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Napoleon III Chairs

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
Color:  Black
Pair of Hand-Painted Napoleon III Chairs - France, 1880s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Exquisite pair of ebonized side chairs, hand-painted with a decor of birds, butterflies and foliage. Original deep pink satin seat cover...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Hand-Painted Napoleon III Chairs - France, 1880s
Pair of Hand-Painted Napoleon III Chairs - France, 1880s

Pair of Hand-Painted Napoleon III Chairs - France, 1880s

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Two Napoleon III Caned Beech Chairs, French, Late 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Two french chairs Napoleon III, made circa 1880. Beech and cane in faux-bambou style. Antique, late 19th century. Sound and solid. Shipping: L42 / H 89 / P 55 cm 13 kg.
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1880s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Cane, Beech

Two Napoleon III Caned Beech Chairs, French, Late 19th Century
Two Napoleon III Caned Beech Chairs, French, Late 19th Century

Two Napoleon III Caned Beech Chairs, French, Late 19th Century

H 34.65 in W 16.54 in D 17.52 in
Napoleon III Painted Chair, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon III painted chair, France, 1850s.
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Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Napoleon III Painted Chair, France, 1850s
Napoleon III Painted Chair, France, 1850s

Napoleon III Painted Chair, France, 1850s

H 30.71 in W 18.9 in D 17.72 in
Pair of 19th Century Napoleon III Opera Chairs in Ebonized Wood
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A gorgeous pair of 19th century Napoleon III opera chairs in ebonised wood, each with a wonderfully ornate spindle back and a gilded decoration of flowers and foliage on the top rail...
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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Pair of 19th Century Napoleon III Opera Chairs in Ebonized Wood
Pair of 19th Century Napoleon III Opera Chairs in Ebonized Wood

Pair of 19th Century Napoleon III Opera Chairs in Ebonized Wood

No Reserve
H 33.86 in W 16.93 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Napoleon III Red Chairs Upholstered French, Late 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Napoleon III French red chairs late 19th century The chair have been re-upholstered. The chairs are similar but one is bigger than the other. Chair 1: D 18.1 in ; (46 cm) W 16.5 i...
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1880s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Pair of Napoleon III Red Chairs Upholstered French, Late 19th Century
Pair of Napoleon III Red Chairs Upholstered French, Late 19th Century

Pair of Napoleon III Red Chairs Upholstered French, Late 19th Century

H 34.26 in W 16.54 in D 18.12 in
1880s French Wooden Chair
Located in High Point, NC
Step into a bygone era of elegance and charm with our authentic 1880s French Wooden Chair. This exquisite piece of history is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, evident in ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Wood

1880s French Wooden Chair
1880s French Wooden Chair

1880s French Wooden Chair

H 34.3 in W 16.4 in D 14.8 in
Pair of Napoleon III Chairs Fabric and Painted Wood, French, Late 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
French Pair of Napoleon III, circa 1880. Black painting with gilded vegetal motifs Antique, late 19th century. It can be recovered with the fabric of your choice to suit your inte...
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1880s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Napoleon III Chairs Fabric and Painted Wood, French, Late 19th Century
Pair of Napoleon III Chairs Fabric and Painted Wood, French, Late 19th Century

Pair of Napoleon III Chairs Fabric and Painted Wood, French, Late 19th Century

H 34.65 in W 16.93 in D 18.51 in
Pair of Napoleon III Exotic Wood and Velvet Chairs French, Late 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Napoleon III French upholstered pair of exotic wood and velvet chairs late 19th century. The backs are very finely sliced. The chairs can be used as it stands for more authenticity...
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1880s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Napoleon III Exotic Wood and Velvet Chairs French, Late 19th Century
Pair of Napoleon III Exotic Wood and Velvet Chairs French, Late 19th Century

Pair of Napoleon III Exotic Wood and Velvet Chairs French, Late 19th Century

H 34.26 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Antique Victorian Walnut Upholstered Tufted Parlor Chair, Circa 1880s
Located in Germantown, MD
Antique Victorian walnut Parlor chair, Circa 1880s. Exquisitely reupholstered and Tufted back with a luxurious fabric. Front fe...
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Late 19th Century American Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Upholstery, Walnut

Antique Victorian Walnut Upholstered Tufted Parlor Chair, Circa 1880s
Antique Victorian Walnut Upholstered Tufted Parlor Chair, Circa 1880s

Antique Victorian Walnut Upholstered Tufted Parlor Chair, Circa 1880s

H 37.5 in W 19 in D 22 in
Antique French Napoleon III Folding Chair Wooden and Azure Velvet
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Antique French Napoleon III folding chair gilded wooden and azure velvet in its original state, circa 1865.
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Wood, Velvet

Antique French Napoleon III Folding Chair Wooden and Azure Velvet
Antique French Napoleon III Folding Chair Wooden and Azure Velvet

Antique French Napoleon III Folding Chair Wooden and Azure Velvet

H 26.38 in W 18.51 in D 16.93 in
Pair of Napoleon III Slipper Side Chairs
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
French pair of Napoleon III slipper chairs A fabulous pair of low back upholstered side chairs, nicely wide seated design with beautifully polished ebonized legs. Fully reupholstere...
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19th Century Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Birch

Pair of Napoleon III Slipper Side Chairs
Pair of Napoleon III Slipper Side Chairs

Pair of Napoleon III Slipper Side Chairs

H 33 in W 22 in D 22 in
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 Chairs

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Upholstery

1880s French Napoleon III Green Velvet Reading Chair
1880s French Napoleon III Green Velvet Reading Chair

1880s French Napoleon III Green Velvet Reading Chair

H 28 in W 26 in D 27 in
Pair of Napoleon III Giltwood Slipper Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
A striking Napoleon III giltwood chairs on casters, newly upholstered in a woven block chain velvet, chocolate leather trim, nailhead detail, and a lofty down seat cushion. Fabric is...
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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Giltwood

Pair of Napoleon III Giltwood Slipper Chairs
Pair of Napoleon III Giltwood Slipper Chairs

Pair of Napoleon III Giltwood Slipper Chairs

H 31.5 in W 18 in D 18.5 in
Previously Available Items
Pair of 19th Century Black Leather Library Armchairs
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this large and very comfortable pair of Napoleon III antique French library armchairs. Quality black leather ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Leather

Pair of 19th Century Black Leather Library Armchairs
Pair of 19th Century Black Leather Library Armchairs

Pair of 19th Century Black Leather Library Armchairs

H 38.19 in W 32.29 in D 33.86 in
1900s, Velvet Jacquard French Napoleon III Arm Club Chair
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful Napoleon lll chair. This chair is totally reupholstered with a grey velvet jacquard fabric and new bindings. It has black wooden legs with castors. The chair is in an ex...
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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Velvet

1900s, Velvet Jacquard French Napoleon III Arm Club Chair
1900s, Velvet Jacquard French Napoleon III Arm Club Chair

1900s, Velvet Jacquard French Napoleon III Arm Club Chair

H 31.5 in W 31.5 in D 27.56 in
1900s, Pair of Velvet Jacquard French Napoleon III Arm Club Chair
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful pair of Napoleon lll chairs in grey velvet with black legs on wheels. They are in a very nice condition.
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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Velvet

1900s, Pair of Velvet Jacquard French Napoleon III Arm Club Chair
1900s, Pair of Velvet Jacquard French Napoleon III Arm Club Chair

1900s, Pair of Velvet Jacquard French Napoleon III Arm Club Chair

H 31.5 in W 31.5 in D 27.56 in
Napoleon III Pouf On Casters in Black Painted and Gilded Wood 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Napoleon III Pouf on casters in black painted and gilded wood and with vintage silk floral upholstery made on hand loom in France in the 60s in green, ...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Wood

Napoleon III Pouf On Casters in Black Painted and Gilded Wood 19th Century
Napoleon III Pouf On Casters in Black Painted and Gilded Wood 19th Century

Napoleon III Pouf On Casters in Black Painted and Gilded Wood 19th Century

H 19.69 in Dm 21.66 in
Antique Black Painted Gilded Clawfoot French Provincial Upholstered Dining Chair
Located in High Point, NC
Carefully measured, a thin coat of black gives an atmospheric finish to these Empire style armchairs from France. Produced in the last half of the 19th century, updated in our atelie...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Upholstery, Hardwood, Giltwood

Antique Black Painted Gilded Clawfoot French Provincial Upholstered Dining Chair
Antique Black Painted Gilded Clawfoot French Provincial Upholstered Dining Chair

Antique Black Painted Gilded Clawfoot French Provincial Upholstered Dining Chair

H 35.4 in W 16.9 in L 35.4 in
19th Century Napoleon III Black Lacquered and Mother of Peal Ladies Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant and colorful antique chair was crafted in France, circa 1870. The petite chair stands on cabriole legs over a bombe scalloped apron; it features an elaborate curved ladd...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Tapestry, Giltwood, Paint

19th Century Napoleon III Black Lacquered and Mother of Peal Ladies Chair
19th Century Napoleon III Black Lacquered and Mother of Peal Ladies Chair

19th Century Napoleon III Black Lacquered and Mother of Peal Ladies Chair

H 34.5 in W 18 in D 17.5 in
19th Century Black Lacquered and Gilt Chair with Mother of Pearl Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant and colorful antique chair was crafted in France, circa 1870. The petite chair frame stands on four curved legs over a bombe scalloped apron, and features an elaborate c...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Giltwood, Paint

19th Century Black Lacquered and Gilt Chair with Mother of Pearl Decor
19th Century Black Lacquered and Gilt Chair with Mother of Pearl Decor

19th Century Black Lacquered and Gilt Chair with Mother of Pearl Decor

H 33 in W 17 in D 16 in
19th Century Napoleon III Black Lacquered and Gilt Decorative Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant and colorful antique chair was crafted in France, circa 1870. The petite chair frame stands on four curved legs with carved stretcher over a bombe scalloped apron, and f...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Tapestry, Giltwood, Paint

19th Century Napoleon III Black Lacquered and Gilt Decorative Chair
19th Century Napoleon III Black Lacquered and Gilt Decorative Chair

19th Century Napoleon III Black Lacquered and Gilt Decorative Chair

H 33.5 in W 16 in D 15.5 in
19th Century Hand Forged Wrought Iron and Bronze Faldistorio Campaign Armchair
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century wrought iron and brass Faldistorio armchair was handcrafted during the waning years of the 19th century, and features exquisite lines accentuated by bronze caps atop the four uprights, with velvet stretched between to form the seatback, velvet on the armrests, and a velvet seat cushion. The term faldistorio derives from the medieval Latin faldistorium, which in turn depends on the German Faltstuhl, or "bent chair". The faldistorus closely resembles the curule chair, a field chair...
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1870s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

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Bronze, Wrought Iron

19th Century Hand Forged Wrought Iron and Bronze Faldistorio Campaign Armchair
19th Century Hand Forged Wrought Iron and Bronze Faldistorio Campaign Armchair

19th Century Hand Forged Wrought Iron and Bronze Faldistorio Campaign Armchair

H 36.5 in W 23 in D 19 in
Black Lacquer Gilt and Painted Decor Low Chair, Napoleon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpted and black lacquer wood and gilt decor. Central medallion with flowers painted, Napoleon III period.
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Black Lacquer Gilt and Painted Decor Low Chair, Napoleon III Period
Black Lacquer Gilt and Painted Decor Low Chair, Napoleon III Period

Black Lacquer Gilt and Painted Decor Low Chair, Napoleon III Period

H 40.56 in W 18.51 in D 16.93 in
Antique Walnut Set of Six Carved Sidechairs and Matching Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century carved walnut set including two armchairs and six matching side chairs, circa 1870. Every chair and armchair has been reupholstered with "Ralph Lauren" fabric on the bac...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Antique Walnut Set of Six Carved Sidechairs and Matching Armchairs
Antique Walnut Set of Six Carved Sidechairs and Matching Armchairs

Antique Walnut Set of Six Carved Sidechairs and Matching Armchairs

H 50 in W 25 in D 21 in
Set of Six Vintage Carved Rope Dining Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Chic set of six vintage Italian carved rope dining chairs newly refurbished in charcoal paint and velvet.
Category

20th Century Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of Six Vintage Carved Rope Dining Chairs
Set of Six Vintage Carved Rope Dining Chairs

Set of Six Vintage Carved Rope Dining Chairs

H 37 in W 22 in D 21 in

Napoleon Iii chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III chairs 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 chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original chairs, popular names associated with this style include Bourgeois Boheme Atelier, 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 chairs 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 $41,810 while the average work can sell for $1,980.

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