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.
Small Venetian chandelier in pink and gold Murano glass, around 1930
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Small Venetian chandelier in pink and gold Murano glass, around 1930, newly electrified
Glass
19th Century Crystal and Bronze Chandelier of 9 Lights
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A fabulous, traditional gilt brass, bronze and cut crystal chandelier of nine lights, dating from the second half of the 19th century. This outstanding piece is richly decorated with...
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
Iron Lantern French, Napoleon III Black with Stained Glass Panels, circa 1910
Located in Verviers, BE
Studio multicolored stained glass hanging pendant. Studio stained glass hanging lamp. Featuring stained glass pieces with enclosing blue,...
Metal, Wrought Iron
19th Century French Gilt Bronze and Crystal Aesthetic Seven-Light Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
A 19th century French gilt bronze and crystal Aesthetic seven-light chandelier France, circa 1880 Perfectly working and ready to be hung.
Crystal, Bronze
Exceptional Crystal and Bronze Chandelier, L-A Marquis, France, C. 1860
Located in PARIS, FR
This very important 96-lights chandelier made entirely in chiseled and gilded bronze in the Renaissance style, is composed at the lower part of six large sets of ten light-arms, adorned with Bacchus masks, scalloped acanthuses, pearls and “cuir découpé” motifs (“cut leather”), and at the upper part of six sets of six light-arms. The light-arms set is designed around an architectured central shaft, made of foliate balusters, surrounded by three female tritons, each bearing a basket of exotic fruits. The whole finishing at the top with scrolls alternating with garlands of fruits. The whole is richly adorned with numerous cut and faceted crystal pendants. Provenance : Casino – Campione d’Italia *Two identical chandeliers have been made by Louis-Auguste Marquis for the Galerie de la Paix du 37 quai d’Orsay, Hôtel du Ministre des Affaires Étrangères (see attached). Louis-Auguste Marquis (1811-1885) teamed up in 1839 with another bronze-caster named Gilbert Honoré Chaumont (1790-1868), already specialized in lightings. They were awarded at the Exhibition of Industrial Products a bronze medal with their Renaissance style candelabra, a clock and a large chandelier with branches...
Crystal, Bronze
Ermitage Palace St Petersburg Chandelier 112 Lights Bronze gold 18k satin
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, IDF
This chandelier is a copy of a model in the Hermitage Palace in St. Petersburg, in bronze with a finish in gold 18 carats satin. Its large number of lights and the finesse of its chi...
Bronze
19th Century Large Crystal and Bronze Chandelier of 12 Lights
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A glittering gilt brass, bronze and cut crystal tiered chandelier of twelve lights, dating from the second half of the 19th century. This truly magnificent piece features a crisply c...
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
19th Century Napoleon III Rifle Bayonet Steel Brass Bronze Pendant Chandelier
Located in Madrid, ES
A exceptional Napoleon III steel twenty eight light chandelier, made from bayonet handles and blades from the Franco/ Prusian war shaped into scrolling branches, each handle with im...
Brass, Steel
Magnificent Second Empire Chandelier Crystal Gold Antique Napoleon III
Located in Berlin, DE
Magnificent Second Empire Chandelier A stunning original chandelier in the Napoleon III style, embodying the elegance and grandeur of the 19th century. This exquisite piece feature...
Crystal, Brass
Baccarat Style Crystal 24 light Oversized Chandelier
By Baccarat
Located in Lisbon, PT
This Baccarat style crystal and doré bronze chandelier of monumental size and opulent design is truly a splendid sight boasting 24 lights, distinguished by the oversized drops of cry...
Crystal, Metal, Brass, Bronze
MID-19th CENTURY NAPOLEON III LANTERN
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant polychrome porcelain and gilded bronze lantern with four lights. The lantern features a square base, embellished with four cut glass panels engraved with floral and geometric...
Bronze
Antique French Napoleon III Brass Crystal Chandelier Gothic Style 6 Lights
Located in Berlin, DE
This antique French chandelier captivates with its sleek, tiered design featuring curved brass arms and a varied arrangement of clear crystals. Its appearance is characteristic of th...
Crystal, Brass
Very Large French Chandelier in Bronze & Opaline Napoleon III Period
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
Very Large French Chandelier in Bronze & Opaline Napoleon III Period A magnificent converted bronze oil lamp with character and charm from the nineteenth century. The chandel...
Bronze, Copper
Orientalist Chandelier, Patinated Bronze & Crystal, France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
A thirty-six-light Oriental-inspired chandelier in patinated and gilded bronze and cut and faceted crystal, featuring two independent lighting circuits that can be lit together or se...
Crystal, Bronze
19thc French NapoleonIII Purple/ Clear Crystal Floral Form Chandelier style Bacc
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1850's French Antique Napoleon III Purple and Clear Rop Twist / Floral Decor Chandelier. This piece has been restored and the enamel flower work is hand painted. There are 3 purple ...
Crystal
Basket Chandelier with 36 Lights in 24K Gold Bronze and Crystal
Located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, IDF
Magnificent chandelier in the shape of a basket in the Napoleon III style with 36 lights in 24K gilded bronze, many drops of crystal give it a sumptuous effect. We have one chandeli...
Crystal, Bronze, Gold
Greek style Crystal and Bronze Chandelier, France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Louis XVI style chandelier, in gilt bronze and cut crystal, with six light branches. The frame is distinguished by an architectural decoration inspired by Antiquity, composed of geom...
Crystal, Bronze
French Napoléon III 1850s Montgolfière Crystal and Brass Two-Light Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoléon III period montgolfière two lights crystal chandelier from the mid 19th century with brass foliage, wired for the USA. Experience the allure of French artistry with this mid 19th century Napoléon III period Montgolfière chandelier...
Crystal, Brass
19th Century French Gilt Bronze and Crystal Twelve-Light Chandelier with dragons
Located in Tarzana, CA
A large late 19th century French Belle époque neoclassical revival style gilt bronze and crystal twelve-light oval shaped chandelier with drago...
Crystal, Bronze
Napoléon III 1870s Six-Light Chandelier with Scrolling and Twisted Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoléon III period six-light iron chandelier from late 19th century with scrolling accents and twisted patterns. Created in France at the end of emperor Napoléon III's reig...
Iron
Orientalist Chandelier Att. to E. Cornu and G. Viot & Cie, France, circa 1870
By Eugène Cornu
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare and important orientalist chandelier with 24 lights, in Algerian onyx, chiseled and gilded bronze and cloisonné enamel. It consists of a sh...
Crystal, Onyx, Bronze, Enamel
Napoleon III Chandelier, Patinated Bronze & Frosted Glass, France
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful Napoleon III Style Chandelier with Angels and Shell-Shaped Glass This exceptional chandelier from the Napoleon III period has a frame made of patinated bronze and is richl...
Brass
Boin-Masson, "Cupids" Chandelier, France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Charming gilded and patinated bronze chandelier composed of nine branches ending with illuminating roses. The central lattice basket of pearls and crystal rosettes supports three sea...
Crystal, Bronze
Magnificent Palatial Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Glass Chandelier
Located in London, by appointment only
A magnificent late 19th century Napoleon III gilt bronze and glass 30-light chandelier of palatial proportions. France, circa 1870 Measures: Drop 210cm Diameter 185cm.
Bronze
French Empire Chandelier, Bronze Dore, 18 Arms, Circa 1850
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th Century) bronze dore 18 arm chandelier with winged figures.
Bronze
Bagues, Pair of gilt bronze basket chandeliers, France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
This elegant pair of chandeliers features four foliate bronze scrolls at the upper section, supporting the structure. At the centre, a broad decorative band displays a frieze of gild...
Bronze
Chandelier with knights, in the style of E. Viollet-le-Duc, France, circa 1880
By Eugène Emmanuel Viollet Le Duc
Located in Paris, FR
French « chevaliers » chandelier, circa 1880, in polished bronze. Originally gas-fired, it has recently been electrified. The height is given without the suspension chain.
Bronze
Huge chandelier in bronze and glass, XXth century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Imposing chandelier in patinated bronze and frosted glass, comprising 13 lights, 12 of which are distributed on the arms. Each light is contained within a frosted glass tulip, accent...
Bronze
Lacarrière, Delatour & Cie, "Acanthus" Chandelier, France, circa 1870
By Lacarrière, Delatour and Co.
Located in PARIS, FR
Exceptional Louis XVI-inspired twelve-light chandelier in "canon de fusil" patinated and gilded bronze, richly adorned with rosettes, garlands, pearls, prisms, and cut faceted crysta...
Crystal, Bronze
French Napoleon III Oil Lamp
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Fine French Napoleon III Oil Lamp, now electrified. Opaline glass container decorated with Maidens in Classical robes. France, circa 1860. Dimensions: Height 36" Diameter 17" CW5174
Bronze
Napoléon III Gilt Bronze and Cut-Glass Thirty-Six Light Chandelier, circa 1870
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A large and impressive Napoléon III gilt bronze and cut-glass thirty-six light chandelier. French, circa 1870. This fine chandelier has a gilt bronze frame issuing scrolling f...
Bronze
Antique French Napoleon III Crystal & Gold Bronze 12-Light Chandelier circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Napoleon III crystal and gold bronze 12-light chandelier, circa 1890's.
Crystal, Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Bronze D' Ore and Crystal Chandelier
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th century French Napoleon III bronze d' ore and crystal chandelier.
Crystal, Bronze
Antique French Napoleon III Gold Bronze and Baccarat Crystal Chandelier, Ca 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Exceptional antique French Napoleon III gold bronze and baccarat crystal chandelier, Circa 1880.
Crystal, Bronze
Very Fine Napoleon III Style Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine Napoleon III style chandelier having a gilt bronze frame with "S" curve arms ornate with "Fumee" purple pendalogues and beaded swags. 8 Lights. France, circa 1900. Dimen...
Crystal, Bronze
Napoleon III Chandelier in Bronze with Six-Light Arms
Located in Paris, FR
Nice chandelier in finely worked bronze, Napoleon III period. Six-light arms fitted with "Grand Siècle" candles and one more light in the central cassolette. Finely chiseled chains...
Bronze
Baccarat, Chandelier, France, Circa 1880, XIXth century
Located in PARIS, FR
18-lights chandelier in gilded bronze and cut and faceted crystal. Composed of a central shaft in blown and molded crystal, ending in a gilded bronze sphere from which spring eightee...
Crystal, Bronze
A Large Antique French Rock Crystal and Gilt Bronze Chandelier
Located in London, GB
A large gilt bronze cage frame rock crystal chandelier from the late 19th century. Embellished with rock crystal and cut crystal pieces, The caged frame decorated with beads and flow...
Rock Crystal, Bronze
Lighting - Napoleon III Ceiling Light
Located in Porto, PT
Lighting - Napoleon III ceiling lamp. French Napoleon III style; in gilded bronze with glass shades. Height: 86 cm. Provenance: Ilda Mégre Casimiro Barbosa Bizarro Collection
Metal
Very Fine Gilt Bronze & Crystal Napoleon III Style Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine Napoleon III style chandelier with rope twist arm having a bronze dore frame ornate with clear, "fumee" and amethyst color hand cut pendalogues ...
Crystal, Bronze
19th Century French Bronze Dragon Chandelier with Opalescent Shades
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French 19th Century Bronze Dragon Chandelier, circa 1880–1890 – Three-Light with Opaline Blue Glass Shades. An exceptional late 19th-century French bronze chandelier, dating from ci...
Bronze
19thc French Cast Spelter/ Bronze Flying Cherub with Flower Garland Chandelier
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1890 French Antique Napoleon III Heavy Cast Spelter and Bronze Flying Cherub with His Porcelain Flowered Garland. 3 lights. Beautiful detailed Cherub. Adjustable chain height. Estat...
Spelter
Late 19th Century French Basket of Flower Chandelier
Located in Southampton, NY
Late 19th century French bronze woven basket with St Cloud Porcelain flowers as a chandelier.
Bronze Gilded Suspension with Glass Gemstones, Napoleon III Period
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This gilt bronze chandelier has eight branches which take the form of glassware and candles and surround a semi spherical decorated with glass gemstones. Result of a very careful wor...
Multi-gemstone, Bronze
Napoleon III chandelier, carved rock crystal, "Cage" model, France
Located in Valladolid, ES
Amazing French chandelier—known as the "cage" style—featuring cut and faceted crystal. It has a bronze structure composed of multiple tiers of arms, with a total of eight lights dis...
Rock Crystal, Bronze
19thc French Napoleon III Crystal Beaded w/ Amethyst & Clear Crystal Chandelier
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc French Napoleon III Crystal Beaded Amethyst & Clear Crystal Chandelier. Note the detail, the beaded circular chains are quite unique. This piece is attributed to Maison Bag...
Crystal
Napoleon III French Bronze Six Light Bronze Chandelier
Located in Nashville, TN
Early 20th century French bronze chandelier in the style of Napoleon III or neoclassical design. Six lights, highly detailed bronze details.
Bronze
c1900 French Louis XVI style Cut Crystal Basket Form Chandelier Swarovski
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Antique French Crystal Beaded Basket Swarovski Chandelier. Napoleon III period.
Crystal
19thc French Napoleon III Gilt&Patinated Bronze Cherub with Garland on His Swing
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Stunning and Very High Quality. 19thc French Napoleon Gilt & Patinated Bronze Cherub Baby on His Swing and Carrying a Garland Chandelier. I cannot emphasize the superb quality of the...
Bronze
A Very Fine 19th c. French Louis XVI Style Heavy Gilt Bronze 16 Light Chandelier
Located in Charleston, SC
A Very Fine 19th c. French Louis XVI Style Heavy Gilt Bronze, 16 Light Chandelier with Superb Multi-Tier Craftsmanship with Embellished Figural Masks and Elaborate Canopy with Tassel...
Bronze
French Napoleon III Period 1860s Ebonized Wood and Bronze Six-Light Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoleon III period carved ebonized wood and bronze six-light chandelier from the mid-19th century, with scrolling arms and acanthus leaf motifs. Born in France during the reign of France's last emperor Napoleon III, this exquisite six-light chandelier features a central ebonized carved wooden column topped with bronze foliage and supporting six scrolling arms accented with delicate acanthus leaves. Highlighted with petite beads and gadrooned motifs, this French Napoleon III chandelier...
Bronze
Lighting - Ceiling light fixture - Napoleon III - 19th century
Located in Porto, PT
Lighting - Ceiling light - Napoleon III - 19th century. French; 'Napoleon III'; 19th century; in patinated gilded bronze. Decorated with vegetal scrolls and winged female figures. Wi...
Metal
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III 24-Light Gilt Bronze Monumental Chandelier
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III 24-light gilt bronze monumental chandelier By: unknown Material: metal, bronze, copper, tin, glass Technique: cast, molded, polished, metalwork...
Metal, Bronze, Copper, Tin
H. Vian, Chandelier "with Butterflies", France, Circa 1890
By Henri Vian
Located in PARIS, FR
Chandelier with eighteen light-arms in gilded bronze attributed to H. Vian, richly decorated with scrolls, pearls and cut crystal pendants. The whole is decorated on the shaft with t...
Crystal, Bronze
1890 French Style Maison Bagues Napoleon III Gas Conv. Beaded Crystal Chandelier
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Stunning 19thc French Antique Gas Converted to Electric Attributed Maison Bagues Beaded Crystal Chandelier. Amber crystal star detail and crystal ...
Bronze
19thc French Napoleon III Bronze Cage Ruby Red & Clear Cut Crystal Chandelier
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1890 French Napoleon III Bronze Cage with Red and Clear Cut Crystal Adornment. Beautiful amethyst and Ruby Red Crystal. Spectacular!
Crystal
c1890 French Beaded Crystal "Crown" Form Chandelier
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1890 French Beaded Crystal Crown Form Vhandelier. Stunning detail in the beaded crystal work.
Crystal
Antique French Napoleon III Gilded Bronze Chandelier, 1850s
Located in Asaa, DK
Antique French Napoleon III Gilded Bronze Chandelier, 1850s. Elegant lantern shaped hanging chandelier for four candles. Suspended from a canopy with ...
Bronze
19thc French Antique Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Chandelier Florals & Scrolls
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Lovely 19thc French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Chandelier. Gilt bronze scrolls and floral detail. Nice exta special fixture.
Bronze
Small Crystal And Bronze Chandelier By Baccarat, 19th Century
Located in Charmes, FR
Small crystal and bronze chandelier by Baccarat Dated to the mid-19th century In good condition
Crystal