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Napoleon III Benches

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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
Pair of French Napoleon III Style Mahogany Upholstered Storage Benches
Pair of French Napoleon III Style Mahogany Upholstered Storage Benches

Pair of French Napoleon III Style Mahogany Upholstered Storage Benches

$4,800 / set

Pair of French Napoleon III Style Mahogany Upholstered Storage Benches

Located in Austin, TX

An elegant and highly decorative pair of French Napoleon III style benches, crafted in solid mahogany and dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, circa 1900. Each bench featu...

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Brass

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

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

19th Century French Long Upholstered Bench

$3,495

19th Century French Long Upholstered Bench

Located in High Point, NC

19th century long oak upholstered bench from France. The seat is newly upholstered in linen and is finished with single welt decoration. The frame of the bench is supported on wo...

Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Linen, Oak

Gold finished contemporary rope twist seat /bench in Fortuny "Pergolesi"
Gold finished contemporary rope twist seat /bench in Fortuny "Pergolesi"

Gold finished contemporary rope twist seat /bench in Fortuny "Pergolesi"

$1,250

Gold finished contemporary rope twist seat /bench in Fortuny "Pergolesi"

Located in Bristol, RI

Contemporary gold finish rope twist bench. The padded seat is covered in Fortuny "Pergolesi" with a complimentary green brush fringe border.

Category

2010s Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Metal

20th Century Congo Deep Ebony Black Carved Ebonized Storage Bench
20th Century Congo Deep Ebony Black Carved Ebonized Storage Bench

20th Century Congo Deep Ebony Black Carved Ebonized Storage Bench

$3,795

20th Century Congo Deep Ebony Black Carved Ebonized Storage Bench

Located in High Point, NC

Carved ebonized storage bench in Deep Ebony Black. The deep ebony black surface highlights paneled front, hinged lift-top seat, characteristic of Congo furniture making in the napole...

Category

20th Century Congolese Napoleon III Benches

Materials

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

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

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Stylish midcentury bench with upholstered seating and backrests, plus sleek chrome supports and sled legs. The bench's seat lifts up to reveal a storage compartment...

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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

French Louis XV Style Carved Walnut Upholstered Bench w/ Gilt Accents

Located in Los Angeles, CA

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1920s French Vintage Napoleon III Benches

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1880s French Napoleon III Gilt Faux Bamboo Stool Gold Carved Wood
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$1,595

H 17.9 in W 14 in D 14 in

1880s French Napoleon III Gilt Faux Bamboo Stool Gold Carved Wood

Located in High Point, NC

This charming 1880s French Napoléon III gilt faux bamboo stool exemplifies the period’s fascination with exoticism and decorative refinement. Crafted in carved wood and finished in a...

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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Giltwood

19th Century French Louis Walnut Upholstered Bench with Turned Stretchers
19th Century French Louis Walnut Upholstered Bench with Turned Stretchers

19th Century French Louis Walnut Upholstered Bench with Turned Stretchers

$2,995

H 17.25 in W 36 in D 13.75 in

19th Century French Louis Walnut Upholstered Bench with Turned Stretchers

Located in Atlanta, GA

A handsome 19th-century French walnut upholstered bench combining a simple rectangular seat with an unusually decorative turned base. The frame is raised on four substantial walnut l...

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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut

19th century French rush seated hall bench
19th century French rush seated hall bench

19th century French rush seated hall bench

$3,207

H 38.19 in W 63.78 in D 24.41 in

19th century French rush seated hall bench

Located in Malton, GB

This is a very attractive all original 19th century French rush seated hall bench. The design is fabulous with the elegant arms and unusual geometric carved front stretchers. The rus...

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19th Century Antique Napoleon III Benches

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Cherry

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

$3,112Sale Price|20% Off

H 31.5 in W 80.71 in D 34.26 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.

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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

French Mid-19th Century Garden Bench
French Mid-19th Century Garden Bench

French Mid-19th Century Garden Bench

$5,950

H 31.5 in W 62.88 in D 19 in

French Mid-19th Century Garden Bench

Located in Round Top, TX

A very lovely mid-19th century Garden Bench from the Provence region of France. Beautifully constructed in a curvilinear form from painted iron. Sits very comfortably with excellen...

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Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

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Late 19th Century French Provincial Window Bench in Cognac Velvet
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Late 19th Century French Provincial Window Bench in Cognac Velvet

$2,903

H 15.75 in W 38.98 in D 16.54 in

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Located in London, GB

France, late 19th century. A true decorator's pick from the studio. A French Provincial serpentine bench dating from the late 19th century, also named a saddle bench due to its sign...

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1890s French Antique Napoleon III Benches

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20th Century Chippendale Style Mahogany and Upholstered Bench
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20th Century Chippendale Style Mahogany and Upholstered Bench

$1,395

H 17 in W 36 in D 21 in

20th Century Chippendale Style Mahogany and Upholstered Bench

Located in Germantown, MD

A 20th Century Chippendale Style Mahogany and Upholstered Bench. Measures 36" in width, 21" in depth and 17" in height.  

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Late 20th Century Unknown Napoleon III Benches

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Upholstery, Mahogany

Hollywood Regency Napoleon III Style Gilt Rope & Tassel Armchairs and Ottomans
Hollywood Regency Napoleon III Style Gilt Rope & Tassel Armchairs and Ottomans

Hollywood Regency Napoleon III Style Gilt Rope & Tassel Armchairs and Ottomans

$18,800 / set

H 30 in W 27 in D 27 in

Hollywood Regency Napoleon III Style Gilt Rope & Tassel Armchairs and Ottomans

By Niccolini, Dorothy Draper, Napoléon III

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Reign in fast this complete four piece set of Italian gilt rope and tassel armchairs with complimenting en suite ottomans fully profession...

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Mid-20th Century Italian Napoleon III Benches

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Velvet, Giltwood, Upholstery, Wood

19th century French oak bench upholstered in Vaas by Emma Grant
19th century French oak bench upholstered in Vaas by Emma Grant

19th century French oak bench upholstered in Vaas by Emma Grant

$5,085

H 48.82 in W 74.81 in D 31.5 in

19th century French oak bench upholstered in Vaas by Emma Grant

Located in Malton, GB

This is a very stylish, late 19th century French hall bench. Upholstered beautifully in Vaas by Emma Grant. The Vaas fabric is inspired by a Dutch 18th century tin glazed ceramic Emm...

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19th Century Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

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

Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Window Seats

$4,213 / set

H 28.94 in W 44.89 in D 15.75 in

Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Window Seats

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Pair of 19th Century French walnut window seats.  This lovely pair of walnut window seats or benches have outswept fretted end supports, the geometric detailing finely detailed and ...

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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

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Walnut

Previously Available Items
Tufted bench upholstered in a gingham fabric, custom-made in France, 1970s
Tufted bench upholstered in a gingham fabric, custom-made in France, 1970s

Tufted bench upholstered in a gingham fabric, custom-made in France, 1970s

Sold

H 35.44 in W 47.25 in D 27.56 in L 35.44 in

Tufted bench upholstered in a gingham fabric, custom-made in France, 1970s

Located in Lyon, FR

Charming tufted bench upholstered in a large-scale gingham fabric in soft mauve and cream tones, custom-made in France in the 1970s. Its elegant English-inspired silhouette, Napoleon...

Category

1970s French Vintage Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

19th Century French Long Upholstered Bench

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H 20.5 in W 76.25 in D 17.38 in

19th Century French Long Upholstered Bench

Located in High Point, NC

19th century long oak upholstered bench from France. The seat is newly upholstered in linen and is finished with single welt decoration. The frame of the bench is supported on nicely...

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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Linen, Oak

French 19th Century Bench
French 19th Century Bench

French 19th Century Bench

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H 16 in W 60 in D 17 in

French 19th Century Bench

Located in Stockbridge, GA

This Charming long bench is covered with a beige color fabric with dark mahogany feet.

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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Mahogany

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

19th Century French Long Window Seat

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H 16.75 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 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...

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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Oak

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

French 19th Century Long Bench

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H 18 in W 79.5 in D 16.5 in

French 19th Century Long Bench

Located in Stockbridge, GA

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

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Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Tapestry, Wood

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

Napoleon III Ebonized And Giltwood Bench

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H 19 in W 47.25 in D 20 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.

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1870s European Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

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

Sold

H 44.1 in W 75.6 in D 23.63 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

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

Pair of 19th Century Turned French Stools

Sold

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...

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

Sold

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...

Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Oak

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

Sold

H 31.75 in W 46 in D 19 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

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

Large Round White-Linen Upholstered Banquette

Sold

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...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Benches

Materials

Linen, Wood

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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