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
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
$6,320 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
$768 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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 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 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
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
$3,040 Sale Price
41% Off
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
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
Antique French Napoleon III Style Slipper Chairs W/ Green Burnout Velvet- A Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite pair of late 19th-century French Napoleon III-style slipper bedroom chairs, sourced from Provence, France. Expertly handcrafted with solid wood frames and elegantly curv...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, Maple
Garronne Chaise Lounge by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier, Silver
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our classic Garonne chaise lounge has 5 Napoleon III style turned wooden legs.
From every angle, you see its distinctive elegant curved lines. This piece is
perfect for cuddling up...
Category
2010s American Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Bentwood
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
$2,304 Sale Price
52% Off
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
$7,125 Sale Price
25% Off
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 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
$2,720 Sale Price
43% Off
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 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
$3,412 / set
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
$3,040 Sale Price
27% Off
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Style Parlor Set
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A fabulous French 19th century three-piece parlor set in the style of Napoleon III, composed of a sofa and two armchairs with classic, curvaceous seat backs ending in petite rolled a...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$3,995 / set
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
$2,560 Sale Price
46% Off
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
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
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
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
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
French Napoleon III Chaise Longue XIX eme
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Beech
2 Napoleon III Chairs, France, circa 1930
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
2 Napoleon III armchairs, France, circa 1930.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Wood
$1,681 / item
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
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
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 Walnut French Napoleon III Style Stools
Located in New York, NY
Pair of walnut French Napoleon III style stools /ottomans. Upholstered in a linen-blend.
Category
1950s Vintage Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Linen, Walnut
$6,300 / set
Vintage Napoleon III Tufted Slipper Lounge Chair w/ Leopard Chinoiserie Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Napoleon III Style Tufted Slipper Lounge Chair with Figural Chinoiserie and Leopard Print Fabric and Shapely Mahogany Legs. The fabric is believed to be Brunschwig & Fils. Ci...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
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
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 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
19th Century French Napoleon III Chaise Lounge in Striped Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
A traditional late 19th-century Napoleon III chaise lounge or daybed, sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully handcrafted from solid maple, it features an elegant oval-back frame ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, Maple
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
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
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
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
Wood, Velvet
$1,441 / item
19th Century French Napoleon III Chaise Lounge W/ Red Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
A traditional late 19th-century Napoleon III chaise or daybed lounge sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully handcrafted from solid wood, it features elegant oval-back frames with...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
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.
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric
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
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
$6,128 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of French armchairs / fauteuils
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Great pair of 19th century gilt and painted armchairs
Nice large proportions , need reupholstering but the frames are solid / firm
Height 39 inches or 99 cms
Width 27 inches or 69 cm...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Paint
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
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
$8,000
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
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
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.
Category
1940s English Vintage Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, 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
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
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
$2,360 / set
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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