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.
$2,302 / set
Pair French Side Chairs
Located in Swadlincote, GB
Wonderful pair of French Napoleon 111 side chairs, with turned ebony legs, newly upholstered in linen fabric, upholstered in the traditional methods, with deep bullion fringing, supe...
Ebony
$2,738
Card Box, Napoléon III
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Napoleon III-period papier-mâché and wood marquetry card box with original key. The lid is richly decorated with a polychromatic bunch of flowers in a central medallion with gilt fra...
Paper
Crystal Pair Of Candelabras By Baccarat, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Important pair of candelabras by Baccarat, 19th century, Napoleon III period, crystal. Pair of large 19th-century crystal candelabras, Napoleon III style, by Baccarat, with five arm...
Crystal
Pair of 19th Century Hand Painted Dutch Blue & White Delft Covered Vases ~ Urns
Located in Dallas, TX
Grand pair of 19th century Dutch Delft covered vases, featuring ample proportions, beautifully rounded forms and matching domed lids. Their classic blue and white palette is enriched...
Porcelain, Paint
Early 20th century French Wood and Brass Musical Cigar Boxe, 1920s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Magnificent Napoleon III style musical cigar humidor dating from the beginning of the 20th century in lacquered wood and garland of brass beads. A lyre adorns each door. By turning t...
Brass
French 19th C. Second Empire Secrétaire À Abattant with Gold Ormolu Mounts
Located in Savannah, GA
This extraordinary French Second Empire period secre´taire a' abattan features flame mahogany, gilt brass-mounts and retains its original dark grey speckled granite top. Decorated th...
Granite, Brass, Ormolu
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Eagle Sculpture Signed Rousseau C. 1870
By ROUSSEAU
Located in Atlanta, GA
An animated, gilt bronze eagle arrests the moment of takeoff: shoulders thrust forward, primaries flared, and the head canted to the left with the beak parted in a cry. The compositi...
Bronze
$2,660Sale Price|20% Off
19thc French Napoleon III Cut Crystal Candelabra attributed to Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Beautiful 19thc French Napoleon III Crystal Candelabra/ Centerpiece. Incredible work on this piece. Shades included. Attrib. Baccarat.
Crystal
19th Century Napoleon III Marquetry Jardiniere or Planter
Located in Winter Park, FL
A fine 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière, or cache pot, made with inlaid veneers of burled walnut with mother of pearl inlay and ebonized trim. Bronze mounted wit...
Mother-of-Pearl, Walnut
Monumental Fireplace Signed by Jules Allard and Louis Ardisson
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Located in the hall of a ballroom, this exceptional fireplace welcomed the 80 guests of Edward Julius Berwind's luxurious New York home in the Louis XV style. It attests to the true ...
Marble, Breccia Marble, Carrara Marble
Antique French Napoleon III 'Crapaud' Tub Chair in Moss Green Velvet
Located in London, GB
France, 1860s. Attributed to a Parisian Atelier, Faubourg Saint-Antoine District. This exceptional mid-19th-century Crapaud (toad) chair is a quintessential example of Second Empire French upholstery. Known for its low-slung, enveloping silhouette, it features a deep-buttoned back and original documentary moss-toned velvet. The piece is richly detailed with traditional French passementerie, including hand-twisted rope piping and a substantial bullion fringe. Supported by ebonized turned legs on original brass and ceramic castors, this chair perfectly captures the faded elegance of a Parisian salon. The olive-drab velvet has aged with remarkable grace, now worn to a distressed, matte, suede-like finish. This authentic age-tone and surface wear lend the piece a stately home provenance and a quiet depth that modern reproductions cannot replicate. A masterfully hand-crafted piece featuring traditional bench-made joinery. The chair utilizes hand-tied coil springs and hand-tufted deep-buttoning, showcasing the labor-intensive artisanal techniques of the 1860s. the quality of the ebonized turnings and the precision of the hand-tufting suggests the work of a premier Parisian 'tapissier' (upholsterer). The design is closely aligned with the 'confortable' style popularized by Maison Fournier...
Brass
Antique French Napoleon III Black Marble & Inlaid Cabinet - André-Charles Boulle
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique French Napoleon III Black Marble & Inlaid Cabinet - André-Charles Boulle.
Marble
19th Century Upholstered Flemish Arm Chair from France
Located in High Point, NC
19th century walnut Flemish arm chair from France. This is a lovely Flemish armchair made from walnut and newly upholstered in linen. The arms are gracefully shaped and terminate ...
Linen, Walnut
19th Century, French Napoleon III Firedogs or Andirons
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century, French Napoleon III period fire dogs made of wrought iron. The andirons have spit hooks to grill food. The condition is good.
Wrought Iron
Napoleon III Ebony Box Stamped "TAHAN Supplier to the Emperor", with Expertise
By Tahan Paris
Located in Bochum, NRW
Napoleon III Period Ebony Luxury Box by TAHAN, Paris, with Expertise. Stamped “TAHAN Fr de l’Empereur” — official purveyor to the Emperor. A rare and impeccably preserved example of ...
Brass
Immense Earthenware Vase Presented In 1889 At The Universal Exhibition Of Paris
Located in Charmes, FR
A major and exceptional piece from the Toul Bellevue factory, presented at the 1889 Paris Universal Exhibition. The dimensions of this piece are extraordinary for the time (the Toul ...
Ceramic
Antique French Fireplace Tools or Fire Tools, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Beautiful 19th century French Napoleon III fireplace tool set. The toolset consists of a stand, made of cast iron, wrought iron and polished brass, and two fire irons made of wrought...
Brass, Iron, Wrought Iron
Sevres Chateau des Tuilleries Porcelain Bonbonniere
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Sevres Chateau des Tuilleries Porcelain Bonbonniere. It depicts a lidded cobalt blue large bowl cup mounted in gilt bronze. The top side of the lid is hand painted with a y...
Bronze
Antique French Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III fireplace grate, made of cast iron and wrought iron. The basket is in a good condition and is fully functional. Width at front is 64.5 cm (25.4 inch...
Iron, Wrought Iron
19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut Chaise Lounge in Blue Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
An exceptional mid-19th century French chaise lounge from the Napoleon III period, showcasing clean lines, exquisite detailing, and a commanding yet refined presence. Sourced in Pari...
Velvet, Walnut
GUICHE Palais Royal - Gilt Bronze Clock with Puttis
Located in Beaune, FR
Very pretty model for this gilded bronze clock from the Napoleon III period in Louis XV rocaille style dating from the 19th century. Very good quality of gilding and entirely origina...
Bronze
French 19th century Napoleon III Period Ebony, Ormolu and marble cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and high quality French 19th century Napoleon III Period Louis XVI st. Ebony, Ormolu, Giltwood and Rouge Griotte marble cabinet. This exquisite two door single drawer cabi...
Marble, Ormolu
Pair of Napoleon III Lacquer Commodes À Vantaux by by Winckelsen
By Charles-Guillaume Winckelsen
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Pair of Napoléon III Gilt-Bronze, Chinese Lacquer And Ebonised Side Cabinets By Charles-Guillaume Winckelsen, Paris. Signed 'Chles WINCKELSEN 21 Rue St Louis', Paris. Each ...
Marble, Ormolu
Small Napoleon III kingwood open bookcase
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Fabulous quality late 19th century small open bookcase from the Napoleon III period circa 1870’s Veneered with kingwood , original marble top and ormolu mounts H: 99 cm (39") W: 80 c...
Kingwood
Inkwell In Gilt Bronze And Crystal, 19th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Inkwell in gilded bronze and crystal from the second half of the 19th century Original gilding in perfect condition 19th century, Napoleon III 8.2 x 10.6 cm, total height 8.2 cm
Crystal, Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Leather Reclining Armchair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic 19th century French Napoleon III period leather reclining armchair or lounge chair. Features a mahogany frame covered with rich, d...
Metal
Louis-Constant SÉVIN, Ferdinand BARBEDIENNE, Pair of Ornamental Vases
By Louis-Constant Sevin, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This exceptional pair of vases is the result of the collaboration between Louis Constant Sevin, drawer and designer, and Ferdinand Barbedienne, bronze maker and founder of the famous...
Bronze, Enamel
19th Century French Hand-Painted Fan with Pierced Bone Sticks in Gilt Frame
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wall or salon with this elegant antique hand-painted fan, crafted in France circa 1890. Presented in a refined half-moon shadowbox, the composition is set against a black ...
Silk, Glass, Giltwood
19th Century French Napoleon III 'Apollo with Horse' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III fireback. Apollo, god of light, sun, truth, prophecy, music, joy and horses. Also the saving God, both in emergency cause...
Iron
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze and Cloisonné Enamel Jardinière on White Onyx Base
Located in New York, NY
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze and Cloisonné Enamel Jardinière on White Onyx Base This oval form jardinière is wrapped with black, white and gold cloisonné enamel, with a shield at the ...
Onyx, Bronze, Enamel
Grand 19th Century French Second Empire Mahogany Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
Grand 19th Century French Second Empire Mahogany Bookcase will make an immediate impression on all who enter the room! Hand-crafted by expert artisans during the reign of Napoleon I...
Brass
19th Century French Giltwood Petite Settee, Napoleon III Style
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Late 19th Century French Giltwood Petite Settee Guilloche Carving and Fluted Tapered Legs Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos.
Giltwood
Champlevé Enamel Inkwell on Tray, Napoleon III, 19th Century, France
Located in Lisbon, PT
A 19th century French inkwell in Champlevé enamel and bronze, mounted on an integrated tray with pen holders, in the Napoleon III style. This elegant desk accessory showcases the cr...
Bronze
Antique French Napoleon III Carved Mahogany 5 Piece Bedroom Suite, Circa 1880.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Rare Antique French Napoleon III Carved Mahogany 5 Piece Bedroom Suite, Circa 1875-1885. Extraordinary workmanship. Bed: 58" x 76" Interior. Headboar...
Marble
Napoleon III Style Wall Mirror, Black & Silver Frame, France, 1910
Located in Austin, TX
Excellent mirror from France in the Napoleon III style with a black and silver leaf frame. There is also an inner frame of gold leaf beading. Hand-carved into the silver frame is a l...
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
Antique Napoléon III. Inkwell from Bronze and Porcelain, Paris, France, 1839
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional antique Inkwell with rich bronze ornaments and three porcelain vessels. The ink jars are painted in a beautiful rich green and embellished with gold colour. France, 1839. On the lid is written "ENCRIER BOUQUET" "MEDAILLE D´ARGENT...
Bronze
$8,260Sale Price|30% Off
A Patinated Bronze Bust of Jesus Christ by Clesinger and Barbedienne, 12" High
By Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clesinger, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A French Patinated Bronze Bust of Jesus Christ, Circa 1858, Signed J. Clesinger, Rome 1858 & F. Barbedienne Fondeur This French bronze bust of Jesus Christ, crafted circa 1858, ...
Bronze
Bohemian Cut Crystal Box, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bohemian cut crystal box, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Bohemian cut crystal box, brass mounting, late 19th century, Napoleon III period. Dimensions : H: 15cm, W: 19cm, D: 11c...
Crystal, Brass
A Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze and Pietre Dure Mounted Ebonised Side Cabinet
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze and Pietre Dure Mounted Ebonised Side Cabinet. This fine side cabinet has a rectangular Belgian black marble top above a gilt-bronze guilloche and flowe...
Agate, Marble, Ormolu
19th Century French Mahogany Commode
Located in Woodbury, CT
19th Century French mahogany four-drawer commode with original marble top; paneled sides and fluted chamfered corners standing on bun feet. Original brass ring pulls. Marble has ol...
Marble, Brass
Louis Napoleon Kingwood Marquetry and Ormoly Mounted Fold Top Console Game Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Louis Napoleon Bonaparte ( Napoleon III) mid 19th-century Kingwood and various exotic species marquetry card table featuring gilt bronze ormolu mounts in the Louis XVI Style. This ...
Ormolu
19th Century French Oak Dessert Buffet
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak dessert buffet from France with a beveled and carved decorated edge around the top, over two drawers with hand carved decorated drawer fronts along with hand carved ...
Oak
French Napoleon III Marquise Chair in Tropics "Leopard' Fabric
Located in Hastings, GB
Beautiful antique French Napoleon III marquise chair This extremely rare 19th century antique French Napoleon III marquise chair, also affectionately called 'The Queens' chair sit...
Cotton, Wood
NAPOLEON III pendulum clock with a portico-style frame featuring twisted columns. 1800
Located in Torino, IT
Pendulum Clock NAPOLEON III portico structure with twisted columns, made of ebonized wood and inlaid. France, Late 19th Century ORIGIN France PERIOD Second 19th century MATERIALS ...
Metal, Brass
French Napoleon III Style Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 20th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
20th-century French Napoleon III Style fire grate. Made of cast iron andirons and a recently forged grate. The condition is good. The width at the front is 68.5 cm / 27.0 inches.
Iron, Wrought Iron
Antique Dresden Porcelain Dessert Plates, Floral Design, 1891-1896
Located in Uppsala , SE
Two Antique Dresden porcelain dessert or salad plates from the end of 19th century, featuring hand-painted floral motifs and a gold-trimmed, scalloped edge. Origin: Dresden,Donath ...
Porcelain
$6,650Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of French Paris Porcelain Hand Painted Vases for the Orientalist Market
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of French Paris porcelain hand painted Vases for the orientalist market, circa 1870. Each vase is beautifully hand painted with scenes of Sultan and Sultana, and the tops a...
Porcelain
1970s French Napoleonic Style Carved Maple Rope Bergere Chairs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of 1970s French Napoleonic style carved rope bergere chairs. The seafoam embroidered is vintage, and there is a spot. Both chairs are in very good condition and unmarked.
Upholstery, Maple
French Napoleon III Weekly Chest in Black Ebonized Wood
Located in IT
Late 19th-century French Napoleon III weekly chest, restored with a black ebonized wood finish. The piece is topped with a marble surface and retains original period elements, includ...
Wood, Walnut
$2,478Sale Price|34% Off
19th Century French Grand Gilt Wood Crystal Mirror from Napoleon III Period
Located in Sofia, BG
19th Century French crystal mirror in grand stucco and gilded wood frame decorated with a putti holding a quiver and a torch on the top. Very goo...
Stucco, Wood
French Antique Giltwood Wall Mirror, Napoleon III, Louis XV Revival, c.1870
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
An elegant French giltwood wall mirror dating from the Napoleon III period, circa 1870, designed in the refined Louis XV Revival style. The rectangular frame is richly decorated wi...
Mirror, Pine
19th Century Italian Bird’s-Eye Maple Chest of Drawers Commode
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning fine quality antique, circa 1860s/1870s Italian chest of drawers commode. Hand-crafted in Italy in the third quarter of the 19th century, influenced by Napoleon III Se...
Carrara Marble, Brass
Antique French Napoleon III Andirons or Firedogs, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III fireplace andirons or fire dogs, made of wrought iron. The andirons are in a good condition and are fully functional.
Wrought Iron
2 Napoleon III Style Tiger Gold Marble & Gilt Bronze Pedestals Sculpture Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
A large pair of Classical Column Napoleon III style Pedestals. Made from Tiger Gold Marble and Gilt Bronze. Features a shaped top with acanthus scrolled capital over a fluted center ...
Marble, Bronze
$1,627Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Mantel Clock or Console 180s Black Marble and Solid Brass Sculpture
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Napoleon III Mantel Clock or Console 180s Black Marble and Solid Brass Sculpture
Marble, Brass
French Aubusson Rug 19th century - Napoleon III style - 265x166, No 1359
By Royal Manufacture of Aubusson, Aubusson Manufacture
Located in Paris, FR
Period: 19th century - around 1860 Origin: Aubusson, FRANCE Style: Napoleon III Condition: Perfect condition (Cleaned, Lined in our workshop) Material: Wool & Silk Width: 2m65 Length...
Wool
19th Century Napoleon III Style Vitrine
Located in Miami, FL
High-rectangular, one-door, curved and three-sided glazed corpus. On curly feet scalloped out. Inside life with orig. Velvet covered and two entrances. Mirrored back wall. The displa...
Bronze
Pair Antique Paris Porcelain Botanical Dishes Hand Painted Flowers Circa 1850
Located in Katonah, NY
This pair of Paris porcelain botanical dishes is hand-painted with finely observed flowering plants rendered in soft purple-pink tones with fresh gree...
Porcelain
French 19th century Napoleon III Period Ebony, Porcelain and Ormolu cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Napoleon III Period Ebony, Sèvres Porcelain, Brass, Ormolu and Marble cabinet. The stunning single door cabinet is raised by toupie shaped Ebony feet a...
Ormolu
$2,059Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Black Rosewood Liquor Case, 1890s, Set of 11
Located in Opole, PL
Antique Black Rosewood Liquor Case, 1890s, Set of 11 Step into the opulence of 19th-century France with this stunning Napoleon III-style liquor case, a tr...
Glass, Rosewood