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.
19th Century French Silver-Plated Coffee Pot in Napoleon III Style
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant 19th century silver-plated coffee pot is a fine example of French tableware craftsmanship from the Napoleon III period. Gracefully proportioned, it features a bulbous b...
Silver Plate
A silver plated duck & lobster press by Cailar&Bayard Paris.
Located in Wijnegem, BE
A beautiful silver plated duck & lobster press by Cailar&Bayard Paris made around the turn of the century. Signed. Paris c. 1900s. In perfect restored c...
Silver Plate
Ice Bucket, Silver-Plated Metal, Maison Christofle, circa 1900.
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Ice bucket, silver-plated metal, Maison Christofle, circa 1900. Ice bucket, Napoleon III style, circa 1900, silver-plated metal, Maison Christofle. Dimensions : H: 22.5cm, D: 19cm ...
Silver Plate
Antique Christofle Silverplate Oil & Vinegar Set, France, c. 1900
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Elegant and timeless, this antique silverplate oil and vinegar set by Christofle, France, circa 1900, is a refined example of classic French tableware. Crafted from high-quality si...
Crystal, Silver Plate
Set of 6 Silver-Plated Teaspoons, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 6 silver-plated teaspoons, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Set of 6 teaspoons from the 19th century, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Dimensions :H: 1 cm, L: 16 cm, D: ...
Silver Plate
Baccarat Tray With A Star Shape Cut Crystal And Silver Strapping XIXth Century
Located in Crespières, FR
An elegant French XIXth century Baccarat crystal tray with depth and round shapes, mounted with a silver strapping. This rare Baccarat tray displays a ...
Crystal, Silver
Silver Plated Liquid Measure, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Silver plated liquid measure, 19th century. 19th century silver plated liquid measure. Dimensions : h: 6,5cm, d: 4cm Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability.
Silver Plate
19th Century French Silvered Bronze Mirrored "Surtout de Table" with Cherubs
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a dining table with this large antique "Surtout de Table". Crafted in France circa 1870 and built of silvered bronze, the spectacular oval centerpiece is almost two feet in length. The decorative table tray...
Silver Plate, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Georgian Sheffield Plate Candlesticks
Located in Richmond, VA
Pair of 19th century Georgian Sheffield plate candlesticks with gadroon borders and removable bobehces.
Sheffield Plate
Vintage Leonard Silver Plated Tea or Coffee Pot
By Leonard
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and collectable, this silver plated tea or coffee pot adds style and glamour to modern and eclectic styles. Ornate and simple lines merge to bring shine and style to modern...
Silver Plate
Christofle Frances "Le Grillon" Silver-Plated Steel Crumb Sweeper
By Christofle
Located in Valladolid, ES
A refined and exquisite crumb sweeper from the prestigious French house of Christofle, model "Le Grillon," made of silver-plated steel with a handle hallmarked with the Christofle ha...
Silver Plate
Pair Sheffield Silver Plate Wine Coasters 19th Century English
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair 19th century Sheffield wine coasters. Need polishing.
Silver Plate
Lino Sabatinni For Christofle / Gallia, Paris - Ice Bucket, c.1960
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous ice minimalist / modernist silver plated ice bucket, I believe in the Windsor pattern, designed c.1960 by the world famous Lino Sabatinni, the preeminent figure in modern...
Silver Plate
19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate Ice Bucket / Tantalus
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Step into the opulence of the 19th century with this exquisite 19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate Ice Bucket, which doubles as a Tantalus. Meticulously crafted, this piece marries form and function in a remarkable display of craftsmanship. The ice bucket's design is not only a testament to the era's sophistication but also a practical solution for keeping beverages chilled. It features a top that accommodates a resting decanter and a side compartment for holding a drinking glass, offering a complete and elegant beverage service...
Silver Plate
19th Century French Christofle Silver Plated Repoussé Serving Tray
By Christofle
Located in Dallas, TX
Elevate a bar, dining table, or coffee service with this elegant antique French silver plated serving tray by Christofle, crafted circa 1870. Of generous rectangular form with softly...
Silver Plate
19th Century English Silver Plate Samovar / Tea Urn
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Mid 19th century English silver plated samovar / tea or coffee urn with Ram detail side handles and finial lid on square footed base . The samova...
Silver Plate, Copper
$1,195
H 1.25 in W 26 in D 16.25 in
Mid Century Era Christofle Silver Plated Serving Tray with Stylized Rope Border
By Christofle
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage serving tray was made by the renowned Christofle company of France in approximately 1965 in a period Mid Century style. The tray is composed of silver plate and has a s...
Silver Plate
19th Century French Silver Plated Bread Basket with Vine Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
Serve your baguette or crackers in style in this elegant bread tray. Crafted in France circa 1870 and oval in shape with side handles, the dish stands on fo...
Silver Plate
$1,150
H 1.75 in W 19.75 in D 12.5 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Silver-Plated Serving Tray with Handles
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1880, this refined antique silver-plated serving tray showcases the elegant symmetry and ornamental vocabulary of the Louis XVI style. The rectangular board i...
Silver Plate
$7,995 / set
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Fidelio by Christofle France Silverplate Flatware Service 12 Set 136 pcs Dinner
By Christofle
Located in Big Bend, WI
Large Fidelio by Christofle France Silverplate Flatware set - 75 pieces. This set includes: 12 Dinner Size Knives, 10 1/2" 12 Dinner Size Forks,...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 16.15 in W 10.24 in D 9.85 in
Samovar in Silver-Plated Metal, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Samovar in silver-plated metal, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Napoleon III period samovar, 19th century, silver-plated metal. H: 41cm, W: 26cm, D: 25cm Contact us before order...
Silver Plate
Set of 12 Small Spoons in a Case, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 12 small spoons in a case, 20th century. Set of 12 Napoleon III style silver plated teaspoons in their box. Dimensions : Case: H: 4.5cm, W: 17cm, D: 11cm Contact us before o...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 13 in W 25.6 in D 16.34 in
19th-Century Silver-Plated Tea and Coffee Service from Christofle, Napoleon III.
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th-century silver-plated tea and coffee service from Christofle, Napoleon III period. 19th-century tea and coffee service from Christofle, Napoleon III period. H: 33cm, W: 65cm, D...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 15.36 in W 12.21 in D 9.85 in
Christofle Silver-Plated Samovar, Napoleon III Style, 20th Century.
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Christofle silver-plated samovar, Napoleon III style, 20th century. Samovar by silversmith Christofle in silver-plated metal, Napoleon III style, early 20th century. H: 39cm, W: 31c...
Silver Plate
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H 1.58 in W 7.09 in D 5.52 in
Set of 12 Silver-Plated Teaspoons, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 12 silver-plated teaspoons, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Set of 12 teaspoons from the 19th century, Napoleon III period, 19th century. H: 4 cm, L: 18 cm, D: 14 cm
Silver Plate
Silver-Plated Cake Server, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Silver-plated cake server, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Beautiful 19th-century cake server from the Napoleon III period, made of silver-plated metal. H: 8.5 cm, L: 36 cm, D: 2...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 3.15 in W 15.36 in D 11.82 in
A Napoleon III Period Silver Plated Cutlery Set in its Case, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A Napoleon III period silver plated cutlery set in its case, 19th century. Napoleon III period cutlery set, silver plated, in its case, 19th century. 12 spoons 12 forks 12 teaspoons...
Silver Plate
Set of 18 Silver-Plated Sub-Plates, Circa 1900.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 18 silver-plated sub-plates, circa 1900. Set of 18 Napoleon III style tableware sub-plates, circa 1900, silver plated. H: 1.5cm, D: 27cm
Silver Plate
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H 9.85 in W 8.27 in D 5.91 in
An English Silver-Plated Warming Dish, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An English silver-plated warming dish, Napoleon III period, 19th century. An English silver plated warming dish, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Closed: H: 25cm, W: 21cm, D: 15cm...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 8.27 in W 18.9 in D 14.97 in
Very Important Cutlery Service by Christofle, 170 Pieces in its Case.
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Very important cutlery service by Christofle, 170 pieces in its case. Silver-plated cutlery service in its case by the Maison Christofle, 170 pieces in the Napoleon III style, 20th ...
Silver Plate
Napoleon III Style Silver Plated Bowl, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon III style silver plated bowl, 20th century. A Napoleon III style silver plated bowl, 20th century. H: 12cm. W: 26cm, D: 24.5cm
Silver Plate
Silver Plated Samovar, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Silver plated samovar, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Samovar from the XIXth century, Napoleon III period, in silver plated metal, Ebony handle, very nice model. H: 29cm. W: 30c...
Silver Plate