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.
20th Century Icelandic Sheepskin Fournier Style Rope Bergère Chair
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Icelandic sheepskin Fournier style rope bergère chair with each leg and arm featuring a knotted detail. Newly upholstered in Icelandic sheepkin. International Orders: A...
Sheepskin, Wood
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...
Upholstery
Late 9Th. C. Napoleon III Upholstered Child's Armchair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This piece is a diminutive Napoleon II Gothic Revival accent armchair, popular during the mid-to-late 19th century C.1870–1890 The chair features a high, openwork backrest with a ha...
Velvet, Wood
French Napoleon III Style Gilt Wood Knot Base Ottoman
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fantastic and very decorative French Pouf Ottoman with an intricate Gilt Wood Knotted Rope base. With good size and a high Cushion custom upholstered in a William Morris type Leaf ...
Fabric, Wood
19th Century French Napoleon III Leather Reclining Armchair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic 19th century French Napoleon III period leather reclining armchair or lounge chair. Features a mahogany frame covered with rich, d...
Metal
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...
Wood
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...
Oak
French Napoleon III Armchair in White Boucle
Located in Chireno, 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...
Brass, Steel, Iron
19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut Chaise Lounge in Blue Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
An exceptional mid-19th century French chaise lounge from the Napoleon III period, showcasing clean lines, exquisite detailing, and a commanding yet refined presence. Sourced in Pari...
Velvet, Walnut
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), ...
Satin, Silk, Beech
19th Century French Giltwood Petite Settee, Napoleon III Style
Located in Phoenix, 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.
Giltwood
French Napoleon III Marquise Chair in Tropics "Leopard' Fabric
Located in Hastings, GB
Beautiful antique French Napoleon III marquise chair This extremely rare 19th century antique French Napoleon III marquise chair, also affectionately called 'The Queens' chair sit...
Cotton, Wood
$12,900 / set
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...
Wood
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...
Upholstery
$1,215Sale Price|36% 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...
Silk, Wood
Garonne Chaise Lounge by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our Classic Garonne chaise lounge has five Napoleon III style turned wooden legs. From every angle, you see its distinctive elegant curved lines. This piece is perfect for cuddling up with a good book in front of the fireplace or simply lounging around after a long day. Covered in a mint green velvet...
Velvet, Oak
$2,895 / set
Pair of 19th Century French Upholstered Stools
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century oak stools from France with newly upholstered tops. The seats are newly upholstered in linen and have nail head trim decoration. The frames of the stools are...
Abalone, Oak
Antique 1800's Napoleon III gilt bamboo stool from Michael S. Smith installation
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Antique Circa 1800’s Parisian Napoleon III Aesthetic Movement Stool, carved bamboo legs, a centered English turned finial with cross-stretchers in gilt-wood, and soft terracotta sued...
Suede, Wood
Pair of Clarence Chairs by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Clarence Chair by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier is a timeless piece inspired by the classic Napoleon III design. These side chairs are made to order, allowing customers to provide the...
Linen
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 ...
Fabric
Aubusson, Louis XVI / Napoleon III Style Golden Wood Lounge, 19th Century
Located in Beaune, FR
Magnificent living room in gilded wood in Louis XVI / Napoleon III style covered with a superb Aubusson tapestry on the theme of wild animals. It consists of a sofa and 4 armchairs w...
Tapestry, Giltwood
19th Century Charcoal Brown Tufted Sofa, Napoleon III Style, France
Located in High Point, NC
This sofa carries genuine presence, its charcoal brown tufted upholstery immediately setting the tone for the piece. It was made in France during 19th Century, a lineage that shows c...
Fabric, Wood
Antique French Louis XVI Sofa from 19th Century Parlor Set
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Refined antique French Louis XVI sofa or canapé from the Napoleon III Belle Epoque era. Crafted with a finely carved frame with a painted original giltwood finish, the graceful shape...
Mohair, Giltwood
1970s French Napoleonic Style Carved Maple Rope Bergere Chairs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of 1970s French Napoleonic style carved rope bergere chairs. The seafoam embroidered is vintage, and there is a spot. Both chairs are in very good condition and unmarked.
Upholstery, Maple
Pair of Napoleon III Ebonized Bobbin-Turned Chairs with Red Velvet Upholstery
Located in New York, NY
A handsome pair of French Napoleon III ebonized bobbin-turned side chairs, dating to the late 19th century. Crafted from turned wood with a rich black lacquered finish, each chair fe...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Armchairs
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of 19th century armchairs, Napoleon III period. The armchairs have been restored and the upholstery has been replaced with a beautiful Italian Brocade...
Brocade, Beech
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...
Satin, Silk, Beech
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....
Upholstery
$20,000 / set
Pair of Mohair and Silk Striped Sofa's
Located in Spencertown, NY
The upholstery with studs, gimp and fringe, with velvet back and sides.
Mohair, Silk
Pair of Napoleon III 19th Century French Giltwood Crapaud (toad) Chairs
Located in Hastings, GB
An exceptional and highly decorative pair of late 19th-century French Crapaud (Toad) chair, masterfully marrying classical European opulence with a contemporary, curated aesthetic. T...
Giltwood
Modern Sculptural Stool with Twisted Rope Base after AME Fournier 21st Century
Located in Troy, MI
Sculptural rope leg stool by Ballard Designs 21st Century production A modern adaptation of the 19th Century Napoleon III tabouret stool by A.M.E. Fournier Twisted and knotted rope ...
Linen, Beech
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 ...
Fabric
Pair of Antique Faux Bamboo Giltwood Chiavari Chairs with Fortuny Fabric Seats
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of antique faux bamboo Chiavari side chairs. Featuring a classic spindle back silhouette detailed to replicate bamboo nodes. The ...
Fabric, Giltwood
Napoleon III Period Armchair, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon III period armchair, 19th century. Napoleon III period armchair, 19th century, to reupholster, fabric stained, need to be reupholstered. Dimensions : H: 80cm, L: 88cm, D: ...
Fabric
$6,400Sale Price|54% Off
Style Napoleon III Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An unsual french settee, the settee is heavily tufted and trimmed with matching tassels and contrasting fringe, very good condition, sold as is.
Fabric
$952Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Faux Bamboo and Caned Children’s Chair
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This charming Napoleon III-era children’s chair is a delightful blend of craftsmanship and elegance, dating to the mid-to-late 19th century. Its design reflects the refined taste of ...
Cane, Lacquer, Faux Bamboo
19th Century Upholstered Flemish Arm Chair from France
Located in High Point, NC
19th century walnut Flemish arm chair from France. This is a lovely Flemish armchair made from walnut and newly upholstered in linen. The arms are gracefully shaped and terminate ...
Linen, Walnut
Pair of French Napoleon III Lyre Back Chairs, circa 1880
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An elegant pair of French Napoleon III chairs dating to circa 1880, distinguished by their graceful proportions and finely detailed lyre-shaped backs. The design reflects the renewed...
Beech
19th Century French Petite Black Painted Footstool with Squirrel Tapestry
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A charming petite French footstool dating from the 19th century, featuring a beautifully decorative tapestry upholstered seat and a black-painted wooden base. The tapestry depicts a...
Beech
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...
Bronze
French Napoleon III Chaise Longue XIX eme
Located in Mouscron, WHT
French Napoleon III chaise longue. good general condition, unfortunately the fabric is torn on the seat
Upholstery, Beech
$8,200 / item
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...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of French Napoleon III Chairs
Located in Haywards Heath, GB
Pair of French Napoleon III chairs with original upholstery. Good strong, sturdy condition.
Fabric
$5,200 / set
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.
Linen, Wood
$551Sale Price|41% Off
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.
Upholstery, Walnut
Napoleon III Black Lacquer Piano Stool, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
A Napoleon III black lacquer refinished piano stool from the 19th century, crafted from solid wood and upholstered in mustard velvet. A rare decorative gem. This tripod piano stool ...
Fabric, Walnut
Napoleon III Faux Bamboo Painted Cane Low Chair, 19th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in , this charming French Napoleon III Ebonized Faux Bamboo Painted Low Chair, with a cane seat. This chair is what is called a fireplace chair. This chair is painted over the b...
Wood
$1,449Sale Price / set|20% Off
Napoleon III Pair of Carved Sapele Wood Bedroom Chairs
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Particular pair of...
Sapele Wood
19th century Napoleon III low chair, France
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A graceful Napoleon III low chair from 19th‑century France, newly reupholstered yet retaining the charm and character of its original craftsmanship. This elegant piece combines the s...
Fabric, Wood
Garonne Primo Chaise Lounge by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier 'Silver Cast Bronze Leg'
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This version of our classic Garonne chaise lounge has 5 white bronze legs and white velvet upholstery. From every angle, you see its distinctive elegant curved lines. The bronze legs...
Bronze
Antique French Napoleon III 'Crapaud' Tub Chair in Moss Green Velvet
Located in London, GB
France, 1860s. Attributed to a Parisian Atelier, Faubourg Saint-Antoine District. This exceptional mid-19th-century Crapaud (toad) chair is a quintessential example of Second Empire French upholstery. Known for its low-slung, enveloping silhouette, it features a deep-buttoned back and original documentary moss-toned velvet. The piece is richly detailed with traditional French passementerie, including hand-twisted rope piping and a substantial bullion fringe. Supported by ebonized turned legs on original brass and ceramic castors, this chair perfectly captures the faded elegance of a Parisian salon. The olive-drab velvet has aged with remarkable grace, now worn to a distressed, matte, suede-like finish. This authentic age-tone and surface wear lend the piece a stately home provenance and a quiet depth that modern reproductions cannot replicate. A masterfully hand-crafted piece featuring traditional bench-made joinery. The chair utilizes hand-tied coil springs and hand-tufted deep-buttoning, showcasing the labor-intensive artisanal techniques of the 1860s. the quality of the ebonized turnings and the precision of the hand-tufting suggests the work of a premier Parisian 'tapissier' (upholsterer). The design is closely aligned with the 'confortable' style popularized by Maison Fournier...
Brass
Carved, gilded, and painted wooden bench, Italy around 1880, 510cm long
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Palace bench in carved, gilded, and painted wood, Italy around 1880, 510 cm long, three sections, 3 benches available
Wood
$2,312 / set
Pair French Side Chairs
Located in Swadlincote, GB
Wonderful pair of French Napoleon 111 side chairs, with turned ebony legs, newly upholstered in linen fabric, upholstered in the traditional methods, with deep bullion fringing, supe...
Ebony
Napoleon III sofa , restored
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Napoleon III sofa restored two chairs are offered in another ad
Velvet, Beech
A pair of French Napoleon III sofas with continuous backs circa 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
What a find! A rare pair of French Napoleon III sofas featuring continuous upholstered backs that flow seamlessly into the arms, creating an elegant and cohesive silhouette. Raised o...
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Velvet Pouf, Napoleon III Style, France, Circa 1880, 110 cm
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Large velvet pouf with trimmings, around 1880 center fabric replaced
Fabric
Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Sofa and Two Armchairs
Located in Puglia, Puglia
French sofa and two armchairs from the 19th century, Napoleon III period. The whole set has been restored and the upholstery replaced with a beautiful Italian Brocade...
Brocade, Beech
Pair Of Napoleon III Style Carved And Pair Decorated Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Ca. earlier 20th c. Elaborately carved frames in Pistachio Green paint overall. The carved leaf and berry crest rails with shaped leafy finials. Ribbon twists on the outer frames and...
Other
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...
Upholstery
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 ...
Fabric