Napoleon III Armchairs
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 French armchairs / fauteuils
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Great pair of 19th century gilt and painted armchairs
Nice large proportions , need reupholstering but the frames are solid / firm
Height 39 inches or 99 cms
Width 27 inches or 69 cm...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Paint
Pair of French Napoleon III Armchairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
A classic pair of French 19th century Napoleon III style armchairs with gracious rounded backs and gently scrolled arms. These chairs are designed with impeccable proportions, featur...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of French Napoleon III Armchairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
An interesting pair of French late 19th century armchairs that have been stripped down to the burlap and muslin and are ready to be upholstered. This unusual pair of period armchairs...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Pair of 19th Century Arm Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 19th century armchairs from France newly upholstered in Harwood House fabric. These chairs have elaborately carved painted wood frames. Some visible wear on original wood tha...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Metal
French Napoleon III Armchair with Tufted Back
Located in Buchanan, NY
A handsome French 19th century armchair with diamond tufted back and scrolled arms. This elegant armchair from the Napoleon III period captures the intricate details and romantic bea...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
French 19th Century Armchair in Distressed Purple Velvet with White Braided Trim
Located in Buchanan, NY
A captivating French 19th century distressed purple velvet armchair. Crafted in 19th century France, in the distinctive Napoleon III style, this armchair is elegant and timeless. It ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Large French Napoleon III Armchair in Gold Velvet
Located in Buchanan, NY
A luxurious large French Napoleon III armchair in gold velvet. The perfect combination of vintage luxury and modern style, this 19th century Napoleon III armchair has been restored f...
Category
1850s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of Small Napoleon III Armchairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant pair of small scale French 19th century armchairs with diamond tufted backs and scrolled arms. This pair of armchairs from the Napoleon III period features the "Chapeau de...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of French 19th C. Armchairs with Carved Fruitwood Frames
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant pair French Napoleon III armchairs inspired by the Louis XV period with elaborately carved fruitwood frames with floral motives. The chairs have been stripped down to the ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Pair of French Napoleon III Armchairs with Tufted Backs
Located in Buchanan, NY
A handsome pair of French 19th century armchairs with diamond tufted backs and scrolled arms. This pair of armchairs from the Napoleon III period captures the intricate details and r...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of French 19th Century Armchairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
A classic pair of French Napoleon III armchairs with scrolled arms and back. The chairs have been stripped down to the burlap and muslin and are ready to be upholstered. We have adde...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
French Napoleon III Armchair in White Boucle
Located in Houston, TX
French Napoleon III Armchair upholstered in off-white boucle circa 1865-1884. New casters on front legs. An excellent near-pair with a second Napoleon III chair similarly upholstered...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Brass, Iron, Steel
A similiar pair of French Napoleon III library chairs circa 1860
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A similiar pair of French Napoleon III library chairs resting in ebonized turned feet circa 1860.
Category
1860s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
French Napoleon III Armchair in White Boucle
Located in Houston, TX
French Napoleon III Armchair upholstered in off-white boucle circa 1865-1884. New casters on front legs. An excellent near-pair with a second Napoleon III chair similarly upholstered...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Brass, Iron, Steel
Pair of French Button Back Armchairs
Located in Faversham, GB
A pretty pair of French button-back armchairs in calico.
The chair’s seats have been fully restored, stripped back to the original solid walnut pegged frame with a new coil spring b...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Calico, Walnut
Pair of French Napoleon III Tufted Armchairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant pair of 19th century Napoleon III tufted armchairs from France. The pair is upholstered in vintage floral fabric but would look amazing recovered in a modern updated fabri...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Small Armchair Designed as a Dog Bed
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exceptional small French armchair designed for a dog. This small armchair is not just a chair - it's a piece of history. Constructed in the 1920s, with French craftsmanship and qu...
Category
1920s French Vintage Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Napoleon III Low Squared-Back Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Napoleon III low squared-back chairs on casters circa 1860-1879. Turned and hand-carved ebonized legs on casters. Newly-covered in white ticking and burlap. Sold together and priced ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Pair of Clarence Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two Napoleon III armchairs with gold velvet upholstery. Turned wooden legs with dark walnut finish.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Velvet
Pair of French Napoleon III Tufted Armchairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exquisite pair of French Napoleon III period armchairs from the late 19th century. With their tufted backs and built in lumbar support, these chairs are remarkably comfortable and...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Pair of Large French Napoleon III Armchairs in Striped Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
A striking pair of Napoleon III armchairs in a red and tan striped fabric. Crafted with quality and attention to detail not seen in modern-day furniture, these beautiful large scale ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of French Armchairs in Muslin with Matching Ottoman
Located in Buchanan, NY
This striking trio of French armchairs and an ottoman from the 1920s is the embodiment of timeless elegance. The chairs and ottoman are a testament to fine artistry, with intricately...
Category
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Large French Napoleon III Armchair in White Boucle
Located in Houston, TX
Large French Napoloeon III Armchair upholstered in off-white boucle circa 1865-1884. New brass casters on front legs.
Note: Original/early finish on antique and vintage metal will i...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Brass, Steel
French Pair of Napoleon III toad chairs armchairs seating blue upholstery 19th
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very pretty pair of Napoleon III period (mid XIX th Century) living room armchairs, covered in a beautiful blue fabric. This is not an identical pair but both armchairs are entirely ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Napoleon III painted armchair, 19th c.
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armchair in black lacquered and painted wood with Japanese style decor, Napoleon III period. France, late 19th c.
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of Ebonized French 19th century Napoleon III Armchairs
Located in Charleston, SC
A handsome, very generous size pair of ebonized French 19th century Napoleon III armchairs with richly carved armrests and raised on turned legs with casters on the front legs -and ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Napoleon III Carved Armchairs Newly Upholstered In Leather - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Napoleon III Carved Armchairs Newly Upholstered in Deep-Red Distressed Italian Leather - Pair
Unique antique pair of Napoleon III period armchairs with curly frame a...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Pair of armchairs /Fauteuils
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Hutton-Clarke Antiques is delighted to present a splendid pair of Napoleon III Armchairs, crafted around 1860. These exquisite chairs are tastefully upholstered in a regal shade of p...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Beech
Pair of Scrolled Back Napoleon III Armchairs with Loose Seat Cushions
Located in Buchanan, NY
A very comfortable pair of small scale French Napoleon III armchairs from the late 19th century with loose seat cushions. These chairs are a beautiful example of French style with th...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Pair of French Napoleon III Armchairs in Pink Velvet
Located in Buchanan, NY
A wonderfully proportioned pair of French 19th century Napoleon III armchairs, exuding timeless elegance and sophistication. These stunning chairs are upholstered in vintage pink velvet...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
French Scrolled Back Tufted Napoleon III Armchair
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exceptional French Napoleon III armchair. This 19th century tufted armchair from France is a true masterpiece that reflects the impeccable touch of Classic design styling. With eb...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of French Napoleon III Armchairs with Split Arms
Located in Buchanan, NY
An unusual pair of French Napoleon III armchairs from the late 19th century. The chairs have semi detached arms which bring dimension and style and they are suited to a variety of se...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Sofa and Two Armchairs
Located in Puglia, Puglia
French sofa and two armchairs from the 19th century, Napoleon III period. The whole set has been restored and the upholstery replaced with a beautiful Italian Brocade...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Brocade, Beech
Two Armchairs, Black Wood, Napoléon III Period - 2nd Half of the Nineteenth
Located in LES LILAS, FR
Two Armchairs in Black Wood, Napoléon III Period.
They go with a pretty bench.
Seat in excellent condition
Minor structural damages as you can see on the photos.
They are sold as...
Category
1880s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Bentwood
Antique Armchair Fauteuil Napoleon III Upholstery and Beech French 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Pair of fauteuil armchair French Napoleon III, circa 1880
Antique, late 19th century,
Sound and solid
It can be recovered if you wish but the velvet is clean and in good conditio...
Category
1880s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of French Napoleon III Armchairs with Exposed Ebonized Frames
Located in Buchanan, NY
An extraordinary pair of French Napoleon III armchairs, featuring exposed wooden arms and classic turned legs. These 19th-century chairs captivate with their beautiful wooden spindle arm details, adding sophistication and elegance to any living space. The intricate French design of these regal chairs evokes a sense of grandeur wherever they are placed. These classic French armchairs...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of French Napoleon III Tufted Arm Chairs in Gold Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
A handsome pair of French Napoleon III armchairs from the late 19th century, offering both comfort and style in abundance. Upholstered in a stunning vintage gold fabric...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Classic Napoleon III style armchair or tête-à-tête has been restyled. It is the
perfect conversation piece. This version has turned wooden legs with the traditional Napoleon II...
Category
2010s American Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Napoléon III Low Chairs to Cover
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Napoléon III low chairs
to cover.
Category
1830s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Beech
Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier 'Silver Cast Bronze Legs'
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This classic Napoleon III style armchair or tête-à-tête has been restyled. It is the
perfect conversation piece. We have used white bronze legs and added a modern
touch to the upho...
Category
2010s American Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Napoleon III Folding Armchairs
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A pair of 19th century folding armchairs in carved and blackened wood in the imitation of bamboo with gold palmettes decorations. Reupholstered in red velvet. Napoleon III period. La...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Velvet
Pair of French 19th Century Armchairs with Ebonized Arms
Located in Buchanan, NY
This handsome pair of 19th century French Napoleon III armchairs are unique and one of a kind. The chairs feature 'floating' arms that rest on turned ebonized supports, mirroring the turned legs characteristic of this period. Adding to their distinctiveness, the chair backs have been designed with graceful scrolls. Stripped down to the original muslin, these chairs are ready for a new life with upholstery in a fabric of your choice. They offer an excellent opportunity to add a touch of vintage charm to your living room or library.
With dimensions of 34”H x 27”W x 30”D, and a seat height of 15” and arm height of 23”, these chairs are sold as is. Please note we recommend reupholstering vintage seating. If needed, upholstery services can be requested.
These chairs are part of 145 Antiques' meticulously curated collection of vintage items...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of Napoleon III Style Upholstered Lounge Chairs in Gray Paisley Fabric
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of 21st century Napoleon III style armchairs in the style of Madeleine Castaing. This pair of comfortable and very stylish chairs ar...
Category
2010s Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Napoleon III Carved Giltwood Armchair
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Napoleon III Carved Giltwood Armchair In The Manner of Michel-Victor Cruchet.
This fine fauteuil is richly carved with foliage, shells and 'C'-Scrolls and is upholstered 'a chasis' with floral Beauvais tapestry.
The generous proportions, ornamentation and the modified Louis XV style of this grand fauteuil is in the manner of Michel Victor Cruchet who supplied related chairs to the Duke of Nemours for the Pavillon de Marsan in 1842.
French, circa 1850.
Michel-Victor Cruchet
Michel-Victor Cruchet (1815-1899), was a celebrated sculptor, carver and ornamentalist. Working with the cabinet-makers Ringuet-Leprince, Thuiller and Maigret he was a supplier of the Garde-meuble providing many pieces of furniture to the households of both King Louis-Philippe and Emperor Napoleon III.
Important commissions included audience seating for the Duke of Nemours at the Pavillon de Marsan, in a neo-Louis XV style; Gothic furniture for the Tuileries Palace for Princess...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Tapestry, Giltwood
Pair of French Napoleon III Blue Tufted Armchairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exquisite pair of French Napoleon III tufted armchairs. Upholstered in a stunning vintage blue fabric, these chairs have a serious presence that...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Pair of Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Armchairs
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of 19th century armchairs, Napoleon III period. The armchairs have been restored and the upholstery has been replaced with a beautiful Italian Brocade...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Brocade, Beech
Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Armchair
Located in Puglia, Puglia
19th century armchair, Napoleon III period. The armchair has been restored and the upholstery has been replaced with a beautiful Italian brocade. Franc...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Brocade, Beech
Large French 19th Century Leather Armchair
Located in Buchanan, NY
A large French Napoleon III armchair in brown leather. Add luxurious style and comfort to your home with this classic French 19th century Napoleon III leather...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Antique Pair of Napoleon III circa 1890 Bergere Armchairs & Matching Table
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of original circa 1890 Napoleon III Louis XVI style bergère armchairs with matching occasional table
These chairs come with ...
Category
1890s European Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
Pair of French Napoléon III Curule Armchairs
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of French Napoléon III Curule Armchairs
Moulded, carved, blackened wood, enhanced with gold.
Open-banded back decorated with interlacing, X-bas...
Category
1890s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Trimming
Officer's Armchair, Maison Pardon Paris, 19ème
Located in Catonvielle, FR
Rare officer's armchair signed by Maison Pardon in Paris, France 1820-1830. This armchair, originally used by Napoleon Bonaparte's officers, is made of riveted and welded metal. It h...
Category
1820s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair of French Napoleon III Armchairs in Muslin
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exquisite pair of French 19th century Napoleon III style armchairs that embody the timeless elegance of this iconic era. These chairs are designed with impeccable proportions, fea...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Suite of Three Large Louis XV Style Armchairs in Carved Walnut
Located in BARSAC, FR
Beautiful suite of three large Louis XV style armchairs in carved walnut.
Dossier à la reine.
Very comfortable seats.
French work from the Napoleon III period around 1850.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Antique Armchair Fauteuil Napoleon III Upholstery and Walnut French 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Fauteuil armchair French Napoleon III, circa 1880
Antique, 19th century,
Sound and solid
to be recovered
Very comfortable.
Shipping:
L76 P75 H96 19,3 kg.
Category
1880s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Beech, Upholstery
Pair of Large Napoleon III Armchairs in Gold and Red
Located in Buchanan, NY
A unique and colorful pair of 19th century French Napoleon III armchairs upholstered in a golden yellow patterned fabric and ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Antique French 19th Century Napolean III Armchair and Footstool Bullion Fringe
Located in London, GB
Antique French 19th century Napolean III armchair and footstool Bullion Fringe
Excellent condition.
Chair:
h78/40
w79
d85
Footstool
D43
h42.
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
High Back Napoleon III Arm Chair
Located in Clermont, FL
Napoleon chair with high rolled arm and back. Upholstered on a wooden frame, material is velvet.
Category
Early 19th Century Unknown Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Velvet
Napoleon III Fauteuil and Foot Stool Covered in Blue Band Antique Hemp
Located in Washington, DC
A Napoleon III fauteuil and foot stool covered in blue band antique hemp and castors. Foot stool dimensions: 14" H x 26" W x 32.13" D
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Hemp, Wood
Napoleon Iii armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III armchairs 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 armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III armchairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original armchairs, popular names associated with this style include Bourgeois Boheme Atelier, J.&J. Khon, and Frederic Gustave Quignon. 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 armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $373 and tops out at $42,246 while the average work can sell for $3,800.
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