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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
Pair of 19th Century Hand Painted Porcelain and Bronze Oil Lanterns
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of 19th century hand painted porcelain and bronze oil lanterns are exquisite works of art executed in amazing detail and vibrant color by hand, then glazed to preserve the beaut...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Three pieces gilt bronze mounted Sevres style vase and center Sevres pieces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This three pieces garniture,,centered by a large jardinieres for flowers isfinely mounted with gilt-bronze mounts. This type of white ground decorative porcelain vases was very popu...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Silver Plated over Copper and Crystal Sugar or Candy Bowl
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant and large antique sugar bowl was crafted in France, circa 1870.; made of cut crystal and silver plated over copper, the dish sits on a ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate, Copper

French Boulle Ebonized Pedestal, 19th Century
Located in Cypress, CA
Lovely French Napoleon III Boulle ebonized pedestal, 19th century. The pedestal is inset with a rectangular marble top, above a Boulle style brass inlaid column decorated with a central urn within a scrolling foliate motif, the corners are mounted with gilt bronze mythical...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Paul Sormani Fruitwood Box Dedicated to Marie, Dated 1868
Located in New York, NY
Our fruitwood jewelry chest with bronze mounts and plaque dedicated to Marie comes from the esteemed Parisian cabinet maker, Paul Sormani (1817-1877). Signed and dated on the brass.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

BALLEROY Co., Joseph Albert PONSIN, Pair of Plates Adorned with Portraits
By Balleroy Freres
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This Pair of Ornamental Porcelain Dishes Was Crafted by the Company Balleroy & Cie in Limoges and Decorated by Joseph Albert Ponsin, Likely in 1876 Both dishes bear the mark of the ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of French 19th Century Napoleon III Boulle Pedestal Vitrines
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An outstanding pair of French 19th century Napoleon III Boulle ebonized fruitwood, ormolu, and brass pedestal vitrines. Each vitrine is raised on scalloped support with a fine wrap-a...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

French 19th Century Napoleon III Period Cabinet
Located in Warsaw, PL
It is a luxurious piece of furniture, characterized by its rich ornamentation and use of contrasting materials. Materials The cabinet is crafted from ebony with gilt bronze mounts ad...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Napoleon III period chased gilt bronze table mirror.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon III period chased gilt bronze table mirror . Napoleon III period table mirror in chased and gilded bronze, beveled glass, 19thcentury antique. H:50cm, W: 30cm, D:2cm
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century in the Style of the Louis XV Napoleon III Inlaid Cabinet
Located in Berlin, DE
Bois-Satiné-veneer, all-round covering mirror veneer and marquetry on solid conifers. With finely chiselled, highly decorative, perforated rocaille, fire-gilded bronze fittings. Two-...
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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Ceiling Lamp circa 1900, in Gilded Metal and Engraved Glass
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Ceiling lamp circa 1900, in gilded metal and engraved glass.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique French Napoleon III Style Gold Gilded Oval Wall Mirrors - Set of 2
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Napoleon III Carved Gold Gilded Oval Wall Mirrors - Set of 2 This exquisite pair of Antique French Napoleon III oval mirrors exemplifies the opulence and craftsmanshi...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Plaster

Tea Table, Side Table, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Tea table, side table, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Side table, tea table in wood and gilt bronze, marble top, 19th century, Napoleon III period, 2 tops. H: 116 cm, W: 81 cm, ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Napoleon III Picture "St Jerome and the Lion" in Fabric - France, 19th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Unique and exquisite picture representing the biblical episode of Saint Jerome removing the thorn from the Lion's paw. The picture is made entirely of fabric, and is in relief. The scene is set in an oasis in the desert...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

French porcelain, Sevres, and bronze planter from the 19th century
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
French porcelain, Sevres, and bronze planter from the 19th century Sevres porcelain planter in an off-white tone with bronze base, handles and details. Hand painted with the artist's...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Bud Vases, Cristal and Gold Gilt Bronze and Gold Leaf
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of bud vases, crystal and gold gilt bronze and gold leaf, 19th century Napoleon III.  
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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Bamboo brush pot
Located in Nivelles, BE
Bamboo brush pot engraved with Asian scenes. Used as a brush pot, has a beautiful patina.
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Massive French Clock of Baccanalian Maiden Lying Naked on Lion s Skin
Located in London, GB
French patinated bronze and Sienna marble mantel clock of massive proportions. The subject being of a naked maiden lying down on a lion's pelt and leaning against the clock. The subj...
Category

1890s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Siena Marble, Bronze

Delicate Porcelain Ormolu and Ebony Cabinet, Napoleon III
Located in Warsaw, PL
The cabinet is crafted in Napoleon III style, which is also known as Second empire style. The main material of the cabinet is ebony with dark varnish finish. The top of the cabinet iscovered with Carrara marble, which was a popular combination of that time period. The large frizes atop and the small friezes on the bottom are sculpted with beautiful and delicate pearl-shaped motifs. The pearl motif dominates in this antique French cabinet, as it features also in the framing edge of the front panels of the door. It seems like the pearl motifs become an endless source of inspiration in this French gorgeous cabinet. On either side of the front corner panels of the cabinet is an image of a man's head gilded with ormolu, built into the modillions, where flowers hang from them.The corners of a cabinet are ornated with square rosettes which are overhung by rococo curves and shells. The acanthus leaf pattern complements the decoration of the 4 front corners of the cabinet. In the central door panel there is a medallion with a painting of two women with a goat standing by a tree surrounded by forest. The porcelain picture depicts the poetic beauty of people and landscapes in the French countryside. The bright colors in the porcelain painting brings more life in to the dark stained cabinet...
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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble

19th century Napoleon III Bronze and Marble Pair of Pharmacy Tazzas
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very beautiful pair of pharmacy cassolettes/tazzas in gilded bronze and marble dating from the Napoleon III period. Base with lion's feet. Handles representing snakes which is the sy...
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1870s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Bamboo bottle holder
Located in Nivelles, BE
Foldable bamboo bottle holder from the Napoleon 3 period, it is extendable and foldable for 8 bottles.
Category

1890s European Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Superb 19th Century French Gilt Pier Mirror
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Superb 19th century French gilt pier mirror This is a beautifully decorative gold frame mirror it is an unusual shape with gilded carv...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

19th Century French Napoleon III Giltwood Table Base with Hand Painted Tole Top
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique side table was crafted in Paris, France circa 1870, the occasional table features a blackened wooden pedestal base embe...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Tôle

19th Century French Marble-Top Secretaire Bronze Decoration Napoleon III Period
Located in Sofia, BG
French chiffonier forming secretary, inlaid with violet wood and rosewood, flap opening with four drawers with red marble top. Falling cuffs and keyh...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Pair of Napoleon Cast Iron Urns
Located in Washington, DC
A pair of Napoleon cast iron urns.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Iron

19th Century Dated 1813 French Black Napoleon Marble Fireplace
Located in Southall, GB
A 19th century (dated 1813) French black Napoleon marble fireplace with panelled freeze and corner blocks on scrolled legs with acanthus leaf term...
Category

1910s French Vintage Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble

French Napoleon III Style Gilt Wall Mirror, Crown Crest This is a very attract
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Napoleon III Style Gilt Wall Mirror, Crown Crest This is a very attractive piece, the mirror has a 3.5” gilt frame edged with swags and a crown in the centre at the top of t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Napoleon III Period Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock by Delafontaine
Located in London, GB
The acclaimed French bronze foundry, Delafontaine, created this remarkable mantel clock. At the time this piece was crafted, in c.1860, the company was directed by Auguste-Maximilien Delafontaine (1813-1892). The firm was famous for its high-quality artistic bronzes, which can today be viewed in major art collections, such as the Louvre in Paris. Shaped like an upside down ‘T’, this gilt bronze...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Commode Style Boulle of French 19th Century Napoleon III Period
Located in Warsaw, PL
This image showcases a magnificent Boulle commode from the Napoleon III period, dating to the mid-19th century. It is an exceptional example of French craftsmanship, distinguished by...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Napoleon III Style Vitrine
Located in Berlin, DE
Delicate French vitrine in transition or Napoleon III style, circa 1870. solid wood. High-rise, one-door, cambered and three-sided glazed body. On curly feet scalloped out. Three-...
Category

19th Century German Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Mirror with Carved and Giltwood Frame, Napoleon III
Located in Sofia, BG
19th century giltwood mirror of Napoleon III époque decorated with flowers and shells, France, circa 1860.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Transparent Blown and Pinch Glass Chandelier Decorated with Crystals, Austria
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Glass and crystal chandelier on three levels, 16 sconces.
Category

20th Century Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Glass

French late 19th century Napoleon III Period Marble and Ormolu lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and most unique French late 19th century Napoleon III Period Louis XVI st. Jaune de Valence, Vert de Patricia marble and Ormolu lamp. This stunning lamp is raised on a cir...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Pair of Lamps in Tin, circa 1880
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of lamps in tin with a fluted shaft. Decor of frieze of beads on the base and the top of the mount. Gilt cartouche embedded on the base mentioning "Lampe modérateur T & G brevet...
Category

1880s European Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Tin

Rope Twist Napoleon III Style Suite Seating Armchair Settee Chesterfield Sofa
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of Napoleon III style early 20th century Rope Twist seating A stunning little suite, the armchairs come up for sale occasional...
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Early 20th Century English Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

19th Century Pair of Paris Porcelain Pirate Urns
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Pair of Paris Porcelain Pirate Urns Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Clock Shepherds of Arcadia by Aizelin and Barbedienne
Located in Paris, FR
Red Griotte mantel (fireplace) clock decorated with a patinated bronze group, Les bergers d'Arcadie (Shepherds of Arcadia) by Eugene-Antoine Aizelin (1821-19...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Three-Piece Clock Garniture 19th Century.
Located in Warsaw, PL
Signed Three-Piece Clock Garniture 19th Century. Malachite is a gemstone known for its vibrant green color and unique banding. In feng shui and metaphysical beliefs, malachite is h...
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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Impressive Table First Empire Napoleon III Late 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Impressive table first Empire Napoleon III Late 19th century gilded bronzes and Inlay Amazing marquetry work Measures: Diameter: 152cm Height: 79cm x 92cm perfect condition.
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wood

French Pair of Bronze Owl Candle Sticks
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
French Pair of Bronze Owl Candle Sticks. Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Maison Gagneau, Pair of Louis XVI Style Lamps, circa 1880
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Maison Gagneau, signed. Pair of baluster shape Louis XVI style lamps in guilloche brown brass. Chiselled and gilt bronze mount. High of the mount with...
Category

1880s European Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Wooden Casket, Covered Impressed Paper
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
French wooden casket, covered with colored and impressed paper with ancient processing system - Suitable for Your photos hanging around waiting to be fix...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Parchment Paper, Wood

Napoleon III Period, Wardrobe/Armoire with One Door, 19th Century
Located in Beaune, FR
Superb Napoleon III wardrobe, 19th century opening with a door decorated with painted floral bouquets and mother-of-pearl. Interior composed of 3 shelves.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large 19th Century Cooler Or Planter
Located in Charmes, FR
large cooler or planter according to your convenience, in wrought iron and copper, in good condition from the 19th century, initially it was a tripe table (butcher's shop) superb dec...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique French .950 Silver 5-Piece Carving Service with Gigot in Box
Located in Pembroke, MA
A finely-chased French .950 fine silver five-piece carving service comprising a caving knife, a carving fork (with adjustable resting stand for raising it off of the table), a serving fork with bone tines, a serving spoon with bone bowl, and a handle for holding a leg of lamb ("manche a gigot...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Silver

Fine Gilt Bronze Empire Candelabra Lamp
Located in NYC, NY
A bronze and gilded bronze five-light candelabra, in the Napoleonic Empire style with two-bulb cluster. A Classic lamp with good patina and scale. Ex. Christies Auction...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Diehl in Paris, Napoleon III Ebony Work Table / Vanity Table, 19th Century
Located in Beaune, FR
Lovely table with works or dressing table in ebony Louis XV - Napoleon III style. It is decorated with gilded and chiselled bronzes, signed on the interior lock "DIEHL - PARIS - 19 r...
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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Large Pair of Porcelain Vases
Located in Paris, FR
Large pair of vases with green background called «green garden» in porcelain resting on a base with gold flutings. The shape of the vase is architectured with handles decorated with stylized leafy garlands, ribbons and cords in white porcelain. The body of each vase contains a cartel with a pastoral scene, one of which represents a couple of young shepherds according to Jean-François Boucher...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Napoleon Style Black Noir De Mazy Marble Black Antique Fireplace
Located in Oostvoorne, NL
A magnificent marble fireplace wrapped in black marble: “Noir de Mazy”. An elegant combination of craftsmanship and distinctive styles. Everything about this mantelpiece is right, th...
Category

Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

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...
Category

1870s European Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Pearwood

Early 20th Fireplace Surround in Gilt Bronze and Black Marble Neo-Classical
Located in Marseille, FR
Neo-classical fireplace surround in gilt bronze and black marble. Work in the style of Ferdinand Barbedienne
Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble

19th century commode Napoleon III marquetry inlay in ormolu bronze
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very beautiful Napoleon !!! chest of drawers in marquetry inlaid and ormolu bronze with marble top. It has three drawers on the front ,the bronze falls on the side are magnificent ,i...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XV Style Napoleon III Period Mounted Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking French 19th Century Louis XV st. Napoleon III period ebony, brass inlaid and ormolu mounted Boulle desk. The two drawer desk is raised by cabriole legs elegantly decorated...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

2 Original Napoleon III Chairs, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
2 Original Napoleon III Chairs, France, 1850s
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Beech

Pair of Neoclassical Style Porcelain Lamps, Napoléon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of neoclassical style porcelain lamps, baluster shaped, with a blue mat background. Black piedouche base and inner edge of the neck. On the body, decor of central medallion on one side representing a polychrome characters antique style dressed...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique circa 1860 French Napoleon III Oil Painting of a Gentleman in Headscarf
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Napoleon III oil painting portrait of a gentleman wearing a headscarf, made in Paris France circa 1860, stamped to the rear Moirinat ...
Category

1860s English Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Canvas

French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Putti Clock
By Jules Allard et Fils
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A French Napoleon III ormolu and porcelain putti mantel (fireplace) clock in gilded bronze with inset painted porcelain plaques. The central painted ov...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Bronze Fireplace Bar
Located in BARSAC, FR
Polished bronze hearth bar, with two pinnacles and lateral cylindrical bar. French work of good quality from the 19th century Very good condition
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Large Lamp in Imari Porcelain and Gilt Bronze, circa 1880
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large lamp in Imari porcelain formed by two balusters. Imari decor in the blue and red tones with gilt highlights on a white background figuring flowers in large cartouches. Chisell...
Category

1880s European Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

French Brass Inlaid Ladies Bureau Desk
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A top quality French rosewood brass inlaid desk, with tambour front, you have to pull open the drawer to release the tambour and then fold over the original velvet writing surface, l...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Furniture

Materials

Brass

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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