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
French Directoire Style Console Table in Cherry with blue striped Drawer
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. The ...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry
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
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
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
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
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
Fine Rare French Walnut Directoire Cartonier Writing Desk Marquetry Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exceptional French Directoire writing desk, also known as a cartonier desk, is a rare find that combines refined craftsmanship with timeless elegance. Crafted in walnut, the des...
Category
1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
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 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
Maison Jansen Polished Steel and Brass Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Maison Jansen polished steel and brass coffee table.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Exceptional 18th Century French Mahogany Stools
Located in Allerum, SE
Exceptional 18th / early 19th century French mahogany stools. Ca 1800. Signed by Henry Jacob, master in Paris (1753 - 1824).
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Directoire canapé sofa, 18th century, Tassinari
Chatel silk
By Georges Jacob, Tassinari
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Beautiful lacquered canapé, fine late 18th century Parisian production circa 1795 (Directoire period).
Finely carved ribs and roses patterns, beautiful proportions. A high range prod...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Silk, Wood
Pair of French Directoire Period Fauteuils
Located in Pembroke, MA
Pair of French painted fauteuils, period Directoire, newly-upholstered in museum reproduction cotton toile fabric. Paint appears original.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$11,750 / set
French Liftable "dinette" table in solid cherry - storage for bottles glasses
Located in Landivy, FR
This liftable coffee table is part of our MELANIE collection, which is a modernized interpretation of a French Directoire style coffee table at the e...
Category
2010s Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak
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
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
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
Set of Four 18th Century Chairs, France, Cherry, Painted, Directoire, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Set of very unusual 18th century chairs
It's a set of four chairs, all with different paintings of the Greek mythology.
Bourgogne (France)
cherrywood, oil colors
Directoire,...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
$4,770 Sale Price / set
35% Off
French Directoire style 4 Drawer Chest in cherry and a white-cream finish
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4 drawer chest is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable for its straight, classical and timeless lines...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Gorgeous Oval Steel and Glass Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This oval steel and glass Maison Baguès style faux bamboo coffee table is a striking example of refined French-inspired design that combines elegance with timeless craftsmanship. Fea...
Category
1980s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Steel
$1,356 Sale Price
20% Off
French Louis XVI Directoire Style Bedside Table in Solid Oak, 1 Drawer
Located in Landivy, FR
This night stand is a handmade and modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century.
This period is remarkable with its straight, classical a...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Oak
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 French Gates
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Mid-20th century French Director style iron gates. There are 5 gates connected to each other.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Iron
$5,440 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Leather Top Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Leather Top Desk is a marvel of timeless architecture, tailored styling and quality materials. Crafted from exotic imported mahogany,...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
19th Century Desk/office Chair In Walnut
Located in Brussels, Brussels
19th century walnut office chair
Rare and superb 19th century office chair upholstered in camel-colored leather.
The leather has a superb patina and is in magnificent condition.
Rest...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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, three con...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
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
Collection of Six 19th c. French Directoire Framed Panoramic Wallpaper Panels
Located in Wichita, KS
19th c. wood-block printed French panoramic wallpaper scenes in the Directoire style very likely by the premier French manufacturer, Zuber & Cie. Presenting a panorama of park and ga...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint, Paper
Fantastic Shabby Distressted Multicolored Maison Jansen Style Armchair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your interior décor with this fantastic shabby distressed multicolored Maison Jansen style armchair, a true statement piece blending classic elegance with rustic charm. Featu...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage French Ebonized Marble-Top Commode in the Directoire Manner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage French ebonized marble-top commode in the Directoire manner.
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
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
Signed, Three Maison Jansen Tufted Benches
Located in New York, NY
Signed, three Maison Jansen Tufted benches. The benches have tufted velvet cushions, black ebonized tapered legs with gold trim.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Velvet
$24,000 / set
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
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 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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
19th Century French Directoire Mahogany Boulliotte Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
The product is a set of two 19th Century French Directoire Mahogany Boulliotte Tables, exuding a classic elegance. Made from high-quality mahogany, with brass details and marble to...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
French Directoire console in cherry with red grey striped drawer
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. The ...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry
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
French Directoire Style Handcrafted Customizable 4-Drawer Chest in Solid Wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4 drawer chest is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable for its straight, classical and timeless lines...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Directoire style handcrafted lacquered desk with solid wood
leather pad
Located in Landivy, FR
This desk is a craft-handed reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. The design of this period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timel...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Wood, Oak, Lacquer
French Directoire Armchair Beech Gold
White Upholstery France 19th
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very pretty beech armchair with a pretty tapestry in shades of gold and white in the Directoire style - 19th century
The very luminous white and gold upholstery makes it an elegant ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$954 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century Pair Directoire Bergeres Detached Columns
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
18th Century Pair Directoire Bergeres Detached Columns
Unique pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$5,200 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Four Directoire Armchairs, France, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Four French armchairs made of solid mahogany with elegantly curved legs and a slightly rounded upholstered seat. The armrests slope down in a gentle curve and end on the extended leg...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Brass and Steel Glass Top Maison Jansen Style Directoire End Table, circa 1960
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This brass and steel glass top Maison Jansen style Directoire end table, circa 1960, embodies the refined elegance and timeless appeal for which Maison Jansen is celebrated. Crafted ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
$1,196 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
LATE 18th CENTURY SIX DIRECTOIRE WALNUT CHAIRS
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant set of six chairs in solid carved walnut, embellished with original fabric with plant embroidery in shades of gold, green, and pink. The chairs are distinguished by their cur...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
$4,579 / set
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
Set of Four Late 18th Century Neoclassical Ormolu Wall Sconces
By François Rémond
Located in Essex, MA
Rare Set of Four Period French Directoire or Le Premier Empire Sconces. Two arm wall lights in the Late 18th Century Neoclassical form. Dull and Burnished Fire Gilding. Extreme de...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
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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