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
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
Red Velvet Sofa On Four Lion Claw Legs
Located in Honnelles, WHT
"Daybed, Red Velvet Sofa On Four Lion Claw Legs"
Red velvet daybed, recamier or sofa
Category
20th Century European Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Napoleon III Slipper Chairs, 1830s, France, Reupholstered in Schumacher
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous pair of antique Napoleon III slipper chairs was a lucky find from the South of France. Newly upholstered in Schumacher's Roca Redonda fabric in carbon, they have elegan...
Category
20th Century French Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Linen
French 19th Century Long Bench
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Amazing long bench with a wonderful needlepoint in a very good condition.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Tapestry, Wood
Napoleon III Electric Blue Silk Giltwood Bamboo Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Napoleon III gilt wood side chair newly upholstered in an electric blue silk seat with orange silk trim welt and medallion.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
French Napoleon III Slipper Chairs Gilt Ebony Details, a Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing pair of French Napoleon III slipper chairs with gilt ebonized detailing at base. These are 19th Century and sold as a pair! Amazing detailing at the base with original casters.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
French Napoleon III Club Chair in Original Textiles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An amazing French Napoleon III club chair from the 19th Century in all original textiles! Leave as is, or have your upholstery service work their magic! Love all the incredible uphol...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
19th Century Napoleon III Mechanical Reading Chair Deconstructed
Located in Charlottesville, VA
19th Century Napoleon III mechanical reading or library chair, having a footstool, the seat can be leant back, the arms widened, the stool folded over and hidden within the chair. 41...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Antique Pair of French Gilded Chairs with Cane Webbing and Upholstered Cushions
Located in Toronto, ON
A stunning and ornate pair of Antique French Napoleon III carved wood chairs with cane webbing on seat and back. Newly upholstered cushion seats with Tassanari et Chatel Le Favourite...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Silk, Cane, Giltwood
Two Napoleon III Caned Beech Chairs, French, Late 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Two french chairs Napoleon III, made circa 1880.
Beech and cane in faux-bambou style.
Antique, late 19th century.
Sound and solid.
Shipping:
L42 / H 89 / P 55 cm 13 kg.
Category
1880s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Cane, Beech
Antique French 19th C Mustard Velvet Napoleon III Stool or Foot Bench
Located in AMSTERDAM, NH
Delight in the charm of this French 19th-century Napoleon III style stool or foot bench, featuring an elegant mustard velvet upholstery.
The vintage velvet upholstery has been clean...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Cotton, Velvet
Pair of French Napoleon III Lounge chairs C 1870 on ebonized turned feet.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of French Napoleon III Lounge chairs C 1870 on ebonized turned feet. These chairs have recetly been recovered in a heavy burlap type material.
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Antique French 19th C Napoleon III Style Stool or Foot Bench
Located in AMSTERDAM, NH
Refined 19th Century Napoleon III Style Stool or Foot Bench with a distinctive blue linen upholstery.
This exquisite stool serves as a comfortable complement to any sofa, doubling a...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Linen, Wood
Pair of French Napoleon III Armchairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
A classic pair of French 19th century Napoleon III style armchairs with gracious rounded backs and gently scrolled arms. These chairs are designed with impeccable proportions, featur...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
French Napoleon III Giltwood 19th Century Footstool with Needlepoint Upholstery
Located in Savannah, GA
This charming petite French footstool dates from the Napoleon III period. Features include a hand-carved painted giltwood frame with neoclassical motifs and decorative molding. The s...
Category
1850s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric, Giltwood
19th Century French Napoleon III Prie Dieu or Prayer Chair.
Located in Labrit, Landes
Prayer chair or Prie-Dieu of the period Napoleon III, French, 19th century
Exotic wood and velvet with golden braid. Can be recovered to suit your interior.
Good antique condition.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, 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
French Napoleon III Style Settee in Gold Velvet
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant French Napoleon III settee is upholstered in a plush floral patterned gold velvet with tassel adornments and matching bullion fringe. The beautifully curved back and bui...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
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 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
Pair of French Napoleon III Armchairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
An interesting pair of French late 19th century armchairs that have been stripped down to the burlap and muslin and are ready to be upholstered. This unusual pair of period armchairs...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric
19th Century French Napoleon III Mahogany Day Bed
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century French Napoleon III mahogany day bed is a masterful study in classical architecture melded with timeless French craftsmanship and an understated elegance that will trans...
Category
1860s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Rosewood
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Set of 10 Louis XVI Style Painted and Gilded Chairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
A set of 10 painted and gilded Napoleon III dining chairs in the Louis XVI style. The set includes 2 armchairs and 8 side chairs. A set of 10 matching chairs is certainly very rare e...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Wood
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
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
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 Napoleon III Settee with Ebonized Arms
Located in Buchanan, NY
An unusual French 19th Century Napoleon III Tufted Sofa with ebonized arms. This stunning small scale Napoleon III sofa is a true testament to the elegance and craftsmanship of the e...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
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
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 fringe providing an eye-catching contrast. In goo...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric
Chaise à haut dossier en bois et carton bouilli burgauté, Napoléon III
Located in ROYÈRE-DE-VASSIVIÈRE, FR
Chaise à haut dossier en bois et carton bouilli burgauté, Napoléon III
Assise anciennement cannée, garnie d’un velours rose (clous tapissier apparents)
Riches décors peints de fleurs...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut Lounge Chairs - Antique Fauteuils
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large pair of antique French Napoleon III lounge chairs made of hand crafted Walnut, in good condition. The detailed Fauteuils have a slightly reclined backrest with wide armrests,...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Walnut
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....
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Large French Napoleon III Armchair in Gold Velvet
Located in Buchanan, NY
A luxurious large French Napoleon III armchair in gold velvet. The perfect combination of vintage luxury and modern style, this 19th century Napoleon III armchair has been restored f...
Category
1850s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
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
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
French 19th Century Duchesse Brisee
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 19th century Duchesse Brisee.
Dimensions of the large bergere is 28'' W x 32'' D x 39'' H
Dimensions of the ottoman is 28'' W x 17'' H
Dimensions of the small bergere...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Giltwood
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
Large French Tufted Napoleon III Sofa with Extended Arms
Located in Buchanan, NY
This unique and stately large scale French 19th century Napoleon III sofa features gracefully extended arms that contrast the low back and give this sofa a distinctly elegant appeal....
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Reupholstered Napoleon III Bergere Chair, 19th Century
Located in NICE, FR
This bergere chair is a truly one-of-a-kind piece. It has undergone a comprehensive restoration in terms of its seating and padding to enhance its comfort and functionality. The addi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Textile, Wood
French Napoleon III Style Settee
Located in Buchanan, NY
A handsome small French sofa or settee in the Napoleon III style. The classic “chapeau de gendarme“ shape of the back balances perfectly with the gen...
Category
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
19th century demi-borne / Half seat in rosewood
Located in Paris, FR
Very unusual 19th-century demi-borne in rosewood and damask fabric with an attached planter in the back.
France, circa 1860
Category
1860s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Damask, Rosewood
Pair of Small Napoleon III Armchairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant pair of small scale French 19th century armchairs with diamond tufted backs and scrolled arms. This pair of armchairs from the Napoleon III period features the "Chapeau de...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of French 19th C. Armchairs with Carved Fruitwood Frames
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant pair French Napoleon III armchairs inspired by the Louis XV period with elaborately carved fruitwood frames with floral motives. The chairs have been stripped down to the ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric
Pair of 19th Century Napoleon III Opera Chairs in Ebonized Wood
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A gorgeous pair of 19th century Napoleon III opera chairs in ebonised wood, each with a wonderfully ornate spindle back and a gilded decoration of flowers and foliage on the top rail...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Wood
French Napoleon III lounge chair and matching ottoman C 1870 on ebonized turned
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Napoleon III lounge chair and matching ottoman C 1870 on ebonized turned feet. These pieces have recently been recovered in a heavy burlap type material with a very dark blue...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of French Napoleon III Armchairs with Tufted Backs
Located in Buchanan, NY
A handsome pair of French 19th century armchairs with diamond tufted backs and scrolled arms. This pair of armchairs from the Napoleon III period captures the intricate details and r...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
A pair of French Napoleon III sofas with continuous backs circa 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of French Napoleon III sofas with continuous backs ad ebonized turned feet circa 1860.
Category
1860s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage French Napoleon III Style Scroll Back Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage French Napoleon III Style Scroll Back Petite Sofa
This vintage French petite sofa is upholstered in its original goldish-green mohair. A thick fringe covers its wooden legs....
Category
1950s French Vintage Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Mohair, Wood
Pair of French Button Back Armchairs
Located in Faversham, GB
A pretty pair of French button-back armchairs in calico.
The chair’s seats have been fully restored, stripped back to the original solid walnut pegged frame with a new coil spring b...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Calico, Walnut
19th Century French Set of Four 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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Leather, Fruitwood
Pair 20th Century Napoleon III Slipper Chair Brique Ton Sur Ton Jacquard Velvet
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful ( Scandinavian ) Napoleon lll chairs.
The chairs are both reupholstered with the brique ton sur ton jacquard velvet in the 1970s. Webbing and spr...
Category
Early 20th Century Norwegian Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, Beech
French Napoleon III Armchair in White Boucle
Located in Houston, 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...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Brass, Iron, Steel
20th Century Napoleon III Slipper Chair In Brique Ton Sur Ton Jacquard Velvet
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful ( Scandinavian ) Napoleon lll chair.
This chair is totally reupholstered with the brique ton sur ton jacquard velvet in the 70s. Webbing and spri...
Category
Early 20th Century Norwegian Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, Beech
Napoleon III French Giltwood Twisted Rope Ottoman/Stool. Tan Mohair Upholstery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French Napoleon III carved giltwood "Rope" stool or ottoman.
Tan Mohair upholstery on wooden base carved into a knotted rope. Fournier style pouf with gold finish.
Please see pics f...
Category
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Mohair, Giltwood
Napoleon III chest bench in walnut, France, circa 1860
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Walnut chest bench, Napoleon III circa 1860.
Good condition.
Dimensions:
height 102 cm
width 135 cm
depth 45 cm
Seat dimensions: height 41 cm, width 111 cm, depth 35 cm
Category
1860s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Wood, Walnut
A similiar pair of French Napoleon III library chairs circa 1860
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A similiar pair of French Napoleon III library chairs resting in ebonized turned feet circa 1860.
Category
1860s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of French 19th Century Armchairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
A classic pair of French Napoleon III armchairs with scrolled arms and back. The chairs have been stripped down to the burlap and muslin and are ready to be upholstered. We have adde...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
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.
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