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.
$232Sale Price|20% Off
Opaline Pink Vase Napoleon III Period
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very beautiful pale pink vase of Napoleon 3 period. It is decorated with flowers and foliage in brown, white and green tones. It is made of opaline, a...
Opaline Glass
Baccarat opaline water set, Napoléon III period circa 1870
By Baccarat
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine white opaline water set by Baccarat : a water bottle, a lemon balm or liquor bottle, a sugar pot, a glass and their tray. Napoléon III period, 19th century circa 1870. Baccara...
Opaline Glass
Stunning Little Antique Box with Decorated and Gilt Perfume Bottles Napoleon III
Located in Lisse, NL
If you are looking for the perfect gift for a lady. . .look no further. This magnificent, 19th century box is made of beautiful and mint condition boxwood and it comes with the original, gilt perfume...
Crystal
19th Century French Colonial Glass Cave à Liqueur Tantalus
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A fabulous French 19th century colonial, ormolu and bevelled glass cave à liqueur. The decorative case has bevelled glass panels on all sides and top, raised on 4 legs with sculpture...
Metal
Napoleon III Set of 4 balls/spheres, indigo blue, églomisé glass, France
Located in Valladolid, ES
Napoleon III Set of 4 balls/spheres, indigo blue, églomisé glass, France. Elegant and original set of four indigo-colored, églomised glass spheres, late 19th century, France. They in...
Blown Glass
Zoomorphic Partridge Ewer Blue French Glass Late 19th century
Located in Paris, FR
Original zoomorphic pitcher ewer in the shape of a partridge. Beautiful item made of silver plate for the head of the partridge nicely chiseled showing the lovely texture of feathers and blown blue glass for the body part, with a handle on the back. Yellow-colored glass eyes. The Head of the partridge is mounted on a hinge forming a movable lid for the pitcher-ewer. This kind of pitcher ewer was mainly used to serve delicious alcohol or liquor with flavor and aroma, such as pear, and mirabelle plum, as it was during the "Belle Epoque" a very fashionable and refined custom. This colored blown glass was produced by the Portieux Crystal factory created in 1705, it has a written mark "Deposé" beneath the body of the ewer, french work from the late 19th century, probably from Napoleon III period. The history of this factory known as the "Portieux crystal factory" actually begins in Tonnoy in 1690. In 1698, Duke Leopold I of Lorraine granted letters patent to Sieur de la Pommeraye, owner of the premises, associated with François Magnien, holder of the know-how, the exclusivity of glass manufacturing and trade in his duchy. In 1898, the Grand Duchess of Vladimir, wife of the brother of Tsar Nicolas II, discovered the factory while on a cure in Contrexéville. She will become a frequent customer. in 1960, the company supplies many prestigious customers: Maxim's, Brasserie Lipp, Hôtel de Crillon, Le Bristol...
Silver Plate
Fine Pair of Antique French Opaque White Opaline Glass Vases
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A large pair of antique French opaque white opaline glass, baluster shaped vases, finely painted with flowering vine, further decorated with 24-karat gold. Attributed to "Bacca...
Pair of Antique Bohemian Double Overlay Cut-Glass Vases
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of antique Bohemian, white over ruby red hand diamond cut, double overlay glass vases. Further beautifully decorated with 24-karat gold. Eac...
Crystal
Pair of Antique French Double Overlay "Tulip" Form Opaline Glass Lusters
Located in New York, NY
A very fine and quite unusual pair of Antique French double overlay, white over apple green opaline glass cut and faceted Lusters, each further adorned ...
Champagne Cristal Glasses, French XIXth Century, More Available
By Baccarat
Located in Crespières, FR
Clear champagne crystal glasse from the XIXth century, a classical model, with a beautiful clear sound. The facetted decor around catches the light and reflects it even more. The s...
Crystal
$900Sale Price|25% Off
Baccarat Blue Opaline Bubble Bath Bottle with Top Napoleon III Era
Located in Miami, FL
A large stunning French blue opaline glass bubble bath bottle dating from the 19th century. Unsigned Baccarat piece. Very attractive with vibrant colors. Overall good condition...
Opaline Glass
Ultra Early Baccarat Crystal Opaline Polychrome Floral Vase c1855
By Baccarat
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A stunning Polychrome and gilded raised moulded botanical vase by Baccarat, from the period of Napoleon the third c1855, this then revolutionary technique of polychrome moulded glass...
Crystal
$120Sale Price / set|20% Off
A Pair of French Hand Blown Slice Cut Crystal Flutes
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of French cut crystal stemmed flutes. The cutting style around the top is thumbprint while the body is slice cut. This pair would service well as toasting glasses...
Crystal
Opaline Glass, Chalice from the 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Chalice, Napoleon III period glass, 19th century in opaline. H: 14cm, D: 8cm Please contact us before ordering to confirm availability.
Opaline Glass
$4,003Sale Price / set|25% Off
Mid-19th Century Pair of Green Opaline Flasks
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of green opaline perfume flasks with pointed stoppers and flower-shaped saucers. The stoppers and flasks are decorated with diamond-shaped patterns that have gilded stripes outl...
Opaline Glass
Pair of French Baluster Shaped Opaline Glass Vases Attributed to "Baccarat"
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of antique French baluster shaped green opaline glass vases, finely modeled with repose leaves and flowers, attributed to "Baccarat" French, circa 1860.
Opaline Glass
19th Century French Opaline Vase with Foliage and Berries
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century French Opaline Vase with Foliage and Berries. Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Opaline Glass
$2,100 / item
H 11.82 in W 22.45 in D 11.42 in
Quitandeira, Traditional Fruit Box in Glass, by Tiago Curioni
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
To perpetuate the memorable wooden boxes at fairs in Brazil, the architect and designer Tiago Curioni, a Brazilian based in Portugal, recreated the glass boxes, in a limited series of 30 units. Named as Quitandeira, it has a system of glass rulers...
Glass
Pair French Vases Opaline Glass Hand Painted, circa 1835
Located in Katonah, NY
Pair of vases with hand-painted flowers on opaline glass. We see pink, purple, orange, lilac, and white flowers, all naturalistically rendered. The roses, daisies, and morning glory...
Opaline Glass
Italian Murano Vanity Box Gold and Pink
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful hand-blown Italian Murano art glass and gold gilt metal vanity box, made in Italy. Murano glass exterior is matte in a pink grapefruit/blood orange hue, and lid is gold g...
Metal
$3,400
Sugar Box Russia
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous box made of blue glass beautifully decorated with white details. Frame of brass. original lock and key. Made during 19th Century Russian Empire period. Small lockable boxes...
Brass
$14,000 / set
H 16.5 in W 11 in D 11 in
19th Century French Ormolu Mounted Rounded Globe Style Tantalus Liquor Set
Located in New York, NY
An Unusual 19th century French Ormolu Mounted Globe Style Tantalus liquor set. The round globe top which rests on an elongated ormolu base is not common to find. The crystal top is m...
Crystal, Ormolu
Antique Baccarat Acid Etched Cameo Glass Box with Leaf & Vine Motif
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique Baccarat acid etched cameo glass box with leaf & vine motif and bronze mounts. Circa 1890 - 1910.
Glass
Kyohei Fujita 'Dream' Blown Glass Box
Located in New York, NY
Kyohei Fujita exquisite molded hexagonal Liuli blown glass box with gold and silver leaf inclusions, Japan, 1995. Etched signature 'Kyohei Fujita' to underside. Literature: Fin Lyn...
Glass
Set of 5 Vintage French Baccarat Style Crystal Champagne Flute
By Baccarat
Located in Roma, IT
Set of 5 Vintage French Baccarat Crystal Champagne Flute Set of 5 Baccarats champagne flute stems with panel cut sides. These pattern is retired and hard to come by. The delicate...
Crystal
19th Century French André-Charles Boulle Style Cave à Liqueur
Located in Dallas, TX
The incredibly intricate brass inlay that embellishes the lid and front façade of this cave à liqueur is reminiscent of the technique utilized by Andre-Charles Boulle while hand-craf...
Metal, Brass
$178Sale Price|30% Off
H 6.5 in W 10 in D 10 in
Hoffmann and Schlevogt Art Nouveau Malachite Glass Trinket Box
Located in Lucenec, SK
Fantastic example of a I. Heinrich Hoffmann Czech Art Deco malachite glass high relief reclining nude trinket box. It's done in beautiful green Czechoslovakian malachite glass with n...
Malachite
$4,755
H 11.42 in W 14.57 in D 11.82 in
Antique French Bacarrat Ormolu & Glass Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an exquisite antique French Napoleon III Bacarrat ormolu and glass Cave a Liqueur, or tantalus, circa 1860 in date. The Cave a Liqueur features an ormolu case with glass pa...
Bronze, Ormolu
René Lalique (1860-1945) « Panier de Roses » Box 1919
By René Lalique
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
René Lalique (1860-1945) « Panier de Roses » Box 1919 Two parts oval glass with a frosted basket of roses motif lid covering the clear bottom of the R. Lalique Box. White and blue ...
Glass
Pewter and Crystal Liqueur Set, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pewter and crystal liqueur set, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Liqueur set with tray, 4 decanters, and 24 glasses, pewter and crystal, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Glasses...
Crystal
Baccarat white opaline water set, Napoléon III period circa 1860
By Baccarat
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine white opaline water set by Baccarat : a water bottle, a lemon balm or liquor bottle, a sugar pot, two glasses and the tray. Each piece has a hand-painted gilt decoration in ro...
Opaline Glass
Antique French Napoleon III Tantalus Cave a Liqueur 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an exquisite antique French Napoleon III birdseye maple Tantalus Cave a Liqueur, circa 1860 in date. It features brass inlaid decoration on the top and front with tulip wood banding. The hinged lid and the hinged sides open to reveal a lift-out stand fitted with four liquor decanters and stoppers and sixteen glasses. Complete with original working lock and key, it is an absolutely superb set which is sure to attract a lot of attention. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation of condition. Complete with 14 original glasses and 2 that have been added later. Dimensions in cm: Height 41 cm x Width 31 cm x Depth 23 cm Dimensions in inches: Height 1 foot, 4 inches x Width 1 foot x Depth 9 inches Tantalus is a type of liquor decanter in which the bottle stoppers are locked down tightly by a metal bar. This was to prevent the theft of the contents by servants. Like the name suggests, the decanters themselves are visible, drawing temptation while unattainable. A key is required for entry. The most common types of tantalus holds three bottles or decanters while there are also smaller types housing only two. There are many different forms of tantalus. Often the encasement has metal handles on both sides and ornately carved decor. Crystal and metal versions are also a beautiful option when choosing a tantalus. Tantalus derived its name from the story of the mythological Greek king...
Glass
Green Opaline Bell, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Green opaline bell, 19th century Opaline bell mounted with gilded and enamelled brass, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Measures: H: 15 cm, D: 8 cm.
Opaline Glass
19th Century Enamelled Opaline Bowl
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th Century enamelled Opaline bowl. Measures: H: 18 cm, D: 17cm.
Opaline Glass
White Opaline Service, End of the 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
White opaline service, end of the 19th century White opaline service with gold enamel, end of the 19th century, consisting of a decanter, a glass and a tray. Carafe - h: 32 cm, w: ...
Opaline Glass
Bohemian Service, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bohemian service, 19th century Bohemian crystal overlay service, 19th century, consists of a carafe and a glass, the carafe has a special handle pain...
Opaline Glass
White Opaline Goblet, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
White opaline goblet, 19th century 19th century enamelled white opaline goblet. Measures: H: 26 cm, d: 9 cm.
Opaline Glass
Bohemian crystal bottle, 19th century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bohemian crystal bottle, 19th century Bohemian crystal bottle, green and pink base for the bottle enamelled with gold and silver, 19th century...
Opaline Glass
Blue opaline goblet and lid, 19th century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Blue enamelled opaline goblet and lid, 19th century, Napoleon III period. H: 27 cm, d: 12 cm ref 3104
Opaline Glass
Bohemian Crystal Decanter and Four Ouraline Goblets
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bohemian crystal decanter and four ouraline goblets. Bohemian crystal decanter, 4 ouraline goblets, 19th century. H carafe: 29 cm, H goblet...
Uranium Glass
Pièce de centre en bronze et opaline
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Pièce de centre en bronze et opaline" Well chiseled and gilded, 19th century
Bronze