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 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 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
Pair of Napoleon III Style Upholstered Lounge Chairs in Gray Paisley Fabric
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of 21st century Napoleon III style armchairs in the style of Madeleine Castaing. This pair of comfortable and very stylish chairs ar...
Category
2010s Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric, Foam, 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
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 Papier Mâché Armchairs, XIXth Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Beautiful pair of papier-mâché armchairs, decorated with painted flowers and butterflies or in mother-of-pearl, on a black lacquered background
The seat is in caning, in good condit...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Paper
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
Antique French Garden Folding Dining Chairs
Located in Sheffield, MA
Say it with style with this set of 4 antique French folding bistro style dining chairs. Leave them out or fold them up to save space. Great dinin...
Category
20th Century French Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Iron
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
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
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 French Napoleon III Period Walnut Hall Bench
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Napoleon III Period walnut hall bench is the ideal choice to greet your visitors and guests in style! Designed to provide a comfy waiting area for friends and cal...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Walnut
Set of Four Napoleon III Dining Chairs in Mahogany with Upholstery, circa 1880
Located in Miami, FL
A very beautiful set of four Napoleon III dining chairs in mahogany with upholstered back and seat, cabriole front legs, and a carved lily on the arched and pierced crest rail, and o...
Category
1880s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century French Rope Pouf in a Gilt Finish
Located in Dallas, TX
A French gilt wood Napoleon III pouf in carved wood in the shape of a tied rope.
This ottoman is very decorative and is original state. It has a needlepoint top that can be used bu...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Wood
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
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
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
Pair 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 19th century French Napoleon III Period Mahogany armchairs reflects the stately classically-inspired architecture of the ancients, accentuated by bronze castings of rosettes and...
Category
1880s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Armchair, Circa 1875-1885
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Armchair, Circa 1875-1885.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Ormolu
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of Antique French Napoleon Accent Chairs
Located in Buxton, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale, this Beautiful pair of Napoleon III papier-mâché, ebonised chairs. The chairs have fabulous mother of peal inlays to the backrests. They are origi...
Category
Early 1900s 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
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
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
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...
Category
2010s American Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Bronze
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
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
Set of Six Napoleon III Style Faux Rope Cerused Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing set of six hand-carved faux rope Spanish dining chairs made in the Napoleon III taste. The set consists of four side chairs and two host armchairs measuring 23.5 inches wide ...
Category
20th Century Spanish Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric, Beech
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
Set of Eight Chairs, Antique Patina, Maison Jansen
Located in Paris, France
This set of eight chairs with round seats and antique patina is dated to the late 19th century or early 20th century. This model of chairs with small, t...
Category
1890s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Oak
2 Napoleon III Low Chairs, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
2 original Napoleon III low chairs, France, 1850s.
Price is for 1
2 are available
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, 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
Pair of Napoleon III French Crapaud Armchairs Boucle Armchairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Napoleon III French Tufted Crapaud armchairs. Walnut frame fully restored, newly upholstered in bouclé.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Bouclé
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
Carved French Oak Salon Throne Chair, Original Pictorial Upholstery
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Carved French Oak Salon Throne Chair, Original Pictorial Upholstery
This lovely old High Back chair retains its original hand made pictorial fabric back rest, this is in muted sha...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Oak
Napoleon III Originale Bergere, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon III faux bamboo chair, France, 1850s.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood
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
Wood, Satin
Napoleon III Chairs in Ebonized Wood and Pink Velvet, France, circa 1870
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Pair of side/lounge chairs in ebonized and carved wood.
The seats and backs are covered in pink velvet fabric.
The chairs are mounted on wheels.
Napoleon III style, France, circa 18...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric, Velvet, Wood, Paint
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
French Napoléon III 1870s Walnut Upholstered Stools with Scrolling Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Napoléon III walnut stools from the late 19th century, with scrolling accents and new upholstery. Created in France at the end of Emperor Napoléon III's reign, each ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, 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
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
Pair of Large Napoleon III Armchairs in Gold and Red
Located in Buchanan, NY
A unique and colorful pair of 19th century French Napoleon III armchairs upholstered in a golden yellow patterned fabric and ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric
French 19th Century Armchair in Distressed Purple Velvet with White Braided Trim
Located in Buchanan, NY
A captivating French 19th century distressed purple velvet armchair. Crafted in 19th century France, in the distinctive Napoleon III style, this armchair is elegant and timeless. It ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
2 Original Napoleon III Low Chairs, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
2 original Napoleon III low chairs, France, 1850s.
price is for 1
2 are available
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Wood, Walnut, Alligator
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Rosewood Salon Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Rosewood salon chair is an elegant example of Fine French craftsmanship using exotic imported wood from the Americas. Sometimes called Kingwood, rosewood is known for its natural beauty, color, hardness, and ability to last for eons. This example combines elements of the Louis Philippe form with accents from the Louis XVI style, with a graceful shield-shaped seatback carved with flowing ribbon at the top of the arched crown. The remainder of the seatback follows tailored lines accented with scrolls for a tailored opulence. The seat itself is beautifully contoured and upholstered in mohair, and features gracefully scrolled legs, with the front legs molded for added visual appeal while retaining an austerity of form that is the essence of understated elegance.
If you act fast, a twin chair...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Mohair, Rosewood
Pair of Small Scale French Napoleon III Armchairs in Muslin
Located in Buchanan, NY
A classic pair of small French 19th century Napoleon III style armchairs with gracious rounded backs and gently flared arms.
While these chairs are on a small scale they are design...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Hollywood Regency Style Rope & Tassel Chair with Matching Ottoman in Blue Velvet
Located in New York, NY
Rope and tassel chair with matching ottoman in blue velvet. The chair has a carved wood rope style frame with beautiful, newly upholstered, velvet upholstery.
Chair measures: 27.5 W...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Pair 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Mahogany Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 19th century French Napoleon III period mahogany chairs reflects the stately classically-inspired architecture of the ancients, accentuated by bronze castings of rosettes and li...
Category
1880s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Bronze
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.
Category
1960s French Vintage Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric
Small Scale French Napoleon III Settee in Red Velvet
Located in Buchanan, NY
A magnificent small scale 19th century French Napoleon III “chapeau de gendarme” style settee in red velvet with contrasting bullion fringe.
This lovely small scale French Napoleon ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Pair 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Armchairs with Leather & Bronze Mounts
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 19th century French Empire Mahogany armchairs with leather & bronze mounts are ideal for the Conference Room, an office environment, a large game table...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Bronze
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
Rope Twist Napoleon III Style Suite Seating Armchair & Settee Chesterfield Sofa
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of Napoleon III style early 20th century Rope Twist seating
A stunning little suite, the armchairs come up for sale occasional...
Category
Early 20th Century English Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
2 Original Napoleon III Ebonised Chairs, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
2 original Napoleon III ebonised chairs, France, 1850s
wear and lack of gilding.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Wood
small Napoleon III lounge circa 1930/1950 good condition
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
small Napoleon III lounge circa 1930/1950
good condition
including 1 sofa and two armchairs
Here are the dimensions
dim sofa /
h :29.53"
hs : 14.96"
w : 46.46"
d : 25.60"
dim chairs...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Wood, Velvet
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 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.