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.
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
19th Century Napoleon III Scroll Back Slipper Chair, Ready to Upholster
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful 19th century French Napoleon III slipper chair featuring an elegant scroll back and refined proportions characteristic of the period. The frame displays graceful lines and ...
Fabric, Wood
$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 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
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
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
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
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
$2,721Sale 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
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
French Napoleon III Crapaud Armchair in Red and White Ticking Stripe, Circa 1860
Located in London, GB
A late 19th-century French Napoleon III crapaud armchair, circa 1870. The beechwood frame is traditionally constructed with sound hand-joinery and retains its excellent, original lo...
Iron
Napoleon III Library Chair, C. 1860
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A handsome French Napoleon III library chair with a substantial, comfortably proportioned form, raised on turned ebonized feet. The chair has been thoughtfully reupholstered in a mod...
Upholstery, Wood
1870s French Napoleon III Floral Striped Velvet Crapaud Armchair
Located in London, GB
An exceptionally elegant French Napoleon III Crapaud (toad) armchair, circa 1875, designed in the distinctive style of the celebrated Parisian workshop Maison Krieger. This beautiful...
Brass
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
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
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
$5,957Sale 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
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 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
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
Pair of French Napoleon III Chairs
Located in Haywards Heath, GB
Pair of French Napoleon III chairs with original upholstery. Good strong, sturdy condition.
Fabric
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
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
Napoleon III Style Leather Wingback Recliner Library Armchair
By Hancock & Moore, Bradington Young
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Add a touch of nobility to your space with this reclining Napoleon III style leather wingback fireplace armchair in the manner of Bradington Young and Hancock & Moore. This handsome ...
Brass
Late 9Th. C. Napoleon III Upholstered Child's Armchair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This piece is a diminutive Napoleon II Gothic Revival accent armchair, popular during the mid-to-late 19th century C.1870–1890 The chair features a high, openwork backrest with a ha...
Velvet, Wood
Large French Late Napoléon III Slipper Chair/Chauffeuse, Circa 1880
Located in London, GB
A remarkably generous French transitional Napoleon III to Belle Époque period chauffeuse, circa 1880. This piece is distinguished by its uncommonly grand proportions and a deep, comf...
Brass
19th Century Napoleon III French Lyre Back Armchair
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An elegant French Napoleon III period armchair dating from the 19th century, crafted from carved and turned stained beechwood and distinguished by its particularly decorative lyre-sh...
Beech
$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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
19th C French Salon Chair & Ottoman in Meadow Flower by Christopher Hodsoll
By Christopher Hosdoll
Located in London, GB
A particularly generous and deeply upholstered French Napoleon III salon chair with matching ottoman, newly upholstered in Christopher Hodsoll's Meadow Flower fabric in Citrus, in co...
Cotton, Linen, Upholstery, Wood, Beech, Walnut
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
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
$2,384Sale Price|20% Off
Large Antique Settee Carved Walnut, Floral Upholstery, France 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
Pair of Impressive 19th Century French Giltwood Salon Armchairs
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Pair of early 19th century giltwood salon armchairs. Remarkable carved detail. Softly faded gilding with the bole showing in places. Original fabric, showing wear and blemishes in pl...
Giltwood
1880-1889 France Deep Aubergine Plum Tufted Barrel-Back Accent Chair
Located in High Point, NC
Tufted barrel-back accent chair in Deep Aubergine Plum. Its deep aubergine plum finish sets off button-tufted plum upholstery, turned mahogany legs on brass casters, a hallmark of of...
Fabric, Mahogany
$3,890 / set
French Antique Napoleon Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of charming antique Napoleon chairs. New upholstery, and the wood legs are a dark mahogany finish and in great condition. Fabric is a linen and cotton blend. France, 1930.
Fabric, Wood
French 19th Century Petal-Back Armchair, Circa 1850
Located in London, GB
A generously proportioned French Second Empire / Napoleon III petal-back armchair, circa 1870, designed with comfort as much as elegance in mind. The softly scalloped back and enve...
Brass
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...
Textile, Upholstery, Velvet, Natural Fiber, Hardwood, Coconut
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
$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
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
Carved, gilded, and painted wooden bench, Italy around 1880, 510cm long
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Palace bench in carved, gilded, and painted wood, Italy around 1880, 510 cm long, three sections, 3 benches available
Wood
French Napoleon III Giltwood SpindleBack Chair in the Louis XVI Taste circa 1870
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A decorative giltwood side chair made in France during the Napoleon III period, drawing on Louis XVI vocabulary — fluted, tapered front legs and an overall neoclassical silhouette — ...
Giltwood
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...
Upholstery
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
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
Large French Napoleon III Carved and Gilt Beechwood Settee, circa 1860
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Elegant French Napoleon III period settee dating to circa 1860, featuring a substantial carved beechwood frame with a deep ebonized finish and delicate gilt highlights. The generous...
Beech
'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
French Scrolled Back Napoleon III Slipper Chair with Fringe
Located in Buchanan, NY
This lovely 19th century French Napoleon III slipper chair features a gracefully scrolled back, and has been upholstered in an elegant fabric with an abstract leafy design with birds...
Upholstery
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
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
$3,188Sale Price / set|50% Off
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), ...
Satin, Silk, Beech
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
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
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...
Fabric