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.
19th Century French Ceramic Pharmacy Jar, Napoleon III Style, Antique
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century French Ceramic Pharmacy Jar. Unique piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photo or message us with questions.
Ceramic
Late 19th Century French Hand Painted Barbotine Jardinière
Located in Sofia, BG
A very finely hand painted French barbotine ceramic jardinière Napoleon III period. France, circa 1870.
Ceramic
CARRIER-BELLEUSE and CHOISY LE ROI Manufacture, "Sauve qui peut" Vase
By Choisy-le-Roi, Louis Robert Carrier-Belleuse
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Glazed red and white faience. Another example, presented at the Salon de la Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts, in 1898, and numbered 4060, was shown with three other vases: Hercules ...
Ceramic, Faience
Late 19th Century French Asparagus Plate, Ceramic, Napoleon III Style
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Late 19th Century French Asparagus plate. Beautiful condition. Unique piece purchased in France, age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Ceramic
Pair of 19th Century Blue & White Faience Bronze-Mounted Lamps Gien
By Gien
Located in Austin, TX
A stunning of pair of blue and white bronze-mounted lamps, wired for US, circa 1880. Total height with the shades / 22".
Bronze
Porcelain Royal Crown Derby Plate in Pinxton Roses Pattern, 1940s
By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Lovely white Royal Crown Derby dinner plate with pink roses and gold painted edges on a white background. Marked at bottom with Royal Cro...
Porcelain, Paint
Porcelain Cache Pot Choisy Le Roi, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Porcelain Cache Pot Choisy Le Roi, circa 1880.
Porcelain
Set of Twelve 19th C. French Choisy-le-Roi Dessert Plates “Campagnes Militaires”
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1870 at the celebrated Choisy-le-Roi manufactory under Hippolyte Boulenger, this set of twelve faïence transferware dessert plates commemorates the major Euro...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Porcelain de Paris Pair of Hand Painted Vases Napoleon III, France
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Pair ...
Porcelain
A Napoléon III Gilt-Bronze Mounted Sèvres Style Garniture Set
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Napoléon III Gilt-Bronze Mounted Sèvres Style Garniture Set. Comprising a Centrepiece and a Pair of Vases with lids, by 'Robert'. Each painted on the reverse with bouquets of fl...
Porcelain
19th Century French Napoleon III Black & White Ceramic Dessert Plates, Set of 6
Located in Dallas, TX
Use this elegant set of six antique plates to serve appetizer or desert to your guests! Crafted by LM & Cie, Creil et Montereau in France, circa 1860, each hand painted ceramic plate...
Ceramic
Lot of 9 original opaline vases from the Napoleon III period
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Lot of 9 original opaline vases from the Napoleon III period, height from 11.42" to 13" (29 to 33 cm)
Opaline Glass
Large Pair of Green Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Covered Urns, France, circa 1900
Located in Madrid, ES
A striking and highly decorative pair of large Napoleon III style covered urns, executed in emerald green porcelain with finely chased gilt bronze mounts. Each urn is richly decorat...
Bronze
Set of Six Paris Porcelain Fruit Plates with Hand-Painted Scenes of Animals
Located in Pembroke, MA
Set of six Paris porcelain scalloped plates with hand-painted scenes of birds and animals set in fanciful or pastoral environments, some with castles....
Porcelain
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 ...
Porcelain
$875 / set
H 1 in W 8.25 in D 7.5 in
Set of 8 French Gien Ceramic Escargot Plates with Matching Spoons, circa 1920
By Gien
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France by Gien circa 1920, this elegant service set includes eight porcelain escargot plates and eight silver-plated spoons. Each plate, measuring 8.25 inches in diameter ...
Silver Plate
Pair of 19th Century Armorial Plates
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of lovely late 19th century armorial plates from England. The borders are decorated in brick red, gold, and navy. The border surrounds the central medallion which has a hand-p...
Ironstone
$228Sale Price|38% Off
H 1.19 in Dm 10.5 in
Mason's Ashworth's Ironstone Dinner Plate in Coloured Wall Pattern, circa 1870
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a mid-19th century Mason’s patent ironstone Dinner Plate produced at the time when Mason's was owned and controlled by George L Ashworth after the bankruptcy of C J Mason in ...
Ironstone
$3,950 / set
H 10.75 in W 5.25 in D 5.25 in
Pair of Royal Crown Derby Olde Avesbury Pattern Candlesticks & 8 Dinner Plates
By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
These tall candlesticks and dinner plates were made by the renowned English porcelain maker, Royal Crown Derby. The candlesticks and plates are done in their 'Olde Avesbury...
Porcelain
Antique Terra Cotta 'Tian' Bowl, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Antique terra cotta 'Tian' bowl, France, late 19th century. A large size 'Tian' with handles and spout. Pale yellow glaze on the interior and rim, unglazed exterior...
Terracotta
19th Century French Hand Painted Ceramic Barbotine Fruit Wall Platter
By Longchamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a kitchen wall or a breakfast room with this large antique majolica plate. Sculpted in France circa 1880 in the manner of Longchamp, the colorful porcelain platter is decora...
Ceramic, Majolica
Royal Crown Derby Partial Dinner Service
By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain
Located in Buchanan, MI
A Royal Crown Derby Partial dinner service, twenty seven pieces, 20th century, in the Imari pattern, comprising of ten dinner plates and ten bread and b...
Porcelain
Majolica Bunnies Family Plate Choisy le Roi, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Lovely and charming French Majolica plate with rabbits family eaten cabbage signed Choisy le Roi, circa 1880. (Plates made for Higgins and Seiter Ne...
Ceramic, Faience
English Porcelain 'Jade' Pattern Service, Coalport, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Each decorated with cobalt, lime green, maroon and coral foliate motifs against a white ground. Comprising 12 dinner plates, 12 luncheon plates (one...
Porcelain
$249Sale Price|62% Off
H 1 in Dm 9.63 in
Georgian Spode Dinner Plate A Ironstone Chinoiserie Pattern No.2283, circa 1820
By Josiah Spode
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very beautiful hand painted dinner plate, produced by the Spode factory in the late Georgian period, Circa 1820. This is pattern number 2283, the chinoiserie decoration ...
Ironstone
Late 19th Century Meissen Seascape Charger
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A late 19th century Meissen Porcelain "Kauffahrtei" charger with handle. Excellent hand painted detail of 18th century ships with the rim decorated in the tradition Strohblumenmuster...
Ceramic
Hand Painted Scalloped French Plate /Bowl , 19th Century
Located in Ross, CA
19th century hand painted deep scalloped plate / bowl made in France.
Ceramic
1850s Italian Terracotta Amphora
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful small patinated terracotta urn. This is a rare decorative object from a 19th-century Neapolitan nativity scene. It is part of a series of objects such as food, household go...
Terracotta
Théodore DECK, Éléonore ESCALLIER, Ornamental Dish With Titmices
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This ornamental dish with a decoration inspired by Far Eastern arts is the fruit of the collaboration between the ceramist Théodore Deck and the painter Éléonore Escallier in the sec...
Ceramic
Sold
H 11.03 in W 7.88 in D 5.91 in
Gien, Pair of Covered Jars Decorated in Pink on a Cream Background
By Gien
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Gien. Pair of covered jars decorated in pink on a cream background called "purple Saxony". The handles depicting the heads of Cachet rams and LP monogram under the base. circa 18...
Ceramic
Napoleon III Cachepot in Porcelaine de Paris Hand Painted France
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Elega...
Porcelain
Sold
H 19.3 in W 13.78 in D 1.19 in
"Pavots" and "Lavateres" a Théodore Deck Pair of Framed Enameled Faïence Plaques
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Pavots" and "Lavateres" A Théodore Deck (1823-1891) and A.L. Régnier (1855-1930) Pair of Decorative Framed Enameled Faïence Plaques Hand painted Polyc...
Faience
Sold
H 17.33 in W 7.09 in D 7.09 in
19th French Ceramice Floral Vases, Gien, Pair of Vases, Red and Purple Poppies
Located in Valladolid, ES
Outstanding pair of French ceramic vases with red and purple poppies and lace border as decoration, the manufacture is Gien, France (1875-1984), it was ...
Ceramic
19th Century French Napoleon III Black and White Ceramic Plates, Set of 12
Located in Dallas, TX
Use this elegant set of twelve antique plates to serve appetizer or desert to your guests! Crafted by Leboeuf et Thibault in Montereau, France, circa 1880, each hand painted ceramic plate features funny courting scenes or anecdotal daily events with French wording; each plate is further embellished with floral decor around the rim. The Napoleonic plates...
Ceramic
French Set "Talking Plates", Signed Hippolyte Boulenger Choisy-le-Ro
Located in Paris, FR
Great Majolica 19th century "Talking Plates" set of four decorative plates or dishes. In each "Talking" plate a different situation and text about good and bad children's behaviors, and what they should do, in order to teach them how to become real French gentlemen and ladies. Very curious and original and beautiful ceramic set in bleu, black and white colors, expressing the morality and the children's education of the 19th century in France. Signed on the back: HB Choisy-le-Roi (Hyppolyte Boulenger) Plate 1 - What you should not do: disobedience Plate 2- Obligatory school Plate 3- the respect of the family Plate 4- the Prudence, About Choisy-le-Roi and Hyppolyte Boulenger: Faience ceramic was first produced in Choisy-le-Roi in 1804. By 1836, the factory came under the management of Louis Boulenger who was succeeded in 1863 by his son Hippolyte Boulenger. By that time, the factory employed some three hundred skilled workers operating four kilns. A large number of Majolica designs were added to production in the early 1860s and continued until 1910. At the conclusion of the Franco-Prussian war, Alsace-Lorraine was annexed by Germany. Sarreguemines, Choisy-le-Roi’s primary competitor in Majolica production, became German territory. A number of Sarreguemines workers rejected German nationality and brought important technical skills and artistry to Choisy-le-Roi. Thereafter, Boulenger was producing the finest Majolica in France and received acclaim at the Paris Exhibition of 1878 and other international exhibitions. Choisy Majolica...
Ceramic, Majolica
Sold
H 0.5 in Dm 7.25 in
Mid-20th Century French Painted Napoleonic Sarreguemines Ceramic Plates Set of 9
Located in Dallas, TX
Use this elegant set of eight antique plates to serve appetizer or desert to your guests! Crafted in Sarreguemines, France, circa 1950, each hand painted ceramic plate features the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte with an illustrated scene and one of his famous quote in French during his reign. Scenes of battle field, interacting with his soldiers, encounter with the Emperor of Austria, etc... The Napoleonic...
Ceramic
Sold
H 1 in Dm 9.5 in
Exceptional Set of Five Royal Vienna Jeweled Porcelain Portrait Plates by Wagner
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Exceptional set of five Royal Vienna Jeweled porcelain portrait plates by Wagner, circa 1880. Each finely painted with portraits of female beau...
Porcelain
Exquisite Set of 12 Sevres Porcelain Royal Dinner Plates with "R" Monogram
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
An exquisite set of 12 French Sevres white and cobalt blue porcelain royal dinner plates with "R" monogram, 19th century. With extremely fine raised gold borders of swans and crow...
Porcelain
Thomas Sargent Majolica Palissy Vase
By Thomas Sargent
Located in New York, NY
French Majolica Palissy Medusa vase made by Thomas Sargent with grape vine snake handles, circa 1890. This vase features Medusa's head on either side, a...
Ceramic