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Napoleon III Seating

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
A French Napoleon III "Float" Armchair, C. 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A refined (yet funky) Napoleon III armchair featuring the classic "float" arm design with fully upholstered seat, rolled back, and arms on turned, ebonized wood legs with original ca...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

French Vintage Velvet & Fringe Bergere Chair
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A vintage 20th century French fauteuil crapaud, early 1900s; these Napoleon III style chairs are affectionately named after their resemblance to a toad. This example has a low profil...
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

French Pair of 19th Century Napoleon III Club Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An inviting pair of French 19th century Napoleon III style armchairs that embody leisure and luxury in one design. Currently upholstered in a dotted velvet of cream and teal, these c...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Textile, Wood

Pair Napoleon III Painted Side Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of period Napoleon III side chairs with cane seats, hand turned, exquisitely carved fluting at front legs and beautiful hand painted detailing. New down feather dark moss green ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Cane, Wood

Pair Napoleon III Slipper Chairs
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a classic pair of c. 1870 Napoleon III Slipper Chairs that have been brought into the 21st century with a linen in French multi-striped blues and greens. The internal upholstery has been completely replaced with new materials. The contrasting small back pillows are in a custom Ralph Lauren Paisley fabric...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Brass

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 Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

19th Century French Pair of Napoleon III Walnut Lounge Chairs, Antique Fauteuils
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large pair of antique French Napoleon III lounge chairs made of hand crafted Walnut, in good condition. The detailed Fauteuils have a slightly reclined backrest with wide armrests,...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Walnut

4 Theodore Alexander Napoleon III Mahogany Scoop Back Brown Leather Bar Stool
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of 4 An Evening At Ease by Theodore Alexander. Inspired by Napoleon III and Louis XV styling. Features a hand carved mahogany scoop back, a padded brown leather upholstered sea...
Category

Late 20th Century Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Linen, Oak

French Napoleon III Walnut Sofa Banquette French Late 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Elegant Napoleon III walnut banquette or sofa. France circa 1890, The upholstery and the fabric has been recently changed. Very good antique condition. A little stain on the fabri...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

European Napoleon III Striped Velvet & Fringe Boudoir Chair
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Lovely, petite velvet boudoir chair in the style of George Smith with stripe velvet upholstery, fringe and nailheads. Small scale yet comfortable for adult use. Not marked or signed.
Category

1940s English Vintage Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

19th Century Carved Conversation Borne Settee Tête-à-tête
Located in Culver City, CA
Step into the enchanting world of opulence with this exquisite Borne Settee, a resplendent blend of timeless elegance and whimsical charm. Upholstered in the finest white button tuft...
Category

1860s European Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Hardwood, Walnut

French Napoleon III Period Settee
Located in Sheffield, MA
A classic small-scale French 19th Century Napoleon III Period loveseat, sofa or settee, circa 1860-1879. The settee offers both comfort and style with graceful and elegant lines exe...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

19th Century French Long Window Seat
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak long window seat from France. The seat is made from a single board. The apron is also hand carved in a nulling pattern and the bench is supported on hand turned legs...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Oak

French Napoleon III Style Settee in Vintage Gold Velvet
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant French Napoleon III style settee is upholstered in a plush floral patterned gold velvet with tassel adornments and matching bullion fringe. The beautifully curved back a...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

19th Century French Napoleon III Chaise Lounge in Striped Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
A traditional late 19th-century Napoleon III chaise lounge or daybed, sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully handcrafted from solid maple, it features an elegant oval-back frame ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Maple

French Napoleon III Style Parlor Set
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A fabulous French 19th century three-piece parlor set in the style of Napoleon III, composed of a sofa and two armchairs with classic, curvaceous seat backs ending in petite rolled a...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

French Pair of Napoleon III toad chairs armchairs seating blue upholstery 19th
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very pretty pair of Napoleon III period (mid XIX th Century) living room armchairs, covered in a beautiful blue fabric. This is not an identical pair but both armchairs are entirely ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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 Seating

Materials

Brocade, Beech

Dark Grey Velvet Bourne, Round Sofa
Located in Stamford, CT
A stunning dark grey velvet four section custom made bourne. The base is hexagonal in shape with a luxurious inverted pleated flat valance. Four shaped and curved back supports creat...
Category

Late 20th Century American Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Pair of Napoleon III armchairs in the style of Madeleine Castaing, France, XIXe
By Madeleine Castaing
Located in Lyon, FR
Stunning and unique pair of Napoleon III armchairs, in the style of Madeleine Castaing, in green velvet, Maison Etro luxurious fabric, and trimming, passementeries. France, second ha...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Wood

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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Linen, Oak

19th Century Confident / Conversation Seat / Tête-à-tête
Located in Paris, FR
19th century confident in rosewood. France, circa 1860.
Category

1860s Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Rosewood

Napoleon III 19th Century French Chaise Longue
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This elegant French Napoleon III chaise longue is a timeless classic. Its sophisticated "chapeau de gendarme" shape is one of its most distinctive features, evoking a sense of regal sophistication. The chaise longue has the original upholstery. Although sold as-is, the option for custom upholstery services is available upon request, ensuring this stunning piece can be adapted to any individual taste or style. Bring an air of 19th century French elegance to your space with this exceptional Napoleon III chaise longue. We have only restored the wooden part, polished the feet with shellac. Sold as is. We always recommend upholstering vintage seats...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, Beech

French Carved Walnut Sofa with Floral Upholstery, circa 1880
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exceptional French antique sofa is a striking example of 19th century craftsmanship, featuring a beautifully sculpted walnut frame and an ele...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Walnut

Napoleon III Style Leather Upholstered Club Chair
Located in Sheffield, MA
A stylish black leather Napoleon III club or lounge chair. Chair has typical Napoleon III style legs and leather upholstery with nail finish.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

French Napoleon III Chaise in Red Velvet
Located in Buchanan, NY
This exquisite French 19th century Napoleon III chaise lounge features an extended left arm, and the interior of the back and arms have skillfully ironed diamond tufting, making this...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Meridian - Day bed - Lounge chair - Bench Napoleon III - France XIXth
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Beautiful Meridian - Day bed - Lounge chair - Bench with Burgundy, raspberry pink, off-white upholstery. Magnificent meridian from the Napoleon III - Second Empire period with a wide...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Napoleon III Period Crimson Velvet Bergere Chairs with wheels
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite pair of Napoléon III period bergère armchairs epitomizes the elegance and craftsmanship of 19th-century French design. Dating from the late 19th century, these chairs ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Brass

Two Napoleon III Style Gilt Ebonized Parlor Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Two Napoleon III style gilt ebonized parlor chairs. Larger arm chair: 26" W x 24" D x 40" H, seat height 17", arm height 24" Smaller chair: 18" W x 22" D x 38" H, seat height 17"
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

French Napoleon III Armchair with Diamond Tufting
Located in Buchanan, NY
This exceptional French 19th century Napoleon III armchair features diamond tufting and scrolled arms, typical of this period in French design. The graceful curve of the rounded back...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of Mohair and Silk Striped Sofa's
Located in Spencertown, NY
The upholstery with studs, gimp and fringe, with velvet back and sides.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Mohair, Silk

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 Seating

Materials

Brocade, Beech

19th Century Exclusive Napoleon III Living Room Sets
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Exclusive French Napoleon III living room set from the late 1800s, the set is composed of seven pieces, a cm sofa: (L185 x D74 x H95 x S45), two cm armchairs: (L67 x D73 x99 x S42), ...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Satin, Silk, Beech

Napoleon III Walnut Alcove or Daybed Sofa
Located in Hudson, NY
This daybed or sofa was made originally in France circa 1870 in the Napoleon III style and is constructed of walnut and burled walnut veneers used to dramatically show off the wood selection and grain patterns. Large profiles and massive flat or concave and convex long grained area of regular walnut have been used to border complex very figured areas of veneered burl walnut Boldly scaled and very masculine the original rail on one side has been removed and a permanent rail with a notched upper area in the head and foot boards to accommodate an upholstered wooden back which was clearly just screwed in in the past allowing for the use as a sofa in a guest room also used as a sitting room. The head and foot boards are finished on both side so its clear that it was always meant to be seen form an alcove bed...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Burl

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 Seating

Materials

Cane, Beech

Antique French 19th Century Napolean III Armchair and Footstool Bullion Fringe
Located in London, GB
Antique French 19th century Napolean III armchair and footstool Bullion Fringe Excellent condition commensurate with age. Chair: h78/40 w79 d85 Footstool D43 h42.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Empire Daybed with Gilt Accents
Located in Chicago, IL
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 ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Antique French Iron Campaign Style Daybed
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add glamour and style with this Napoleon III cast iron lounging day bed to any room. Create your own 24" x 74" seating area with a mattress, seat cushion and decorative pillows to ma...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Iron

19th Century Napoleon III Armchair in Deep Blue Velvet
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite Napoleon III armchair from the 19th century showcases timeless French elegance and craftsmanship. Recently reupholstered in a sumptuous deep blue velvet, it retains it...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Fruitwood

19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut Daybed or Bench
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive 19th century walnut daybed or bench seat made in the grand French Napoleon III period. The walnut frame features large round padd...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

French Napoleon III reupholstered Lounge Chair, 1890s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very beautiful Napoleon III lounge chair which has been completely reupholstered in our workshops with a very beautiful terracotta color fabric from Fine Fabrics and a fringe finish ...
Category

1890s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric

Napoleon III corner bench in gilded wood
Located in TOURCOING, FR
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of the Napoleon III era with our corner bench seat and its curved mercure mirror. Originating from Montmar...
Category

1890s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Pair Of Black 19th Century Side Chairs, Original Upholstery - FR ca. 1870
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Outstanding pair of black late 19th century French Napoleon III side chairs with original upholstery in incredible condition. Artfully handcrafted in the period around 1870 in France...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, Beech

19th Century French Napoleon III Chaise Lounge W/ Red Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
A traditional late 19th-century Napoleon III chaise or daybed lounge sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully handcrafted from solid wood, it features elegant oval-back frames with...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood

French Napoleon III Curved and Tufted Chaise Longue
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant French 19th century Napoleon III tufted chaise lounge showcases the artistry of the period. It features a gracefully sloped and curved extended left arm, and scrolled back with a decorative tassle accent. The interior of the back and arm, and the seat, are all skillfully and heavily tufted, making this chaise a unique and standout addition to any interior. The vintage blue velvet fabric...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

19th CENTURY PAIR OF BERGÈRE ARMCHAIRS
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant pair of Bergère armchairs, made of gilded pine wood and finely carved with mastery. The armchairs are decorated on the structure with wood carvings of geometric, scroll and f...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of Opera Chairs in Ebonized Wood and Cane Seats, Napoleon III Period
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite pair of side chairs, dating back to circa 1860-1880, embodies the elegance of the Napoleon III era. Expertly crafted from ebonized wood, these chairs feature intricate...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fruitwood, Cane

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 Seating

Materials

Giltwood

French Napoleon III Armchair in White Boucle
Located in Houston, TX
French Napoleon III Armchair upholstered in off-white boucle circa 1865-1884. New casters on front legs. An excellent near-pair with a second Napoleon III chair similarly upholstered...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Brass, Steel, Iron

2 Napoleon III Chairs, France, circa 1930
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
2 Napoleon III armchairs, France, circa 1930. price is for one two are available    
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th C French Small Scale Napoleon III Armchairs with Diamond Tufting
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant pair of French 19th century small scale Napoleon III style armchairs with gracefully flared arms, classically rounded backs with diamond tufting and delicately turned legs. These French Napoleon III small scale armchairs...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Napoleon III French Settee
Located in Houston, TX
Napoleon III French settee upholstered in off-white ticking and burlap. Ready to be re-covered in your own fabric. Constructed circa 1870-1889 with wood and iron frame, turned and eb...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Brass, Iron, Steel

Royal Louis XV or Rococo Tapestry Sofa and Chairs, Gold, Napoleon III, 1880
Located in Berlin, DE
Louis XV tapestry / tapestry suite, Napoleon III, circa 1880. Genuine gold leaf on solid wood. Hand-carved wooden body. Very old and decorative French sofa set...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood

Vintage Chair Fauteuil Crapaud Toad Chair Napoleon III Style French circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Fauteuil Crapaud French Napoleon III, circa 1960 This little arm chair wil be perfect in a dressing or a bedroom. Atypical form Red skai Shipping: 49 / 45 / 72 cm 6.4 kg.  
Category

1960s French Vintage Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Faux Leather

Antique French Louis XVI Pair Of Armchair, 19th Century
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
Superb pair of Louis XVI carved walnut armchairs, frame in very good condition, antique wool velvet fabric worked in diamond shapes finished with braid. The armrests rest on a carved...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Napoleon III Period 19th Century Méridienne.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon III period 19th century méridienne. 19th century Napoleon III period pedestal table. H: 80cm, W: 220cm, D: 71cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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 Seating

Materials

Upholstery

19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut Chaise Lounge in Blue Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
An exceptional mid-19th century French chaise lounge from the Napoleon III period, showcasing clean lines, exquisite detailing, and a commanding yet refined presence. Sourced in Pari...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Mid-Century Tufted Armchair Lounge Chair, 16” Seat Height
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
French-style tufted armchair blends classic elegance with thoughtful proportions designed for space-conscious interiors ; generous 36-inch width, provides a welcoming and comfortabl...
Category

20th Century American Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Polyester

Napoleon Iii seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, more furniture and collectibles, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III seating 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 seating, popular names associated with this style include Bourgeois Boheme Atelier, J.&J. Khon, Aubusson Manufacture, and Baker Furniture Company. 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 seating 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 $3,247.

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