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.
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Marquetry Vanity Table or Side Table
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid nineteenth century French Napoleon III period marquetry side table is constructed of walnut. Called a "travailleuse" in French, it was originally used as a lady's work table...
Bronze
Late 19th Century Sewing Or Side Table Napoleon III Wood Marquetry France
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Napoleon III sewing table, circa 1880 The marquetry is made of various woods. A brass feast surrounds the table top. The lift-up lid opens up to reveal a new mirror and compa...
Walnut
French 19th Century Ebonized & Inlay Vanity
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite ebonized vanity with bone inlay detail from the 1800s, France. The unadorned vanity top opens on brass hinges to reveal an inset mirror for checking one's appearance, over a...
Wood
Early 20th Century French Hand Painted Tole Tray Table With Removable Trays
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This early twentieth century French tole tray table is painted yellow with black detailing. Its two removable trays feature central lyre motifs and are detailed with a leaf motif. Ea...
Tin
French Centre Table Malachite Napoleon III Revival
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Exceptional Napoleon III style centre table of striking decorative impact, featuring a circular top richly finished in faux malachite with intricate gilt scrolling foliate designs ra...
Malachite
Alexandre Chevrie, Museum French Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Royal Executive Desk
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Alexandre Chevrie, a museum quality French ormolu mounted mahogany Royal Executive "Empire" Desk, circa 1875. Double sided desk with six solid bronze lions paw feet, framed ormolu lions on both sized, jewel quality ormolu medusa heads concealing the drawer locks, and exquisite ormolu frieze designs throughout. With original red leather top. Truly the best quality desk with the most sophisticated design for this Napoleon III period. There was a similar bedroom set in this style that was made for King...
Ormolu
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Mahogany Game Table, Backgammon, Cards
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid nineteenth century French Napoleon III period mahogany game table features bronze inlaid trim inset on all sides and on the top. A central bronze inlaid urn with intricately...
Bronze
$1,504Sale Price|20% Off
French Game Table Napoleon III Period - Louis XV Style - 19th Century - France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very nice game table on high legs style Louis XV from the Napoleon 3 period of the 19th century. The wood is finely inlaid with floral and vegetal motifs. The legs are curved, the tips of the legs are in metal, while metal decorations are present on the tops of the legs. The table opens to the depth and rotates to the length. The game board, once opened, is held in place by a drawer that opens on the right side (also serving as storage for the games). The table top measures 116cm (45.6 inch) x 58cm (22.8 inch) Very fine and sophisticated work, this table will give elegance to any type of interior decoration. The Louis XIV style is a furnishing style covering more or less the period of the reign of Louis XIV (1661 to 1715). This style is characterized by the majesty and richness of its furnishings. The Louis XIV style follows the Louis XIII style. The furniture is increasingly luxurious, but unlike previous styles, it is almost no longer inspired by architecture. There are two kinds of furniture: ceremonial furniture richly decorated with veneers and inlays (especially with André-Charles Boulle), solid giltwood and bourgeois furniture in solid wood. The style is characterized above all by its absolute symmetry and an important and ostentatious Dimension. The Louis XIV style is of Italian and ancient inspiration. The style emerged with the advent of the reign of Louis XIV in 1661 and lasted until the end of the 17th century. In 1690, on the death of Lebrun, decorator to the King, the style declined and was gradually replaced by the Regency style. The Palace of Versailles is obviously extremely and lastingly marked by the Louis XIV style. His long reign made it possible to impose the unique style of the Grand...
Wood
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
French Napoléon III Walnut Pedestal Table with Carved Feet from the 1850s
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoleon III round walnut pedestal table with carved base from the mid 19th century. This French table was born in the 1850s, at a time when the first French president, known as Louis Napoléon Bonaparte was about to become Emperor Napoleon III. This table features a circular top sitting above an exquisitely carved base. The turned pedestal is raised on four feet made of a combination of various scrolls, outlined with delicate incisions. The ensemble rests on four casters. With its lovely patina and richly carved silhouette, this French Napoleon III walnut table...
Wood, Walnut
Napoleon III Period Vanity Table or French Travailleuse
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very pretty Napoleon III period three-tier 'travailleuse', or work table, fitted out for use as an elegant vanity unit. The top tray opens with a hinged lid to reveal a mirrored ba...
Brass
Antique Carved Napoleon III Pedestal Table with Breccia Marble Top
Located in Toronto, ON
A stunning and grand antique carved Napoleon III pedestal with Breccia marble top. Ornately hand carved and gilded, this large statement piece is sure to make an impact. 12" diameter...
Wood
Pair of Napoleon III French Brass and Black Lacquer Three-Tier Side Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1880, this elegant pair of Napoleon III three-tier side tables combines refined decorative detail with practical functionality. Each table features a rectangu...
Brass
19th Century French Marquetry Drop-Leaf Table
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Charming drop-leaf table with symmetrical marquetry inlay. The table has a drawer with key. The top has a profiled edge, and the legs are finished with bronze gold-colored ornaments....
Mahogany
Antique Napoleon III, Ebonized Wood Fold over, Card Table, Console
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This beautiful, Antique Napoleon III, Ebonized Wood Fold over, Card Table, Console, dates from around 1870-1880 The structure of this table is partial Ebonized wood and partial natur...
Bronze
Italian Artisan Reproduction of the 1960s Game Table with 4 Chairs Wood Brass
Located in Prato, IT
Veneered in ebonized wood with gilded brass inserts. Gilded bronze applications. Fair condition: some scratches and small lacks Dimensions: cm W 80 x D 80 x H 79.
Ormolu, Brass
French Napoleon III Lacquered Tilt-Top Table Mother of Pearl Inlaid
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An antique French tilt-top table from the Napoleon III period. The table is made of wood (a softwood type), with lacquer work, paintwork and inlays made of mother of pearl. The chas...
Softwood
French 1860s Napoleon III Walnut Game Table with Four Drawers and Cabriole Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoleon III period walnut game table from the mid-19th century, with leather top and four drawers. Created in France during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III, this walnut g...
Leather, Walnut
19th Century French Carved Oak Writing Table
Located in High Point, NC
19th century Oak side or writing table from France. The top is banded and has a beveled and hand carved decorated edge. The apron is hand carved with leaves and vine decoration on al...
Oak
Late 19th Century Table with Parquetry Top
Located in High Point, NC
Late 19th century oak parqueted table from France. This is a lovely table with a banded and beveled edge surrounding a parquetry central panel. The top has a geometric pattern, whic...
Oak
Sellette in the Taste of Viardot, Chinoisant Decor, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sellette in the taste of Viardot, Chinoisant decor, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Nineteenth-century sellette, Napoleon III period, in the Viardot style, Chinoisant decor, wood...
Bronze
Antique French Boulle Centre Table Bureau Plat C.1860
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique French Boulle Centre Table Bureau Plat C.1860
Bronze
$6,169Sale Price|30% Off
Rare Napoleon III Boulle Desk 1860 France André-Charles Boulle
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Rare Napoleon III Boulle desk of very high quality, 1860 France
Brass
French Napoleon III Marquetry Three-Tiered Side Table
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A Napoleon III marquetry side table. The top galleried section with a drawer and the two bottom shelves having overall inlaid exotic wood inlay ...
Fruitwood
Tahan Paris Signed French Napoleon III Period Convertible Wine Cooler Tray Table
By André-Charles Boulle, Jean-Pierre Tahan, Tahan Paris
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and striking antique French Napoleon III Second Empire Period (1852-1870) convertible rafraichissoir wine cooler drinks table by the ébéniste to the Emperor Jean-Pierre-Alexandre Tahan (1813-1892) Crafted by Jean-Pierre-Alexandre Tahan, the esteemed cabinetmaker to Napoléon III, this wine table is a remarkable example of 19th-century European artistry, ingenuity, and fine craftsmanship. Executed in timeless Louis XV style, ebonized fruitwood featuring sophisticated Boule style Queen marquetry with inlays of mother of pearl and brass, adorned with ornate patinated bronze mounts, having a pierced brass galleried top fitted with a cartouche shaped handled serving tray, lifting to reveal a spacious open well with removable ice bin metal liner. Over an elegant scalloped apron, rising on long shapely cabriole legs affixed with eye-screws to accommodate the serving tray converting it to a stretcher style lower shelf, terminating on casters. circa 1860 Signed, retaining the original metal label that reads "TAHAN FOURNISSEUR DE L’ EMPEREUR Paris" (Tahan Supplier of the Emperor) to the interior compartment. Could also be used a bar cart, tea service table...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Sellette Chinoisant, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sellette Chinoisant, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Nineteenth-century sellette, Napoleon III period, Chinoisant decor, blackened wood and bronze. H: 70cm, D: 52cm Contact us b...
Bronze
$799Sale Price|20% Off
French lacquered Work table Side table Worker Accordion Sewing Cabinet, 19th C
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
This Asian-inspired lacquered wooden work table is a beautiful expandable sewing box covered with lacquer on all sides. On the upper part, intended to receive the sewing material, th...
Lacquer
$3,231
Marble Topped Gueridon
Located in Arundel, GB
19th century French Gueridon. Bleached mahogany with a 3 sided pedestal base raised on decorative, stylised lion paw feet and topped with grey figured marble top.
Marble
French Empire Style Solid Black and Beige Marble Pedestal
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style (19/20th Century) solid marble pedestal with a tapered black marble center section and a square top and base of beige marble.
Porcelain
$592Sale Price|20% Off
French Napoleon III Bamboo & Lacquered Wood Chinese Style Sellette Late 19th C
Located in Labrit, Landes
This side table or sellette was made in the late 19th century. This chinese style sellette is typical of the Napoléon III périod. The entire frame is made of bamboo. Each tray is la...
Bamboo, Wood
19th Century French Pine Side Table
Located in High Point, NC
19th century French pine side table with a shaped top which has a bevelled edge, following down to a scalloped apron, which has a carved border and a single drawer in the front. The ...
Pine
Late 19thC French Mahogany and Satinwood Writing Desk
Located in Altrincham, GB
Late 19thC French Mahogany and Satinwood writing Desk with Lidded Leather drawer and Gold Plated Candle Holders, Inkwell and Decorations - 21"w x 16"d x 29.5"h
Mahogany, Satinwood
French inlaid and parquetry work table, 19th century Napoleon III
Located in Houston, TX
This French Napoleon III work table, dating to the mid-19th Century, is a versatile and highly decorative antique that offers beauty, history, and everyday usefulness. A beautifully ...
Walnut
Louis XV style middle table in gilded wood and marble - 19th century
Located in NICE, FR
An opulent Louis XV style center table crafted in the second half of the 19th century. This remarkable piece stands out for its carved and gilded wooden structure, richly adorned wit...
Siena Marble
19th Century Inlaid Wood French Napoleon III Sewing Table, 1880s
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
French sewing table from the second half of the 19th century. A Napoleon III furniture, finely inlaid with geometric decorations in walnut, maple, burl, rosewood, mahogany, and high-...
Wood
ELEGANT and PRECIOUS NAPOLEON III CENTER TABLE 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
ELEGANT and PRECIOUS NAPOLEON III CENTER TABLE 19th Century in ebonized wood richly inlaid in various wood and brass essences with floral motifs inside a reserve of birds on the bra...
Wood
19th Century French Oak Carved Table
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak side table from France. The top of this piece is nicely grained and has a beveled and carved decorated edge, following down to a hand carved apron on all four sides...
Oak
19th Century Transition-Style Writing Desk from the Napoleon III Period
Located in NICE, FR
This small writing desk from the 19th century is crafted in rosewood with inserted brass fillets. It exhibits a transitional blend of elements representative of both Louis XV and Lou...
Rosewood
19th Century French Napoleon III Etagere, Sidetable, Marquetry, Paris circa 1870
Located in Greven, DE
Antique etagere with fine inlay work Paris Wood, brass around 1870 Dimensions: H × W × D: 77 × 50 × 37 cm Description: Three-tier side furniture with a single-light body and a sur...
Brass
Continental Napoleon III Marquetry Side table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Napoleon III rosewood side / sewing table with extensive marquetry, circa 1840. With a hinged top, both outside and inside of top with inlay, front, back and sides of frieze with flo...
Rosewood, Satinwood
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
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
19th Century Hand painted curved Dutch Tray Table
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful Metal Tray Table, on stand . Hand painted flowers in Gold . In the middle a Bird .Love the curves on the tray ,and on the stand ,beathiful .
Metal
Antique Boulle style table, France, mid-19th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique Boulle style table from around 1860. Furniture in very good condition, after professional renovation finished in high gloss polish. Dimensions...
Brass
Pair Antique French Napoleon III Marble Ebonized / Gilt Wooden Pedestals
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your decor with this exquisite Pair of Antique French Napoleon III Ormolu-Mounted Inlay Marble Ebonized/Gilt Wooden Pedestals. These pedestals are a true testament to the opu...
Marble
Antique French Napoleon III Lacquered Pedestal Table, Inlaid Hand Painted 19th C
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE EBONISED CIRCULAR TRIPOD TABLE An extremely decorative and romantic table with a fine hand-painted Venetian scene depicting figures in a gondola on a canal with grand buildi...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Paint
19th Century Walnut Gueridon or Side Table with Tripod Base
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant 19th century Napoleon III period walnut guéridon, or pedestal side table, exemplifies the timeless charm of classical French and English-inspired furniture design. Craft...
Walnut
$2,673Sale Price|30% Off
French 19th Century Napoleon III Parquetry Game Table
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Refined French game table from the second half of the 19th century, crafted in the Napoleon III period with exquisite geometric marquetry and delicate bronze mounts. The ingenious de...
Fruitwood
Pair Of Mahogany Library Tables, Circa 1880
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Pair Of Mahogany Library Tables, Circa 1880
Mahogany
Late 19th Century Sewing Table Napoleon III Wood Marquetry and Brass, France
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Napoleon III sewing table, circa 1880 The marquetry is made of various woods. A brass feast surrounds the table top. The lift-up lid opens up to reveal a new mirror and compa...
Walnut
French 19th Century Tilt-Top Table
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 19th century tilt-top table.
Mahogany
$742Sale Price|28% Off
Late 19th Century Sewing Table Napoleon III Wood Marquetry and Brass, France
Located in Labrit, Landes
Antique Napoleon III sewing table, circa 1880 The marquetry is made of various woods. A brass feast surrounds the table top. The lift-up lid opens up to reveal an original mirror ...
Brass
$1,222Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Period Mother of Pearl Folding Gueridon, 1870s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very nice Napoleon III period Blackened pearwood and mother of pearl inlay foldin Gueridon from the 1870s. The base has a nice gilt marquetry and the top is made with mother of pea...
Mother-of-Pearl, Pearwood
French Marble and Bronze Gueridon Table
Located in New York, NY
Antique bronze gueridon in the French Napoleon III period style with variegated charcoal/green marble top and x-form stretcher and scrolling foliate supports. 30 1/4 inches tall and...
Marble, Bronze
$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
19th Century Napoleon III Side Table, Maison L'Escalier de Cristal Paris
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A refined side table made of burr walnut veneer on an oak base, with elegant tapered legs, at the ending gilt bronze clawfeet. The table has extra server drawers on both sides. Around the top a copper rim. The table is stamped on the bottom: Maison L'Escalier de Cristal Paris...
Bronze
Mid 20th Century Maison Jansen Ebonized French Writing Desk With Mirror
Located in Elkton, MD
Maison Jansen ebonized writing desk of French origin from the mid-20th century. The composition features a central mirror above the writing surface framed by symmetrical drawer eleme...
Brass
Napoleon III Pedestal Table with Marquetry and Painted Earthenware Basin, France
Located in Atlanta, GA
A captivating Napoleon III period pedestal table from 19th-century France, showcasing the elegance and artistry characteristic of the Second Empire. The table features a richly black...
Earthenware, Wood
French Walnut and Ebonized Etagere
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A simple yet distinct walnut etagere with ebonized legs from France, circa 1870. The top showcases the characteristic grain patterns of walnut and features a thin lip on all four sid...
Brass
Large French Empire Style Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Surtout-de-table Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and large French Empire style Napoleon III gilt bronze Surtout-de-table, now a coffee table with later gilt bronze legs with paw-feet, ...
Bronze