Napoleon III / Second Empire Metal Frame Crapaud c1850-65
Located in London, GB
This Napoleon III metal frame Crapaud with fluted / scalloped back panels and rounded for on the front was indicative of an elected style between the 1850's & 60's. The back oft...
Burlap, Cotton, Calico, Natural Fiber, Beech
A Set of Four Mahogany And Gilt-Bronze Second Empire Style Salon Chairs in the M
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Set of Four Mahogany And Gilt-Bronze Second Empire Salon Chairs in the Manner of Jacob-Desmalter.
Ormolu
French Napoleon III Boudoir Chair, C. 1860
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed for the intimate sitting rooms and private chambers of the Second Empire period, the chair embodies the refined comfort and decorative sophistication that characterized Fren...
Upholstery, Wood, Ebony
Set of Eight French Napoléon III Dining Chairs, Mahogany & Cane
Located in Astoria, NY
The turned and stop-fluted front legs taper to baluster-form feet, while the rear legs are gently splayed for stability — a classic Second Empire profile. Each chair has been structu...
Cane, Mahogany
$3,680Sale Price|20% Off
Unusual American Empire Mahogany Armchair
Located in Hanover, MA
Saturday Sale until 31 July 2024 Mid-late 19th century (Second Period) American Empire chair, stripped, tightened and finish restored and polished, ready for your upholsterer's work...
Mahogany
French 1870 Pair of Empire Candle Holders Lamps Ormolu with Gray Dotted Granite
Located in Miami, FL
Comfort was the first priority of Second Empire furniture. Chairs were elaborately upholstered with fringes, tassels, and expensive fabrics.
Granite, Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Napoleon III Square Back Armchair with Matching Footstool
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant 19th century French Napoleon III armchair accompanied by its matching footstool, presenting a sophisticated silhouette characteristic of the Second Empire period. The chair f...
Wood
Unavailable
H 36.42 in W 12.41 in D 17.33 in
Pair of 19th Century French Second Empire Side Chairs with Original Paintwork
Located in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Empirical Evidence: Absolutely charming pair of French chairs in their original off-white and blue paintwork. Recently re-upholstered in a linen mix, each seat features an elegant la...
Fruitwood
Unavailable
H 33.47 in W 18.51 in D 17.33 in
Set of six 19th Century Napoleon III Walnut Gondola Chairs Restored
Located in Toledo, Castilla La Mancha
Set of French gondola chairs empire, second half of 19th century. Walnut, restored.
Walnut
Unavailable
H 29.53 in W 18.12 in D 18.12 in
Set of 6 French Rosewood Antique Balloon-Back Side Chairs with Cabriole Legs
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Tonbridge, Kent
A set of six Fine French Rosewood Antique side chairs, dating from the mid to late 19th century (1850-1880), during the Second Empire period.
Velvet, Rosewood
Pair of Second Empire Side Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of late 19th century French mahogany hall chairs with wonderful quality gilt bronze mounts.
Sold
H 41.5 in W 25 in D 21.5 in
Six Antique Second American Empire Carved Flame Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique set of 6 second American Empire Grecian dining chairs offer flame mahogany construction with urn form slat back having scroll and foliate elements surmounting upholstered ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 32.68 in W 20.08 in D 19.89 in
Antique French Sleigh Back Second Empire circa 1852 Mahogany Chairs Period Pair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of period Second Empire Sleigh back circa 1852 French mahogany chairs with gold ormolu Lion legs and original upholstery A really...
Metal
19th Century Second Empire Mahogany Tub Arm Desk Chair
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful antique French mahogany second empire "fauteuil du bureau", desk chair, circa 1850 in date.
Leather, Mahogany
Set of Six, 19th Century, French Empire Gondola Chairs
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique and beautiful set of six very rare second Empire gondola dining chairs with a stunning patina of several layers of old paint.
Set of Six, 19th Century, French Empire Gondola Chairs
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful set of six rare second Empire gondola dining chairs with a stunning patina of paint of later date.
Wood
19th Century Pair Second Empire Mahogany Tub Arm Desk Chair
Located in London, GB
This is a fabulous pair of antique French Second Empire mahogany and ormolu mounted armchairs, circa 1880 in date.
Ormolu
Regal Pair of Russian Second Empire Mahogany&Parcel Gilt Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
A handsome and regal pair of Russian second empire mahogany and parcel-gilt armchairs; each with flame mahogany back splat flanked by gently sloping arms with lively scrolled termina...
Pair of French Napoleon III Slipper Chairs, C. 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The chairs rest on turned wood front legs and square tapering raking back legs, reflecting the refined craftsmanship and comfort-driven design of the Second Empire.
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of 19th Century Empire Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of 19th century Empire mahogany armchairs A fine pair of Second Empire French tub or salon chairs.
Mahogany
19th Century Second Empire Walnut Chair with Original Bronze Ormolu
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully restored gilt bronze-mounted walnut chair, Second Empire period (Napoleon III). Newly upholstered in a modern animal print.
Bronze
Sold
H 35.04 in W 16.93 in D 15.95 in
Pair of French Giltwood and Cane Lyre Back Chairs, Second Empire Period
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very pretty pair of lyre back gilt and cane occasional or bedroom chairs, dating from around 1880. These very ornate chairs feature elaborate carved upright backs, with a detailed ...
Cane, Giltwood
Empire Style French "Gondola" Chair Dedar Fabric
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Very successful model and offered in a variety of designs and invoices. This chair of great comfort and innovative form was also offered after the decline of the Empire, in the Resto...
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 39.38 in W 38.19 in D 25.99 in
C.1860 Louis XVI Revival French Marquise Chair (Wide Bergere), Second Empire
Located in London, Park Royal
A finely carved French marquise (wide bergère) from the Second Empire period (c.1860), reflecting the Louis XVI revival style that reimagined the neoclassical elegance of the late 18...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 35.75 in W 18.5 in D 18.5 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Upholstered Dining Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Forney, TX
A rare set of four period Napoleon III Second Empire dining chairs, hand-crafted of solid fruitwood in France in the third quarter of the 19th century.
Upholstery, Fruitwood
Pair of French Empire Mahogany Armchairs Attributed to Jacob Desmalter
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
The chairs are upholstered in a documented Empire design fabric produced by the major textile house of Lelievre in Paris.
Mahogany
Pair of Mid Century Second Empire Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Distinctive Curved Wooden Framed Chairs. Sloping exagerated circle arms and faux leather pecan colored seats.
A Pair of Second Empire Fauteuil-Gondole, France
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of second empire chairs with exquisitely carved gilded swans on sabre legs.
Giltwood
Pair of diminutive Empire arm chairs
Located in Boston, MA
Pair of diminutive Second Empire arm chairs with dolphin carved arms.
Wood
Exceptional Pair of Rosewood "Berenger" Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Late 19C pair of Brazilian Second Empire poltronas (chairs) in very fine Jacarandá (Brazilian Rosewood) with replacement hand caning.
Rosewood
Sold
H 37.25 in W 30 in D 30.5 in
Second Empire Walnut Louis XV Style Bergere Chair, France, circa 1890
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large and well carved Louis XV style Bergere in walnut with an old chenille coral upholstery trimmed in brass nail heads. This chair was made during the Second Empire period France...
Fabric, Wood
A Pair of Swedish Painted Framed Klismos Chairs ca 1900
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Swedish Second Period Empire Painted Framed Klismos Chairs ca.1860 Reupholstered by Talisman
Sold
H 32 in W 23 in D 20 in
French Napoleonic Style, Second Empire Ebonised Gondola Chairs, circa 1870
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
This is a charming and beautifully proportioned pair of French Napoleonic style second Empire late 19th century ebonised open-arm gondola chairs, featuring lovely carved dolphin deco...
Fabric, Wood
$4,900 / item
H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Linen, Velvet
$9,320
H 64.97 in W 56.7 in D 32.68 in
Impressive Louis XV Desk/Reception Table, After F. Linke, Paris
Located in Berlin, DE
Impressive Louis XV desk/reception table, after F. Linke, Paris Solid beech wood and veneered. Multiple curved and cambered body with fine inlay work. Free standing desk/reception...
Brass, Bronze
$845,000
H 101 in W 56 in D 20 in
Palatial Louis XVI Style Ormolu Mounted Kingwood and Vernis Martin Style Vitrine
By Paul Sormani
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A superb quality palatial French Louis XVI style ormolu mounted, satinwood, kingwood parquetry and Vernis Martin style paneling three-door raised Vitrine Display Cabinet attributed t...
Bronze
Alma Upholstered Accent Chair in Faux Mohair Velvet
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Introducing the Alma Accent Chair – a timeless piece crafted for comfort and style. Upholstered in a faux mohair style velvet, the color is our french havane, a warm honey, caramel t...
Metal
Pair French Bronze Candelabras Maiden Regency Classical Gilt
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing a gorgeous pair of French gilt and bronze candelabras in the Regency manner Great look to this pair which at just under three feet tall are a good size - 73 CM The ma...
Bronze
$187,500
H 102 in W 84.5 in D 22.5 in
Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet
Located in Houston, TX
Large-scale 19th century English display cabinet executed in the Chinoiserie tradition. Constructed in carved mahogany and conceived as a tripartite architectural façade, each glazed...
Glass, Mahogany
$4,872Sale Price|25% Off
H 49.22 in W 77.56 in D 33.86 in
Restoration Period Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Sofa Bed, 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Restoration period mahogany veneered boat-shaped bed with a slightly overturned bedside. The front is soberly dressed with an ormolu plaque with scrolls and flowers framing a female ...
Bronze
$651,300
H 20 in W 31 in D 18 in
Important, Rare French Ormolu Sevres Style Porcelain Jewelry Box on Bronze Table
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A rare and important French ormolu/bronze and Sevres style turquoise porcelain jewelry box casket on matching French ormolu/bronze table with Sevres style porcelain plaques. Of pala...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
$17,719
H 59.06 in W 37.41 in D 19.69 in
Rare Italian Liberty Style/Art Nouveau Commode with Painted Wood Inlays
Located in Milano, IT
Rare commode in the style of Louis Majorelle with front and sides inlaid in painted wood. Two doors on the front that hide a cabinet with open compartments and small drawers in light...
Wood
$75,000
H 53 in W 63 in D 22 in
Rare and Palatial Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze-Mounted Marquetry Cabinet
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Rare and Palatial Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Louis XVI Style Marquetry and Parquetry Cabinet A heavy marble top above a bronze frieze with three paneled doors decorated...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
19th century French empire mahogany and ormolu cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality French empire revival mahogany cabinet circa 1890. Generous proportions and as with all furniture of this scale and period it was built to come apart. Central glazed d...
Ormolu
Large Empire period boat bed and canopy
Located in Paris, FR
Large boat bed in solid flamed mahogany, mahogany veneer, richly decorated with finely chased and gilded bronzes, from the Empire period. Four baluster jambs, adorned with fleurons, ...
Bronze
$89,752
H 50.01 in W 72.45 in D 94.89 in
Louis-Philippe Gilt Composition King Size Bed After Jacob-Desmalter, circa 1850
By François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Majestic Louis-Philippe Giltwood and Gilt Composition King Size Bed, after a model by Francois-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter, the outwardly curved headboard flanked by two open-wi...
Giltwood
$98,500
H 51.5 in W 55 in D 16.5 in
French 19th Century Napoleon III Period Boulle Cabinet À Hauteur D’Appui
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and extremely high quality French 19th Century Napoleon III Period ebony, brass and ormolu Cabinet à Hauteur d'Appui, attributed to Befort Jeune. The Boulle cabinet is ...
Brass, Ormolu
Liceu de Artes e Ofícios. 19th Century Daybed
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This recamier/daybed was conceived and executed with utmost quality and expertise, showing a style that incorporates many influences from the eigtheenth and ninetheenth century. Made...
Wood
$621,363
H 60 in W 43.5 in D 18 in
Rare French Marquetry and Gilt Bronze Secretaire with Architecture Scenes
Located in London, GB
A Truly Magnificent 19th century Secre´taire a` Abattant by Maison Rogie´ of Paris After the original in the Wallace Collection, London, made in 1777 by Pierre-Antoine Foullet Con...
Carrara Marble, Bronze
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
Andrianna Shamaris has filled her epic new home with pieces of her own design.
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.