Directoire Furniture
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
Neoclassical Italian Center Table with Imperial Porphyry Marble Tabletop
Located in Rome, IT
Very fine and important center table with square shaped Egyptian porphyry veneered tabletop.
Base in walnut and ebonized wood of the Directoir period of the Late 18’ century, made with special care and 'original choice of the Radica and marquetry.
Provenance from an Aristocratic family descendant of Parma.
Measurements: cm 120 x 120
This particular Imperial grade of porphyry came from a quarry in the Eastern Desert of Egypt.
The term "porphyry" is from Latin and means "purple". Purple was the color of royalty, and the "Imperial Porphyry...
Category
1790s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Porphyry
Antique Cast Iron Urns
Located in Made, NL
Pair of Important Antique Cast Iron Urns
Exquisite 18th-Century Directoire Urns
This exceptional pair of antique French cast iron vases originates from the heart of Paris, France. Crafted during the Directoire period (1770–1790), these urns showcase the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. The beautiful patina adorning the cast iron speaks to their historical authenticity. These timeless antiques are a testament to both functional design and aesthetic appeal from a celebrated period in European history.
The Rich Heritage of Antique UrnsThroughout history, antique urns and vases have been cherished across Europe for their exquisite craftsmanship and multifaceted functionality. Often serving as symbols of status and artistry, they were used to adorn gardens, courtyards, and stately homes. Made by skilled artisans, these pieces combined durability with intricate design, ensuring they could withstand the elements while remaining visually captivating. Today, their historical value and timeless appeal make them sought-after garden antiques.
Transforming Spaces with Antique UrnsThese antique garden planters...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Iron
$12,146
Fine French Breche D
Alep Marble Top Faux Tambor Doors Directoire Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine French Directoire style sideboard is a superb example of craftsmanship and elegance, distinguished by its stunning Breche d’Alep marble top and refined architectural form. ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Breccia Marble, Bronze
$7,996 Sale Price
20% Off
Late 18th Century Directoire Provençal Oak Commode
Located in High Point, NC
Wonderful late 18th century Director commode in oak.
This commode is of excellent scale. the top is made from three planks, and follows down to raised paneled sides for added desig...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th Century Directoire Period Fine Original Antique Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
This original vintage Directoire period fireplace surround is from the Jura Region. The right jamb has been restored. The center detail on the front is a composition of elements of w...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
1900s Austrian Ceiling Chandelier 14 Lights, Burnished Bronze Swarovsky Crystal
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Important Austrian ceiling chandelier with 14 lights in burnished bronze and gilded, with original Swarovsky pendants, late 19th century.
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century Swedish Pine Secretaire with Fall-Front Desk Top
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Late 19th Century Swedish secretaire with fall-front desk top.
This style of desk was very popular in the 18th and 19th century in Sweden.
It offers an ingenious array of storage pos...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Pine
Pair of Directoire Armchairs, Cherry, France circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Pair of antique cherry armchairs
France
Cherry
Directoire around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 87 x 58 x 49 cm, seat height: 43 cm
Description:
Pair of elegant and interestingly sha...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
18th Century French Hard Stone Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
A phenomenal Directoire period fireplace mantel in hard stone with Black Belgian marble inlay. The centrepiece shows horse head details. The front is unusually bowed to the back of the wall. This gives this is an extra twist. This one was installed in a wood panel room...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
18th Century Blue Stone Classic Rustic Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
This classic straight fireplace surround in bicolor grey hard stone from the Burgundy region with star as a central motive has a country, rustic influence.
Measures:
155.5 cm EW 61...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
18th Century Directoire Vintage French Marble Limestone Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
This is a phenomenal French Burgundy region bicolor hard stone fireplace chimneypiece. The rich and royal carving is astounding. It is a museum worthy piece of the Directoire period....
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
Table Game French Directoire 19th Century Mahogany Leather Black France
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary game table from the Directoire period made in France. Frame made of mahogany in a beautiful cognac brown shade. Apron divided into rectangular parts of brass and bra...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th Century Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
This bicolor antique fireplace surround has a very deep patina. The detail in the middle shows music instruments and is from the Directoire period. It was installed in a panneled lib...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
Fine French Directoire Styke 5 Light Gilt Metal Chandelier
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Vintage gilt metal chandelier with 5 chains suspended from the circular ceiling plate conjoined with 5 arms. The body of the chandelier with center foliate motif and panels decorated...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mid-20th Century Directoire Nightstand in Walnut, Restored and Polished to Wax
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid-20th century Directoire style cabinet with drawers, nightstand, in walnut, restored and polished to wax
Measure cm: H 65 x W 54 x D 37.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Paint Decorated Directoire Petite Commode Jewelry Chest by Lewis Mittman
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite French paint decorated Directoire style petite commode jewelry chest by Lewis Mittman beautifully captures the elegance of neoclassical design. Crafted with attention ...
Category
20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
Set of 6 Maison Jansen Attributed Balloon Back Circular Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This set of six Maison Jansen attributed Directoire dining chairs exemplifies refined French craftsmanship and timeless neoclassical design. Featuring elegant balloon backrests with ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$3,719 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Directoire carved Draper era X-benches exemplifies timeless sophistication, blending neoclassical influence with mid-20th-century revival style. The X-frame design, a ha...
Category
1950s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$1,356 Sale Price / set
20% Off
French Directoire Settee with Painted Garlands, Upholstery and Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire settee from the 19th century with soft creamish yellow painted finish, green accents, painted garlands and linen upholster...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Fine Bicolor Marble Stone French Antique Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
This fine European antique fireplace mantel is from the burgundy region near the Corton village. The bicolor of this marble hard stone is typical that village in the middle of the vi...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
19th Century Original Antique French Stylish Fireplace Mantle
Located in Beervelde, BE
This is a fabulous, one of a kind , original antique fireplace surround in a porfierish hard stone. The inlay is of a high quality. This one is very easy on the eye. The straight lin...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone, Belgian Black Marble, Statuary Marble
1980s French Directoire Style Cherry Guéridon Side Table With Swan Design
Located in Charleston, SC
A classy French Directoire style guéridon side table with circular top made of high quality cherry. The table features three beautifully carved legs resting on a curved base and ador...
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
19th Century Original Antique French Stylish Fireplace Mantle
Located in Beervelde, BE
This original hard stone fireplace surround with Carrara marble inlay from the early 19th century It was installed in the Burgundy region in France. The extra deep legs with side pie...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
19th Century Original Antique Country Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
Burgundy hard stone fireplace surround made by special commission of a horse lover. Detail of saddle for horse riding in the center. The front has a nice moving design into the room....
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
Pair Of French Directoire Style Armchairs1930
Located in Kent, Dover
A pair of French Directoire style painted armchairs, newly upholstered in stone coloured textured silk with gold scroll braid.
Category
1930s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
$3,388 / set
Directoire Walnut Tricoteuse Table
Located in Essex, MA
Elongated octagonal top with gallery and fold down hinged panel. Trestle base with two oval lower shelves. The trestle sides with ebonized lozenge decoration. These tables were made ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set Three (3) French Directoire Style Bronze and Marble Pedestals
Located in New York, NY
Set of three large very fine quality and rare French Directoire style Pedestals or plant stands with verdigris and gilt patina, with circular marble tops attributed to Caldwell. ...
Category
Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
18th Century Directoire Period Country French Whitewashed Buffet
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century Directoire Period Country French Whitewashed Buffet is a splendid example of the tailored architecture made popular just before and after the turn of the 19th century. ...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Four Wedgwood Directoire Yellow Banded Creamware Cups and Saucers
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
Set of four Wedgwood Directoire pattern yellow banded cream cups and saucers. Cups and saucers in the Directoire pattern and style with characteristic handles of the post Revolutionary six year period of the French Directory...
Category
20th Century English Directoire Furniture
Materials
Creamware
$100 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Very Fine Antique Dovetailed Leather top Letter Secretary Desk Chest of Drawers
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Antique Dovetailed Leather top Letter Secretary Desk Chest of Drawers MINT
Category
20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Paint Decorated Faux Bamboo Style Triple Dresser, circa 1970
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This paint-decorated faux bamboo style triple dresser, circa 1970, is a striking example of mid-century craftsmanship infused with timeless exotic flair. Designed to mimic the elegan...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$1,516 Sale Price
20% Off
French Directoire Style Console Table in Cherry Wood, 3 Drawers
Located in Landivy, FR
This console table is fully assembled in our workshop.
The finish is made with an "A" cherry stain and 2 extra layers of varnish for a strong protection of the wood.
3 drawers assemb...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Baker Directoire Empire Style Ring Pulls 6 Drawers High Chest Dresser MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Directoire Empire Style Ring Pulls 6 Drawers High Chest Dresser MINT!
Category
20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Directoire Style Desk Solid Cherry with Leather Pad and Covered Storage Space
Located in Landivy, FR
This desk belongs to the MELANIE collection that proposes handcraft modernized reinterpretated pieces of furniture from the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century.
T...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer
Directoire-Style Bureau Plat Desk
Located in Chicago, US
Directoire/Napoleon III style desk composed of one large center and two side dovetailed drawers. The right drawer has a divided back section with an inset tray and a horizontal panel...
Category
Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French 1900s Directoire Style Walnut Three-Drawer Commode with Banding
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire style walnut commode from the early 20th century, with three drawers, banding and tapered legs. Born in France during the early years of the 20th century, this Di...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Handcrafted Directoire Style 2-Door Cabinet in Solid Cherry Wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2 doors small sideboard ( "mini-bahut") is a hand-crafted reproduction of the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This ...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Vintage Directoire Steel Floor Lamp with Feather Shade
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Fantastic floor lamp having a sleek Directoire steel base on 3 elegant legs and a handmade one of a kind shade dreamily adorned with authentic brown a...
Category
1910s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Steel
French Directoire Style 19th Century Walnut Table with Folding Top, Tapered Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire style walnut console table from the 19th century with folding top, two leaves, single drawer, tapered legs and brown patina. Created in France during the 19th cen...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$5,560 Sale Price
20% Off
Neoclassical Italian Center Table with Imperial Porphyry Marble Tabletop
Located in Rome, IT
Very fine and important center table with square shaped Egyptian porphyry veneered tabletop.
Base in walnut and ebonized wood of the Directoire period of the late 18th century, made with special care and 'original choice of the Radica and marquetry.
Provenance from an aristocratic family descendant of Parma.
Measurements: cm 120 x 120
This particular Imperial grade of porphyry came from a quarry in the Eastern Desert of Egypt.
The term "porphyry" is from Latin and means "purple". Purple was the color of royalty, and the "Imperial Porphyry...
Category
1790s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Porphyry
French Directoire Style Console Table in Solid Cherry Wood, Secret Drawer
Located in Landivy, FR
This rectangular console table is a craft handed re-interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century.
The Directoire period style is remarkable with its ...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Maison Baguès Steel and Brass Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Steel and brass Maison Baguès coffee table with a rectangular shaped glass top.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Directoire Style Carved Walnut Cane Back Desk Vanity Side Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This refined Directoire style carved walnut side chair perfectly embodies the understated elegance and neoclassical influence of late 18th-century French design. Crafted from warm-to...
Category
1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cane, Walnut
French Directoire Style 2-door 3-drawer cabinet in solid wild cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This cabinet with 2 doors and 3 independent drawers belongs to our MELANIE collection that proposes handcrafted modernized reinterpretated pieces of furniture from the French Louis X...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak
French Empire Style Bronze Chandelier With Arrows
Located in Houston, TX
French Empire Style Bronze Chandelier With Arrows.
This stunning French Empire style or Directoire style gilt bronze and patinated bronze quive...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Maison Jansen Style French Bronze Rope Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful solid bronze stylized rope base with a glass top. Manner of Maison Jansen.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
A Pair of Italian Directoire painted and gilt open arm chairs, C 1800.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Pair of Italian Directoire painted and gilt open arm chairs, C 1800. This is a substantial pair of chairs and can be used every day in a sitting room, bedroom, living room!
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
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 Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Oak
French Painted Antique Style Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
In a painted antique finish with a molded edge rectangular top, nine paneled drawers with lozenge detailing motifs, antiqued pewter handles, with a fluted base and raised on square t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$6,927 / item
French Directoire Style Paint Decorated Two Drawer Baker Commode Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite French Directoire style commode dresser by Baker Furniture showcases refined elegance and timeless craftsmanship. Featuring a beautifully paint-decorated finish in sof...
Category
1960s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$2,396 Sale Price
20% Off
French Directoire Style 3-drawer lacquered console table in solid wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This Console is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timeless lines.
This Console is made of solid French cherry wood.
Its finish consists of black lacquered legs and white-cream lacquered drawers, shelf and top.
This Console features 3 drawers with Louis XVI rings...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer
French Directoire Style 3-Drawer Handcrafted Wooden Console Table
Located in Landivy, FR
This console table is a handmade reproduction of a console table from the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timeless lines ornamented with grooves, diamonds or rings.
This console table is made of solid cherry wood sourced in sustainably managed French forests.
The 3 drawers' fronts are assembled with dovetails for a better durability and feature 3 Louis XVI rings...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer
Art Deco Mid Century Modern Hollywood Regency French Directoire Lounge Armchairs
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous Pair of curved bent open arm chairs from the forties. Created from beech, chairs have a clean, simple and elegant pleasing look. Large seats that are very comfortable, recen...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Beech
French Directoire Style interpreted handcrafted TV cabinet in solid cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This TV cabinet is a free hand crafted interpretation of the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This period style is remarkable with its straight, classical and ...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fine Italian Dining Room Set of Eight Chairs and a Pair of Armchairs, 1790
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant set of Nord-Italian walnut chairs (8) and a pair of armchairs,
Covered in ivory color silk in perfect condition.
Lombardy Nord Italy, last quarter of the 18th century.
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Directoire style handcrafted Desk in solid wood, with leather pad
Located in Landivy, FR
This desk with top storage compartments is a craft-handed re-interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century.
The design of...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Directoire Lion Mask Sconces of Bronze
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very fine pair of sconces, of gilt bronze and partial painted finish, each concave hexagonal backplate divided by a vertical arrow, and centered by a lion mask, its teeth holding two...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$3,950 / set
French Directoire style handcrafted striped Bonnetiere in solid cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This piece belongs to our MELANIE collection, which is a handmade modernized interpretation of this French Directoire style. The Directoire periode started at the end of the 18th cen...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Lacquer, Oak
Directoire-Style Commode with Marble Top
Located in New York, NY
Directoire- style commode with marble top on tapered legs.
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
French Mid-20th Century Directoire Style Armchairs
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French mid-20th century Directoire style armchairs.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Directoire furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Directoire furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Maison Jansen, Baker Furniture Company, Gherardo Degli Albizzi, and Century Furniture. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $100 and tops out at $91,647 while the average work can sell for $4,519.
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