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Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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
Wäckerlin desk chair, 800, Italy
By Adja Yunkers
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
The chairs with women's names... Wäckerlin, steam-curved Mulberry desk chair with Vienna straw seat and hand-wrought iron hardware. A piece of history dating back to the end of the ...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Straw, Bentwood

Wäckerlin desk chair, 800, Italy
Wäckerlin desk chair, 800, Italy

Wäckerlin desk chair, 800, Italy

$890
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This elegantly simple desk chair features beautiful dark walnut wood and comfortable upholstery. Its simple style will blend effortlessly with any home office. It is extremely comfortable and would function just as well in any sitting room or home theatre...
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Mid-20th Century Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Single Midcentury Desk Chair
Single Midcentury Desk Chair

Single Midcentury Desk Chair

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H 31.5 in W 23 in D 19.5 in
Vintage Green Velvet Office Desk Chair, Chrome Frame, Italy, 1970s
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Vintage Green Velvet Office Desk Chair, Chrome Frame, Italy, 1970s Elegant vintage desk / office chair manufactured in Italy in the 1970s typical example of Italian mid-century craf...
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1970s Italian Vintage Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Vintage Green Velvet Office Desk Chair, Chrome Frame, Italy, 1970s
Vintage Green Velvet Office Desk Chair, Chrome Frame, Italy, 1970s

Vintage Green Velvet Office Desk Chair, Chrome Frame, Italy, 1970s

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H 31.5 in W 20.08 in D 21.26 in
Italian Design : Fully Restored 1950s Desk Chair with Armrests
Located in Rome, IT
Introducing a rare find from the 1950s, this desk chair embodies iconic Italian design. Crafted with a black lacquered iron frame and tapered legs featuring a unique compass opening,...
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1950s Italian Vintage Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Italian Design : Fully Restored 1950s Desk Chair with Armrests
Italian Design : Fully Restored 1950s Desk Chair with Armrests

Italian Design : Fully Restored 1950s Desk Chair with Armrests

$1,550
H 32.68 in W 22.05 in D 20.87 in
Fritz Hansen Desk Chair
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stunning swivel desk chair by Fritz Hansen, Denmark 1930's Aged to perfection with curved arms and sculptural wood swivel base. Beautifully worn leather patina Seat height adjus...
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1930s Danish Vintage Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Leather, Beech

Fritz Hansen Desk Chair
Fritz Hansen Desk Chair

Fritz Hansen Desk Chair

$6,800
H 33.5 in W 23.5 in D 22.5 in
1940s desk chair made in Italy
Located in Vigevano, PV
1940s desk chair made in Italy
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1940s Italian Vintage Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Steel

1940s desk chair made in Italy
1940s desk chair made in Italy

1940s desk chair made in Italy

$1,424
H 32.29 in W 21.66 in D 21.66 in
Vintage Danish desk chair
Located in Knokke-Heist, BE
20th century Danish desk chair
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1890s Antique Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Danish desk chair
Vintage Danish desk chair

Vintage Danish desk chair

$1,305
H 35.44 in W 21.26 in D 19.69 in
Kevi Desk Chair
By Fritz Hansen, Jørgen Rasmussen
Located in Dronten, NL
A design icon, the Kevi task chair offers adjustable height, adjustable angle back and adjustable seat height. Surprisingly comfortable, the Kevi chair is a favorite among architects...
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1960s Danish Vintage Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Aluminum

Kevi Desk Chair
Kevi Desk Chair

Kevi Desk Chair

$950
H 29.53 in W 17.33 in D 18.51 in
Vittorio Nobili for Fratelli Tagliabue Medea Desk Chairs, Italy, 1950s
By Vittorio Nobili
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of original Vittorio Nobili Medea office or desk chairs with swivel base, for Fratelli Tagliabue, Italy, 1950s. Price per chair. Fast shipping worldwide.    
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Mid-20th Century Italian Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Metal

Vittorio Nobili for Fratelli Tagliabue Medea Desk Chairs, Italy, 1950s
Vittorio Nobili for Fratelli Tagliabue Medea Desk Chairs, Italy, 1950s

Vittorio Nobili for Fratelli Tagliabue Medea Desk Chairs, Italy, 1950s

$3,012 / item
H 33.86 in W 24.02 in D 21.66 in
gastone rinaldi desk chair
By Gastone Rinaldi
Located in Munich, DE
wonderful mid century desk chair.
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1950s Italian Vintage Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Metal

gastone rinaldi desk chair
gastone rinaldi desk chair

gastone rinaldi desk chair

$2,492
H 31.5 in W 25.6 in D 21.66 in
1970s Brass Italian Swivel Desk or Vanity Chair
Located in Stamford, CT
1970s polished brass swivel desk or vanity chair. Curved back detailing. Newly upholstered in Perennials performance woven fabric in dark blue colorway. Suitable for high traffic are...
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1970s Italian Vintage Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Brass

1970s Brass Italian Swivel Desk or Vanity Chair
1970s Brass Italian Swivel Desk or Vanity Chair

1970s Brass Italian Swivel Desk or Vanity Chair

$1,500 Sale Price
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H 30.5 in W 22.25 in D 20 in
Gianni Moscatelli Pair of Desk Chairs for Formanova, Italy 1970s
By Formanova, Gianni Moscatelli
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid pair of Gianni Moscatelli desk chairs for Formanova, In Original Green fabric. The chair's fabric is aged and they need re-upholstery. 4 wheels for easy moving.
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1970s Italian Vintage Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Metal

Gianni Moscatelli Pair of Desk Chairs for Formanova, Italy 1970s
Gianni Moscatelli Pair of Desk Chairs for Formanova, Italy 1970s

Gianni Moscatelli Pair of Desk Chairs for Formanova, Italy 1970s

$2,373 / item
H 26.78 in W 22.84 in D 22.05 in
Oak revolving desk chair
Located in Cheshire, GB
Oak revolving office chair with comb back above the solid seat. Raised up on four cabriole legs terminating in castors. Dimensions Height 36 Inches he...
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Early 20th Century British Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Oak

Oak revolving desk chair
Oak revolving desk chair

Oak revolving desk chair

$1,089 Sale Price
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H 36 in W 25 in D 20 in
Previously Available Items
Antique French Napoleon III Desk Chair (Fauteuil de Bureau) c. Late 19th Century
Located in Westfield, MA
This fine antique French desk chair from the Napoleon III period blends refinement and function with the curving, sculptural lines typical of late 19th-century French design. Often r...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Walnut

Antique French Napoleon III Desk Chair (Fauteuil de Bureau) c. Late 19th Century
Antique French Napoleon III Desk Chair (Fauteuil de Bureau) c. Late 19th Century

Antique French Napoleon III Desk Chair (Fauteuil de Bureau) c. Late 19th Century

H 35 in W 28 in D 22 in
19th Century French Desk Armchair With Gondola Backrest
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant 19th century En Gondole armchair is the perfect combination of comfort and style. Crafted from luxurious walnut, it boasts a unique gondola-shaped design that sets it ap...
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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Tapestry, Walnut

19th Century French Desk Armchair With Gondola Backrest
19th Century French Desk Armchair With Gondola Backrest

19th Century French Desk Armchair With Gondola Backrest

H 28.75 in W 22.84 in D 23.63 in
Napoleon III Mahogany Armchair
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Napoleon III mahogany armchair, circa 1835. Concave shaped crest rail and back making this chair very comfortable, C scrolled arms, turned and tapered front legs ending in brass cast...
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1850s European Antique Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Napoleon III Mahogany Armchair
Napoleon III Mahogany Armchair

Napoleon III Mahogany Armchair

H 34 in W 22 in D 27 in
Napoleon III Style Desk Armchair, France, circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Superb office / desk chair with crosiers / butts. Structure in oak, carved with acanthus leaves. Seat in brown leather, imitation crocodile skin. Empire / Napoleon III style, ...
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1880s French Antique Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Leather, Wood, Oak

Napoleon III Style Desk Armchair, France, circa 1880
Napoleon III Style Desk Armchair, France, circa 1880

Napoleon III Style Desk Armchair, France, circa 1880

H 29.14 in W 22.84 in D 20.87 in
Napoleon III Style French Chair "Antique Master" Fabric Dedar
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Fascinating and rare " Antique Master...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Napoleon III Style French Chair "Antique Master" Fabric Dedar
Napoleon III Style French Chair "Antique Master" Fabric Dedar

Napoleon III Style French Chair "Antique Master" Fabric Dedar

H 33.08 in W 21.26 in D 21.26 in
Large Vintage Napoleon Style Brown Leather Chesterfield Captains Office Chair
By Chesterfield
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning very large vintage Napoleon style brown leather Chesterfield buttoned captains office armchair A v...
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20th Century English Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Leather

Large Vintage Napoleon Style Brown Leather Chesterfield Captains Office Chair
Large Vintage Napoleon Style Brown Leather Chesterfield Captains Office Chair

Large Vintage Napoleon Style Brown Leather Chesterfield Captains Office Chair

H 45.87 in W 30.32 in D 31.11 in
Napoleon III Desk Secretary Writing Table and Its Armchair France, 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Gorgeous Napoleon III desk secretary writing table with 5 drawers with beautiful ornamentation of gilt bronze, and its matching armchair. Coating changed in full grain leather with ...
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1870s French Antique Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

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Bronze

Napoleon III Desk Secretary Writing Table and Its Armchair France, 19th Century
Napoleon III Desk Secretary Writing Table and Its Armchair France, 19th Century

Napoleon III Desk Secretary Writing Table and Its Armchair France, 19th Century

H 30.32 in W 78.75 in D 27.56 in
French Empire Napoleon III Mahogany and Leather Desk Chair
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A 19th century French Napoleon III desk or side chair with a round leather-upholstered seat with brass studs, the mahogany frame embellished with brass Empire style details. The cha...
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1870s French Antique Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

French Empire Napoleon III Mahogany and Leather Desk Chair
French Empire Napoleon III Mahogany and Leather Desk Chair

French Empire Napoleon III Mahogany and Leather Desk Chair

H 30 in W 18 in D 20 in
Ralph Lauren Brook Street Desk and Clivedon Black Velvet Office Chair
By Ralph Lauren
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Ralph Lauren Brook street Mahongay desk with brown leather top and Clivedon black velvet armchair with walnut frame RRP £17,300. Both pieces are in good used condition throughout, the desk has some light patina marks here and there, the desk has two sliding tables so your children or colleges can come and work with you or simply if you need more room. The chair is upholstered in premium jet black velvet which is more expensive than the leather upholstery, it’s a silky and soft as they came but very think and hard wearing We have lightly cleaned waxed and polished both pieces, the right side sliding shelf on the desk has some marks, otherwise, there isn’t actually much to point out, the pair is stunning Brook street desk...
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21st Century and Contemporary Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather, Velvet, Mahogany, Walnut

Ralph Lauren Brook Street Desk and Clivedon Black Velvet Office Chair
Ralph Lauren Brook Street Desk and Clivedon Black Velvet Office Chair

Ralph Lauren Brook Street Desk and Clivedon Black Velvet Office Chair

H 39.77 in W 68.9 in L 39.77 in
19th Century Napoleon III Round Back Leather Chair with Original Brass Casters
Located in Chicago, IL
This handsome Napoleon III round back leather chair is from Paris, France and was made from leather and brass, c. 1880. The chair features a b...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Brass

19th Century Napoleon III Round Back Leather Chair with Original Brass Casters
19th Century Napoleon III Round Back Leather Chair with Original Brass Casters

19th Century Napoleon III Round Back Leather Chair with Original Brass Casters

H 34 in W 22 in D 27 in
19th Century Napoleon III Mahogany and Ormolu Armchair
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful antique Napoleon III mahogany fauteiul or open armchair in the fabulous Empire Style, circa 1850 in date. The mah...
Category

1850s Antique Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Napoleon III Mahogany and Ormolu Armchair
19th Century Napoleon III Mahogany and Ormolu Armchair

19th Century Napoleon III Mahogany and Ormolu Armchair

H 38.59 in W 25.6 in D 22.05 in
19th Century Pair of Napoleon III Mahogany and Ormolu Armchairs
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful antique pair of Napoleon III mahogany fauteiul or open-arm chairs in the fabulous Empire Style, circa 1850 in date. The mahogany is beautiful in colour and has been embellished with striking ormolu mounts. The padded arms have gilt bronze rosettes and are supported by square section tapering front legs with finely cast gilt bronze sphinx head mounts and terminating in gilt bronze claw feet, with plain sabre legs to the rear. The chairs have been beautifully reupholstered in a striking emerald green velvet. Add a touch of class to your home with this exceptional set of antique...
Category

1850s Antique Napoleon III Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Pair of Napoleon III Mahogany and Ormolu Armchairs
19th Century Pair of Napoleon III Mahogany and Ormolu Armchairs

19th Century Pair of Napoleon III Mahogany and Ormolu Armchairs

H 38.59 in W 25.6 in D 22.05 in

Napoleon Iii office chairs and desk chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III office chairs and desk chairs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage office chairs and desk chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III office chairs and desk chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 office chairs and desk chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,440 and tops out at $2,400 while the average work can sell for $2,227.