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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
19th Century French Napoleon III Armchairs W/ Buttercream Ochre Velvet - A Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
A refined pair of 19th-century French Napoleon III crapaud armchairs, sourced in Provence, France. Handcrafted with solid frames, each chair embodies the classic “his and hers” silho...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Hardwood, Paint

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

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

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

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

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

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

A French Napoleon III Lounge Chair, C. 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant lounge chair featuring a tufted button-back upholstery, rounded crest, and slightly flaring arms. Supported on turned feet, this piece exemplifies the refined comfort and dec...
Category

Mid-19th Century 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, Steel, Iron

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Small Armchair Designed as a Dog Bed
Small Armchair Designed as a Dog Bed
$1,248 Sale Price
48% Off
Large Armchair in the Henry II Style, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large armchair in the Henry II style, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Large armchair in the Henry II style, 19th century, Napoleon III period. H: 100cm, W: 67cm, D: 60cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Wood

French Leather Chair
Located in Kingsbridge, GB
French Leather Chair from the 19th century. Excellent condition and very comfortable. Very rare chair in leather.
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Leather

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

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 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

French Napoleon III Style Crapaud Armchairs in Golden Yellow Velvet - A Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant pair of French mid-20th century Napoleon III style crapaud armchairs, sourced in Provence, France. The chairs present the enveloping silhouette typical of the style, with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Hardwood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 Antique pair of Napoleon III period armchairs with curly frame and armr...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

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 Napoleon III Style Carved And Pair Decorated Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Ca. earlier 20th c. Elaborately carved frames in Pistachio Green paint overall. The carved leaf and berry crest rails with shaped leafy finials. Ribbon twists on the outer frames and...
Category

20th Century Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Other

A French Napoleon III Lounge Chair, C. 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant lounge chair featuring a tufted button-back upholstery, rounded crest, and slightly flaring arms. Supported on turned feet, this piece exemplifies the refined comfort and dec...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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

AMAZING PAIR OF LARGE ARMCHAIRS French, 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF LARGE ARMCHAIRS French, 19th century, carved and gilded wood. Velvet seats and backs. Dimensions: 129 x 74 x 66 cm Good condition
Category

Mid-20th Century French Napoleon III Armchairs

Materials

Wood

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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