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.
to
122
545
224
718
60
5
198,089
115,379
44,182
33,199
16,295
12,210
10,892
10,837
9,971
8,944
7,376
6,640
6,523
6,422
6,222
6,140
4,929
3,743
174
229
315
65
62
157
47
7
5
12
8
25
59
26
15
10
4
529
346
179
168
134
660
546
71
39
36
783
729
762
9
7
3
2
2
Style: Directoire
Late 18th Century French Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A fine example of a late 18th century Directoir marble and gilt bronze clock after a model by Deverberie. The dial is signed a Paris but the maker is not known. The clock sits on...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
18th Century French Directoire Satinwood Mahogany Marble Top Commode
Located in Essex, MA
Beautiful Directoire or Late Louis XVI Commode or Chest of Drawers. Satinwood panels and drawer fronts. Original hardware. Original White Marble Top with Bronze Gallery. Toupe Fe...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Dining Room Set of Eight Italian Chairs and a Pair of Armchairs, 1790
Located in Rome, IT
A fine 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
$17,248 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Directoire Style Bronze And Burl Walnut Guéridon
Located in Essex, MA
Circular inset black granite top with metal banded edge and three faux bamboo cluster column supports joining a lower tripartite stretcher. Ending on bronze capped saber legs.
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Granite, Bronze
Large Pair of French Gilt Dore Bronze Figural Bow Top Four-Light Wall Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A palatial pair of French doré bronze four-light bow top and tassle wall sconces, newly wired.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Small Directoire Cylinder Desk In Mahogany
Located in Kent, Dover
A small French Directoire mahogany cylinder desk, with brass detailing throughout. The roll top hiding a witing slope with a tooled leather top and two drawers. Above, a marble galle...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
19th Century Pair of French Directoire Bronze Dore Bird and Arrow Wall Sconces
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Directoire-style (19th Century) bronze dore wall scoces with two arms, a double wreath design, and bird head and arrow details. (PRICED AS Pa...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Directoire Armchair, France 1800-1810
Located in Leimen, DE
Discover the elegance and historical charm of this Directoire armchair, originating from France around 1790. This piece showcases a meticulously carved walnut frame, reflecting the r...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
18th Century French Directoire Mahogany Table - Black Italian Marble top
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
18th Century French Directoire Mahogany Table withItalian Black marble top. Gorgeous piece purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, message us with questions.
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Ormolu
Directoire Period Oxblood Salon Suite w/ Saber Legs and Scrolled Backs, Late 18C
Located in New York, NY
This remarkable salon suite from the Directoire period (circa late 18th century) includes a finely crafted small sofa paired with two matching chairs, embodying the restrained elegan...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French Bronze Mounted Mahogany Directoire Style Meridienne
Located in Dallas, TX
A very graceful French meridienne in the directoire style.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
19th Century Italian Directoire Demilune Console
Located in New Orleans, LA
Exceptional Italian walnut or marble demilune console.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Pair of Directoire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Ewers
Located in Kittery Point, ME
In the neoclassical taste, the open reeded spouts above ovoid bodies with leaf-clasped socles on square bases, the handles terminating in a female mask.
This pair of ewers...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$15,000 / set
French Directoire Dark Green and Gilt Painted Vine Design Trumeau / Wall Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire (l8th /19th Century) dark green painted trumeau / wall mirror with gilt vinework decorated frame.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Directoire Period French Music Room Grey Marble Stone Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
Phenomenal antique fireplace mantel (fireplace) in the Besançon grey hard stone from the Directoire period. The central cartouche shows musical instruments.
The mantel aged very nic...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
Late 18th Century Set of 6 Directoire "Etrusque" Side Chairs, Manner of G. Jacob
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of six sidechairs raised on circular front legs and square curved back legs, backrest with carved pierced latticework, the intersections of which are decorated with stylised rosettes, the top rail curved backwards. All side chairs are upholstered with elegant yellow / golden paisley pattern jacquard fabric by RUBELLI.
The set of 6 Directoire side chairs with its shape "à l'Étrusque" and its characteristic backrest design is closely related to chairs made by Georges Jacob (1739-1814):
Georges Jacob was one of the most prominent Parisian chair...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Dining Room Set of Eight Italian Chairs and a Pair of Armchairs, 1790
Located in Rome, IT
A fine 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
$17,248 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Directoire Chairs, France, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Four French Directoire walnut chairs with a cushioned S-shaped backrest and a trapezoidal seat, standing on conical feet in the front and saber legs in the rear. The chairs were prof...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$7,186 / set
French Directoire Period Side Table, oval shaped, around 1800
Located in Belmont, MA
This elegant oval side table, dating from the Directoire period around 1800, is crafted from solid walnut and features a beautiful marble top with a brass railing. In good original c...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
$3,160 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century French Directoire Black Lacquered Chest with Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
This item is a gorgeous 19th Century French Directoire Black Lacquered Chest with Marble. The chest showcases a French style with a black color and a marble top, adding elegance and ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Direttorio 1770 walnut extending table
By A. Manzoni
Located in Villa Verucchio, Emilia-Romagna
Direttorio 1770 walnut antique extending table - Timeless elegance for your home
A masterpiece of late 18th century antique extendable table
This splendid walnut extending table, m...
Category
18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
Vicentine Direttorio walnut dresser from the 1700s
By A. Manzoni
Located in Villa Verucchio, Emilia-Romagna
An 18th-Century Masterpiece: 18th-Century Vicentine Directory Walnut Chest of Drawers
Furnishing one's home with period furniture means adding a touch of history and sophistication ...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Nutwood
1960s Montgolfier Tole Toleware Chandelier (Two Available)
Located in London, GB
1960s Montgolfier tole chandelier (two available).
Gorgeous hand-painted, three-arm Italian ceiling light based on the Montgolfier Brothers' hot-air balloon design. Decorated in the...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tôle
French Revolving Dumb Waiter with a Faux Bois Finish and Bronze Fittings
Located in Dallas, TX
A French revolving dumb waiter, dessert table with a painted wood finish and bronze fittings. An applied letter in French on second shelf stating the quality of the table. this Faux ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Directoire Buffet
Located in Westwood, NJ
French Directoire Buffet, with custom-designed hand-wrought iron face plates and pulls both accent and accentuate the perfectly sized Buffet. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$5,679 / item
Early 19th Century Sèvres Neoclassical Ormolu and Bisque Porcelain Clock
Located in Essex, MA
Period early 19th century Directoire clock attributed to Sèvres. Beautifully sculpted biscuit porcelain in white and Wedgwood blue jasper ware col...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
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
19th Century Pair of Directoire Silver metal
Bronze Directoire Candlesticks
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of French Directory period candlesticks, early 19th century, in silver bronze with base decoration with concentric arches, upper part decorated w...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Wrought Iron French Gilt Coffee Table Attributed to Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Gold gilt wrought iron glass top coffee table. Some scratches to the glass. Attributed to Maison Ramsay.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Walnut Panetière Early 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb and rare walnut panetière from the beginning of the 19th century
This piece of furniture were used in the past to store the bread in the south of France. Provence region
Very...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of 18th Century French Directoire Side Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Late 18th century carved and painted Directoire side chairs. Featuring a lovely patina and upholstered in a pastel plaid. Pretty! Circa 1795
19w x 15d x 34.5h
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$2,560 Sale Price / set
20% Off
1950s French Iron and Brass Dining Table and Chairs
Located in New York, NY
1950s French iron and brass dining table and chairs. The set has iron frames, chairs are black vinyl, with brass finials to the top and b...
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
$19,000 / set
1920s pair of Danish marble
brass gallery painted tables
Located in London, GB
A handsome pair of circa 1920s Scandinavian painted side tables with marble tops banded with reeded brass with fretwork gallery surround.
In a striking mottled grey green marble they...
Category
1920s Danish Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
18th Century Directoire Deux-Corps
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Cupboard or sideboard in two parts, dating from the Directoire period. The doors with losange motifs. The lower section has a small central drawer. Elegant cornice.
A beautiful and ...
Category
18th Century and Earlier French Antique Directoire Furniture
Set Of Four French Early 19th Century Directoire St. Patinated Wood Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant set of four French early 19th century Directoire st. Patinated wood armchairs. Each wonderful chair is raised by circular tapered front legs with two mottled bands and end...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Directoire Style Athenienne Stand in Gilt Bronze and Porcelain, 1900 Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Directoire style athenienne stand table in chiseled and gilt bronze composed of a tripod fluted and tapered support on lion’s paw feet. They’re joined bottom by a concave stretcher f...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
rare Olivewood side table with decorative hardware.
Located in Bronx, NY
This wonderful french side table is wonderfully craffed with details and moulures to add class and elegance. The bale is made of rare olive wood with an impressive patern on the top....
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
18th Century Pair of Directoire Candelabra With Bronze Griffins
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
18th Century Pair of Directoire Candelabra With Bronze Griffins
Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$4,400 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of Memphis Style Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Memphis style armchairs. Chairs are newly upholstered in linen. Has mahogany arms, a painted steel frame with circular bronze trim and bronze base.
Category
1970s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Steel
$6,300 / set
Directoire Style Onyx and Bronze Guéridon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Stunning onyx and bronze Directoire style guéridon with paw feet. Lower onyx shelf and central finial.
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Onyx, Bronze
Antique French Bronze and Marble Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
1920s French bronze and marble pedestal. Pedestal has hoof feet, a nice burgundy marble top with a decorative and ornate bronze frame.
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Directoire handcrafted Oak Coffee Table with a drawer, chestnut finish
Located in Landivy, FR
This coffee table 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 an...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak
Polished Steel and Brass Coffee Table in the Style of Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Polished steel and brass coffee table in the style of Maison Jansen.
Category
1960s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
French Directoire Marble Pillar Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
A Directoire Ormolu with black marble French pillar clock, three and a half inch enamel dial with Roman numerals signed ‘Viven Fils a Epernay’ with...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Wrought Iron and Tufted Bench Style of Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Wrought iron and tufted bench style of Maison Ramsay.
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Directoire Card Table, 1800-10, Mahogany
Located in Belmont, MA
This French Directoire card table dates back to around 1800-10, It has a pretty mahogany veneer. The table stands on four pointed legs. The top can be folded out and rests on the pul...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Late 18th Century French Metal Lamp
By Maison de L
Aluminium
Located in Copenhagen, K
Converted oil lamp from "Maison de Laluminium" in Paris. Very nice ornamented bronze, brass and metal lamp.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Metal
1950s Maison Jansen Bronze and Glass Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
1950s Maison Jansen bronze and glass coffee table. Solid bronze with original glass.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Italian Directoire Carved and Painted Console Tables, circa 1810
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian Directoire console tables; the carved, fluted and tapered legs support an apron with silvered motif of rosettes and fanciful carving on all sides. The whole supports...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
19th Century French Directoire Hand Painted Green and White Tole Table Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a table or a buffet with this elegant antique tole lamp; crafted in France, circa 1840, the lamp sits on a square base, and features hand pa...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tôle
Brass and Marble-Top Dining Table in the Style of Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Brass and marble-top dining table in the style of Maison Jansen. Two brass pedestals supported by a stretcher with ram's head feet.
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Round Marble Top Gueridon Table With Mahogany Shelves
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A vintage round marble top gueridon table with a brass rail, brass legs and mahogany shelves. At the heart of this gueridon table is a round white carrara marble top, exuding a luxur...
Category
Mid-20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
20th Century Round Top Armchair in Silk Upholstery
Located in Sofia, BG
ARMCHAIR in natural wood, resting on fluted baluster legs.
Work of the 30s
France
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$1,425 Sale Price
50% Off
Maison Jansen Style Mirrored Top Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Maison Jansen style coffee table with a mirrored top. Black legs and a decorative scrolled stretcher with gold feet.
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Steel and Brass Coffee Table in the Manner of Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Polished steel and brass coffee table manner of Jansen. Stretcher has curved legs with brass ball feet.
Category
1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Fine Quality French Dore
Bronze and Mahogany Directoire Dessert Tray Top Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Discover timeless elegance with this Fine Quality French Doré Bronze and Mahogany Directoire Dessert Tray Top Table, an exquisite piece that seamlessly blends classic French craftsma...
Category
1920s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$1,596 Sale Price
20% Off
Decorative French Bronze Bench
Located in New York, NY
Decorative French bronze bench / stool with a linen-blend upholstered seat.
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Directoire Mahogany End Table with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Mahogany End Table with Carrara Marble will make a great accent for any room. Its diminutive size makes it ideal for cozy dwellings or seating groups. Fin...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
French Vitrine Cabinet, Glass Door Walnut, Rosewood with Ormolu Mounts
Located in Toronto, CA
A French vitrine cabinet with glass door and sides, in walnut with rosewood and tulipwood, top
with a grey marble top.
The ormolu mounts give the cabinet the Louis XV styling tha...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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.
Still Thinking About These?
All Recently ViewedMore Ways To Browse
Burled Walnut Desk
Burnished Bamboo
Butter Table
Cabinet Dowel
Cabinets With Metal Inlay
Cameo Glass Bowl
Campaign Chest 1970
Campaign Chest Camphor
Canopic Jars
Canton Chinese Bowl
Cardinal Sculpture
Carrera Marble Dining Table
Carved Boar
Cast Grape Vine
Ceramic Cheetah
Ceramic Giraffe
Ceramic Pagoda
Ceramic Spanish Jug