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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
Christofle Sculpture of a Trophy, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Silver-plated metal sculpture and varnished wood base by Christofle representing an agricultural trophy, 19th century, Napoleon III period. H: 36cm, D: 23cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Hand Carved Red Grey Marble Pedestal Column Napoleon III
Located in Sofia, BG
Hand carved marble column pedestal made of combination of red and grey marble with square head standing on a square, terraced base. Napoleon III style France, circa 1890.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble

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

A Pair of Cassolettes Forming Candlesticks, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A pair of cassolettes forming candlesticks in enamelled porcelain and gilt bronze, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A pair of gilt bronze and delicately painted and enamelled porc...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th century French Napoleon III Marquetry Folding Table, 1870s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful serving table dating from the Napoleon III period (1870) in pear wood highlighting a sublime marquetry. Louis XV style. The two trays at the ends fold down to make room for...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Pearwood

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

Pair 19thc French NapoleonIII Bronze Putto/ Cherub Candle Holders
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French Napoleon III Bronze Cherub/ Putto Candleholders/ Candle Sticks.
Category

1890s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Napoleon III Lamps marble and enamel
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Pair of Napoleon III lamps Origin France 19th century, circa 1860 electrified 220 w perfect condition gilt bronze, onyx and cloisonné enamel 39 cm high up to the screen frame. The Na...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Enamel

19th Century Ormolu Figural Clock by Monbro Aine, Jacquier & Henri Picard
Located in Tarzana, 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

20th Century Napoleon III Style Lacquered Rope Twist Upholstered Tabouret
Located in Dallas, TX
Napoleon III style stool or ottoman with twisted rope design after the model by A.M.E. Fournier, circa 20th century. Lacquered, the piece has a fabric circular seat on rope-twist molded seat-rails on knotted rope legs...
Category

20th Century Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

19thc French Napoleon III Bronze Cage Ruby Red & Clear Cut Crystal Chandelier
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1890 French Napoleon III Bronze Cage with Red and Clear Cut Crystal Adornment. Beautiful amethyst and Ruby Red Crystal. Spectacular!
Category

1890s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal

1950-1970 Pair of Stools Gilded Brass Style Rope in the Style of Maison Baguès
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of stools in brass tray iron, amounts in the shape of rope with spacer and node, circa 1950-1970, Good condition.
Category

1950s French Vintage Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Sculpture by U.Basset, Le Torrent, Bronze Sculpture, 19th Century, Napoleon III.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture by U.Basset, Le Torrent, bronze sculpture, 19th century, Napoleon III. Sculpture by the artist U.Basset, Le Torrent, 19th century Napoleon III period sculpture, in bronze,...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Suite of 4 Nesting Tables, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Suite of 4 nesting tables, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Suite of 4 nesting tables with fine decoration on the glass-covered tops, chased and gilt bron...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair 1920's French Napoleon III Bronze & Crystal Fruit & Petals Table Lamps
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair Antique 1920's French Napoleon III style Bronze with Crystal Fruit Table Lamps/ Girandoles. These lamps have been electrified and we will send lam shades...
Category

1920s French Vintage Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Forged Napoleon III Column, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
A forged metal pillar with fluted details and Doric inspiration, a Napoleon III period piece. Take into account that the colors on the items may vary depending on the type of lighti...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Metal, Spelter

19th Century in the Style of the Louis XV Napoleon III Inlaid Cabinet
Located in Berlin, DE
Bois-Satiné-veneer, all-round covering mirror veneer and marquetry on solid conifers. With finely chiselled, highly decorative, perforated rocaille, fire-gilded bronze fittings. Two-...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Carved and Gilded Wood Candle Stick, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Carved and gilded wood candle stick, 19th century Measures: H: 68 cm, W: 18 cm, D: 18 cm.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wood

A Pair of 19th Century Gilt and Silvered Bronze and Crystal Goblets.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A pair of 19th century gilt and silvered bronze and crystal goblets. A pair of Napoleon III period gilt bronze and silvered crystal goblets, circa 1880. H: 24cm, D: 26cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

CARRIER-BELLEUSE and CHOISY LE ROI Manufacture, "Sauve qui peut" Vase
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Glazed red and white faience. Another example, presented at the Salon de la Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts, in 1898, and numbered 4060, was shown with three other vases: Hercules ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mantel Set with Clock and Two Candelabras, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Garniture de cheminée en bronze doré et marbre, XIXème siècle, époque Napoléon III. Pendule: H: 36cm, L: 15cm, P: 18cm Candélabres: H: 26cm, L: 17cm, P: ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair 19th Century Pietra Dura Bonheur Du Jours
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality pair of Napoleon III Pietra Dura bonheur du jours. With semi precious stone inlaid to the doors and ormolu mounts.
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large Boulle Credenza Sideboard Napoleon III Inlay
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing a gorgeous large French credenza in the Boulle manner We date this piece to circa 1860 and it features the classic Boulle style inlay on all surfaces Two doors in mid...
Category

1860s Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wood

French Silver Desk Clock by Boin-Taburet, Paris, in Original Case
Located in London, GB
French silver desk timepiece clock very high quality. Napoleon III period. The case of beautifully cast silver with leaf and dart decoration to the base and to the bezel. The waste o...
Category

1890s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Silver

Antique Bronze Dog Figure by Pierre-Jules Mene
Located in London, GB
Pierre-Jules Mene (1810-1879) was one of the foremost animalier sculptors of the 19th Century, and achieved high distinction in the art of making small bron...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Napoleon III Period Whitewashed Center Table ~ Game Table
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Whitewashed Center Table ~ Game Table was hand-crafted from solid sycamore, and features a tailored, very subtly oval top with a shallow apron...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Sycamore

19th Century Napoleanic Cachepot
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Napoleanic Cachepot. 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

Ceramic

19th Century Napoleanic Cachepot
19th Century Napoleanic Cachepot
$316 Sale Price
20% Off
French Napoleon III Style Gilt Wall Mirror, Crown Crest This is a very attract
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Napoleon III Style Gilt Wall Mirror, Crown Crest This is a very attractive piece, the mirror has a 3.5” gilt frame edged with swags and a crown in the centre at the top of t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Bronze and Marble Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a console or a mantel with this elegant pair of antique candlesticks. Crafted in France circa 1870, each candelabra stands on scrolled feet over an integral square base with...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Wrought Iron Workshop Table Circa 1900
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Wrought iron workshop table circa 1900 glass shelf, one chip
Category

18th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Iron

French gilt bronze ink stand depicting a young man harvesting circa 1860
Located in Central England, GB
This wonderfully detailed bronze inkstand is of unusably small proportions and was made to compliment a lady's writing table most likely. It is of an oval form with a moulded base which is mounted with a detailed bronze study of a rural scene of a young man harvesting corn with a sickle. The bushels of corn hide the inkpot which hinges back to reveal a white porcelain container...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Lantern, attributed to Maison Millet, France, Circa 1890
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful lantern in double patina bronze and crystal. The central shaft is engraved with a Greek frieze centered on a star. The whole is suspended from a openwork crown decorated wi...
Category

1890s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Pair 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Armchairs with Leather & Bronze Mounts
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 19th century French Empire Mahogany armchairs with leather & bronze mounts are ideal for the Conference Room, an office environment, a large game table...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Napoleon III floor mirror
Located in Belgrade, RS
An exceptionally sumptuous and, at the same time, elegantly imposing large mirror with a matching low console is a true representative of the Napoleon III style, which originated in ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass, Bronze

Napoleon III Lustre De Fete Crystal Chandelier
Located in Stamford, CT
Crystal chandelier meant for sunlit garden parties. Used without candles or lights but sunlight. It can be illuminated by dropping a bulb into the center of it.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Wire

Silver Plated Liquid Measure, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Silver plated liquid measure, 19th century. 19th century silver plated liquid measure. h: 6,5cm, d: 4cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Celadon Vase in Faience, Silver Plate and Silver Leaf, 19th Century Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Celadon vase in faience with silver plate and silver leaf, 19th century period Napoleon III.    
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Metal

Napoleon III Chinoiserie Cabinet, France, circa 1880s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Charming Napoleon III cabinet, lacquered black with Chinoiserie decor, and a red marble top.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble

Napoleon III Armchair, France Second Half of the 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
A Napoleon III armchair on s-shaped legs with a curved frame. The high, rounded backrest as well as the seat and armrests are upholstered. The golden patinated frame is decorated wit...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

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

Empire Style Watch-holder, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Empire style watch-holder, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Empire style patinated bronze and onyx watch-holder, 19th century, Napoleon III period. H: 26cm, W: 29cm, D: 15cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Onyx, Bronze

Pair 19th Century Framed Oval Stained Glass Windows
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 19th Century Framed Oval Stained Glass Windows will make the perfect finishing touch to your remodeling or building project! Each oval window consists of amber and light eggplant colored diamond-shaped panes, or in Louisiana parlance, Purple and Gold! Each window is surrounded by oval molding, then survives in its original rectangular frame which is chamfered on the sides and fitted with pyramidal rosettes on each corner to add visual interest and a three dimensional aspect. Use them as exterior...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Stained Glass, Pine

Noble Napoleon III French Ebony Antique Table Lacquer
Located in Warsaw, PL
"The ebony antique table features the Empire style of the period of King Napoleon III. The Empire style of Napoleon III is marked by grandeur, powerful effects, lavish decoration but...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Ebony

19th Century French Napoleon III Spelter Soldier Figure Table Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a man's desk or office with this antique masculine table lamp, crafted in France circa 1880 and standing on a round carved walnut base, t...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Spelter

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

A Gilt Bronze and Violet Crystal Square Bowl, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A gilt bronze and violet crystal square bowl, very fine chasing of the bronze, 19th century, Napoleon III period. H: 7 cm, W: 18 cm, D: 15 cm
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Steel Engraving from the 19th Century of Rembrandt by Francesco Novelisme
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Steel engraving from the 19th century of Rembrandt by Francesco Novelisme, 1992. Measures: H 21cm, L 16cm.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Paper

Large Napoleon III Mirror in Molded Oak, France, circa 1860
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Imposing mirror with molded oak frame with rows of pearls. Napoleon III / Victorian style, France, around 1860. In good condition. Slight flaws in the stain. Dimensions : ...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Oak

Pair of Vases Champleve, Enameled Crystal and Bronze
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful and rare pair of crystal,onyx and champleve bronze vase by the size Onyx base surmounted by three cupids holding an openwork cup in en...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Onyx, Bronze

Pair of Gouaches Framed Flowers Basket, Late 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of framed gouaches on papier representing each one a flowers basket in vase put on marble support and composed of peonies, dahlias, eyelets, tulips, periwinkles, forget-me-not, ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Giltwood, Paper

821 - French 19th Century Priest CAP
Located in Paris, FR
821 - French 19th century priest cap.
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Silk

Gilt Bronze and Crystal Pendant, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Gilt bronze and crystal pendant, very nice decoration, Napoleon III period, 19th century, 3 lights. Measures: H: 34 cm, d: 33 cm.
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Porcelain "Dove" Planter by L'Escalier de Cristal, France, circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Inscribed HA et Cie and numbered 403 Signed in red Escalier de Cristal Paris Beautiful planter in gilded and painted porcelain. The rounded belly with a platinum background is decor...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of 19th Century French Brass Andirons
Located in Westport, CT
Beautiful pair of French Napoleon III patinated solid brass andirons or fire dogs with with wrought iron frames to keep your logs elevated. Note lovely large spiral balls and carved...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Brass

Candle Stick in Sculpted in Lacquer and Good Solid Wood, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Candlestick in sculpted in lacquer and good solid wood, 19th century. Measures: 1m1lcm tall x 42cm wide.  
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III Period
Located in Warsaw, PL
This mantel clock is crafted in a neoclassical style of the Napoleon III period (1824-1830). The mantel clock’s pedestal is made from turquoise malachite and golden ormolu. Malachit ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

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

Gilt bronze putti candlesticks in the style of Henri Picard, 19th
Located in Paris, FR
This pair of 19th-century gilt and chiseled bronze candlesticks is a true testament to the refined and decorative art of the period. The bases of the candlesticks feature twisting cr...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Small Two-body Dresser In Inlaid Wood
Located in PARIS, FR
A refined example of Second Empire elegance, this exquisite Dutch two-part display cabinet celebrates the revival of marquetry during the reign of Napoleon III. Crafted with meticulo...
Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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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