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.
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
Late 19th-20th Century French Butcher Table with Carrara Marble Top
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This very decorated console table has been made of a wrought iron base and a cast iron ornate frame, which is topped with an elegant white Carrara marble top with rounded edges. This...
Marble, Metal
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
A French Ormolu Mounted Kingwood and Vernis Martin Console Table, Circa 1880
Located in Long Island City, NY
A French Ormolu-Mounted Kingwood and Vernis Martin Marble Top Console Table / Buffet, circa 1880. Crafted from rich Kingwood in the 19th century, this console table features parque...
Bronze, Ormolu
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
19th Century France Deep Ebony Black Ebonized Pedestal Side Table
Located in High Point, NC
Ebonized pedestal side table in Deep Ebony Black. Finished in deep ebony black, this ebonized pedestal side table is distinguished by turned column legs, dark lacquered finish, refle...
Marble
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
$4,207Sale 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
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
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
$3,191Sale 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
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
$1,021Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Console Table, Polychromed Wood & Giltwood, Circa 1870
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Elegant Napoleon III sewing table dating from the 19th century, crafted from ebonized wood and lacquered papier-mâché. The shaped top is decorated with a finely detailed polychrome ...
Wood, Giltwood
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
Circa 1880 Black Wood Napoleon III Console Table with Marble Top
Located in High Point, NC
A piece whose travertine top, black carved leaf-motif leg gives it real character at first glance. It was made in France during 1880s, a lineage that shows clearly in its detailing. ...
Marble
19th Century French Walnut Console Table with Barley Twist Legs
Located in Arundel, GB
A provincial French 19th Century occasional or side table table. Constructed in Walnut with ebonized, lathe turned barley twist legs and stretchers and topped with carved apron toppe...
Walnut
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
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
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
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
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
console and its 19th century mirror in patinated wood and marble circa 1880
Located in Mouscron, WHT
console and its 19th century mirror in patinated wood and marble circa 1880 patina not original but old dim mirror : 150x62x4 cm dim console : 91x58x36 cm possible to sell separately
Marble
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
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
Jean Paul Mazaroz, Large Console Napoleon III Period Repatinated
Located in Mouscron, WHT
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
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
$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 com...
Chrome
$1,932Sale Price|25% Off
H 29.93 in W 11.82 in D 16.15 in
Late 19th Century French Mahogany Side Table with Marble Top Plate
Located in Sofia, BG
French side table in white marble plate square top and gallery, the four tapered and fluted uprights joined by a crotch shelf and finished with div...
Mahogany
$1,750
H 59 in W 27.75 in D 13.75 in
French Ormolu-Mounted Kingwood and Parquetry Vanity Dressing Table
Located in Doylestown, PA
French Louis XV style ormolu-mounted kingwood and satinwood parquetry dressing table or coiffeuse, late 19th century. Incredibly luxurious petite dressing table...
Ormolu
French 19th Century Etabli - Work Table
Located in Round Top, TX
A fabulous mid-19th century Etabli - Work Table Console from the Provence region of France. Soundly constructed from oak & pine with a very thick top board. A perfect console for...
Oak, Pine
19th Century English Etagere
Located in Nashville, TN
This beautiful etagere, or trolley, is perfect for your next dinner party! Four levels of shelves provide room for several courses, while the small wheels, which move effortlessly, a...
Wood
19th Century Mahogany Campaign Etagere
Located in London, GB
A 19th Century Mahogany campaign etagere. Comprising three rectangular shelves supported by turned columns raised on castors. The shelves are collaps...
Mahogany
19th Century French Walnut Turned Shelf
Located in High Point, NC
19th century walnut turned shelf from France. This shelf is lovely and the size is fantastic. It is shallow, so will be perfect in a tight space. The finials on the top are expert...
Walnut
French 19th Century Drapers Table
Located in Round Top, TX
A very handsome 19th century Louis Philippe period Drapers Table. Handsomely constructed from oak with 6 drawers on column legs resting on a plinth base. A perfect console, kitchen...
Oak
French Verdigris Bronze + Black Marble Wall-Mounted Console, 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1940s verdigris bronze console sourced in the South of France, topped with a honed black marble slab threaded with rich ochre and ivory veining. The base is formed from hand-forged...
Marble, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Arras Table
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Late 19th Century French Arras carre longue table. Retaining it's original patina. Circa 1890.
Iron
19th Century Louis XVI Style French Console, Side Table
Located in Round Top, TX
A very beautiful 19th century French Louis XVI style marble top console table - side table. Beautifully constructed from silvered gilt wood and a stunning marble inset top surface. A...
Silver Leaf
$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
Circa 1880 Black Wood Napoleon III Console Table with Marble Top
Located in High Point, NC
A piece whose travertine top, black carved leaf-motif leg gives it real character at first glance. It was made in France during 1880s, a lineage that shows clearly in its detailing. ...
Marble
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