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
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
$3,310 Sale Price
20% Off
Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier 'Silver Cast Bronze Legs'
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 upho...
Category
2010s American Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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
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
Large French C19th Antique Tufted Brown Leather Chaise Longue
Located in London, GB
A Large and Sumptuous 19th Century French Tufted Brown Leather Chaise Longue.
This rare French chaise longue features a classic tufted but...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Leather, Oak
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
Small Armchair Designed as a Dog Bed
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exceptional small French armchair designed for a dog. This small armchair is not just a chair - it's a piece of history. Constructed in the 1920s, with French craftsmanship and qu...
Category
1920s French Vintage Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$1,715 / set
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
$1,800 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Napoleon III Style Sofa in Black Lacquered Wood and gold details. Mid-Century
By Napoléon III
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
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
$20,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Napoleon III sofa , restored
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon III sofa restored
two chairs are offered in another ad
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, 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
$3,310 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$9,600 / set
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
$8,511 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Napolean III Gilt Bamboo Stool
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This elegant giltwood stool features a plush terracotta-colored suede seat, trimmed with brass nailhead detailing. The base is crafted in a faux bamboo style with a rich gilt finish,...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Suede, Wood
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
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 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
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
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
Antique French Napoleon III Style Walnut Dining Chairs W/Cream Chenille-Set of 6
Located in Astoria, NY
Late 19th-century set of six French dining chairs made in the style of Napoleon III, sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully hand-crafted from solid walnut wood featuring elegant ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Chenille, 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
$4,492 / set
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
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
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
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
Small Scaled French 19th Century Settee
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant French early 20th century small scale settee in the Napoleon III style. This French settee is a timeless piece of furniture that embodies classic elegance. Its gracious cu...
Category
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
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
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
Set of Six 19th Century French Napoleon III Dining Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Set of six 19th Century French Napoleon III Directoire chairs.
With elegant ebonised urn carved details to the back splats.
Recently re-upholstered in stylish leopard print upholstery.
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
A French Napoleon III armchair, C. 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This 19th century chair was constructed with an arched crest, slightly flaring and rolled arms, and ebonized turned front feet and flaring back feet, all terminating in brass caster...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
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
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
$1,980 / set
Antique French 19th Napoleon III Armchair & Ottoman
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
The armchair is extremely comfortable, thanks to its wide armrests, its large backrest and its wide seat.
The perfect armchair for a reading corner where you won't want to give up yo...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet
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
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
$8,200 / item
Handsome Pair of Period French Napoleon III Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant pair of Napoleon III black french antique chairs having original paint and frame. Front legs have original casters. Bought in Avignon, Fra...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
Pair of French Napoleon III Chairs
Located in Haywards Heath, GB
Pair of French Napoleon III chairs with original upholstery.
Good strong, sturdy condition.
Category
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
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
$2,400 / set
19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Settee W/ Blue Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite mid-19th-century French Napoleon III settee, sourced directly from Provence, France. This beautifully hand-crafted piece features a solid wood frame with an elegantly ca...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Ebony
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
$65,000 / set
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
$2,240 Sale Price
20% Off
French Napoleon III Settee in Muslin
Located in Buchanan, NY
A wonderfully proportioned small French settee from the Napoleon III period with a gracious curved back. This late 19th century settee has been stripped down to the original muslin l...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric
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
$9,377 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
$8,200 / item
Pair of French Turned Stools
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of turned oak stools from France, circa 1900. The seats have beveled edges and follows down to simple aprons and hand turned splayed legs, joined by simple stretchers with mold...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Oak
$1,295 / set
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 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
19th Century French Window Seat
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak window seat from France with an exquisitely hand carved back, depicting a central carved face surrounded by acanthus leaves. The arms are hand turned and are attache...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Oak
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
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
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
French Napoleon III Sofa With Painted Frame
Located in Buchanan, NY
An unusual French 19th Century Napoleon III sofa with decorative and painted frame. The pièce de résistance of this exquisite settee lies in its ebonized arms, which exude an air of...
Category
Early 20th Century French 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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