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.
$1,890 / item
Alma Napoleon Style Accent Chair in Velvet
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Introducing the Alma Accent Chair – a timeless piece crafted for comfort and style. Upholstered in a faux mohair style velvet, the color is chestnut, a warm rich chocolate brown. Res...
Metal
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Mahogany Desk Chair with Olive Leather
Located in Astoria, NY
A refined late 19th century French Napoleon III desk chair executed in richly toned mahogany with gilt bronze mounts and olive green leather up...
Brass
19th Century French Duchesse Brisée Bergère and Matching Ottoman
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant French Duchesse Brisée dates from the 19th-century and is a beautiful example of refined French seating furniture. Comprising a comfortable bergère armchair and its matc...
Brass
19th Century Pair of Louis XVI Medallion Giltwood Armchairs with Blue Damask
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant pair of Louis XVI medallion armchairs perfectly captures the refinement of 19th-century French neoclassical design. Crafted i...
Damask, Silk, Giltwood
Pair of French Louis XV Style Walnut Fauteuils, circa 1880
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant pair of French carved fauteuils embodies the timeless sophistication of the Louis XV taste, executed in the 19th century with graceful proportions and richly sculpted de...
Walnut
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
Pair of 19th Century Napoleon III High Back Armchairs, Ready to Upholster
Located in Atlanta, GA
Impressive pair of 19th century French Napoleon III armchairs featuring elegant high backs and beautifully balanced proportions. These substantial chairs embody the refined style and...
Wood
$2,998Sale Price|30% Off
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...
Brocade, Beech
$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
Antique French Napoleon III Style Oak Dining Chairs - Set of 12
Located in Astoria, NY
Grand set of twelve antique French dining chairs, Napoleon III style, late 19th century, sourced in Provence, France. Crafted from solid oak, the chairs feature arched upholstered ba...
Fabric, Wool, Oak
French 19th Century Bench
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This Charming long bench is covered with a beige color fabric with dark mahogany feet.
Mahogany
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...
Velvet, Wood
19th Century French Napoleon III Méridienne /Chaise Longue, C 1860
Located in Charleston, SC
This exquisite rare shape Napoleon III méridienne / chaise lounge with long length with extremely curvaceous profile, graceful scroll arms on ebonzied legs. Unlike more common tufte...
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
French Napoleon Velvet Chauffeuse chair from Ann Getty's antiquity collection
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Antique, French Napoleon III tufted velvet and needlework chauffeuse chair, part of Gordon and Ann Getty's personal antiquity collection, the Getty's acquired at Butterfield and Butt...
Upholstery, 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
$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
Vintage English Napoleon III Style Blue Button Tufted Fan Back Club Chairs, Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage English Napoleon III Style Blue Button Tufted and Pleated Fan Back Club Lounge Chairs - a Pair. Item features solid mahogany wood frames with "antiqued" finish, polished bras...
Fabric, Mahogany
Napoleon III Style Side Chair, Wood & Fabric, Late 19th Century
By Napoléon III
Located in Trenton, NJ
Refined and full of charm, this vintage Napoleon III style side chair embodies the decorative grace of the late 19th century. Its petite size and fine detailing make it both a visual...
Fabric, Wood
$6,120Sale Price|25% Off
Blackened Wood Napoleon the 3d Sofa
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and unique sofa is made of blackened wood and fabric. It has a very nice shape. This canape must be re-upholstered (what we can arrange if you wish with fabric of your choice). This is a French work Napoleon the 3...
Fabric, Wood
$5,290
Alma Chair - Leather
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Introducing the Alma Accent Chair – a timeless piece crafted for comfort and style. Upholstered in Fargo Dark Brown Italian leather. Resembling a classic French Napoleon style chair,...
Metal
$1,931 / 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
20th Century Icelandic Sheepskin Fournier Style Rope Bergère Chair
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Icelandic sheepskin Fournier style rope bergère chair with each leg and arm featuring a knotted detail. Newly upholstered in Icelandic sheepkin. International Orders: A...
Sheepskin, Wood
Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier, Classic
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Classic Napoleon III style armchair or tête-à-tête has been upholstered in a traditional style instead of our contemporary version. . It is the perfect conversation piece. This...
Wood, Cotton
$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
Antique 19th Century Napoleon III Armchair Upholstered in Neutral Fabric
Located in London, London
An elegant upholstered armchair with a gently curved, enveloping form, likely dating to the 19th century. The chair features a high, softly shaped back that flows into rounded arms,...
Fabric
19th Century Napoleon III Square Back Armchair with Matching Footstool
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant 19th century French Napoleon III armchair accompanied by its matching footstool, presenting a sophisticated silhouette characteristic of the Second Empire period. The chair f...
Wood
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
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 ...
Upholstery
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
Antique Armchairs Reupholsted Chauffeuse Napoleon III French late 19th Centuty
Located in Labrit, Landes
Chauffeuse little armchair French of the Napoleon III period circa 1880. The feets are in wood, the fauteuil has been recently reupholstered and recovered. Antique, 19th century. Sol...
Upholstery, Beech
French 19th C. Chaise Longue with Carved Fruitwood Frame
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant French Napoleon III chaise longue is classic and timeless. Inspired by the Louis XV period, this 19th century chaise features an elaborately carved fruitwood frame that ...
Upholstery, Fruitwood
19th Century French Napoleon III Armchair in Calico, Ready for Re-Upholstery
Located in London, GB
A classic 19th-century French Napoleon III armchair, circa 1870. This elegant library or lounge chair features its original proportions with a comfortably raked back and scrolled a...
Cotton, Calico, Upholstery, Wood, Beech
French Antique Sofa Carved Walnut, 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...
Walnut, 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...
Velvet, Walnut
$2,795Sale 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
19th Century Napoleon III Period Mahogany Wall Bed
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Napoleon III Period Mahogany Wall Bed is a superbly well-preserved example of French style and ingenuity from the Second Empire! Hand-crafted from exotic imported mahog...
Mahogany
19th Century Set of Four French Red Leather Dining Chairs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Introducing a set of four exquisite precious wood chairs, embodying the timeless elegance of Napoleon III era, circa 1880. Crafted from rich wood, these chairs boast a captivating me...
Leather, Fruitwood
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
Damask, Rosewood
A Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
A refined pair of 19th century French library chairs in the Napoleon III taste, distinguished by their elegant proportions and classic turned leg...
Fabric, Silk, Hardwood
Garonne Chaise Lounge by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our Classic Garonne chaise lounge has five Napoleon III style turned wooden legs. From every angle, you see its distinctive elegant curved lines. This piece is perfect for cuddling up with a good book in front of the fireplace or simply lounging around after a long day. Covered in a mint green velvet...
Velvet, Oak
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 ...
Mahogany
French Napoleon III Chaise Longue with Turned Legs, C. 1860
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An elegant French Napoleon III chaise longue dating to circa 1860, distinguished by its graceful chapeau de gendarme crest and classic serpentine silhouette. Embodying the refined co...
Fabric, Wood
Garonne Chaise Lounge by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our Classic Garonne chaise lounge has five Napoleon III style turned wooden legs. From every angle, you see its distinctive elegant curved lines. This piece is perfect for cuddling u...
Oak, Cotton
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...
Fabric, Walnut
Pair Of Napoleon III Style Carved And Pair Decorated Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Ca. earlier 20th c. Elaborately carved frames in Pistachio Green paint overall. The carved leaf and berry crest rails with shaped leafy finials. Ribbon twists on the outer frames and...
Other
$1,816Sale Price / set|38% Off
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 ...
Brass
19th Century French Napoleon III Leather Reclining Armchair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic 19th century French Napoleon III period leather reclining armchair or lounge chair. Features a mahogany frame covered with rich, d...
Metal
French Napoleon III Style Gilt Wood Knot Base Ottoman
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fantastic and very decorative French Pouf Ottoman with an intricate Gilt Wood Knotted Rope base. With good size and a high Cushion custom upholstered in a William Morris type Leaf ...
Fabric, Wood
20th Century Empire Style Napoleonic Swan Armchair
Located in Berlin, DE
Napoleonic pavilion armchair in Empire style. Very exact fine-carved sculpture made of solid, blackened beechwood. Poliment gold-plated. Scratched frame on plastically carved legs e...
Wood
Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Sofa and Two Armchairs
Located in Puglia, Puglia
French sofa and two armchairs from the 19th century, Napoleon III period. The whole set has been restored and the upholstery replaced with a beautiful Italian Brocade...
Brocade, Beech
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
Pair of Clarence Chairs by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Clarence Chair by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier is a timeless piece inspired by the classic Napoleon III design. These side chairs are made to order, allowing customers to provide the...
Linen
19th Century Upholstered Flemish Arm Chair from France
Located in High Point, NC
19th century walnut Flemish arm chair from France. This is a lovely Flemish armchair made from walnut and newly upholstered in linen. The arms are gracefully shaped and terminate ...
Linen, Walnut
Pair of French Armchairs in Muslin with Matching Ottoman
Located in Buchanan, NY
This striking trio of French armchairs and an ottoman from the 1920s is the embodiment of timeless elegance. The chairs and ottoman are a testament to fine artistry, with intricately...
Fabric, Wood
French Patio Wrought Iron Chaise Longue
Located in Sheffield, MA
The undulating black patio metal garden chaise loungeis relatively light weight for easy movability. The seat peaks where the knee bends making it extremely comfortable. The mesh cou...
Wrought Iron
Napoleon III Period Armchair, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon III period armchair, 19th century. Napoleon III period armchair, 19th century, to reupholster, fabric stained, need to be reupholstered. Dimensions : H: 80cm, L: 88cm, D: ...
Fabric
19th Century French Giltwood Petite Settee, Napoleon III Style
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.
Giltwood
$619Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Chair with Turned Beech and Velvet for Child French, circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
Napoleon III French chair for child late 19th century Turned beech, with patina, The fabric in a good quality. Two marks in the velvet, nothing dist...
Beech, Velvet
French Empire Mahogany Armchair with Bronze Mounts, Leather Upholstery
Located in Queens, NY
French Consulat / Empire Mahogany and Bronze Mounted Armchair having a splayed leg design ending with claw feet and upholstered in brown leather
Mahogany
Pair of French Napoleon III Tufted Arm Chairs in Gold Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
A handsome pair of French Napoleon III armchairs from the late 19th century, offering both comfort and style in abundance. Upholstered in a stunning vintage gold fabric...
Upholstery