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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
Antique Pair of French Gilded Chairs with Cane Webbing and Upholstered Cushions
Located in Toronto, ON
A stunning and ornate pair of Antique French Napoleon III carved wood chairs with cane webbing on seat and back. Newly upholstered cushion seats with Tassanari et Chatel Le Favourite...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Silk, Cane, Giltwood

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.
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Cane, Beech

19th Century French Napoleon III Prie Dieu or Prayer Chair.
Located in Labrit, Landes
Prayer chair or Prie-Dieu of the period Napoleon III, French, 19th century Exotic wood and velvet with golden braid. Can be recovered to suit your interior. Good antique condition.     
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Chaise à haut dossier en bois et carton bouilli burgauté, Napoléon III
Located in ROYÈRE-DE-VASSIVIÈRE, FR
Chaise à haut dossier en bois et carton bouilli burgauté, Napoléon III Assise anciennement cannée, garnie d’un velours rose (clous tapissier apparents) Riches décors peints de fleurs...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of French Napoleon III Tufted Armchairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant pair of 19th century Napoleon III tufted armchairs from France. The pair is upholstered in vintage floral fabric but would look amazing recovered in a modern updated fabri...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Napoleon III Chairs in Ebonized Wood and Pink Velvet, France, circa 1870
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Pair of side/lounge chairs in ebonized and carved wood. The seats and backs are covered in pink velvet fabric. The chairs are mounted on wheels. Napoleon III style, France, circa 18...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Wood, Paint

French 19th Century Ebonized Opera Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This is a superb pair of Napoleon III era opera chairs that date to the 1850s. These exceptional, ebonized chairs feature excellently patinated ladder back supports with comfortable...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Brass

Fausse paire de chaises Napoléon III, bois noirci et carton bouilli burgauté
Located in ROYÈRE-DE-VASSIVIÈRE, FR
Fausse paire de chaises Napoléon III, bois noirci et carton bouilli burgauté Riches décors de fleurs et rehauts dorés assises en galettes garnies de t...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Pair of Napoleon III Chairs in Blackened Wood
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Nice pair of Napoleon III style chairs. The structure of this chair is made of blackened wood. The uprights are made of turned wood. The seat ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood

French Antique Chair Dating from the Napoleon III Period
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An elegant 19th century Napoleon III period decorative fireside chair (chaise chauffeuse), its deep and comfortable seat cushion beautifully upholstered in a striking cream and bronz...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Clarence Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two Napoleon III armchairs with gold velvet upholstery. Turned wooden legs with dark walnut finish.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Velvet

19th Century French Carved Prayers Chair or Prie Dieux
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A 19th century French elaborately hand carved ebony cross splat Prie-Dieu or prayer chair. A religious kneeler from the late 19th century, featuring a padded black leather top rail a...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Leather

Pair Napoleon III Slipper Chairs
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a superb pair of period Napoleon III Chauffeuses or Slipper Chairs that date to c. 1860-1875. The chairs feature arched back crests with tightly upholstered seats and backs. ...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Brass

1880s Set of 2 French Giltwood Opera Chairs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A delightful pair of French lacquered giltwood 'Chaises Volantes', complementary in design but not identical. Designed to be lightweight and easily transportable, this style of chair...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Giltwood

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 Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

1860S French Fireside Chair and Matching Footstool
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A pretty Napoleon III fireside slipper chair, with deep-buttoned back rest, luxurious yellow velvet upholstery and a plush sprung seat. Dating f...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood, Velvet

Napoleon III Painted Chair, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon III painted chair, France, 1850s.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood

Napoleon III Chair with Turned Beech and Velvet for Child French, circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
Napoleon III French chair for child late 19th century Turned beech, with patina, The fabric in a good quality. Two marks in the velvet, nothing dist...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Beech, Velvet

Pair of Ebonized Hand Painted Napoleon III Chairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
Napoleon III period chaise chauffeuse with hand painted floral and scroll designs, c.1848-1860. The chaise chauffeuse was a chair that sits low to be near the warmth of the fire in...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Pair of Napoléon III Low Chairs to Cover
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Napoléon III low chairs to cover.
Category

1830s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Large French 19th Century Leather Armchair
Located in Buchanan, NY
A large French Napoleon III armchair in brown leather. Add luxurious style and comfort to your home with this classic French 19th century Napoleon III leather...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Leather

Napolean III Ebonized Armchair, C1870
Located in Altrincham, GB
Napolean III Ebonised Armchair, circa 1870 upholstered in buttoned red/gold silk, stylised shaped for on horn castors 28"w x 45"d x 34"h 45
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Silk, Ebony

'La Somme" Slipper Chair by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom Chair from BoBo Atelier. Custom Wood Finishing and Upholstery Work included in the price of each chair. Customer provides fabric (COM).
Category

2010s American Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Cotton, Oak

19th Century French Hand Carved Wooden Piano Swivel Chair Napoleon III Period
Located in Sofia, BG
Very delicate and rare hand carved wooden piano swivel chair made in mid 19th century during Napoleon III period. Having no restoration so far the chair i...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Chaise Gondole Napoléon III En Bois Et Papier Mâché Laqué Noir Et Burgauté
Located in ROYÈRE-DE-VASSIVIÈRE, FR
Chaise gondole Napoléon III en bois et papier mâché laqué noir et burgauté décors de fleurs, assise cannée en bon état garnie d’un coussin en tissu rouge capitonné Plusieurs petit...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Charming Napoleon III Period Chair, in Blackened Pear and Velvet
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Charming Napoleon III period chair, in blackened pear and velvet. Good general condition, including velvet and padding.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Pearwood

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...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Napoleon III Ebonized Slipper Chair
Located in Essex, MA
Slightly arched back upholstered in gold cut velvet raised on turned tapered fluted legs.
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Paint

Set of Four 19th Century Napoleon III Period Louis XIV Style Side Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Four 19th Century Napoleon III Period Louis XIV Style Side Chairs is a superlative example of the revival of timeless French style and flair that occurred during the reign of ...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

2 Original Chiarivari Napoleon III Ebonized Chairs, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
2 Original Napoleon III ebonized chairs, France, 1850s. Wear and lack of gilding.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood

Antique Armchair Fauteuil Napoleon III Upholstery and Walnut French 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Fauteuil armchair French Napoleon III, circa 1880 Antique, 19th century, Sound and solid to be recovered Very comfortable. Shipping: L76 P75 H96 19,3 kg.  
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Beech, Upholstery

19th Century French Napoleon III Period Rosewood Salon Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Rosewood salon chair is an elegant example of Fine French craftsmanship using exotic imported wood from the Americas. Sometimes called Kingwood, rosewood is known for its natural beauty, color, hardness, and ability to last for eons. This example combines elements of the Louis Philippe form with accents from the Louis XVI style, with a graceful shield-shaped seatback carved with flowing ribbon at the top of the arched crown. The remainder of the seatback follows tailored lines accented with scrolls for a tailored opulence. The seat itself is beautifully contoured and upholstered in mohair, and features gracefully scrolled legs, with the front legs molded for added visual appeal while retaining an austerity of form that is the essence of understated elegance. If you act fast, a twin chair...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Mohair, Rosewood

small Napoleon III lounge circa 1930/1950 good condition
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
small Napoleon III lounge circa 1930/1950 good condition including 1 sofa and two armchairs    
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

2 Napoleon III Chairs, France, circa 1930
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
2 Napoleon III armchairs, France, circa 1930.    
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood

2 Original Napoleon III Chairs, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
2 Original Napoleon III Chairs, France, 1850s
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Beech

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...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Vintage Pair of Walnut Chairs "Chauffeuse" French, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Chauffeuse French Napoleon III, circa 1880. The feets are in walnut Antique, 19th century. It can be recovered with the fabric of your choice to suit your interior. Sound and sol...
Category

1960s French Vintage Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

19th Century Napoleon III Caned Child Chair
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful 19th century French Napoleon III Period child chair made in blackened beech and cane. Used condition.
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Cane, Beech

Napoleon III Pair of Straw Chairs, France 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Very charming wood and straw Napoleon III pair of straw chairs, low seating, in a good condition. France 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood, Straw

2 Original Chiarivari Napoleon III Ebonized Chairs, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
2 original Napoleon III ebonized chairs, France, 1850s wear and lack of gilding.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood

Rare Suite of 9 Napoleon III Period Chairs in Blackened Beech
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rare suite of 9 Napoleon III period chairs in blackened beech.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of Eight Italian Giltwood Faux Bois Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sublime set of eight Italian dining chairs featuring hand-carved faux bois gilt wood frames. Crafted in the old world style from beech frames covered in layers of gesso (plaster), ro...
Category

20th Century Italian Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Gesso, Fabric, Giltwood

Set of Six Napoleon III Style Faux Rope Cerused Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing set of six hand-carved faux rope Spanish dining chairs made in the Napoleon III taste. The set consists of four side chairs and two host armchairs measuring 23.5 inches wide ...
Category

20th Century Spanish Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Antique Parlor Chair with Nobilis Floral Fabric
Located in Munich, DE
1950s European Parlor Chair refurbished and done with a floral pattern from the firm Nobilis. This chair fits well with a wide array of settings.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

19th Century French Napoleon III Period Hand Painted Tole Fireside Chair
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Called a chaise chauffeuse or fireside chair in English due to its low seat height of 15 inches, this mid-nineteenth century French Napoleon III period hand painted tole chair...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Silk, Wood

Pair 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Mahogany Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 19th century French Napoleon III period mahogany chairs reflects the stately classically-inspired architecture of the ancients, accentuated by bronze castings of rosettes and li...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Italian Comini & Modonutti Carved Knotted Rope Chairs, Set of 8
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Napoleon III style dining chairs. Featured in a solid wood with a light white washed wood finish. Each having frames carved to resemble rope, with knots on arms and above eac...
Category

20th Century Italian Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

2 Original Napoleon III Ebonized Chairs, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
2 original Napoleon III ebonized chairs, France, 1850s.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood

Napoleon III Pair of Carved Sapele Wood Bedroom Chairs
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Particular pair of...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Sapele Wood

2 Original Napoleon III Ebonised Chairs, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
2 original Napoleon III ebonised chairs, France, 1850s wear and lack of gilding.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood

Napoleon III Faux Bamboo Chair, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon III faux bamboo chair, France, 1850s.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood

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

Materials

Wood, Velvet

Original Napoleon III Ebonized Chair, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Original Napoleon III ebonized chair, France, 1850s.   
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of Four Napoleon III Ebonized Salon Side Chairs, France, circa 1870
Located in Miami, FL
Set of four Napoleon III ebonized salon chairs with balloon-back, cabriole legs, upholstered back and seat. France, circa 1870. Beautifully restored frames with original ebonized woo...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

19th Century Napoleon III Giltwood French Pair of Armchairs by Frederic Quignon
Located in Roma, RM
A superb pair of gilt armchairs, France, Napoleon III period, signed Quignon. Frederic Gustave Quignon, son of Napoleon Quignon, was born in ...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Giltwood

19th Century French Antique Hand Carved Low Back Chair Napoleon III Period
Located in Sofia, BG
French hand carved mahogany low back chair with tapestry upholstery decorated with Louis XV style flowers. France, 1860 Napoleon III period. Measures: 63 x 46 x 45 cm.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

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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