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
Eight-Light Bronze and Glass Chandelier Napoleon III Ceiling Pendant1870s
Located in Labrit, Landes
A remarkable eight-light gilt bronze chandelier of Bacchic theme, dating from the Napoleon III period, circa 1900, and exemplary of the finest Parisian bronze-casting workshops of th...
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
$1,784Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair c1890 French Napolean III 24k Carved Fleur de Lis Baccarat Fixture Shades
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair Rare 19thc Signed Baccarat Cut Crystal Hurricane Shades. Carved Fleur di Lys, 24K engraved. Very high end pair of shaded by Baccarat.
Crystal
Rare Monumental Pair of 18th Century Louis XV Gilt Bronze Lily Candelabra
Located in London, GB
A truly magnificent and rare pair of 18th Century Louis XV / Ancient Regime period ecclesiastical candelabra, representing the pinnacle of 18th-century sacred decorative art. Execute...
Bronze, Ormolu
French 19th Century Silverplate Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A lovely silver-plated French bouillotte lamp, this former candelabra was converted to electric for three candelabra-base bulbs. Bouillotte is a card game that became popular in Fran...
Metal, Silver Plate
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
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
$1,780Sale Price|20% Off
19thc French Napoleon III Bronze Cut Crystal Beaded Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Stunning Large 19thc French Napoleon III Heavy Bronze with Cut Crystal Beaded Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture. 4 bulbs, very nice size and very ...
Crystal
Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Sèvres Porcelain Two-Light Lamps
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant and richly decorated, this pair of antique French Napoleon III lamps was originally made as oil lamps and later converted for modern electrical use. Crafted in France circa 1...
Bronze
19th Century French Gilt Bronze Bouillotte Lamp with Tole Shade
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant French bouillotte lamp, dating to the late 19th-century during the Napoleon III period, beautifully reflects the enduring influence of the Empire style throughout the 19...
Metal, Bronze
$3,768Sale Price|39% Off
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
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 Bouillotte Lamp with Green Tole Shade and Bronze Base
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This 19th century French bouillotte lamp is a distinguished example of neoclassical design, crafted in bronze with a finely aged patina. The circular base is richly detailed with del...
Bronze, Sheet Metal, Enamel
Pair of Monumental Large Japanese French Imari Porcelain Ormolu Candelabra
Located in London, GB
Pair of Monumental Large Japanese French Imari Porcelain Ormolu Candelabra Porcelain: Japanese, 18th Century Ormolu: French, Mid-19th Century Height 260cm, diameter 86cm This exce...
Ormolu
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
Pair of Antique Mercury Glass Lamps, Refitted by Warren Kessler, circa 1960s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Antique Mercury Glass Lamps, Refitted by Warren Kessler, circa 1960s A striking pair of antique mercury-glass vessels, refitted as table lamps by Warren Kessler Inc. in New ...
Ormolu
Pair of 19th Century Blue & White Faience Bronze-Mounted Lamps Gien
By Gien
Located in Austin, TX
A stunning of pair of blue and white bronze-mounted lamps, wired for US, circa 1880. Total height with the shades / 22".
Bronze
$2,500Sale Price / set|21% Off
Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Chinoiserie Style Tole Sconces
Located in Southampton, NY
Pair of 19th century French Napoleon III chinoiserie style tole sconces with pagoda form and original crystals.
$4,632Sale Price|62% Off
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
Pair P Hanson Napoleon III Gilt &Patinated Bronze Figural 5-Arm Candelabra Lamps
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of late 20th century Napoleon III style gilt and patinated bronze figural seven-light candelabra attributed to Paul Hanson. The design features female bronze figures, support...
Brass, 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
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
Early 20th Century French Brass and Tole Three-Light Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Add warm color and refined French character to a desk, side table, or library with this elegant antique bouillotte lamp. Crafted in France circa 1920, the brass table lamp rests on a...
Brass, Tôle
Large Napoleon III Period French Bronze Wall Sconce of Classical Female Figure
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This Napoleon III period bronze sconce features a classical female figure standing atop curling acanthus and flowers. Two candle arms extend from the floral base. The unusual large s...
Bronze
$2,101Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Antique Opaline Glass Oil Lamps, Depicting Napoleon and Josephine, 1890
Located in Vienna, Austria
These French antique oil lamps are fitted with solid brass bases. Resting on the base are blue opaline glass elements. They are depicted with images of Napoleon and Josephine...
Opaline Glass
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
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
White Opaline and Brass Lamp
Located in New York, NY
White Opaline and Brass Lamp. Napoleon III period while opaline glass vase lamp with brass collar and tripod base originally mounted for gas, retaining original pierced gallery colla...
Brass
French 1850s Napoléon III Painted Tôle Two-Light Lamp with Cherub and Roses
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoléon III period painted tôle two-light table lamp from the mid 19th century, with cherub and rose motifs. Created in France at the beginning of Emperor Napoléon III's re...
Tôle
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
$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
$6,920Sale Price|20% Off
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
Antique French Napoleon III Gold Bronze and Enamel Chandelier, Circa 1880-1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Petite Antique French Napoleon III Gold Bronze and Enamel Chandelier, Circa 1880-1890.
Bronze, Enamel
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Malachite Column Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Napoleon III gilt bronze malachite column lamp. Gilt bronze column lamp in a richly decorative form popularized during the 1860s-1870s in France....
Malachite, Bronze
$2,104Sale Price|20% Off
19thc F&C Osler Cut Glass Table Lamp - Exceptional!
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Masterpiece 19thc British Cut Glass Table Lamp by F & C Osler. This lamp is exceptional quality as Osler offered the highest craftsmanship. Purchased in Holland from a lighting d...
Glass
Antique French Napolean III Hand Painted Porcelain Oil Lamp Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Napolean III Style Hand Painted Porcelain Converted Oil Lamp Electrified Table Lamps - a Pair. Item features hand painted scenes of maidens to fronts and country Frenc...
Brass
$34,788Sale Price|20% Off
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
Venetian chandelier made of gold and pink Murano glass, 5 light arms, around 193
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Venetian Murano glass chandelier in gold and pink, 5 light arms, around 1930, newly electrified
Glass
$675Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pr Vintage Hand Crafted French Napoleon III-Style Gilded Bronze Sconces
Located in New Orleans, LA
A fine diminutive pair of vintage late 1920’s French gilded bronze wall sconces in the Napoleon III-style having frosted glass rose petal shades. The round back plates with laurel le...
Bronze
$191,908Sale Price / set|55% Off
Pair of Bronze Putti Torcheres Attributed to v. Paillard, France, Circa 1870
Located in PARIS, FR
A pair of two patina bronze torcheres attributed to V. Paillard. Each modelled as a pair of putti holding aloft a large foliate shaft issuing eleven berried-acanthus scrolled branche...
Bronze
$888Sale Price|20% Off
1890's French Napoleon III Bronze w/ Cascading Cut Crystal Wall Sconce/ Lamp
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1890's French Napoleon III Bronze with Cascading Cut Crystal Wall Sconce/ Lamp. This fixture is lantern style. Bronze ribbon detail.
Bronze
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
Pair of Oil Lamps, Painted Opaline Glass with Crystal Shades, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of oil lamps made of painted opaline glass with crystal shades, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Pair of Napoleon III-period oil lamps, 19th century, made of painted opaline ...
Crystal
$1,940Sale Price|20% Off
19thc French Napoleon III Cut Crystal with Bronze 3 Tier Ceiling Flush Mount
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc French Napoleon III Bronze Framed Cut Crystal Pencil Form Crystal 3 Tier Ceiling Flush Mount Fixture/ Chandelier. This is a beauty! High quality fixture.
Crystal
Napoleon III Style French Lamp In Hand-Painted Opaline Glass
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. Pleasi...
Opaline Glass
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
PAIR OF SINGLE-FLAME WALL SCONCES European, late 19th century
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF SINGLE-FLAME WALL SCONCES European, late 19th century, gilded bronze, in the shape of "angels", with glass tulips. Dimensions: 54 cm Good condition
Bronze
L'Escalier de Cristal, Pair of "Floral" Wall-Lights, France, circa 1890
Located in PARIS, FR
Pair of wall-lights with two light-arms in sheet metal, gilded bronze and painted porcelain with gold highlights attr. to L'Escalier de Cristal. Each composed of a half-cup with flor...
Bronze, Sheet Metal
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
19th Century French Delft Blue and White Faience Oil Lamp with Brass Mounts
By Delft
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1880, this elegant antique “Lampe à Pétrole” combines hand-painted faience with richly detailed brass mounts in the Napoleon III taste. The baluster-form cera...
Brass
Pair of Oil Lamps Mounted as Table Lamps, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of oil lamps mounted as table lamps, Napoleon III period, 19th century . Pair of earthenware and bronze oil lamps mounted as table lamps, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Di...
Bronze
$3,038Sale Price|35% Off
Napoleon III Golden Bronze Eight-Light Rounded Chandelier
Located in IT
Napoleon III golden bronze eight-light rounded chandelier, from France from late 19th century in correspondence of each light holder there is quiver shaped bronze decoration. The c...
Bronze
19th Century Pair French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze / Marble Candelabra Lamps
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Enhance your living space with this exceptional pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Style Gilt Bronze Candelabra Table Lamps, each adorned with a geometric shape marble base. No...
Marble, 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
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
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
French Napoleon III 19th Ctr. Ormolu Table Lamp
Located in Kastrup, DK
French Napoleon III 19th century ormolu table lamp with two light sources. Height to top: 77 cm. Circular base and tapered central support mounted with gilt bronze grapes and foliate...
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