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Napoleon III Furniture

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
Period: 19th Century
Black Marble Antique Circular Fireplace Noir de Mazy
Located in Oostvoorne, NL
A stunning antique fireplace crafted from exquisite black gold Noir de Mazy marble takes center stage with its timeless beauty. This full bypass fireplace is thoughtfully designed with return pieces, allowing for versatile placement around a mantelpiece. Originating from a canal house in Amsterdam, this fireplace once graced the front room with its regal presence. Impeccably polished, the marble exudes a captivating deep shine that enhances its overall allure. The uniquely angled consoles (legs) of the fireplace contribute to its graceful and sophisticated appearance. Notably, the front of the fireplace boasts a captivating shell that stands out, thanks to its beautiful, lustrous finish. The top of the fireplace showcases meticulous craftsmanship, featuring multiple layers that effortlessly form the graceful lines, elevating the overall aesthetic appeal. This antique black marble fireplace not only embodies historical charm but also adds a touch of elegance to any space it inhabits. fireplace The antique fireplaces on my website have been fully restored and are available from stock. Transport and installation is facilitated because the fireplaces are already pre-assembled. The antique fireplaces are cleaned and re-waxed in marble, this ensures that the fireplace regains its original deep shine. This maintenance-free marble wax also provides the fireplace with a dirt and water-repellent layer. If you have any questions, I would be happy to speak to you. Renzo van...
Category

Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Antique Shell Circulation Fireplace in Black Noir De Mazy Marble
Located in Oostvoorne, NL
Introducing a sumptuous antique fireplace crafted from exquisite black gold Noir de Mazy marble. This opulent circular masterpiece exudes luxury with its uniquely angled consoles, elevating its aesthetic allure. Beyond the classic shell design, the front is adorned with graceful millwork seamlessly extending into the frame pieces, adding an extra layer of elegance to its appearance. Originating from a grand detached house nestled against the dunes in the vicinity of The Hague, this antique chimney...
Category

Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Restored Antique Napoleon III Occasional Table Brown Leather Top Butlers Trays
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely unique French Napoleon III fully restored occasional table with brass gallery rail, brown leather top and butlers slip serving trays ...
Category

19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Beautifully Restored Antique Black Circular Fireplace
Located in Oostvoorne, NL
Beautifully Restored Antique Black circular fireplace. With its clean lines and deep shine, this fireplace is a top piece. The clean lines of the consoles are provided by the milling in the front. This fireplace has an extra luxurious top which, in addition to the double layer, also has an extra milling edge that gives the fireplace that little bit extra. The antique fireplaces on my website have been fully restored and are available from stock. Transport and installation is made easier because the chimneys are already pre-assembled. The antique fireplaces are cleaned and waxed again, this ensures that the fireplace regains its original deep shine. This maintenance-free marble wax also provides the fireplace with a dirt and water-repellent layer. Renzo van Engelen.
Category

Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Goldsmith A. Aucoc Suite Of Four Cups In Sterling Silver Nineteenth
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Model mounted on a round pedestal decorated with a laurel leaf and surmounted by a poly-lobed cup whose inner edge is chiselled and pierced with grooves and surrounded by a laurel fr...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair French Ormolu Candle Holders "Grape Pickers"
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair French Ormolu Candle Holders "Grape Pickers". Beautiful set, must see photos.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Napoleon III Cut Crystal and Ormolu Vase
Located in New York, NY
In the early 19th century the typical, but fine flower vase was made of porcelain. The better ones were mounted in gilt bronze. But the most fashionable were of cut crystal and gilt ...
Category

1850s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Regulate Pocket Tray , XIXth century
Located in Beaune, FR
Regulate pocket tray supported by pierrot, harlequin and polichinelle. Good condition. Dimensions Height 15cm Width 24cm Depth 12cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Suit of 9 Walnut Chairs Period Napoleon III, 19th Century
Located in Beaune, FR
Suit of 9 carved walnut chairs Napoleon III period - XIXth. They are covered with mustard yellow imitation leather. The backrests and seats are made up of easily removable cakes. The...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Napoléon III Champlevé Enamel Centrepiece after Maison Giroux, circa 1870
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Napoléon III gilt bronze and Champlevé enamel centrepiece, in the manner of Maison Alphonse Giroux. French, circa 1870. This exquisite centrepiece has a frosted glass trumpe...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Bronze

Exceptional Baccarat Chandelier and Its Ten Wall-Lights, France, Circa 1870
Located in PARIS, FR
Provenance : Private palace, Italy. Chandelier- Height : 255 cm (100,4 in) ; diam. : 170 cm (66,9 in). Wall-lights - Height : 102 cm (40,1 in.) ; width : 58 cm (22,8 in.) ; depth...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Palatial Rare Napoleon III French Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Clock, Detouche
By C. Detouche
Located in Queens, NY
A Palatial and Extremely Rare Napoleon III French Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Regulateur de Parquet Clock by Louis-Constantin Detouche, Paris, Circa 1850 An exceptional testament to the grandeur and technical mastery of 19th-century French horology, this palatial and extraordinarily rare Napoleon III ormolu and patinated bronze Regulateur de Parquet clock stands as a crowning achievement of the renowned Parisian horologist Louis-Constantin Detouche. Created circa 1850, this monumental timepiece exemplifies the perfect synthesis of artistic opulence and mechanical precision, distinguishing itself as one of the most impressive works from Detouche’s illustrious oeuvre. At over six feet tall, this clock’s imposing scale and decorative grandeur make it an object of immense historical and aesthetic significance. The case, crafted from the finest French ormolu, features two majestic patinated bronze seated putti, serving as allegorical figures and underscoring the artistic sophistication characteristic of the Second Empire style. The white enamel dial, elegantly signed "C. Detouche/Paris," affirms its prestigious maker, while the movement, meticulously numbered 7064 and bearing the stamps "C. Detouche RUE St. MARTIN" and "C. DETOUCHE 158 R. St MARTIN 160," speaks to the highest standards of 19th-century horological craftsmanship. Further distinguishing this piece is the medaille d’argent stamp, a testament to the numerous accolades and awards bestowed upon Detouche for his innovations in timekeeping. A Masterpiece of Horological Artistry: Louis-Constantin Detouche was not merely a clockmaker; he was a visionary whose contributions to horology redefined precision and complexity. This particular regulator clock...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Napoleon Iii furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, building and garden elements, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Baccarat, Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, and Ferdinand Barbedienne. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $2,500,000 while the average work can sell for $3,313.

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