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
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
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
$6,400 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
Pair of Small Scale French Napoleon III Armchairs in Muslin
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant pair of small French 19th century Napoleon III style armchairs with gracious rounded backs and gently flared arms.
These small scale French Napoleon III armchairs feature...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Set of 2 Vintage Toad Armchairs-Crapaud Lounge Seater-Napoleon III Style-50s
Located in Bussiere Dunoise, Nouvel Aquitaine
Gorgeous Set of 2 Toad Armchairs - Lounge Seats from the 50s
Completely upholstered with fine ,authentic designet Velvet Fabric, in moss green-gold and orange.
These armchairs are ex...
Category
1950s French Vintage Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Metal, Other
$987 Sale Price / set
40% Off
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
$2,850 / set
Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Velvet Sofa
Located in Puglia, Puglia
French sofa from the 19th century, Napoleon III period, the upholstery was redone in velvet in the 1960s, normal wear but in very good condition, France, 1870s.
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, Beech
$2,879 Sale Price
30% Off
Aesthetic Movement Gold Giltwood Cane Arm Chair
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century giltwood chair with wonderful hand carved curved arms, turned spindle, finals, cane seat and new feather down seat cushion in ticking.
Also available C.O.M. (additional...
Category
19th Century Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Cane, Wood, Giltwood
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
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
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
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
$3,695 / set
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
Pair of Napoleon III armchairs in the style of Madeleine Castaing, France, XIXe
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
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 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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Linen, Walnut
$1,975 / set
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
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
Pair of Napoleon III Slipper Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Napoleon III slipper chairs, circa 1860-1879. Newly covered in white linen with kick pleat skirts. Hand-carved and turned legs raised upon casters. Together together and pric...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Brass
$7,600 / set
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
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
$5,369 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
Tufted Velvet Chauffeuse - From the Collection of Ann & Gordon Getty
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A stunning green velvet tufted chauffeuse chair, a true statement piece that effortlessly blends elegance and history. This exquisite chair feature...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet
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
$3,216 Sale Price
28% Off
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
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
Set of 4 Empire Style Black Lacquer and Blue Silk Dining Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 4 Contemporary Empire-style black lacquer dining chairs with a sleigh design open back with a cream & blue shot raw silk upholstered seats.
Category
20th Century Unknown Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Brass
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
$20,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
19th Century Napoleon III Scroll Back Sofa
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
19th Century Napoleon III scroll back deep seated sofa.
Ready for re-upholstering.
Category
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
$3,702 Sale Price
30% Off
French Napoleon III Slipper Chair in Floral Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
A stunning French Napoleon III slipper chair. This slipper chair is a truly unique piece, with its vintage floral fabric and bullion...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric
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 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
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
$4,525 Sale Price / set
30% Off
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 Napoleon III Style Chaise Lounge W/ Blue Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
A traditional late 19th-century French chaise or daybed lounge in the taste of Napoleon III, sourced from Provence, France. This piece is hand-crafted from solid wood, featuring an e...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood
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...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Satin, Silk, Beech
$2,879 Sale Price
30% Off
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 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
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
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
$20,000 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
$20,000 / set
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
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
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
Pair of French Napoleon III Tufted Armchairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant pair of 19th century Napoleon III tufted armchairs from France. The pair is upholstered in vintage floral fabric but would look amazing recovered in a modern updated fabri...
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
French Scrolled Back Slipper Chair with Embroidery
Located in Buchanan, NY
A lovely 19th century French Napoleon III slipper chair. This magnificent French slipper chair features a scrolled back, and has been upholstered in a light fabric, with an embroider...
Category
1850s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
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...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Wrought Iron
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...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
$275 Sale Price / set
81% Off
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
Salon set comprising one sofa and six armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Superb and rare Napoleon iiistyle living room in Aubusson tapestry including six armcahairs and a sofa
the sofa depicts a picnic scene from this period where the children play and d...
Category
1880s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Tapestry, Giltwood
$65,000 / set
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
$3,949 Sale Price / set
30% Off
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, Steel, Iron
1880s French Napoleon III Green Velvet Reading Chair
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exceptional French 19th century Napoleon III reading chair. This unique chair is upholstered in an elegant green-gold velvet, featuring intricate braided detailing, and elaborate ...
Category
1880s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
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
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.