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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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Style: Napoleon III
Large French Napoleon III Fireplace Tools, 19th-20th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Large 19th-20th century French fireplace tool set. The tool set consists of a shovel, and fire poker. The tools are made of wrought iron and brass. The set is in a good condition and...
Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron, Brass

French Decorated 18th Century Louis XV Period Gridiron
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
18th Century hand forged French gridiron, made of wrought iron. It is used to grill small pieces of meat quickly over the fire. Sometimes they are put in the fire or else on a trivet...
Category

18th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Steel

Large 19th C. French Napoleon III Fireplace Toolset
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Large 19th century French Napoleon III fireplace tool set. The tool set consists of tongs and shovel. The tools are made of wrought iron and brass. The set is in a good condition and...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Pair of Engraved Mirror Columns, 20th Century Venetian Work.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of engraved mirror columns, 20th century Venetian work. Pair of columns in engraved mirrors with flowers, 20th century in the Napoleon III style, Venetian work. H: 100cm, D: 30cm
Category

20th Century Italian Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Mirror

Animated Countryside Landscape - Oil On Canvas Signed Collignon
Located in BARSAC, FR
Oil on canvas depicting a lively countryside landscape. Signed Collignon, late 19th century, in its original wooden and gilded stucco frame. Very good condition Dimensions: Frame: ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Paint

19th Century French Napoleon III Fireplace Log Grate
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III fireplace grate. The andirons are made of cast iron and the grate of steel. The grate is in a good condition and is fully functional.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Steel, Iron

Palatial D'Ore and Patinated Bronze Napoleonic Twelve-Light Chandelier
Located in Stamford, CT
Palatial gilt & patinated bronze Napoleonic 12 light chandelier. Provenance : Andrew Hall estate, Southport, CT.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Still Life Painting, Flowers Vase Painting, Flowers of Peonies, Oil on Wood
Located in Breganze, VI
Flowers artwork, antique oil painting, Still Life with Bouquet of Pink Peonies flowers proposed here is an oil painting on wood of the Nineteenth Century. It also has a wood frame. ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century French Cast Iron Bras De Lumière Sconces or Lantern Holders
Located in Dallas, TX
Known as bras de lumière (“arm of light”), this pair of French cast iron sconces from the 1800’s features a magnificent rinceau of foliage wit...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Metal, Iron

Antique French Napoleon III 'Pillars of Freedom' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th C.
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III fireback with two pillars of freedom. The pillars symbolize the value liberty, one of the three values of the French revolution. The date of producti...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Delft Blue and White Painted Porcelain and Brass Oil Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique oil lamp was crafted in France, circa 1880. The porcelain "Lampe a Petrole" sits on an intricate brass base decorated with shell ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Porcelain Apothecary/Pharmacy Jar - 'CERAT: C: OX: PLUMB:'
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-19th century french glazed porcelain apothecary/pharmaceutical jar with lid - 'CERAT: C: OX: PLUMB:' By: Langlois (in the style of) Material: ceramic, porcelain, paint, enamel T...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Enamel

19th Century French Octagonal Side Table
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak side table from France with an octagonal shaped top. The top has a carved decorated band inside a beveled and carved decorated edge. The top follows down to a lovely...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Oak

French Napoleon III Oil Lamp
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Fine French Napoleon III Oil Lamp, now electrified. Opaline glass container decorated with Maidens in Classical robes. France, circa 1860. Dimensions: Height 36" Diameter 17" CW5174
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Boulle-styled panelled desk Napoleon IIV, late 1800s in bronze
Located in Milano, IT
Behold the exquisite beauty of an antique Boulle-style desk from the late 1800s, a true masterpiece that once graced the era of Napoleon III. This desk is not just a piece of furnitu...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Brass

19th Century French Napoleon III Carved Marble and Bronze Selette Pedestal Table
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant, antique "Selette" was crafted in France, circa 1860. Carved of variegated beige marble with orange veins, the tall pedestal sits on a thick square plinth embellished wi...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Silver-plated Metal Tray, 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Oval shaped silver-plated metal tray, with handles, and floral decoration. Traces of use and light knocks. 20th century. 73.5 x 46 cm
Category

20th Century European Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Metal

Napoleon III Bookcase Stamped Sormani
Located in BARSAC, FR
Superb bookcase with central projection in mahogany and rosewood marquetry, opening three doors including a large one in the center presenting a magnificent marquetry decoration comp...
Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Faux Rosewood Voltaire Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
A 19th century French Voltaire Armchair with a faux rosewood painted finish. This imposing lounge chair has a wide well-sprung seat pad sitting on pl...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of French Landscapes Painted On Ceramic, circa 1880
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of small framed French paintings, circa 1880. Anonymous painter. French landscapes painted on ceramic (earthenware) dating from the late 19th century. Antique Napoleon III style...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Paint, Ceramic, Wood, Earthenware

Antique French 'Year' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French fireback. The date of production, 1878, is cast in the fireback. The fireback has a natural brown patina and can be made black/pewter upon request at no extra c...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique Napoleon III Period Bronze
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a kind Antique Napoleon III Period Bronze ewer. Kept in sparkling condition. Perfect for hallway Decor.
Category

18th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Napoleon III Period Bronze
Antique Napoleon III Period Bronze
$3,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Petite circa 1880 French Napoleon III Black Lacquer Two-Drawer Writing Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Striking original Antique French Napoleon III Bureau Plat, Writing Table or Ladies Desk. Highlighted by polished brass decorations, the black ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Napoleon Green Marble Office Inkwell With Feather wipe Sponge Holder
Located in Valladolid, ES
France Office writing or inkwell of golden bronze and green marble, Siglo XIX, Period of Napoleon III alto: 16cm, ancho: 49 cm, fondo: 26 cm Spectacular tintero in dark green marmol...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair of Sèvres Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Cassolettes in the Empire Style.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Sèvres porcelain and gilt bronze cassolettes in the Empire style, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Pair of 19th century cassolettes...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Fine Original Patina Large Brass French Napolean III Andirons
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Solid brass original Napoleon III andirons in excellent condition exuding character. Stately and well proportioned with exquisite brass work and "feathered egg" finials. Will shimmer...
Category

1850s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique French Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Late 19th or early 20th century French Napoleon III fireplace basket, fire basket made of wrought iron and cast iron. The basket is in a good condition and is fully functional.
Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

French Napoleon III Style Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
20th century French Napoleon III style fireplace basket, fire basket made of wrought iron and cast iron. The basket is in a good condition and is fully functional.
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

19th Century French Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th Century French Napoleon III period fireplace basket with period andirons and new grate. The fire basket is made of cast iron and wrought iron. The basket is in a good condition ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Pair Of Large Bronze And Marble Cassolettes, Napoleon III, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Pair of large green marble cassolettes with rich gilt bronze ornamentation: knots, garlands of flowers and leaves, putti raising their arms towards the flame on the lid (socket) Aft...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French 'Marie Leszczyńska' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III period fireback with Marie Leszczynska, queen of France and wife of king Louis XV. The fireback is made of cast iron...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Oak Turned Stool
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak stool from France. The seat has a wide molded edge, surrounding a banded seat with a handle I the center for easy portability. The seat measures 12.88 inches x 12....
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Oak

Rare Antique French Giltwood Oval Mirror With Pediment, circa 1890
Located in Paris, FR
Rare antique French giltwood wedding mirror, ornament pediment with dove and flowers, arrows and torch. Re-gilding to the leaf. Antique frame width: 6.5 cm / 2.55 in. Modern glass mi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Giltwood, Mirror, Stucco

Antique French Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th Century French Napoleon III period fireplace basket. The fire basket is made of wrought iron and cast iron. The basket is in a good condition and is fully functional.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

19th Century French Napoleon III Carved Marble and Bronze Selette Pedestal Table
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant, antique multi-color marble "Selette" was crafted in France, circa 1880. The Napoleon III pedestal sits on a thick sturdy square plinth embellished with a bronze mount a...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pairpoint Corp. New Bedord, Mass Large Champagne Coaster
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pairpoint Corp. New Bedord, Mass Large Champagne Coaster Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Late 19th or early 20th century French Napoleon III fireplace basket. The fire basket is made of wrought iron and cast iron. The basket is in a good condition and is fully functional.
Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Rare Napoleon III French Empire Bureau De Plat Gilt Bronze Writing Table Desk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Napoleon III French Empire desk with gilt bronze oversized fittings A very decorative and collectible desk in period lightly restored condition throughout. The desk comes complete with all original gilt bronze fixtures and fittings including two keys for the locks. It has four large drawers to the front, the left drawer is a very large single drawer with a safe drawer...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III fireplace basket, fire basket made of wrought iron and brass. The basket is in a good condition and is fully functional.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron, Brass

Antique French Fireplace Tools or Fire Tools, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III fireplace tool set. The toolset consists of a stand and two fire irons. Made of wrought iron and brass. It is in a good condition and is fully functi...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron, Brass

Pair 19th century candelabra styled in the form of medieval knights
Located in Wijnegem, BE
Pair 19th century Napoleon III gilded - and silver-plated bronze candelabra styled in the form of medieval knights in armor on hexagonal marble bases. France c. 1870s Dimensions: H...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th century French Empire Swan Motif Sconce Pair
Located in Savannah, GA
French Empire three light brass candle sconce pair with swan motif, circa 1820s . Features include incredible detail and great old patina. See measurements below.
Category

1850s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

Early 20th Century European Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Dutch Fireplace Trammel or Pot Hanger
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century Dutch Napoleon III period fireplace trammel. The trammel is made of wrought iron, with polished brass and a wooden handle. The tramm...
Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron, Brass

Antique French Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III fireplace basket. The fire basket is made of wrought iron. The basket is in a good condition and is fully functional. The total width of the front of...
Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

A unique set of Boulle chests of drawers, France, circa 1860.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A unique set of Boulle chests of drawers, France, circa 1860. Very good condition. dimensions: height 110 cm x width 125 cm x depth 50 cm
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Vase from the Escalier de Cristal, Gilt Bronze Mounting, 19th century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Crystal vase decorated with a gilded bronze dragon from the Maison de Cristal, Napoleon III period, 1880. H: 17cm, D: 5.75cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

French Smoker Set in Red Glazed Earthenware 19th Napoleon III, De Bruyn Fives
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Five-piece smoker set. Four pots including a covered tobacco pot and a red faience tray which has a floral pattern. Very nice enamelled earthenware work. ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Portrait Of A Gentleman And His Dog (h160cm), Framed Hst, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large portrait of a gentleman in a frock coat, posing with his dog Oil on canvas, framed, unsigned but done with great talent, mid-19th century Canvas not relined, old repainting -...
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Paint

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

19th Century French Neoclassical Louis XVI Mahogany Nightstand ~ Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Neoclassical Louis XVI Mahogany Nightstand with Carrara Marble is an extraordinary example of the finest materials and craftsmanship being combined to produce an ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

French Napoleon III Style Gilt Wood Knot Base Ottoman
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fantastic and very decorative French Pouf Ottoman with an intricate Gilt Wood Knotted Rope base. With good size and a high Cushion custom upholstered in a William Morris type Leaf ...
Category

20th Century Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Late 19th Century Pair of Serving Platters in Paris Porcelain
Located in NICE, FR
We are delighted to present you with this unique find- an exceptional pair of Parisian porcelain serving bowls/platters, boasting an intriguing design with eels gracefully coiling ar...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Napoleon III chest bench in walnut, France, circa 1860
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Walnut chest bench, Napoleon III circa 1860. Good condition. Dimensions: height 102 cm width 135 cm depth 45 cm Seat dimensions: height 41 cm, width 111 cm, depth 35 cm
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wood, Walnut

French Napoleon III 'Dancers' Fireback / Backsplash, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III style fireback with two dancers. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter at n...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Iron

Porcelain and Bronze Inkwell in the Taste of Asian Art.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Porcelain and bronze inkwell in the taste of Asian Art. Inkwell decorated with a Buddha in white porcelain on a red lacquer tray mounted with gilt bronze and inkwells in porcelain a...
Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Napoleon III Period Bronze Mantel Screen.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th century Napoleon III period bronze mantel screen. A Napoleon III period bronze mantel screen. H: 76cm, W: 80cm, D: 23cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

An important Pair of Bronze Candelabra from the 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An important pair of bronze candelabra from the 19th century. A pair of Napoleon III period bronze candelabra, 19th century, one bobèche and one saucer missing. H: 68cm, D: 37cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Iridescent Celadon Porcelain Lamps, circa 1880
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of bottle shapped iridescent celadon porcelain lamps. Chiseled and gilt bronze mount on an openwork circular base decorated with cartouches and swirls, two openwork handles and ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French 1870s Napoleon III Walnut Bedside Table with Stone Top and Tambour Door
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoleon III period walnut bedside table from the late 19th century, with tambour door, single drawer and stone top. Created in France during the third quarter of the 19th century, this walnut side table features a rectangular stone top sitting above a tambour door adorned with ebonized accents, followed by a single drawer. This upper section is raised on four legs, the front ones being thin columns with entasis and the hind ones being straight, securing a low shelf. Highlighted with thin gilt frames on the side panels, this French walnut Napoleon III bedside table...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Stone

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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