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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
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

Napoleon 3 Style "Crapaud" Armchair, Covered with Satin, circa 1950, Baroque
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon 3 style "crapaud" armchair, covered with satin, circa 1950, baroque and its footrest, all covered with yellow satin, slightly discolored satin, and small spots.
Category

1950s French Vintage Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Satin, 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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

20th Century Napoleon III Style Lacquered Rope Twist Upholstered Tabouret
Located in Dallas, TX
Napoleon III style stool or ottoman with twisted rope design after the model by A.M.E. Fournier, circa 20th century. Lacquered, the piece has a fabric circular seat on rope-twist molded seat-rails on knotted rope legs...
Category

20th Century Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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

Napoleon III Style Slipper Chair
Located in Sheffield, MA
The slipper chair reflects the Napoleon III style of the mid-19th century with gold brocade fabric with deep cushion affect and exuberant fringe. Fr...
Category

20th Century Unknown Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric

Napoleon III Upholstered Living Room
Located in Charmes, FR
Upholstered living room, Napoleon III period in blackened wood and floral fabric includes 1 sofa and 4 armchairs overall in good condition, shows minimal signs of wear and use, uphol...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood

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

French Leather Chair
Located in Kingsbridge, GB
French Leather Chair from the 19th century. Excellent condition and very comfortable. Very rare chair in leather.
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Leather

Napoleon III Period Armchair, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Napoleon III period armchair, 19th century. Napoleon III period armchair, 19th century, to reupholster, fabric stained, need to be reupholstered. H: 80cm, L: 88cm, D: 70cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric

Pair of French 19th C. Armchairs with Carved Fruitwood Frames
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant pair French Napoleon III armchairs inspired by the Louis XV period with elaborately carved fruitwood frames with floral motives. The chairs have been stripped down to the ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric

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

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 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

French Napoleon III Style Gilt Wood Knot Base Ottoman
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fantastic and very decorative French Pouf Ottoman with an intricate Gilt Wood Knotted Rope base. With good size and a high Cushion custom upholstered in a William Morris type Leaf ...
Category

20th Century Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

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

Napolean III Gilt Bamboo Stool
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A highly collectable, Circa 1800’s Parisian Napoleon III, Aesthetic Movement Stool. Oriental influenced with carved (faux) bamboo legs, and a centered English influenced turned finia...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Suede, Wood

Large Armchair in the Henry II Style, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large armchair in the Henry II style, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Large armchair in the Henry II style, 19th century, Napoleon III period. H: 100cm, W: 67cm, D: 60cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century Pair of French Walnut Stools
Located in High Point, NC
Late 19th century pair of French walnut stools with rush seats. The seats are hand-woven from rush, and are supported on gorgeous walnut frames with hand turned legs, joined by sim...
Category

1890s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Rush, Walnut

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

French Napoleon III Button-Back Salon Canapé or Settee with Fringed Skirt
Located in London, GB
A French salon canapé dating from the Napoleon III period, with a curved, buttoned back and integrated arms, designed for comfort and balance within Second Empire interiors. The ful...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Beech, Softwood, Pine

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

French Napoleon III Style Slipper Chair
Located in Buchanan, NY
An outstanding large scale French 1920s Napoleon III style slipper chair. This slipper chair is truly magnificent. It is upholstered ...
Category

1920s French Vintage Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric

19th Century Napoleon III Ebonized Salon Suite Reupholstered
Located in Staffordshire, GB
19th century Napoleon III ebonized salon suite, sourced from Paris and reupholstered in 'Limerence' velvet, circa 1860. Measures: Sofa H 107 x W 136 x D 55cm Seat height 45cm Chai...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Armchairs Reupholsted Chauffeuse Napoleon III French late 19th Centuty
Located in Labrit, Landes
Chauffeuse little armchair French of the Napoleon III period circa 1880. The feets are in wood, the fauteuil has been recently reupholstered and recovered. Antique, 19th century. Sol...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

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

19th Century French Napoleon III Period Upholstered Dining Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Forney, TX
A rare set of four period Napoleon III Second Empire dining chairs, hand-crafted of solid fruitwood in France in the third quarter of the 19th century. Finished in luxurious Pari...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Fruitwood

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

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

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

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

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

19th Century French Hand Carved Wooden Piano Swivel Chair Napoleon III Period
Located in Sofia, BG
Very delicate and rare hand carved wooden piano swivel chair made in mid 19th century during Napoleon III period. Having no restoration so far the chair i...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood

French Napoleon III reupholstered Lounge Chair, 1890s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very beautiful Napoleon III lounge chair which has been completely reupholstered in our workshops with a very beautiful terracotta color fabric from Fine Fabrics and a fringe finish ...
Category

1890s French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Fabric

19th Century, Napoleon III, French Armchair and Footstool in Fan Palm’ Fabric
Located in Hastings, GB
A beautiful 19th century French Napoleon lll armchair and footstool, upholstered in our exclusive Tropics 'Fan Palm' fabric. This stunning Armchair and Footstool dating from around ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Cotton, Wood

pair of Napoleon III armchairs, restored
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
pair of Napoleon III armchairs, restored a bench seat is offered in another ad
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood

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

Antique French Napoleon III Carved Chairs Newly Reupholstered In Leather - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Napoleon III Carved Armchairs Newly Reupholstered in Deep-Red Distressed Italian Leather - Pair Antique pair of Napoleon III period armchairs with curly frame and ar...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

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

1940s, Swedish Napoleon III–style Club / Armchair
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1940s Swedish Napoleon III–style armchair, upholstered in rich brick-red (brique) velvet jacquard fabric. This elegant lounge chair feature a beautifully sculpted backrest with deep ...
Category

Early 20th Century Norwegian Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Modern Twisted Rope Sculptural Tabouret Stool after AME Fournier, 21st Century
Located in Troy, MI
Sculptural rope leg stool by Ballard Designs 21st Century production A modern adaptation of the 19th Century Napoleon III tabouret stool by A.M.E. Fournier Twisted and knotted rope ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Linen, Beech

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

20th Century Empire Style Napoleonic Swan Armchair
Located in Berlin, DE
Napoleonic pavilion armchair in Empire style. Very exact fine-carved sculpture made of solid, blackened beechwood. Poliment gold-plated. Scratched frame on plastically carved legs e...
Category

20th Century French Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Armchairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of beautiful large 19th Century French Napoleon III piecrust scroll back armchairs. Lovely scrolled arms and ebonised turned feet terminating on casters. Ready for recovering.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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

Suite of 8 Carved Wooden Chairs with Canes, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Suite of 8 chairs, Napoleon III period, 19th century, carved wood, canes. H: 88cm, W: 38cm, D: 36cm Please contact us before ordering to confirm availability.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

Napoleanic French Carved Walnut Louis XV Style Window Boudoir Bench Circa 1920
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Napoleonic French carved walnut Louis XV style boudoir bench from circa 1920 is a timeless piece that embodies elegance, craftsmanship, and refined decorative appeal. Beautifull...
Category

1920s French Vintage Napoleon III Seating

Materials

Walnut

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.