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Napoleon III Settees

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
1870's Antique French Giltwood Aubusson Salon Set, Settee and Fauteuils
1870's Antique French Giltwood Aubusson Salon Set, Settee and Fauteuils

1870's Antique French Giltwood Aubusson Salon Set, Settee and Fauteuils

$25,000 / set

1870's Antique French Giltwood Aubusson Salon Set, Settee and Fauteuils

Located in Dallas, TX

Take a timeless, bespoke design, mix in a dash of romantic connotations to get this worn-in bucolic charm aesthetic. Invite the beauty of Louis XV style into your home with this Giltwood Aubusson Tapestry three piece salon suite from the French Napoleon III period. Upholstered with hand-woven Aubusson tapestry and carved giltwood, this Late 19th Century three piece salon suite includes a settee and two matching armchairs. The settee and Fauteuil (armchair) are supported by turned tapering legs, padded armrests, and cartouche-shaped backs. Please take into consideration these pieces are from the 1870's as a result some frame work and reupholstery may be required. All facets of this 3-piece set collectively entwine to form the striking and grand charm of a textile that is worthy to depict the tender, emotive, and vibrant details of humans and histories, no longer known. The historic worth far exceeds any damage that comes with centuries of wear. In any event, it is simply amazing. If you adore timeworn treasure, this antique parlor set...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Wool, Tapestry, Giltwood

Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier

Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier

$8,200

Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier

By Bourgeois Boheme Atelier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This classic Napoleon III style armchair or tête-à-tête has been restyled. It is the perfect conversation piece. We have used white bronze legs and added a modern touch to the uphols...

Category

2010s American Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Armchairs
Pair of Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Armchairs

Pair of Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Armchairs

$5,010 / set

Pair of Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Armchairs

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Pair of 19th century armchairs, Napoleon III period. The armchairs have been restored and the upholstery has been replaced with a beautiful Italian Brocade...

Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Brocade, Beech

Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Sofa
Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Sofa

Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Sofa

$4,223

Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Sofa

Located in Puglia, Puglia

French sofa from the 19th century, Napoleon III period. The sofa has been restored and the upholstery replaced with a beautiful Italian Brocade. France...

Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Brocade, Beech

Antique French Parlour Settee in Tropics 'Fan Palm' Fabric
Antique French Parlour Settee in Tropics 'Fan Palm' Fabric

Antique French Parlour Settee in Tropics 'Fan Palm' Fabric

$5,408

Antique French Parlour Settee in Tropics 'Fan Palm' Fabric

Located in Hastings, GB

A very rare antique French Parlour Settee, upholstered in our exclusive Tropics 'Fan Palm' fabric This exceptional French settee dating from around 1...

Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Cotton, Wood

19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Settee W/ Blue Velvet
19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Settee W/ Blue Velvet

19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Settee W/ Blue Velvet

$3,240

19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Settee W/ Blue Velvet

Located in Astoria, NY

An exquisite mid-19th-century French Napoleon III settee, sourced directly from Provence, France. This beautifully hand-crafted piece features a solid wood frame with an elegantly ca...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Ebony

Small Scale French Napoleon III Settee in Red Velvet
Small Scale French Napoleon III Settee in Red Velvet

Small Scale French Napoleon III Settee in Red Velvet

$1,980

Small Scale French Napoleon III Settee in Red Velvet

Located in Buchanan, NY

A magnificent small scale 19th century French Napoleon III “chapeau de gendarme” style settee in red velvet with contrasting bullion fringe. This lovely small scale French Napoleon ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Upholstery

19th century demi-borne / Half seat in rosewood
19th century demi-borne / Half seat in rosewood

19th century demi-borne / Half seat in rosewood

$17,031

19th century demi-borne / Half seat in rosewood

Located in Paris, FR

Very unusual 19th-century demi-borne in rosewood and damask fabric with an attached planter in the back. France, circa 1860

Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Damask, Rosewood

Late 19th Century French Giltwood Petite Settee
Late 19th Century French Giltwood Petite Settee

Late 19th Century French Giltwood Petite Settee

$1,760Sale Price|20% Off

Late 19th Century French Giltwood Petite Settee

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Late 19th Century French Giltwood Petite Settee Guilloche Carving and Fluted Tapered Legs Beautiful piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos.

Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Giltwood

19th Century Aubusson Salon set comprising one sofa and six armchairs
19th Century Aubusson Salon set comprising one sofa and six armchairs

19th Century Aubusson Salon set comprising one sofa and six armchairs

$65,000 / set

19th Century Aubusson Salon set comprising one sofa and six armchairs

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Superb and rare Napoleon iiistyle living room in Aubusson tapestry including six armcahairs and a sofa the sofa depicts a picnic scene from this period where the children play and d...

Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Tapestry, Giltwood

Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier

Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier

$8,200 / item

Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier

By Bourgeois Boheme Atelier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Classic Napoleon III style armchair or tête-à-tête has been restyled. It is the perfect conversation piece. This version has turned wooden legs with the traditional Napoleon II...

Category

2010s American Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier

Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier

$8,200 / item

Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier

By Bourgeois Boheme Atelier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Classic Napoleon III style armchair or tête-à-tête has been restyled. It is the perfect conversation piece. This version has turned wooden legs with the traditional Napoleon II...

Category

2010s American Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Velvet, Wood

19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Salon Suite Reupholstered
19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Salon Suite Reupholstered

19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Salon Suite Reupholstered

$8,054 / set

19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Salon Suite Reupholstered

Located in Staffordshire, GB

19th century Napoleon III ebonized salon suite, sourced from Paris and reupholstered in 'Limerence' velvet, circa 1860. Measures: Sofa H 107 x W 136 x D 55cm Seat height 45cm Chai...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Hardwood

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A tete a tete by Hugo Franca made of naturally fallen Brazilian hardwood trees. The design is made of opposing seats on two semi circular bases, Brazil, circa 1990.

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Austro-German 19th Century Biedermeier Sofa
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Vintage Giltwood Love Seat Conversation Settee Mid 20th Century
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$4,399

H 48.82 in W 53.35 in D 53.35 in

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Located in London, GB

This is a fantastic English vintage giltwood love seat or conversation "Sociable Settee" mid 20th century in date. It is of clover leaf outline and has four individual seats with...

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Beautiful Late 19th Century Five-Piece Carved Giltwood Aubusson Parlor Set
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Beautiful Late 19th Century Five-Piece Carved Giltwood Aubusson Parlor Set

$37,500 / set

H 37 in W 63 in D 23 in

Beautiful Late 19th Century Five-Piece Carved Giltwood Aubusson Parlor Set

Located in Long Island City, NY

A Beautiful Late 19th Century Louis XVI Style 5 Piece Carved Giltwood Aubusson Tapestry Parlor Set Comprising of a settee and four armchairs. Each with an oval upholstered back co...

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Swedish Biedermeier Antique Sofa Couch Empire 19th C 3-4 Seat Lion Feet
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H 37.41 in W 78.75 in D 27.56 in

Swedish Biedermeier Antique Sofa Couch Empire 19th C 3-4 Seat Lion Feet

Located in Lewes, England

Antique Swedish Biedermeier Empire sofa in top grade quilted birch figured veneers in the sort after mid oak French polish finish. The sofa is approx 200cm long. It has swooping l...

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Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Napoleon III Settees

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19th century Tuscan settee
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19th century Tuscan settee

$3,523

H 36.23 in W 64.18 in D 17.33 in

19th century Tuscan settee

Located in Vosselaar, BE

Beautiful 19th century Tuscan settee with remains of the original paint. Nice proportions with elegant subtle curves. Very sturdy and practical dimensions.

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French Louis XV Style Carved-Wood & Upholstered Settee
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French Louis XV Style Carved-Wood & Upholstered Settee

$4,720

H 41 in W 56 in D 25 in

French Louis XV Style Carved-Wood & Upholstered Settee

Located in Atlanta, GA

A French Louis XV style sofa from the mid-19th century. This antique settee from France upholstered features a gently arched top rail at back, carved acanthus leaves decorated the sk...

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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Settees

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Elegant Italian Venetian Style Sofa, Early 19th C
Elegant Italian Venetian Style Sofa, Early 19th C

Elegant Italian Venetian Style Sofa, Early 19th C

$5,600

H 36.5 in W 65.5 in D 21.5 in

Elegant Italian Venetian Style Sofa, Early 19th C

Located in Atlanta, GA

An Italian Venetian style carved wood & upholstered sofa from the early 19th century. This antique settee from Italy features an elegantly arched camel back with gracefully outward t...

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Pair Of 1880s French Napoleon III Upholstered Armchairs
Pair Of 1880s French Napoleon III Upholstered Armchairs

Pair Of 1880s French Napoleon III Upholstered Armchairs

$4,995 / set

H 31.6 in W 31.2 in D 32 in

Pair Of 1880s French Napoleon III Upholstered Armchairs

Located in High Point, NC

This handsome pair of 1880s French Napoleon III upholstered armchairs reflects the era’s emphasis on comfort, elegance, and refined domestic design. Featuring generously rounded back...

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Antique French 19th Napoleon III Armchair & Ottoman
Antique French 19th Napoleon III Armchair & Ottoman

Antique French 19th Napoleon III Armchair & Ottoman

$3,829

H 35.44 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in

Antique French 19th Napoleon III Armchair & Ottoman

Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire

The armchair is extremely comfortable, thanks to its wide armrests, its large backrest and its wide seat. The perfect armchair for a reading corner where you won't want to give up yo...

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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Settees

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Velvet

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

19th Century French Oak Window Seat

$3,295

H 18.38 in W 53 in D 13.13 in

19th Century French Oak Window Seat

Located in High Point, NC

19th century oak window seat from France with a carved and beveled edge around the seat and half applied turnings on the top. The apron is hand scallop...

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Oak

Previously Available Items
French Napoleon III Round Scroll Back Small Scale Sofa
French Napoleon III Round Scroll Back Small Scale Sofa

French Napoleon III Round Scroll Back Small Scale Sofa

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H 29.5 in W 47 in D 24 in

French Napoleon III Round Scroll Back Small Scale Sofa

Located in Stamford, CT

Petite French Napoleon III round scroll back sofa, circa 1880s. Turned black legs with original castors. Recently upholstered in Manuel Canovas 'Marius' in Ciel (light blue and white...

Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Linen, Wood

A French Napoleon III Settee, C. 1860.
A French Napoleon III Settee, C. 1860.

A French Napoleon III Settee, C. 1860.

Sold

H 33 in W 53.5 in D 26.5 in

A French Napoleon III Settee, C. 1860.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Featuring a straight back and elegantly turned legs fitted with casters. Recently restored, the frame is structurally sound and ready for customization with upholstery of your choosi...

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Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Settees

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Upholstery, Wood

Unusual French Napoleon III upholstered settee. 19th century.
Unusual French Napoleon III upholstered settee. 19th century.

Unusual French Napoleon III upholstered settee. 19th century.

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H 37 in W 54 in D 25 in

Unusual French Napoleon III upholstered settee. 19th century.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This settee is truly a rare form with a double chairback over a single wide seat with rolled arms supported by ebonized turned legs terminating in casters. This piece has been newly ...

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French Napoleon III leather settee, 19th C.
French Napoleon III leather settee, 19th C.

French Napoleon III leather settee, 19th C.

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H 34 in W 64 in D 34.5 in

French Napoleon III leather settee, 19th C.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

French Napoleon III settee, 19th C. upholstered in leather. The leather on this settee is in overall fantastic condition (note image for cracked area). Both the color and the patina ...

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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Settees

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Leather, Wood

French Napoleon III Style Settee in Gold Velvet
French Napoleon III Style Settee in Gold Velvet

French Napoleon III Style Settee in Gold Velvet

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H 34 in W 62 in D 34 in

French Napoleon III Style Settee in Gold Velvet

Located in Buchanan, NY

This elegant French Napoleon III settee is upholstered in a plush floral patterned gold velvet with tassel adornments and matching bullion fringe. The beautifully curved back and bui...

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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Settees

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Upholstery

French Napoleon III Style Settee
French Napoleon III Style Settee

French Napoleon III Style Settee

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H 32 in W 57 in D 31 in

French Napoleon III Style Settee

Located in Buchanan, NY

A handsome small French sofa or settee in the Napoleon III style. The classic “chapeau de gendarme“ shape of the back balances perfectly with the gen...

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Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Settees

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19th Century French Napoleon III Curved Sofa, Newly Upholstered Bouclé fabric
19th Century French Napoleon III Curved Sofa, Newly Upholstered Bouclé fabric

19th Century French Napoleon III Curved Sofa, Newly Upholstered Bouclé fabric

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H 29.53 in W 51.97 in D 32.29 in

19th Century French Napoleon III Curved Sofa, Newly Upholstered Bouclé fabric

Located in Paris, FR

Two-seat curved settee from the late 19th Century. Lovely shape and curves. Very comfortable seat. Front legs raised upon brass casters. This sofa has been fully restored and newly ...

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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Settee in Muslin
French 19th Century Settee in Muslin

French 19th Century Settee in Muslin

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H 33 in W 59 in D 33 in

French 19th Century Settee in Muslin

Located in Buchanan, NY

A captivating small-scale French 19th century settee from the Napoleon III period. Its gracefully rounded back and built-in lumbar support offer exceptional comfort, making it the pe...

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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Upholstery

Napoleon III Style Ebonized "Indiscret" Armchair
Napoleon III Style Ebonized "Indiscret" Armchair

Napoleon III Style Ebonized "Indiscret" Armchair

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H 28 in Dm 38 in

Napoleon III Style Ebonized "Indiscret" Armchair

Located in Astoria, NY

Napoleon III style three-seater armchair or "Indiscret," the frame in a Neoclassical form and on shaped tapering legs, now upholstered in a graphic black and gray pattern. Dimens...

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21st Century and Contemporary Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Fabric, Wood

French Tufted Napoleon III Settee
French Tufted Napoleon III Settee

French Tufted Napoleon III Settee

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H 36 in W 58 in D 34 in

French Tufted Napoleon III Settee

Located in Buchanan, NY

French Tufted Napoleon III Settee A wonderfully proportioned small French settee from the Napoleon III period having a gracious curved back with exquisite tufting. The settee has bee...

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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Settees

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Fabric

Low-Profile Napoleon III French Banquette
Low-Profile Napoleon III French Banquette

Low-Profile Napoleon III French Banquette

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H 26 in W 48 in D 30 in

Low-Profile Napoleon III French Banquette

Located in Chireno, TX

Low-profile Napoleon III French banquette, or settee, circa 1860-1879. Turned, ebonized legs front legs set into brass casters. Ebonized, hand-carved ...

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1880s French Antique Napoleon III Settees

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Brass

Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Armchair
Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Armchair

Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Armchair

Sold

H 35.04 in W 28.75 in D 28.35 in

Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Armchair

Located in Puglia, Puglia

19th century armchair, Napoleon III period. The armchair has been restored and the upholstery has been replaced with a beautiful Italian brocade. Franc...

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1870s French Antique Napoleon III Settees

Materials

Brocade, Beech

Napoleon Iii settees for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III settees 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 settees created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III settees made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original settees, popular names associated with this style include and Bourgeois Boheme Atelier. 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 settees differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $999 and tops out at $9,500 while the average work can sell for $4,355.

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