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Directoire Seating

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
French Directoire-Empire period window bench
Located in Houston, TX
French Directoire-Empire period window bench, the scrolled ends carved with overlapping leaf scales, each end panel carved in relief with crossed cornucopias above openwork panels ca...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

Set of 8 Maison Jansen Style French Louis XVI Dining Chairs Circa 1950s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your dining space with this exquisite set of eight French Louis XVI / Directoire–style dining chairs, crafted in the sophisticated tradition of Maison Jansen. Finished in a w...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

18th Century French Directoire Sofa in Walnut and Cream Upholstery
Located in Madrid, ES
Three-seater sofa with straight lines and a classic French design, inspired by the Louis XVI-Directoire style (late 18th century). Its solid wood frame with a natural finish supports...
Category

Late 18th Century European Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Pair Of Antique French Directoire Period Painted Armchairs, Late 18th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
PAIR OF ANTIQUE FRENCH UPHOLSTERED CHAIRS A pair of extremely romantic chairs with carved frames, painted in a buttery cream paint with sap green and orange details. naturally worn ...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Fabric, Paint, Wood, Upholstery, Textile

French 19th Century Directoire Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A sumptuous French 19th century settee, Directoire in style, with original painted finish of French gray-blue and spruce green. The tightly upholstered seatback and bench seat is don...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

8 Alfonso Marina Ebonized and Gilt Regency Style Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 35 1/4 in W: 23 1/4 in D: 23 3/4 in SH: 20 1/2 in Seat height w/out cushion - 16 1/2 in Elevate your dining experience with this stunning and sophisticated set of ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Wood

Exceptional Directoire Style Sofa in Cerused Oak
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine settee featuring a contemporary taking design cues from the iconic French Directoire style. Impeccably upholstered in a natural taupe woven fabric and framed in striking cerus...
Category

20th Century Directoire Seating

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Pair of Directoire Style White Washed and Plaid Upholstered Club Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 24 3/4 in W: 28 1/4 in D: 29 1/2 in SH: 16 3/4 in Infuse your space with sophisticated charm and timeless appeal with this pair of Directoire style club chairs, featuring a beautifully whitewashed wood finish and classic plaid upholstery reminiscent of the iconic Ralph Lauren aesthetic. Designed to evoke the understated elegance of French Directoire furniture...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

1960s Robert Kjer Jakobsen Virtue Bros Directors Chairs White Chrome
Located in Charleston, SC
MCM Style Directors Chairs White Chrome Attr Robert Kjer Jakobsen & Virtue Bros Gorgouse pair of MCM a.k.a. Mid-Century Modern Campaign style sling director’s chairs attributed to Robert Kjer Jakobsen for Virtue Brothers. They are in wonderful vintage condition. The sling’s have the original white leather seats and still maintain their tag on both of the chairs. The chrome x base has been cleaned and polished however there may be slight age appropriate nicks or dings. Please see photos, circa 1960-1970. These chairs will bring a sleek and sophisticated look to any room in your house. They are Campaign style director’s chairs attributed to Robert Kjer Jakobsen for Virtue Brothers. These Mid-Century Modern, circa 1960-1970 The x base is composed of a rectangular tubed chrome steel beautifully polished. They are absolutely stunning and although they are director’s chairs, they will definitely be the main act in any room you put them in! Perfect to use in a sitting room, in the kitchen at a fun little breakfast nook, at a card table or a coffee bar. They are modern style but could bring a little sass to a traditional setting as well. Come to think of it, you need these in your life no matter if your design style leans to Hollywood Regency, Campaign Style, Industrial, or Modern Country, they will be perfect! Robert Kjer Jakobsen was born in Portland, Oregon, on March 8, 1918. From 1949-1985, he was chief designer of the Los Angeles furniture company...
Category

1960s American Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Chrome

French Directoire Style Swag Arm Chairs
Located in Southampton, NJ
Classic French Directoire style swag arm chairs with sliver leaf accents upholstered in fine cut velvet on linen ground. Klismos styling to the front legs with heirloom quality coil...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Directoire Seating

Materials

Silver Leaf

19th Century Set of Six Directoire Style Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent set of six mahogany French dining chairs made in the transitional directoire pre-Empire taste. The chairs feature gracefully curv...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

18th Century Directoire Bergère Chair with Paisley Upholstery
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This rare French bergère chair dates from the late 18th century, during the elegant transitional period between the Louis XVI and Directoire styles. Crafted from solid beechwood, the...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Beech

Six painted and gilt upholstered directoire style dining chairs circa 1940
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Six painted and gilt upholstered directoire style dining chairs circa 1940 with recent fabric.
Category

1940s Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Antique French Directoire Style Painted Sofa in Blue Velvet
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant late 19th century French Directoire style sofa, sourced in Provence. The rectilinear frame showcases the clean neoclassical lines and restrained ornamentation of the Direc...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Velvet, Hardwood, Paint

Set of Nine 18th Century French Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Nine 18th Century French Directoire Dining Chairs is a relatively rare find, especially with this level of quality and preservation! The diamond pattern mohair is of the best...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Fabric, Sycamore

Antique French Directoire Style Settee ~ Canape
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire style Settee ~ Canape is ideal for a light and airy look, with a minimal footprint for more cozy seating arran...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Seating

Materials

Fabric, Sycamore

Louis XVI Cabriolet Armchair - Yellow and pinkish red toile de Jouy - France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very charming Louis XVI / Directoire style cabriolet armchair from the Directoire period, 18th century. This very pretty armchair is made of molded beech wood, with a curved back. Th...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Large Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Récamier Settee in Scalamandré Tiger Velvet
Located in Nashville, TN
And of unusual ( rare ) large dimensions. Matching bolsters for each end. Well worn gilt and paint finish and losses to frame. Well worn paint and gilded finish. Oxidation to the gi...
Category

1790s Italian Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Giltwood

Pair of Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Metal French Benches or Foot Stools
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your living space with this exquisite Pair of Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Metal French Benches or Foot Stools. These elegant pieces beautifully capture the timeless appea...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Metal

Antique French Directoire Style Mahogany Dining Arm Desk Chair Needlepoint Seat
Located in Dayton, OH
An early 20th Century French Directoire style dining chair. Made from solid mahogany with a contoured crest rail over vase shaped splat. Features scrolled arms, a pink needlepoint ...
Category

Early 20th Century Directoire Seating

Materials

Tapestry, Mahogany

A set of six French Directoire style painted dining room chairs, 19th C.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of six side chairs all painted and of pegged construction. Having rosette and diamond carved crests above pierced splats and upholstered seats, all supported by turned tape...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

MID-19th CENTURY PAIR OF GILT AND LACQUERED SOFAS
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant pair of carved, lacquered, and gilded wood sofas with pure gold leaf. These Directoire-style sofas feature curved legs and sides that lend a refined touch. The green lacquer ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of Six 19th Century Directoire Style Carved Wood Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful set of six 19th century Directoire style chairs, each crafted in carved wood and resting on elegant sword legs. The square backs are adorned with finely detailed carving,...
Category

19th Century Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

French 19th Century Set of 8 Dining Room Chairs
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful set of 8 dining room chairs, they are made of walnut and mahogany wood and black paint inside the curve along the legs and the top. They have a large seat and nicely curved...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Large French Directoire Style Armchair
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exceptional 19th century French Directoire style armchair. This large Directoire style fauteuil is a timeless piece of French design. Featuring a beautiful white-distressed wooden...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

A Diminutive Camelback Settee for Reupholstery
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A diminutive camelback upholstered settee with serpentine back, rolled arms, resting on 5 paint decorated fluted legs with gold accents. Dimensions: 50 1/4" L, 21" D, 20" seat heigh...
Category

20th Century Directoire Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of French Directoire Style Armchairs, 19th century
Located in Leimen, DE
Pair of Directoire-Style Armchairs, Circa 1880 – Timeless Elegance in Mahogany This stunning pair of Directoire-style armchairs, crafted around 1880, epitomizes the refined elegance...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Italian Walnut Directoire Bench Having a Cord Seat and Open Arms
Located in Houston, TX
18th Century Italian Walnut Directoire Bench having a cord seat and open arms. A beautifully preserved piece constructed of walnut, a prized material in Italy during the 18th centur...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Cord, Walnut

Late 19th Century French Directoire Painted Cane Daybed/Settee, C 1880
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A late 19th century French Directoire painted cane daybed/settee. C 1880. Very decorative item with original patina.
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Cane, Wood

French Sofa Directoire circa 1800 Grey Painted , New Upholstery
Located in Epfach, DE
French sofa or canape directoire with elegantly moulded frame. It is grey and green painted and the original surface is wonderfully carved. The sofa is new upholstered with an comfor...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of Late 18th Century French Directoire Period Painted Side Chairs
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This pair of late eighteenth century French Directoire period painted side chairs features its original patina. Their curved seat backs are detailed with a hand carved laurels at the...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Ash

Pair of Directoire Style Caned Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely pair of Directoire style caned armchairs with swan heads. Cushion done in a whimsical fabric with different breeds of dogs in canopy beds, etc.
Category

20th Century French Directoire Seating

Materials

Cane, Wood

French Directoire Style Loveseat Sofa
Located in Southampton, NJ
A French Directoire style solid Cherrywood sofa with subtle scrolled arms and tapered front / splayed back legs. A unique transitional sofa suitable for placement in a variety of set...
Category

20th Century Italian Directoire Seating

Materials

Cherry, Upholstery

Set of Ten French Mahogany Directoire St. Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and complete set of ten French turn of the century Directoire st. mahogany dining chairs. Each chair is raised by elegant lightly curved square tapered legs below the ...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Late 18th Century Settee in Directoire Style, done in walnut and brass inlay
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular and extraordinary piece of furniture that will add a touch of luxury and style to any corner you place it into. A fine late eighteenth cen...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Brass

Pair Directoire Bergeres
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a superb pair of Directoire late 18th century or early 19th century Marquis or bergere a la reine. The quality and rarity of these chairs, i...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Leather, Hardwood, Down

Pair 18th Century Directoire Gold Parcel Gilt Painted Bergéres
Located in Houston, TX
Exquisite pair of late 18th Century Directoire bergères featuring parcel gilt detailing, faded sea green paint and upholstered in Velluto Sforza Venetian velvet fabric with outside b...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Giltwood

Pair of Early 19th Century French Directoire Period Painted Side Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant pair of late 19th century French Directoire period painted side chairs with their original patina. Lovely curved seat backs are detailed with a hand carved urn at each back t...
Category

1860s French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair Ebonized Black Cane Back French Directoire Bergere Chairs Brass Accents
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of French Directoire bergère chairs combines neoclassical elegance with timeless sophistication, featuring finely crafted ebonized black frames accented with brass details....
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Brass

Directoire Armchair 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
This nice chair of directoire style is characterized by straight and simple forms. The uprights are made of turned wood with floral motifs on the connecting dice (seat and armrests)....
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

Directoire  Armchair 19th Century
Directoire  Armchair 19th Century
$743 Sale Price
20% Off
Rare set of 6 Directoire Dining Chairs with Elaborate Carved Backs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant set of six French Louis XVI style dining chairs exudes classical refinement and timeless sophistication. Crafted with carved and painted frames in a soft antique white f...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Beech

Pair of Maison Jansen Style Carved Walnut X Form Stools Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Maison Jansen style carved walnut X-form stools exemplifies refined French design with timeless versatility. Each stool features a beautifully carved walnut frame, highl...
Category

1970s French Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Walnut

Large Blonde Window Seat Banquette Bench Daybed Neoclassical Directoire Antique
Located in London, GB
A large and strikingly attractive Neoclassical blonde window seat bench in lovely antique condition. Likely made in the early 20th Century, in the manner of the late 18th Century Fre...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Pine

Period Antique Directoire French Louis XVI Walnut Armchair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Period Antique Directoire French Louis XVI Walnut Armchair is a superb example of late 18th-century French design, capturing the refined neoclassical elegance that defines the L...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Walnut

Set of Four Samuel Copelon Swan Lyre Back Dining Chairs
Located in Peabody, MA
A set of four wrought iron lyre-back chairs in the French style by the Samuel Copelon Company of New York, one with original label. They feature art deco bronze swan finials and padd...
Category

1950s American Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Bronze, Wrought Iron

Antique 18th C Side Chairs W Tapestry Textile
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 18th C Side Chairs W Flemish Tapestry Textile
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Textile, Wood

Set of Eight French 19th Century Directoire St. Patinated Wood Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and very unique complete set of eight French 19th century Directoire st. patinated wood dining chairs. Each chair is raised by lovely turned circular legs at the front wit...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

French 18th Century Directoire Bed
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 18th century Directoire bed.
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

The Collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret (1930-2002) Set Of Bergere Chairs
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Formerly Owned By The Late Sister Of Queen Elizabeth II.The Collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret (1930-2002), Kensington Palace. A Pair of Early 19th Century French Walnut Fau...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Walnut

Pair Of Directoire Armchairs In White Lacquered Wood
Located in BARSAC, FR
Beautiful pair of Directore armchairs in lacquered wood bench, trapezoidal backrest and jacob style legs, Seats covered with a beautiful bottle gr...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Lacquer

Fine Set of 8 French Directoire Louis XVI Style Paint Decorated Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine set of 8 French Directoire Louis XVI style dining chairs beautifully captures the elegance and refinement of neoclassical French design. Each chair features a delicately pa...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Walnut

Directoire Antique French Dining Chairs
Located in Austin, TX
Directoire style antique French chairs made with solid wood construction that has been finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. We love the elegant stylized acanthus...
Category

1920s French Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Antique Directoire Fauteuil Arm Chair W Scalamandre Tigre Silk Velvet
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Directoire Fauteuil Arm Chair W Scalamandre Tigre Silk Velvet Provenance: Joanne Carson Estate
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Walnut

A Pair of French Directoire painted open armchairs C 1800.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Pair of French Directoire painted open armchairs C 1800. The chairs have a subtle two-tone paint and have been upholstered in a raw silk-like material. The fabric on the seats and ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Dark Green Paint Decorated Tufted French Directoire Footstool Window bench
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your interior with this stunning Dark Green Paint Decorated Tufted French Directoire Footstool Window Bench. Inspired by the refined aesthetics of...
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Paint Decorated French Louis XVI Style Directoire Armchairs Circa 1940
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Pair of Paint Decorated French Louis XVI Style Directoire Armchairs, Circa 1940, beautifully embodies the refinement and timeless appeal of French neoclassical design. Crafted w...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Walnut

18th Century French Mahogany Sofa, George Jacob Manner, Circa 1796-1825
By Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Firenze, IT
This magnificent French sofa, crafted in the late 18th to early 19th century (circa 1796-1825), evokes the esteemed style of Jacob-Desmalter, the renowned chairmaker and cabinetmaker...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Velvet, Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Antique Directoire Style Painted Armchairs
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Pair of Antique Directoire style painted armchairs, circa 1900. With triangular shaped crest rails flanked by acorn finials, down swept arms, elongated vase shaped arm supports, turn...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

French Directoire Style Loveseat Sofa
Located in Southampton, NJ
A French Directoire style solid Cherry sofa loveseat with subtle scrolled arms and tapered front / splayed back legs. Uniquely transitional suitable for placement in a variety of set...
Category

20th Century Italian Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Cherry

French Directoire Style Painted Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely painted Directoire style French window bench. Nicely carved and painted bench with light blue upholstered seat. Very versatile.
Category

20th Century French Directoire Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Directoire seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Directoire seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, more furniture and collectibles, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Maison Jansen, Baker Furniture Company, Century Furniture, and Georges Jacob. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $476 and tops out at $37,900 while the average work can sell for $3,917.

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