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.
Pair of Napoleon III 19th Century French Giltwood Crapaud (toad) Chairs
Located in Hastings, GB
An exceptional and highly decorative pair of late 19th-century French Crapaud (Toad) chair, masterfully marrying classical European opulence with a contemporary, curated aesthetic. T...
Giltwood
French Napoleon III Marquise Chair in Tropics "Leopard' Fabric
Located in Hastings, GB
Beautiful antique French Napoleon III marquise chair This extremely rare 19th century antique French Napoleon III marquise chair, also affectionately called 'The Queens' chair sit...
Cotton, Wood
$952Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Faux Bamboo and Caned Children’s Chair
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This charming Napoleon III-era children’s chair is a delightful blend of craftsmanship and elegance, dating to the mid-to-late 19th century. Its design reflects the refined taste of ...
Cane, Lacquer, Faux Bamboo
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
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...
Fabric
French Napoleon III Armchairs with Original Ebonized Frames, circa 1880
Located in Antwerp, BE
Elegant French Napoleon III armchairs dating from the late 19th century. Featuring ebonized wood frames, tufted backs, decorative passementerie, and older patterned upholstery with a...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
$4,050Sale Price / set|40% Off
Antique French 19th Century Napolean III Armchair and Footstool Bullion Fringe
Located in London, GB
Antique French 19th century Napolean III armchair and footstool Bullion Fringe Excellent condition commensurate with age. Chair: h78/40 w79 d85 Footstool D43 h42.
Upholstery
19th Century French Napoleon III Leather Reclining Armchair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic 19th century French Napoleon III period leather reclining armchair or lounge chair. Features a mahogany frame covered with rich, d...
Metal
$1,800 / set
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...
Fabric
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...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
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 ...
Cotton, Wood
A Superb Pair of French Napoleon III Gilt Salon Chairs
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Superb Pair of French Napoleon III Gilt Salon Chairs These Elegant Chairs have been re upholstered in a fine linen Toile de Jouy fabric, they have a deep serpentine shaped front a...
Giltwood
$3,890 / set
French Antique Napoleon Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of charming antique Napoleon chairs. New upholstery, and the wood legs are a dark mahogany finish and in great condition. Fabric is a linen and cotton blend. France, 1930.
Fabric, 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 ...
Fabric
19th Century Napoleon III Style Toilet Chair, Chaise Percée or Commode, Throne
Located in Madrid, ES
A fun and decorative curiosity, this late 19th century French Napoleon III (nephew of Bonaparte I) or Second Empire style "throne" is a fine example of elegant furniture making meeting functional necessity. Known as a "Chaise...
Metal
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
19th Century French Faux Rosewood Voltaire Chair
Located in Dallas, TX
A 19th century French Voltaire Armchair with a faux rosewood painted finish. This imposing lounge chair has a wide well-sprung seat pad sitting on pl...
Wood
Napoleon III Period Fireside Chair, Fully Restored
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Napoleon III period fireside chair, fully restored this chair has been recently restored. if the fabric does not please there is just the fabric to ch...
Walnut
Arc Lounge Chair in Blue Recycled Fabric
By TRNK
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Incorporate this upholstered green lounge chair in your living room, or as a bold addition to a dining table or desk. Simple, striking, and deceptively comfortable despite its slende...
Fabric, Upholstery
Needlepoint Upholstered Slipper Chair
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Of typical form, raised on legs ending in casters.
Wood, Fabric
Pair of floral Napoleon III slipper chairs with fringes
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
This pair of floral Napoleon III slipper chairs with fringes is a stylish addition that fits any modern interior while adding a touch of vint...
Upholstery, Wood
Vivai del Sud Lounge Chair in Pink Fabric Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vivai del Sud, lounge chair, pink fabric upholstery, Italy, 1970s This vibrant and cheerful lounge chair was created in the 1970s. This playful lounge chair is upholstered in a shi...
Fabric
$18,259 / set
H 32.29 in W 25.6 in D 31.5 in
Clam Chairs by Arnold Madsen in Boucle Fabric - New Edition
Located in London, England
Official Re-Edition of the iconic Clam Chair by Arnold Madsen. The Clam Chair was designed in 1944 in Copenhagen by Danish upholsterer Arnold Madsen. In 1945 Arnold founded the furn...
Sheepskin, Fabric, Bouclé, Oak, Walnut
$2,237
H 31.89 in W 25.2 in D 28.35 in
1940s, Danish Slipper Chair Newly Upholstered in Botanical Fabric
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful and elegant Danish slipper chair dating from the 1940s, showcasing the refined craftsmanship and organic design language characteristic of mid-century Scandinavian furnitur...
Linen, Beech
French Caned Faux Bamboo Armchair, Late 19th Century
Located in Warminster, GB
A caned faux bamboo armchair. French, late 19C. Stock ref. #3113 Sturdy frame with rich patina. All casework strong and serviceable as is. 95 x 60 x 56.5 cm (37.4 x 23.6 x 22.2 ...
Faux Bamboo, Cane
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 Tub Chair
Located in New York, US
French Napoleon III Tub Chair Intentionally distressed France, 19th Century
Fabric, Wood
$6,200
H 31.38 in W 30 in D 30 in
Pierre Chapo Inspired Slipper Chair Upholstered and in Walnut by Boyd & Allister
Located in Santa Fe, NM
This Pierre Chapo inspired slipper chair in walnut is inspired by one of my favorite mid century designers and his Lo9 slipper chair. I was drawn to the low profile and pleasing prop...
Linen, Walnut
Small Danish Slipper Chairs in Oak by Slagelse ca. 1950
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very cool matching pair of Danish slipper or cocktail chairs from ca. 1950. Made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk. Very comfortable and light weight and thus easy to move around when the sit...
Teak
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
A French Napoleon III "Float" Armchair, C. 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A refined (yet funky) Napoleon III armchair featuring the classic "float" arm design with fully upholstered seat, rolled back, and arms on turned, ebonized wood legs with original ca...
Upholstery, Wood
A French Napoleon III armchair, C. 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This 19th century chair was constructed with an arched crest, slightly flaring and rolled arms, and ebonized turned front feet and flaring back feet, all terminating in brass caster...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 31.11 in W 31.11 in D 32.29 in
Set of 2 Vintage Toad Armchairs-Crapaud Lounge Seater-Napoleon III Style-50s
Located in Bussiere Dunoise, Nouvel Aquitaine
Gorgeous Set of 2 Toad Armchairs - Lounge Seats from the 50s Completely upholstered with fine ,authentic designet Velvet Fabric, in moss green-gold and orange. These armchairs are ex...
Metal, Other
Sold
H 33.5 in W 25.5 in D 29 in
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...
Fabric, Mahogany
A pair of French Napoleon III lounge chairs, C 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The oval-back frames, and scroll arms are resting on ebonized turned legs. This great pair of cozy chairs has been recovered at some point with a soft luxurious fabric and fun fringe...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 34.25 in W 30 in D 35 in
A companion pair of French Napoleon III upholstered lounge chairs C 1860.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A companion pair of French Napoleon III upholstered lounge chairs C 1860, with short turned legs. This pair has just been reupholstered in a Linen type material so the fabric has nev...
Upholstery, Wood
A Superb Pair of French Napoleon III Gilt Salon Chairs
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Superb Pair of French Napoleon III Gilt Salon Chairs These Elegant Chairs have been re upholstered in a fine linen Toile de Jouy fabric, they have a deep serpentine shaped front a...
Giltwood
Sold
H 38.5 in W 34 in D 34 in
19th Century French Pair of Napoleon III Walnut Lounge Chairs, Antique Fauteuils
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large pair of antique French Napoleon III lounge chairs made of hand crafted Walnut, in good condition. The detailed Fauteuils have a slightly reclined backrest with wide armrests,...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 33 in W 27 in D 29 in
French Napoleon III lounge chair and matching ottoman C 1870 on ebonized turned
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Napoleon III lounge chair and matching ottoman C 1870 on ebonized turned feet. These pieces have recently been recovered in a heavy burlap type material with a very dark blue...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 31 in D 31 in
Pair of French Napoleon III Lounge chairs C 1870 on ebonized turned feet.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of French Napoleon III Lounge chairs C 1870 on ebonized turned feet. These chairs have recetly been recovered in a heavy burlap type material.
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III-Style Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Indulge in the timeless allure of the Napoleon III era with this exquisite 20th-century French tufted leather armchair, thoughtfully executed in the grandeur of the Second Empire sty...
Leather
Sold
H 30.5 in W 35 in D 35 in
Marco Napoleon III Style Green Tufted Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottomans, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
MarCo Napoleon III Style green tufted swivel lounge chairs and Ottomans - a Pair. Item features (2) chairs, (2) ottomans, swivel and tilt frames, green tufted upholstery, skirted bas...
Metal