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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
French 19th Century Bench
French 19th Century Bench

French 19th Century Bench

$2,100

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 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

$1,695

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

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

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

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

19th Century French Window Seat

$2,975

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

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Late 19th Century French Provincial Window Bench in Cognac Velvet
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$2,967

H 15.75 in W 38.98 in D 16.54 in

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French Louis XV Style Carved Walnut Upholstered Bench w/ Gilt Accents
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H 21 in W 56.25 in D 22.5 in

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Located in Los Angeles, CA

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19th Century French Sofa Bench Circa 1820
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H 35 in W 70.9 in D 27.5 in

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Located in Atlanta, GA

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Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Window Seats
Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Window Seats

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H 28.94 in W 44.89 in D 15.75 in

Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Window Seats

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

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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.

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Exquisite 19th Century French Daybed
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H 43 in W 78.5 in D 55.5 in

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Located in Stockbridge, GA

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Bronze and caramel color leather daybed or bench, designed by Nicos Zographos, American, circa 1960s. Retains warm original patina to the bronze.

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Early 20th Century Carved Mahogany Window Seat
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H 32.88 in W 50.01 in D 21.66 in

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Previously Available Items
Tufted bench upholstered in a gingham fabric, custom-made in France, 1970s
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19th Century French Long Upholstered Bench
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Located in Stockbridge, GA

Amazing long bench with a wonderful needlepoint in a very good condition.

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

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Located in Essex, MA

Rectangular upholstered seat in used condition and a trestle base with carved details and center turned stretcher.

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

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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

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

Pair of 19th Century Turned French Stools

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H 21.5 in W 16.75 in D 18 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...

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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

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

19th Century French Long Window Seat

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H 27 in W 72 in D 14.38 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...

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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

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

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

Large Round White-Linen Upholstered Banquette

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H 33 in Dm 56 in

Large Round White-Linen Upholstered Banquette

Located in Chireno, TX

Large round white-linen upholstered banquette dating to the late 19th century. Newly upholstered in white linen, with diamond tufted back. Raised...

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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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