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.
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
19thc French Napoleon III Red Crystal Hanging Electric Lantern Signed Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Very Rare Form 19thc French Napoleon III Ruby Red Crystal Electrified Oil Lantern Signed by Baccarat. What makes this example very rare is the panel scenes of Birds/ Ducks/ Flying Ge...
Crystal
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 Napoleon III Iron and Tole Metal Lantern
Located in North Miami, FL
This extra large scale black tole metal and frosted glass lantern with 6 lights to interior, is designed in the Napoleon III style. Charming details such as metal florals, tassels a...
Metal
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
Gilded Elegance: 19th Century Venetian Lantern
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite 19th Century Carved and Gilt Wood Venetian Lantern. Crafted with meticulous artistry, this lantern's intricate carvings and lustrous gilt finish exude timeless elegance. It...
Wood
$2,380Sale Price|20% Off
19thc French Napoleon III Suspended Lantern Dore Bronze/ Crystal Signed Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze with Crystal Suspended Ceiling Lantern. The crystal shade and the bronze body are both signed by Baccarat France. This is a unique fixture and h...
Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Round Iron Lantern with Stained Glass Panels
Located in Dallas, TX
For a unique lighting feature, look no further than this beautiful, antique Gothic style lantern. Crafted in France circa 1870, this vibrant lantern features seven stained glass pane...
Iron
19th Century French Napoleon III Black Iron Antique Lantern
Located in New Orleans, LA
A striking Napoleon III black iron lantern featuring intricate scrollwork, glass-paneled sides, and a gracefully tapered form—blending 19th century French industrial craftsmanship wi...
Wrought Iron
$3,372Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Magnificent Floor Lamp, Bronze, Gold Napoleon III
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique magnificent floor lamp, bronze, gold Napoleon III. Voluminous body with curved bronze arms. Lavishly with crystal curtains. Solid gilt bronze base with curved volutes in Louis XV style. Finely cast and chased bronze elements, gilded. Lampshade frame...
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
A Napoleon III pentagonal ormolu hanging lantern
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Napoleon III pentagonal ormolu hanging lantern, the five shaped glass plates set within ornate frames comprising swags, urns and acanthus leaves, retaining traces of the original g...
Ormolu
$1,984Sale Price|20% Off
c1880 French Napoleon III Crystal&Gilt Bronze Ceiling Fixture / Chandelier
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1880 French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze / Cut Crystal Chandelier/ Pendant Ceiling Fixture. The quality of this piece is amazing! The crystal is very, very thick and heavy. Attributed t...
Bronze
Important Napoleon III Style Bronze and Curved Glass Vestibule Lantern, 20th cen
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Monumental late 20th-century cylindrical hall or vestibule lantern crafted in finely chased bronze with a dual matte and burnished gold patina. This commanding fixture is designed wi...
Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Iron Lantern with Painted Stained Glass Panels
Located in Dallas, TX
For a unique lighting feature, look no further than this beautiful, antique Gothic style lantern. Created in France circa 1870, the colorful lantern is decorated with four painted, s...
Iron
Late 19th-Century French Napoleon III Wrought-Iron Lantern with Stained Glass
Located in London, GB
A late 19th-century French Napoleon III hanging lantern, dating to circa 1880–1900. The lantern features an elaborate wrought-iron framework with scrolling foliate decoration, surmou...
Wrought Iron
19th Century French Napoleon III Iron Lantern with Fleur de Lis
Located in New Orleans, LA
A distinguished Napoleon III black iron lantern adorned with fleur-de-lis motifs and intricate scrollwork, showcasing the era’s imperial elegance and finely detailed French craftsman...
Wrought Iron
French Napoleon III Style Giltwood Lantern By La Maison London
Located in London, Park Royal
A French Napoléon III–style gilt lantern, hand-carved in wood and finished in gold leaf by the master craftsmen at La Maison London. The design is inspired by a late 19th-century bespoke monumental...
Glass, Hardwood
Pair of 19th Century Hand Painted Porcelain and Bronze Oil Lanterns
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of 19th century hand painted porcelain and bronze oil lanterns are exquisite works of art executed in amazing detail and vibrant color by hand, then glazed to preserve the beaut...
Bronze
Napoleon III Style Bronze Lantern with Acid-Etched Glass, Circa 1900
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Napoleon III style bronze lantern circa 1900 acid-etched glasses
Metal
Opaline Lanterne with Gilded Bronze
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Opaline pink lantern with bronze style Napoleon III. This lantern is part of the high French decoration decorated and hand painting. These colors for thi...
Bronze
Lantern, attributed to Maison Millet, France, Circa 1890
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful lantern in double patina bronze and crystal. The central shaft is engraved with a Greek frieze centered on a star. The whole is suspended from a openwork crown decorated wi...
Crystal, Bronze
Brass Lantern with Faceted Glass, circa 1960
By Gio Ponti, Emil Stejnar, Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in Vienna, AT
Lyrical mid-century brass lantern with faceted glass. Very intricate design with a solid hexagonal brass structure, which is partially enameled in white, and six faceted glass elemen...
Brass
$3,998
H 35 in Dm 12.1 in
Stunning Antique French Neoclassical Brass Lantern Pendant w Frosted Glass c1910
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning French brass lantern from the 1910s brings timeless charm and warm, ambient light to any interior. A beautifully preserved antique French brass lantern pendant from the ear...
Brass, Wire
Iron and Glass Lantern Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Simple and elegant iron and glass pendants. Glass globe shaped as an octagon with inlaid iron with in clear glass. Oil rub bronze hardware. Newly re-wired. One available.
Pair of 19th Century Tole Lanterns
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair of painted tole lanterns.
Tôle
French Iron and Tole Glass-Paneled Lantern
Located in Chireno, TX
French iron and tole glass-paneled lantern circa 1870-1899. Unwired. Note: Original/early finish on antique and vintage metal will include some, or all, of...
Brass, Iron, Tin
19th Century French Zinc Lantern
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Late 19th Century French zinc lantern. With a decorative time worn patina. Circa 1890. Re-wired to UK standards. One of two available, priced individually.
Zinc
$2,593
H 31.5 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Early 20th-Century Italian Gilded Metal Lantern Charm and Elegance for Your Home
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We offer this splendid Italian lantern dating back to the early 20th century. Are you looking for a unique piece capable of adding character and transforming the atmosphere of an ent...
Metal
$3,465Sale Price|30% Off
H 27.5 in W 17.25 in D 17.25 in L 27.5 in
A Rare French Baroque Style Wrought-Iron Stained Glass Hall Lantern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A French 19th-20th century Baroque Revival style wrought iron and four-color vitreaux stained glass single-light hall lantern, the rounded four stained glass...
Wrought Iron
$1,300
H 24 in Dm 10.25 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Round Iron Lantern with Stained Glass Panels
Located in Dallas, TX
For a unique lighting feature, look no further than this beautiful, antique Gothic style lantern. Crafted in France circa 1870, this vibrant lantern features seven stained glass pane...
Iron
Hanging Lantern
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A hanging lantern of faceted, tapering form with a stepped, pagoda-like top and glazed sides. The lantern is constructed with angular panes set within a darkened metal framework and ...
Metal
$4,169
H 45 in W 21 in D 21 in
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Five-Light Chandelier
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A fine Louis XVI style five-arm chandelier of gilt bronze and parcel patinated, extremely ornate with great details, France, 1880-1890. This wonderful piece is in its original condi...
Bronze
French 19th Century Wrought Iron Lantern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very decorative and unique French 19th century Wrought Iron lantern. The bottom of the hexagon shaped lantern is elegantly decorated by elongated 'S' scrolls leading to the bottom ...
Wrought Iron
$165,000Sale Price|26% Off
H 76 in Dm 50 in
Very Impressive and Palatial Late 19th Century Bronze and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Long Island City, NY
A very impressive and palatial late 19th century gilt bronze and crystal twenty four light basket chandelier The large sunburst corona above a reticulated pierced crown adorned with...
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Large Iron and Glass Lantern
Located in New Orleans, LA
A striking 19th century French lantern crafted from iron and glass, featuring a generous scale and timeless architectural presence. Its aged iron finish and classic silhouette showca...
Iron
$126,000
H 55 in Dm 40 in
A Palatial and Exceptional Large 19th Century Baccarat Cut Crystal Chandelier
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A palatial and large 19th century Baccarat cut crystal chandelier composed of tiered crystal elements, hand-cut prisms, and acid-etched glass shades. The chandelier features a centra...
Crystal
Pair of Antique Italian Glass Paneled Lanterns
Located in Chireno, TX
Pair of antique Italian glass paneled lanterns circa 1900-1910. Cast brass with soft, natural green-verdigris patina. Sold together and priced $10,...
Brass, Iron
French Art Nouveau Stained-Glass Lantern, 1890-1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau Stained-Glass Lantern, France, 1890-1900. This exquisite French Art Nouveau stained-glass lantern dates from 1890-1900 and showcases masterful craftsmanship in sta...
Iron
Set of Three French Verdigris Bronze Three-Light Ceiling Lanterns
Located in Dallas, TX
Dress an entryway, hallway, or covered patio with this exceptional set of three antique lanterns. Crafted in France circa 1990, each hanging lantern is composed of a finely bronze fr...
Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Iron Lantern with Stained Glass Panels
Located in Dallas, TX
For a unique lighting feature, look no further than this beautiful, antique Gothic style lantern. Crafted in France circa 1870, this vibrant lantern features four stained glass panel...
Iron
Sold
H 29 in W 11 in D 11 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Iron Lantern with Painted Stained Glass Panels
Located in Dallas, TX
For a unique lighting feature, look no further than this beautiful, antique Gothic lantern. Created in France circa 1870, the lantern is decorat...
Iron
Mid-Century French Napoleon III Bronze and Glass Four-Light Ceiling Lantern
Located in Dallas, TX
Light up your entryway with this elegant brass lantern fixture; crafted in France circa 1970, the tall round lantern is decorated with the four brass dividers decorated with foliage ...
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 10.5 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
19thc French Antique Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Chinoiserie Heavy Pagoda Lantern
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc French Napoleon III Heavy Gilt Bronze Japonisant, Chinoiserie Lantern with Original thisk Art Glass Shade. This lantern is ultra high quality.
Bronze
Sold
H 26 in W 15 in D 15 in
19th Century French Gothic Black and Gilt Iron Three-Light Hexagon Lantern
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1880, and hexagonal in shape with slant roof form top, the antique light fixture features pierced ornate, decorative scrolls throughout and embellished with a...
Iron
1980s Italian Tole Candle Sconces, a Pair
Located in Marietta, GA
Wonderful pair of tole candle lanterns , with curved seeded glass. The lanterns are Napoleonic in style, with hand painted gold embellishments. In very goo...
Tin
French Hanging Lantern
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Fantastic 19th century French verdigris copper hanging lantern with chain. This is a fabulous 19th century French fully glazed convex verdigris lante...
Glass
Sold
H 29 in W 18 in D 18 in
French 1870s Napoléon III Period Copper Four-Light Lantern with Verdigris Patina
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoléon III copper lantern from the late 19th century, with four lights and verdigris patina. Created in France during the last quarter of the 19th century, this copper lan...
Copper
Antique Napoleon III Bronze and Etched Glass Lantern, Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Napoleon III bronze and etched glass lantern, Circa 1890.
Bronze
Sold
H 24.5 in W 20.5 in D 20.5 in
French Napoléon III 1850s Tôle Four-Light Lantern with Original Painted Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoléon III period tôle lantern from the mid 20th century, with four lights, original paint and glass panels. Created in France during the reign of Emperor Napoléon III, th...
Tôle
Exceptional Suite of 6 French Antique Restored Large Lanterns
Located in Jesteburg, DE
Exceptional suite of 6 French antique mid-19th century restored large lanterns. Expertedly restored, rewired. These would be perfect on a grand porch, entrance or corridor. Exc...
Copper
Sold
H 28 in W 12 in D 12 in
19th Century, French Napoleon III Iron and Stained Glass Three-Light Lantern
Located in Dallas, TX
Hang this elegant, Gothic lantern in your entry or powder room. Crafted in France, circa 1870, the antique light fixture features four hand-painted, ...
Iron