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
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
Early 19th Century French Directoire Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock by Deverberie
By Deverberrie
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
This is a classic Directoire period clock by the famous clock maker Deverberie. The drum-shaped clock is surmounted by an ormolu basket of flowers with festoons of foliage and flower...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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
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
Zinc Urns
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional pair of antique French zinc vases originates from the heart of Paris, France. Crafted in the style of the Directoire period (1770–1790), these urns showcase the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. These timeless antiques are a testament to both functional design and aesthetic appeal from a celebrated period in European history.
The Rich Heritage of Antique Urns
Throughout history, antique urns and vases have been cherished across Europe for their exquisite craftsmanship and multifaceted functionality. Often serving as symbols of status and artistry, they were used to adorn gardens, courtyards, and stately homes. Made by skilled artisans, these pieces combined durability with intricate design, ensuring they could withstand the elements while remaining visually captivating. Today, their historical value and timeless appeal make them sought-after garden antiques.
Transforming Spaces with Antique Urns
These antique garden planters...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Zinc
$2,880 / set
Pair of French 19th Century Tole Wall Jardinieres Wired as Wall Sconces
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of French 19th century painted and parcel-gilt tole wall jardinieres wired as wall sconces.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tôle
Pair of French Directoire Fauteuil Armchairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
These delicately proportioned 18th-century fauteuil armchairs exemplify the French Directoire style, each with a barreled back, and rosette finials a...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
$25,000 / set
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
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
Faux Bamboo Bronze Shelf in the Style of Maison Baguès
Located in New York, NY
Faux bamboo bronze shelf in the style of Maison Baguès. Has three glass shelves and a nice greenish patina to the bronze.
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Writing Table, Pull-Out Gilt-Tooled Leather Top
Located in Montreal, Quebec
An elegant desk from 20th century France. This writing table features a pull-out black leather top adorned with gold tooling, creating a beautiful contrast with the warm brown wood o...
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
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
Pair of David Duncan Studio Sage Boissy II Light Sconces
By David Duncan
Located in New York, NY
A directoire-inspired hand-carved, diamond shaped backplate in mahogany available with wood, painted or guilt finishes. The eight point star-shaped backplate designed for single or d...
Category
2010s Directoire Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass, Wood
American Ivory Painted Upholstered Swan French Style Armchair
Located in Southampton, NY
American ivory painted upholstered swan French Directoire style armchair.
Category
Late 20th Century North American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
$3,040 Sale Price
20% Off
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
French Directoire Terracotta Frieze
Located in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
A carved frieze of three terracotta panels of dancing maidens: French Directoire
From the frieze of a rotunda.
Repaired breaks
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
$6,785 / set
Portico Clock, Directoire Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Portico clock in chiseled and gilt bronze composed of a rectangular base in white marble. Architecture with two columns topped by griffins holding the di...
Category
1790s European Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Table Tier English Mahogany Brass Marble 19th Century England
Located in New York, NY
Table tier English mahogany brass marble, 19th century England. A side table made during the end of 18th century / beginning of 19th century in England. Tiers from white marble trimmed with a brass edge. Tripod with the shapes of human legs...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
$2,100 Sale Price
40% Off
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
Maison Jansen, Pair of Directoire Style Wall Sconces Gilt and Silver Brass 1970s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Maison Jansen, in the taste of.
Pair of Directoire style gilt and silver brass wall sconces with four arm lights. Chandelle shaft topped by an ancient covered vase and finished by...
Category
1970s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
English Stool
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
M/832 - Antique English adjustable piano or vanity stool in mahogany, just covered in real red leather.
Height adjustable. Simple and elegant.
Category
Early 20th Century English Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$1,140 Sale Price
20% Off
French 19th Century Directoire Style Side/Center Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and most decorative French 19th century Directoire style flamed mahogany, rosewood, maplewood and ormolu side/center table. The table is raised by its original casters...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
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
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
Pair of French 19th Century Directoire St. Limoges Porcelain and Ormolu Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant pair of French 19th century Directoire st. Limoges porcelain and ormolu lamps. Each lamp is raised by a fine square ormolu base with a lovely beaded wrap around band. ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
French Directoire Style Armchair
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
19th C French Directoire style armchair. 1880.
Seat is 22" w x 22.5" d x 16.5" h.
Internal reference: JG11
Reference: 8063
Dimensions
28 inches (71 cms) Wide
30.5 inches (77 cms)...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Suite of 5 engravings of Antique scenes after Moitte by Janinet
By Jean François Janinet
Located in Paris, FR
Suite of 5 Directoire-period etchings and aquatint engravings depicting scenes from antiquity, after drawings by Jean-Guillaume MOITTE (1746-1810), author, and by the engraver Jean F...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Paper
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
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
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
Antique French Pair Silver Plated Bouillotte Lamps
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Antique French Pair Silver Plated Bouillotte Lamps. Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Silver
Pair of Hand Carved Cherrywood Directoire Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of elegant French Directoire style armchairs made of solid cherry. The lines, straight in the front view, give the armchairs an unmistakable and almost modern character. The sli...
Category
Late 20th Century European Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Cherry
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
Continental Directoire Style Flamed Mahogany and Marble Center Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very handsome Continental 19th century Directoire st. flamed mahogany and marble center table. The table is raised by three elegant patinat...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Italian Walnut High Chair
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Italian walnut high chair: sturdy, simple, comfortable with the rounded backrest. If you want a cushion, no problem: there are many ones, easily was...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$1,425 Sale Price
20% Off
French Directoire Period Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock Signed Maniere
By C. Maniere
Located in London, GB
French Directoire period ormolu and patinated bronze mantel clock signed Maniere a Paris. A magnificent antique French Directoire mantel clock in patinated bronze and finest ormolu signed Maniere a Paris for Charles-Guillaume Maniere who was working in the Rue...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Directoire Armchair, France 1800-10
Located in Leimen, DE
Discover the elegance and historical charm of this Directoire armchair, originating from France around 1800. This piece showcases a meticulously carved walnut frame, reflecting the r...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Tripod Table with Verdigris Stone Top
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Fine Karelian wood tri-pod table with brass mounts in the Directoire taste with polished verdigris stone top.
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Pair of Early 19th Century Directoire Four-Light Sconces
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Superb Pair of Directoire Sconces, Early 19th century.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair Of Directorial Armchairs - Patina In Green Tones
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair Of Directorial Armchairs - Patina In Green Tones
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Silk, Wood
Continental mid 19th century Directoire st. Carrara and Belgian marble mantel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most handsome Continental mid 19th century Directoire st. white Carrara and black Belgian marble mantel. This beautiful mantel is elevated by stepped Black Belgian mar...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Carrara Marble
Napoleon III Etagere
Japonism ALPHONSE GIROUX PARIS
Located in Madrid, ES
A Napoleon III Etagere 'japonism' in ormolu and grave glass
Modeled as rods of bamboo mounted with bamboo leaves on the legs, the top suspended with four handles and with three circular tiers each engraved with floral and ivy designs and surrounded by a three-quarter pierced gallery, the upper tier signed 'ALPH. GIROUX PARIS...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Late 18th Century Mahogany Directoire Server
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Original condition with a beautiful natural patina.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$4,400 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century, 6 Mahogany Chairs, Directoire Style
Located in Beaune, FR
Suite of 6 Directoire style mahogany chairs. The seats are covered with a fabric. They are in good condition.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Directoire Lyre Back Settee, circa 1880s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Rare and elegant Directoire style lyre-back settee. Original black paint. Newly reupholstered with vintage fabric. Horsehair-filled cushion.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Set of Six Italian 19th Century Directoire Style Olive Wood Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional complete set of six Italian 19th century Directoire st. olive wood dining chairs. Each chair is raised by elegant lightly curved square legs below the straight apron. ...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Olive
Set of Eight French 19th Century Directoire St. Patinated Wood Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and very unique complete set of eight French 19th century Directoire st. patinated wood dining chairs. Each chair is raised by lovely turned circular legs at the front wit...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set Of 6 Directoire Style Armchairs , Wood and Fabric, Belgium
Located in Brussels, BE
Set Of 6 Directoire Style Armchairs , Wood and Fabric, Belgium
Category
2010s Belgian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Directoire Diminutive Walnut Secrétaire à Abattant and a Similar Diminutive
Located in Buchanan, MI
A 19th century Directoire diminutive walnut Secrétaire a' Abattant and a similar diminutive five-drawer chest. Great small drinks table or jewelry chest. Great attention paid to deta...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century French Directoire Mirror
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century French Directoire Mirror. Gorgeous striking piece for any wall.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$2,800 Sale Price
56% Off
French 19th century Directorate st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most decorative French 19th century Directorate st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu chandelier. This beautiful six arm chandelier is centered by an Ormolu acorn bottom fin...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
French 18th Century Directoire Period Mahogany, Ormolu and Brass Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely elegant French 18th century Directoire period mahogany, ormolu and brass side table. The table is raised by three lightly scrolled legs with fine ormolu mounts with beau...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
Unusual Directoire Style Cast Iron, Aluminum and Stone Top Table
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Rare and elegant Directoire style round coffee table. The table is raised on tapered cast aluminum legs with ring detail. The cast iron apron is adorned with X-shape and star motifs and has traces of original paint. Grey stone top. Unique piece. One of the earliest examples of cast aluminum furniture.
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
18th Century Directoire Commode, Mahogany, Walnut and Sycamore
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
18th Century Directoire Commode, Mahogany, Walnut and Sycamore with Original hardware. has CHAPNIS stamped. Piece is gorgeous and pr...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Sycamore, Walnut
French Gilt Bronze Floor Lamp after Maison Charles
Located in New York, NY
French gilded bronze floor lamp after Maison Charles.
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Turquin Blue Marble Fireplace, Alep Brecchia and White Statuary
Located in Honnelles, WHT
marble fireplace, early nineteenth century, great quality of sculpture. Fireplace dimensions: 92,5x111cm.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Bronze Dore and Cobalt Chandelier
Located in Stamford, CT
A doré bronze and cobalt chandelier with a three-feather, circular design in the Russian or Directoire style.
Category
Late 20th Century European Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Directoire Style Gilt Bronze Two-Light Sconce by Gherardo degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This French Directoire style sconce features top-quality chiselled bronze, with many vivid details typical of the end of the 18th century. At the top, there is a staple, a typical el...
Category
2010s Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Directoire Style Gilt Bronze Three-Light Sconce by Gherardo degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
This French Directoire style sconce features top-quality chiselled bronze, with many vivid details typical of the end of the 18th century. At the top, there is a staple, a typical el...
Category
2010s Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Set of Four 1940s Directoire Style Mirrors, France
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Chic and understatedly elegant set of four Directoire-style rectangular walnut mirrors, from the 1940s. The corners are embellished with a simple diamond-shape ebonized wood cabochon...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, 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.
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