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.
$9,600 / set
Pair of Napoleon III Giltwood Slipper Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
A striking pair of Napoleon III giltwood chairs on casters, newly upholstered in a woven block chain velvet, chocolate leather trim, nailhead detail, and a lofty down seat cushion. F...
Giltwood
1940s, Pair of Swedish Napoleon III-style Club / Armchairs
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Pair of 1940s Swedish Napoleon III–style armchairs, upholstered in rich brick-red (brique) velvet jacquard fabric. These elegant lounge chairs feature a beautifully sculpted backrest...
Velvet, Beech
$1,847 / item
1940s, Swedish Napoleon III–style Club / Armchair
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1940s Swedish Napoleon III–style armchair, upholstered in rich brick-red (brique) velvet jacquard fabric. This elegant lounge chair feature a beautifully sculpted backrest with deep ...
Velvet, Beech
Napoleon III Style Slipper Chair
Located in Sheffield, MA
The slipper chair reflects the Napoleon III style of the mid-19th century with gold brocade fabric with deep cushion affect and exuberant fringe. Fr...
Fabric
$1,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
1860S French Fireside Chair and Matching Footstool
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A pretty Napoleon III fireside slipper chair, with deep-buttoned back rest, luxurious yellow velvet upholstery and a plush sprung seat. Dating f...
Wood, Velvet
Large French Late Napoléon III Slipper Chair/Chauffeuse, Circa 1880
Located in London, GB
A remarkably generous French transitional Napoleon III to Belle Époque period chauffeuse, circa 1880. This piece is distinguished by its uncommonly grand proportions and a deep, comf...
Brass
French Napoleon III Style Slipper Chair
Located in Buchanan, NY
An outstanding large scale French 1920s Napoleon III style slipper chair. This slipper chair is truly magnificent. It is upholstered ...
Fabric
19th Century Button-Tufted Slipper Chair with Turned Beech Legs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant slipper chair dates from the 19th century and reflects the refined taste of Napoleon III seating furniture. The chair features a generously cushioned seat and a graceful...
Velvet, Beech
$5,200 / set
Pair of Napoleon Style Slipper Chairs
Located in East Hampton, NY
Pair of Louis style, Napoleonic slipper chairs newly upholstered midnight blue linen with coordinated bullion fringe.
Linen, Wood
19th Century French Giltwood Slipper Chair in Old Rose Velvet
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A charming and highly decorative French slipper chair dating from the 19th-century, distinguished by its elegant giltwood frame and wonderfully warm old rose velvet upholstery. The c...
Velvet, Giltwood
$4,197Sale Price|40% Off
Pair of Napoleon III sliper chairs with original 1850 Jacquard upholstery.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Napoleon III sliper chairs with original 1850. The original Jacquard tapestry fabric depicts a pastoral scene featuring a couple from the 18th century. The man is dressed in ...
Jacquard, Ebony, Fabric, Mahogany
Pair of Steltman chairs after Gerrit Rietveld
Located in London, GB
Gerrit Rietveld (1888–1964) was a key figure in the De Stijl movement, known for his radical use of geometry, line, and primary colour. A trained cabinetmaker, he brought a sculptura...
Pine
$10,201 / set
H 27.96 in W 24.41 in D 25.99 in
Pair of Rare 1940s Danish Lounge Slipper Chairs in Green Patinated Leather
By Viggo Boesen
Located in London, London
A striking and rare pair of Danish lounge chairs dating from the 1940s, embodying the sculptural elegance and exceptional craftsmanship of the period. The chairs feature a distinctiv...
Leather, Beech
French Napoleon III Style Slipper Chair
Located in Buchanan, NY
An outstanding large scale French 1920s Napoleon III style slipper chair. This slipper chair is truly magnificent. It is upholstered ...
Fabric
$2,495
H 31.25 in W 23 in D 25 in
Swedish Rococo Revival Victorian Slipper “Emma” Chair c. 1880 - Fully Restored
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fully restored antique Swedish Rococo “Emmastol” (Emma Chair), a classic piece of 19th-century Swedish furniture design in the Rococo Revival Style (Swedish counterpart to Victorian)...
Fabric, Upholstery, Birch, Mahogany
$10,484 / set
H 23.63 in W 22.84 in D 29.53 in
Pair of pine slipper Chairs, René Martin, Méribel, France circa 1955.
By René Martin, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Pair of " Chalet" slipper chairs. Pinewood structure with slatted back, holding 2 cushions. Designed by René Martin, this low chair follow the work of Charlotte Perriand in the Alps...
Pine, Fabric
$5,400 / set
H 31 in W 21 in D 28 in
Pair of Napoleon III Slipper Chairs, 1830s, France, Newly Reupholstered Fabric
Located in New York, NY
We love the elegant simplicity of this pair of antique Napoleon III slipper chairs, discovered in the South of France and newly upholstered LaRue Stripe fabric in midnight. With high...
Upholstery
$3,570
H 29.5 in W 21 in D 17 in
French Louis XIV Style Walnut and Upholstered Fireside Chair, mid 19th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
designed specifically to be low to the ground but with ample seat and comfort level it was used to warm oneself at the hearth of a fireplace, the open back with turned finials with a...
Walnut
Antique French Louis XV Style Slipper Chair, Late 19th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very sweet Louis XV style French slipper chair newly upholstered in white fabric with blue silk back & welting. Sumptuous down seat cushion.
Wood, Paint
On Hold|$16,500 / set
H 25.5 in W 28 in D 30 in
Danish Designer, Slipper Chairs, Beech, Mohair, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of green mohair and beech lounge chairs or slipper chairs designed and produced by an unknown cabinetmaker, Denmark, c. 1940s. Seat height: 15"
Mohair, Beech
Pair Of Antique Provincial French Slipper Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine pair of Custom upholstered Slipper Chairs having a Blue and White Stripe fabric with nail head trim. The black and green painted frames with Cabriole legs, shaped Stretcher an...
Fabric, Wood
Antique French Louis XV Style Painted and Giltwood Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Antique French Louis XV style painted and giltwood chair. Chic French Louis XV style painted and gilt wood side chair, slipper chair, chauffeuse ...
Fabric, Wood
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Slipper Chairs, Pair
Located in North Miami, FL
Classic pair of slipper chairs designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, circa 1954. The frames are walnut and the chairs have a wonderful button tufted soft blue leather upholstery. To di...
Leather, Walnut
French Napoleon III Walnut Armchair, C. 1870.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An elegant French Napoleon III armchair dating to circa 1870, crafted in richly figured walnut and upholstered in a decorative fabric accented with fringe trim. The chair displays th...
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of floral Napoleon III slipper chairs with fringes
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
This pair of floral Napoleon III slipper chairs with fringes is a stylish addition that fits any modern interior while adding a touch of vint...
Upholstery, Wood
Napoleon III slipper chair, 19th century
Located in MILL, NL
Napoleon III slipper chair 19th century, slipper chair / chair. Ready for reupholstering. Sturdy and solid. Stands on elegant black legs with brass castors. Dimensions: 50W x 80H x...
Textile, Wood
Napoleon III Style Slipper Chairs, Associated Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Associated Pair of Napoleon III Style Upholstered Slipper Chairs, tan velvet with braided fringe, smaller with front legs on casters. Larger: 30" H x 21" W x 21" D; seat: 15" H. Pr...
Upholstery, Velvet
Pair of Antique Napoleon III Fireside Chairs on Casters
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant and inviting, this exceptional pair of antique French fireside chairs reflects the timeless sophistication of the Napoleon III era (Seco...
Upholstery, Wood
Napoleon III Slipper Chair
Located in Chireno, TX
Napoleon III slipper chair, circa 1860-1879. Newly covered in white linen with kick pleat skirt. Hand-carved and turned legs raised upon casters.
Metal, Brass, Steel
Sold
H 32 in W 23 in D 25 in
Antique French Napoleon III Style Slipper Chairs W/ Chinoiserie Silk - A Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
A magnificent pair of late 19th-century Napoleon III-style slipper bedroom chairs, sourced from Provence, France. Expertly handcrafted with solid wood frames, they feature a classic "his and hers" design with thoughtfully proportioned dimensions. Structurally revised for stability, the chairs retain their original, exquisite Chinoiserie silk fabric...
Silk, Maple
Sold
H 32.25 in W 22 in D 27.5 in
Antique French Napoleon III Style Slipper Chairs W/ Green Burnout Velvet- A Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite pair of late 19th-century French Napoleon III-style slipper bedroom chairs, sourced from Provence, France. Expertly handcrafted with solid wood frames and elegantly curv...
Velvet, Maple
19th C. French Napoleon III Slipper Chair in Green Velvet
Located in Buchanan, NY
This graceful French 19th century slipper chair features a scrolled back and captivating light green velvet upholstery. Its timeless Napoleon III design blends seamlessly with a wide...
Upholstery
French 19th Century Slipper Chair
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant French Napoleon III slipper chair is upholstered in a plush floral patterned gold velvet with tassel adornments and matching bullion fringe. The beautifully curved back...
Upholstery
Sold
H 28.5 in W 21.5 in D 19.5 in
Pair of Napoleon III Slipper Chairs, 1830s, France, Reupholstered in Schumacher
Located in New York, NY
We love the elegant simplicity of this pair of antique Napoleon III slipper chairs, discovered in the South of France and newly upholstered in Schumacher's Auguste Stripe fabric. Wit...
Linen
French Napoleon III Slipper Chair in Floral Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
A stunning French Napoleon III slipper chair. This slipper chair is a truly unique piece, with its vintage floral fabric and bullion...
Fabric