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.
set of three French 19th century Napoleon III Period Mahogany nesting tables
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A high quality and most unique set of three French 19th century Napoleon III Period Louis XVI st. Mahogany, Tulipwood and Ormolu nesting tables. This wonderful set of Plum Pudding Ma...
Ormolu
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...
Bronze
Henredon Set of Three Nesting Tables
By Henredon
Located in Highland, IN
A handsome and nicely detailed set of three tables by Henredon. The large table is 20"h X 24"w X 15"d The two small tables are 18"h X 11"w X 11"d
Wood
Nest of Four 19th Century Chinese Hardwood Tables
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality nest of four 19th century Chinese hardwood tables. Having carved foliate decoration to the frieze.
Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Set of Three Nesting Tables
Located in Nantucket, MA
A Mid-Century Modern set of three nesting tables with inlay along the tops and on the two sides. The larger table measures 24.25"w x 15.50"d x 17.25"h; the middle one measures 22.25...
Wood
$1,985 / set
H 17.52 in W 21.07 in D 14.18 in
Maison Baguès 20th C. Suite of 3 Gilded Metal Nesting Tables & Eglomised Glass
Located in FR
This rare and stunning suite of three gilded metal nesting tables from the prestigious French design house Maison Baguès, embodies timeless sophistication and exquisite craftsmanship...
Metal
$995
H 20 in W 24 in D 14 in
Set of Three Mid-20th Century French Bronze Nesting Tables with Glass Trays
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This set of three mid-20th century French bronze nesting tables features smoked glass tops surrounded by pierced bronze galleries. Supported by f...
Bronze
19th Century Carved Chinese Nesting Tables
Located in Huntington, NY
No, the set of three Chinese nesting tables All three flat table tops raised on round legs with carved friezes. The tables have been tightened touched up waxed.
Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Set of Three Nesting Tables, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant set of three Mid-Century Modern nesting tables. Striking Danish design from the 1960s. Solid teak legs and original teak veneered tops. This wonderful set of thr...
Teak
$4,133
H 26.38 in W 45.28 in D 31.11 in
19th Century French Hand Painted Pedestal Table Napoleon III Period
Located in Sofia, BG
Important French wooden blackened pedestal table. The rocking tray of animated form, receiving in its middle an important decoration of flowers painted and underlined by gilded nets....
Wood
19th Century Chinese Hardwood Nest of Tables
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality nest of four Chinese hardwood tables, each having carved and fret work frieze panels of leaves and grapes and raised on four turned legs, united by stretchers.
Hardwood
Set of Three Dunbar Nesting Tables
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of nice side nesting tables by Dunbar.
Walnut
19th Century Chinoiserie Nesting Tables
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th century Chinoiserie nesting tables, probably Chinese for the export market, circa 19th century. They retain their original overall craquelure patina.
Wood
Set of Three Brass Nesting Tables
Located in Brooklyn, NY
These charming tables will fit perfectly in and small nook or bedroom. They can function in a living room or family room as well. With a simple yet stylish design, these tables will ...
Brass
Set Of Four Nesting Tables With Painted Floral Decoration
Located in BARSAC, FR
Set of four nesting tables with painted and lacquered floral decoration. Late 19th century. Good condition (the set has been serviced in our workshop).
Wood
French Napoleon III Period Nesting Tables
Located in Austin, TX
Set of four nesting tables from France crafted in the Art Deco period. This set is each adorned with a hand-painted floral motif on the top. A scalloped apron and hand-carved legs ar...
Wood
Sold
H 27.5 in W 23.5 in D 15 in
Set of Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Period Chinoiserie Nesting Tables
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This set of four Napoleon III period black nesting tables feature chinoiserie scenes painted in gold with tiny red accents. Each table depicts different scenes from daily and courtly...
Ash
Nest of Four Plum Pudding Mahogany Tables
Located in London, by appointment only
Nest of four plum pudding mahogany tables, the tops inlaid with brass and mother of pearl flowers and tendrils. France, circa 1880. Measures:...
Brass
Sold
H 25.99 in W 19.69 in D 14.57 in
Three Tables with Lacquered Motifs of the Far East, 19th Century, Napoleon III
Located in Paris, FR
Napoleon III tables in blackwood accented with gold and mother of pearl. The tops of the tables are adorned with exotic landscapes inspired by the Far East featuring luxurious vegeta...
Gold
Nest of Four Antique Mahogany and Brass Inlaid Tables
Located in London, by appointment only
A late 19th century French Napoleon III nest of mahogany and brass inlaid tables, each with brass inlay into the legs, tops and sides. The tops also have thumb moulded brass edges. ...
Brass