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.
Antique French Black Patinated Wood Wall-Mounted Entry-Hall Console circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
French Napoleon III wall console made circa 1880. It was made from an original wood dining table which has been transformed into a console to make a simple and original piece of furn...
Wood
19th Century French Louis XIV Wrought Iron Demilune Console with Black Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Louis XIV Wrought Iron Demilune Console with Black Marble dates to the Napoleon III period and recalls the splendor of the ag...
Belgian Black Marble, Wrought Iron
Antique French Black Patinated Wood Wall-Mounted Entry-Hall Console circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
French Napoleon III wall console made circa 1880. It was made from an original wood dining table which has been transformed into a console to make a simple and original piece of furn...
Wood
Dramatic Napoleon III Ebonized and Dore Console
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very well made Console with a dramatic and Stately presence. A classic serpentine Napoleon III console table, ebonized with elaborate and fine dore details. The top with an inlaid ...
Brass
$35,000Sale Price|30% Off
A French Ormolu Mounted Kingwood and Vernis Martin Console Table, Circa 1880
By Henry Dasson
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A French Ormolu-Mounted Kingwood and Vernis Martin Marble Top Console Table / Buffet, circa 1880, in the style of Henry Dasson. Crafted from rich Kingwood in the 19th century, this ...
Bronze, Ormolu
$35,506Sale Price / set|36% Off
19th Century a Pair of Magnificent Eagle Consoles Designed by William Kent
Located in Berlin, DE
19th century a pair of magnificent eagle consoles designed by William Kent, 1685-1748 A few (2) consoles from the Régence era. Monumental, fully sculptural and hand carved eagles ...
Marble
$4,384Sale Price|20% Off
Small French Napoleon III Lady's Secretary Cabinet of 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Bonheur du jour: Small French Napoleon III lady's secretary cabinet of 19th century. It is made in walnut and mahogany with burr maple inlays and guilt bronze decoration. 2 small dra...
Wood
travailleuse Napoléon III
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Très jolie travailleuse d'époque Napoléon III en bois et papier mâché décorée de bouquets de fleurs et de nacre sur le couvercle. La ceinture et le piétement sont finement réhaussés ...
Wood, Giltwood
$4,635Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Console Table, Faubourg St Honoré Signed Wood Marble and Mirror Fra
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind and very refined French Napoleon III console table in rosewood and marble. Tall, slender, and lightweight piece with a wavy silhouette. Beneath the marble top, three sm...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Balcony Corbels in Carved Pierre de Villebois Stone
Located in Dallas, TX
Recently salvaged from an important French building in the Lyon area, this pair of balcony corbels are from the Napoleon III period (sometimes called Second Empire style). Each corbel was hand-carved in pierre de villebois stone, which is a very hard limestone used...
Limestone
Pair of Napoleon III bamboo shelves by Perret & Vibert.
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of Napoleon III bamboo shelves by Perret & Vibert. Different marbles on each shelf. France, circa 1860.
Marble
Napoleonic Style Table Hand Carved Solid Wood Column Leg Top Calacatta Marble
By sicis
Located in London, GB
Napoleonic Style round table in hand carved solid wood. Featuring a column leg resting on a single uniform base with three catpaw feet. Available in black patinated finish with Viol...
Marble
Large Console in Wrought Iron and Marble, 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb large console of 2m22 in wrought iron topped with a gray marble Very beautiful gray marble of 4 cm which is rare and gives a lot of character to the console with a beck of co...
Wrought Iron
Gilt Natural Wrought Iron Console with a Marble Top
Located in Washington, DC
A beautiful natural wrought iron console table with pink marble top. Detail design underneath with gilt-work on wrought iron base.
Marble, Wrought Iron
Last 19th Century Italian Corner Étagère Turned Walnut Ebonized wax polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Last 19th century Italian corner étagère turned walnut ebonized, wax polished Measure cm: H 94 W47 D 30 (Ang 33 x 33).
Walnut
A fine 19th century mahogany and gilt bronze mounted marble top console
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine 19th century Napoleon 111 mahogany and gilt bronze two tiered console table. Original Carrera marble top . Excellent quality and condition . Two deep drawers
Carrara Marble, Bronze
An Important Italian Kingwood and Patinated Bronze Figural Table, Circa 1870
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
An Important Italian Kingwood and Patinated Bronze Figural Console Table. Indulge in the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship with this extraordinary Italian Kingwood, Marble, and Patinated-Bronze Figural Console Table—an exquisite masterpiece resonating with the opulence of the late 19th century. The serpentine Breccia di Sciro marble top, cradled within an intricate ormolu and kingwood frame, serves as the crowning glory, setting the stage for an extraordinary display of artistry. The base, a testament to the visionary Ludovico Pogliaghi of Milan, elevates this console table to the realm of sculptural poetry. Departing from convention, a young triton assumes a dynamic pose, ready to gracefully spring forward, replacing the traditional supporting figures found in 17th-century Venetian serving tables. This reinterpretation not only defies expectations but introduces a kinetic elegance, with the triton standing proudly on a scrolling foliate base that seamlessly transitions into a shaped foot supported by dignified bun feet. This console table is a harmonious blend of historical homage and contemporary sophistication. In its design, one can discern echoes of Pogliaghi's prior work, such as a comparable table sold Christies London, 19 March 2009, lot 83 (GBP 205,250) featuring a kneeling river God supporting a silver tray—an exquisite piece of Milanese heritage. Beyond its aesthetic allure, this table encapsulates the essence of grandeur that once graced the noble households of Milan. 31" high x 47" wide x 25" in. deep Provenance: Private American Collection Solomon Treasure...
Marble, Bronze
Regence style Giltwood Console, France, Circa 1870
Located in PARIS, FR
This carved and giltwood console table in the Régence style features an elegant, architectural composition. It stands out for its structure with two boldly curved console legs, richl...
Marble
19th Century French Wooden Carved and Gilded Console Table by Maison Janiaud
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful antique French Napoleon III console table. The table has beautiful carvings and is gilded with gold leaf. The marble top has a profiled edge and curved shapes. This is Carrara marble, a very white type of marble. The wooden base has an antique label...
Wood
Vintage French Figured Wood Games Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Provenance: Ganz estate, Tuxedo Park, NY. A handsome games table in triangular hinged form with ebonized detailed figured wood frame. French style with s...
Felt, Wood
19C French Second Empire Style 2 Tier Console
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting an absolutely stunning 19C French second empire style 2 tier console from circa 1860-80. This Console/Breakfast Buffet is of the HIGHEST...
Brass
Pair of French 1860s Napoleon III Period Walnut Console Tables with Marble Tops
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Napoleon III period walnut console tables from the mid-19th century, with grey marble tops and bronze motifs. This elegant pair of French Napoleon III walnut console...
Marble, Bronze
French Napoléon III Period 1860s Walnut Console Table with Original Marble Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoléon III period walnut console table from circa 1860 with original marble top and carved gilt accents. This French Napoléon III period console table, dating back to arou...
Marble
$3,526Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Sheaths, Consoles, Golden at the Gold Leaf, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of sheaths, consoles, gold leaf, 19th century, Napoleon-III. Measures: H 101 cm, L 28 cm, P 22 cm.
Wood
$3,336Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Console in Giltwood, Late 1800-Early 1900
Located in Milano, IT
Antique Consolle in wood gilded end 1800 beginning 1900. The particularity of the console and its top covered with original velvet of the time of dark orange color. the wood of the c...
Velvet, Wood
Jean Paul Mazaroz, Large Console Napoleon III Period Repatinated
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Jean Paul Mazaroz (1823-1900) large console Napoleon III period Repatinated, very pretty marble, all in good used condition stamp: 6767 P.MAZAROZ.
Marble
19th Century Napoleon III Style Mahogany Veneered Large Console
Located in Marseille, FR
Superb and large 19th century Napoleon III console in mahogany veneer richly carved with bird’s decoration. Note that the tip of a bird's beak is missing but will be replaced by our ...
Marble
Charming patinated console and its late 19th century
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Charming patinated console and its late 19th century marble pretty old patina, very beautiful marble a large matching mirror is for sale in another ad
Marble
$2,450
H 35.25 in W 43.25 in D 20 in
French Art Deco Demilune Console Table circa 1930s Wall Mounted Refinished
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant French Art Deco Demilune Console Table, France, circa 1930s. This table is currently being refinished and will look amazing when completed. It is wall mounted. It is a versat...
Chrome
Continental Marble and Gilt Eagle Console Table
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Empire late 18th Century / early 19th Century console table with a variegated marble slab and gilt caved acanthus leaves wooden top supported on a gilt carved base depicting ...
Marble, Gold Leaf
$1,770
H 32 in W 62 in D 20 in
Vintage French Post Modern Console Table - Circa 1980s - Maple Entry Table
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage post modern squiggle leg console table, France circa 1980s. Gorgeous from any angle. Finished on all sides allowing it to float in a room. Very good original condition with m...
Maple
$1,960Sale Price|30% Off
H 21.13 in W 25.5 in D 11 in
Antique French Hand-Carved Wall-Mounted Console Table c1900 Very Diminutive
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Antique French hand-carved wall-mounted console table probably made in the late 1800's or early 1900's. The finish appears to show some signs that it may have been originally gilded ...
Wood
$5,950 / set
H 32.25 in W 25.5 in D 10.75 in
Pair of French Art Deco Demilune Wrought Iron Consoles with Marble Tops
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of period Art Deco consoles, each having a demilune top of Nero Portoro marble. The black-painted, wrought iron bases centered with a gilded leaf, flanked by scrolling iron. Rai...
Marble, Wrought Iron
$2,910 / item
H 31.5 in W 44.49 in D 12.21 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Painted Marble Top Demilune Console
Located in Miami, FL
19th Century French Louis XVI painted marble top demilune console will make a beautiful accent for an entryway, hall or staircase! Resplendent with stunning architecture and embellis...
Wood
Swedish Painted Console Table with Drawer, circa 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautifully painted Swedish console table dating from around 1880, showcasing the delicate charm and balance of late 19th-century Scandinavian design. Standing on slender tapered l...
Wood
$4,005
H 37.8 in W 91.34 in D 18.9 in
Large Late 19th Century Italian Wrought Iron and Marble Console Table
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Large late 19th Century Italian wrought iron and marble console table. Circa 1880.
Marble, Wrought Iron
$3,328Sale Price|55% Off
H 30.71 in W 51.58 in D 30.32 in
French Napoleon III Period Ebonized Desk, 1870s
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An imposing Napoleon III center table (or 'Table de Milieu') in ebonized fruit wood, rectangular in shape, with rounded sides. Its ornate top, which is bordered all around with a gilt bronze frieze and two further inner bands, features at its centre an intricate marquetry inlaid design of a foliage cartouche framing a vase of flowers. The smoothly curving belt of the table encloses a frieze drawer on one long side, with a repeat, inlaid design that echoes that of the top. The table rests on four turned, tapered and fluted legs, ending in toupie feet, and these are connected by two half-moon spacers...
Brass, Bronze
$2,700
H 45 in W 54 in D 23.5 in
Antique French Table Hall Entry Console Sofa Table Two Drawers Oak C. 1890s
Located in Tyler, TX
CHARMING Antique French Renaissance revival oak entry, hall table, sofa table or console with drawers ~~c. 1890s Charming table with two drawers and carved crown~~perfect for use ...
Oak
Pair of 19th Century Butler's Console Tables
Located in London, GB
An exquisite pair of 19th-century butler's console tables in a formal Neoclassical Empire style. Crafted from rich mahogany and mahogany veneer and topped with sleek Carrara marble (...
Carrara Marble
$10,800
H 36 in W 67.25 in D 21 in
Antique 19th Century French Wrought Iron Console Table with Original Marble Top.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th Century French Wrought Iron Console Table with Original Marble Top. France, Circa 1860-1880
Marble, Wrought Iron
19th Century Giltwood Console with Marble Top
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite console table is a refined example of French craftsmanship in the Louis XVI style, dating from the Napoleon III period, late 19th century. Its graceful demi-lune shape...
Marble, Gold Leaf
19th Century Napoleon III Simulated Bamboo Console Desserte
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
19th Century Napoleon III simulated bamboo console desserte.With two drawers in the frieze decorated with stylised bamboo moulding in the neo-classical taste. The lower tier is wood ...
Marble
Sold
H 29.5 in W 41 in D 24.75 in
Exquisite Pair of 19th Cast Iron Baker’s Tables with Contemporary Marble Tops
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional pair of 19th-century French baker’s tables is a rare find, offering a blend of historical craftsmanship and modern refinement. The bases, crafted from intricately de...
Marble, Iron, Brass
Pair of Giltwood and Red Velvet Consoles, Napoleon III Style.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of giltwood and red velvet consoles, Napoleon III style. Pair of Napoleon III style consoles, 20th century in gilded wood and red velvet. H: 90cm, W: 72cm, D: 42cm
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 35.44 in W 51.58 in D 23.63 in
French White Marble Gilded wood Console in carved and gilded wood Napoleon III
Located in Valladolid, ES
Beautiful and very refined French console made of carved and gilded wood with marble top. It was made in the Napoleon III era, but follows the splendid Louis XV style. The wood has b...
Marble
Napoleon III console table
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
19th century very stylish painted mahogany and marble topped console table. French circa 1860’s from the Napoleon III period. Single drawer , black paint finish which has been waxed ...
Mahogany, Paint
Louis XVI Style Mahogany Bolster
Located in Beaune, FR
Louis XVI / Napoleon III style mahogany stand with 6 legs. White marble top with small bronze gallery. It is in good condition. Dimensions Width 48.5cm Depth 32cm Height 74.5cm
Mahogany
Sold
H 35.44 in W 45.67 in D 16.54 in
Napoleon III Style French Console Table Black Wood And Carrara Arabesque Marble
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our objects. Elegant and ref...
Carrara Marble
Sold
H 47.45 in W 86.23 in D 17.92 in
19th Century Large French Painted Black Marble Top Console Table
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A 19th century French painted mahogany console table with the original shaped black marble top above a pair of drawers with working lock, two shaped sturdy shelves with brass fitting...
Marble
Late 19th Century White Marble Top Table on Scrolled Iron Base
Located in Chireno, TX
Late 19th century white marble top table on scrolled iron base circa 1870-1889, France. White marble gray-veined rectangular-shaped top resting upon a scrolled iron base. Note: Orig...
Marble, Brass, Iron
Pair of Napoleon III Giltwood Consoles & Mirrors
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A very impressive and quality pair of Napoleon III Giltwood consoles and matching mirrors. The gold gilt console mirrors both have their original mirror plates with minimal foxing an...
Brass
Ornate Marble Top Table, France circa 1860
Located in Culver City, CA
Ornate Marble Top Table France circa 1860 Beautiful inset marble top on ornate gilt wood frame and legs, with single drawer and rams head car...
Marble