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.
Salins-lès-Bains Rare French Art Majolica Ceramic Asparagus Set, Late 19th C.
By Salins
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
This rare French majolica asparagus set was produced by Salins-lès-Bains in France during the late 19th century. Comprising one large serving platter and ten matching plates, the ser...
Ceramic, Majolica
Jerome Massier Majolica Dessert Set with Floral Motifs, Late 19th C.
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Napoleon III Majolica Slip Aperitif or Dessert Set by Jérôme Massier, Vallauris, France, Late 19th Century. This exquisite Napoleon III majolica slip aperitif or dessert set...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica
Napoleon III Style French "Chinoserie" Hand-Painted Metal Tray
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our objects. Origina...
Iron
Antique Dresden Porcelain Dessert Plates, Floral Design, 1891-1896
Located in Uppsala , SE
Two Antique Dresden porcelain dessert or salad plates from the end of 19th century, featuring hand-painted floral motifs and a gold-trimmed, scalloped edge. Origin: Dresden,Donath ...
Porcelain
Set Of 10 Plates And 2 Fruit Bowls In Ruby Glass, Late 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Set of 10 plates and 2 fruit bowls in Ruby-colored glass, and a gold-painted decoration Plates in perfect condition, a tiny chip on one of the bowls; wear to the gilding late 19th ...
Glass
Hand-Painted Green metal Tray, France, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A charming metal serving tray featuring a hand-painted floral design set against a light green background with a crackle finish. Its elegant pierced gallery and integrated handles le...
Metal
Haviland Limoges 6 French White Porcelain Flat Plates and Gold Decorations
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. We ...
Porcelain
Napoleon III Dresden Plate Donath Co End 19th Century
Located in Uppsala , SE
Antique Dresden porcelain plate from the end of 19th century, featuring hand-painted floral motifs and a gold-trimmed, scalloped edge. Origin: Dresden,Donath & Co, Germany, kn...
Porcelain
Pair of black trays, hand-painted. Napoleon III style, France, 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of hand-painted, circular black trays adorned with a gilt floral frieze. The deep black background highlights the finely stylized plant motifs, executed in a classic decorative style. The slightly raised edges emphasize the overall elegance. These decorative trays represent a refined reinterpretation of historical French taste, blending tradition with mid-20th-century production. ⸻ Main Characteristics • Type: Pair of decorative trays • Origin: France • Period: Circa 1950 • Material: Painted wood (or composite panel) • Finish: Black lacquer • Decoration: Hand-painted gilt floral motifs • Shape: Circular • Use: Serving tray or decorative object • Condition: Good vintage condition, with a patina consistent with age ⸻ Style Style: Napoleon III (revival/inspired) ⸻ Keywords Napoleon III tray, black and gold tray...
Metal
C19th French Lacquered Japonisme Serving Tray
Located in London, GB
C19th French Lacquered Japonisme Serving Tray Wonderful Napoleon III papier mâché tray depicting Samurai warrior entering a city. In very good condition with light, age-related wear...
Lacquer, Paper composite
Antique French White Napoleon III Porcelain Carving Platter
Located in New York, NY
Heavy 19th century French white carving platter with sauce bowl and gravy tree. This is in immaculate condition, no chips, cracks, crazing or stains.
Porcelain
Silver Plated Metal Tray and 19th Century Antique Mercury Mirror
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Silver plated metal tray and 19th century antique mercury mirror. Centerpiece display, 19th century silver-plated metal tray and 19th century antique mercury mirror. Contact us bef...
Metal
$1,096Sale Price|24% Off
Mid-19th Century Serving Dish with Dolphin in Polychrome Porcelain
Located in Paris, FR
19th century porcelain serving dish, exquisitely hand painted in polychrome with gilt accents. It is decorated with flowers, foliages and rinceau on white and blue background. The se...
Porcelain
$800 / set
H 2 in Dm 13 in
19th Century Set of Ten French Painted Faience Plates and Dishes from Normandy
By Rouen
Located in Dallas, TX
Colorful set of antique wall dishes from Rouen, France, handcrafted, circa 1880, the set includes two large wall hanging platters, six smaller plat...
Ceramic
Minton 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Hand-Painted Fish Platter
By Minton
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This fish platter is a true work of art! Classic Aesthetic Movement whimsical decoration with fish in motion and in conversation with the viewer, it has a three-dimensional feel. Rea...
Porcelain
Staffordshire 19th Century Blue and White Plate
Located in Cheshire, GB
Staffordshire 19th century blue and white meat draining plate. Dimensions Height 2.5 inches Width 20.5 inches Depth 16 inches.
Ceramic
Superb Hand Painted Minton Porcelain Tray
By Minton
Located in Great Barrington, MA
Large Minton porcelain tray with hand painted wisterias. Raised paste gold and platinum add depth and elegance to this rare example in amethyst and lavender palette. The handles are ...
Platinum
19th Century English Papier Mâché Tray
Located in San Francisco, CA
A beautifully hand-painted and gilt paper mâché tray depicting a young Queen Victoria inside the coach (note the initials VR on the coach door).
Fine English Porcelain Dessert Service, Minton, circa 1830
Located in New York, NY
Comprising 24 plates, pair of covered sauce tureens and stands, pair of shell dishes and a pair of rectangular dishes. The bright blue ground inters...
Porcelain
$186Sale Price / item|25% Off
H 1.25 in Dm 9.5 in
Antique Majolica Asparagus Plate With Sauce Well by Salins
By Salins
Located in Ross, CA
A hand painted majolica asparagus plate made by Salins in the late 19th century, in the Salins-les-Bains region of France. The plate has four white asparagus with purple tips, laying...
Ceramic
$400 / item
H 4.25 in W 17 in D 9.75 in
Antique 19th C. Dresden Porcelain Center Bowl Floral And Gilt Decorations
Located in New Orleans, LA
A stunning, antique 1860’s Dresden porcelain centerpiece with floral transfer ware and gilt decoration now fitted with a later, quality removable copper liner. Most of the early ...
Copper
French Majolica Wild Rose Cake Stand Delphin Massier Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Wild Rose Cake Stand Delphin Massier Circa 1890, 9.8 inches diameter , 4 inches height.
Ceramic, Majolica
Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Black Bee
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Make a bold statement with our vibrant iron tray, handpainted with a striking bumblebee design. The rich, lively colours bring a playful yet elegant touch to your decor, perfect for ...
Iron
French Majolica Asparagus Plate Salins, circa 1890
By Salins
Located in Austin, TX
Colorful Majolica asparagus plate Salins, circa 1890.
Ceramic, Faience
Late 19th Century English Serving Tray
Located in High Point, NC
Late 19th century oak and silver plate treen tray from England. The tray is very simple and elegant, with silver plate adornments on the corners and a central silver plate plaque. ...
Oak
Antique French Painted Napoleon III Serving Tray, Circa 1870
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… A beautiful French serving tray, from circa 1870, hand-painted in the style of Napoleon III. Painted over an olive ground, the tray depicts a large wo...
Metal
Sold
H 9.85 in Dm 9.26 in
Crystal and Silver-Plated Metal Bowl, Early 20th Century, Napoleon III Style.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Crystal and silver-plated metal bowl, early 20th century, Napoleon III style. A Napoleon III style crystal and silver plated bowl, early 20th century. H: 25cm, D: 23.5cm
Crystal, Silver Plate
Old Paris Porcelain & Gilt Bronze 'Forget Me Not' Four Tiered Compote/Tazza
By Old Paris
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Old Paris Porcelain & Gilt Bronze 'Forget Me Not' Four Tiered Compote/Tazza, France, Circa 1870s A quietly stunning Napoleon III Old Paris Porcelain and Gilt Bronze "Forget Me Not" ...
Bronze
D. ROUSSEL - Rectangular Solid Silver Tray Circa 1880
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Large tray of stylized rectangular shape, scalloped at right angles, the flat outline is formed by a double fillet and bordered by a frieze of ovates. Two side handles are applied wi...
Silver
Tray, Centerpiece in Sèvres Porcelain
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Tray, Centerpiece in Sèvres Porcelain Table center, Sèvres Porcelain tray, "Chateau des Tuileries" mark, gilt bronze frame, gold decoration around a painting of a galant scene, 19...
Bronze
Sold
H 1.58 in W 24.22 in D 16.34 in
French Tray Napoleon III Style, Hand Painted Metal with Gold, France Early '900
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous antique tray, it was produced in France, circa 1900. This stunning rectangular shaped tray, is decorated with hand painted gold leafs all around the edges and flowers in the center. The details of the decorations are fantastic. An incredibly rare and decorative object with a lovely design, perfect for a neoclassical living room...
Metal, Iron
French, Large Oval Red and Gold Leaf Painted Tole Tray
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Hand-painted in the mid to late 19th century France, this red antique oval toleware tray with side handles features gold scroll patterns. This large impressive antique tray could be ...
Metal
Sold
H 1.58 in W 27.56 in D 19.69 in
French Tray Napoleon III Style in Metal Hand Painted with Gold Paint
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. Large French toilet or bath tray ("toilet ware"); it is made of sheet iron, painted with a special black dye and then decorated, in a highly artistic manner, with flowers, leaves, and arabesques using gold paint; it was made in imitation of imported Chinese lacquerware...
Metal
Sold
H 1 in W 20 in D 15 in
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Period Rosewood and Silver Serving Tray
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid-nineteenth century French Napoleon III period tray is constructed of solid rosewood and features a sterling silver edge with a laurel motif. The tray is stamped with the Fre...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 23.5 in W 29.5 in D 1.25 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Oval Tole Tray with Hand Painted Medallion
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique tray was created in France, circa 1870. Oval in shape, the large black tole platter is embellished by hand painted gilt decor around the lip, and a colorful hand painted center medallion depicting a romantic picnic in the park with horses and dog. The colorful tray...
Tôle
Late 19th Сentury Porcelain Plate
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A late 19th century porcelain plate With a hand painted decoration of scenes with cherubs and floral decoration Measure: Diameter : 40 cm.
Porcelain
Sold
H 2 in Dm 20.25 in
19th Century French Hand Painted Porcelain Charger Signed and Dated Minreal 1889
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wall or a shelf with this important antique porcelain platter; crafted in Southern France circa 1889, the colorful round charger f...
Porcelain