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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

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

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

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

Pair of Early 20th Century French Armchairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A pair of early 20th Century French armchairs. Commonly referred to as 'crapaud chairs' on turned ebonised legs and castors. These chairs have been totally reupholstered in a neutra...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pair Of Black 19th Century Side Chairs, Original Upholstery - FR ca. 1870
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Outstanding pair of black late 19th century French Napoleon III side chairs with original upholstery in incredible condition. Artfully handcrafted in the period around 1870 in France...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, Beech

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

Napoleon III Walnut Alcove or Daybed Sofa
Located in Hudson, NY
This daybed or sofa was made originally in France circa 1870 in the Napoleon III style and is constructed of walnut and burled walnut veneers used to dramatically show off the wood selection and grain patterns. Large profiles and massive flat or concave and convex long grained area of regular walnut have been used to border complex very figured areas of veneered burl walnut Boldly scaled and very masculine the original rail on one side has been removed and a permanent rail with a notched upper area in the head and foot boards to accommodate an upholstered wooden back which was clearly just screwed in in the past allowing for the use as a sofa in a guest room also used as a sitting room. The head and foot boards are finished on both side so its clear that it was always meant to be seen form an alcove bed...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Burl

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

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

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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

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

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

Pair of Small Scale French Napoleon III Armchairs with Diamond Tufting
Located in Buchanan, NY
A magnificent pair of small scale French 19th century Napoleon III style armchairs with elegantly scrolled backs and arms with diamond tufting. These small scale French 19th century...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

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

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 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

1880s Set of 2 French Giltwood Opera Chairs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A delightful pair of French lacquered giltwood 'Chaises Volantes', complementary in design but not identical. Designed to be lightweight and easily transportable, this style of chair...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Giltwood

19th Century French Pair of 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

19th Century French Long Window Seat
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak long window seat from France. The seat is made from a single board. The apron is also hand carved in a nulling pattern and the bench is supported on hand turned legs...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Oak

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

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 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

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

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

Napolean III Gilt Bamboo Stool
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing this truly exquisite piece – the Napoleon III Gilt Bamboo Stool with a rich terracotta-colored suede seat, a testament to timeless design and d...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Suede, Wood

Royal Louis XV or Rococo Tapestry Sofa and Chairs, Gold, Napoleon III, 1880
Located in Berlin, DE
Louis XV tapestry / tapestry suite, Napoleon III, circa 1880. Genuine gold leaf on solid wood. Hand-carved wooden body. Very old and decorative French sofa set...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

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

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

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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric

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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood, Velvet

Napoleon III Style Sofa in Black Lacquered Wood and gold details. Mid-Century
Located in Palermo, IT
Two seater sofa in the style of Napoleon III, extraordinarily beautiful. The sofa is made of black lacquer and the carving is gilded, decidedly bright and shiny. Today adaptable to a...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Silk, Wood

Pair of Napoleon III Giltwood Slipper Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
A striking 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. Fabric is...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Giltwood

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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