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
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 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
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
$2,785Sale Price / set|33% Off
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
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
French Napoleon III Round Scroll Back Small Scale Sofa
Located in Stamford, CT
Petite French Napoleon III round scroll back sofa, circa 1880s. Turned black legs with original castors. Recently upholstered in Manuel Canovas 'Marius' in Ciel (light blue and white...
Linen, Wood
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 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...
Faux Bamboo, Giltwood
$624Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Chair with Turned Beech and Velvet for Child French, circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
Napoleon III French chair for child late 19th century Turned beech, with patina, The fabric in a good quality. Two marks in the velvet, nothing dist...
Beech, Velvet
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 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
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...
Upholstery, 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...
Bronze
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 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
$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
$1,732Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
Upholstery, Wood
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 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 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
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
Pair of Clarence Chairs by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Clarence Chair by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier is a timeless piece inspired by the classic Napoleon III design. These side chairs are made to order, allowing customers to provide the...
Linen
19th Century Confident / Conversation Seat / Tête-à-tête
Located in Paris, FR
19th century confident in rosewood. France, circa 1860.
Rosewood
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...
Linen, 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...
Velvet, Wood
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...
Upholstery, Bentwood
$3,000 / set
Pair of Napoleon III Rosewood Bergeres
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Pair of Napoleon III rosewood bergeres, circa 1870. With a narrow rose wood crest rail, leatherette and button upholstered backs and leatherette seats, rose wood turned legs ending i...
Brass
$1,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
1860S French Fireside Chair and Matching Footstool
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A pretty Napoleon III fireside slipper chair, with deep-buttoned back rest, luxurious yellow velvet upholstery and a plush sprung seat. Dating f...
Wood, Velvet
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...
Upholstery
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
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...
Upholstery
19th Century French Long Upholstered Bench
Located in High Point, NC
19th century long oak upholstered bench from France. The seat is newly upholstered in linen and is finished with single welt decoration. The frame of the bench is supported on nicely...
Linen, Oak
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 Parlour Settee in Tropics 'Fan Palm' Fabric
Located in Hastings, GB
A very rare antique French Parlour Settee, upholstered in our exclusive Tropics 'Fan Palm' fabric This exceptional French settee dating from around 1...
Cotton, Wood
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 ...
Velvet
$4,045Sale 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 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...
Brass
European Napoleon III Striped Velvet & Fringe Boudoir Chair
By George Smith
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Lovely, petite velvet boudoir chair in the style of George Smith with stripe velvet upholstery, fringe and nailheads. Small scale yet comfortable for adult use. Not marked or signed.
Upholstery, Wood
$4,010Sale Price|30% Off
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
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...
Mirror, Wood
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
$1,723 / set
Pair of Red Antique French Napoleon Chairs
Located in Buxton, GB
This pair of antique French Napoleon style chairs, manufactured in 1900, exudes a sense of elegance and history. Handmade in France, these round red armchairs feature a beautiful red...
Upholstery, Wood
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
$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
Pair of French Napoleon III Ebonised Bandeau-Back Side Chairs by H.Lemoine Paris
By Lemoine
Located in London, GB
Beautiful pedigree for this pair of very handsome and delicately proportioned ebonised chairs, with a well-documented Parisian atelier lineage. (Atelier lineage attached to the latt...
Brass
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
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...
Upholstery
Antique 1800's Napoleon III gilt bamboo stool from Michael S. Smith installation
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Antique Circa 1800’s Parisian Napoleon III Aesthetic Movement Stool with carved (faux) bamboo legs, a centered English turned finial with cross-stretchers in gilt-wood, and soft terr...
Suede, Wood
$721Sale Price / set|29% Off
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...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,850 / set
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 ...
Cane, Wood
$2,430 / 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
19th Century Napoleon III Side Chairs, Carved Wood & Blue Leather
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...
Leather, Fruitwood
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 owned by Ann and Gordon Getty. Part of their personal antiquity collection (they) purchased at Butterfield a...
Upholstery, Velvet
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
$1,768Sale Price|25% Off
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...
Velvet, Fruitwood
Napoleon III Mahogany Armchair
Located in New Orleans, LA
Napoleon III Mahogany Armchair Attributed to Veuve Meunier Circa 1850 This exceptional French armchair exemplifies the sculptural richness and historic craftsmanship that define the...
Mahogany
$1,800 / set
French 19th Century Tufted Armchair and Ottoman
Located in Buchanan, NY
A wonderfully proportioned 19th century French tufted armchair with a matching ottoman, upholstered in light blue silk damask with matching bullion fringe. This elegant armchair and ottoman is the perfect addition to your traditional decor, infusing a touch of vintage charm into your space. Both pieces are in very good vintage condition, providing the perfect setting for a cozy seating area where you can relax in ultimate style and comfort. The dimensions of this magnificent set are as follows: Chair: 38"H x 30"W x 32.5"D with a 16" seat height, and Ottoman: 17.5”H x 26.5”W x 26.5”D. Unleash your creativity and surround yourself with elegance as you indulge in this sophisticated 19th century French tufted armchair and ottoman...
Fabric
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
$3,184Sale Price|46% Off
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...
Walnut