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Napoleon III Vanities

NAPOLEON III STYLE

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.

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Style: Napoleon III
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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Brass

Antique French Inlaid Napoleon III Side Table / Vanity 19th Century Marquetry
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A very nice Napoleon III side table inlaid with marquetry 1860-1870. Standing on curved and blackened legs with connecting platform. The beautiful instrumental inlaid top and flora...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Copper

French Louis XV Napoleon III Rosewood Brass Inlay Vanity Nightstand Sewing Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Louis XV Style Napoleon III Rosewood and Brass Inlay Vanity Nightstand Sewing Table. Item features shapely cabriole legs, beautiful rosewood veneers, dovetailed centra...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Brass, Bronze

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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Lacquer

19th Century Napoleon III Marquerty Vanity Side Table, France, circa 1860
Located in Cagliari, IT
From the reign of Napoleon III, a parcel-ebonized vanity table decorated with marquetry inlays, t ebonized legs, with brass fittings. Opens to reveal d...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Wood

Napoleon III Side Table, France, 1860-1870
Located in Belmont, MA
Napoleon III side table, France, 1860-1870. This unusual Napoleon III side table has an exquisite kingwood veneer and marquetry. Parts of the outside are ebonized and the top has a c...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Kingwood

19th Century French Empire Mahogany Vanity with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Empire Mahogany Vanity with Carrara Marble is a definitive example of the style! Crafted during the Second Empire from exotic imported mahogany from the Americas, gilt bronze from the master metalsmiths of Paris, and Carrara marble from Italy, its tailored neoclassic-inspired architecture is truly timeless. The leg structure is connected with a recessed, curved lower shelf, with front legs featuring an elegant scrolled shape. Above, a full width drawer provides the convenience of an interior extension that opens to reveal drawer storage underneath. Atop that, luxurious Carrara marble provides an incredibly neutral, attractive and carefree surface over the entire piece. Positioned at the rear of the surface is a mirror mount for the round vanity mirror set...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Black Wooden Working Table with Brass Decoration
Located in Sofia, BG
19th century work table in blackened wood inlaid with brass fillet, the lid reveals a tray with three compartments and a niche, it opens with a belt pocket. Curved legs, trim brass ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Wood

Napoleon III Period Dressing Table, Attributed to Diehl
Located in London, GB
Napoleon III period dressing table, attributed to Diehl French, circa 1870 Measures: Height 78cm, width 50cm, depth 38cm This magnificent dressing table is crafted from dark woo...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Bronze

Related Items
French Napoleon III Serving Table or Side Table Walnut and Brass, circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
Napoleon III walnut and brass serving table, French This can also be used as a side table. One drawer and two shelves circa 1880 Good antique condition. Shipping: L42 P33 ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Brass

French Art Deco Vanity or Dressing Table, 1930s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Deco vanity or dressing table. Design in the style of Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. Striking French design from the 1930s. Black lacquered walnut and burl base wit...
Category

1930s French Vintage Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Granite, Marble, Brass

French Art Deco Vanity or Dressing Table, 1930s
French Art Deco Vanity or Dressing Table, 1930s
$3,865
H 67.72 in W 51.19 in D 21.66 in
Antique French Victorian Louis XV Style Rosewood Mirrored Vanity C1880
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique French Victorian Louis XV Style Rosewood Mirrored Vanity C1880 Measures - 43"h x 39"w x 16"d
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Rosewood

Small French Louis XV Style Inlaid Vanity Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition
Category

1960s American Vintage Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Mahogany, Oak, Walnut

19th Century Antique French Vanity Table With Marble Top
Located in Peabody, MA
A 19th Century French carved walnut dressing table with a marble top and oval mirror, over single drawer.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Marble

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mirrored Vanity Table or Console Table c1960's
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mirror Clad Bathroom Vanity Dressing Table or Mirrored Console Table probably made in the 1960's. For over the past 30-years we have always sought out and purchased mirrored ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Mirror, Wood

19th C French Side Table
Located in Nijlen, BE
19th-century side table/stool. Beautiful weathered oak base and pine seat. A versatile piece, practical for a variety of uses. We ship securely worldwide; feel free to request a ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Oak, Pine

19th C French Side Table
19th C French Side Table
$1,058
H 19.69 in W 13.39 in D 13.39 in
Antique French Louis XV Painted Rococo Bombe Shaped Dressing Table Vanity 1750
Located in Portland, OR
An exquisite French antique Louis XV period Rococo handpainted dressing table/vanity, circa 1750. A fine and rare Louis XV period dressing table, the dressing table epitomizes the style of the mid 1700s in France, of bombe shaped form with a subtle curved front, rear & sides. The dressing table is lavishly handpainted on all sides, allowing the table to 'float' in the middle of a room and be viewable from all sides. The decoration is of characteristic Rococo style, painted with scrolled panels conatining floral bouquets, the top and interior and drawers are painted with figures in 18th century dress in landscape settings. The top lifts up to reveal a mirror that slides forward for the sitter to view herself, to each side are hinged flaps that fold out to reveal two storage areas. The dressing table front is fitted with two short & one long drawer above a kneehole seating space, the table is raised on cabriole legs. This is a very rare survivor in remarkable antique condition, the original painted decoration is also in very good condition, a fine & rare antique French Louis XV dressing table...
Category

1750s French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Paint

19th Century French Napoleon III Period Faux Bamboo Gilt Wood Side Table, Marble
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid nineteenth century French Napoleon III period faux bamboo gilt wood side table features an octagonal white marble top. A bamboo lattice pattern details the apron. The four l...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Marble

19th Century French Carved Walnut Sewing Work Stand Quilt Rack
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and unusual antique circa 1870s French trestle-form sewing work stand / quilt rack with beautifully aged heavily worn patina. France, late 19th ce...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

French Louis XV Style Vanity or Poudreuse, 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
This gorgeous Louis XV style vanity or "poudreuse" dates back to the mid 19th century and comes from France. The woman's dressing table has a very pretty walnut veneer pattern. The m...
Category

1850s French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Walnut

French Louis XV Style Vanity or Poudreuse, 19th Century
French Louis XV Style Vanity or Poudreuse, 19th Century
$5,000
H 30.32 in W 17.33 in D 29.93 in
Fine French Art Deco amboyna vanity/ dressing table w/ brass trim
Located in New York City, NY
As an ode to the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, this stunning original 1930s dressing table exudes Hollywood glamour with its exotic amboyna g...
Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items
19th Century French Napoleon III Oak Vanity or Wash Table W/ Carrara Marble
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite mid-19th century French Napoleon III washstand or vanity, sourced from Provence, France. Expertly hand-crafted from solid oak with its original ebonized finish, the piec...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Carrara Marble

19C French Napoleon III Ladies Vanity Table - RARE
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING a GLORIOUSLY RARE and VERY HIGH QUALITY 19C French Napoleon III Rare Ladies Make-up Table or Vanity. Not many of these EXCEPTIONAL Tables have survived and even fewer wit...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Ormolu

Antique French Washstand Napoleon III Style
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
Antique French Washstand Napoleon III Style A pretty faux bamboo and pine washstand featuring a variegated grey and white veined Carrara mar...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Carrara Marble

Antique French Washstand Napoleon III Style
Antique French Washstand Napoleon III Style
H 31.5 in W 35.44 in D 15.75 in
Napoleon III Burl Olive Wood Kidney Shaped Writing / Poudre Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Continental Louis XV style burl olive wood kidney shaped writing / poudre table, late 19th century. Kidney shaped top with center area with mirror that rises to be used as a ...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Glass, Olive

Writing Table, Lady's and Worker's Desk, Napoleon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Writing table,lady's and worker's desk, Napoleon III period, blackened pearwood, brass inlay, 19th century. Measures: H: 72 cm, W: 64 cm, D: 42 cm.
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Brass

19th Century Napoleon III Dark Rosewood Side Table French Center Sewing Table
Located in Milano, MI
An antique French Napoleon III rosewood center table, dating back to circa 1870, in good condition. A stunning quality rosewood center sewing or vanity side table, finished on all si...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

French Napoleon III Style Dressing Table Vanity Unit Marble and Mirror, c. 1890
Located in Labrit, Landes
Vanity dressing table with central mirror, one drawer and one board, in the bamboo style French early 20th century Pine, linden wood, marble and mirror. All original Dimension...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Marble

Antique Napoleon III Classical Revival Mahogany & Ormolu Dressing Table c1880
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique French Napoleon III Classical Revival dressing table offers mahogany construction with oval mirror having flanking column supports with flame finials over table with singl...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Ormolu

Mahogany Vanity or Side Table Brass Inlays and Marquetry Work, France circa 1870
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Adorable Mahogany vanity table or side table with brass inlays out of France from the late 19th century, circa 1870. The top plate, veneered in fine mahogany, can be opened and impre...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Brass

French Napoleon III Period Ebonized Travailleuse/Dressing Table, 19th Century
Located in Houston, TX
French Napoleon III period vanity table, ebonized frame accented with Burlwood panels, hinged top with marquetry musical instruments, Oak branches, and floral blooms, reverse with ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Burl

Napoleon III Table in Boulle Style Marquetry, 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant small table vanity in Boulle marquetry Napoleon III made up of four brass leaves set in mother of pearl crosses. Marquetry on all sides. ...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Precious Lacquered Vanity Table Napoleon III, France, 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant, delicate and rare make up vanity and jewel table Napoleon III with mirror. Entirely land lacquered and golden hand-painted in made in hand-carved pear fruitwood. Bamboo deco...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Vanities

Materials

Silk, Fruitwood

Napoleon Iii vanities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III vanities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage vanities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III vanities made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original vanities, popular names associated with this style include and Charles-Guillaume Diehl. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for vanities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $950 and tops out at $14,866 while the average work can sell for $2,800.

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