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
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Black Lacquer Prayer Chair or Prie Dieu
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid nineteenth century French Napoleon III period black lacquer prayer chair, or prie-dieu in French, features a central medallion with Madonna and child in mother of pearl inla...
Mother-of-Pearl, Mohair, Lacquer
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
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
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
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
French 19th Century Bench
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This Charming long bench is covered with a beige color fabric with dark mahogany feet.
Mahogany
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
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
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...
Fabric, Mahogany
French Antique Sofa, Hand-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
French Wrought Iron Daybed, 19th C.
Located in Astoria, NY
French Wrought Iron Daybed, 19th century, atop casters. 46.5" H x 74.5" W x 40.25" D. Provenance: From the Collection of Laura and Lewis Kruger.
Wrought Iron
19th Century French Napoleon III Chaise Lounge in Golden Yellow Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite mid-19th century French Napoleon III chaise longue, sourced in Provence. Carefully revised by our workshop for structural integrity, it retains its authentic character w...
Velvet, Hardwood, Paint
Antique French Napoleon III 'Crapaud' Tub Chair in Moss Green Velvet
Located in London, GB
France, 1860s. Attributed to a Parisian Atelier, Faubourg Saint-Antoine District. This exceptional mid-19th-century Crapaud (toad) chair is a quintessential example of Second Empire French upholstery. Known for its low-slung, enveloping silhouette, it features a deep-buttoned back and original documentary moss-toned velvet. The piece is richly detailed with traditional French passementerie, including hand-twisted rope piping and a substantial bullion fringe. Supported by ebonized turned legs on original brass and ceramic castors, this chair perfectly captures the faded elegance of a Parisian salon. The olive-drab velvet has aged with remarkable grace, now worn to a distressed, matte, suede-like finish. This authentic age-tone and surface wear lend the piece a stately home provenance and a quiet depth that modern reproductions cannot replicate. A masterfully hand-crafted piece featuring traditional bench-made joinery. The chair utilizes hand-tied coil springs and hand-tufted deep-buttoning, showcasing the labor-intensive artisanal techniques of the 1860s. the quality of the ebonized turnings and the precision of the hand-tufting suggests the work of a premier Parisian 'tapissier' (upholsterer). The design is closely aligned with the 'confortable' style popularized by Maison Fournier...
Brass
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
Napoleon III Style Velvet Crapaud Armchair, Provence, 1940
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant French mid-20th century Napoleon III style crapaud armchair, sourced in Provence, France. The chair presents the enveloping silhouette typical of the style, with a rounded...
Velvet, Hardwood
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...
Brocade, Beech
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
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
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
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...
Iron
$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
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
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...
Upholstery, Wood
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 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...
Upholstery, Wood
A Pair of French Napoleon III Armchairs, C. 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant pair of French Napoleon III–period armchairs dating to circa 1860. Each chair features a rounded back with gracefully outstretched arms and a generously proportioned, deep cu...
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century Confident / Conversation Seat / Tête-à-tête
Located in Paris, FR
19th century confident in rosewood. France, circa 1860.
Rosewood
$4,002Sale Price / set|40% Off
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.
Upholstery
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
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...
Upholstery
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
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
'Atelier' 1860s French Napoleon III Double Spoon Seduction Chaise in Moss Velvet
Located in London, GB
1860s French "Atelier" Love Seat — A Study in Seduction & Construction An exceptionally elegant and large-scale French Napoleon III period piece, circa 1860 - the construction s...
Mohair, Burlap, Velvet, Wood
$275Sale Price / set|81% Off
Pair of Ebonized Hand Painted Napoleon III Chairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
Napoleon III period chaise chauffeuse with hand painted floral and scroll designs, c.1848-1860. The chaise chauffeuse was a chair that sits low to be near the warmth of the fire in...
Hardwood, Paint
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...
Velvet, Walnut
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
Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Silk Satin Sofa
Located in Puglia, Puglia
French sofa from the 19th century, Napoleon III period. The sofa has the original silk satin covering and two bands embroidered in half stitch and applied to the fabric, the backrest...
Satin, Silk, Beech
French 19th Century Chaise with Wooden Arm Details
Located in Buchanan, NY
Classic French 19th century Napoleon III tufted chaise lounge with exposed wooden details on the arms. The chaise has been stripped down to the muslin and is ready to be upholstered....
Upholstery
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...
Wool, Tapestry, Giltwood
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
$3,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
Brass
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
$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
19th Century French Napoleon III Chaise Lounge W/ Off-White Fabric
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant late 19th-century French Napoleon III chaise lounge, sourced from Provence, France. Expertly handcrafted from solid wood, it features a refined square back and gracefully ...
Cotton, Wood, Walnut
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
Antique Napoleon III Style Side Chair
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
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...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,926 / 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
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...
Upholstery
$20,000 / set
Pair of Mohair and Silk Striped Sofa's
Located in Spencertown, NY
The upholstery with studs, gimp and fringe, with velvet back and sides.
Mohair, Silk
Pair of Small Scale French Napoleon III Armchairs with Diamond Tufting
Located in Buchanan, NY
gently curved backs with diamond tufting. These lovely small scale French Napoleon III armchairs feature lovely turned legs, and gracefully curved arms. The classic “chapeau de gend...
Upholstery
1880s French Napoleon III Style Ebonized Side Table With Floral Inlay
Located in High Point, NC
This 1880s French Napoleon III–style ebonized side table is a refined example of late 19th-century decorative artistry, blending elegant curves with richly detailed ornamentation. Th...
Wood
$2,524
French Leather Chair
Located in Kingsbridge, GB
French Leather Chair from the 19th century. Excellent condition and very comfortable. Very rare chair in leather.
Leather
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
Napoleon III Canapé with Braided Boudin Crest Rail, Ready for Upholstery
Located in London, GB
A delightful mid-19th century French canapé, dating to the Napoléon III period, circa 1830, showcasing the epitome of Napoleon III decorative vocabulary. The form is defined by its...
Calico, Beech, Upholstery, Cotton, Burlap
$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
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 Armchair in White Boucle
Located in Chireno, 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...
Brass, Steel, Iron
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