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
Set Eight Dessin Fournir Gilt Faux Bois Twig Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sublime set of eight rare dining chairs featuring hand-carved faux bois gilt twig wood frames designed by Erika Brunson for Dessin Fournir. Crafted in the old world style from beech ...
Category
20th Century American Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Gold
$19,200 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
$1,980 / set
Pair of Mohair and Silk Striped Sofa
s
Located in Spencertown, NY
The upholstery with studs, gimp and fringe, with velvet back and sides.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Mohair, Silk
$20,000 / set
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
$2,224 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Satin, Wood
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
19th Century French Oak Turned Stool
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak stool from France. The seat has a wide molded edge, surrounding a banded seat with a handle I the center for easy portability. The seat measures 12.88 inches x 12....
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Oak
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
$1,800 / set
French Patio Wrought Iron Chaise Longue
Located in Sheffield, MA
The undulating black patio metal garden chaise loungeis relatively light weight for easy movability. The seat peaks where the knee bends making it extremely comfortable. The mesh cou...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Wrought 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
Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Silk Satin Sofa
Located in Puglia, Puglia
French sofa from the 19th century, Napoleon III period. The sofa has the original silk satin covering and two bands embroidered in half stitch and applied to the fabric, the backrest...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Satin, Silk, Beech
Set of Four Balloon-Back Napoleon III Dining Chairs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A beautiful set of four balloon backed antique French dining chairs dating from the Napoleon III period. Comfortable as well as elegant, each chair is sculpted from finest mahogany, ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fruitwood
19th Century Napoleon III Armchair in Deep Blue Velvet
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite Napoleon III armchair from the 19th century showcases timeless French elegance and craftsmanship. Recently reupholstered in a sumptuous deep blue velvet, it retains it...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, Fruitwood
Pair of 19th Century Turned French Stools
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century oak stools from France with newly upholstered tops in linen finished with a single welt. The frames have hand-turned barley twist legs, joined by matching stretc...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Linen, Oak
$3,695 / set
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
$2,322 / set
Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Sofa and Two Armchairs
Located in Puglia, Puglia
French sofa and two armchairs from the 19th century, Napoleon III period. The whole set has been restored and the upholstery replaced with a beautiful Italian Brocade...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Brocade, Beech
Two bears from Bern or Brienz, known as Black Forest bears, forming a bench, 19t
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Two bears from Bern or Brienz, known as Black Forest bears, forming a bench, 19th century
Category
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of 19th C French Small Scale Napoleon III Armchairs with Diamond Tufting
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant pair of French 19th century small scale Napoleon III style armchairs with gracefully flared arms, classically rounded backs with diamond tufting and delicately turned legs.
These French Napoleon III small scale armchairs...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Settee W/ Blue Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite mid-19th-century French Napoleon III settee, sourced directly from Provence, France. This beautifully hand-crafted piece features a solid wood frame with an elegantly ca...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Ebony
Pair of Red Antique French Napoleon Chairs
Located in Buxton, GB
This pair of antique French Napoleon style chairs, manufactured in 1900, exudes a sense of elegance and history. Handmade in France, these round red armchairs feature a beautiful red...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$1,713 / set
Pair of Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Armchairs
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of 19th century armchairs, Napoleon III period. The armchairs have been restored and the upholstery has been replaced with a beautiful Italian Brocade...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Brocade, Beech
Pair Napoleon III Painted Side Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of period Napoleon III side chairs with cane seats, hand turned, exquisitely carved fluting at front legs and beautiful hand painted detailing. New down feather dark moss green ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Cane, Wood
$2,850 / set
19th Century French Long Window Seat
Located in High Point, NC
19th century oak long window seat from France. The seat is made from a single board. The apron is also hand carved in a nulling pattern and the bench is supported on hand turned legs...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Oak
Side Slipper 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
$3,124 / set
A pair of French Napoleon III sofas with continuous backs circa 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
What a find! A rare pair of French Napoleon III sofas featuring continuous upholstered backs that flow seamlessly into the arms, creating an elegant and cohesive silhouette. Raised o...
Category
1860s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Napoleon III Period 19th Century Méridienne.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon III period 19th century méridienne.
19th century Napoleon III period pedestal table.
H: 80cm, W: 220cm, D: 71cm
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Napoleon III French Settee
Located in Houston, TX
Napoleon III French settee upholstered in off-white ticking and burlap. Ready to be re-covered in your own fabric. Constructed circa 1870-1889 with wood and iron frame, turned and eb...
Category
1860s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Brass, Iron, Steel
Napoleon III Giltwood Rope Tabouret
Located in Essex, MA
Circular with new muslin upholstery, conforming carved rope legs and stretchers ending on tassel feet, casters. Completely regilded with 23-karat gold leaf.
Category
1860s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Other
Ebonized Napoleon Charivari Wood Chair/ Stripped Velvet Seat
Located in Malibu, CA
Ebony Napoleon Charivari Wood Chair/ Stripped Velvet Seat.
The sturdy wood frame, has the original ebony finish and has been reconstructed and reupholstered in Italian velvet by Pegg...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Silk, Velvet, Hardwood
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
19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut Chaise Lounge in Blue Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
An exceptional mid-19th century French chaise lounge from the Napoleon III period, showcasing clean lines, exquisite detailing, and a commanding yet refined presence. Sourced in Pari...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
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
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
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
$6,107 Sale Price
25% Off
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
19th Century Napoleon III Period Mahogany Wall Bed
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century Napoleon III Period mahogany wall bed is a superbly well-preserved example of French style and ingenuity from the Second Empire! Hand-crafted from exotic imported mahoga...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Mahogany
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
Tufted Velvet Chauffeuse - From the Collection of Ann
Gordon Getty
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Napoleon III Tufted Velvet and Needlework Chauffeuse Chair owned by Ann and Gordon Getty. Purchased at Butterfield & Butterfield's (now known as Bonhams) in San Francisco on June 8, ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Velvet
19th Century French Giltwood Aubusson Tapestry 7-Piece Salon Suite
Located in Tarzana, 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 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
Pair Napoleon III Slipper Chairs
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a classic pair of c. 1870 Napoleon III Slipper Chairs that have been brought into the 21st century with a linen in French multi-striped blues and greens. The internal upholstery has been completely replaced with new materials. The contrasting small back pillows are in a custom Ralph Lauren Paisley fabric...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Brass
$3,800 Sale Price / set
20% Off
19th Century French Napoleon III Chaise Lounge in Golden Yellow Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
An exquisite mid-19th century French Napoleon III chaise longue, sourced in Provence. Carefully revised by our workshop for structural integrity, it retains its authentic character w...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, Hardwood, Paint
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
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
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
Gesso, Velvet, Hardwood
$2,026 Sale Price / set
30% Off
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
Large French C19th Antique Tufted Brown Leather Chaise Longue
Located in London, GB
A Large and Sumptuous 19th Century French Tufted Brown Leather Chaise Longue.
This rare French chaise longue features a classic tufted but...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Leather, Oak
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
$275 Sale Price / set
81% Off
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
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
Royal Louis XV or Rococo Tapestry Sofa and Chairs, Gold, Napoleon III, 1880
Located in Berlin, DE
Louis XV tapestry / tapestry suite, Napoleon III, circa 1880.
Genuine gold leaf on solid wood. Hand-carved wooden body. Very old and decorative French sofa set...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of French Small Scale Napoleon III Armchairs with Diamond Tufting
Located in Buchanan, NY
A magnificent pair of small scale French 19th century Napoleon III style A classic pair of small scale French 19th century Napoleon III style armchairs with elegantly scrolled arms, ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of French Napoleon III High Back Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
High, curled back French Napoleon III chairs newly upholstered Cowtan and Tout cotton stripe.
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$1,700 / set
19th Century Aubusson Salon set comprising one sofa and six armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Superb and rare Napoleon iiistyle living room in Aubusson tapestry including six armcahairs and a sofa
the sofa depicts a picnic scene from this period where the children play and d...
Category
1880s French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Tapestry, Giltwood
Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Classic Napoleon III style armchair or tête-à-tête has been restyled. It is the
perfect conversation piece. This version has turned wooden legs with the traditional Napoleon II...
Category
2010s American Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood
$8,200 / item
Pair Of Napoleon III Style Carved And Pair Decorated Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Ca. earlier 20th c. Elaborately carved frames in Pistachio Green paint overall. The carved leaf and berry crest rails with shaped leafy finials. Ribbon twists on the outer frames and...
Category
20th Century Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Other
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
French Napoleon III Slipper Chair in Floral Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
A stunning French Napoleon III slipper chair. This slipper chair is a truly unique piece, with its vintage floral fabric and bullion...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Fabric
Charming Napoleon III Period Chair, in Blackened Pear and Velvet
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Charming Napoleon III period chair, in blackened pear and velvet.
Good general condition, including velvet and padding.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, Pearwood
Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Classic Napoleon III style armchair or tête-à-tête has been restyled. It is the
perfect conversation piece. This version has turned wooden legs with the traditional Napoleon II...
Category
2010s American Napoleon III Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood
$8,200 / item
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.