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
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 Furniture
Materials
Cord, Walnut
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Petite Ebonized Child Size or Ladies Writing Desk attributed to Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Refined and compact, this Maison Jansen–attributed Directoire-style desk from the 1950s showcases timeless French elegance in a scaled-down form ideal for a lady’s writing table or c...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Exceptional Large 18th Century French Directoire Period Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
Exceptional and extremely large original French Directoire period limestone fireplace surround dating from the late 18th century hand-carved.
Its grand scale and refined neoclassical...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone, Limestone
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 Furniture
Materials
Iron
$2,395 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Sycamore
Rare Brass and Steel Aged Mirrored Top John Vesey Style Ebonzed Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare brass and steel ebonized writing desk in the style of John Vesey showcases a striking blend of modern sophistication and timeless craftsmanship. Designed with an eye for bo...
Category
1980s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
$4,680 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century French Directoire Commode or Chest of Drawers
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 19th Century French Directoire Period commode made of solid cherry wood with yellow pine as a secondary wood. Unusual form with serpentine sides. Rounded fluted front corner...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Maison Jansen Style Brass Ram
s Head Gueridon or Side Table
Located in New York, NY
Brass ram's head Maison Jansen style two-tier side table, smoked glass top.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 Furniture
Materials
Beech
Early 19th Century Giltwood Barometer "Selon Toricelli"
Located in Madrid, ES
Barometer end of the 18th century, Directorie, in carved and gilded wood, by Selon Toriceli, with allegory music wing on the top, beautiful patina, and decorative barometer...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$1,791 Sale Price
48% Off
French 19th Century Directoire Roll Top Secretary
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stately French Directoire roll top secretary. This massive desk is over six feet long and four feet tall with a grey marble top. Directly beneath the marble are three drawers with ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
French Directoire style minister
s desk in solid wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This minister's desk with 5-drawers is a craft-handed reproduction of the world-renowned French Directoire style, which dates back to the end of the 18th century.
This range is char...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare Pair of French 18th c. Tole Lamps
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rare pair of Directoire period Bouillotte tole lamps in original black and gilt lacquer paint, having swan handles, vasiform bodies and plinth base, now electrified (fitted to inside...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tin
$6,900 / set
Diminutive Antique Directoire Bookcase Secretary
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A finely constructed bookcase secretary with a chest. The tall cabinet has a pierced brass 3/4 gallery around the marble top with cookie corners. The bookcase has a frieze drawer ove...
Category
19th Century Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Wonderful Pair Directoire French Bronze Gueridon Side Tables Black Marble Tops
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of French Neoclassical Louis XVI Style Bronze Gueridon Directoire Side Tables With Black Marble / Granite Inset Tops Leading To Paw Feet.
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Granite, Marble, Bronze
French 19th Century Iron
Marble Butchers Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A whimsical French marble and iron work table from circa 1860, that would have been a display fixture in a butcher shop or bakery to present the current offerings. The thick, white m...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Iron
Beautiful Walnut and Brass Mounted French Directoire Baker Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your living space with this Beautiful Walnut and Brass Mounted French Directoire Baker Coffee Table, a striking piece that combines neoclassical elegance with timeless functionality. Expertly crafted by the renowned Baker Furniture Company, this table showcases the refined lines and understated sophistication of the French Directoire style. The rich walnut top features a warm, natural grain, perfectly complemented by sleek brass mounts and trim that lend a subtle touch of glamour.
The tapered legs, adorned with brass-capped feet and collar details, add a sense of balance and architectural grace to the piece. Ideal for both formal and relaxed settings, this coffee table integrates seamlessly into antique-inspired interiors, Hollywood Regency decor, or even clean, mid-century modern spaces. Its generous rectangular surface offers both style and practicality—perfect for displaying art books, serving cocktails, or grounding your seating area.
A fine example of Baker’s craftsmanship and attention to historical detail, this French Directoire table...
Category
1980s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Upholstery
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 Furniture
Materials
Metal
$1,036 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Early 19th Century French Ormolu-Gilded Inkwell
Located in Copenhagen, K
French cut-glass, Palisander and ormolu inkwell. Sneaks as handle and claw on ball feet. Original glass wells and two drawers.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$2,800 Sale Price
37% Off
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry
$4,983 / item
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Exceptional Brass Inlaid French Directoire Beveled Mirrored Armoire TV Cabinet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exceptional French Directoire style brass inlaid armoire, featuring beveled mirrored doors, is a stunning 19th/20th-century piece that seamlessly blends elegance, utility, and t...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$3,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Solid Brass Thick Glass Top John Vesey Style Directoire Pedestals Stands
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of solid brass pedestal stands with thick round glass tops, executed in the John Vesey style, are exceptional examples of Directoire-inspired design blended with mid-20th-c...
Category
1990s Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$1,516 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of Directoire Style Étagères
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Directoire style mahogany étagères or bookcases. Has brass pineapple finials at the top.
Category
1960s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$11,500 / set
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 Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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 Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Pair of Neoclassical Demilune Commodes
Located in Greenwich, CT
A very fine pair of early 19th Century Northern European neoclassical demilune commodes, the original shaped marble tops over two brass molded door...
Category
Early 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
$55,000 / set
French 18th Century Directoire Bed
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 18th century Directoire bed.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
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 Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Narrow Depth 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 Furniture
Materials
Iron
Pair of Antique Aprey French Faience Pottery Cachepots or Jardinieres
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique French faience jardinieres or cachepots.
By Aprey.
Each with two painted scenes on either side. One has a man gardening and a woman carrying a breadbask...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Faience
Pair of French 19th Century Chandeliers in the Directoire Style
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair of French 19th century Directoire tole, iron and crystal chandeliers with crystal drapes hanging from plumes at top, and unusual square cut crystals around the center ring, with...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Iron
$18,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Paul Ferrante Indoor Outdoor Wrought Iron Mirrow W Arrows
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Paul Ferrante Indoor Outdoor Wrought Iron Mirrow W Arrows
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
$2,240 Sale Price / item
20% Off
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
$8,600 / set
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 Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Giltwood
Antique French Directoire Mahogany Console with Carrara Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Mahogany Console with Carrara Marble Top expresses a tailored elegance that cannot be denied! Crafted from solid mahogany, it features a shallow design wit...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Superb French-Made Maison Jansen Attributed Brass Mounted Mahogany Dining Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This superb French dining table attributed to the renowned design house Maison Jansen exemplifies refined 20th-century craftsmanship with timeless neoclassical influence. Beautifully...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Diminuitive Size Maison Jansen Style Brass Steel Glass Directoire Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Add a touch of Parisian sophistication to your interior with this Diminutive Size Maison Jansen Style Brass, Steel, and Glass Directoire Coffee Table. Exuding the refined elegance th...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Chests of Drawers Walnut
Tulipwood, Bespoke
Located in Uppingham, GB
Two Drawer Chest of Drawers.
Modern design two drawer chest with simple lines, matching 'Stripey' Walnut Grained tops, Two finely Beaded drawers resting on slender tapering legs.
Mad...
Category
2010s British Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tulipwood, Walnut
$5,401 Sale Price / set
43% Off
Pair of Curule Stools, 19th Century
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Curule Stools, 19th Century
Category
19th Century European Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$2,515 / set
French Directoire Period Floral Painted Panel in Gilded Frame, circa 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire period framed painted panel from the late 18th century, with floral motifs. Born in France during the later years of the 18th century, this exquisite decorative p...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
French Tilt Top Dining Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A vintage French Directoire style oval tilt-top table made of solid walnut. Unusual lyre shaped swivel provides sturdy support. Dining table height. Thick 1" plank top with high glos...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair Directoire Bronze Mounted Figural Marble Top Kingwood Nightstands Commodes
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Directoire bronze mounted figural marble top kingwood nightstands commodes represents the height of French craftsmanship and timeless design. Beautifully constructed in ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Signed Maison Jansen Mahogany and Marble Top Commode Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Jansen signed mahogany and marble top commode dresser embodies the epitome of French neoclassical design. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this high-quality d...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
18th Century Pair of Italian Gilt Wood Angel Wall Shelves
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A pair of superb and monumental 1700's Italian gilt wood angel wall shelves. These hand carved wood wall bracket shelves have incredible details and wonderful gold leaf gilding. Such...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
$2,720 Sale Price
39% Off
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 Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$1,196 Sale Price
20% Off
Fine Pair of French Bronze and Malachite Directoire Gueridons Mid 20th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine pair of early to mid 20th century French gilt bronze and malachite topped gueridon cigarette tables.
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Malachite, Bronze
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 Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$384 Sale Price
52% Off
Pair of Sophisticated Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, Directoire circa 1795
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of sophisticated and elegant gilt bronze Candlesticks, Probably made in Paris, France. Directoire circa 1795. Beautifully decorated with leaves.
Wear consistent with age an...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Bronze
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 Furniture
Materials
Leather, Hardwood, Down
$24,850
Antique Directoire Fauteuil Arm Chair W Scalamandre Tigre Silk Velvet
By Scalamandre
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 Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century French Bronze, Steel and Mirrored Top Coffee Table by Maison Jansen
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1950, this mid-century coffee table by Maison Jansen showcases the firm’s celebrated fusion of neoclassical detail and modern restraint. The square frame feat...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Steel
French Directoire Fruitwood Corner Cabinet with Inlay
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French solid fruitwood corner cabinet that will add a bit more storage to any room without taking up too much space. Hand-crafted in the 19th century around 1850, this is a wonderf...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Late 18th Century French Trumeau Mirror
Located in San Francisco, CA
Absolutely beautiful example of an original French trumeau mirror with painting of what appears to depict a scene from the famous o...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Paint, Canvas, Mirror, Wood
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mahogany Mercier Freres of Paris Fine French Louis XVI Directoire Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Enhance your interior with this distinguished 1940s French Bronze Mounted Marble Top Sideboard, a striking blend of function and refined elegance. This vintage sideboard showcases a ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Pair of French Curule Directoire Side Tables
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of side tables from France made with a solid wood construction, primarily cherry wood. Each table is finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. The tables showcas...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
$3,150 / set
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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