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 Napoleon III Méridienne /Chaise Longue, C 1860
Located in Charleston, SC
This exquisite rare shape Napoleon III méridienne / chaise lounge with long length with extremely curvaceous profile, graceful scroll arms on ebonzied legs. Unlike more common tufte...
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
19th Century French Napoleon III Chaise Lounge W/ Red Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
A traditional late 19th-century Napoleon III chaise or daybed lounge sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully handcrafted from solid wood, it features elegant oval-back frames with...
Velvet, Wood
Garonne Chaise Lounge by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our Classic Garonne chaise lounge has five Napoleon III style turned wooden legs. From every angle, you see its distinctive elegant curved lines. This piece is perfect for cuddling up with a good book in front of the fireplace or simply lounging around after a long day. Covered in a mint green velvet...
Velvet, Oak
French 19th C. Chaise Longue with Carved Fruitwood Frame
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant French Napoleon III chaise longue is classic and timeless. Inspired by the Louis XV period, this 19th century chaise features an elaborately carved fruitwood frame that ...
Upholstery, Fruitwood
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...
Velvet, Walnut
Garonne Chaise Lounge by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our Classic Garonne chaise lounge has five Napoleon III style turned wooden legs. From every angle, you see its distinctive elegant curved lines. This piece is perfect for cuddling u...
Oak, Cotton
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...
Wrought Iron
French Napoleon III Chaise Longue with Turned Legs, C. 1860
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An elegant French Napoleon III chaise longue dating to circa 1860, distinguished by its graceful chapeau de gendarme crest and classic serpentine silhouette. Embodying the refined co...
Fabric, Wood
'Atelier' 1860s French Napoleon III Double Spoon Seduction Chaise in Moss Velvet
Located in London, GB
1860s French "Atelier" Love Seat — A Study in Seduction & Construction An exceptionally elegant and large-scale French Napoleon III period piece, circa 1860 - the construction s...
Mohair, Burlap, Velvet, Wood
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....
Upholstery
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...
Bronze
French 19th Century Chaise in Muslin
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant French Napoleon III chaise longue in muslin is classic and timeless. Its sophisticated "chapeau de gendarme" shape is one of its most distinctive features, evoking a sen...
Upholstery
French Napoleon III Chaise Longue XIX eme
Located in Mouscron, WHT
French Napoleon III chaise longue. good general condition, unfortunately the fabric is torn on the seat
Upholstery, Beech
$6,320Sale Price / set|20% Off
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.
Bouclé
Rare and Original Rattan Lounge Chair, Napoleon III Period
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Rare and original rattan lounge chair, Napoleon III period to be restored. Slots, holes and gaps, the structure remains solid and stable.
Rattan
Napoleon III Reclining Chaise Lounge with Swing-Out Arm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Napoleon III Reclining Chaise Lounge with Swing-Out Arm A rare and mechanically ingenious French chaise lounge from the Napoleon III period, featuring a reclining backrest operated b...
Upholstery
Adjustable Napoleon III Campaign Chair, France, circa 1880s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very fine iron Campaign-style armchair with adjustable positions, from upright to horizontal. Raised on casters. Newly upholstered with vintage fabric. Dimensions provided below ...
SACHA CHAISE - Modern Chaise Lounge in Camel Luxury Velvet
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
SACHA CHAISE - Modern Chaise Lounge in Camel Luxury Velvet The Sacha Chaise Lounge is a sleek and stylish piece of furniture designed for modern living s...
Upholstery
Chaise Lounge by Preview, 1970
Located in Chicago, IL
Chaise Lounge Chair by Preview, 1970. Channel tufted original upholstery which as shown in pictures has some tears at the seams in the back. Measures 66" long, 31" wide, 27" tall 1...
Upholstery
$4,527
H 34.26 in W 64.97 in D 23.63 in
19th Century Mahogany Chaise Longue with Duck Egg Blue Upholstery and Scroll Arm
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A beautifully proportioned 19th century mahogany chaise longue, retaining a wonderfully rich, warm wood patina and upholstered in an elegant duck egg blue fabric. The chaise has a g...
Brass
$4,200
H 30.5 in W 70 in D 31 in
French Art Deco Chaise Longue, Carved Walnut, Upholstered, Circa 1930
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Fans of the pioneering furniture designer Emile-Jacque Ruhlmann will delight in this glamorous French Art Deco period chaise with a swooping crest of a seat back that rises from the ...
Textile, Walnut
$6,581Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.93 in W 68.9 in D 25.6 in
Italian 19th Century Mahogany Swan Neck Sofa or Chaise Longues Tuscany, 1820
Located in Rome, IT
A fine tuscany mahogany swan neck sofa The front side of the curved arm ends on carved swan, The settee rests on four lion paw feet. Upholstery in a...
Mahogany
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...
Wrought Iron
$3,900Sale Price|37% Off
H 37.75 in W 79 in D 27.5 in
Early 19th Century French Empire Chaise Lounge Daybed
Located in San Francisco, CA
An elegant Empire Period black lacquered walnut chaise or daybed with brass ormolu decoration. Has its original horsehair mattress. Frame is sturdy ...
Wool, Upholstery, Walnut
19th Century William IVChaise Longue
Located in Cheshire, GB
A superb quality 19th century William IV chaise longue of elegant form, raised on finely turned and reeded front legs terminating in the original brass cup castors. The beautifully f...
Wood
Late 19th C. French Campaign Style Iron Bronze Chaise Longue
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A spectacular late 19th/early 20th century French iron and bronze chaise longue or lounge, crafted in the Campaign style. The folding chair features a dramatic elongated lounge form ...
Brass, Iron
Late 19th Century Wicker / Rattan Chaise Lounge Chair
Located in Buffalo, NY
This wicker / rattan chaise lounge showcases a beautifully woven design with a gently curved silhouette. It has brass tips on the corners and wavy side detailing. The warm, natural b...
Wicker, Rattan, Reed
19th century William IV carved mahogany chaise longue
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century William IV carved mahogany chaise longue circa 1835. Fine quality late William IV chaise longue, one of the most elegant you will find of it's type. Profusely hand car...
Fabric, Mahogany
19th Century Regency Mahogany Chaise Longue with Carved Eagles
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A superb quality 19th century regency period Mahogany chaise longue of rare design having Elegant carved decoration which includes eagles Head to back and scrolling end raised on unu...
American Mahogany
Fine Antique French Style Chaise With Custom Fabric
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Antique Chaise with sinuous lines, strongly carved cabriole legs, rolled back, pierced and carved wood frame and custom upholstery. The fabric treatment is a Champagne tone nu...
Fabric, Mahogany
French Napoleon III Style Chaise Lounge
Located in Astoria, NY
French Napoleon III Style Chaise Longue, with pink upholstery with four turned mahogany tapered legs on casters. 34" H x 60" W x 28" D; seat: 16" H. Provenance: From the Collection o...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 34.25 in W 64 in D 32 in
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...
Velvet, Hardwood, Paint
Sold
H 39.77 in W 90.56 in D 29.53 in
Napoleon III green Chaise Longue or Duchesse France polychrome wood
By Napoléon III
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind antique "Duchesse Brisee" (Broken Duchess) in off-white and soft green polychrome wood, France, circa 1880, Napoleon III period. The set consists of two armchairs (his...
Fabric, Wood
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...
Leather, Oak
Napoleon III Steel and Brass Campaign Chaise
Located in Chireno, TX
Napoleon III steel and brass campaign chaise circa 1860-1889. French chaise constructed in steel and brass. Raised upon casters. Gorgeous original patina. Newly made linen cushions. ...
Brass, Steel
19th Century French Napoleon III Chaise Lounge in Striped Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
A traditional late 19th-century Napoleon III chaise lounge or daybed, sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully handcrafted from solid maple, it features an elegant oval-back frame ...
Velvet, Maple
Antique French Napoleon III Style Chaise Lounge W/ Mocha Chenille
Located in Astoria, NY
Gorgeous late 19th-century French chaise lounge or daybed in the style of Napoleon III, sourced from Provence, France. Handcrafted from solid wood, it features an elegant oval back w...
Chenille, Walnut
19th Century French Napoleon III Chaise Lounge W/ Off-White Fabric
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant late 19th-century French Napoleon III chaise lounge, sourced from Provence, France. Expertly handcrafted from solid wood, it features a refined square back and gracefully ...
Cotton, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 35.75 in W 64 in D 29.5 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Style Chaise Lounge W/ Golden Yellow Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
A traditional late 19th-century Napoleon III chaise or daybed lounge, sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully handcrafted from solid wood, they feature elegant oval-back frames wi...
Velvet, Walnut
French Napoleon III Chaise in Red Velvet
Located in Buchanan, NY
This exquisite French 19th century Napoleon III chaise lounge features an extended left arm, and the interior of the back and arms have skillfully ironed diamond tufting, making this...
Upholstery
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....
Upholstery