Napoleon III Armchairs
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
French Pair of 19th Century Napoleon III Club Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An inviting pair of French 19th century Napoleon III style armchairs that embody leisure and luxury in one design. Currently upholstered in a dotted velvet of cream and teal, these c...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Textile, Wood
Pair of Napoleon III armchairs in the style of Madeleine Castaing, France, XIXe
Located in Lyon, FR
Stunning and unique pair of Napoleon III armchairs, in the style of Madeleine Castaing, in green velvet, Maison Etro luxurious fabric, and trimming, passementeries. France, second ha...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
Antique Armchair Fauteuil Napoleon III Upholstery and Beech French 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Pair of fauteuil armchair French Napoleon III, circa 1880
Antique, late 19th century,
Sound and solid
It can be recovered if you wish but the velvet is clean and in good conditio...
Category
1880s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Two Napoleon III Style Gilt Ebonized Parlor Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Two Napoleon III style gilt ebonized parlor chairs.
Larger arm chair: 26" W x 24" D x 40" H, seat height 17", arm height 24"
Smaller chair: 18" W x 22" D x 38" H, seat height 17"
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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 Armchairs
Materials
Brocade, Beech
French Napoleon III Armchair with Diamond Tufting
Located in Buchanan, NY
This exceptional French 19th century Napoleon III armchair features diamond tufting and scrolled arms, typical of this period in French design. The graceful curve of the rounded back...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
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 Armchairs
Materials
Brass, Steel, Iron
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.
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of French Napoleon III Tufted Armchairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant pair of 19th century Napoleon III tufted armchairs from France. The pair is upholstered in vintage floral fabric but would look amazing recovered in a modern updated fabri...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
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 Armchairs
Materials
Brass, Steel, Iron
1880s French Napoleon III Green Velvet Reading Chair
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exceptional French 19th century Napoleon III reading chair. This unique chair is upholstered in an elegant green-gold velvet, featuring intricate braided detailing, and elaborate ...
Category
1880s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Antique French 19th Napoleon III Toad Armchair In Velvet
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
The armchair is extremely comfortable, thanks to its wide armrests, its enveloping backrest and its wide seat.
The perfect armchair for a reading corner where you won't want to give ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Velvet
19th c. Funky French Tufted Arm Chair
Located in Clermont, FL
Antique rolled arm tufted arm chair in contemporary funky fabric.
35”h x 36” w x 23” h
Seat Height:
16”h
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Polyester
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 Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of French Armchairs in Muslin with Matching Ottoman
Located in Buchanan, NY
This striking trio of French armchairs and an ottoman from the 1920s is the embodiment of timeless elegance. The chairs and ottoman are a testament to fine artistry, with intricately...
Category
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, 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 Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Antique French 19th Napoleon III Armchair & Ottoman
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
The armchair is extremely comfortable, thanks to its wide armrests, its large backrest and its wide seat.
The perfect armchair for a reading corner where you won't want to give up yo...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Velvet
Pair of French Napoleon III Armchairs with Split Arms
Located in Buchanan, NY
An unusual pair of French Napoleon III armchairs from the late 19th century. The chairs have semi detached arms which bring dimension and style and they are suited to a variety of se...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Large French Napoleon III Armchair in Gold Velvet
Located in Buchanan, NY
A luxurious large French Napoleon III armchair in gold velvet. The perfect combination of vintage luxury and modern style, this 19th century Napoleon III armchair has been restored f...
Category
1850s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
French Napoleon III Armchair in Muslin
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exquisite French 19th century Napoleon III style armchair that embodies the timeless elegance of this iconic era. This chair is designed with impeccable proportions, featuring a g...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
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 Armchairs
Materials
Brocade, Beech
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 ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Antique French Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Armchair, Circa 1875-1885
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Armchair, Circa 1875-1885.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Ormolu
Pair of Small Scale French Napoleon III Armchairs in Muslin
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant pair of small French 19th century Napoleon III style armchairs with gracious rounded backs and gently flared arms.
These small scale French Napoleon III armchairs feature...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of Small Scale French Napoleon III Armchairs in Muslin
Located in Buchanan, NY
A classic pair of small French 19th century Napoleon III style armchairs with gracious rounded backs and gently flared arms.
While these chairs are on a small scale they are design...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
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. We have used white bronze legs and added a modern
touch to the uphols...
Category
2010s American Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Napoléon III 1850s Painted and Upholstered Armchairs with Carved Flowers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Napoléon III period painted wood armchairs from the mid 19th century, with carved floral and foliage décor. Created in France at the beginning of Emperor Napoléon III's reign, each of this pair of fauteuils features a slightly slanted back, adorned with carved flowers and foliage on the crest. Two open arms with splaying extremities rest on a seat measuring 28" W x 21" D x 15" H. The seat, back and arms' upper section have been reupholstered with a neutral toned fabric complimenting the lines beautifully. Each fauteuil is raised on four cabriole legs decorated with flowers on the knees, and connected to one another through a curving apron, carved in the front. Painted in a soft color, this pair of Napoléon III French armchairs...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
French Napoleon III Armchair with Tufted Back
Located in Buchanan, NY
A handsome French 19th century armchair with diamond tufted back and scrolled arms. This elegant armchair from the Napoleon III period captures the intricate details and romantic bea...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Rare 19th Century Napoleon III Brocade Armchair
Located in Puglia, Puglia
19th century armchair, Napoleon III period. The armchair has been restored and the upholstery has been replaced with a beautiful Italian brocade. Franc...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Brocade, Beech
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 Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
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 Armchairs
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 Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Velvet
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 Armchairs
Materials
Bouclé
Pair of French Napoleon III Blue Tufted Armchairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exquisite pair of French Napoleon III tufted armchairs. Upholstered in a stunning vintage blue fabric, these chairs have a serious presence that...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Pair Of Papier Mâché Armchairs, XIXth Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Beautiful pair of papier-mâché armchairs, decorated with painted flowers and butterflies or in mother-of-pearl, on a black lacquered background
The seat is in caning, in good condit...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Paper
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 Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Foam, 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 Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Pair 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Armchairs with Leather & Bronze Mounts
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 19th century French Empire Mahogany armchairs with leather & bronze mounts are ideal for the Conference Room, an office environment, a large game table...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Pair 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 19th century French Napoleon III Period Mahogany armchairs reflects the stately classically-inspired architecture of the ancients, accentuated by bronze castings of rosettes and...
Category
1880s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Large Napoleon III Armchairs in Gold and Red
Located in Buchanan, NY
A unique and colorful pair of 19th century French Napoleon III armchairs upholstered in a golden yellow patterned fabric and ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Pair of French Upholstered Armchairs in Red Fabric
Located in Buchanan, NY
A striking pair of 19th century French Napoleon III armchairs. Skillfully crafted and luxuriously upholstered in a vivid red ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
French 19th Century Armchair in Distressed Purple Velvet with White Braided Trim
Located in Buchanan, NY
A captivating French 19th century distressed purple velvet armchair. Crafted in 19th century France, in the distinctive Napoleon III style, this armchair is elegant and timeless. It ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Napoleon III Carved Giltwood Armchair
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Napoleon III Carved Giltwood Armchair In The Manner of Michel-Victor Cruchet.
This fine fauteuil is richly carved with foliage, shells and 'C'-Scrolls and is upholstered 'a chasis' with floral Beauvais tapestry.
The generous proportions, ornamentation and the modified Louis XV style of this grand fauteuil is in the manner of Michel Victor Cruchet who supplied related chairs to the Duke of Nemours for the Pavillon de Marsan in 1842.
French, circa 1850.
Michel-Victor Cruchet
Michel-Victor Cruchet (1815-1899), was a celebrated sculptor, carver and ornamentalist. Working with the cabinet-makers Ringuet-Leprince, Thuiller and Maigret he was a supplier of the Garde-meuble providing many pieces of furniture to the households of both King Louis-Philippe and Emperor Napoleon III.
Important commissions included audience seating for the Duke of Nemours at the Pavillon de Marsan, in a neo-Louis XV style; Gothic furniture for the Tuileries Palace for Princess...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Tapestry, Giltwood
Carved French Oak Salon Throne Chair, Original Pictorial Upholstery
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Carved French Oak Salon Throne Chair, Original Pictorial Upholstery
This lovely old High Back chair retains its original hand made pictorial fabric back rest, this is in muted sha...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Oak
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 Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Antique 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...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Metal
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 Armchairs
Materials
Satin, Wood
French Pair of Napoleon III toad chairs armchairs seating blue upholstery 19th
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very pretty pair of Napoleon III period (mid XIX th Century) living room armchairs, covered in a beautiful blue fabric. This is not an identical pair but both armchairs are entirely ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Antique French Napoleon III Carved Armchairs Newly Upholstered In Leather - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Napoleon III Carved Armchairs Newly Upholstered in Deep-Red Distressed Italian Leather - Pair
Unique antique pair of Napoleon III period armchairs with curly frame a...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Napoleon III Style Faux Rope Painted Armchairs in Cream Fabric - A Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
A stunning pair of Napoleon III-style armchairs sourced directly from Provence, France. Expertly hand-carved with intricate faux rope details along the arms and lower legs, these cha...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Jacob Et Josef Khon, 4 Fauteuils 101/f, circa 1902, Set of Four Napoleon III
By Thonet, J.&J. Khon 1
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Jacob Et Josef Khon, 4 Fauteuils 101/f, circa 1902,Set of four Napoleon III curved and blackened wood armchairs,
Original fabric.
Category
1880s Austrian Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Bentwood
Pair of French armchairs / fauteuils
Located in Budleigh Salterton, GB
Great pair of 19th century gilt and painted armchairs
Nice large proportions , need reupholstering but the frames are solid / firm
Height 39 inches or 99 cms
Width 27 inches or 69 cm...
Category
1870s French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Paint
French 19th Century Pair of Armchairs
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Those wonderful large armchairs are richly carved and have been refinished. The fabric is cream velvet.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Clarence Chairs by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Clarence Chair by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier is a timeless piece inspired by the classic Napoleon III design. These side chairs are made to order, allowing customers to provide the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Linen
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 Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Napoleon III painted armchair, 19th c.
Located in Lisboa, PT
Armchair in black lacquered and painted wood with Japanese style decor, Napoleon III period. France, late 19th c.
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Armchairs, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century, Upholstered in Green and Gold.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Armchairs, bergères, Napoleon III period, 19th century, upholstered in green and gold.
Armchairs, upholstered in green and gold, Napoleon III period, 19th century.
H: 80cm, W: 68cm,...
Category
19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Napoleon Iii armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III armchairs 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 armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III armchairs 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 armchairs, popular names associated with this style include Bourgeois Boheme Atelier, J.&J. Khon, and Frederic Gustave Quignon. 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 armchairs 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 $42,246 while the average work can sell for $3,800.