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.
Napoleon III Style Leather Wingback Recliner Library Armchair
By Bradington Young, Hancock & Moore
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Add a touch of nobility to your space with this reclining Napoleon III style leather wingback fireplace armchair in the manner of Bradington Young and Hancock & Moore. This handsome ...
Brass
$2,636Sale Price / set|20% Off
Napoleon III Style Wingback Chairs Pair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Mahogany, Cotton
$1,250 / set
H 43 in W 31.5 in D 32 in
Vintage Woodmark Originals Queen Anne Style Mahogany Wingback Chairs - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Woodmark Originals Queen Anne Style Mahogany Wingback Chairs - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 43" H x 31.5" W x 32" D x 19.5"...
Mahogany
19th Century Georgian Style Wingback Chairs
Located in Pomona, CA
Antique Georgian circa 1850 Wingback armchairs with ornately carved cabriole legs and William Morris style flat top arms. The chairs have been recovered in a green mohair fabric. Th...
Mohair, Wood
Pair of Georgian Style Wingback Chairs Upholstered in Linen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Wing Back Chairs in the Style of Georgian. Newly upholstered in Linen with a cord welt to the cushions. A wonderful pair and very c...
Linen, Upholstery, Cord, Wood
Sold|$695 / set
H 41 in W 32 in D 35 in
Frederick Edward Georgian Style Upholstered Wingback Lounge Arm Chairs - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Frederick Edward Georgian Style Wingback Lounge Arm Chairs with Cherry Wood Legs - a Pair. Made in America with Pink, Green, and Beige Upholstery. Circa Late 20th Century. Me...
Fabric, Cherry
$5,317 / set
H 43.12 in W 31.5 in D 31.11 in
Pair of Lovely George III Style Wingback Armchairs with Kilim Pattern Uphosltery
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of Kilim fabric upholstered wingback armchairs in lovely condition throughout. A well-made and decorative pair of armchairs w...
Upholstery
$3,599Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 43 in W 31.25 in D 32.5 in
1970's Wingback Chairs Refinished & Reupholstered - a Pair
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage pair of wing chairs for sale. They are from the 1970's, and have been professionally restored. The wood bases and legs have been refinished in walnut, and have been reupholstered in new fabric and foam. The fabric is a beautiful linen with textured cotton. The fabric has variations of earthy brown, tan, black, and white. The seats have springs in them, and have a high-quality solid frame. They're in the manner of Henredon wing chairs...
Fabric, Wood
Pair Louis XVI Style Bergere á Oreilles Wingback Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand pair of french mahogany bergere á oreilles or wingback chairs made in the Louis XVI taste. The chairs feature tall carved frames with gracefully curved wings. The generous seat...
Brass
$2,040Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 41 in W 26 in D 30 in
Pair of Modern Gio Ponti Style Leather and Upholstery Wingback Chairs
By Gio Ponti
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of stylish and comfortable modern wingback chairs in the unique design style of Gio Ponti. Two-tone, tan leather with ivory color upholstery, and ebonized legs. Contemporary...
Leather, Upholstery
Paolo Buffa, Pair of Reclining Wingback Armchairs, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Distinctive pair of Italian wingback armchairs from the 1940s, combining sculptural elegance with refined craftsmanship. The high, gently curved backs feature exaggerated “ears” that...
Wood
Frits Henningsen Style Vintage Leather Wingback Chair
Located in Coronado, CA
A large, vintage, wingback chair in the manner of Frits Henningsen, featuring a high curved back, pointed arms, button tufting, and tall curved legs with carved detail. This unique, ...
Leather, Wood
$4,375
H 44.49 in W 33.47 in D 31.5 in
RESTORED CHESTERFIELD HAND DYED LEATHER PORTERS WINGBACK ARMCHAiR
Located in Pulborough, GB
Antiques of London Elevate your interior with this luxurious restored Chesterfield Porter’s Wingback Armchair, expertly upholstered in premium hand-dyed leather. A testament to timeless British craftsmanship, this armchair seamlessly combines elegance, comfort, and durability, making it the perfect centrepiece for both classic and contemporary interiors. This vintage Chesterfield wingback chair features the iconic deep-button tufted back and seat, showcasing traditional hand-dying techniques that highlight the natural beauty of the leather. The hand-dyed finish has been carefully restored while keeping the original aged leather, preserving its rich patina, natural creases, and authentic character that only time can create. This ensures the chair retains its historic charm while offering renewed life and usability. The Porter’s high back design with enveloping wings provides excellent support and comfort, while the scroll arms and antique brass nailhead trim add to its authentic Chesterfield style. Resting on sturdy hardwood legs, this armchair offers both strength and stability, ensuring it will remain a cherished piece for generations. Ideal for use in a study, library, office, gentleman’s club, or luxury living room, this Chesterfield Porter’s chair...
Leather
$1,217
H 41.34 in W 32.29 in D 35.04 in
Large Vintage English-Style Sheepskin Leather Wingback Armchair
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This fantastic sheepskin leather wingback armchair is the perfect addition for lovers of English-style furniture. Its warm cognac color exudes ...
Leather, Sheepskin
Sold
H 43 in W 33 in D 35 in
French 1870s Napoleon III Period Wingback Bergère Chair with Carved Decor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Napoleon III period painted wingback bergère chair from the late 19th century, with carved decor and new upholstery. Created in France at the end...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 41 in W 33 in D 40 in
Reclining Napoleon III Style Wingback Library Armchair in Burgundy Leather
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add a touch of nobility to your space with this reclining Napoleon III style leather wingback fireplace armchair by Bradington Young, a quality manufacturer in North Carolina for over 30 years. This handsome reclining lounge chair is upholstered in a quality deep burgundy colored patent leather which has a slightly glossy look to it, adding more vibrancy to the leather. The contours of the chair's arms are punctuated with nailheads. Note, in some of the images there is an orange colored reflection on the side. This is simply due to the reflective surface of the shiny patent leather and there is not any color issue there on the chair as you can see on other pictures. The patent leather is quite nice and looks beautiful in person, but in photos will pick up a lot of reflection due to the glossiness of it. This regal recliner armchair would be a great addition as part of a Classic or contemporary living room, den, man (or woman!) cave, family room, office or bedroom. It would also be an Apt choice in a corporate, retail or hospitality location such as a boutique hotel lobby, cocktail bar, members club, workspace studio, executive office or in a luxe clothing emporium. Perfect for a smoking lounge or library. Condition: Good vintage condition with wear commensurate with age and use...
Leather
French Napoleon III Giltwood Wing Chair, circa 1870s
Located in Kastrup, DK
A French Napoleon III carved and giltwood wing chair, circa 1870s, with an arched carved top, curved wigs raised on scrolled supports, carved and curved frieze raised on cabriole leg...
Napoleon III Wingback Chair, France circa 1860
Located in Kastrup, DK
Large elegant and decorative wing chair, wood carved and with the original gilding. Napoleon III, France 1860-1870. Reupholstered with fabric from Rubelli in vintage damask pattern i...
A Pair of Napoleon III Fauteuils
Located in Washington, DC
A Pair of Napoleon III Fauteuils. Seats and Body reconditioned. Covered in Antique Linen
Paint, Wood, Upholstery