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Napoleon III Furniture

NAPOLEON III STYLE

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.

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Item Ships From: France
Style: Napoleon III
French Brown 7 Drawers Gilt Brass Cabinet Napoleon III Boulle 19th
Located in Paris, FR
Unique, Beautiful and rare Week Drawers Cabinet, elegant small chest of drawers in wood marquetry in frieze, ebony, amaranth fillets and Greek ebony on the drawers. Marquetry on the...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass, Bronze

Sculpture in Patinated Bronze by Auguste Lalouette, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture in patinated bronze by Auguste Lalouette, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A sculpture by Lalouette Auguste of a Japanese woman in elega...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Canton porcelain chandelier, gilt bronze mount, circa 1880
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Chandelier with a Chinese Canton porcelain vase with a white background and ornamentation of cherry blossom branches, three arms chiseled and gilt bronze mount and decorated in the L...
Category

1880s Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Table Mirror Ormolu on Ebony, Beveled Mirror and Gilded Bronze
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Table mirror ormolu on ebony, beveled mirror and gilded bronze, 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

small Napoleon III lounge circa 1930/1950 good condition
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
small Napoleon III lounge circa 1930/1950 good condition including 1 sofa and two armchairs Here are the dimensions dim sofa / h :29.53" hs : 14.96" w : 46.46" d : 25.60" dim chairs...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wood, Velvet

Bronze Sculpture of a Helmeted Woman Surrounded by Cherubs, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze sculpture of a helmeted woman surrounded by cherubs, Napoleon III period, 19th century. A bronze sculpture with a brown patina resting on a marble base, from the Napoleon III...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Mahogany and Gilded Bronze Cylinder Desk, Empire Style, 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Large cylinder desk in mahogany and flamed mahogany veneer in the Empire style. This secretary with semi-cylindrical flap has eight drawers with pa...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Leather Trunk with Original Train Labels Paris to Chantilly, Late 19th C
Located in Labrit, Landes
French antique trunk, made of wicker, coated canvas, and with leather belts. Two train labels from a journey from Paris to Chantilly (city known for her castel and her royal stables)...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wicker, Wood

Jacob & Josef Khon, 2 Canapés 101 / C, circa 1902, Napoleon III Style Original
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Jacob & Josef Khon, 2 Canapés 101 / C, circa 1902, Napoleon III style Original fabric.     
Category

1880s Austrian Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bentwood

Félix Optat Milet, Large enamelled dish on a gold background, 19th century
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This beautiful dish with a gold background and flower decoration signed “Milet Sèvres” was made by Félix Optat Milet in polychrome enamelled ceramic and gold background. It is treate...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Paris Porcelain Pair of Vases "The Flowering", France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful pair of white porcelain vases richly decorated with beautiful polychrome floral compositions and butterflies enhanced with gold on a blue background, framed by golden porce...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Silver Plated Metal Tray and 19th Century Antique Mercury Mirror
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Silver plated metal tray and 19th century antique mercury mirror. Centerpiece display, 19th century silver-plated metal tray and 19th century antique mercury mirror. Dimensions...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Metal

Large Napoleon III Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Set, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large Napoleon III period gilt bronze mantel set, cloisonné with red and pink enamel, 19th century. Napoleon III period mantel set, 19th century, in gilt bronze, cloisonné with red ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

If Ingomar, The Overturned Vase, Hst Signed, Late 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
The Overturned Vase: large framed oil on canvas representing a little girl caught in the act of stupidity; she overturned a vase of flowers, water flows onto the table Painting in b...
Category

19th Century Hungarian Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Paint

E. CLAVIER, Andirons with Owls, 1867 World's Fair
By E. Clavier
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This bronze andiron bar was presented at the 1867 Paris Exhibition in Paris and was crafted by the skilled bronzeworker E. Clavier. This piece is a testament to the artistry of E. C...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Silver and Crystal Ewers, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of silver and crystal ewers, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Beautiful pair of ewers, Napoleon III period, 19th century in silver and crystal. H: 29.5cm, W: 17cm, D: 14cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Silver

Small Lamp in Delft Earthenware and Gilt Bronze, circa 1880
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Small lamp in delft earthenware in covered pot shape with canted corners. Polychrome decor of flowers separated by red stripes on a white background. Bottom frieze decorated with scr...
Category

1880s European Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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. H: ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Antique French Napoleon Accent Chairs
Located in Buxton, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale, this Beautiful pair of Napoleon III papier-mâché, ebonised chairs. The chairs have fabulous mother of peal inlays to the backrests. They are origi...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Napoleon III Chairs in Ebonized Wood and Pink Velvet, France, circa 1870
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Pair of side/lounge chairs in ebonized and carved wood. The seats and backs are covered in pink velvet fabric. The chairs are mounted on wheels. Napoleon III style, France, circa 18...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Wood, Paint

Hand colored etching : view of Paris, St Jacques Tower - Napoléon III period
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine hand-colored etching showing Saint Jacques Tower (La Tour Saint Jacques in Paris) - Paris, in 1860 : a picturesque and charming depiction of mid-19th century with a lot of cha...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Paper

Nice Inkwell of the 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Nice inkwell of the 19th century with its two ink receptacles and the stamp holder" Inkwell, Napoleon III period, gilt bronze and glass, 19th century, with its two ink receptacle...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Silver Plated Bronze Table Mirror, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A silver plated bronze table mirror, 19th century A silvered bronze table mirror with mercury glass, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Measures: H: 50 cm, W: 31 cm, D: 3 cm.
Category

1860s European Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Centerpiece In Sterling Silver On Its Dormant Germany Late Nineteenth
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Very important TABLE CENTER in solid silver mounted on a pedestal and placed on an openwork frame, the sockets are largely foliated; Medallion decoration and Louis XVI ribbon. Dimens...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Bronze with Brown Patina from the 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze with brown patina from the 19th century, mounted as a lamp, Napoleon III period Measures: H: 44 cm, W: 32 cm, D: 17 cm.
Category

1860s European Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th century Napoleon III Period Gilded Brass Picture Frame
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful gilded brass frame dating from the Napoleon III period, 1870s. Representing Napoleon in the left corner, Josephine on the right, an eagle, laurel and two dancers with cornu...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Brass

A Large Pair of Gilt Bronze and Marble Table Lamps, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An important pair of gilt bronze and marble table lamps, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A pair of gilt bronze and marble table lamps, Napoleon III period, 19th century. H: 60cm,...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Lapparra - Vegetable Dish And Sauce Boat In Solid Silver Circa 19th Century
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Silver table set consisting of a vegetable dish and a sauce boat. Decor of gadroons and a Bérain engraving on a matte background. The handles of the vegetable dishes are rolled up. ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Zingara, Jb Clésinger-barbedienne & Collas, Large Signed Bronze, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Zingara, large bronze with brown patina by JB Clésinger, a large dancer richly dressed and adorned with jewels. This sculpture was transformed into a lamp, removing the tambourin...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Empire-Style Lamp in Gilt Bronze and Brown Patina with Marble Base, 19th Century
Located in NICE, FR
A large four-legged lamp in the style of the First French Empire with a gilded bronze and brown patina finish, resting gracefully on a marble base. Adorned with intricate garlands an...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Champagne Cristal Glasses, French XIXth Century, More Available
Located in Crespières, FR
Clear champagne crystal glasse from the XIXth century, a classical model, with a beautiful clear sound. The facetted decor around catches the light and reflects it even more. The s...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal

19th Century Table Lamp in Black Nickel Bronze
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Table lamp of style napoleon III in black nickel-plated bronze with 3 arms of lights and its lampshade.. We have one table lamp in stock however we can produce them made to measur...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Nickel

SÈVRES Manufacture, Pair of Chameleon Vases of the Persian Bottle Model
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
The “Persian bottle vase” model, created at the Sèvres manufactory in 1874 based on a Persian metal prototype, exists in several versions that vary in c...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Exceptional Napoleon III period mantel in veined Carrara marble
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Exceptional Napoleon III period mantel in veined Carrara marble, adorned with a rich décor of palmettes and arabesques. This fireplace is sold with a modern cast iron insert adapted...
Category

19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

Suite of 4 Ewers in Silver and Crystal, 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Set of four ewers in crystal cut with twisted ribs and silver mount. Every ewer has a relief wave design at the neck, a shell beak and twisted handle. The hinged lid is decorated wit...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Silver

After Canova, Dancer And Musician In Bronze, XIXth Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Pair of bronzes of a dancer and a musician, on a Paris porcelain base, model of sculptures after Canova Restored bases, normal wear to the patina and decoration XIXth century Heig...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Baccarat opaline wine bottle - Napoleon III period circa 1860
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine Baccarat opaline wine decanter or bottle gilt with fine gold fleur-de-lys patterns, Napoléon III period circa 1860. Gilt has been outstandingly preserved after over 150 years,...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Opaline Glass

Wood Pen Holder, Black and gold Color Japan 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Wood Pen Holder, Black and gold Color Japan 19th Century
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wood

Christofle Silver Plated Menagère in its Box.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Christofle silver plated menagère in its box. Christofle silver-plated menagère, box, silver-plated dinner services by Christofle, Napoleon III style, 20th century. 12 forks 12 spoo...
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

19th Century Bronze Three Piece Garniture Clock Set by Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unusual monumental clock set in Griotte marble signed Barbedienne and on the top of the clock you have a bronze made by one of the famous bronze m...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Antique Trade Scale Brass and Cast Iron, France, circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
This trade scale was made in the late 19th century in France; It was a scale used by traders for retail Brass and Cast-Iron Patina and signs of use which ma...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Iron, Brass

Pair of Canton Porcelain and Bronze Lamps, circa 1880
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Canton porcelain lamps, with a motif of flowers, leaves and small birds. Frame in gilded and chiseled bronze. Openwork circular base. Handles adorned with muzzle heads. ! T...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Cupid and Psyche, an Auguste Moreau (1834-1917) bronze group Gueridon, 1884
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Cupid and Psyche A patinated bronze group by Auguste Moreau, originaly and initialy mounted in gueridon, then adapted to be a table later, the model was made in the XIXth Century, a...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Granite, Bronze, Ormolu

Antique Trade Scale Brass and Painted Cast Iron, France, circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
This trade scale was made in the late 19th century in France. It was a scale used by traders for retail. Brass and painted cast-iron Patina and signs of use which make this antique o...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

2 Original Chiarivari Napoleon III Ebonized Chairs, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
2 Original Napoleon III ebonized chairs, France, 1850s. Wear and lack of gilding.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wood

Three Pairs of 19th Century Double-Doors Painted in Imitation of Marquetry
Located in Paris, FR
Three pairs of double doors in solid oak, painted in imitation of marquetry (walnut burl, rosewood, sycamore burl). The reserves are surrounded by a gilded wood molding, Two of the...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Vintage Golden Mirror, 1890s
Located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, FR
Vintage Golden Mirror, 1890s Vintage Design Ancient golden mirror of the 19th century from a castle. Additional information: Materials: Glass, Wood Color: Gold Design Period: 1890 ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Napoleon III Marble Fireplace with Caryatids, Unique Creation, 1880
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This beautiful and original fireplace was made in the second half of the 19th century in Carrara marble. Originally put in an appartement in Tarare, near Lyon in France, it is very ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wood, Velvet

Pair of Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Ewers
Located in Paris, FR
Important pair of Napoleon III ewers in chased gilt bronze with rich decoration in relief of stylized foliage, friezes of palmettes, and vine branches framing a frieze of putti reali...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Venetian Grand Canal Scene – Framed Oil Painting on canvas, 19th Century
Located in NICE, FR
Majestic large-format oil painting, capturing the full splendor of Venice’s Grand Canal beneath a vast, luminous sky, with a panoramic view of the Doge’s Palace and the Campanile of ...
Category

1870s Italian Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Two Carriages for Bouquets of Flowers for Table Decoration, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
" Two carriages for bouquets of flowers for table decoration, 19th century. " Two vases forming two silvered bronze and enameled opaline carriages for small bouquets of flowers for ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Blue Opaline Perfume Bottle with Enamel Decoration
Located in Paris, FR
Mid-19th century blue, opaline crystal set composed of a small flask, its stopper and a small, flower-shaped cup. The perfume bottle and flask are decorated with enameled and silver ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Opaline Glass

Pair of Bronze Candlesticks, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Bronze candlesticks, 19th century A pair of bronze candlesticks, decorated with Chimeras, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Measures: H: 22 cm, W: 15 cm, D: 10 cm.
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Hand colored etching : view of Paris, Panthéon - Napoléon III period - 1860
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine hand-colored etching showing the Panthéon in Paris in 1860 : a picturesque and charming depiction of mid-19th century upper class life there, with a lot of characters, stores ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Paper

Pair of 19th Century Bronze Candlesticks, Napoleon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Pair of 19th century bronze candlesticks, Napoleon III period" Pair of small bronze candelabra, 19th century, Napoleon III period. h: 21cm, w: 22cm, d: 12cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Elegant French Opaline Glass Night Service, Early 19th Century
Located in CANNES, FR
This stunning night service, crafted from milky white opaline glass, is an exceptional example of French craftsmanship from the era of Napoleon III, a time when elegance and sophisti...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Pair of Garden Gueridons with Marble Tops and Cast Iron Bases
Located in PARIS, FR
This pair of garden guéridons features an elegant oval shape and embodies the opulence of the Second Empire style. The green-patina cast iron legs, adorned with intricate chimera and...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Iron

Cameo 19th century profile of a woman in gold frame
Located in NANTES, FR
19th century cameo, profile of a woman, gold frame This cameo was finely executed, with great precision, it is beautifully made. It has a gold setting with an eagle's head hallmark...
Category

19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Agate, Gold

19th Century Pair of Hand-Painted Paris Porcelain Urns
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A fine pair of antique French urns in 'Porcelain de Paris', and dating from the early 19th century. These sensational vases are decorated w...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Napoleon Iii furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, building and garden elements, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Baccarat, Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, and Ferdinand Barbedienne. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $2,500,000 while the average work can sell for $3,313.

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