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
Italian Desk with Drawer Directoire All Cherrywood Restored and Wax-Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Late 19th-early 20th century Italian writing desk with drawer all solid cherrywood, restored and wax-polished.
Wonderful writing table in solid cherrywood, original and restored. ...
Category
1890s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
French Neoclassical Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine French early 19th century walnut neoclassical console or pier table, the top with wooden gallery edge with ebonized molded edge over two drawer...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Louis XVI Walnut Rafraichissoir or Wine Table
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a charming late 18th century/early 19th century Rafraichissoir or wine/champagne coolert that has retained its original surface and basins. The table is in good overall condi...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Miniature Walnut Commode
Located in Greenwich, CT
Early 19th Century walnut commode, the inlaid top with cookie corners over turned and fluted legs flanking three inlaid drawers and standing on turned turnip feet, French or Italian ...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Ebony, Fruitwood, Walnut, Pine
$2,850
Gorgeous, rare French Olivewood commode
Located in Bronx, NY
A rare French riviera olive wood Commode with stuning wood patern and amazing craft, Fully restaured by french nicoisse restauration artisan.
Amazing quality and condition. Oilded b...
Category
1930s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French Directoire Style Stainless Steel And Bronze Console Table
Located in Houston, TX
French Directoire Style Stainless Steel And Bronze Console Table.
Offered is an unusual French Maison Jansen Directoire style, Louis XVI style or Neoclassical style stainless steel c...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze, Stainless Steel
French Modern Iron And Travertine Table Inspired By Gilbert Poillerat
Located in Houston, TX
French Modern Iron And Travertine Table Inspired By Gilbert Poillerat.
Offered is a handsome French mid century triangular hand hammered iron table with a polished travertine top.
Th...
Category
1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Iron
Extraordinary Solid Bronze French Marble Top Directoire Sideboard with Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Introduce timeless sophistication and impeccable craftsmanship to your space with this Extraordinary Solid Bronze French Marble Top Directoire Sideboard with Mirror. A rare and opule...
Category
1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$7,196 Sale Price
20% Off
Directoire Style Desk with Cylinder Top, France, 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Directoire style desk with cylinder top, France 19th century
Mahogany veneer with satinwood inlays. This elegant little desk is perfect for a small working space. The writing top fo...
Category
1860s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
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
Antique Directoire Bedside Nightstand Table In Walnut And Marquetry - Italy 19th
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant Italian bedside table dates to the early 19th century and reflects the clean, architectural lines of the Directoire period. Expertly crafted from solid walnut, the piece...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Directoire style handcrafted 6-Drawer Chiffonier in solid cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This Chiffonnier 6-drawer chest is a free hand crafted and modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period style is remarkable wi...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak
Pair of Solid Brass or Bronze Patinated Gueridons by Century Furniture Company
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of solid brass or bronze patinated gueridons by the renowned Century Furniture Company reflects superior craftsmanship and timeless mid-century elegance. Featuring round to...
Category
1990s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$3,196 Sale Price / set
46% Off
Pair Antique French Directoire Neoclassical End Tables with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Antique French Directoire Neoclassical End Tables with Carrara Marble are ideal companions for any setting. Hand-crafted from exotic imported mahogany, each has been given a fi...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
A Fine
Rare Louis XVI Mahogany Dining Table by Claude Messier, 18th Century
By Claude Messier
Located in Sheffield, MA
A Fine & Rare Louis XVI Mahogany Dining Table
18th Century
By Claude Messier
Maitre 1792
Active in Paris at the end of the 18th Cen...
Category
18th Century and Earlier French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Early 20th Century French Mahogany Desk with Aubergine Leather Top
Located in Buchanan, NY
This vintage French mahogany desk will add a touch of sophistication to your work environment. It features a sleek aubergine leather top that complements the original art deco hardware...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
$3,840 Sale Price
54% Off
Rare Flame Mahogany Bronze Mounted Leather Top Francois Linke Desk Bureau Plat
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare François Linke desk, Bureau Plat, circa early 20th century, is an extraordinary example of French luxury craftsmanship, showcasing the artistry and elegance that made Linke...
Category
1910s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Upholstered Bergères with Twisted Columns
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Directoire style painted wood bergères chairs from the 19th century with twisted columns and new custom upholstery. This elegant pair of French Directoire style berg...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Grand French Marble Top Carved Louis XVI Directoire Silver Leaf Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This grand French Louis XVI Directoire style console table is an exquisite example of refined neoclassical elegance and craftsmanship. Featuring a stunning marble top with natural ve...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
$2,396 Sale Price
20% Off
French Directoire Style Bench
Located in Houston, TX
French Directoire Style Bench.
This lovely French Directoire bench or stool painted a gray/green color with dark blue accents with swan handle ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Velvet
Directoire Style Gallery Table Stand
Located in Houston, TX
1960s French Directoire style gallery table stand with a faux goatskin veneer, brass ormolu, gallery rails, and a single drawer.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
French Directoire style handcrafted secretary desk in cherry wood
leather pad
Located in Landivy, FR
This Secretary is a handmade modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timel...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer
Maison Jansen-style Guéridon Marble and Gilt Bronze Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
The “ancestor” of this piece, a guéridon, was a small and typically round table that originated in mid-17th century France for holding a candelabrum to light the room or a vase. Even...
Category
Early 1800s Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
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 Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$18,545 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Late 18th Century French Directoire Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
Late 18th century French Directoire or Louis XVI Chest. Three drawers across top, two large drawers under, for a total of five drawers.
inset brass fluted columns ,the sides ...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$4,350 Sale Price
25% Off
Pair Antique French Directoire Mahogany End Tables with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Antique French Directoire Mahogany End Tables with Carrara Marble will make a delightful addition to your room, providing storage, display, perhaps a place for a lamp, convenien...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Louis XVI Directoire Style French Mahogany and Marble Top Stand Circa 1910
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Louis XVI Directoire style French mahogany and marble top stand, circa 1910, is a refined example of early 20th-century craftsmanship rooted in classical tradition. Designed wit...
Category
1910s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
$1,276 Sale Price
20% Off
French Directoire Gold Giltwood Mirror with Original Mercury Glass 19th Century
Located in IT
This exquisite French Directoire mirror, crafted in gold giltwood, features its original mercury glass, adding a touch of historical charm. Dating back to the 19th century, the mirro...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mercury Glass, Giltwood
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 Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of French Directoire Late 18th Century Lidded Apothecary Jars with Labels
By Deroche
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Directoire period ceramic lidded apothecary jars from the late 18th century, with hand-painted foliage motifs, labeled Tamarind and Ext. Cicutæ A:F, from the Deroche...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
French Directory Bureau Bonheur du jour desk, wood and leather, and bronze inkwe
Located in Valladolid, ES
Stunning French Bonheur du Jour mahogany desk or bureau, dating from the early 19th century, with a leather top and mirrored upper doors.
The piece, entirely crafted in a beautiful ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
$4,579 Sale Price
59% Off
19th Century French Directoire Period Oak Cabinet Bookcase
Located in Madrid, ES
19th century French Directoire period oak bookcase or cabinet
t has two parts that can be separated for easier transport. the upper part has a height of 125 cm with two doors and th...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$3,720 Sale Price / item
40% Off
Eight walnut Direttorio chairs, Tuscany, Lucca circa 1795
Located in Prato, IT
Eight walnut Direttorio Chairs with banded backs and floral pattern carving.
Paws with carved frames typical of Lucca.
Entirely hand-sewn straw seat.
Tuscany, late 18th century
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Fine Quality French Sword and Scabbard Form Marble Top Gueridon Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Add a touch of regal French flair to your interior with this fine quality French sword and scabbard form marble top gueridon table, a masterfully crafted ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Set of Six Directoire Dining Chairs, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Set of six antique chairs
France
mahogany
early 19th century
Dimensions: H x W x D: 88 x 47 x 44 cm, seat height: 48 cm
Description:
Set o...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French Directoire style desk in oak
Located in Landivy, FR
This computer desk is proposed here in solid oak from France and is also available in cherry.
A black leather desk pad equips the top.
The top is sli...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Oak
$3,207 / item
French Pair of Period Directoire Side Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A regal pair of French side chairs from the Directoire period (circa 1795-1800). The chairs have chalk-white painted frames now patinated to fine craquelure texture softening the sym...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Paint
$1,895 / set
Fine Quality Bronze Brass Metal Tole Painted Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine quality bronze and brass metal Bouillotte table lamp with a tole painted shade is an elegant lighting piece that exudes French sophistication and timeless neoclassical styl...
Category
1930s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass, Bronze
$1,196 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 20th Century Walnut Directoire Drop Leaf Table with Brass Sabot
s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully hand crafted Directoire Drop leaf table with Brass Sabot's / wheels. Easily moved from one room to another.
The practical size is perfect for a small space as it can ...
Category
Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$2,320 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Directoire Style Night Stand with Marble Lining
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Antique Directoire Style Night Stand with Marble Lining. Beautiful piece purchased in France. Has minor scratching on the marble top. Age appropriate wear. Message us with any questi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Set of French Directoire Style Nesting Tables, Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 17 1/4in W: 19in D: 14in (Measurements for the largest of the 3 tables)
This Set of French Directoire Style Nesting Tables By Maison Jansen...
Category
Late 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of French Directoire Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Side Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful pair of French Directoire style gilt bronze and marble side tables. These tables are extremely fine quality and a gorgeous finish. Creates a very polished look!.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Maison Jansen Style Brass Oval Pineapple Finial Tea Trolley Bar Liquor Cart
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Jansen style brass oval tea trolley bar cart is a striking piece of French-inspired design, perfect for entertaining and display. Crafted with meticulous attention to det...
Category
1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$1,516 Sale Price
20% Off
Painted Directoire Style Bouillotte Candlestand Occasional Table with Marble Top
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Directoire style candlestand bouiotte table having a round top of marble with pierced brass border, on ivory-painted base, its apron holding a single frieze drawer with ring pull, ra...
Category
Mid-20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique French Louis XVI Mahogany Buffet with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Louis XVI Mahogany Buffet with Carrara Marble will make a handsome addition to any room! The tailored, rectilinear architecture has its roots in the glory days of anc...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
18th Century Porcelain Cabinet Cup and Saucer Empire French Locre and Russinger
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, Meissen Porcelain, Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM), Locre, Dresden Porcelain
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Antique French Locre & Russinger French gilded porcelain cup and saucer with figural handle
On the cup four landscapes in reserve (2 lozenge) and a row embossed pearls. In the corner...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
French Directoire Round Giltwood and Ebonized Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Directoire round giltwood and ebonized wall mirror is a striking example of neoclassical elegance blended with timeless French craftsmanship. Featuring a beautifully bala...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
18th c. French Directoire Period Set of Six Bleached Beechwood Chairs
Located in Wichita, KS
A very charming set of six French dining chairs from the Directoire period. The frames are solid bleached beechwood nicely patinated with pegged mortise
tenon joinery. Scrolled...
Category
Early 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Beech
English Oak Directoire Style Tall Work Table w/ Chippendale Pull
Tapered Legs
Located in Germantown, MD
An English Oak Directoire Style Tall Work Table with Chippendale Pull and Tapered Legs.
Dimensions: 22.5" in width, 15" in depth and 35.75 inches in height.
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Oak
Custom Made Old Plank Directoire Style Bookcase in Stock Floor Model Reduced
Located in Chicago, IL
Handmade Country French style glazed bookcase, display cabinet or china cabinet. Our Directoire style bookcase or china cabinet was hand-crafted right here in our Old Plank workshop....
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint
19th Century French Comtoise Clock Movement
Located in Denton, TX
A great industrial accent for a tabletop or bookshelf the combination of brass and steel gears and a bronze bell. This movement is in non working condition and is used for decorative...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Steel, Iron
$720 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Italian Dining Table
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Italian early 19th Century dining table.
Featuring an unusual, decorative top that extends to make a stylish square table.
With fantastic proportions and design, this table will ad...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Pair of French Directoire Style Crystal Two-Light Sconces with Rosette Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Directoire style two-light wall sconces from the 20th century with bronze armature, crystal rosettes and obelisk motifs. This exquisite pair of French Directoire sty...
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Finest Quality French Directoire Steel and Glass Shallow Depth Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Directoire style console table exemplifies refined simplicity and timeless elegance, making it a perfect addition to both classic and contemporary interiors. Crafted from...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Steel
$1,960 Sale Price
20% Off
French Directoire style round Table in solid cherry wood, white-cream lacquered
Located in Landivy, FR
This piece belongs to our DIRECTOIRE collection, which takes up the Directoire style, very famous at the end of the 18th century in France.
It is remarkable for its straight, classic...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak
18th Century Tuscan Direttorio Dormeuse, Daybed, Italia
Located in Prato, IT
Toscana, end of '700 beginning '800
In walnut
Legs in the typical shape of the Tuscan direttorio with carved and gilded wood flower
Restored
Dimensions: cm L194 x D63 x H96
Sea...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of 18th Century Italian Directoire Painted and Parcel Gilt Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 18th century Italian Directoire painted and parcel gilt chairs.
This stunning pair of 18th century Italian Directoire chairs are pain...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Wood
Maison Jansen Style Chrome and Brass Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Maison Jansen French style coffee table. Table has X-stretcher to the sides, with brass and chrome frame. Top and bottom tiers have two pairs...
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
French Directoire style 6-drawer handcrafted chiffonier in solid cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This Chiffonier's design is in a French Countryside style, also called "Campagne chic".
This storage furniture features 2 white cream, 2 basalt grey lacquered drawers and two smoked...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak
Schumacher Four Yards of Vintage Chintz, Original Chandler Price Tag
By Schumacher
Located in Sharon, CT
Rare Schumacher vintage Chintz. Gorgeous flowers in vases patterned chintz. Retains the original Chandler, Boston price tag. Four yards. Signed on the s...
Category
Early 20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric
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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