinière or Cachepot
Located in Winter Park, FL
A late 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière with inlaid veneers of mahogany and exotic woods, in a lattice pattern. Bronze mounted with two handles, gallery and trim...
Bronze, Zinc
Pair Of Baccarat Opaline Vases, Golden Decor, 1880
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, a magnificent pair of Baccarat opaline vases of very high quality, gold decoration, very beautiful pieces. Napoleon III period 19th century. Dimensions: Vase H...
Crystal
$5,015Sale Price|25% Off
Box signed Giroux, Paris
Located in Paris, FR
A box from Alphonse Giroux in Paris The whole is adorned with a finely chased bronze Neo-Gothic-style frame decorated with symmetrical foliage, flowers and scrolls, notably framing t...
Wood
Jules Moigniez Bronze Sculpture of Three Sheep and a Lamb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bronze grouping of sheep with a nuanced brown patination. Moigniez' intricate work on the surface of the piece created a true-to-life rendering of the sheep's fleece. The group is se...
Bronze
Pair Of Large Louis XVI Style Cassolettes In Belgian Royal Marble And Gilt Bronz
Located in BARSAC, FR
Superb pair of large cassolettes in Belgian royal marble, featuring a striking gilt and chased bronze ornament depicting intertwined serpents. A very elegant and high-quality pie...
Marble, Bronze
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Decorated Fern Stand
Located in Riverdale, NY
Tripod fern Stand of ebonized wood, burl veneer and mahogany in the Napoleon III style, which is the name commonly given to a 19th century style of Renaissance Revival that encompasses a myriad of Revivalist styles including Louis XVI, and Japonism. These are seen in the gilt and bronze putti medallions and gilt bronze Geisha...
Wood
Emperor Napoleon on Horseback, Cast by Susse Frères, Paris
By Susse Freres
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Large Patinated Bronze Sculpture of Emperor Napoleon on Horseback, Cast by Susse Frères, Paris, From the Model By Alfred Émilien O'Hara, Comte de Nieuwerkerke (1811-1892). Dark br...
Bronze
$1,360Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III bronze photo frame
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Napoleon III bronze photo frame Origin France Circa 1900 Napoleon the Third style gilt bronze frame decorated with perfectly set colored stones Materials Gilded bronze and paste ston...
Multi-gemstone, Bronze
Gilded Bronze and Sèvres Porcelain Mantel Set, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th century Napoleon III period gilt bronze and Sèvres gilt and enamelled porcelain mantel set, Central clock and two candelabras, 19th century. Clock: H: 60cm, W: 31cm, D: 20cm Ca...
Bronze
Inkwell In Gilt Bronze And Crystal, 19th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Inkwell in gilded bronze and crystal from the second half of the 19th century Original gilding in perfect condition 19th century, Napoleon III 8.2 x 10.6 cm, total height 8.2 cm
Crystal, Bronze
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
$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
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
Antique Pair French Blue Opaline Gilded Enamel Glass Perfume Bottles Flacon 1850
Located in Portland, OR
A very elegant pair of antique French Napoleon III blue enameled & gilded Opaline glass glass scent bottles or falcons, circa 1850. This lovely pair of blue Opaline glass scent bottl...
Enamel
Pink Hand-Blown Opaline Glass Bud Vase, France Circa 1860
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An elegant 19th-century French opaline glass bud vase, distinguished by its charming pink coloration and refined hand-blown craftsmanship. The vase features a softly bulbous body dec...
Opaline Glass, Blown Glass
Bohemian Cut Crystal Box, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bohemian cut crystal box, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Bohemian cut crystal box, brass mounting, late 19th century, Napoleon III period. Dimensions : H: 15cm, W: 19cm, D: 11c...
Crystal, Brass
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Bronze Centerpiece on Marble Base
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional 19th century French Napoleon III period bronze centerpiece on marble base depicts Bacchus and Ariadne in full relief, plus an intriguing dragon's tail handle on each s...
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Repoussé Brass Fireplace Wood Box on Casters
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring character and function to your hearth with this antique French firewood box crafted circa 1920. Built with a wooden carcass clad in richly patinated repoussé brass panels, the coffer is decorated on all sides with lively tavern scenes in the manner of David Teniers, depicting peasants gathered around tables in moments of music, drink, and conversation. The detailed relief work adds depth and narrative, making the piece as decorative as it is practical. The slanted hinged lid, fitted with an interior chain support, opens to reveal ample storage for kindling or firewood. Raised on discreet rolling casters, the box is easy to move and ideal for placement beside a fireplace, while also working beautifully as a small accent chest...
Brass
Porcelain de Paris Pair French Wedding Vases for Church
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Lovely and romantic French wedding vases...
Porcelain
Pair Bronze Busts: "The Fallen King & Laughing Revolutionary, After Carpeaux
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Allegorical Bronze Busts: "The Fallen King and the Laughing Revolutionary," After Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, France, Late 19th–Early 20th Century A profoundly expressive and allegorically charged pair of patinated bronze busts, each mounted on veined pink marble plinths...
Bronze
Museum Quality French White Marble Roundel Relief of Emperor Napoleon III, 1860
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A museum quality French white marble roundel relief of Emperor Napoleon III, circa 1860. The quality of this marble sculpture of Napoleon III is trul...
Marble
$1,552Sale Price / set|38% Off
19th Century Pair of Hand-Painted Paris Porcelain Urns
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A fine pair of antique French urns in 'Porcelain de Paris', and dating from the early 19th century. These sensational vases are decorated w...
Porcelain, Paint
A Napoléon III Silvered-Bronze Clock Garniture by Charpentier, Paris
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Large and Important Napoléon III Gilt and Silvered-Bronze Sculptural Three-Piece Clock Garniture, By Charpentier, Paris. Comprising a mantle clock and a pair of figural vases. The...
Bronze
Sevres Chateau des Tuilleries Porcelain Bonbonniere
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Sevres Chateau des Tuilleries Porcelain Bonbonniere. It depicts a lidded cobalt blue large bowl cup mounted in gilt bronze. The top side of the lid is hand painted with a y...
Bronze
Mantel Clock in Portoro Marble with Egyptian Revival Details, 19th Century
Located in NICE, FR
This antique mantel clock was made in the late 19th century and features a solid combination of black Portoro marble with natural beige, gold, and white veins, paired with green serp...
Marble, Brass
H. Picard, Pair of "Cupids" Jardinieres, France, circa 1860
By Henri Picard
Located in PARIS, FR
Signed H. Picard Fine pair of oval jardinieres in chiselled and gilded bronze, with inner liners. They are adorned in relief and enhanced by a subtle interplay of burnished and matt...
Bronze
$512Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Antique Porcelaine de Paris Handpainted Wedding Vase
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A wonderful antique Porcelain de Paris wedding vase (or Vase d'Eglise de Mariée), dating from the 19th century and featuring an exquisite handpainted design of wildflowers, set again...
Porcelain
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze 3-Light Candelabras
Located in Dallas, TX
The appeal of the Napoleon III style (sometimes referred to as the Second Empire) stems from the fact that art and furniture from the mid-1800s incorporated elements from previous Fr...
Metal, Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Black Forest Rose Carved Walnut Box & Perfume Bottle
Located in England, GB
A rare and beautifully detailed Black Forest carved antique walnut box dating to the late 19th century (circa 1870–1890) together with scent bottl...
Glass, Walnut
Fireplace Set in Patinated and Ormolu, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Fireplace set in patinated and ormolu, Napoleon III period, 19th century. A Napoleon III period ormolu mantel set in the 19th century, composed of a central clock and two candelabra...
Bronze
Pair of Antique French Neoclassical Gilt Tole Cachepots Jardinieres
Located in Pearland, TX
A lovely pair of antique French black and gold jardinieres or cachepots. No maker's mark. These gorgeous planters have a fine hand painted laurel wreath garland with gilt ring handle...
Metal
Pair of Paris Porcelain Vases, France, circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Lovely pair of amphora vases in Paris porcelain, with polychrome rotating decoration of lilacs, roses, clematis, fuchsias and other natural flowers, on a white background. The foot a...
Porcelain
19th Century Napoléon III Gilt Bronze Sculpture with Putti and Champlevé Bowl
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 19th century Napoléon III gilt bronze sculpture of Putti and champlevé bowl with marble base, France By: unknown Material: bronze, copper, tin, metal, paint, enamel, stone, mar...
Stone, Marble, Metal, Bronze, Copper, Enamel, Tin
A. Giroux, Pair of trumpet Vases, France, Circa 1860
Located in PARIS, FR
Signed Mon ALPH. GIROUX PARIS Elegant pair of trumpet-shaped vases with flare neck in engraved crystal decorated with leafy interlacing and beads friezes. Removable, they are enclos...
Crystal, Bronze, Enamel
Pair of Guinea Fowl Figurines in Paris Porcelain, Samson, 19th Century, Napoleon
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of guinea fowl figurines in Paris porcelain, Samson, 19th century, Napoleon III period. 19th-century sculpture depicting guinea fowl, Napoleon III period, Paris porcelain, Sams...
Porcelain
19th Century Napoleon III Letter Rack with Lacquered Panels and Bronze Mounts
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful 19th century letter rack from the French Napoleon III period. The letter rack is made of bronze with wooden panels. The wooden panels are decorated with red traditional lac...
Bronze
Pair of Regence Gilt-Bronze Green Glazed porcelain Mounted Celadon Lidded Vases
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of Regence gilt-bronze mounted celadon lidded vases, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662-1722), in the manner of Yuan dynasty, and circa 1720. Each turquoise colored lidded vase / urn ...
Bronze
$2,037Sale Price|25% Off
Card Box, Napoléon III
Located in Paris, FR
Napoleon III-period papier-mâché and wood marquetry card box with original key. The lid is richly decorated with a polychromatic bunch of flowers in a central medallion with gilt fra...
Paper
Stunning Little Antique Box with Decorated and Gilt Perfume Bottles Napoleon III
Located in Lisse, NL
If you are looking for the perfect gift for a lady. . .look no further. This magnificent, 19th century box is made of beautiful and mint condition boxwood and it comes with the original, gilt perfume...
Crystal
Paul Sormani Marquetry Token Box, 19th Century.
By Paul Sormani
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Paul Sormani marquetry token box, 19th century. Precious wood and bone marquetry token box, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Dimensions : H: 10cm, W: 36cm, D: 26cm Contact us be...
Bone, Wood