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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
Napoleon 3 Style Sofa Covered with Satin, circa 1950, Baroque
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon 3 style sofa covered with satin, circa 1950, baroque all covered with yellow satin, slightly discolored satin, and small spots.
Category

1950s French Vintage Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Satin, Wood

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

20th Century Empire Style Napoleonic Swan Armchair
Located in Berlin, DE
Napoleonic pavilion armchair in Empire style. Very exact fine-carved sculpture made of solid, blackened beechwood. Poliment gold-plated. Scratched frame on plastically carved legs e...
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood

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

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

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 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

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...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Brocade, Beech

Napoleon III Slipper Chair Brique In Ton Sur Ton Jacquard Velvet. Sweden 1940s
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 springs are all in good condit...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Beech

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

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

Set of Four Balloon-Back Napoleon III Dining Chairs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A beautiful set of four balloon backed antique French dining chairs dating from the Napoleon III period. Comfortable as well as elegant, each chair is sculpted from finest mahogany, ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fruitwood

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

Antique French Louis XVI Pair Of Armchair, 19th Century
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
Superb pair of Louis XVI carved walnut armchairs, frame in very good condition, antique wool velvet fabric worked in diamond shapes finished with braid. The armrests rest on a carved...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

pair of Napoleon III armchairs, restored
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
pair of Napoleon III armchairs, restored a bench seat is offered in another ad
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century Vintage French Napoleon III Settee Reupholstered White Linen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Period French Napoleon III sofa in ebonized wood, with decorative brass filet (strip) and turned and fluted front legs resting on brass rings,...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood

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

French Napoleon III Sofa in Pale Orange Velvet and White Fringe
Located in Buchanan, NY
This stunning French high-back sofa, designed in the opulent Napoleon III style, is the embodiment of luxury and elegance. Upholstered in a pale orange tangerine velvet, the back and...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

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

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Napoleon III Slipper Chair In Brique Ton Sur Ton Jacquard Velvet. Sweden 1940s
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 springs are all in good conditi...
Category

Early 20th Century Norwegian Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Beech

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 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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of French Armchairs in Muslin with Matching Ottoman
Located in Buchanan, NY
This striking trio of French armchairs and an ottoman from the 1920s is the embodiment of timeless elegance. The chairs and ottoman are a testament to fine artistry, with intricately...
Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of French Napoleon III Tufted Arm Chairs in Gold Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
A handsome pair of French Napoleon III armchairs from the late 19th century, offering both comfort and style in abundance. Upholstered in a stunning vintage gold fabric...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

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

Antique French Napoleon III Style Oak Dining Chairs W/ Green Velvet - Set of 6
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant set of six French dining chairs made in the style of Napoleon III, sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully hand-crafted from solid oak wood featuring a slat square-shap...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Salon Suite Reupholstered
Located in Staffordshire, GB
19th century Napoleon III ebonized salon suite, sourced from Paris and reupholstered in 'Limerence' velvet, circa 1860. Measures: Sofa H 107 x W 136 x D 55cm Seat height 45cm Chai...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Pair of Napoleon III Side Chairs with Blue Leather Upholstery
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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Leather, Fruitwood

Pair of French Upholstered Armchairs in Red Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
A striking pair of 19th century French Napoleon III armchairs. Skillfully crafted and luxuriously upholstered in a vivid red ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric

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

Pair of French Napoleon III Blue Tufted Armchairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exquisite pair of French Napoleon III tufted armchairs. Upholstered in a stunning vintage blue fabric, these chairs have a serious presence that...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric

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

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...
Category

2010s American Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Bronze

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 Carved Walnut Sofa with Floral Upholstery, 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 elegant silhouette with a raised double...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Walnut

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, Steel, Iron

Adjustable Napoleon III Campaign Chair, France, circa 1880s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very fine iron Campaign-style armchair with adjustable positions, from upright to horizontal. Raised on casters. Newly upholstered with vintage fabric. Dimensions provided below ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

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...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

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

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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Leather, Fruitwood

French Napoleon III Style Slipper Chair
Located in Buchanan, NY
An outstanding large scale French 1920s Napoleon III style slipper chair. This slipper chair is truly magnificent. It is upholstered ...
Category

1920s French Vintage Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric

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...
Category

20th Century Unknown Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric

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...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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...
Category

1890s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Pair of Napoléon III 1850s Painted and Upholstered Armchairs with Carved Flowers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Napoléon III period painted wood armchairs from the mid 19th century, with carved floral and foliage décor. Created in France at the beginning of Emperor Napoléon III's reign, each of this pair of fauteuils features a slightly slanted back, adorned with carved flowers and foliage on the crest. Two open arms with splaying extremities rest on a seat measuring 28" W x 21" D x 15" H. The seat, back and arms' upper section have been reupholstered with a neutral toned fabric complimenting the lines beautifully. Each fauteuil is raised on four cabriole legs decorated with flowers on the knees, and connected to one another through a curving apron, carved in the front. Painted in a soft color, this pair of Napoléon III French armchairs...
Category

Mid-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 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...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Linen, Wood

Pair of Napoleon Style Slipper Chairs
Located in East Hampton, NY
Pair of Louis style, Napoleonic slipper chairs newly upholstered midnight blue linen with coordinated bullion fringe.        
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Linen, Wood

Two French Salon Chairs of the Period Napoleon III.
Located in Reichenschwand, DE
This exquisite pair of salon chairs, believed to originate from France between 1850 and 1870, offers a stunning fusion of historical elegance and modern luxury. Crafted from solid be...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Silk, Upholstery, Beech, Lacquer

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

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 mahoga...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Mahogany

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Oak

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

Second Empire Fine Mahogany & Gilt Bronze Canapé—Napoleon III, 1860
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fine and well preserved mahogany & gilt bronze canapé from the Second Empire Period under the reign of Napoleon III. Absolutely wonderful condition, seat cushion has been redone in...
Category

1860s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Bronze

2 Original Chiarivari Napoleon III Ebonized Chairs, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
2 original Napoleon III ebonized chairs, France, 1850s wear and lack of gilding.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood

Napoleon III Walnut Piano Stool French, circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
Piano stool height-adjustable to be recovered. Circa 1880, French, of the period Napoleon III Good condition. Shipping: L35 P35 H49 7,2 kg.
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

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. This version has turned wooden legs with the traditional Napoleon II...
Category

2010s American Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Antique Napolean III Side Chair, Burgungy Red Velvet Upholstery
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Antique Napolean III Side Chair, Burgungy Red Velvet Upholstery with contrasting ebonised wood, Marlborough legs to the front, floral design pattern seat. Robust and sturdy this anci...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood

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

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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