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Napoleon III Benches

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 Walnut Daybed or Bench
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive 19th century walnut daybed or bench seat made in the grand French Napoleon III period. The walnut frame features large round padd...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut Daybed or Bench
19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut Daybed or Bench

19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut Daybed or Bench

$8,500
19th Century French Long Window Seat
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak long window seat from France. The seat is made from a single board. The apron is also hand carved in a nulling pattern and the bench is supported on hand turned legs...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Long Window Seat
19th Century French Long Window Seat

19th Century French Long Window Seat

$3,695
French Napoleon III Style Gilt Wood Knot Base Ottoman
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fantastic and very decorative French Pouf Ottoman with an intricate Gilt Wood Knotted Rope base. With good size and a high Cushion custom upholstered in a William Morris type Leaf ...
Category

20th Century Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

French Napoleon III Style Gilt Wood Knot Base Ottoman
French Napoleon III Style Gilt Wood Knot Base Ottoman

French Napoleon III Style Gilt Wood Knot Base Ottoman

$2,295
French 19th Century Bench
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This Charming long bench is covered with a beige color fabric with dark mahogany feet.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Mahogany

French 19th Century Bench
French 19th Century Bench

French 19th Century Bench

$2,100
Napoleanic French Carved Walnut Louis XV Style Window Boudoir Bench Circa 1920
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Napoleonic French carved walnut Louis XV style boudoir bench from circa 1920 is a timeless piece that embodies elegance, craftsmanship, and refined decorative appeal. Beautifull...
Category

1920s French Vintage Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Walnut

Napoleanic French Carved Walnut Louis XV Style Window Boudoir Bench Circa 1920
Napoleanic French Carved Walnut Louis XV Style Window Boudoir Bench Circa 1920

Napoleanic French Carved Walnut Louis XV Style Window Boudoir Bench Circa 1920

$2,295
20th Century Napoleon III Style Lacquered Rope Twist Upholstered Tabouret
Located in Dallas, TX
Napoleon III style stool or ottoman with twisted rope design after the model by A.M.E. Fournier, circa 20th century. Lacquered, the piece has a fabric circular seat on rope-twist molded seat-rails on knotted rope legs...
Category

20th Century Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

20th Century Napoleon III Style Lacquered Rope Twist Upholstered Tabouret
20th Century Napoleon III Style Lacquered Rope Twist Upholstered Tabouret

20th Century Napoleon III Style Lacquered Rope Twist Upholstered Tabouret

$5,350
19th Century French Window Seat
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak window seat from France with an exquisitely hand carved back, depicting a central carved face surrounded by acanthus leaves. The arms are hand turned and are attache...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Window Seat
19th Century French Window Seat

19th Century French Window Seat

$2,975
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Walnut Hall Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Napoleon III Period walnut hall bench is the ideal choice to greet your visitors and guests in style! Designed to provide a comfy waiting area for friends and cal...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Walnut

19th Century French Napoleon III Period Walnut Hall Bench
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Walnut Hall Bench

19th Century French Napoleon III Period Walnut Hall Bench

$3,400
Napoleon III chest bench in walnut, France, circa 1860
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Walnut chest bench, Napoleon III circa 1860. Good condition. Dimensions: height 102 cm width 135 cm depth 45 cm Seat dimensions: height 41 cm, width 111 cm, depth 35 cm
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Napoleon III chest bench in walnut, France, circa 1860
Napoleon III chest bench in walnut, France, circa 1860

Napoleon III chest bench in walnut, France, circa 1860

$1,605 Sale Price
25% Off
Related Items
Napoleon III chest bench in walnut, France, circa 1860
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Walnut chest bench, Napoleon III circa 1860. Good condition. Dimensions: height 102 cm width 135 cm depth 45 cm Seat dimensions: height 41 cm, width 111 cm, depth 35 cm
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Napoleon III chest bench in walnut, France, circa 1860
Napoleon III chest bench in walnut, France, circa 1860

Napoleon III chest bench in walnut, France, circa 1860

$1,605 Sale Price
25% Off
H 40.16 in W 53.15 in D 17.72 in
Pair of Midcentury Gilt Iron Ottomans
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of midcentury gilt iron ottomans. This beautiful pair of gilt ottomans, benches or stools with a knot design were taken down to the frame a...
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Iron, Metal

Pair of Midcentury Gilt Iron Ottomans
Pair of Midcentury Gilt Iron Ottomans

Pair of Midcentury Gilt Iron Ottomans

$3,650 / set
H 16 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in
Napoleon III Walnut Alcove or Daybed Sofa
Located in Hudson, NY
This daybed or sofa was made originally in France circa 1870 in the Napoleon III style and is constructed of walnut and burled walnut veneers used to dramatically show off the wood selection and grain patterns. Large profiles and massive flat or concave and convex long grained area of regular walnut have been used to border complex very figured areas of veneered burl walnut Boldly scaled and very masculine the original rail on one side has been removed and a permanent rail with a notched upper area in the head and foot boards to accommodate an upholstered wooden back which was clearly just screwed in in the past allowing for the use as a sofa in a guest room also used as a sitting room. The head and foot boards are finished on both side so its clear that it was always meant to be seen form an alcove bed...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Burl

Napoleon III Walnut Alcove or Daybed Sofa
Napoleon III Walnut Alcove or Daybed Sofa

Napoleon III Walnut Alcove or Daybed Sofa

$3,000
H 45.5 in W 82.5 in D 37 in
19th Century Bench
Located in New York, NY
Early 19th century Chinese bench. A special black lacquered antique Elm wood bench circa 1800. A waisted (refers to specific Chinese furniture construction & joinery) raised top set on frame with hump back stretchers and struts. A most sensational patina of black lacquer worn through to the wood showcases the benches elegant presence and raw beauty. This is an original piece with a 200 plus year history. The raw top is worn silk like smooth from age and use. The reaming black lacquer is thick having an alligatored rustic patina. The construction is solid and strong. Feet having scroll key detail carved to faces with wear prevalent to the bottom of the feet. The humpback struts show ware from one side being more evident then on the other side, more lacquer remains covering one strut. A very significant Antique Chinese Bench...
Category

Early 1800s Chinese Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Elm

19th Century Bench
19th Century Bench

19th Century Bench

$4,800
H 19.5 in W 62.5 in D 12 in
Antique French Louis XV Walnut Bench circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Walnut Bench circa 1880
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Louis XV Walnut Bench circa 1880
Antique French Louis XV Walnut Bench circa 1880

Antique French Louis XV Walnut Bench circa 1880

$1,190
H 20 in W 25.5 in D 16 in
Pair Regency Style Black Steel Upholstered X-Stools, 1970's
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Regency style steel stools with X-form bases. The steel with a blackened textured finish. Upholstered in light brown faux leather. Quite comfortable and very sturdy, a moder...
Category

Late 20th Century American Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Steel

Pair Regency Style Black Steel Upholstered X-Stools, 1970's
Pair Regency Style Black Steel Upholstered X-Stools, 1970's

Pair Regency Style Black Steel Upholstered X-Stools, 1970's

$1,800
H 19 in W 24 in D 15 in
19th Century French Louis XV Period Carved Walnut Daybed
Located in Miami, FL
Magnificent 18th century French Louis XV period daybed. The bed needs a reupholstered , we can do it with the color velvet you choose.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

19th Century French Louis XV Period Carved Walnut Daybed
19th Century French Louis XV Period Carved Walnut Daybed

19th Century French Louis XV Period Carved Walnut Daybed

$3,112 Sale Price
20% Off
H 31.5 in W 80.71 in D 34.26 in
Martin Borenstein Elegant Daybed/Bench with Sculptural Legs, 1950s
By Martin Borenstein
Located in New York, NY
Daybed/bench with walnut base, upholstered cushion seat and sculptural chrome legs by Martin Borenstein for MB Designs, Challenge Series, American 1960's. Bo...
Category

1960s American Vintage Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Chrome

Martin Borenstein Elegant Daybed/Bench with Sculptural Legs, 1950s
Martin Borenstein Elegant Daybed/Bench with Sculptural Legs, 1950s

Martin Borenstein Elegant Daybed/Bench with Sculptural Legs, 1950s

$8,500
H 16.5 in W 74 in D 32 in
Oak 19th Century Regency Window Seat Hall Bench
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Good Quality 19th Century Late Regency Period Oak Window Seat, Or Hall Bench, Retaining Good Rich Colour Throughout, Having Turned Rolls To Each End Of Rectangular Top, Raised...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Oak

Oak 19th Century Regency Window Seat Hall Bench
Oak 19th Century Regency Window Seat Hall Bench

Oak 19th Century Regency Window Seat Hall Bench

$3,773
H 20 in W 48 in D 12 in
French Early 19th Century Directoire Period Chaise Longue or Daybed
Located in Round Top, TX
A very handsome early 19th century French Directoire period chaise longue or daybed in walnut. The walnut has a wonderful patina and striking grai...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Walnut

French Early 19th Century Directoire Period Chaise Longue or Daybed
French Early 19th Century Directoire Period Chaise Longue or Daybed

French Early 19th Century Directoire Period Chaise Longue or Daybed

$8,900
H 39.75 in W 89.5 in D 29 in
17th Century Style Joint Stool
Located in Westwood, NJ
An antiqued wood ‘Joynt’ stool, with a serpentine apron on pegged splay legs joined by a stretcher. The original 17th century. Dimensions: 22" W x 12" D x 18" H.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Wood

17th Century Style Joint Stool
17th Century Style Joint Stool

17th Century Style Joint Stool

$1,137 / item
H 18 in W 22 in D 12 in
19th century mahogany window seat or bench
Located in Castle Douglas, GB
Mahogany window seat or bench, the rectangular top with convex moulded edge, to each end a turned mahogany roll with paterae. Stands upon ring turned tapered legs. English, circa 185...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Mahogany

19th century mahogany window seat or bench
19th century mahogany window seat or bench

19th century mahogany window seat or bench

$2,923
H 18.12 in W 42.13 in D 13 in
Previously Available Items
Two Large French 19th Century Napoleon III Garden Benches / Settees
Located in New York, NY
A pair of very large dramatic benches/canapes/sofa's from the Napoleon III period. Each with a frame of cast iron and supporting a solid wood and upholstered seat and back support. O...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Iron

Two Large French 19th Century Napoleon III Garden Benches / Settees
Two Large French 19th Century Napoleon III Garden Benches / Settees

Two Large French 19th Century Napoleon III Garden Benches / Settees

H 30 in W 90 in D 26 in
French Oak Bench, Mid-19th Century
Located in Doylestown, PA
A sturdy oak hall bench, French Napoleon III period circa 1850, with 6 turned legs with stretcher.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Oak

French Oak Bench, Mid-19th Century
French Oak Bench, Mid-19th Century

French Oak Bench, Mid-19th Century

H 18 in W 78 in D 12 in
French 19th Century Long Bench
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Amazing long bench with a wonderful needlepoint in a very good condition.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Tapestry, Wood

French 19th Century Long Bench
French 19th Century Long Bench

French 19th Century Long Bench

H 18 in W 79.5 in D 16.5 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut and Cane Bench
Located in Burton, TX
Found in the Burgundy region of France, this Napoleon III bench was crafted in the 19th century from old growth walnut and finished with a cane seat. The piece features two open air...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Cane, Walnut

19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut and Cane Bench
19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut and Cane Bench

19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut and Cane Bench

H 27 in W 53 in D 15.25 in
Napoleon III Ebonized And Giltwood Bench
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular upholstered seat in used condition and a trestle base with carved details and center turned stretcher.
Category

1870s European Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

Napoleon III Ebonized And Giltwood Bench
Napoleon III Ebonized And Giltwood Bench

Napoleon III Ebonized And Giltwood Bench

H 19 in W 47.25 in D 20 in
Important Pair of Blackened Wooden Benches of the 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Important Pair of Blackened Wooden Benches of the XIXth Century, Great Decoration" Very decorative pair of benches of the Napoleon III period in blackened wood, neoclassic decora...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Tapestry, Wood

Important Pair of Blackened Wooden Benches of the 19th Century
Important Pair of Blackened Wooden Benches of the 19th Century

Important Pair of Blackened Wooden Benches of the 19th Century

H 44.1 in W 75.6 in D 23.63 in
Pair of 19th Century Turned French Stools
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century oak stools from France with newly upholstered tops in linen finished with a single welt. The frames have hand-turned barley twist legs, joined by matching stretc...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Oak

Pair of 19th Century Turned French Stools
Pair of 19th Century Turned French Stools

Pair of 19th Century Turned French Stools

H 21.5 in W 16.75 in D 18 in
19th Century French Long Window Seat
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak long window seat from France. The back is hand scalloped and carved over a seat which is made from a single board. The apron is also hand...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Long Window Seat
19th Century French Long Window Seat

19th Century French Long Window Seat

H 27 in W 72 in D 14.38 in
French 1850s Napoléon III Period Painted Iron Benches with C-Scrolls, Sold Each
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Napoléon III period painted iron garden benches from the mid 19th century, with C-scroll motifs and nicely weathered appearance. We are selling them separately for $...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Iron

French 1850s Napoléon III Period Painted Iron Benches with C-Scrolls, Sold Each
French 1850s Napoléon III Period Painted Iron Benches with C-Scrolls, Sold Each

French 1850s Napoléon III Period Painted Iron Benches with C-Scrolls, Sold Each

H 31.75 in W 46 in D 19 in
Large Round White-Linen Upholstered Banquette
Located in Houston, TX
Large round white-linen upholstered banquette dating to the late 19th century. Newly upholstered in white linen, with diamond tufted back. Raised...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Linen, Wood

Large Round White-Linen Upholstered Banquette
Large Round White-Linen Upholstered Banquette

Large Round White-Linen Upholstered Banquette

H 33 in Dm 56 in
Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Carved and Painted Six-Leg Benches
Located in Dallas, TX
Complete your entryway or living room with this pair of antique painted benches. Crafted in France, circa 1880 and rectangular in shape, each lon...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Carved and Painted Six-Leg Benches
Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Carved and Painted Six-Leg Benches

Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Carved and Painted Six-Leg Benches

H 21 in W 69.25 in D 17 in
19th Century French Oak Settee
Located in High Point, NC
19th century French settee made from oak. The back is carved and has three vase shaped carved panels, following down to a seat with a bevelled edge along the front, and turned arms. ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Oak Settee
19th Century French Oak Settee

19th Century French Oak Settee

H 36.63 in W 41.88 in D 15 in

Napoleon Iii benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III benches for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III benches made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,600 and tops out at $8,500 while the average work can sell for $2,777.

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