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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
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

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

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 green Chaise Longue or Duchesse France polychrome wood
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind antique "Duchesse Brisee" (Broken Duchess) in off-white and soft green polychrome wood, France, circa 1880, Napoleon III period. The set consists of two armchairs (his...
Category

1890s Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

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

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

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

Important French Consulat Mahogany and Bronze Mounted Armchair
Located in Queens, NY
French Consulat / Empire Mahogany and Bronze Mounted Armchair having a splayed leg design ending with claw feet and upholstered in brown leather
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Mahogany

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.
Category

Late 20th Century American Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

Blackened Wood Napoleon the 3d Sofa
Blackened Wood Napoleon the 3d Sofa
$5,668 Sale Price
30% Off
French Napoleon III Chaise Longue XIX eme
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
French Napoleon III chaise longue. good general condition, unfortunately the fabric is torn on the seat
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

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

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

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

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

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

19th Century French Giltwood Aubusson Tapestry 7-Piece Salon Suite
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fine French Napoleon III period Louis XV style 7-piece parlor set. This beautiful carved giltwood set is richly upholstered in handwoven Aubusson Floral Tapestry. Comprising a Canape...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Giltwood, Tapestry

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

Antique French Parlour Settee in Tropics 'Fan Palm' Fabric
Located in Hastings, GB
A very rare antique French Parlour Settee, upholstered in our exclusive Tropics 'Fan Palm' fabric This exceptional French settee dating from around 1...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Cotton, Wood

Napoleon III Style Faux Rope Mahogany Gondola Dining Chairs - Set of 12
Located in Astoria, NY
A grand and elegant set of twelve late 20th century dining chairs in the transitional Napoleon III style, sourced from Provence, France. Expertly hand-carved with intricate faux rope...
Category

Late 20th Century French Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Mahogany

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

A Superb Pair of French Napoleon III Gilt Salon Chairs
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Superb Pair of French Napoleon III Gilt Salon Chairs These Elegant Chairs have been re upholstered in a fine linen Toile de Jouy fabric, they have a deep serpentine shaped front a...
Category

1850s Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Giltwood

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

French Napoleon III Chaise Longue XIX eme
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

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 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Linen

Napoleon III Painted Chair, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon III painted chair, France, 1850s.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood

Napoleon III Period Fireside Chair, Fully Restored
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Napoleon III period fireside chair, fully restored this chair has been recently restored. if the fabric does not please there is just the fabric to ch...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Walnut

Napoleon III Carved Giltwood Armchair
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Napoleon III Carved Giltwood Armchair In The Manner of Michel-Victor Cruchet. This fine fauteuil is richly carved with foliage, shells and 'C'-Scrolls and is upholstered 'a chasis' with floral Beauvais tapestry. The generous proportions, ornamentation and the modified Louis XV style of this grand fauteuil is in the manner of Michel Victor Cruchet who supplied related chairs to the Duke of Nemours for the Pavillon de Marsan in 1842. French, circa 1850. Michel-Victor Cruchet Michel-Victor Cruchet (1815-1899), was a celebrated sculptor, carver and ornamentalist. Working with the cabinet-makers Ringuet-Leprince, Thuiller and Maigret he was a supplier of the Garde-meuble providing many pieces of furniture to the households of both King Louis-Philippe and Emperor Napoleon III. Important commissions included audience seating for the Duke of Nemours at the Pavillon de Marsan, in a neo-Louis XV style; Gothic furniture for the Tuileries Palace for Princess...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Tapestry, Giltwood

Slipper Side Bedroom Chairs
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
French pair of Napoleon III slipper chairs A pair of low back upholstered side chairs, nicely wide seated design with beautifully polished ebonized legs. Fully reupholstered in this ...
Category

19th Century Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Birch

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

2 Original Napoleon III Ebonized Chairs, France, 1850s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
2 original Napoleon III ebonized chairs, France, 1850s.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood

Jacob & Josef Khon, 2 Canapés 101 / C, circa 1902, Napoleon III Style Original
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Jacob & Josef Khon, 2 Canapés 101 / C, circa 1902, Napoleon III style Original fabric.     
Category

1880s Austrian Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Bentwood

LOVELY ANTIQUE NAPOLEON III CIRCA 1890 BERGERE WiNDOW SEAT BENCH SETTEE SOFA
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original circa 1890 Napoleon III Louis XVI style bergère settee which is part of a suite Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price This sofa comes with a matching pair of parlour armchairs...
Category

1890s European Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

19th Century French Antique Hand Carved Low Back Chair Napoleon III Period
Located in Sofia, BG
French hand carved mahogany low back chair with tapestry upholstery decorated with Louis XV style flowers. France, 1860 Napoleon III period. Measures: 63 x 46 x 45 cm.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

Theodore Alexander Bar Stools Napoleon III Mahogany Scoop Back Brown Leather
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Theodore Alexander bar stools Inspired by Napoleon III and Louis XV styling. Features a hand carved mahogany scoop back, a padded brown/co...
Category

20th Century Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

19th C Ebonized Charivari Napoleon III Chairs in Crushed Velvet, a pair
Located in Malibu, CA
Original Napoleon lll ebonized charivari chairs. Made in France, circa 1850's. Reupholstered in a warm rich taupe crushed velvet. Seat height: 17.75 in (45 cm) One of the pair is sl...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Hardwood, Gesso

Small Scale French 19th C Napoleon III Settee in Muslin
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant French late 19th century small scale Napoleon III settee features a gracious curved back with built-in lumbar support and rolled arms that are typical of seating during ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery

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

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 Bench Napoleon III Period, Being Restored
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Small bench Napoleon III period, being restored, upholstery and under fabric (a little dirty) changed.
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fruitwood

Napoleon III Chiavari Solid Wooden Hand-Crafted Gold Leaf Chairs, France, 1960
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of 50 chairs, sold by units. Napoleon style solid wooden hand-crafted chairs. With turned bars in the back and turned legs. Gold leaf finished.
Category

1960s French Vintage Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Gold Leaf

French Decorative Napoleon III Style Giltwood Rope Stool with Animal Fabric
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A French decorative Napoleon III style giltwood rope stool in the manner of A.M.E Fournier, with a circular seat upholstered in a modern jaguar vel...
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Giltwood, 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...
Category

2010s American Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Bronze

Fine Pair of 19th Century French Gilded and Painted Childrens Salon Chairs
Located in Folkestone, GB
A very fine pair of 19th Century French child's armchairs in the Napoleon X style. With square backs inset with oval upholstered panela above swept arms, supported on vase shaped spi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paint

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

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...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood, Velvet

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...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Ebony

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

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

Antique Parlor Chair with Nobilis Floral Fabric
Located in Munich, DE
1950s European Parlor Chair refurbished and done with a floral pattern from the firm Nobilis. This chair fits well with a wide array of settings.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, 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.

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