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Directoire Cupboards

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
Directoire Painted Bookcase, circa 1800
Located in Doylestown, PA
A wonderful and rare French Directoire Period bookcase cabinet in 2-parts, circa 1800, hand-scraped to its original grey painted finish, and retaining its original wavy glass panes. ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Directoire Painted Bookcase, circa 1800
Directoire Painted Bookcase, circa 1800

Directoire Painted Bookcase, circa 1800

$11,500
1-door Directoire style cupboard in solid wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This wooden closet is offered in solid French cherrywood and is also available in oak. The hanging bar is fixed under a wooden shelf. This shelf is height-adjustable on a wooden rack. The oval entrance and key are in brass and fitted with a lock. The finish proposed here is a classic cherrywood "D" stain, with a natural varnish on the diamond and fluted fronts. The finish of every GONTIER cabinet is customizable. You can choose the wood stains and colors you prefer (see last pictures) MÉLANIE Collection This cupboard part of the MÉLANIE collection, a modern interpretation of the French Directoire style of the late 18th century. The straight, classic and timeless lines are embellished with rhombuses...
Category

2010s French Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Wood, Cherry

1-door Directoire style cupboard in solid wood
1-door Directoire style cupboard in solid wood

1-door Directoire style cupboard in solid wood

$5,019 / item
19th c. Venetian Painted Secretary
Located in New Orleans, LA
Fantastic Italian Venetian Painted secretary/cabinet. This piece has a wonderful color palette but I believe that was done in the early 20th...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Wood

19th c. Venetian Painted Secretary
19th c. Venetian Painted Secretary

19th c. Venetian Painted Secretary

$14,200
2-door 3-drawer Cabinet in solid oak, a French Directoire style interpretation
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2 doors cabinet is a handmade and modernized interpretation of a French Directoire style cabinet at the end of the 18th century. The des...
Category

2010s French Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Cherry, Oak

2-door 3-drawer Cabinet in solid oak, a French Directoire style interpretation
2-door 3-drawer Cabinet in solid oak, a French Directoire style interpretation

2-door 3-drawer Cabinet in solid oak, a French Directoire style interpretation

$3,969 / item
Walnut Panetière Early 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb and rare walnut panetière from the beginning of the 19th century This piece of furniture were used in the past to store the bread in the south of France. Provence region Very...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Walnut

Walnut Panetière Early 19th Century
Walnut Panetière Early 19th Century

Walnut Panetière Early 19th Century

$2,775
Napoleon III Etagere Japonism ALPHONSE GIROUX PARIS
Located in Madrid, ES
A Napoleon III Etagere 'japonism' in ormolu and grave glass Modeled as rods of bamboo mounted with bamboo leaves on the legs, the top suspended with four handles and with three circular tiers each engraved with floral and ivy designs and surrounded by a three-quarter pierced gallery, the upper tier signed 'ALPH. GIROUX PARIS...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Bronze

Napoleon III Etagere Japonism ALPHONSE GIROUX PARIS
Napoleon III Etagere Japonism ALPHONSE GIROUX PARIS

Napoleon III Etagere Japonism ALPHONSE GIROUX PARIS

$19,847
Related Items
A Charming Mid 19th Century French Cherrywood Glazed Cabinet Bookcase
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
A charming Mid-19th Century French cherry wood cupboard. Displaying a simplistic moulded cornice above a pair of inset glass doors with a further pair of panelled doors below featuri...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Cherry

A Charming Mid 19th Century French Cherrywood Glazed Cabinet Bookcase
A Charming Mid 19th Century French Cherrywood Glazed Cabinet Bookcase

A Charming Mid 19th Century French Cherrywood Glazed Cabinet Bookcase

$4,314
H 83.86 in W 56.3 in D 23.63 in
Art Deco Side Table from Paris around 1925
Located in Greven, DE
Unique side table with beautiful marquetry work. Walnut, maple, macassar and mahogany have been processed very finely in the inlay work. The table looks incredibly elegant and light ...
Category

1920s French Vintage Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Macassar, Mahogany, Maple, Walnut

Art Deco Side Table from Paris around 1925
Art Deco Side Table from Paris around 1925

Art Deco Side Table from Paris around 1925

$3,185 Sale Price
20% Off
H 25.99 in W 24.41 in D 26.78 in
Solid Pine Kitchen Cupboard, 1920 s
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Solid pine cabinet from the 1920s. The cabinet consists of 2 separate parts. In the upper part 4 doors with a shelf and two drawers behind the two middle doors. The glass is hand pai...
Category

1920s Hungarian Vintage Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Glass, Pine

Solid Pine Kitchen Cupboard, 1920 s
Solid Pine Kitchen Cupboard, 1920 s

Solid Pine Kitchen Cupboard, 1920 s

$1,055 Sale Price
50% Off
H 76.38 in W 64.57 in D 18.12 in
19th Century Painted French Dresser
Located in Cirencester, GB
We have added the off white painted pattern detail to this lovely authentic antique 19th century French cupboard. A very versatile piece i...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Pine

19th Century Painted French Dresser
19th Century Painted French Dresser

19th Century Painted French Dresser

$3,674
H 54.53 in W 51.97 in D 17.72 in
Antique French Painted Paneled Cupboard Doors
Located in Sheffield, MA
Slightly distressed French Provincial paneled doors for a cabinet this striking pair of doors wear their age with grace, and would bring c...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Antique French Painted Paneled Cupboard Doors
Antique French Painted Paneled Cupboard Doors

Antique French Painted Paneled Cupboard Doors

$2,600 / set
H 42.75 in W 34.38 in D 0.75 in
A 19th Century Swedish Painted Armoire - Cupboard
Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire
An extraordinary early 19th century Swedish cupboard. Demonstrating a particularly striking and unusually exaggerated arched pediment sha...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Pine

A 19th Century Swedish Painted Armoire - Cupboard
A 19th Century Swedish Painted Armoire - Cupboard

A 19th Century Swedish Painted Armoire - Cupboard

$5,427
H 80.52 in W 49.41 in D 17.92 in
Midcentury Trumeau Bookcase or Cabinet by P.Buffa, 1940
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant trumeau bookcases produced by Fratelli Lietti. Exceptional design furniture by the famous Italian designer Paolo Buffa, in mahogany wood, front finely inlaid decoration with...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Trumeau Bookcase or Cabinet by P.Buffa, 1940
Midcentury Trumeau Bookcase or Cabinet by P.Buffa, 1940

Midcentury Trumeau Bookcase or Cabinet by P.Buffa, 1940

$8,687 Sale Price
20% Off
H 100.4 in W 47.25 in D 17.72 in
Early 19th century Swedish Dalarna hand painted cupboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 19th century Swedish painted wall cupboard circa 1822. Fine quality Dalarna region wall cupboard.  Hand painted in orange, reds and greens.  Shaped cornice below which the ini...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Pine, Paint

Early 19th century Swedish Dalarna hand painted cupboard
Early 19th century Swedish Dalarna hand painted cupboard

Early 19th century Swedish Dalarna hand painted cupboard

$2,574
H 20.5 in W 15.5 in D 10.25 in
19th Century French Scrubbed Pine Cupboard
Located in London, GB
A beautifully patinated 19th century scrubbed pine cupboard from the alpine Haute-Savoie region. Pegged and nailed in construction, with decorative forged iron hinges and original lo...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Scrubbed Pine Cupboard
19th Century French Scrubbed Pine Cupboard

19th Century French Scrubbed Pine Cupboard

$1,798 Sale Price
45% Off
H 69.69 in W 50.4 in D 16.74 in
19th Century English Olivewood and Brass Inlaid Cabinet
By Town Emanuel
Located in London, GB
A William IV cabinet attributed to Town and Emmanuel Constructed in a strongly grained olivewood and dressed with gold brass inlays and an etched and engraved brass panel; rising from a plinth base, the lockable single door having an inset panel in the manner of Jean Berain, enclosing a shelved interior, and flanked by narrow vertical conforming panels; the apron being dressed with three bronze rosettes, and the Jura Jaune marble is dressed with a three quarter arcaded brass gallery, circa 1830 The cabinet is illustrated and discussed in Christopher Payne’s “British Furniture 1820 to 1920” published in 2023. Payne singles out the rarity of the olivewood timber used as well as the necessity for hand cutting the large marquetry panel. Literature: Payne, Christopher. British Furniture 1820 to 1920 : The Luxury Market. ACC Art Books, 2023, pp. 38-39 (illus. fig. 1.33). Town and Emanuel Recorded in the 'Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840', published by the Furniture History Society, as being situated at 103 New Bond Street between 1830 and 1840, and apart from being manufacturers of furniture, also dealt in 'curiosities and antiques'. The late renowned connoisseur Christopher Gilbert records in his 'Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture' London 1997, also published by the Furniture History Society, a writing table in the Transitional manner with similar plaques. Their label reads 'Town and Emanuel, manufacturers of Buhl Marquetrie, Resner (sic) & Carved Furniture, tripods, screens & c. of the finest and most superb designs of the Louis 14th. Splendid cabinets and tables inlaid with fine Sevres and Dresden china...
Category

19th Century English Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Marble, Brass

19th Century English Olivewood and Brass Inlaid Cabinet
19th Century English Olivewood and Brass Inlaid Cabinet

19th Century English Olivewood and Brass Inlaid Cabinet

$52,192
H 46.25 in W 33.5 in D 16.75 in
Early 19th Century Shepherds Cupboard
Located in London, Charterhouse Square
Early 19th century shepherds cupboard with dovetail joint details.
Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century Shepherds Cupboard
Early 19th Century Shepherds Cupboard

Early 19th Century Shepherds Cupboard

$3,695
H 69.1 in W 27.17 in D 14.97 in
17th Century Dutch Renaissance Oak and Ebony Inlay Four-Door Cabinet Dated 1660
Located in Casteren, NL
This extraordinary cabinet is made of the finest watered oak in the tradition of the Dutch Renaissance during the “Dutch golden age” It is a four-door cab...
Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Steel

17th Century Dutch Renaissance Oak and Ebony Inlay Four-Door Cabinet Dated 1660
17th Century Dutch Renaissance Oak and Ebony Inlay Four-Door Cabinet Dated 1660

17th Century Dutch Renaissance Oak and Ebony Inlay Four-Door Cabinet Dated 1660

$27,147
H 86.42 in W 68.71 in D 29.93 in
Previously Available Items
1844 Blue Floral Painted Small Cabinet
Located in Vo , Veneto
Painted Tyrolean cabinet dated 1844 CODE: CR115 Period: 1844 Origin: Tyrol Essence: Fir Measures: Height: 74cm Width: 57 cm (64 cm at the frames) Depth: 36 cm (40 cm at the frames)...
Category

1840s Italian Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Fir

1844 Blue Floral Painted Small Cabinet
1844 Blue Floral Painted Small Cabinet

1844 Blue Floral Painted Small Cabinet

H 29.14 in W 22.45 in D 14.18 in
20th Century French Brass and Leather Cartonnier
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A mid 20th century French brass and leather cartonnier with four removable filing boxes. A little bit of colour change to the brown leather to top, consistent with age, but the cartons all have their original brass handled and working catches. France 1950's. Perfect condition. Great quality. A good piece of French office furniture...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Brass

20th Century French Brass and Leather Cartonnier
20th Century French Brass and Leather Cartonnier

20th Century French Brass and Leather Cartonnier

H 33.86 in W 15.75 in D 13.59 in
Metal Cabinet with Antique French Directoire Period Doors
Located in Sheffield, MA
These Directoire period metal doors were once window shutters on an 18th century French chateau that now have been repurposed and made into doors for this cabinet which can lend itse...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Metal

Metal Cabinet with Antique French Directoire Period Doors
Metal Cabinet with Antique French Directoire Period Doors

Metal Cabinet with Antique French Directoire Period Doors

H 40 in W 31 in D 13 in
18th Century French Directoire Period Bleached Walnut Placard or Wardrobe
Located in Birmingham, AL
Monumental 18th century French Directoire period placard or wardrobe handcrafted of solid walnut by skilled artisans in the South of France near Arles, circa 1780s. custom made for a...
Category

1780s French Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Walnut

18th Century French Directoire Period Bleached Walnut Placard or Wardrobe
18th Century French Directoire Period Bleached Walnut Placard or Wardrobe

18th Century French Directoire Period Bleached Walnut Placard or Wardrobe

H 100 in W 89 in D 24 in
Directoire Painted Bookcase, circa 1800
Located in Doylestown, PA
A wonderful and rare French Directoire Period bookcase cabinet in 2-parts, circa 1800, hand-scraped to its original grey painted finish, and retaining its original wavy glass panes. ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Directoire Painted Bookcase, circa 1800
Directoire Painted Bookcase, circa 1800

Directoire Painted Bookcase, circa 1800

H 86 in W 53 in L 86 in
French Directoire Sytle Mahogany Cabinet with Glass Doors, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
French Directoire Style mahogany cabinet with brass trim decoration and glass doors over wood doors opening to wood shelves, late 19th century.    
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Cupboards

French Directoire Sytle Mahogany Cabinet with Glass Doors, 19th Century
French Directoire Sytle Mahogany Cabinet with Glass Doors, 19th Century

French Directoire Sytle Mahogany Cabinet with Glass Doors, 19th Century

H 61.25 in W 45.5 in D 17.5 in
1790s French Directoire Era Bookcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1790s French large painted Directoire era bookcase with lower cabinet.
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Wood

1790s French Directoire Era Bookcase
1790s French Directoire Era Bookcase

1790s French Directoire Era Bookcase

H 95 in W 55 in D 18 in
French Hand Carved Wood Directoire Coffre or Chest/ Armoire/ Bench, circa 1795
Located in New York, NY
A sober French late 18th century Directoire period "Coffre" with a hand carved front panel in the form of repeating squares with its original iron forged hardware. The piece conveys ...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Fruitwood

French Hand Carved Wood Directoire Coffre or Chest/ Armoire/ Bench, circa 1795
French Hand Carved Wood Directoire Coffre or Chest/ Armoire/ Bench, circa 1795

French Hand Carved Wood Directoire Coffre or Chest/ Armoire/ Bench, circa 1795

H 20 in W 60 in D 15 in
18th Century French Directoire Walnut Vaisselier or Cupboard
Located in Houston, TX
Rare antique French Directoire period walnut cupboard, sideboard, vaisselier, credenza, display cabinet or buffet or plate rack with bronze hardware from the 18th century. This versa...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Walnut

18th Century French Directoire Walnut Vaisselier or Cupboard
18th Century French Directoire Walnut Vaisselier or Cupboard

18th Century French Directoire Walnut Vaisselier or Cupboard

H 93.5 in W 59 in D 22.5 in
French Directoire Period, Two-Door Walnut Cupboard, 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Tall cupboard constructed of walnut with some patching and steel hardware, sitting on bracket feet, the interior having three shelves, condition consistent with age.
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique Directoire Cupboards

French Directoire Period, Two-Door Walnut Cupboard, 18th Century
French Directoire Period, Two-Door Walnut Cupboard, 18th Century

French Directoire Period, Two-Door Walnut Cupboard, 18th Century

H 61 in W 26 in D 22.5 in
1880s Petite Painted Antique, French Directoire Cupboard
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
With tons of unparalleled character and charm, this cabinet offers loads of style and remarkable storage opportunities. Use this fine cabinet most anywhere, well enough suited for any formal or informal room of your home. It's presence is unmistakable and the style distinguished making itself a perfect fit most anywhere. Use this fine painted cupboard on one side of the fireplace in the parlor hiding a small TV and media equipment, in the dining room safekeeping extra dishes and linens or that special wine collection, or for storing extra linens, toiletries, and such in a guest bedroom suite. Whichever way you deem fit, this petite cupboard...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Cupboards

1880s Petite Painted Antique, French Directoire Cupboard
1880s Petite Painted Antique, French Directoire Cupboard

1880s Petite Painted Antique, French Directoire Cupboard

H 83 in W 42.25 in D 19.75 in L 83 in
Early 19th Century French Directoire Period Burled Elm and Cherry Armoire
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This early 19th century cherry and burled elm armoire is from the Bresse region of France. The burled elm and cherry wood of this piece along with its age give a wonderfully warm fee...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Cupboards

Materials

Bronze

Early 19th Century French Directoire Period Burled Elm and Cherry Armoire
Early 19th Century French Directoire Period Burled Elm and Cherry Armoire

Early 19th Century French Directoire Period Burled Elm and Cherry Armoire

H 74 in W 48.5 in D 17 in

Directoire cupboards for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Directoire cupboards 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 cupboards created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire cupboards 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 cupboards, popular names associated with this style include and Europa Antiques. 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 cupboards differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,552 and tops out at $17,736 while the average work can sell for $14,350.

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