Napoleon III Velvet Upholstered Bench Ottoman with Fringe Skirt

Design & Inspiration

There is a particular kind of luxury that announces itself quietly — through depth of colour, richness of fabric, and the deliberate weight of passementerie fringe swaying just above the floor. This bench ottoman, faithfully reproduced in the tradition of Napoleon III / Second Empire design (1852–1870), belongs to that category. Elongated and low, it commands the foot of a bed or the centre of a dressing room with the authority of a piece that knows exactly what it is: a study in velvet warmth and period restraint.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The bench is fully upholstered in a deep wine red velvet — a fabric that shifts between rust and crimson depending on the light, pooling shadow in its pile. The seat cushion, generously padded with high density foam, meets a tightly upholstered base body at a clean horizontal seam. Encircling the entire base is a coordinating passementerie fringe skirt, its twisted cord header finished with a braided trim that marks the division between body and fringe with precise period accuracy. The fringe itself falls in dense, even columns, concealing the base structure entirely — a hallmark of Second Empire upholstered seating. The internal frame is constructed from solid pine, ensuring dimensional stability and longevity beneath the textiles.

Dimensions & Details

Width: 118 cm / Depth: 30 cm / Height: 118 cm
The narrow depth of 30 cm defines this as a bench rather than a full ottoman — proportioned for placement at the foot of a bed or along a wall as an accent seating element. The 118 cm width provides comfortable seating for one adult or graceful display as a room anchor. No legs are exposed — the fringe skirt extends floor-length, maintaining the fully encased silhouette typical of Second Empire ottomans.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Each bench is handcrafted in Egypt by skilled upholstery artisans working in the tradition of European classical furniture reproduction. The fabric is hand-cut and hand-stretched over the solid wood frame; the passementerie trim is individually pinned and sewn. Brass & Wood offers customisation of velvet colour and fringe trim to suit your interior palette — contact our team to discuss bespoke options. Delivery is completed within 30–45 days from order confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this made from?

The bench features a solid pine internal frame upholstered in high-quality wine red velvet fabric, with high density foam padding and a full passementerie fringe skirt. No exposed wood or metal is present.

Can the fabric colour be customised?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers full customisation of velvet colour and fringe trim. Please contact our team with your preferred colour palette before placing your order.

Is assembly required?

No assembly is required. The bench arrives fully upholstered and ready to place.