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 Napoleon III Ebonized Cabinet
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A magnificent ebonized cabinet from 19th century France carved with a paneled design and Neoclassical elements over the exterior that enhances the magnetism of such a grand storage p...
Brass
$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
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
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
French Boulle Boxes Opposing Pair Napoleon III
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Opposing Pair of Boulle Boxes From our Boxes collection, we are delighted to bring to market this pair of opposing French Boulle Boxes. The Boxes are of re...
Brass
Effervescence: 19th-Century Glass Dome with New Shimmering Butterflies
Located in New York, NY
"Effervescence" by Hasharat* is a stunning composition that combines antique and contemporary elements, encased within a large 19th-century oval glass dome measuring 18" x 8" x 20.5"...
Glass, Blown Glass, Wood
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
Antique French Napoleon III Style Oak Dining Chairs - Set of 12
Located in Astoria, NY
Grand set of twelve antique French dining chairs, Napoleon III style, late 19th century, sourced in Provence, France. Crafted from solid oak, the chairs feature arched upholstered ba...
Fabric, Wool, Oak
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
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
Italian French Napoleonic Style Carved Rope Chair & Ottoman In Green Velvet S/2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a personal favorite! This is a 1970s Italian carved rope chair with matching ottoman. The luxurious green velvet is new. The frame came to me...
Upholstery, Velvet, Pine
Very Large 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Ebony and Bronze Hourglass
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Standing at 16 inches in height, this large scale nineteenth century Napoleon III period hourglass features three turned ebonized wood disks joined by bronze supports and finished wi...
Bronze
$752Sale Price|20% Off
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
C19th French Napoleon 111 Liquor Cellar
Located in London, GB
Magnificent French Liquor Cabinet This cabinet opens to Reveal decanters and Crystal Glasses Baccarat Style set within burr Wood Case C1880s
Amboyna
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
French Circa 1860 Original Painted Green Napoleon lll Cast Iron Daybed Rococo
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A wonderfully worn circa 1860 Napoleon lll cast iron daybed, with a intricate floral scroll work design with a nod to the rococo style Original green paint, faded, chipped, scratc...
Iron
Mid 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Black Lacquer Planter or Jardiniere
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This exceptional French black lacquer planter or jardiniere table from the Napoleon III period features intricate bronze detailing and inset borders of inlaid bronze. A lid with bron...
Bronze, Zinc
Mid 19th Century Tea caddy - Napoleon III - Ebonized and Inlayed
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Elegant Napoleon III period tea caddy, finely decorated with intricate mother-of-pearl inlay forming a geometric clover pattern on the lid, framed by delicate brass stringing. The ri...
Brass
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
Louis XV Style Giltwood Mirror 19th Century
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
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
$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
French Original Cased Pair Silver Baptismal Oil Containers
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine and scarce French pair silver Baptismal oil containers in its original leather fitted travelling case dating from 1850. The two cylindrical shaped oil containers are conjoined and both have tight fitting covers mounted with crosses. The oil containers have engraved initials OC and SC probably denoting oil and incense which would have been used in the baptismal ceremony. The identical lids too are similarly marked to ensure that these are not mixed up. The containers appear to have a slightly gilded finish to the interior and the oil containers are engraved to the bases and date 1850. They come in their original leather case with a small brass hook...
Silver
French 19th Century Ebonized & Inlay Vanity
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite ebonized vanity with bone inlay detail from the 1800s, France. The unadorned vanity top opens on brass hinges to reveal an inset mirror for checking one's appearance, over a...
Wood
$4,081Sale Price|30% Off
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
$2,069Sale 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
French Faux Bamboo Bird's Eye Maple Cabinet
Located in Bradenton, FL
French Faux Bamboo Bird's Eye Maple Cabinet. Cabinet features a beautifully figured birds-eye-maple facade accented with carved bamboo moldings. This was an iconic decorative motif p...
Faux Bamboo, Birdseye Maple
1880s French Napoléon III Gilt Faux Bamboo Stool
Located in High Point, NC
This charming 1880s French Napoléon III gilt faux bamboo stool exemplifies the period’s fascination with exoticism and decorative refinement. Crafted in carved wood and finished in a...
Faux Bamboo, Giltwood
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...
Porcelain, Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood, Mahogany
19th Century Napoleon III Liquor Cabinet "Cave à Liqueur" with Crystal Interior
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful Napoleon III period "Cave à liqueur" liquor cabinet with inlaid brass en fruitwood veneer. The cabinet contains four carafes and 12 glasses on a wooden stand with bronze ...
Brass, Bronze
Antique Dutch Game Rack, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century Dutch crown used for hanging game and birds. The crown is made of wrought iron and is in a good condition.
Wrought Iron
Panoramic Decorative Wall Panel in Antique Style
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This panoramic decorative wall panel in antique-style is produced on vintage-style paper, carefully printed, aged, and hand-crumpled before being mounted on canvas. Inspired by early...
Canvas, Paper
$3,000 / set
Pair of Napoleon III Rosewood Bergeres
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Pair of Napoleon III rosewood bergeres, circa 1870. With a narrow rose wood crest rail, leatherette and button upholstered backs and leatherette seats, rose wood turned legs ending i...
Brass
French Napoleon III Style Crapaud Armchairs in Golden Yellow Velvet - A Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant pair of French mid-20th century Napoleon III style crapaud armchairs, sourced in Provence, France. The chairs present the enveloping silhouette typical of the style, with ...
Velvet, Hardwood
French Antique Ormolu and Limoges Enamel Jewellery Box
By Limoges
Located in Newark, England
LIMOGES ENAMEL PANELS From our Decorative collection, we are delighted to offer this French Napoleon III Ormolu and Enamel Jewellery Box. The Jewellery...
Enamel, Ormolu
$2,817Sale Price / set|33% Off
Antique Armchair Fauteuil Napoleon III Upholstery and Beech French 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Pair of fauteuil armchair French Napoleon III, circa 1880 Antique, late 19th century, Sound and solid It can be recovered if you wish but the velvet is clean and in good conditio...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Panoramic Grisaille Wall Décor on Canvas, 19th Century Style
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Panoramic grisaille wall décor inspired by the early 19th century, printed on antique-style paper and mounted on canvas. This panoramic wall covering belongs to the tradition of deco...
Canvas, Paper
Draped Decorative Panoramic Wallpaper in Vintage-Style Paper, Taupe Color
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Draped decorative panoramic wallpaper in vintage-style paper, taupe color, designed for professional interior decoration. This wall panel is made of vintage-style paper, hand-crumple...
Canvas, Paper
$445Sale 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
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
A French Napoleon III Lounge Chair, C. 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant lounge chair featuring a tufted button-back upholstery, rounded crest, and slightly flaring arms. Supported on turned feet, this piece exemplifies the refined comfort and dec...
Upholstery, Wood
19th-Century Miniature Painting Signed P. Faure, Oil on Panel in a Gilded frame
Located in NICE, FR
This charming 19th-century oil on panel depicts an elegant gathering of French nobles in a lush garden setting. At the center of the composition, under the shade of tall trees, refin...
Wood, Giltwood
Table cigarette box Silver Sterling Enamel two-tone striped guilloché Salimbeni.
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Exceptional table cigar or cigarette box in 925/1000 sterling silver, gold plated, and decorated with translucent two-tone striped fired enamels over guilloché engraving. Finely hand...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$422Sale Price|49% Off
Napoleon III Porte Revue/Magazine Stand/Canterbury
Located in Trensacq, FR
Stylish French Napoleon III 'porte revue' magazine rack or canterbury. Black lacquered and beautifully turned wood, this four-sectioned stand with an und...
Wood
Late 19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Cigar Cabinet
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A stylish Napoleon III cigar cabinet, crafted with ebonized wood, brass inlays, and a distinctive medallion at the top, this late 1800s piece reflects the refined style of the Napole...
Brass
Antique Ormolu French Cartel Clock on its Stand, Mantle Clock, Napoleon III Era
Located in Bochum, NRW
Antique Ormolu French Cartel Clock on its stand, Napoleon III Era. This is a good-sized French mantel clock dating from around 1880. It has a waisted case with applied brass decoration and brass and tortoiseshell-style inlaid panels. The white enameled dial has fancy pierced brass hands and a beaded bezel. It is hand-painted with Arab numerals and decorated with garlands of flowers and leaves. The clock has a center window showing the pendulum shaped like a fairy. It drives the movement that seems to strike the hours and halves on a bell. This gorgeous antique cartel clock...
Brass
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
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
$1,749Sale Price|20% Off
French Napoleon III Chandelier Glass & Bronze Ceiling Pendant, circa 1890
Located in Labrit, Landes
Glass and bronze chandelier or lustre, made at the beginning of electricity circa 1890 French luminaire with two lights. Good condition. This can be rewired to USA or EU and UK ...
Bronze
Antique Round Carved French Walnut Pedestal Tripod Dining Center Table 1850
Located in Portland, OR
A good French country figured walnut round dining or center table, in the Napoleon III taste, circa 1850. The table having a round top with a substantial turned baluster pedestal bas...
Walnut
19th-Century Antique-Style Panoramic Wall Mural on Canvas – Grand Baroque
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This panoramic wall mural is inspired by the 19th century and the Baroque style, reflecting the trompe-l’œil and large-scale panoramic decorations typical of bourgeois interiors. Pri...
Canvas, Paper
$631Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Chair with Turned Beech and Velvet for Child French, circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
Napoleon III French chair for child late 19th century Turned beech, with patina, The fabric in a good quality. Two marks in the velvet, nothing dist...
Beech, Velvet
French Napoleon III Round Scroll Back Small Scale Sofa
Located in Stamford, CT
Petite French Napoleon III round scroll back sofa, circa 1880s. Turned black legs with original castors. Recently upholstered in Manuel Canovas 'Marius' in Ciel (light blue and white...
Linen, Wood
19th Century French Crystal and Bronze Vase
Located in Roma, IT
19th Century French Crystal and Bronze Vase Beautiful, elegant and rare small jewellery box in crystal and gilded bronze. It has a top opening with a clip closure. The upper part of ...
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
19th Century French Napoleon III Etagere, Sidetable, Marquetry, Paris circa 1870
Located in Greven, DE
Antique etagere with fine inlay work Paris Wood, brass around 1870 Dimensions: H × W × D: 77 × 50 × 37 cm Description: Three-tier side furniture with a single-light body and a sur...
Brass
French Massive Napoleon III Giltwood Oval Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A lavish and intricately carved French 19th Century Napoleon III style giltwood oval mirror. This amazing mirror hand-crafted in France during the reign of Napoleon III has a highly ...
Mirror, Giltwood
A French Napoleon III "Float" Armchair, C. 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A refined (yet funky) Napoleon III armchair featuring the classic "float" arm design with fully upholstered seat, rolled back, and arms on turned, ebonized wood legs with original ca...
Upholstery, Wood
1870's Antique French Giltwood Aubusson Salon Set, Settee and Fauteuils
Located in Dallas, TX
Take a timeless, bespoke design, mix in a dash of romantic connotations to get this worn-in bucolic charm aesthetic. Invite the beauty of Louis XV style into your home with this Giltwood Aubusson Tapestry three piece salon suite from the French Napoleon III period. Upholstered with hand-woven Aubusson tapestry and carved giltwood, this Late 19th Century three piece salon suite includes a settee and two matching armchairs. The settee and Fauteuil (armchair) are supported by turned tapering legs, padded armrests, and cartouche-shaped backs. Please take into consideration these pieces are from the 1870's as a result some frame work and reupholstery may be required. All facets of this 3-piece set collectively entwine to form the striking and grand charm of a textile that is worthy to depict the tender, emotive, and vibrant details of humans and histories, no longer known. The historic worth far exceeds any damage that comes with centuries of wear. In any event, it is simply amazing. If you adore timeworn treasure, this antique parlor set...
Wool, Tapestry, Giltwood
Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic Napoleon III style armchair or tête-à-tête has been restyled. It is the perfect conversation piece. We have used white bronze legs and added a modern touch to the uphols...
Bronze