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.
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...
Fabric
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 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 ...
Fabric
19th Century Napoleon III French Stool, Ready to Upholster
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant 19th century French Napoleon III stool with a refined profile and timeless decorative appeal. The frame retains the graceful proportions and craftsmanship associated with qua...
Fabric, 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...
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 u...
Oak, Cotton
$1,880 / item
1940s, Swedish Napoleon III–style Club / Armchair
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1940s Swedish Napoleon III–style armchair, upholstered in rich brick-red (brique) velvet jacquard fabric. This elegant lounge chair feature a beautifully sculpted backrest with deep ...
Velvet, Beech
$1,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
Wood, Velvet
$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
Napoleon III Canapé with Braided Boudin Crest Rail, Ready for Upholstery
Located in London, GB
A delightful mid-19th century French canapé, dating to the Napoléon III period, circa 1830, showcasing the epitome of Napoleon III decorative vocabulary. The form is defined by its...
Calico, Beech, Upholstery, Cotton, Burlap
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
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
19th Century Child’s Velvet Armchair with Decorative Fringe
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Charming 19th-century French child’s armchair upholstered in a warm terracotta velvet, adorned with a refined bullion fringe and traditional nailhead trim. This delightful piece perf...
Velvet, Elm
French Napoleon III Style Curved Sofa in Floral Jacquard Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite French mid-20th century curved sofa in the style of Napoleon III, sourced in Provence, France. The solid wooden frame is crafted in a graceful crescent form with a conti...
Jacquard, Velvet, Hardwood
$3,695 / set
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...
Linen, Oak
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
Susan Osbourne French Late 19th Century ‘Teddy Bear’ Armchair
Located in London, GB
This French 19th-century Teddy Bear Chair, originaly created as a comfortable drawing room chair. Its generously rounded arms and softly enveloping profile give the piece its distin...
Brass
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
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
$2,029Sale Price|50% Off
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 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
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...
Fabric
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 ...
Mahogany
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
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
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
$2,850 / set
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 ...
Cane, Wood
19th Century France Deep Ebony Black Carved Daybed With Upholstered Bolsters
Located in High Point, NC
Carved daybed with upholstered bolsters in Deep Ebony Black. The deep ebony black surface highlights scroll-carved ebonized frame, black upholstery with bolster pillows, characterist...
Iron
$2,284 / 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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
European Napoleon III Striped Velvet & Fringe Boudoir Chair
By George Smith
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Lovely, petite velvet boudoir chair in the style of George Smith with stripe velvet upholstery, fringe and nailheads. Small scale yet comfortable for adult use. Not marked or signed.
Upholstery, Wood
$603Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Beech, 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....
Upholstery
'La Somme" Slipper Chair by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom Chair from BoBo Atelier. Custom Wood Finishing and Upholstery Work included in the price of each chair. Customer provides fabric (COM).
Cotton, Oak
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
$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
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
Pair of French 19th century Napoleon III Period Giltwood side chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and most attractive pair of French 19th century Napoleon III Period Giltwood side chairs. This wonderful pair of chairs are raised by hexagon shaped front fluted legs with...
Giltwood
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
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 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
$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
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
$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
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
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
$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 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
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
Italian Comini & Modonutti Carved Knotted Rope Chairs, Set of 8
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Napoleon III style dining chairs. Featured in a solid wood with a light white washed wood finish. Each having frames carved to resemble rope, with knots on arms and above eac...
Upholstery, Wood
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...
Upholstery