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.
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
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
Orientalist Chandelier, 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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Baccarat, Pair of Crystal Candelabras, France, circa 1870
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful pair of Baccarat cut crystal candelabras with ten lights. The central baluster-shaped shaft illuminates with two superimposed rows of six and three light arms with twisted ...
Crystal
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
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 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
$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
Hanging Chandelier with Crystal Pendants from the Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Hanging chandelier with crystal pendants from the Napoleon III period, 19th century. 19th-century hanging chandelier from the Napoleon III period, with crystal pendants. H: 80 cm, D...
Crystal
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
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
$2,167Sale 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
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
$4,460Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
$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.
$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
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
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
$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
Beautiful Standing Lamp in Wrought Iron with Gold Gilded Accents
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Beautiful standing lamp in wrought iron with gold gilded accents from the beginning of the 19th century. Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability.
Iron
$3,500 / set
Pair of 19th Century Zinc Finial Table Lamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two large scale table lamps. Can also work as a floor lamp. Created from a pair of matching zinc roof finial from a French chateau which had to replace its roof. These architectural ...
Steel, Zinc
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
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
$4,300Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Mid 19thc French Baccarat For Oriental Market Bronze/ Crystal Wall Sconces
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair French Napoleon III Bronze Wall Sconces with Cut Crystal Shaded by Baccarat. These sconces were manufactured for the Oriental market. Rare sconces. Highly detailed bronze work.
Bronze
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
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
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
pair of French 19th century Napoleon III Period Porcelain and Ormolu lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and large scale pair of French 19th century Napoleon III Period, Louis XV/XVI st. Porcelain and Ormolu lamps. Each stunning lamp is raised by a Rocaille designed and pi...
Ormolu
Large Giltwood and Gilt Bronze French Candelabra, circa 1870
Located in London, GB
Large giltwood and gilt bronze candelabra in the Louis XVI style, Paris, circa 1870. Each candelabra has 18 arms, on two tiers. The candelabra can be wired for use with modern lights...
Giltwood
Large Chandelier In Gilt Bronze And Crystal, Napoleon III, Early 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large Napoleon III style gilded bronze chandelier, with rich bronze ornamentation (leaves, clusters of flowers) and crystal pendants (stars, knives, faceted pears, daggers) Elegant c...
Bronze
Pair of Table Lamps, Restoration Candlesticks, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of table lamps, Restoration candlesticks, 19th century. Pair of 19th century table lamps, Restoration style, candlesticks mounted as lamps, Napoleon III period. H: 47cm, D: 30...
Bronze
$197,706Sale 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
Pair of Torchères, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of torchères, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Pair of bronze torchères with mahogany base, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Dimen...
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
French late 19th century Napoleon III Period Marble and Ormolu lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and most unique French late 19th century Napoleon III Period Louis XVI st. Jaune de Valence, Vert de Patricia marble and Ormolu lamp. This stunning lamp is raised on a cir...
Marble, Ormolu
19th Century Napoleon III Hand Painted Faience & Bronze Converted Oil Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Faience and Bronze Oil Lamp has been converted into an electric table lamp. Crafted in France, circa 1880s, the hand painted porcelain "...
Brass
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
$3,477Sale 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
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
Superb F. Barbidienne Gilt, Patinated Bronze Napoleon III Figural Table Lamp
Located in New York, NY
fine antique Napoleon III period signed F. Barbidienne gilt and patinated bronze, carved slate four light lamp with mythological creatures and classical Grecian maidens. circa 1870 Centered by a superb quality patinated bronze vase with gilded highlights featuring marvelous mythological creatures as handles and a classical scene of maidens around an altar in the Ancient Greek tradition...
Slate, Bronze
Pair of Lamps in Plate and Gilt Bronze, circa 1880
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of lamps in plate and gilt bronze of baluster shape of brown green color. Chiseled and gilt bronze mount. Decor of cherubs adorned with acanthus leaves on the neck, on each side...
Bronze
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
Pair of Lamps in Valentine Porcelain and Gilt Bronze, circa 1880
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Baluster shape pair of lamps in Valentine porcelain. Decor of flowers in white background cartouches, on a cobalt blue background with gilt geometrical motifs. They are framed by two...
Porcelain
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
Napoleon III Period Gilded Bronze Chandelier, 6-Light
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon III period gilded bronze chandelier, 6-light Measures: H 83cm, D 52cm. Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability.
Bronze
Pair of circa 1850 Régence Style Silvered Bronze Mirrored Sconces from France
Located in Dallas, TX
Period Napoleon III furnishings are typically very versatile items, due to the fact that they incorporate elements from preceding styles, allowing these “Second Empire” pieces to be ...
Metal, Bronze
A Pair of Late 19th Century Ormolu and Rouge Marble Ten-Light Candelabras
Located in New York, NY
A central baluster vase carved in rouge marble, held by rams mask mounts, issues ten highly decorative candle branches adorned with foliage and vines all resting on a triform base wi...
Marble, Bronze, Gold Leaf
Lamp with blue porcelain and gilded bronze handles. Circa 1880.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Louis XVI style lamp in blue porcelain and gilded bronze, with its handles ending in leaves, the top of the frame decorated with a gadroon and an openwork gallery decorated with bunc...
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
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