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Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

DIRECTOIRE STYLE

Formed in the wake of the Jacobin Reign of Terror’s bloody guillotine, the Directoire was established to lead France into order through the leadership of a five-member council of directors. It was brief, lasting only from 1795 to 1799, ending with Napoléon Bonaparte’s coup d’état, and was economically tumultuous. Yet it was an essential bridge between the era of Louis XVI and the elaborate Empire style that followed, with Directoire furniture and decorative arts shaped by a royal passion for classical design and an enthusiasm for postrevolutionary France.

Much of the country’s furniture production had halted during the French Revolution when the furniture guilds system was abolished, but during the Directoire period, the cabinetmakers restarted their businesses, such as François-Honoré-Georges and Jacob-Desmalter who established a new workshop called Jacob-Frères. Pieces made in walnut, elm, mahogany and other inexpensive materials incorporated influences ranging from Egypt to Pompeii, with popular forms including the curule armchair based on an ancient Roman design. The aesthetics of the transitional style were more austere than during the monarchy, with court cabinetmaker Jean-Baptiste Sené, for instance, reimagining his workshop’s neoclassical-style furniture with ungilded surfaces and a reduction of ornamentation.

Symbols referencing the revolutionary tenets of liberty, equality and fraternity were frequently carved into Directoire furnishings, such as the Phrygian cap, clasped hands and the fasces, which is an image of a bound bundle of sticks adopted from the Roman Republic, where it was seen as an emblem of strength through unity.

Elements of the French Directoire style continued through Empire style. Designers Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine are credited today as major proponents of both movements. The classically inspired furniture design is represented in pieces such as the boat-shaped daybed and the klismos chair, which endured in French interiors as well as in styles abroad, including American Directoire.

Find a collection of antique ​​Directoire chairs, tables, daybeds, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Directoire
A French Directoire style Queen size bed, C. 1930.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The frame features elegant floral carvings highlighted with giltwood accents, adding refined detail to the clean, classical Directoire lines. The soft painted finish enhances the scu...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

A French Directoire style Queen size bed, C. 1930.
A French Directoire style Queen size bed, C. 1930.

A French Directoire style Queen size bed, C. 1930.

$2,450
Pair of Very Fine Cerused Mahogany New Upholstery Twin Size Headboards Beds MINT
By Baker Furniture Company, Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Very Fine Cerused Mahogany New Upholstery Twin Size Headboards Beds MINT
Category

20th Century French Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Very Fine Cerused Mahogany New Upholstery Twin Size Headboards Beds MINT
Pair of Very Fine Cerused Mahogany New Upholstery Twin Size Headboards Beds MINT

Pair of Very Fine Cerused Mahogany New Upholstery Twin Size Headboards Beds MINT

$4,400 / set
A French Directoire Style Painted and Carved Bed, C. 1920.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A handsome French Directoire style bed crafted in carved beech and retaining its original painted finish. The rectangular headboard and footboard are decorated with classical urn mot...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood, Beech, Paint

A French Directoire Style Painted and Carved Bed, C. 1920.
A French Directoire Style Painted and Carved Bed, C. 1920.

A French Directoire Style Painted and Carved Bed, C. 1920.

$2,295
Directoire Style Bed In Lacquered Wood And Canework
Located in BARSAC, FR
Directoire style bed in cream lacquered wood on a white background and caned trim. Quality work from the end of the 19th century. Solid beech. Very good condition, wear to the lacq...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Directoire Style Bed In Lacquered Wood And Canework
Directoire Style Bed In Lacquered Wood And Canework

Directoire Style Bed In Lacquered Wood And Canework

$1,801
French 19th Century Twins Beds
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful set of twins beds with the original grey lacquered color. The beds are complete with spring boxes, mattresses, covered and pillows.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

French 19th Century Twins Beds
French 19th Century Twins Beds

French 19th Century Twins Beds

$8,600 / set
French 18th Century Directoire Bed
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 18th century Directoire bed.
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

French 18th Century Directoire Bed
French 18th Century Directoire Bed

French 18th Century Directoire Bed

$3,740
Early 19th Century Directoire Cherry Wood Antique Single Bed
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Delicious Italian directoire antique single bed in cherry wood, 1800. Internal dimensions inch W 30,70 D 74,01 cm W 78, D 188. Attention this bed wi...
Category

Early 1800s Italian Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Iron

Early 19th Century Directoire Cherry Wood Antique Single Bed
Early 19th Century Directoire Cherry Wood Antique Single Bed

Early 19th Century Directoire Cherry Wood Antique Single Bed

$2,402 Sale Price
20% Off
French Directoire Carved Wood and Red Upholstered Daybed
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire daybed with a carved wooden frame a finial top on each end and an urn engraved in to the frame of the bed
Category

20th Century French Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

French Directoire Carved Wood and Red Upholstered Daybed
French Directoire Carved Wood and Red Upholstered Daybed

French Directoire Carved Wood and Red Upholstered Daybed

$6,500
French Directoire Period Four Poster Bed, France 18th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very rare Directoire period four poster bed. Headboard and footboard are original - including paint. The tops curve gracefully outward. The friezes at either end feature beaut...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

French Directoire Period Four Poster Bed, France 18th Century
French Directoire Period Four Poster Bed, France 18th Century

French Directoire Period Four Poster Bed, France 18th Century

$11,411
French 19th Century Pair of Beds
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Those pair of frame beds wears the original paint, the inside dimensions for a spring box are 35.75 x 74.5
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

French 19th Century Pair of Beds
French 19th Century Pair of Beds

French 19th Century Pair of Beds

$3,860 / set
Related Items
Provincial Carved Queen Size Bed
Located in Westwood, NJ
A French Provincial carved king size bed with an arched and molded upholstered headboard with scroll wings, an upholstered and hand car...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Provincial Carved Queen Size Bed
Provincial Carved Queen Size Bed

Provincial Carved Queen Size Bed

$7,077 / item
H 70 in W 65.75 in D 86.75 in
Classical Polished Queen Size Bed
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classical style cross-banded Queen bed, the arched headboard of three cross-banded panels flanked by bound reeded carved columns, with a paneled low f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Classical Polished Queen Size Bed
Classical Polished Queen Size Bed

Classical Polished Queen Size Bed

$8,187 / item
H 61.5 in W 67.5 in D 86.75 in
Larger-than-King Size French Folding Antique Carved Louis XV Bed Circa 1920
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This extraordinary larger-than-king size French Louis XV bed, circa 1920, is a rare and highly desirable antique that captures the romance and artistry of early 20th-century France. ...
Category

1920s French Vintage Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Larger-than-King Size French Folding Antique Carved Louis XV Bed Circa 1920
Larger-than-King Size French Folding Antique Carved Louis XV Bed Circa 1920

Larger-than-King Size French Folding Antique Carved Louis XV Bed Circa 1920

$1,996 Sale Price
33% Off
H 46 in W 92 in D 86.25 in
Mahogany Neoclassical Bed Frame, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
"Boat" bed in carved mahogany wood, 19th century. Head and feet of the same height, are decorated with a circular molding, while the rear, by harmony, follows the lines of the front...
Category

19th Century European Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Mahogany Neoclassical Bed Frame, 19th Century
Mahogany Neoclassical Bed Frame, 19th Century

Mahogany Neoclassical Bed Frame, 19th Century

$2,582
H 59.85 in W 85.83 in D 50.4 in
A French 1950 s Solid Elm Bed by Pierre Chapo
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Long Island City, NY
A French midcentury solid elm bed by Pierre Chapo.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Elm

A French 1950 s Solid Elm Bed by Pierre Chapo
A French 1950 s Solid Elm Bed by Pierre Chapo

A French 1950 s Solid Elm Bed by Pierre Chapo

$7,800
H 55.71 in W 83.47 in D 63 in
French 18th Century Louis XV Painted Gilt Queen Bed
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A quality Louis XV Period carved and gold gilt queen bed frame. The four piece frame has classic carvings of Rococo influenced Louis XV style with flamboyant carvings and gold gilt c...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Gold

French 18th Century Louis XV Painted Gilt Queen Bed
French 18th Century Louis XV Painted Gilt Queen Bed

French 18th Century Louis XV Painted Gilt Queen Bed

$7,995
H 63 in W 60 in D 89 in
French Vintage Painted Full Size Bed
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This elegant, French vintage bed was recently painted in a soft grey. It has a slight arch across the headboard and the footboard with columns on the corners. The width is good for a...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

French Vintage Painted Full Size Bed
French Vintage Painted Full Size Bed

French Vintage Painted Full Size Bed

$2,995
H 49.13 in W 80.25 in D 59 in
Ralph Lauren Home Collection Woven Rattan Wicker Bed
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Organic modern style woven bamboo rattan bed by Ralph Lauren Home Polo collection. The bed features a subtle sleigh form on each end ...
Category

20th Century American Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Metal

Ralph Lauren Home Collection Woven Rattan Wicker Bed
Ralph Lauren Home Collection Woven Rattan Wicker Bed

Ralph Lauren Home Collection Woven Rattan Wicker Bed

$4,800
H 45 in W 60 in D 93 in
A French Louis XIX/XV Style Giltwood Carved Figural Queen-Size Bed with Cherubs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A French Louis XIX/XV Style Giltwood Carved 'Baroque Revival' Figural Queen-Size Bed with Cherubs. The tall ornately pierced carved headboard, crowned...
Category

Late 20th Century Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

A French Louis XIX/XV Style Giltwood Carved Figural Queen-Size Bed with Cherubs
A French Louis XIX/XV Style Giltwood Carved Figural Queen-Size Bed with Cherubs

A French Louis XIX/XV Style Giltwood Carved Figural Queen-Size Bed with Cherubs

$18,450
H 93 in W 65.63 in D 88 in
French Empire Style Carved Iroko Bed Full Size, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
French Empire bed circa 1960 Full-size bedding Massive carved iroko and fabric The fabric has to be recovered The side boards will be made to have th...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Fabric, Wood

French Empire Style Carved Iroko Bed Full Size, circa 1960
French Empire Style Carved Iroko Bed Full Size, circa 1960

French Empire Style Carved Iroko Bed Full Size, circa 1960

$1,201 Sale Price
56% Off
H 45.28 in W 58.08 in D 84.65 in
Late 19th Century Faux Bamboo Bed
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful French Faux Bamboo Bed with Rails - Rails are 73 inches long each - This bed is a European Size which can easily be converted to an Am...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Faux Bamboo

Late 19th Century Faux Bamboo Bed
Late 19th Century Faux Bamboo Bed

Late 19th Century Faux Bamboo Bed

$3,250
H 51 in W 47 in D 73 in
19th Century French Louis XV Period Carved Walnut Daybed
Located in Miami, FL
Magnificent 18th century French Louis XV period daybed. The bed needs a reupholstered , we can do it with the color velvet you choose.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

19th Century French Louis XV Period Carved Walnut Daybed
19th Century French Louis XV Period Carved Walnut Daybed

19th Century French Louis XV Period Carved Walnut Daybed

$3,112 Sale Price
20% Off
H 31.5 in W 80.71 in D 34.26 in
Previously Available Items
A French Directoire style Queen size bed, C. 1930.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This beautifully painted, floral carved and giltwood sleigh bed also has brand new fabric and is ready to make a statement in your primary or guest bedrooms. Interior: 62" x 76" Thi...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

A French Directoire style Queen size bed, C. 1930.
A French Directoire style Queen size bed, C. 1930.

A French Directoire style Queen size bed, C. 1930.

H 43.5 in W 67 in D 89 in
French 19th Century Directoire Bed Frame
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French 19th century bed from the Directoire period with a warm gray and French blue color scheme. Both the headboard and the footboard have a low and wide pitch across the top to f...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood, Paint

French 19th Century Directoire Bed Frame
French 19th Century Directoire Bed Frame

French 19th Century Directoire Bed Frame

H 46.25 in W 51.13 in D 77.38 in
Beautiful French Directoire style painted and giltwood queen size bed, C 1940.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful French Directoire style painted and giltwood queen size bed, C 1940. This bed is bed a warm creamy white and has carved and gilt accents throughout. The fabric is newly uph...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

Beautiful French Directoire style painted and giltwood queen size bed, C 1940.
Beautiful French Directoire style painted and giltwood queen size bed, C 1940.

Beautiful French Directoire style painted and giltwood queen size bed, C 1940.

H 46 in W 58.75 in D 79 in
French Directoire Walnut Daybed Crown
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This is a classic French Directoire hand-carved walnut daybed and crown. The walnut bed frame has Directoire motifs thoughtfully carved throughout. The headboard and footboard are upholstered in a French toile fabric...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

French Directoire Walnut Daybed Crown
French Directoire Walnut Daybed Crown

French Directoire Walnut Daybed Crown

H 34 in W 34.25 in D 80 in
Early 19th Century Italian Directoire Cherry Wood Antique Single Bed
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Delicious Italian directoire antique single bed in cherry wood, 1800. Internal dimensions inch W 31,49 D 77,95 cm W 80 D 198. Attention this bed wil...
Category

Early 1800s Italian Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Iron

Early 19th Century Italian Directoire Cherry Wood Antique Single Bed
Early 19th Century Italian Directoire Cherry Wood Antique Single Bed

Early 19th Century Italian Directoire Cherry Wood Antique Single Bed

H 31.89 in W 34.65 in D 87.41 in
Pair of French Paint Decorated Lyre Back French Directoire Daybeds, Circa 1940s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Pair of French Paint Decorated Lyre Back French Directoire Daybeds, Circa 1940s
Pair of French Paint Decorated Lyre Back French Directoire Daybeds, Circa 1940s

Pair of French Paint Decorated Lyre Back French Directoire Daybeds, Circa 1940s

H 36 in W 36 in D 78.25 in
Late 19th Century, French, Pair of Beds
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful set of beds. They are complete, springs box, mattress, covered bed and pillows. This pair of beds is coming from a Parisian home.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century, French, Pair of Beds
Late 19th Century, French, Pair of Beds

Late 19th Century, French, Pair of Beds

H 33 in W 83 in D 29.5 in
French 19th Century Directoire Painted Twin Bed
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This elegant, 19th century bed is in the Directoire style. It has a pale gray paint with a blue-gray accent highlighting the details. The headboard and footboard have columns on each...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

French 19th Century Directoire Painted Twin Bed
French 19th Century Directoire Painted Twin Bed

French 19th Century Directoire Painted Twin Bed

H 34.5 in W 80 in D 39 in
Pair Antique French Directoire Gilded Creme Painted European Twin Size Beds
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic pair of twin size beds, they are slightly smaller than an American standard twin because after all, they are French. They dat...
Category

1920s French Vintage Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Pair Antique French Directoire Gilded Creme Painted European Twin Size Beds
Pair Antique French Directoire Gilded Creme Painted European Twin Size Beds

Pair Antique French Directoire Gilded Creme Painted European Twin Size Beds

H 37 in W 37 in D 83 in
Directoire Style Twin Headboards
Located in Sheffield, MA
Classic Directoire style twin mahogany headboards with triangular design top and balustrade columns.  
Category

20th Century Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Directoire Style Twin Headboards
Directoire Style Twin Headboards

Directoire Style Twin Headboards

H 58.5 in W 41.5 in D 2 in
Antique French Directoire Style Solid Walnut Twin Single Beds, circa 1890s, Pair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
These are European twin size beds that are close to American standard sizes. They measure: 52 1/2" H x 44 1/2" W x 79 7/8" D. The beds are complete with rails and footboard and headb...
Category

1890s French Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Directoire Style Solid Walnut Twin Single Beds, circa 1890s, Pair
Antique French Directoire Style Solid Walnut Twin Single Beds, circa 1890s, Pair

Antique French Directoire Style Solid Walnut Twin Single Beds, circa 1890s, Pair

H 52.5 in W 44.5 in D 80 in
19th Century French Directoire Carved Oak Four-Post Dog House and Vintage Fabric
Located in Dallas, TX
Give your dog or cat a spoiled and lavish lifestyle in this antique dog house. Crafted in France circa 1810, the bed features an arched top and four ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Fabric, Oak

19th Century French Directoire Carved Oak Four-Post Dog House and Vintage Fabric
19th Century French Directoire Carved Oak Four-Post Dog House and Vintage Fabric

19th Century French Directoire Carved Oak Four-Post Dog House and Vintage Fabric

H 22 in W 24 in D 15 in

Directoire beds and bed frames for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Directoire beds and bed frames for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage beds and bed frames created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire beds and bed frames made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 beds and bed frames differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,774 and tops out at $10,579 while the average work can sell for $6,750.

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