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.
French 19th century Petite ‘Sèvres’ Jardinière with Gilt Bronze Mount, c. 1870
Located in London, GB
A very beautiful antique petite-size French ‘Sèvres’ jardinière, planter, cachepot or table centerpiece bowl, made in France in the Napoléon III era ...
Bronze
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
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
Exquisite Neo-Grec Ormolu & Champleve Enamel Jardiniere by Barbedienne & Sévin
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sevin
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A French Neo-Grec Ormolu and Champlevé Enamel Jardinière by Ferdinand Barbedienne and Louis-Constant Sévin, circa 1870 An outstanding ormolu-mounted and champlevé enamel jardinière,...
Enamel, Ormolu
Large Pair of Baccarat Blue and White Overlay Opaline Vases, circa 1860
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
very large pair of french baccarat double overlay white over blue opaline vases,, cut diamond design, decorated with hand painted 24k gold decoration Large Pair of Baccarat Blue and...
Gold
Magnificent Pair of Napoleon III Period Porcelain Covered Vases/ 19th Century.
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This magnificent pair of antique covered vases, dating back to the 19th century during the Napoleon III period, showcases the elegance and artistry characteristic of this iconic era....
Porcelain
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
19th Century French Glazed Porcelain Apothecary/Pharmacy Jar - 'EXT: QUINA R:'
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-19th century french glazed porcelain apothecary/pharmaceutical jar with lid - 'EXT: QUINA R:' By: Langlois (in the style of) Material: ceramic, porcelain, paint, enamel Techniqu...
Enamel
French Ormolu Mounted Pink Sevres Style Lidded Vase, 19th Century
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Lisbon, PT
A beautiful antique decorative pink porcelain Sèvres Style urn with a hand-painted background of a guitar musician and his lady. A Serenata scene. In the back a lake scene with a ca...
Bronze
Pair of French Paris Porcelain Hand Painted Vases for the Orientalist Market
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of French Paris porcelain hand painted Vases for the orientalist market, circa 1870. Each vase is beautifully hand painted with scenes of Sultan and Sultana, and the tops a...
Porcelain
19th Century French Opaline Blue Glass Vase, Napoleon III Period
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant French opaline glass vase dates from the 19th-century, during the Napoleon III period, and beautifully illustrates the refined decorative arts of the era. Crafted in a s...
Opaline Glass
Pair of 19th Century Hand Painted Dutch Blue & White Delft Covered Vases ~ Urns
Located in Dallas, TX
Grand pair of 19th century Dutch Delft covered vases, featuring ample proportions, beautifully rounded forms and matching domed lids. Their classic blue and white palette is enriched...
Porcelain, Paint
F. Barbedienne, A Suite of Three French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardinieres
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Ferdinand Barbedienne, An Exquisite Suite of Three French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardinieres / Garniture C. 1870, The Design Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin. Comprising of t...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Cornets, Baccarat Crystal Vases, Gilded Bronze, 19th Century, Napoleon III-era.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Cornets, Baccarat crystal vases and gilded bronze, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Baccarat crystal vases, gilded bronze and crystal cornets, Napoleon III period, 19th century. H...
Crystal, Bronze
19th Century Pink Opaline Vase with Pastoral Decoration
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very pretty pink opaline Sèvres-style vase, hand-blown and embellished throughout with gilt bands and accents. The tall and gently flaring neck has been beautifully hand-painted wi...
Opaline Glass
Antique Silver-Plated Vase, Art Nouveau, Signed Lelièvre, France, 1910s
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique vase by the french sculptor Eugène Lelièvre (March 13th 1856 - January 24th 1945). Exceptional silver plated bronze work. Th...
Bronze
Maison Marnyhac, "African Venus" , Planter France, Circa 1870
Located in PARIS, FR
Exceptional planter by Maison Marnyhac in chiseled and gilded bronze and Algerian onyx representing a young African woman kneeling, carrying an oval bowl decorated with foliage. She is dressed with a loincloth, wearing an egret and adorned with many jewels. It rests on a square base decorated with gilded bronze. A model of a similar African Venus...
Onyx, Bronze
$1,920Sale Price|40% Off
Covered Cup in Marble from the 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Covered cup in marble from the 19th century. Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability.
Marble
19th Century French Napoleon III Porcelain de Paris Landscape Cache Pot
Located in Dallas, TX
An atmospheric landscape and refined black-and-gold accents give this antique cache pot an elegant decorative presence. Crafted in France circa 1870 during the Napoleon III period, t...
Porcelain
A 19th C. French Baccarat Opaline Crystal Vase w/ Enameled Putti Decoration
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A Very Large 19th Century French Baccarat Opaline Crystal Vase with Enameled Putti and Floral Decoration. The amphora form vase is beautifully hand-enam...
Crystal
$400Sale Price|36% Off
19th Century French Porcelain Vase, Gilt Floral Design, Napoleon III
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite vase, dating from the late 19th in France, showcases a stunning floral design embellished with luxurious gold accents. The intricate craftsmanship highlights the elega...
Porcelain
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
19th Century French Napoleon III Jardinière or Cachepot
Located in Winter Park, FL
A late 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière, or cache pot, with inlaid veneers of mahogany and walnut and burled elm. Bronze mounted with two handles, gallery and tr...
Bronze, Zinc
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 maple and mahogany. Bronze-mounted with two handles, gallery and trim. Original zinc liner may not...
Bronze, Zinc
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
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
Paris Porcelain Pair of Vases "The Flowering", France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful pair of white porcelain vases richly decorated with beautiful polychrome floral compositions and butterflies enhanced with gold on a blue background, framed by golden porce...
Porcelain
French 19th Century Napoleon III Period Marble and Ormolu urn, circa 1850
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and extremely high quality French 19th century Louis XVI st. Napoleon III Period Brocatelle D'Espagne, Rouge Languedoc Marble and Ormolu centerpiece/urn, circa 1850. Th...
Brocatelle Marble, Ormolu
Pair of Antique French Black Opaline Glass Vases with Hand-Painted Birds and Ros
Located in London, GB
An exquisite and highly striking pair of late 19th-century antique French black opaline glass vases, measuring 24 cm in height and 11.5 cm at their widest point. Crafted from deep, l...
Opaline Glass
French Ormolu Mounted Pink Sevres Style Lidded Vase, 19th Century
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Lisbon, PT
A beautiful antique decorative pink porcelain Sèvres Style urn with a hand-painted background of a guitar musician and his lady. A Serenata scene. In the back a lake scene with a ca...
Bronze
$5,258 / set
Mid-19th Century Pair of Green Opaline Flasks
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of green opaline perfume flasks with pointed stoppers and flower-shaped saucers. The stoppers and flasks are decorated with diamond-shaped patterns that have gilded stripes outl...
Opaline Glass
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
Antique Saint-Clément Majolica Jardinière with Pink and Green Floral Motif
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This charming French majolica cache pot by Saint-Clément beautifully captures the exuberance and craftsmanship of late 19th-century ceramic design. Dating from the Napoleon III perio...
Majolica, Ceramic, Paint
Pair of French Baluster Shaped Opaline Glass Vases Attributed to "Baccarat"
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of antique French baluster shaped green opaline glass vases, finely modeled with repose leaves and flowers, attributed to "Baccarat" French, circa 1860.
Opaline Glass
Extremely Rare Pair of Ferdinand Barbedienne Ormolu and Champlevé Enamel Vases
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sevin
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
An extremely rare, museum quality pair of Ferdinand Barbedienne ormolu and champlevé enamel vases, circa 1870, certainly designed by Louis Constant Sevin...
Enamel, Ormolu
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
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
Royal Pair of Sèvres Porcelain '1867 Paris Exhibition' Vases and Covers
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in New York, NY
A large pair of ormolu-mounted Se`vres Porcelain Bleu Celeste '1867 Exhibition' vases and covers (‘Vase Paris de Milieu Garnis’), ‘l’Abreuvoir’ and ‘Le Retour’ De Champs’ 1860, one ...
Ormolu
19th Century French Brass Jardinière or Planter
Located in Houston, TX
19th century French brass Jardinière or planter. Lovely antique French Napoleon III heavy weight brass jardiniere, planter or cachepot. This fantastic French planter is beautifully d...
Brass
Valentine Manufacture, Elegant pair of Vases, France, circa 1860
Located in PARIS, FR
Pair of baluster-shaped vases in hard-paste porcelain, resting on a molded circular foot and flaring toward a neck with a flat rim highlighted by a gilt line. Each vase is fitted wit...
Porcelain
Japanese-Style Baccarat Crystal Vase From The Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Japanese-style Baccarat crystal vase from the Napoleon III period, 19th century. Japanese-style Baccarat crystal vase from the Napoleon III period, 19th century. H: 15 cm, W: 14.5 c...
Crystal
19th Century French Brass Repousse Cache-Pot on Integral Pedestal Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
This large heavy antique brass planter was crafted in France, circa 1880. Round in shape, the decorative cache pot stands on an integral circular...
Brass
Pair of Napoleon III Empire Vases Brass, France, 1860
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Original pair of Napoleon III Empire vases brass, France, 1860. Original condition. Nice applications.
Brass
19th Century Napoleon III Marquetry Jardiniere or Planter
Located in Winter Park, FL
A fine 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière, or cache pot, made with inlaid veneers of burled walnut with mother of pearl inlay and ebonized trim. Bronze mounted wit...
Mother-of-Pearl, Walnut
Louis-Constant SÉVIN, Ferdinand BARBEDIENNE, Pair of Ornamental Vases
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sevin
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This exceptional pair of vases is the result of the collaboration between Louis Constant Sevin, drawer and designer, and Ferdinand Barbedienne, bronze maker and founder of the famous...
Bronze, Enamel
19th Century French Pair Napolean III Paris Porcelain Vases
Located in Phoenix, AZ
19th Century French Pair Napolean III Paris Porcelain Vases Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Porcelain
$685Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Opaline Glass Vase
By Cristalleries De Baccarat, Baccarat
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
An opulent hand hand-painted opaline glass vase probably made by Baccarat. Delightful handpainted with a rich flower bouquet of wild roses and forgot-me-not flowers, gilt lines and a...
Enamel
Pair of Antique Helena Wolfsohn Marked Covered Vases
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of Antique Helena Wolfsohn Marked Covered Vases. Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Porcelain
Porcelain de Paris Pair of Hand Painted Vases Napoleon III, France
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. Pair ...
Porcelain
Masterpiece flower jardiniere, Napoleon III, rosewood fire-gilt bronze, 1870s
Located in Wien, AT
This masterful object is a flower jardiniere from the Napoleon III era, crafted in France in the 1870s using special, valuable materials. The basic shape is curved and flowing, and ...
Bronze
Painted Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Column Planter, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Painted porcelain and gilt bronze column planter, Napoleon III period, XIXᵉ century. Jardinière with columns, Napoleon III period in painted porcelain and gilt bronze. H: 31cm - D:...
Bronze
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
Immense Earthenware Vase Presented In 1889 At The Universal Exhibition Of Paris
Located in Charmes, FR
A major and exceptional piece from the Toul Bellevue factory, presented at the 1889 Paris Universal Exhibition. The dimensions of this piece are extraordinary for the time (the Toul ...
Ceramic
Maison Millet, Amethyst Pair of Perfume-Burners, France, circa 1870
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful pair of Louis XVI style perfume burners in amethyst, enhanced with an elegant finely chased and gilded bronze mount. The ovoid body is topped with a lid featuring a gilded ...
Amethyst, Bronze
Pair of Antique French Faience Earthenware Lidded Urns
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout pair of large 19th century French faience earthenware lidded urns handcrafted in classic form featuring tassel form handles, flame finials and hand decorated floral designs ...
Earthenware
French Napoleon III Jardinière, Mahogany Marquetry, Bronze-Mounted
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 20th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière with inlaid veneer of mahogany. Bronze-mounted with two handles, gallery and trim. Original zinc liner. A beautiful pla...
Bronze, Zinc
Pair of 19th-century Vases, Opaline Glass And Gilded Regule, Napoleon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of 19th-century vases made of opaline glass and gilded regule, from the Napoleon III period. Pair of 19th-century vases from the Napoleon III period, made of opaline glass and ...
Opaline Glass
Escalier de Cristal, vers 1880 (E. Lièvre) - très important vase Sentoku, Japon
Located in PARIS, FR
Vase monté Bronze (alliage cuivreux) patiné, émaillé, argenté et doré en applications Dimensions : H. 55 (cm.) Japon, période Meiji pour le corps, Paris, pour la monture Très import...
Bronze
$1,200Sale Price / set|58% Off
Pair of Vases in Black Marble and Parts in Polished Brass Napoleon III France
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pair of vases in black marble and parts in polished brass Napoleon III France Base cm.12x12.
Marble, Brass
Pair of Covered Vases in Sèvres Porcelain, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of covered vases in Sèvres porcelain, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Pair of covered vases, 19th century, Napoleon III period, Sèvres porcelain and gilt bronze. Dimensions...
Bronze