Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 22

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Empire Daybed with Gilt Accents

$2,500per item
£1,891.86per item
€2,181.90per item
CA$3,491.08per item
A$3,911.13per item
CHF 2,035.74per item
MX$47,630.12per item
NOK 25,932.63per item
SEK 24,421.22per item
DKK 16,287.62per item
Quantity
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

This 19th-century French Empire daybed, also known as a ‘chaise lounge,’ is crafted from rich reddish-brown mahogany and mahogany veneer. It features an upholstered mattress and two cylindrical pillows. The frame is flanked by stately columns and high sides with rounded top edges, supported by four sturdy legs. The back legs echo the curved top design, while the front legs terminate in squared feet, demonstrating the clean, symmetrical lines characteristic of the Empire style. This daybed exemplifies a pared-down interpretation of Empire design, foregoing the ornate ormolu mounts and appliqués often seen in more elaborate pieces of the period. Instead, it highlights the natural beauty of the mahogany, with its warm tones and striking grain, and emphasizes the solid, architectural quality of the frame. The simplicity of the design makes it an ideal candidate for reupholstering with a luxurious statement fabric. Daybeds, designed for daytime lounging, have a history that spans ancient cultures. In ancient Greece, the ‘Kline’ was used for reclining during social gatherings, while similar forms were popular in Egyptian and Roman societies for lounging during meals or conversation. The Empire revival of the daybed reflects a fascination with classical antiquity, both stylistically and functionally. Emerging in early 19th-century France under Napoléon I, Empire furniture expanded upon the neoclassical aesthetic of the previous century, emphasizing robust construction, luxurious materials, symmetrical forms, and bold, striking designs. With its timeless design and elegant mahogany frame, this Empire-style daybed is a versatile piece that would complement a recessed space or nook in a bedroom or living area. Its multifunctionality allows it to serve as both a stylish seating option and a restful lounge, ready to be transformed with upholstery that resonates with your decor. H=38 in. W=59 in. D=31.5 in. 120 lbs.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 38.5 in (97.79 cm)Width: 59 in (149.86 cm)Depth: 31.3 in (79.51 cm)Seat Height: 21 in (53.34 cm)
  • Style:
    Napoleon III (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1852
  • Condition:
    Repaired: The front is missing the typical curved rail of Empire daybeds but looks fine without it. Images illustrate these restorations. Reupholstered. Replacements made: The original wooden bottom slats have been replaced with a new wooden platform for enhanced stability, and modern metal trivets have been added for durability. The bottom front rail is a newer addition with a lighter stain than the original sides. Wear consistent with age and use. The luxurious anaconda fabric maintains its elegant appearance, though it shows signs of sun exposure and has sun damage. H=38 in. W=59 in. D=31.5 in. 120 lbs.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU7185244869112

More From This Seller

View All
Mid-19th Century Gothic Revival English Walnut Reclining Arm Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Invented Circa 1850, the precursor to the modern recliner was initially designed for its versatility: early models could serve as a chair, a bed, and a chaise lounge. This innovation quickly gained popularity for combining comfort with luxury. Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte and Emperor of the French, reportedly owned one of the first recliners. This model, constructed in neighboring England during the same era, may even resemble the French monarch’s reclinable chair. Intended for an English drawing room or parlor, this beautiful piece features elegant jacquard upholstery and turned legs. The backrest can extend almost one-hundred-eight degrees from an upright position, facilitated by a graceful manual mechanism similar to the ratcheting recline...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Gothic Revival Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Circa 1925 Italian Neoclassical Greek Revival Bench by P. Mazzetti
Located in Chicago, IL
This Circa 1925, Italian bench was crafted in the early part of the twentieth century in the Florence workshop of P. Mazzetti. Incised maker's mark, item number, and artisan initials appear on the left corner of the rear base: "P. Mazzetti, Terre Cotta, Via Arentina 3E, Riproduzione Interdetta 345 Firenze". Beautifully molded Plaster of Paris sphinx statues support...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Plaster, Pine

Pair of Mid-19th Century French Régence Style Fauteuils with Modern Fabrics
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of mid-19th century French Régence style Fauteuils: full of French charm, this French Régence Style pair of armchairs have been updated with modern fabrics that are in keeping w...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Armchairs

Materials

Beech

18th Century English George III Period Mahogany Armchair with Modern Fabric
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a finely carved 1760 English George III armchair. The George III period was named after the English monarch of the time. It was popular among the elite and mercantile class of people, due to its excellent material and intricate carvings. Due to the multiple King Georges, each George developed its own look. The George III period is also referred to as the Chippendale style. This period was often characterized by drawing on both the Rococo and Gothic styles. Pieces sported curves, arches, Chinese influences, and cabriole legs. This chair has been entirely carved out of mahogany; a premiere wood choice known for its durability, longevity, and rich coloring. The back has an elegant splat, a principal element of eighteenth-century English chairs. Splats are the center support for a chair’s open back and originated from the importation of Chinese Ming Dynasty chairs...
Category

Antique 1760s English George III Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Circa 1750, English Georgian ii Period Mahogany Armchair with Modern Fabric
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1750 English Georgian II period mahogany armchair. The George II period was most noted for its intricate chairs. Like the other Georgian periods, this one was named after the monarch during the time. Under George II, mahogany became the predominant wood used for fine furniture. Many of the styles were symmetrical and had architectural curves, inspired by the Gothic. These works were very expensive and only the rich could afford and buy them. This specific armchair has a frame entirely carved from mahogany, which was a strong and durable wood that was also naturally water resistant and offers natural resistance against pests. The back of the chair has a splat design. Splats were an important element of eighteenth-century English chairs, offering support. It originated from the importation of Chinese Ming Dynasty chairs...
Category

Antique 1750s English George II Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Early 19th Century Louis XIV Style Fauteuil Armchairs by Maison Jansen
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Late 19th century Louis XIV Style Fauteil Armchairs by the legendary Maison Jansen. Maison Jansen was an interior decoration house located in Paris and is considered the firs...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Bergere Chairs

Materials

Beech

You May Also Like

French Empire Style Mahogany Daybed with Ormolu Mounts and Velvet Upholstery
Located in Chicago, IL
20th century French Empire style mahogany daybed on casters with ormolu gilt bronze mounts in floral/thistle decoration and original wood jo...
Category

20th Century French Empire Daybeds

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Louis XV Style Daybed
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
19th Century French deconstructed Louis XV style daybed of very elegant proportions, sitting on cabriole legs with hoof feet.
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Antique 19th Century French Empire Gold Bronze & Mahogany "Lit de Repos" Daybed.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th century French Empire Gold Bronze & Mahogany "Lit de Repos" Daybed.
Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Daybeds

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Louis XVI gilded Daybed
Located in New Orleans, LA
This 19th-century Louis XVI gilded daybed has an elegant neoclassical silhouette, featuring finely carved details, fluted legs, and decorative rosettes. The gilded wood frame showcas...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Daybeds

Materials

Wood

French 19th Century Empire Daybed
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A graceful 19th-century French Empire daybed, expertly carved from solid mahogany with curvaceous swan motif. Featuring a sleigh-like profile and perfectly symmetrical, allowing the ...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Daybeds

Materials

Textile, Mahogany

Early 19th Century French Empire Chaise Lounge Daybed
Located in San Francisco, CA
Elegant Empire Period black lacquered walnut chaise or daybed with brass ormolu decoration. Has its original horsehair mattress. Sturdy and sound, b...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Chaise Longues

Materials

Wool, Upholstery, Walnut