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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
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Metal

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...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Beech

French Circa 1860 Original Painted Green Napoleon lll Cast Iron Daybed Rococo
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A wonderfully worn circa 1860 Napoleon lll cast iron daybed, with a intricate floral scroll work design with a nod to the rococo style Original green paint, faded, chipped, scratc...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Iron

Fine Antique French Style Chaise With Custom Fabric
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Antique Chaise with sinuous lines, strongly carved cabriole legs, rolled back, pierced and carved wood frame and custom upholstery. The fabric treatment is a Champagne tone nu...
Category

19th Century Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

French Napoleon III Style Crapaud Armchairs in Golden Yellow Velvet - A Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant pair of French mid-20th century Napoleon III style crapaud armchairs, sourced in Provence, France. The chairs present the enveloping silhouette typical of the style, with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Hardwood

A French Napoleon III Lounge Chair, C. 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant lounge chair featuring a tufted button-back upholstery, rounded crest, and slightly flaring arms. Supported on turned feet, this piece exemplifies the refined comfort and dec...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Beech, Velvet

French Napoleon III Crapaud (Tub) Chair circa 1860's
Located in London, GB
An excellent example of a Napoleon III French Crapaud (Tub) Chair, with a low rounded back and integrated arms in keeping with the proportions of the period. Seating from this perio...
Category

Mid-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

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

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 Seating

Materials

Wool, Tapestry, Giltwood

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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Beech

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

Rive Droite Confident 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 Seating

Materials

Bronze

1880s French Napoléon III Gilt Faux Bamboo Stool
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...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Giltwood

Pair of Napoleon III Chairs Fabric and Painted Wood, French, Late 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
French Pair of Napoleon III, circa 1880. Black painting with gilded vegetal motifs Antique, late 19th century. It can be recovered with the fabric of your choice to suit your inte...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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 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

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

Italian French Napoleonic Style Carved Rope Chair & Ottoman In Green Velvet S/2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a personal favorite! This is a 1970s Italian carved rope chair with matching ottoman. The luxurious green velvet is new. The frame came to me...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Pine

French Napoleon III Style Curved Sofa in Floral Jacquard Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite French mid-20th century curved sofa in the style of Napoleon III, sourced in Provence, France. The solid wooden frame is crafted in a graceful crescent form with a conti...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Jacquard, Velvet, Hardwood

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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood, Velvet

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 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

1880s Set of 2 French Giltwood Opera Chairs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A delightful pair of French lacquered giltwood 'Chaises Volantes', complementary in design but not identical. Designed to be lightweight and easily transportable, this style of chair...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Giltwood

Napoleon III Period Ebonised Canape
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An elegant Napoleon III period French sofa or canape. The ebonised frame with gilded carved details has a corbeille form with down-swept arms and a serpentine front. It has been newl...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Linen, Wood

Napoleon III Reclining Chaise Lounge with Swing-Out Arm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Napoleon III Reclining Chaise Lounge with Swing-Out Arm A rare and mechanically ingenious French chaise lounge from the Napoleon III period, featuring a reclining backrest operated b...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Antique French Napoleon III Style Walnut Dining Chairs W/Cream Chenille-Set of 6
Located in Astoria, NY
Late 19th-century set of six French dining chairs made in the style of Napoleon III, sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully hand-crafted from solid walnut wood featuring elegant ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Chenille, Walnut

19th Century Carved Walnut Settee
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

19th Century Carved Walnut Settee
19th Century Carved Walnut Settee
$3,184 Sale Price
46% Off
Pair of Napoleon III Side Chairs with Blue Leather Upholstery
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A fabulous pair of 19th century Napoleon III carved wooden side chairs, each with a delicate spindle back and ornately shaped top rail. The se...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Leather, Fruitwood

A pair of French Napoleon III sofas with continuous backs circa 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
What a find! A rare pair of French Napoleon III sofas featuring continuous upholstered backs that flow seamlessly into the arms, creating an elegant and cohesive silhouette. Raised o...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, 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 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

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

Antique French 19th Napoleon III Toad Armchair In Velvet
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
The armchair is extremely comfortable, thanks to its wide armrests, its enveloping backrest and its wide seat. The perfect armchair for a reading corner where you won't want to give ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet

Susan Osbourne French Late 19th Century ‘Teddy Bear’ Armchair
Located in London, GB
This French 19th-century Teddy Bear Chair, originaly created as a comfortable drawing room chair. Its generously rounded arms and softly enveloping profile give the piece its distin...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Armchair in Distressed Purple Velvet with White Braided Trim
Located in Buchanan, NY
A captivating French 19th century distressed purple velvet armchair. Crafted in 19th century France, in the distinctive Napoleon III style, this armchair is elegant and timeless. It ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

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...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Oak

Set of Four Balloon-Back Napoleon III Dining Chairs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A beautiful set of four balloon backed antique French dining chairs dating from the Napoleon III period. Comfortable as well as elegant, each chair is sculpted from finest mahogany, ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fruitwood

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

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

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

Garronne Chaise Lounge by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier, Silver
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our classic Garonne chaise lounge has 5 Napoleon III style turned wooden legs. From every angle, you see its distinctive elegant curved lines. This piece is perfect for cuddling up...
Category

2010s American Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Bentwood

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

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

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 ...
Category

Early 20th Century Norwegian Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Beech

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

Napoleon III Giltwood Rope Tabouret
Located in Essex, MA
Circular with new muslin upholstery, conforming carved rope legs and stretchers ending on tassel feet, casters. Completely regilded with 23-karat gold leaf.
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Other

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Oak

Antique French Napoleon III Style Oak Dining Chairs W/ Green Velvet - Set of 6
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant set of six French dining chairs made in the style of Napoleon III, sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully hand-crafted from solid oak wood featuring a slat square-shap...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

French Napoleon III Armchair with Tufted Back
Located in Buchanan, NY
A handsome French 19th century armchair with diamond tufted back and scrolled arms. This elegant armchair from the Napoleon III period captures the intricate details and romantic bea...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

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

Large French 19th C Napoleon III Tufted Sofa
Located in Buchanan, NY
A large scale French 19th century Napoleon III high backed sofa with cabriole legs. The back of this sofa is heavily tufted as are the rolled arms - adding grandeur and sophisticatio...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

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

Napoleon III French Deep Button-Back Crapaud Chair, Pierre Frey Velvet
Located in London, GB
A finely proportioned French deep button-back 'Crapaud' chair of the Napoleon III period, circa 1850–60, exhibiting the enveloping comfort and sculptural upholstery characteristic of...
Category

1850s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Textile, Upholstery, Velvet, Natural Fiber, Hardwood, Coconut

Set Eight Dessin Fournir Gilt Faux Bois Twig Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sublime set of eight rare dining chairs featuring hand-carved faux bois gilt twig wood frames designed by Erika Brunson for Dessin Fournir. Crafted in the old world style from beech ...
Category

20th Century American Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Gold

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 ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Fruitwood

French 19th Century Chaise in Muslin
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant French Napoleon III chaise longue in muslin is classic and timeless. Its sophisticated "chapeau de gendarme" shape is one of its most distinctive features, evoking a sen...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Linen

Pair Of 1880s French Napoleon III Chairs With Floral Embroidery
Located in High Point, NC
This pair of 1880s French Napoleon III chairs exemplifies the elegance and decorative richness characteristic of the late 19th century. Crafted in wood and finished in a dark, time-s...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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.