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 Napoleon III Period Marquetry Vanity Table or Side Table
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid nineteenth century French Napoleon III period marquetry side table is constructed of walnut. Called a "travailleuse" in French, it was originally used as a lady's work table...
Bronze
Bronze sculpture of Mercury by Bouret, France, Napoleon III
Located in Valladolid, ES
An extraordinary and large patinated bronze sculpture representing the Roman god Mercury, seated on a rocky base. The work is by the French sculptor Eutrope Bouret (1833-1906), reno...
Bronze
Baccarat, Green Opaline Snake Vase, France, 1880
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end antique crystal vase made by Baccarat. The vase in green opaline and gold net decorated with a snake in white and gold encircling the neck. Dimensions...
Crystal
Mid 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Painted Black and Gold Floor Easel
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid nineteenth century French Napoleon III period ebonized floor easel features gold painted detailing of scrolling acanthus leaves at the top and a central rosette on the stret...
Ash, Giltwood
French 19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Cabinet
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A magnificent cabinet from 19th century France (Napoleon III) carved with a paneled design, architectural and Neoclassical elements over the ebonized exterior which enhances the magn...
Brass
Monumental Napoleon III Marble Fireplace Mantel - Symbolic Doves of Peace
Located in Beervelde, BE
Extraordinary and monumental 19th century Napoleon III Carrara marble fireplace mantel, masterfully sculpted during the height of the Second Empire period (circa 1850–1880). This exc...
Carrara Marble
$1,890 / item
Alma Napoleon Style Accent Chair in Velvet
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Introducing the Alma Accent Chair – a timeless piece crafted for comfort and style. Upholstered in a faux mohair style velvet, the color is chestnut, a warm rich chocolate brown. Res...
Metal
$2,789Sale Price|30% Off
EUTROPE BOURET 1870 Napoleon III French Sculpture of Cupid In Gilded Bronze
Located in Miami, FL
Sculpture of cupid by Eutrope Bouret (1833-1906). This is a fantastic sculpture created in Paris France during the Napoleon III period, by Eutrope Bouret, back in 1860-1870. The scu...
Gold, Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Black Lacquer Prayer Chair or Prie Dieu
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid nineteenth century French Napoleon III period black lacquer prayer chair, or prie-dieu in French, features a central medallion with Madonna and child in mother of pearl inla...
Mother-of-Pearl, Mohair, Lacquer
A Patinated Bronze Bust of Jesus Christ by Clesinger and Barbedienne, 15" High
By Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clesinger, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A French Patinated Bronze Bust of Jesus Christ, Circa 1858, Signed J. Clesinger, Rome 1858 & F. Barbedienne Fondeur This French bronze bust of Jesus Christ, crafted circa 1858, stan...
Bronze
Napoleon III Period Gilt French Mirror Circa 1860
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Napoleon III period gilt French Mirror, circa 1860. Repetitive motif borders - beading along the mirror plate followed by a flat border to a modified acanthus leaf border and boldly ...
Mirror, Wood, Paint
1940s, Pair of Swedish Napoleon III-style Club / Armchairs
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Pair of 1940s Swedish Napoleon III–style armchairs, upholstered in rich brick-red (brique) velvet jacquard fabric. These elegant lounge chairs feature a beautifully sculpted backrest...
Velvet, Beech
Antique French Napoleon III Boulle Marquetry Brass Tortoiseshell Keepsake Box 13
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century Napoleon III era French Marquetry Boulle box. Red and black tortoiseshell with foliate brass inlay. Decoration on top includes the monogram LS. Rectangular form ...
Brass
A 19th Century Bleu Deck Turquoise Vase by Théodore Deck, Large Size, Circa 1867
Located in England, GB
An exceptional example of Théodore Deck’s most iconic work, glazed in his turquoise bleu Deck and conceived in the Chinese manner. An applied lion-mask with a suspended ring enhances...
Ceramic
Antique French Napoleon III 'Hercules and the Snake' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III 'Hercules and the Snake' fireback / backsplash. The fireback is made of cast iron and is black / pewter colored. The fireback is in a good condition...
Iron
19th Century French Napoleon III Spring Driven Roasting Jack
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Functional and beautiful 19th century French Napoleon III roasting jack made of cast iron, wrought iron, brass and copper. It is used for cooking in a kitchen fireplace. The set cons...
Brass, Copper, Iron, Wrought Iron
Antique French Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III fireplace grate, made of cast iron and wrought iron. The andirons represent Alsace. The basket is in a good condition and is fully functional.
Iron, Wrought Iron
Antique Armchairs Reupholsted Chauffeuse Napoleon III French late 19th Centuty
Located in Labrit, Landes
Chauffeuse little armchair French of the Napoleon III period circa 1880. The feets are in wood, the fauteuil has been recently reupholstered and recovered. Antique, 19th century. Sol...
Upholstery, Beech
Early 20th Century French Hand Painted Tole Tray Table With Removable Trays
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This early twentieth century French tole tray table is painted yellow with black detailing. Its two removable trays feature central lyre motifs and are detailed with a leaf motif. Ea...
Tin
Louis XV Style Giltwood Mirror, Hand-Carved, France, Circa 1880
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite French mirror dates to the late 19th century and is a superb example of Rococo revival craftsmanship. The frame is richly decorated with hand-carved floral and acanthu...
Mirror, Giltwood
$2,432Sale Price / set|20% Off
19th Century Walnut and Glazed Liquor Cabinet or Tantalus
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Step into the elegance of 19th-century France with this magnificent antique liquor cabinet, likely crafted from fine walnut wood. Known for its ...
Crystal, Brass
column in green serpentine marble, around 1880
Located in Honnelles, WHT
column in green serpentine marble, around 1880 base with rectangular top: 22.5 x 34.5 cm
Marble
Cabinet Black and Gold Napoleon III 1860 France marble Top André-Charles Boulle
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Cabinet Black and Gold Napoleon III 1860 France marble Top André-Charles Boulle
Brass
$400Sale Price|36% Off
19th Century French Porcelain Vase, Gilt Floral Design, Napoleon III
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite vase, dating from the late 19th in France, showcases a stunning floral design embellished with luxurious gold accents. The intricate craftsmanship highlights the elega...
Porcelain
French Cast Iron Safe Strong Box by Bauche
By Bauche
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Cast Iron French Safe or Strong Box From our Boxes collection, we are pleased to offer this French Safe Cast Iron Strong Box by Bauche. The Safe of rectangular form made from cast iron with extensive riveting and twin loop handles. The safe has two escutcheon covers to the front, the left is the genuine lock which turns to reveal the keyhole and the right is a dummy for symmetry. The top of the box is fitted with a plaque that reads in French Incombustible Systeme Bauche Brevete S.G.D.G usine A Gueux Marne (Incombustible System Bauche Patented S.G.D.G factory A Gueux Marne). The interior of the safe has been lined in a gunmetal grey cushioned velvet to give cushioning to your most treasured objects. Has Key and fully working lock. The French Safe dates to the second half of the 19th century during the reign of Napoleon III circa 1865. Henry Bauche Bauche Safes...
Iron
French Wrought Iron Daybed, 19th C.
Located in Astoria, NY
French Wrought Iron Daybed, 19th century, atop casters. 46.5" H x 74.5" W x 40.25" D. Provenance: From the Collection of Laura and Lewis Kruger.
Wrought Iron
French Napoleon III Style Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 20th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
20th-century French Napoleon III Style fire grate. Made of cast iron andirons and a recently forged grate. The condition is good. The width at the front is 68.5 cm / 27.0 inches.
Iron, Wrought Iron
$6,650Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of French Paris Porcelain Hand Painted Vases for the Orientalist Market
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of French Paris porcelain hand painted Vases for the orientalist market, circa 1870. Each vase is beautifully hand painted with scenes of Sultan and Sultana, and the tops a...
Porcelain
French 19th Century Napoleon III Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Wall Clock
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 19th century clock is stunning with its diamond shaped rippling clock frame of ebony painted wood. Mother-of-pearl floral and foliate designs are inlaid in differently stained m...
Mother-of-Pearl, Mahogany, Hardwood, Porcelain
$443Sale Price|20% Off
Late 19th-Century French Equestrian Prints by Ernest Alexandre Bodoy, A. Legras
Located in Glasgow, GB
Late 19th-Century French Equestrian chromolithograph prints by Ernest Alexandre Bodoy, A. Legras. Capturing the exhilarating energy of equestrian steeplechase scenes, as originally...
Wood, Lacquer, Paper
$3,021Sale Price / set|30% Off
Antique French Crystal Sconces Baccarat style 4 Light Wall candelbras Baroque
By Cristalleries De Baccarat, Maison Charles, Swarovski, Maison Baguès, Baccarat
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
A pair antique French gilt bronze and crystal candelabras/ four light sconces. Design in the maner: Baccarat, Bagues, Paul Garnier Style: Napoleon III, Belle Epoque, Antique, Louis V...
Crystal, Bronze
1860S French Fireside Chair and Matching Footstool
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A pretty Napoleon III fireside slipper chair, with deep-buttoned back rest, luxurious yellow velvet upholstery and a plush sprung seat. Dating f...
Wood, Velvet
19th Century French Folding Library Step Ladder in Walnut
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant French folding ladder, crafted in walnut and dating from the late 19th century, is a rare piece that combines practicality with refined craftsmanship. Featuring six step...
Walnut
Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Upholstered Stools
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century walnut stools from France with newly upholstered seats in linen, and finished with a single welt. The seats are supported on lovely walnut frames, which have wo...
Linen, Walnut
French 19th Century Bench
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This Charming long bench is covered with a beige color fabric with dark mahogany feet.
Mahogany
Antique French Napoleon III 'Crapaud' Tub Chair in Moss Green Velvet
Located in London, GB
France, 1860s. Attributed to a Parisian Atelier, Faubourg Saint-Antoine District. This exceptional mid-19th-century Crapaud (toad) chair is a quintessential example of Second Empire French upholstery. Known for its low-slung, enveloping silhouette, it features a deep-buttoned back and original documentary moss-toned velvet. The piece is richly detailed with traditional French passementerie, including hand-twisted rope piping and a substantial bullion fringe. Supported by ebonized turned legs on original brass and ceramic castors, this chair perfectly captures the faded elegance of a Parisian salon. The olive-drab velvet has aged with remarkable grace, now worn to a distressed, matte, suede-like finish. This authentic age-tone and surface wear lend the piece a stately home provenance and a quiet depth that modern reproductions cannot replicate. A masterfully hand-crafted piece featuring traditional bench-made joinery. The chair utilizes hand-tied coil springs and hand-tufted deep-buttoning, showcasing the labor-intensive artisanal techniques of the 1860s. the quality of the ebonized turnings and the precision of the hand-tufting suggests the work of a premier Parisian 'tapissier' (upholsterer). The design is closely aligned with the 'confortable' style popularized by Maison Fournier...
Brass
Charles CHRISTOFLE Napoleon III Silverplate Bronze Centerpiece, 1856
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
This exceptional Napoleon III silverplate bronze centerpiece, crafted in 1856 by the renowned French silversmith Charles Christofle, is a superb example of mid-19th century luxury de...
Crystal, Silver Plate, Bronze
Hand Forged French Napoleon III Andirons or Firedogs, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III andirons period made of hand forged wrought iron. The andirons are in a good condition and fit for use in the fireplace.
Wrought Iron
19th Century French Napoleon III Giltwood Wall Mirror with Mercury Glass
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A fine rectangular Napoleon III full length mirror, in gilded wood and moulded plaster, which can be positioned horizontally or vertically. This characterful old mirror has intricate...
Giltwood, Mirror
Antique Napoleon III French 19th C. Ebonized Mother of Pearl Inlaid Wall Clock
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 19th Century Napoleon III Era French wall clock by Sarda Besancon. Features an oviform with serpentine ebonized wood and a glass face. The beautiful clock face is enameled porcel...
Porcelain, Glass, Hardwood
Gustave Odiot Paris Sterling Silver Bowl, circa 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a turn-of-the-19th-century sterling silver decorative bowl, designed and crafted by silversmith Odiot, Paris. The piece was crafted in France circa 1880. The rounded shape, r...
Metal, Gold, Sterling Silver
Fine Antique French Style Chaise With Custom Fabric
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Antique Chaise with sinuous lines, strongly carved cabriole legs, rolled back, pierced and carved wood frame and custom upholstery. The fabric treatment is a Champagne tone nu...
Fabric, Mahogany
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
$3,700 / set
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set
Located in Astoria, NY
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Three-Piece Clock Set, circa 1870, comprising: a clock surmounted by two-handled urn with a circular dial inset with enameled numerals, with acanthus scrolls...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
19th Century French Napoleon III Clockwork Roasting Jack
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Functional and beautiful 19th century French Napoleon III roasting jack made of cast iron, wrought iron, brass and copper. It is used for cooking in a kitchen fireplace. The set cons...
Brass, Copper, Iron, Wrought Iron
Antique Gilt Bronze Jewellery Casket & Limoges Miniature 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful antique Napoleon III gilded ormolu and Limoges enamel jewellery casket, Circa 1870 in date. The hinged lid having a beautiful finely painted miniature Limoges en...
Ormolu
Pair of floral Napoleon III slipper chairs with fringes
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
This pair of floral Napoleon III slipper chairs with fringes is a stylish addition that fits any modern interior while adding a touch of vint...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,043Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique French Bronze & Marble Three-Piece Mantel Set Clock Napoleon III
Located in Labrit, Landes
Napoleon III French two marbles mantel clock late 19th century circa 1890. Set of a clock and two pedestals. Mercury pendulum The French movement of the clock will be checked befor...
Marble, Brass
Garonne Chaise Lounge by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our Classic Garonne chaise lounge has five Napoleon III style turned wooden legs. From every angle, you see its distinctive elegant curved lines. This piece is perfect for cuddling u...
Oak, Cotton
Louis XV Style Porcelain Openwork Fruit Basket, 19th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An elegant old Paris porcelain reticulated compote, or fruit basket, crafted in the Louis XV style, and raised on an ornately decorated pedestal and square base. This oval basket, wi...
Porcelain
Pair of Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Armchairs
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of 19th century armchairs, Napoleon III period. The armchairs have been restored and the upholstery has been replaced with a beautiful Italian Brocade...
Brocade, Beech
$3,000Sale Price|60% Off
19th Century French Aubusson Rug, Hand-Woven Wool, Napoleon III Style
Located in Vero Beach, FL
French Aubusson rug, 19th century Napoleon III Characteristic French Aubusson rug of the late Baroque style. Distinguished by an ivory background, a floral medallion, defined by sinuous Rococo scrolls with elegant ornamentation of flowers, floats majestically on this classical French Aubusson. handwoven by great tapestry artists...
Wool
Late 19th Century Wooden Cigar Carrousel with Music
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique wooden cigar carousel, with music. Made in France, late 19th century. When you turn the knob on the top, all panels turn at the same time. The panels are hand-pai...
Brass
19th Century Crucifix - Gilt Bronze - Napoleon III - Serpent & Sunburst Details
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
This refined French Napoleon III–style crucifix is crafted in richly gilt bronze, displaying a magnificent glow and a beautifully aged patina. The figure of Christ is rendered with r...
Belgian Black Marble, Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique 19th Century Secretary Simulated Chiffonier, Napoleon III Period
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Antique 19th century secretary simulated chiffonier, Napoleon III period A magnificent secretary simulated chiffonier. It is created with gre...
Bronze
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Patinated Bronze & Ormolu Crown, France, Circa 1870
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Napoleon III Patinated Bronze & Ormolu Crown, France, Circa 1870 A rare and unusual Napoleon III patinated bronze and ormolu crown from France, circa 1870. This distinctive work fea...
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Porcelain Dinner Service from the Maison Charles Pillivuyt et Cie
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A gorgeous dinner service from the Maison Charles Pillivuyt et Cie, a manufacturer of high-quality porcelain founded in 1818. Each piece is hand-painted with a delicate rose- pink bo...
Porcelain
19th Century Limoges Porcelain Cache Pot in a Sèvres Style
By Limoges
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A beautiful and vividly coloured 19th century cache pot, or jardinière, lovingly crafted from Limoges porcelain in the 18th century Sèvres styl...
Porcelain
Table clock blue enamel Swiss mechanical skeletal movement. Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Table clock in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fire enamel on guilloché and fine hand engravings. The clock has a base of cm. 4 x 10 and is rectangular cm. 8 x...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Exquisite Baccarat "Elephant" 'Cave A Liquor' - Exposition Universelle 1878
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
The Magnificent Baccarat Elephant Cave A Liquor: A Majestic Exploration of a Timeless Masterpiece from the Exposition Universelle of 1878. The Bacca...
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu