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 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
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
$1,984Sale 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
Late 19th Century Napoleon III Bombay Wood Marquetry Tea Caddy
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An antique French tea caddy in Napoleon III style, wit a bended “forme arbalète” lid. The box is veneered with various types of wood, burl wal...
Brass
$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
Antique Gilt Bronze Jewellery Casket & Limoges Miniature 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful antique Napoleon III gilded ormolu and Limoges enamel jewellery casket, Circa 1870 in date. The hinged lid having a beautiful finely painted miniature Limoges en...
Ormolu
$2,988Sale Price|25% Off
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
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
19th Century Napoleon III Jardinière, Mahogany & Elm, Circa 1875-1890
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière, or cache pot, made of mahogany with burl of elm veneer, various wood inlay and ebonzied trim. Bronze-mounted with two handles...
Zinc
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
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
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bleu Turquin Marble Three Piece-Clock Garniture
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Fine and Large Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bleu Turquin Marble Three Piece-Clock Garniture. Comprising a mantel clock and a pair of seven-light candelabra. The clock modelled...
Marble, Ormolu
French Antique Ormolu and Limoges Enamel Jewellery Box
By Limoges
Located in Newark, England
LIMOGES ENAMEL PANELS From our Decorative collection, we are delighted to offer this French Napoleon III Ormolu and Enamel Jewellery Box. The Jewellery...
Enamel, Ormolu
Pierre Jules Mene "LOUIS XV VALET DE CHASSE" Bronze Sculpture
By P.J. Mêne
Located in High Point, NC
Wonderfully large "LOUIS XV VALET DE CHASSE" Bronze Sculpture by PJ Mene, Signed and dated in cast 1869. This is a large sculpture made of solid bronze, which weighs over 175 lbs....
Marble, Bronze
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
Exquisite Napoleon III French Ormolu Figural Basket Centerpiece, Circa 1880
By Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
An exquisite Napoleon III French ormolu figural basket centerpiece, Circa 1880, Attributed to Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley. Depicting four mercury-gilded bronze ormolu cherubs holding a basket, the base with trophies and scrolling. This monumental centerpiece...
Ormolu
$658Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Napoleon III French 19th C. Ebonized Mother of Pearl Inlaid Wall Clock
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 19th Century Napoleon III Era French wall clock by Sarda Besancon. Features an oviform with serpentine ebonized wood and a glass face. The beautiful clock face is enameled porcel...
Porcelain, Glass, Hardwood
19th Century Napoleon III Wood Marquetry Teacaddy
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A refined antique French tea caddy from the end of Napoleon III. The box is beautifully inlaid with different types of wood and brass, outside around ...
Brass, Bronze
Napoleon III Jewelry Box Lacquer Wood Mother-of-Pearl, circa 1880
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Napoleon III style jewelry box in black lacquered wood with beveled glass inlaid with mother-of-pearl and brass trim. French work. Circa 1880 Additional Information: Material: Wood,...
Glass, Wood
Magnificent Pair of Napoleon III Period Porcelain Covered Vases/ 19th Century.
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This magnificent pair of antique covered vases, dating back to the 19th century during the Napoleon III period, showcases the elegance and artistry characteristic of this iconic era....
Porcelain
French Napoléon III 1860s Carved Walnut Sculpture of a Putto Carrying a Vessel
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoléon III period walnut carved putto sculpture from the mid 19th century, with grapes, flowers and the double flute. Created in France during the third quarter of the 19t...
Walnut
Antique Napoléon III. Inkwell from Bronze and Porcelain, Paris, France, 1839
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional antique Inkwell with rich bronze ornaments and three porcelain vessels. The ink jars are painted in a beautiful rich green and embellished with gold colour. France, 1839. On the lid is written "ENCRIER BOUQUET" "MEDAILLE D´ARGENT...
Bronze
Fantastic quality Napoleon III Marquetry inlaid eight day longcase clock
Located in Ipswich, GB
Fantastic quality Napoleon III Marquetry inlaid eight day longcase clock having a quality bombe shaped case finely inlaid with boulle marquetry work of cut brass arabesque and enrich...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
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
Table cigarette box Silver Sterling Enamel two-tone striped guilloché Salimbeni.
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Exceptional table cigar or cigarette box in 925/1000 sterling silver, gold plated, and decorated with translucent two-tone striped fired enamels over guilloché engraving. Finely hand...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Ferdinand Barbedienne, a French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sevin
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870, The Design Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin. An exceptional qualit...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Large 19th Century French Napoleon III Marquetry Jewelry Box, Marked Lucie
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This large mid nineteenth century marquetry box from the Napoleon III period features a burl thuya wood field surrounded by a concentric border of intricately inlaid ebonized pearwoo...
Bronze
Valentine Manufacture, Elegant pair of Vases, France, circa 1860
Located in PARIS, FR
Pair of baluster-shaped vases in hard-paste porcelain, resting on a molded circular foot and flaring toward a neck with a flat rim highlighted by a gilt line. Each vase is fitted wit...
Porcelain
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
Masterpiece flower jardiniere, Napoleon III, rosewood fire-gilt bronze, 1870s
Located in Wien, AT
This masterful object is a flower jardiniere from the Napoleon III era, crafted in France in the 1870s using special, valuable materials. The basic shape is curved and flowing, and ...
Bronze
C19th French Napoleon 111 Liquor Cellar
Located in London, GB
Magnificent French Liquor Cabinet This cabinet opens to Reveal decanters and Crystal Glasses Baccarat Style set within burr Wood Case C1880s
Amboyna
$395Sale Price|20% Off
Limoges Porcelain Lidded Candy Dish Trinket or Antique French Jewelry Box
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful hand painted Limoges porcelain candy dish, trinket, or jewelry box. This gorgeous French jewelry box is adorned with traditional decor...
Porcelain
19th Century Perfume Box - Napoleon III - Crystal Bottles
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique marquetry wooden box for perfume. The box dates from the French Napoleon III period, circa 1880-1890. The box features those original crystal perfume bottles, bea...
Burl
Monumental Royal Vienna Iridescent Porcelain Portrait Vase and Cover, Wagner
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A monumental Royal Vienna Iridescent porcelain portrait vase and cover, Wagner, circa 1880. This Royal Vienna Urn features an exceptional iridescent ...
Porcelain
Lyre-Shaped Clock in Marble and Gilt Bronze, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A 19th century Napoleon III period Lyre-shaped clock in white marble and gilt bronze in the Louis XVI style. H: 59cm, W: 28cm, D: 20cm Please contact us before ordering to confirm ...
Marble, Bronze
Inkwell In Gilt Bronze And Crystal, 19th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Inkwell in gilded bronze and crystal from the second half of the 19th century Original gilding in perfect condition 19th century, Napoleon III 8.2 x 10.6 cm, total height 8.2 cm
Crystal, Bronze
19th century Petite ‘Sèvres’ Jardinière with Gilt Bronze Mount, France, c. 1870
Located in London, GB
A very beautiful antique petite-size French ‘Sèvres’ jardinière, planter, cachepot or table centerpiece bowl, made in France in the Napoléon III era ...
Bronze
Napoleon III Ebony Box Stamped "TAHAN Supplier to the Emperor", with Expertise
By Tahan Paris
Located in Bochum, NRW
Napoleon III Period Ebony Luxury Box by TAHAN, Paris, with Expertise. Stamped “TAHAN Fr de l’Empereur” — official purveyor to the Emperor. A rare and impeccably preserved example of ...
Brass
19th Century Decorative Box - Ormolu Gilt Bronze - French Napoleon III
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A refined Napoleon III period decorative box, made of ormolu gilt casted bronze. Richly ornate floral motifs. It has an illegible signature. The liner inside has been renewed. Includ...
Bronze, Ormolu
$1,750Sale Price|30% Off
Antique French Napoleon III Boulle Marquetry Brass Tortoiseshell Keepsake Box 13
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century Napoleon III era French Marquetry Boulle box. Red and black tortoiseshell with foliate brass inlay. Decoration on top includes the monogram LS. Rectangular form ...
Brass
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Inkwell from France, C. 1840
Located in Dallas, TX
This piece of nineteenth-century French elegance is sure to be the envy of any collector. The Napoleon III gilt bronze inkwell is a prized find, crafted in circa 1840 France with int...
Metal, Bronze
French Napoleon III Bronze Peacock Mantel Clock Viot & Cie, 19th C.
Located in BARCELONA, ES
An exceptional French mantel clock by Viot & Cie, dating to the Napoleon III period, circa 1860–1880. The sculptural composition features a finely cast peacock supporting the circul...
Marble, Bronze
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Woven Gilt Bronze Handled Basket, Weave Table Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Napoleon III woven gilt bronze handled basket -weave table box France, circa 1875 A whimsical, yet intricately woven of a handled basket weave table ...
Bronze
NAPOLEON III pendulum clock with a portico-style frame featuring twisted columns. 1800
Located in Torino, IT
Pendulum Clock NAPOLEON III portico structure with twisted columns, made of ebonized wood and inlaid. France, Late 19th Century ORIGIN France PERIOD Second 19th century MATERIALS ...
Metal, Brass
Extremely Rare Pair of Ferdinand Barbedienne Ormolu and Champlevé Enamel Vases
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sevin
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
An extremely rare, museum quality pair of Ferdinand Barbedienne ormolu and champlevé enamel vases, circa 1870, certainly designed by Louis Constant Sevin...
Enamel, Ormolu
Antique Bauche Incombustible Cast Iron Safe from Northeastern France, 1865
Located in Linkebeek, BE
19th century non-combustible cast-iron travel strongbox by Bauche-Fichet, France Antique travel safe in non-combustible cast iron from northeastern France (Gueux, Marne). It is decor...
Iron
19th Century French Sculpture
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century French sculpture features a young drummer, captured in a moment of intense focus and energy. Rendered in rich patinas of bronze, the figure is dressed in historical...
Bronze
Late 19th Century Napoleon III Ormolu Candlesticks Griotte Marble Bowls
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A pair of antique French candlesticks, made of gilded bronze. At the center a bowl made of red "Griotte" marble. Under the marble bowl foliage around the stem. Made in France, at the...
Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
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 the stained mahogany...
Brass
19th Century Napoleon III French Wall Clock
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Napoleon III wall clock with "oeil de boeuf" shaped glass paned door, ebonized wood frame and clock surround with mother-of-pearl inlay decoration. Paper face w...
Brass
Contenot, Joan Of Arc, Signed Bronze, Late 19th-early 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Patinated bronze sculpture representing Joan of Arc in armor, brandishing her sword Sculpture signed Contenot on the base (Henri Daniel) Joan is a young French woman of peasant...
Bronze
Exquisite Neo-Grec Ormolu & Champleve Enamel Jardiniere by Barbedienne & Sévin
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sevin
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A French Neo-Grec Ormolu and Champlevé Enamel Jardinière by Ferdinand Barbedienne and Louis-Constant Sévin, circa 1870 An outstanding ormolu-mounted and champlevé enamel jardinière,...
Enamel, Ormolu
Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Mantel Clock By Japy Freres
By Japy Frères
Located in New York, NY
Unique Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Hand Painted Porcelain Mantel clock C.1870's by Japy Freres This impressive mantel clock in the Napoleon III taste with Sèvres style celeste blue...
Bronze
19th Century Bronze Figure of Sappho after James Pradier (1790-1852)
Located in Berlin, DE
19th Century Bronze Figure of the Greek Poetess Sappho after James Pradier (1790-1852)/Cast by Susse Frères A 19th century bronze figure of the Greek poetess Sappho, seated on a lo...
Bronze
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
$2,660Sale Price|20% Off
19thc French Napoleon III Cut Crystal Candelabra attributed to Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Beautiful 19thc French Napoleon III Crystal Candelabra/ Centerpiece. Incredible work on this piece. Shades included. Attrib. Baccarat.
Crystal
Japanese-Style Baccarat Crystal Vase From The Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Japanese-style Baccarat crystal vase from the Napoleon III period, 19th century. Japanese-style Baccarat crystal vase from the Napoleon III period, 19th century. H: 15 cm, W: 14.5 c...
Crystal
$1,346Sale Price|25% Off
Champlevé Enamel Inkwell on Tray, Napoleon III, 19th Century, France
Located in Lisbon, PT
A 19th century French inkwell in Champlevé enamel and bronze, mounted on an integrated tray with pen holders, in the Napoleon III style. This elegant desk accessory showcases the cr...
Bronze
A Sèvres Porcelain Box, Gilt Brass Mounting, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A Sèvres porcelain case, gilt brass mounting, 19th century, Napoleon III period. An important Sèvres porcelain box, 19th century, Napoleon III period, gilt brass mounting. Dimensio...
Brass
19th Century Parakeet Perch Inkwell Candlesticks: Ink 'n' Perch Delight!
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite 19th-century bronze parakeet on perch candlestick inkwells showcase the fine craftsmanship of the era. Each inkwell features a beautifully designed parakeet with a hi...
Bronze