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.
Pair of floral Napoleon III slipper chairs with fringes
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
This pair of floral Napoleon III slipper chairs with fringes is a stylish addition that fits any modern interior while adding a touch of vint...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Painted Black and Gold Floor Easel
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid nineteenth century French Napoleon III period ebonized floor easel features gold painted detailing of scrolling acanthus leaves at the top and a central rosette on the stret...
Ash, Giltwood
Large Canton porcelain bowl, China, 19th century circa 1880
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine Canton porcelain bowl, beautiful hand-painted model decorated with polychromatic traditional Chinese palace scenes with a number of picturesque characters. The scenes are fram...
Porcelain
French 19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Cabinet
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A magnificent cabinet from 19th century France (Napoleon III) carved with a paneled design, architectural and Neoclassical elements over the ebonized exterior which enhances the magn...
Brass
19th Century Crucifix - Carved Wood - Silvered Christ Figure - Holy Water Font
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An elegant antique French wall crucifix from the late 19th century, crafted in carved wood with refined Gothic detailing. The cross features a beautifully executed silvered Christ fi...
Wood
20th Century Icelandic Sheepskin Fournier Style Rope Bergère Chair
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Icelandic sheepskin Fournier style rope bergère chair with each leg and arm featuring a knotted detail. Newly upholstered in Icelandic sheepkin. International Orders: A...
Sheepskin, Wood
$1,890 / item
Alma Napoleon Style Accent Chair in Velvet
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Introducing the Alma Accent Chair – a timeless piece crafted for comfort and style. Upholstered in a faux mohair style velvet, the color is chestnut, a warm rich chocolate brown. Res...
Metal
Antique French Napoleon III 'Hercules and the Snake' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III 'Hercules and the Snake' fireback / backsplash. The fireback is made of cast iron and is black / pewter colored. The fireback is in a good condition...
Iron
19th Century French Napoleon III Spring Driven Roasting Jack
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Functional and beautiful 19th century French Napoleon III roasting jack made of cast iron, wrought iron, brass and copper. It is used for cooking in a kitchen fireplace. The set cons...
Brass, Copper, Iron, Wrought Iron
$2,942Sale Price / set|20% Off
1940s, Pair of Swedish Napoleon III-style Club / Armchairs
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Pair of 1940s Swedish Napoleon III–style armchairs, upholstered in rich brick-red (brique) velvet jacquard fabric. These elegant lounge chairs feature a beautifully sculpted backrest...
Velvet, Beech
Baccarat, Green Opaline Snake Vase, France, 1880
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end antique crystal vase made by Baccarat. The vase in green opaline and gold net decorated with a snake in white and gold encircling the neck. Dimensions...
Crystal
19th Century French Napoleon III Spring Driven Roasting Jack
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
Functional and beautiful 19th century French Napoleon III roasting jack made of cast iron, wrought iron, brass and copper. It is used for cooking in a kitchen fireplace. The set cons...
Brass, Copper, Iron, Wrought Iron
19th Century 'French Revolution' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon period fireback that symbolizes the French Revolution. On top of the pillar is a Phrygian cap. This is the cap of Marianne, a national symbol of France. ...
Iron
Antique French Napoleon III Fire Grate, Fireplace Grate, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III fireplace grate, made of cast iron and wrought iron. The andirons represent Alsace. The basket is in a good condition and is fully functional.
Iron, Wrought Iron
Charles CHRISTOFLE Napoleon III Silverplate Bronze Centerpiece, 1856
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
This exceptional Napoleon III silverplate bronze centerpiece, crafted in 1856 by the renowned French silversmith Charles Christofle, is a superb example of mid-19th century luxury de...
Crystal, Silver Plate, Bronze
Napoleon III Period Gilt French Mirror Circa 1860
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Napoleon III period gilt French Mirror, circa 1860. Repetitive motif borders - beading along the mirror plate followed by a flat border to a modified acanthus leaf border and boldly ...
Mirror, Wood, Paint
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
$6,650Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of French Paris Porcelain Hand Painted Vases for the Orientalist Market
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of French Paris porcelain hand painted Vases for the orientalist market, circa 1870. Each vase is beautifully hand painted with scenes of Sultan and Sultana, and the tops a...
Porcelain
Antique Armchairs Reupholsted Chauffeuse Napoleon III French late 19th Centuty
Located in Labrit, Landes
Chauffeuse little armchair French of the Napoleon III period circa 1880. The feets are in wood, the fauteuil has been recently reupholstered and recovered. Antique, 19th century. Sol...
Upholstery, Beech
$2,432Sale Price / set|20% Off
19th Century Walnut and Glazed Liquor Cabinet or Tantalus
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Step into the elegance of 19th-century France with this magnificent antique liquor cabinet, likely crafted from fine walnut wood. Known for its ...
Crystal, Brass
Garonne Chaise Lounge by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our Classic Garonne chaise lounge has five Napoleon III style turned wooden legs. From every angle, you see its distinctive elegant curved lines. This piece is perfect for cuddling u...
Oak, Cotton
Louis XV Style Giltwood Mirror, Hand-Carved, France, Circa 1880
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite French mirror dates to the late 19th century and is a superb example of Rococo revival craftsmanship. The frame is richly decorated with hand-carved floral and acanthu...
Mirror, Giltwood
Hand Forged French Napoleon III Andirons or Firedogs, 19th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
19th century French Napoleon III andirons period made of hand forged wrought iron. The andirons are in a good condition and fit for use in the fireplace.
Wrought Iron
French 19th Century Napoleon III Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Wall Clock
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 19th century clock is stunning with its diamond shaped rippling clock frame of ebony painted wood. Mother-of-pearl floral and foliate designs are inlaid in differently stained m...
Mother-of-Pearl, Mahogany, Hardwood, Porcelain
EUTROPE BOURET 1870 Napoleon III French Sculpture of Cupid In Gilded Bronze
Located in Miami, FL
Sculpture of cupid by Eutrope Bouret (1833-1906). This is a fantastic sculpture created in Paris France during the Napoleon III period, by Eutrope Bouret, back in 1860-1870. The scu...
Gold, Bronze
19th Century French Belgian Black Marble Chimneypiece
Located in London, GB
A 19th century French Belgian black marble chimneypiece. The shaped jambs with carved lion’s feet to base, surmounted by carved scrolls with acanthus leaf supporting a panelled frie...
Belgian Black Marble
$2,961Sale Price / set|30% Off
Antique French Crystal Sconces Baccarat style 4 Light Wall candelbras Baroque
By Baccarat, Cristalleries De Baccarat, Maison Baguès, Swarovski, Maison Charles
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
A pair antique French gilt bronze and crystal candelabras/ four light sconces. Design in the maner: Baccarat, Bagues, Paul Garnier Style: Napoleon III, Belle Epoque, Antique, Louis V...
Crystal, Bronze
French 19th Century Bench
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This Charming long bench is covered with a beige color fabric with dark mahogany feet.
Mahogany
$3,768Sale Price|39% Off
19th Century Crystal and Bronze Chandelier of 9 Lights
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A fabulous, traditional gilt brass, bronze and cut crystal chandelier of nine lights, dating from the second half of the 19th century. This outstanding piece is richly decorated with...
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
Cabinet Black and Gold Napoleon III 1860 France marble Top André-Charles Boulle
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Cabinet Black and Gold Napoleon III 1860 France marble Top André-Charles Boulle
Brass
19th Century Hand-Carved Eagle Mirror from France
Located in High Point, NC
19th century GORGEOUSLY hand carved mirror in the form of an eagle. The quality of this carving is stunning. The eagle is so realistic, he looks like he could come to life! In his...
Mirror, Fruitwood
French 19th Century Napoleon III Cushion Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A 19th century French répoussé cushion mirror of the Dutch tradition, punched from a metal plate to high relief for exciting dimension with mythical sea serpents and dense foliate pa...
Metal
French Wrought Iron Daybed, 19th C.
Located in Astoria, NY
French Wrought Iron Daybed, 19th century, atop casters. 46.5" H x 74.5" W x 40.25" D. Provenance: From the Collection of Laura and Lewis Kruger.
Wrought Iron
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Patinated Bronze & Ormolu Crown, France, Circa 1870
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Napoleon III Patinated Bronze & Ormolu Crown, France, Circa 1870 A rare and unusual Napoleon III patinated bronze and ormolu crown from France, circa 1870. This distinctive work fea...
Bronze, Ormolu
$2,002Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique French Bronze & Marble Three-Piece Mantel Set Clock Napoleon III
Located in Labrit, Landes
Napoleon III French two marbles mantel clock late 19th century circa 1890. Set of a clock and two pedestals. Mercury pendulum The French movement of the clock will be checked befor...
Marble, Brass
French Cast Iron Safe Strong Box by Bauche
By Bauche
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Cast Iron French Safe or Strong Box From our Boxes collection, we are pleased to offer this French Safe Cast Iron Strong Box by Bauche. The Safe of rectangular form made from cast iron with extensive riveting and twin loop handles. The safe has two escutcheon covers to the front, the left is the genuine lock which turns to reveal the keyhole and the right is a dummy for symmetry. The top of the box is fitted with a plaque that reads in French Incombustible Systeme Bauche Brevete S.G.D.G usine A Gueux Marne (Incombustible System Bauche Patented S.G.D.G factory A Gueux Marne). The interior of the safe has been lined in a gunmetal grey cushioned velvet to give cushioning to your most treasured objects. Has Key and fully working lock. The French Safe dates to the second half of the 19th century during the reign of Napoleon III circa 1865. Henry Bauche Bauche Safes...
Iron
Mid-19th Century Napoleon III Period French Gilt Wood Mantel Mirror with Mask
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid-nineteenth century French Napoleon III period giltwood mirror features its original mercury glass and a central cartouche with a female mask flanked by scrolling leaves at t...
Mercury Glass, Giltwood
1860S French Fireside Chair and Matching Footstool
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A pretty Napoleon III fireside slipper chair, with deep-buttoned back rest, luxurious yellow velvet upholstery and a plush sprung seat. Dating f...
Wood, Velvet
$435Sale Price|20% Off
Late 19th-Century French Equestrian Prints by Ernest Alexandre Bodoy, A. Legras
Located in Glasgow, GB
Late 19th-Century French Equestrian chromolithograph prints by Ernest Alexandre Bodoy, A. Legras. Capturing the exhilarating energy of equestrian steeplechase scenes, as originally...
Wood, Lacquer, Paper
Late 19th Century Wooden Cigar Carrousel with Music
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique wooden cigar carousel, with music. Made in France, late 19th century. When you turn the knob on the top, all panels turn at the same time. The panels are hand-pai...
Brass
Magnificent Second Empire Chandelier Crystal Gold Antique Napoleon III
Located in Berlin, DE
Magnificent Second Empire Chandelier A stunning original chandelier in the Napoleon III style, embodying the elegance and grandeur of the 19th century. This exquisite piece feature...
Crystal, Brass
Fine Antique French Style Chaise With Custom Fabric
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Antique Chaise with sinuous lines, strongly carved cabriole legs, rolled back, pierced and carved wood frame and custom upholstery. The fabric treatment is a Champagne tone nu...
Fabric, Mahogany
French Napoleon III Style Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket, 20th Century
Located in Amerongen, Amerongen
20th-century French Napoleon III Style fire grate. Made of cast iron andirons and a recently forged grate. The condition is good. The width at the front is 68.5 cm / 27.0 inches.
Iron, Wrought Iron
19th Century French Napoleon III Giltwood Wall Mirror with Mercury Glass
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A fine rectangular Napoleon III full length mirror, in gilded wood and moulded plaster, which can be positioned horizontally or vertically. This characterful old mirror has intricate...
Giltwood, Mirror
A Patinated Bronze Bust of Jesus Christ by Clesinger and Barbedienne, 15" High
By Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clesinger, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A French Patinated Bronze Bust of Jesus Christ, Circa 1858, Signed J. Clesinger, Rome 1858 & F. Barbedienne Fondeur This French bronze bust of Jesus Christ, crafted circa 1858, stan...
Bronze
Exquisite Baccarat "Elephant" 'Cave A Liquor' - Exposition Universelle 1878
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
The Magnificent Baccarat Elephant Cave A Liquor: A Majestic Exploration of a Timeless Masterpiece from the Exposition Universelle of 1878. The Bacca...
Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Folding Library Step Ladder in Walnut
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant French folding ladder, crafted in walnut and dating from the late 19th century, is a rare piece that combines practicality with refined craftsmanship. Featuring six step...
Walnut
Museal Tahan-Paris Perfume Box, Herringbone Pattern Veneer and Crystal Bottles
By Tahan Paris
Located in Bochum, NRW
Highly Collectible Perfume Casket, Napoleon III Period (pre-1882), with Expertise. A rectangular perfume box veneered in rare wood, featuring a finely executed herringbone pattern. T...
Brass
$5,400Sale Price|50% Off
Napoleon III Armoire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Napoleon III Armoire with 4 glass windows on the door. Can be used as a bookshelf , wardrobe or curio cabinet. Beautiful black patina. Four shelves, one shelf with 2 dra...
Oak
Louis XV Style Porcelain Openwork Fruit Basket, 19th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An elegant old Paris porcelain reticulated compote, or fruit basket, crafted in the Louis XV style, and raised on an ornately decorated pedestal and square base. This oval basket, wi...
Porcelain
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 Chaise Lounge in Golden Yellow Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite mid-19th century French Napoleon III chaise longue, sourced in Provence. Carefully revised by our workshop for structural integrity, it retains its authentic character w...
Velvet, Hardwood, Paint
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
Important, Rare French Ormolu Sevres Style Porcelain Jewelry Box on Bronze Table
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A rare and important French ormolu/bronze and Sevres style turquoise porcelain jewelry box casket on matching French ormolu/bronze table with Sevres style porcelain plaques. Of palatial / monumental size! "The Marie Antoinette Jewelry...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Shell-Shaped Catchall or fruit bowl – France - Napoleon III Era
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A superb boiled cardboard catchall or fruit bowl from the Napoleon III era. Its refined scallop shell shape, adorned with delicate golden tile motifs on a black background, perfectly...
Other
20th Century French Napoleon III style nightstand or small cabinet
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1950 / chest of drawers / wood / Napoleon III / Romantic / Antique Napoleon III style cabinet or nightstand in wood with delicate abstract floral marquetry inlay. This eleg...
Wood
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
Table clock blue enamel Swiss mechanical skeletal movement. Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Table clock in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fire enamel on guilloché and fine hand engravings. The clock has a base of cm. 4 x 10 and is rectangular cm. 8 x...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique French Porcelain Centerpiece or Bowl
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty 19th century French porcelain centerpiece decorated in blue, white and gold, having an extravagant composition with cherubs and mythological cats joined by a brass chain around...
Brass
19th Century Wall Sconces - Napoleon III - Ormolu Gilt Bronze - Candle Sconces
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An elegant and richly detailed set of French ormolu wall sconces dating from the 19th century, Napoleon III period. Executed in finely chased...
Bronze, Ormolu