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.
Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Upholstered Stools
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century walnut stools from France with newly upholstered seats in linen, and finished with a single welt. The seats are supported on lovely walnut frames, which have wo...
Linen, Walnut
$3,695 / set
Pair of 19th Century Turned French Stools
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century oak stools from France with newly upholstered tops in linen finished with a single welt. The frames have hand-turned barley twist legs, joined by matching stretc...
Linen, Oak
1880s French Napoleon III Gilt Faux Bamboo Stool Gold Carved Wood
Located in High Point, NC
This charming 1880s French Napoléon III gilt faux bamboo stool exemplifies the period’s fascination with exoticism and decorative refinement. Crafted in carved wood and finished in a...
Faux Bamboo, Giltwood
$2,895 / set
Pair of 19th Century French Upholstered Stools
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century oak stools from France with newly upholstered tops. The seats are newly upholstered in linen and have nail head trim decoration. The frames of the stools are...
Abalone, Oak
French Napoléon III 1870s Walnut Upholstered Stools with Scrolling Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Napoléon III walnut stools from the late 19th century, with scrolling accents and new upholstery. Created in France at the end of Emperor Napoléon III's reign, each ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Modern Sculptural Stool with Twisted Rope Base after AME Fournier 21st Century
Located in Troy, MI
Sculptural rope leg stool by Ballard Designs 21st Century production A modern adaptation of the 19th Century Napoleon III tabouret stool by A.M.E. Fournier Twisted and knotted rope ...
Linen, Beech
$3,400
Napoleon III Stool
Located in Chireno, TX
Napoleon III stool, circa 1870-1889: ebonized frame newly covered in white linen. Note: Regional differences in humidity and climate during shipping may cause antique and vintage wood...
Linen, Wood
19th Century Napoleon III Piano Stool with Mustard Velvet Upholstery
Located in Lisbon, PT
A Napoleon III piano stool from the 19th century, crafted from solid wood and upholstered in mustard velvet. A rare decorative gem. This tripod piano stool embodies the elegance and...
Upholstery, Chestnut
$3,332Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Black Lacquer Piano Stool, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
A Napoleon III black lacquer refinished piano stool from the 19th century, crafted from solid wood and upholstered in mustard velvet. A rare decorative gem. This tripod piano stool ...
Fabric, Walnut
$1,295 / set
Pair of French Turned Stools
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of turned oak stools from France, circa 1900. The seats have beveled edges and follows down to simple aprons and hand turned splayed legs, joined by simple stretchers with mold...
Oak
19th Century French Oak Turned Stool
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak stool from France. The seat has a wide molded edge, surrounding a banded seat with a handle I the center for easy portability. The seat measures 12.88 inches x 12....
Oak
20th Century Napoleon III Style Lacquered Rope Twist Upholstered Tabouret
Located in Dallas, TX
Napoleon III style stool or ottoman with twisted rope design after the model by A.M.E. Fournier, circa 20th century. Lacquered, the piece has a fabric circular seat on rope-twist molded seat-rails on knotted rope legs...
Upholstery, Wood
$566Sale Price|41% Off
Napoleon III Walnut Piano Stool French, circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
Piano stool height-adjustable to be recovered. Circa 1880, French, of the period Napoleon III Good condition. Shipping: L35 P35 H49 7,2 kg.
Upholstery, Walnut
$6,300 / set
Pair of Walnut French Napoleon III Style Stools
Located in New York, NY
Pair of walnut French Napoleon III style stools /ottomans. Upholstered in a linen-blend.
Linen, Walnut
19th Century Oak Stool, Leather Upholstery, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th century oak stool, leather upholstery, Napoleon III period. 19th century oak stool, leather upholstery, Napoleon III period. Dimensions : H: 38cm, W: 73cm, D: 43cm Contact us...
Leather, Oak
Children's Stool in the Style of Thonet, circa 1880
By Thonet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Children's stool in the style of Thonet, circa 1880.
Cane, Beech
French Egyptian Revival Bamboo Faux Painted Thebes Stool 1930s
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A 1930s French saddle top bamboo Thebes stool. The temple seat is curved on all four sides, the legs are gently flared with a flat foot and the piece is wonderfully faux painted.
Bamboo
$2,595 / set
H 19 in W 19.13 in D 17.75 in
19th Century Pair of French Walnut Upholstered Stools with Mouton Legs
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century walnut stools from France with mouton legs. These stools are so elegant and have a beautiful profile from every side. The seats have been newly upholstered in ...
Linen, Walnut
Italian Gilt Bamboo Leopard Velvet Stool
Located in Houston, TX
1940s Italian gilt iron bamboo stool with leopard velvet upholstery.
Iron
$3,500 / item
H 15.5 in W 17.5 in D 17.5 in
Rooted Walnut And Spalted Maple Stool With Square Upholstered Seat
By Brett Paulin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The Rooted stool stands resolute and unyielding in its design. It harmoniously combines the rich textures of silver maple and walnut, their unique grains weaving a captivating story ...
Fabric, Maple, Walnut
$600Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.5 in W 26.5 in D 12 in
Antique French Louis XV Carved Walnut & Upholstered Stool 19thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique French Louis XV Carved Walnut & Upholstered Stool 19thC Measures - 10.5"H x 26.5"W x 12"D This 19th-century French stool is crafted in the Louis XV style, featuring finely ...
Walnut
19th Century French Walnut Upholstered Stool
Located in High Point, NC
19th century walnut stool from France with newly upholstered seat in linen. This stool is lovely! The seat has Benn newly upholstered in linen and finished with single welt decorat...
Linen, Walnut
Pair of Swedish Empire Stools, Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined pair of early 19th-century Swedish Empire stools, distinguished by their dark painted finish and crisply carved neoclassical details. The square upholstered seats rest abov...
Pine
$400
H 6 in W 15 in D 12 in
Antique Footstool circa 1880s Hand Needlepoint Floral Tapestry + Carved Wood Foo
Located in Portsmouth, VA
There’s something magical about the little things—like this petite antique footstool, quietly carrying over a century of stories. Dating to the late 1800s, this heirloom piece featu...
Fabric, Walnut
French 19th Century Oak & Upholstered Bench
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French, 19th century rectangular turned oak footstool with (more recent) printed canvas upholstery on the seat. Perfect to use as a small bench or vanity stool, the cushioning is d...
Upholstery, Oak
Chinese Chippendale Style Faux Bamboo Stool
Located in Sheffield, MA
English Chinese Chippendale style gold painted faux bamboo stool with red silk upholstered top is from the mid 20th century. Created in England during the midcentury period, the upho...
Wood
$7,494 / item
H 18.12 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Jade Stool by Draga & Aurel Resin and Brass, 21st Century
Located in Como, IT
Jade stool features ethereal transparency and a reflective surface that plays naturally with light. The brightly colored seat rests on a cylindrical brass base, whose distinctive vei...
Brass
$7,494 / item
H 18.12 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Jade Stool by Draga & Aurel Resin and Brass, 21st Century
Located in Como, IT
Jade stool features ethereal transparency and a reflective surface that plays naturally with light. The brightly colored seat rests on a cylindrical brass base, whose distinctive vei...
Brass
Napoleon III Style Bamboo Foot Stool
Located in Astoria, NY
Napoleon III Style Bamboo Foot Stool, with leopard print upholstery. 19.5" H x 19" W x 18.5" D. Provenance: From a New York City Estate.
Upholstery, Wood
Late 19th Century Pair of French Walnut Stools
Located in High Point, NC
Late 19th century pair of French walnut stools with rush seats. The seats are hand-woven from rush, and are supported on gorgeous walnut frames with hand turned legs, joined by sim...
Rush, Walnut
Antique Upholstered Piano Chair from France, circa 1880
Located in Schwerin, MV
Antique French Piano Stool, Swivel Stool - Napoleon III, circa 1880 Discover the charm and elegance of this antique French piano stool: The stool...
Metal
A French Belle Époque Curule Stool circa 1880
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A French Belle Époque Curule Stool with armrests Gilded wood richly carved with scrolls, shells and acanthus leaves Red damask upholstery in perfect condition Louis XV Style Circ...
Silk, Giltwood
Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Stools
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of lovely turned 19th century walnut stools from France. The seats have been newly upholstered in linen and finished with a single welt, for added design interest. The seats a...
Linen, Walnut
Sold
H 44.25 in W 21.5 in D 24.5 in
Theodore Alexander Bar Stools Napoleon III Mahogany Scoop Back Brown Leather
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Theodore Alexander bar stools Inspired by Napoleon III and Louis XV styling. Features a hand carved mahogany scoop back, a padded brown/co...
Leather, Mahogany
French 19th Century Mahogany and Velvet Footstool
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French mahogany and velvet-upholstered Campaign footstool made in the 1800’s with modern appeal to use anywhere around the home. This comfortable seat is wrapped in a chartreuse ve...
Textile, Mahogany
Antique Piano Chair, 1880
Located in Schwerin, MV
Antique piano stool - hand-turned swivel stool, around 1880. This exquisite piano stool from the Napoleon III era combines historical elegance with o...
Metal
Sold
H 44.5 in W 25 in D 21.5 in
3 Theodore Alexander Napoleon III Mahogany Scoop Back Red Leather Bar Stool
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of 3 An Evening At Ease by Theodore Alexander. Inspired by Napoleon III and Louis XV styling. Features a hand carved mahogany scoop back, a padded red leather upholstered seat,...
Brass
Napoleon III Giltwood Bamboo Silk Velvet Stool
Located in Houston, TX
Napoleon III gilt bamboo stool newly upholstered in a verde green striated silk velvet with loose down feather seat cushion.
Silk, Velvet, Bamboo
Sold
H 13.78 in W 36.23 in D 36.23 in
Antique French 19th C Mustard Velvet Napoleon III Stool or Foot Bench
Located in AMSTERDAM, NH
Delight in the charm of this French 19th-century Napoleon III style stool or foot bench, featuring an elegant mustard velvet upholstery. The vintage velvet upholstery has been clean...
Cotton, Velvet
Antique French 19th C Napoleon III Style Stool or Foot Bench
Located in AMSTERDAM, NH
Refined 19th Century Napoleon III Style Stool or Foot Bench with a distinctive blue linen upholstery, ca. 1880. This exquisite stool serves as a comfortable complement to any sofa, ...
Linen, Wood