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.
19th Century French Duchesse Brisée Bergère and Matching Ottoman
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant French Duchesse Brisée dates from the 19th-century and is a beautiful example of refined French seating furniture. Comprising a comfortable bergère armchair and its matc...
Brass
20th Century Icelandic Sheepskin Fournier Style Rope Bergère Chair
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Icelandic sheepskin Fournier style rope bergère chair with each leg and arm featuring a knotted detail. Newly upholstered in Icelandic sheepkin. International Orders: A...
Sheepskin, Wood
$1,816Sale Price / set|38% Off
Pair of Napoleon III Period Crimson Velvet Bergere Chairs with wheels
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite pair of Napoléon III period bergère armchairs epitomizes the elegance and craftsmanship of 19th-century French design. Dating from the late 19th century, these chairs ...
Brass
19th Century Child’s Velvet Armchair with Decorative Fringe
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Charming 19th-century French child’s armchair upholstered in a warm terracotta velvet, adorned with a refined bullion fringe and traditional nailhead trim. This delightful piece perf...
Velvet, Elm
1970s French Napoleonic Style Carved Maple Rope Bergere Chairs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of 1970s French Napoleonic style carved rope bergere chairs. The seafoam embroidered is vintage, and there is a spot. Both chairs are in very good condition and unmarked.
Upholstery, Maple
$3,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Napoleon III Slipper Chairs, French Upholstery, Multi-Striped, c. 1870
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...
Brass
Pair of French Great Quality Black Leather 19th Century Armchairs
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A large and very comfortable pair of Napoleon III antique French library armchairs. Quality black leather and studded on the front & back edges,...
Brass
$2,340Sale Price|20% Off
Reupholstered Napoleon III Bergere Chair, 19th Century
Located in NICE, FR
This bergere chair is a truly one-of-a-kind piece. It has undergone a comprehensive restoration in terms of its seating and padding to enhance its comfort and functionality. The addi...
Textile, Wood
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...
Upholstery, Oak
Antique Pair of Napoleon III circa 1890 Bergere Armchairs & Matching Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of original circa 1890 Napoleon III Louis XVI style bergère armchairs with matching occasional table These chairs come with ...
Upholstery, Oak
$3,500 / set
H 36.5 in W 28 in D 25 in
Luxurious Pair of French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs with Mohair Upholstery
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Antique French Louis XVI painted and carved armchairs or bergere chairs, in original paint and blue mohair upholstery with brass tacking. Created in France during the early 20th ce...
Mohair, Wood
Pair of oak bergere library chairs
Located in Cheshire, GB
Pair of oak bergere library chairs. The solid oak frame inset with double cane work panels having removable leather cushions. All raised on barley twist supports united by stretcher....
Oak
$4,065 / set
H 33.67 in W 30.12 in D 21.46 in
Antique Pair of Napoleon III circa 1870 Gold Giltwood Bergere Armchairs Louis
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this stunning pair of original circa 1860-1870 Napoleon III Louis XVI style bergère armchairs which are part of a suite These chairs come with a matchin...
Giltwood
Pair of French Louis XV Style Carved Bergere Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 34 1/2 in W: 27 1/2 in D: 28 1/2 in SH: 19 1/4 in Introduce timeless French elegance to your interior with this exceptional Pair of Mid-20th Century French Louis XV ...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,650 / set
H 20.5 in W 30.5 in D 32 in
Distressed French Bergere Chairs with Custom Floral Upholstery
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of very well made and solid French Bergeres custom upholstered in rose, green, gold and tan floral and foliate fabric. The chairs with carved and scrolled frames, intricately ca...
Fabric, Hardwood
$2,995 / set
H 32.5 in W 27.75 in D 30 in
Pair of Louis XV Style Carved Bergere Chairs With Blue Upholstery
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 32 1/2 IN W: 27 3/4 IN D: 30 IN SH: 19 3/4 IN Graceful French elegance meets exceptional comfort in this distinguished pair of Louis XV Style Bergère chairs, attribu...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,836Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 38 in W 35 in D 33.5 in
Low Slung Pair Carved Walnut French Carved Louis XV Bergere Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This low slung pair of French Louis XV style Bergère chairs combines elegance, comfort, and masterful craftsmanship. Constructed from richly carved walnut, the frames display the hal...
Walnut
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
H 36 in W 16 in D 19 in
Pair 19th C French Louis V Style Bergere Lounge Chairs with Hand Carved Frames
Located in New York, NY
Voguish pair of French Beregeres, having hand carved wood frames, and upholstered seats and backs. The chairs are structurally sound and sturdy, the upholstery is as is, and will nee...
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century French Louis XV Bergère Armchair
Located in Munich, DE
19th century French Louis XV Bergère armchairs in their original patina still very comfortable, perfect for deco or your next project...
Wood
$2,950 / set
H 38.5 in W 28.5 in D 27 in
Pair of Antique French Bergère Chairs, Upholstered, 19th Century
Located in Houston, TX
A pair of French Louis XV style bergeres, featuring expertly hand-carved giltwood frames. The frames boast a rich, aged gold leaf finish with wonderful patina. The arched crest rai...
Giltwood
French 19th Century Louis XVI Bergere Chairs - Set of 2
Located in Carmine, TX
Elegant pair of 19th-century French Louis XVI bergère armchairs, crafted in carved painted walnut with fluted legs and finely detailed neoclassical motifs. Upholstered in a rich blue...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut, Paint
Pair of 19th Century French Painted Gondola Bergère Chairs
Located in Charleston, SC
recant pair of 19th century Louis XVI style Gondola bergères with most original paint. Arched backs with floral carving, serpentine shaped down swept arms, resting on turned fluted ...
Linen, Oak, Paint
Sold
H 29.93 in W 30.32 in D 28.35 in
Bergère Armchair in Blue Toile de Jouy Upholstery, France 19th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant French Napoleon III armchair, dating from the second half of the 19th century, combines generous proportions with timeless decorative appeal. Raised on turned ebonized w...
Brass
Pair of Napoleon III Rosewood Bergeres
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Pair of Napoleon III rosewood bergeres, circa 1870. With a narrow rose wood crest rail, leatherette and button upholstered backs and leatherette seats, rose wood turned legs ending i...
Brass
Antique French Louis XVI Pair Of Armchair, 19th Century
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
Superb pair of Louis XVI carved walnut armchairs, frame in very good condition, antique wool velvet fabric worked in diamond shapes finished with braid. The armrests rest on a carved...
Velvet, Walnut
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...
Velvet, Fruitwood
19th Century Pair of Louis XV-Style Ceremonial Bergere Chairs
Located in NICE, FR
We present you this exquisite and rare pair of 19th-century Louis XV-style ceremonial bergere chairs with winged backs from the Napoleon III era. These chairs contain decorative moti...
Bronze
Napoleon III Style Upholstered Spoonback Bergeres
Located in Astoria, NY
Napoleon III style upholstered skirted armchairs or bergeres, each with rounded back and sloping scrolled arms above a drop in seat cushion, with heavy tape and fringe to base, cover...
Chenille
19th Century French Napoleon III Button Back Armchair
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
An attractive French 19th century Napoleon III upholstered armchair. Comfortable and supportive horse hair sprung seat with deep buttoned backs and armrests. Good solid frame. Raised...
Upholstery
Vintage Pair of Walnut Chairs "Chauffeuse" French, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Chauffeuse French Napoleon III, circa 1880. The feets are in walnut Antique, 19th century. It can be recovered with the fabric of your choice to suit your interior. Sound and sol...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 27.96 in W 27.96 in D 26.78 in
Pair of Napoleon the 3d Armchairs. Need to be rehupholstered. French. Circa 1900
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
Pair of Napoleon the 3d Armchairs. Need to be rehupholstered. French. Circa 1900
Fabric, Wood
Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Velvet Armchair
Located in Puglia, Puglia
French armchair from the 19th century, Napoleon III period, the upholstery was redone in velvet in the 1960s, normal wear but in very good condition, France, 1870.
Velvet, Beech
Pair of Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Velvet Armchairs
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of French armchairs from the 19th century, Napoleon III period, the upholstery was redone in velvet in the 1960s, normal wear but in very good condition, France, 1870
Velvet, Beech
Shapely French Napoleon III Style Gilt-Wood Bergere
Located in San Francisco, CA
The barrel-back bergere with well-carved rope-twist frame all in the French Napoleon III style.
Giltwood