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.
19th Century Napoleon III Scroll Back Slipper Chair, Ready to Upholster
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful 19th century French Napoleon III slipper chair featuring an elegant scroll back and refined proportions characteristic of the period. The frame displays graceful lines and ...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of floral Napoleon III slipper chairs with fringes
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
This pair of floral Napoleon III slipper chairs with fringes is a stylish addition that fits any modern interior while adding a touch of vint...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
Wood, Velvet
19th Century Button-Tufted Slipper Chair with Turned Beech Legs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant slipper chair dates from the 19th century and reflects the refined taste of Napoleon III seating furniture. The chair features a generously cushioned seat and a graceful...
Velvet, Beech
Napoleon III Style Slipper Chair
Located in Sheffield, MA
The slipper chair reflects the Napoleon III style of the mid-19th century with gold brocade fabric with deep cushion affect and exuberant fringe. Fr...
Fabric
$2,762Sale Price / set|25% Off
1940s, Pair of Swedish Napoleon III-style Club / Armchairs
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Pair of 1940s Swedish Napoleon III–style armchairs, upholstered in rich brick-red (brique) velvet jacquard fabric. These elegant lounge chairs feature a beautifully sculpted backrest...
Velvet, Beech
$9,600 / set
Pair of Napoleon III Giltwood Slipper Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
A striking pair of 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. F...
Giltwood
$1,908 / item
1940s, Swedish Napoleon III–style Club / Armchair
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1940s Swedish Napoleon III–style armchair, upholstered in rich brick-red (brique) velvet jacquard fabric. This elegant lounge chair feature a beautifully sculpted backrest with deep ...
Velvet, Beech
French Scrolled Back Napoleon III Slipper Chair with Fringe
Located in Buchanan, NY
This lovely 19th century French Napoleon III slipper chair features a gracefully scrolled back, and has been upholstered in an elegant fabric with an abstract leafy design with birds...
Upholstery
$5,200 / set
Pair of Napoleon Style Slipper Chairs
Located in East Hampton, NY
Pair of Louis style, Napoleonic slipper chairs newly upholstered midnight blue linen with coordinated bullion fringe.
Linen, Wood
French Napoleon III Slipper Chair in Floral Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
A stunning French Napoleon III slipper chair. This slipper chair is a truly unique piece, with its vintage floral fabric and bullion...
Fabric
French Scrolled Back Slipper Chair with Embroidery
Located in Buchanan, NY
A lovely 19th century French Napoleon III slipper chair. This magnificent French slipper chair features a scrolled back, and has been upholstered in a light fabric, with an embroider...
Upholstery
19th Century French Giltwood Slipper Chair in Old Rose Velvet
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A charming and highly decorative French slipper chair dating from the 19th-century, distinguished by its elegant giltwood frame and wonderfully warm old rose velvet upholstery. The c...
Velvet, Giltwood
French Napoleon III Style Slipper Chair
Located in Buchanan, NY
An outstanding large scale French 1920s Napoleon III style slipper chair. This slipper chair is truly magnificent. It is upholstered ...
Fabric
Large French Late Napoléon III Slipper Chair/Chauffeuse, Circa 1880
Located in London, GB
A remarkably generous French transitional Napoleon III to Belle Époque period chauffeuse, circa 1880. This piece is distinguished by its uncommonly grand proportions and a deep, comf...
Brass
$4,197Sale Price|40% Off
Pair of Napoleon III sliper chairs with original 1850 Jacquard upholstery.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Napoleon III sliper chairs with original 1850. The original Jacquard tapestry fabric depicts a pastoral scene featuring a couple from the 18th century. The man is dressed in ...
Jacquard, Ebony, Fabric, Mahogany
$2,795 / set
H 35 in W 26 in D 26 in
Pair of Hollywood Regency Mid Century Button Tufted Slipper Chairs
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautifully designed and just reupholstered with camel colored ultrasuede. Great style with simplicity and comfort. In excellent restored condition with minimal wear.
Ultrasuede
Needlepoint Upholstered Slipper Chair
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Of typical form, raised on legs ending in casters.
Wood, Fabric
$5,400 / set
H 31 in W 21 in D 28 in
Pair of Napoleon III Slipper Chairs, 1830s, France, Newly Reupholstered Fabric
Located in New York, NY
We love the elegant simplicity of this pair of antique Napoleon III slipper chairs, discovered in the South of France and newly upholstered LaRue Stripe fabric in midnight. With high...
Upholstery
Pair of slippers chairs with a dandelion patterned slipcover
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of upholstered slippers chairs with a dandelion patterned slipcover and red piping details
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Skirted Scroll-Back Woven Raffia Slipper Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An organic modern pair of scrolled and skirted slipper chairs crafted from woven raffia grasscloth. The chairs feature a prominent English Regen...
Raffia, Wood, Grasscloth
1940s French Tufted Back Slipper Chair
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exquisite 1940s French tufted slipper chair. This tufted high back slipper chair is a beautiful piece of French furniture from the 20th century. Upholstered in a light peach satin...
Upholstery
$3,570
H 29.5 in W 21 in D 17 in
French Louis XIV Style Walnut and Upholstered Fireside Chair, mid 19th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
designed specifically to be low to the ground but with ample seat and comfort level it was used to warm oneself at the hearth of a fireplace, the open back with turned finials with a...
Walnut
$3,657
H 34.26 in W 25.6 in D 26.38 in
Large French Late Napoléon III Slipper Chair/Chauffeuse, Circa 1880
Located in London, GB
A remarkably generous French transitional Napoleon III to Belle Époque period chauffeuse, circa 1880. This piece is distinguished by its uncommonly grand proportions and a deep, comf...
Brass
Edward Ferrell Button-Tufted Linen Upholstered & Slipper Chair
Located in Astoria, NY
Edward Ferrell Button-Tufted Linen Upholstered Slipper Chair, with gingham plaid pattern in green and pink and gathered skirt, "Edward Ferrell" label to underside. 35" H x 26"...
Upholstery
French Napoleon III Slipper Chair in Floral Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
A stunning French Napoleon III slipper chair. This slipper chair is a truly unique piece, with its vintage floral fabric and bullion...
Fabric
Antique French Louis XV Style Slipper Chair, Late 19th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very sweet Louis XV style French slipper chair newly upholstered in white fabric with blue silk back & welting. Sumptuous down seat cushion.
Wood, Paint
A large mid 19th century walnut slipper chair c1860
Located in Batley, GB
A large sized mid 19th century walnut slipper chair with a serpentine front rail. Raised on quality walnut turned front legs with splayed walnut legs to the rear and all with the ori...
Walnut
French Napoleon III Walnut Armchair, C. 1870.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An elegant French Napoleon III armchair dating to circa 1870, crafted in richly figured walnut and upholstered in a decorative fabric accented with fringe trim. The chair displays th...
Fabric, Walnut
Napoleon III slipper chair, 19th century
Located in MILL, NL
Napoleon III slipper chair 19th century, slipper chair / chair. Ready for reupholstering. Sturdy and solid. Stands on elegant black legs with brass castors. Dimensions: 50W x 80H x...
Textile, Wood
Napoleon III Style Slipper Chairs, Associated Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Associated Pair of Napoleon III Style Upholstered Slipper Chairs, tan velvet with braided fringe, smaller with front legs on casters. Larger: 30" H x 21" W x 21" D; seat: 15" H. Pr...
Upholstery, Velvet
Pair of Antique Napoleon III Fireside Chairs on Casters
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant and inviting, this exceptional pair of antique French fireside chairs reflects the timeless sophistication of the Napoleon III era (Seco...
Upholstery, Wood
Napoleon III Slipper Chair
Located in Chireno, TX
Napoleon III slipper chair, circa 1860-1879. Newly covered in white linen with kick pleat skirt. Hand-carved and turned legs raised upon casters.
Metal, Brass, Steel
Sold
H 32 in W 23 in D 25 in
Antique French Napoleon III Style Slipper Chairs W/ Chinoiserie Silk - A Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
A magnificent pair of late 19th-century Napoleon III-style slipper bedroom chairs, sourced from Provence, France. Expertly handcrafted with solid wood frames, they feature a classic "his and hers" design with thoughtfully proportioned dimensions. Structurally revised for stability, the chairs retain their original, exquisite Chinoiserie silk fabric...
Silk, Maple
Sold
H 32.25 in W 22 in D 27.5 in
Antique French Napoleon III Style Slipper Chairs W/ Green Burnout Velvet- A Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite pair of late 19th-century French Napoleon III-style slipper bedroom chairs, sourced from Provence, France. Expertly handcrafted with solid wood frames and elegantly curv...
Velvet, Maple
19th C. French Napoleon III Slipper Chair in Green Velvet
Located in Buchanan, NY
This graceful French 19th century slipper chair features a scrolled back and captivating light green velvet upholstery. Its timeless Napoleon III design blends seamlessly with a wide...
Upholstery
French 19th Century Slipper Chair
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant French Napoleon III slipper chair is upholstered in a plush floral patterned gold velvet with tassel adornments and matching bullion fringe. The beautifully curved back...
Upholstery
Sold
H 28.5 in W 21.5 in D 19.5 in
Pair of Napoleon III Slipper Chairs, 1830s, France, Reupholstered in Schumacher
Located in New York, NY
We love the elegant simplicity of this pair of antique Napoleon III slipper chairs, discovered in the South of France and newly upholstered in Schumacher's Auguste Stripe fabric. Wit...
Linen
Pair of French Napoleon III "Fez" Slipper Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of French Napoleon III period Fez slipper chairs on brass castors with the seat and back fully upholstered in a rich crimson velvet. Having a large passementerie tassel tufted...
Brass
Pair of French Napoleon III Slipper Chairs in Light Blue Velvet
Located in Buchanan, NY
A charming pair of French Napoleon III slipper chairs, adorned in an exquisite light blue velvet fabric that instantly captivates th...
Upholstery