Skip to main content

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.

to
3
41
30
66
5
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
43
29
5
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
8,541
3,446
1,859
1,267
504
453
375
286
257
253
229
181
172
157
153
116
62
36
57
9
6
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
47
42
20
10
8
60
56
7
6
1
72
67
69
5
1
Style: Napoleon III
French Vintage Velvet & Fringe Bergere Chair
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A vintage 20th century French fauteuil crapaud, early 1900s; these Napoleon III style chairs are affectionately named after their resemblance to a toad. This example has a low profil...
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

French Pair of 19th Century Napoleon III Club Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An inviting pair of French 19th century Napoleon III style armchairs that embody leisure and luxury in one design. Currently upholstered in a dotted velvet of cream and teal, these c...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Textile, Wood

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

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

Two Napoleon III Style Gilt Ebonized Parlor Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Two Napoleon III style gilt ebonized parlor chairs. Larger arm chair: 26" W x 24" D x 40" H, seat height 17", arm height 24" Smaller chair: 18" W x 22" D x 38" H, seat height 17"
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Napoleon III armchairs in the style of Madeleine Castaing, France, XIXe
By Madeleine Castaing
Located in Lyon, FR
Stunning and unique pair of Napoleon III armchairs, in the style of Madeleine Castaing, in green velvet, Maison Etro luxurious fabric, and trimming, passementeries. France, second ha...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Wood

French Napoleon III Armchair with Diamond Tufting
Located in Buchanan, NY
This exceptional French 19th century Napoleon III armchair features diamond tufting and scrolled arms, typical of this period in French design. The graceful curve of the rounded back...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

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

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 commensurate with age. Chair: h78/40 w79 d85 Footstool D43 h42.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

19th CENTURY PAIR OF BERGÈRE ARMCHAIRS
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant pair of Bergère armchairs, made of gilded pine wood and finely carved with mastery. The armchairs are decorated on the structure with wood carvings of geometric, scroll and f...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, 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, Steel, Iron

Vintage Chair Fauteuil Crapaud Toad Chair Napoleon III Style French circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Fauteuil Crapaud French Napoleon III, circa 1960 This little arm chair wil be perfect in a dressing or a bedroom. Atypical form Red skai Shipping: 49 / 45 / 72 cm 6.4 kg.  
Category

1960s French Vintage Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Faux Leather

Pair of 19th C French Small Scale Napoleon III Armchairs with Diamond Tufting
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant pair of French 19th century small scale Napoleon III style armchairs with gracefully flared arms, classically rounded backs with diamond tufting and delicately turned legs. These French Napoleon III small scale armchairs...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

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

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

Pair of Small Scale French Napoleon III Armchairs with Diamond Tufting
Located in Buchanan, NY
gently curved backs with diamond tufting. These lovely small scale French Napoleon III armchairs feature lovely turned legs, and gracefully curved arms. The classic “chapeau de gend...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Antique French 19th Napoleon III Toad Armchair In Velvet
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
The armchair is extremely comfortable, thanks to its wide armrests, its enveloping backrest and its wide seat. The perfect armchair for a reading corner where you won't want to give ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

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

pair of Napoleon III armchairs, restored
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
pair of Napoleon III armchairs, restored a bench seat is offered in another ad
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Wood

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. We have used white bronze legs and added a modern touch to the uphols...
Category

2010s American Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century Tufted Armchair Lounge Chair, 16” Seat Height
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
French-style tufted armchair blends classic elegance with thoughtful proportions designed for space-conscious interiors ; generous 36-inch width, provides a welcoming and comfortabl...
Category

20th Century American Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Polyester

Pair of French Small Scale Napoleon III Armchairs with Diamond Tufting
Located in Buchanan, NY
A magnificent pair of small scale French 19th century Napoleon III style A classic pair of small scale French 19th century Napoleon III style armchairs with elegantly scrolled arms, ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of Small Scale French Napoleon III Armchairs with Diamond Tufting
Located in Buchanan, NY
A magnificent pair of small scale French 19th century Napoleon III style armchairs with elegantly scrolled backs and arms with diamond tufting. These small scale French 19th century...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Adjustable Napoleon III Campaign Chair, France, circa 1880s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very fine iron Campaign-style armchair with adjustable positions, from upright to horizontal. Raised on casters. Newly upholstered with vintage fabric. Dimensions provided below ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

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

Antique French 19th Napoleon III Armchair & Ottoman
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
The armchair is extremely comfortable, thanks to its wide armrests, its large backrest and its wide seat. The perfect armchair for a reading corner where you won't want to give up yo...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

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

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

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

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 French Upholstered Armchairs in Red Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
A striking pair of 19th century French Napoleon III armchairs. Skillfully crafted and luxuriously upholstered in a vivid red ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

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

1880s French Napoleon III Green Velvet Reading Chair
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exceptional French 19th century Napoleon III reading chair. This unique chair is upholstered in an elegant green-gold velvet, featuring intricate braided detailing, and elaborate ...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

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 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

Important French Consulat Mahogany and Bronze Mounted Armchair
Located in Queens, NY
French Consulat / Empire Mahogany and Bronze Mounted Armchair having a splayed leg design ending with claw feet and upholstered in brown leather
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

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, Steel, Iron

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

Pair 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Armchairs with Leather & Bronze Mounts
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 19th century French Empire Mahogany armchairs with leather & bronze mounts are ideal for the Conference Room, an office environment, a large game table...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Armchair, Circa 1875-1885
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Armchair, Circa 1875-1885.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Ormolu

Hollywood Regency Style Rope & Tassel Chair with Matching Ottoman in Blue Velvet
Located in New York, NY
Rope and tassel chair with matching ottoman in blue velvet. The chair has a carved wood rope style frame with beautiful, newly upholstered, velvet upholstery. Chair measures: 27.5 W...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, 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 Clarence Chairs by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Clarence Chair by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier is a timeless piece inspired by the classic Napoleon III design. These side chairs are made to order, allowing customers to provide the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Linen

Antique Napoleon III Style Toilet Chair, Chaise Percée or Commode, Throne
Located in Madrid, ES
A fun and decorative curiosity, this late 19th century French Napoleon III (nephew of Bonaparte I) or Second Empire style "throne" is a fine example of elegant furniture making meeting functional necessity. Known as a "Chaise...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Napoleon III Period Armchair, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon III period armchair, 19th century. Napoleon III period armchair, 19th century, to reupholster, fabric stained, need to be reupholstered. H: 80cm, L: 88cm, D: 70cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Fine Pair of 19th Century French Gilded and Painted Childrens Salon Chairs
Located in Folkestone, GB
A very fine pair of 19th Century French child's armchairs in the Napoleon X style. With square backs inset with oval upholstered panela above swept arms, supported on vase shaped spi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paint

Armchairs, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century, Upholstered in Green and Gold.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Armchairs, bergères, Napoleon III period, 19th century, upholstered in green and gold. Armchairs, upholstered in green and gold, Napoleon III period, 19th century. H: 80cm, W: 68cm,...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

19th Century French Napoleon III Leather Reclining Armchair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic 19th century French Napoleon III period leather reclining armchair or lounge chair. Features a mahogany frame covered with rich, d...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Metal

French 19th Century Pair of Armchairs
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Those wonderful large armchairs are richly carved and have been refinished. The fabric is cream velvet.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

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

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

Napoleon III Armchair, France Second Half of the 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
A Napoleon III armchair on s-shaped legs with a curved frame. The high, rounded backrest as well as the seat and armrests are upholstered. The golden patinated frame is decorated wit...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Giltwood

Pair of Napoléon III 1850s Painted and Upholstered Armchairs with Carved Flowers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Napoléon III period painted wood armchairs from the mid 19th century, with carved floral and foliage décor. Created in France at the beginning of Emperor Napoléon III's reign, each of this pair of fauteuils features a slightly slanted back, adorned with carved flowers and foliage on the crest. Two open arms with splaying extremities rest on a seat measuring 28" W x 21" D x 15" H. The seat, back and arms' upper section have been reupholstered with a neutral toned fabric complimenting the lines beautifully. Each fauteuil is raised on four cabriole legs decorated with flowers on the knees, and connected to one another through a curving apron, carved in the front. Painted in a soft color, this pair of Napoléon III French armchairs...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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

19th Century French Faux Rosewood Voltaire Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
A 19th century French Voltaire Armchair with a faux rosewood painted finish. This imposing lounge chair has a wide well-sprung seat pad sitting on pl...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

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

French Napoleon III Marquise Chair in Tropics "Leopard' Fabric
Located in Hastings, GB
Beautiful antique French Napoleon III marquise chair This extremely rare 19th century antique French Napoleon III marquise chair, also affectionately...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Cotton, Wood

Set of Four Painted and Gilt Napoleon III Fauteuils
Located in Washington, DC
A set of four painted and gilt napoleon III fauteuils, seat and back are reconditioned and covered with new cotton and silk fabric. Wonderful pat...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Pair of Napoleon III Carved and Paint Decorated Fauteuils
Located in Bridgeport, CT
In cream paint with a shaped crest rail with leafy finials, reeded arms with acanthus leaves and raised on tapering cylindrical reeded legs with floral tops. In a striped pink floral...
Category

19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Wood

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

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.

Recently Viewed

View All