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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: USA
Style: Napoleon III
Antique French Mahogany Center Table Extends to 11 ft Dining Table, Circa 1870.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Napoleon III Bronze D' Ore Mounted Mahogany Center Table that also Extends into an 11 ft Dining Table, Circa 1860-1870. Table has Leaves that Can be Added to Extend Ta...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique French .950 Silver 5-Piece Carving Service with Gigot in Box
Located in Pembroke, MA
A finely-chased French .950 fine silver five-piece carving service comprising a caving knife, a carving fork (with adjustable resting stand for raising it off of the table), a serving fork with bone tines, a serving spoon with bone bowl, and a handle for holding a leg of lamb ("manche a gigot...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Silver

Set of Six Paris Porcelain Fruit Plates with Hand-Painted Scenes of Animals
Located in Pembroke, MA
Set of six Paris porcelain scalloped plates with hand-painted scenes of birds and animals set in fanciful or pastoral environments, some with castles....
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of French 19th Century Napoleon III St. Patinated Bronze and Ormolu Tazzas
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful and charming true pair of French 19th century Napoleon III st. patinated bronze and ormolu tazzas. Each tazza is raised by a square ormolu base with concave corners and a...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

French 19th century Napoleon III Period Wood, Porcelain and Ormolu planter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and high quality French 19th century Napoleon III Period Louis XVI st. Tulipwood, Kingwood, Sévres Porcelain and Ormolu Jardinière planter. This impressive three section j...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Italian 19th Century Napoleon III Period Ebony and Florentine Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning Italian 19th century Napoleon III Period ebony, marble and ormolu Florentine side table. Raised on scrolled ebony feet with casters, decorated with finely chased acanthus ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair of Italian 19th Century Napoleon III Period Giltwood Étagères
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant and unique pair of Italian 19th century Napoleon III period giltwood étagères with their original mirror plates. Each display shelves o...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

19th Century French Opaline Vase with Foliage and Berries
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century French Opaline Vase with Foliage and Berries. Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Opaline Glass

19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Mirror
Located in New Orleans, LA
Very wide, heavily carved frame with a reversed cove toward the back. Beautiful beveled mirror in original glass. The impression of what appears to be a makers mark is visible in t...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Pair of French Mid-19th Century Napoleon III Period Ormolu Tazzas
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning pair of French mid 19th century Napoleon III period ormolu tazzas. Each tazza is raised on an ebony mottled base with a Boulle tortoiseshell and etched brass inlay column ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Napoleon III Caribbean Mahogany Curio Cabinet
Located in Stamford, CT
Napoleon III Caribbean mahogany, brass-mounted and gilt curio cabinet, circa 1840.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Paul Sormani Fruitwood Box Dedicated to Marie, Dated 1868
Located in New York, NY
Our fruitwood jewelry chest with bronze mounts and plaque dedicated to Marie comes from the esteemed Parisian cabinet maker, Paul Sormani (1817-1877). Signed and dated on the brass.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XV Style Napoleon III Period Mounted Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking French 19th Century Louis XV st. Napoleon III period ebony, brass inlaid and ormolu mounted Boulle desk. The two drawer desk is raised by cabriole legs elegantly decorated...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Bronze D' Ore and Crystal Chandelier
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th century French Napoleon III bronze d' ore and crystal chandelier.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

19th Century Ormolu Figural Clock by Monbro Aine, Jacquier & Henri Picard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Imposing 19th century French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze striking Mantel clock. Flanked by two sitting cherubs and another two cherubs on top, this is another example of a fine French m...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Gold Bronze & Marble Bouillotte Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th century French Napoleon III gold bronze and Marble Bouillotte table.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century Napoleon III Armchair
Located in Southampton, NY
19th century Napoleon III armchair.
Category

19th Century Antique Napoleon III Furniture

19th Century Italian Carved Marble Figure of a Young Girl by Caroni
By Emanuele Caroni
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A lovely 19th century carved Carrara marble figure of a young girl waving her right hand as a dove rests on her dress, she is standing aside a basket with a ball of string and a gar...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

Pair of French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ebony Cabinet Vitrines
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant and extremely decorative pair of French 19th century Louis XVI st. Napoleon III period, ebony, bone, giltwood, ormolu and glass cabinet vitrines. Each striking vitrine is raised by charming bun feet. Leading up each side are striking square and circular columns with ormolu foliate plinths and capitals, fine inlaid bone fillets and beautiful giltwood flutes. The door retains its original glass pane and is framed within a lovely beaded ormolu band. The ebony frame has fine inlaid bone fillets and intricately carved giltwood rosettes, which is repeated at each side of the cabinet. Inside are three upholstered shelves...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Continental Print
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Continental Print. Beautiful print, see detailed pics. Contact us for more information.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Paper

Gilt Napoleon III Rectangular Mirror
Located in Washington, DC
A Gilt Napoleon III Rectangular Mirror
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Mirror

French Black Porcelain Lamp Bronze Mounts
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
French Black Porcelain Lamp Bronze Mounts Beautiful lamp purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photo or message us with questions.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of French 19th Century Bronze Candelabra with Animal Motif
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of French 19th century bronze candelabra with animal motif.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

19th Century French Gilt Bronze and Crystal Twelve-Light Chandelier with dragons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large late 19th century French Belle époque neoclassical revival style gilt bronze and crystal twelve-light oval shaped chandelier with drago...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Exceptionally Grand and Large Napoleon III Mahogany Conference/Dinning Table
Located in Washington, DC
An exceptionally grand and very large and versatile Napoleon III mahogany table that could serve as a conference or dining room table. It comes with a base, four middle section exten...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

French Napolean III Giltwood Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant French Napoleon II giltwood mirror. Lovely floral images and a beaded inner border along with a beautiful gilt make this extra special. Gorgeous!!
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Gilt Mirror Medaillon Napoleon III
Located in palm beach, FL
Pretty mirror in gilded wood of Napoleon 3 era. Mirror in the shape of a medallion has foliage and ribbon on the corners. Around the oval mercury mirror, friezes richly garnished wit...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Mercury Glass, Giltwood

Framed Original Opera Costume Design Water Color, By Charles Betout
Located in New York, NY
Original watercolor opera costume design by Charles Betout, the principal costume designer for the Comédie-Française in Paris from 1919 til his death in 1939. Betout was renowned for...
Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Paper

Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Four-Branch Figural Candelabras
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Pair of large 19th century Napoleon III French Gilt Bronze Four-branch Figural Candelabras. One candelabra with surmounted figure of a boy and the other with a figure of a girl. ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Set of Four Painted and Gilt Napoleon III Fauteuils
Located in Washington, DC
A set of four painted and gilt napoleon III fauteuils, seat and back are reconditioned and covered with new cotton and silk fabric. Wonderful pat...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

French 19th Century Napoleon III Period Ebony, Exotic Wood, & Ormolu Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming and very unique French 19th century Napoleon III period Ebony, exotic wood, and ormolu side table. The three-tiered table is raised by elegantly curved Ebony legs leading ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of 19th Century French Bronze Painted Sconces
Located in Southampton, NY
Pair of 19th century French bronze painted sconces.
Category

19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Pair of 19th Century French Louis V Style Fruitwood Armchairs
Located in Southampton, NY
Pair of 19th century French Louis V Style Fruitwood and Cane armchairs. Napoleon III Period circa 1860's having the original brown leather on the arms
Category

Late 19th Century North American Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Napoleon III Late 19th Century Majolica Pig Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of 20th Century Continental Porcelain Lamps
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair of 20th Century Continental Porcelain Lamps
Category

Mid-20th Century French Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Italian 19th Century Napoleon III Period Ormolu and Onyx Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful Italian 19th century Napoleon III Period ormolu and onyx side table. The table is raised by most unique and extremely decorative foliate feet with beautiful movements and...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Onyx, Ormolu

Pair of Italian 19th Century Renaissance St. Napoleon III Period Mirrors
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely unique pair of Italian 19th century Renaissance st. Napoleon III period ebonized fruitwood, ormolu and marble inlaid mirrors. Each octagonal mirror retains i...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair French Ormolu Candle Holders "Grape Pickers"
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair French Ormolu Candle Holders "Grape Pickers". Beautiful set, must see photos.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Two-Tier Gild Napoleon III Chandelier
Located in Washington, DC
A two-tier gild Napoleon III chandelier. Eight lights. Newly wired for the United States.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

French 19th Century Napoleon III Tulipwood and Ormolu Vitrine
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite and extremely high quality French 19th century Napoleon III period Kingwood, Tulipwood, and ormolu cabinet vitrine. The two door, one drawer vitrine is raised by elegant...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Napoleon III Period Onyx and Ormolu Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful and extremely elegant French 19th century Louis XVI st. Napoleon III period onyx and ormolu side table. The table is raised by a scrolled tripod shaped base with a lightl...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Onyx, Ormolu

French Pair of 19th Century Napoleon III Club Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An inviting pair of French 19th century Napoleon III style armchairs that embody leisure and luxury in one design. Currently upholstered in a dotted velvet of cream and teal, these c...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Textile, Wood

Mid 19th Century - Aubusson Rug - French Antique Design - Red with Floral
Located in New York, NY
Mid-19th century handwoven antique Aubusson rug Material: wool Dimensions: 260 x 200 cm; 8.5 x 6.6 ft Boccara Gallery has an important collection of Aubusson rugs from the XVIIIth to the XXth centuries. The style developed in Aubusson is recognized today as one of the most influential of the European rug and tapestries History. Workshops to produce Aubusson flat-woven rugs were established under the royal warrant in 1743 to manufacture pile carpets primarily for the nobility. Many weavers who settled in France were Huguenots who had fled Spain during the Inquisition in the early sixteenth century. By issuing the edict of Nantes, Henry IV granted all non-Catholics freedom of worship, thereby protecting the carpet weavers in Aubusson. Aubusson weavers became the finest craftsmen in the world. Louis XIV’s influential Prime Minister Colbert established the long and hard...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wool

An Exquisite and Rare French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Bloodstone Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
An Exquisite and Rare French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Bloodstone Inkwell, circa 1875. A truly exceptional and jewel like quality inkwell encrier, made with the finest ormolu, mounted on bloodstone. A true collectors and one of a kind piece. Revival of the ancient régime in the late 19th century was paramount to the French furniture and bronze casting firms of the Belle Epoque. Imitation in the highest regard and replication of those tastes and styles was prevalent throughout the Paris Faubourg, where the most talented bronziers and ébénistes established their workshops. The present inkwell encrier recalls the late 18th century's obsession with hardstones - a taste expounded above all by the duc d'Aumont and, subsequently Marie-Antoinette. Such hardstone-mounted pieces, reminiscent of Renaissance schatzkammer objects, enjoyed a revived popularity at the end of the 18th century through the impetus of both the marchands-mercier and, more importantly, the hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, where the duc d'Aumont himself established a workshop in 1770 specializing in the cutting and polishing of precious hardstones. This exceptional inkwell encrier, sumptuously-mounted with finely chased gilt-bronzes, incorporates a highly-prized material such as bloodstone. Sometimes called the Sunstone, the meaning of Bloodstone comes entangled in fascinating history. The Ancient Greeks held the Bloodstone as a gem with glorious powers. They referred to it as Heliotrope, which directly translates to Sunstone. It was believed to have heavenly healing powers gifted by the gods and most certainly when it came to healing all things related to the blood. Even as we move forward into the Middle Ages, the Bloodstone takes another mystical story under its wing. It was believed to be formed from Christ's blood. It was said that during the Crucifixion, a few red spots of his blood dripped...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Palatial & Rare Napoleon III French Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock, Detouche
By C. Detouche
Located in Queens, NY
A Palatial and Extremely Rare Napoleon III French Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Regulateur de Parquet Clock by Louis-Constantin Detouche, Paris, Circa 1850 An exceptional testament to the grandeur and technical mastery of 19th-century French horology, this palatial and extraordinarily rare Napoleon III ormolu and patinated bronze Regulateur de Parquet clock stands as a crowning achievement of the renowned Parisian horologist Louis-Constantin Detouche. Created circa 1850, this monumental timepiece exemplifies the perfect synthesis of artistic opulence and mechanical precision, distinguishing itself as one of the most impressive works from Detouche’s illustrious oeuvre. At over six feet tall, this clock’s imposing scale and decorative grandeur make it an object of immense historical and aesthetic significance. The case, crafted from the finest French ormolu, features two majestic patinated bronze seated putti, serving as allegorical figures and underscoring the artistic sophistication characteristic of the Second Empire style. The white enamel dial, elegantly signed "C. Detouche/Paris," affirms its prestigious maker, while the movement, meticulously numbered 7064 and bearing the stamps "C. Detouche RUE St. MARTIN" and "C. DETOUCHE 158 R. St MARTIN 160," speaks to the highest standards of 19th-century horological craftsmanship. Further distinguishing this piece is the medaille d’argent stamp, a testament to the numerous accolades and awards bestowed upon Detouche for his innovations in timekeeping. A Masterpiece of Horological Artistry: Louis-Constantin Detouche was not merely a clockmaker; he was a visionary whose contributions to horology redefined precision and complexity. This particular regulator clock...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Important Cercles Tournants Rotary Clock set by Deniere
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very Large Important and Rare Napoleon III Period Ormolu And Patinated Bronze Sculptural rotary 3-piece clock set ("Pendule A Cercles Tournants") compr...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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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