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
Pair of Maison Jansen Style Carved Walnut X Form Stools Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Maison Jansen style carved walnut X-form stools exemplifies refined French design with timeless versatility. Each stool features a beautifully carved walnut frame, highl...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Louis XVI Style Gold Gilt Octagonal Beveled Glass Wall Hanging Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 40 1/4in W: 28 1/4in D: 1in
This French Louis XVI Style Gold Gilt Octagonal Beveled Glass Wall Hanging Mirror is truly exceptional! If you take a look at the photos provided you'll see the exceptional attention to detail within the carved gilt frame. One dead give away that this piece is quality is by looking at the beveled mirror. Beveled mirror is much more expensive than plain mirror lower end furniture companies did not bother to put higher end materials into their product as it would cost them more money. This mirror is perfect to be used as a vanity mirror, Bathroom Mirror, Bedroom mirror, entryway mirror, or kitchen mirror...
Category
Late 20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Composition
19th Century French Ebonised Three Drawer Commode
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A Louis XV ebonised, three drawer commode.
With marble top and brass gallery.
France, Circa 1850.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
French Directoire Chest of Drawers
Located in Austin, TX
Chest of drawers from France from the Directoire period. The piece is made of solid cherry wood construction and features a beautiful rosewood and tinted rosewood inlay adorning each...
Category
1820s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Directoire period chest of drawers in walnut - Italy 18th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant chest of drawers from the Directoire period, crafted in solid walnut, dates to the late 18th century and originates from Italy’s Veneto region, a hub of refined furnitur...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rare set of 6 Directoire Dining Chairs with Elaborate Carved Backs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant set of six French Louis XVI style dining chairs exudes classical refinement and timeless sophistication. Crafted with carved and painted frames in a soft antique white f...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Beech
20th C. Sophisticated French Credenza by M. Hirsch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sophisticated French Credenza, Signed Hirsch, Paris.
This 4 door credenza/buffet is ebonized, and is made in Directoire style.
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French 19th Century Twins Beds
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful set of twins beds with the original grey lacquered color. The beds are complete with spring boxes, mattresses, covered and pillows.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$8,600 / set
Wonderful Pair Directoire French Bronze Gueridon Side Tables Black Marble Tops
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of French Neoclassical Louis XVI Style Bronze Gueridon Directoire Side Tables With Black Marble / Granite Inset Tops Leading To Paw Feet.
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Granite, Marble, Bronze
Beautiful Walnut and Brass Mounted French Directoire Baker Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your living space with this Beautiful Walnut and Brass Mounted French Directoire Baker Coffee Table, a striking piece that combines neoclassical elegance with timeless functionality. Expertly crafted by the renowned Baker Furniture Company, this table showcases the refined lines and understated sophistication of the French Directoire style. The rich walnut top features a warm, natural grain, perfectly complemented by sleek brass mounts and trim that lend a subtle touch of glamour.
The tapered legs, adorned with brass-capped feet and collar details, add a sense of balance and architectural grace to the piece. Ideal for both formal and relaxed settings, this coffee table integrates seamlessly into antique-inspired interiors, Hollywood Regency decor, or even clean, mid-century modern spaces. Its generous rectangular surface offers both style and practicality—perfect for displaying art books, serving cocktails, or grounding your seating area.
A fine example of Baker’s craftsmanship and attention to historical detail, this French Directoire table...
Category
1980s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fine Quality 6 Drawer French Brass Bound Marble Top Louis XVI Tall Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine quality French Louis XVI style tall dresser showcases timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship. Featuring a six-drawer design, this stately piece provides ample storage...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
French Directoire style minister
s desk in solid wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This minister's desk with 5-drawers is a craft-handed reproduction of the world-renowned French Directoire style, which dates back to the end of the 18th century.
This range is char...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare Brass and Steel Aged Mirrored Top John Vesey Style Ebonzed Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare brass and steel ebonized writing desk in the style of John Vesey showcases a striking blend of modern sophistication and timeless craftsmanship. Designed with an eye for bo...
Category
1980s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
$4,680 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Directoire Painted Bookcase, circa 1800
Located in Doylestown, PA
A wonderful and rare French Directoire Period bookcase cabinet in 2-parts, circa 1800, hand-scraped to its original grey painted finish, and retaining its original wavy glass panes. ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Italian Walnut Directoire Bench Having a Cord Seat and Open Arms
Located in Houston, TX
18th Century Italian Walnut Directoire Bench having a cord seat and open arms. A beautifully preserved piece constructed of walnut, a prized material in Italy during the 18th centur...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cord, Walnut
Gorgeous French Carved Beveled Glass Rectangular Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French carved wall mirror showcases timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship, making it a perfect addition to both traditional and transitional interiors. The mirror features...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Blonde Window Seat Banquette Bench Daybed Neoclassical Directoire Antique
Located in London, GB
A large and strikingly attractive Neoclassical blonde window seat bench in lovely antique condition. Likely made in the early 20th Century, in the manner of the late 18th Century Fre...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Pine
French 18th Century Directoire Bed
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 18th century Directoire bed.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair Directoire Bronze Mounted Figural Marble Top Kingwood Nightstands Commodes
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Directoire bronze mounted figural marble top kingwood nightstands commodes represents the height of French craftsmanship and timeless design. Beautifully constructed in ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Diminuitive Size Maison Jansen Style Brass Steel Glass Directoire Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Add a touch of Parisian sophistication to your interior with this Diminutive Size Maison Jansen Style Brass, Steel, and Glass Directoire Coffee Table. Exuding the refined elegance th...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Directoire Armchair 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
This nice chair of directoire style is characterized by straight and simple forms. The uprights are made of turned wood with floral motifs on the connecting dice (seat and armrests)....
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$746 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 19th Century Directoire Cherry Wood Antique Single Bed
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Delicious Italian directoire antique single bed in cherry wood, 1800. Internal dimensions inch W 30,70 D 74,01 cm W 78, D 188. Attention this bed wi...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Iron
$2,393 Sale Price
20% Off
French Directoire Bronze Marble Top End Table
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire-style (20th Century) dark bronze brazier design square shaped gueridon end table with rouge marble top and cross leg supports
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
19th Century French Directoire Commode or Chest of Drawers
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 19th Century French Directoire Period commode made of solid cherry wood with yellow pine as a secondary wood. Unusual form with serpentine sides. Rounded fluted front corner...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th Century French Directoire Period Walnut Work Table or Console Table
Located in Birmingham, AL
An exceptional 18th century French Directoire period work table, handcrafted from solid walnut in Lyon, the historic capital of France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, circa 1790s. Sit...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Fine Set of 8 French Directoire Louis XVI Style Paint Decorated Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine set of 8 French Directoire Louis XVI style dining chairs beautifully captures the elegance and refinement of neoclassical French design. Each chair features a delicately pa...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Antique Aprey French Faience Pottery Cachepots or Jardinieres
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique French faience jardinieres or cachepots.
By Aprey.
Each with two painted scenes on either side. One has a man gardening and a woman carrying a breadbask...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Faience
Set of Four Samuel Copelon Swan
Lyre Back Dining Chairs
Located in Peabody, MA
A set of four wrought iron lyre-back chairs in the French style by the Samuel Copelon Company of New York, one with original label. They feature art deco bronze swan finials and padd...
Category
1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Wrought Iron
French Directoire Crackle Lacquer Gueridon Swan Pedestal Table Sculpture Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
Stately French Directoire and Empire inspired Pedestal or Sculpture Stand. Made from hardwood with a crackle lacquer finish. Features three intricate downswept swan supports leading to an acanthus scrolled foot over a tripod base. Finish is a reddish brown with black crackle lines. The tables large stature allows for use as a pub bar table...
Category
Late 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Lacquer
$1,762 Sale Price
25% Off
Pair of Sophisticated Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, Directoire circa 1795
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of sophisticated and elegant gilt bronze Candlesticks, Probably made in Paris, France. Directoire circa 1795. Beautifully decorated with leaves.
Wear consistent with age an...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Bronze
Directoire Gilt-Bronze Marble Mounted Chariot Clock, Late 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine and delicate directoire style gilt-bronze marble mounted chariot clock. Exquisite bronze work depicting a winged charioteer guiding a pair of...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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
19th Century French Directoire Hand Painted Green and Black Tole Table Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a table with this elegant antique tole lamp. Crafted in France circa 1840, the light fixture with new wiring sits on a square base over a ta...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tôle
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
Pair Ebonized Black Cane Back French Directoire Bergere Chairs Brass Accents
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of French Directoire bergère chairs combines neoclassical elegance with timeless sophistication, featuring finely crafted ebonized black frames accented with brass details....
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$1,996 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Signed Maison Jansen Mahogany Louis XVI Directoire Marble Top Commode Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite signed Maison Jansen commode dresser is a superb example of fine French craftsmanship blending Louis XVI and Directoire style influences. Featuring a sleek mahogany bo...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
$6,396 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Petite Lighted French Flame Mahogany Louis XVI Directoire Vitrine Marble Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Bring timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship into your space with this Petite Lighted French Flame Mahogany Louis XVI Directoire Vitrine Marble Top. Expertly crafted in the Fren...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
$1,559 Sale Price
20% Off
French Period Directoire Trumeau Mirror with Distressed Paint, Late 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French period Directoire trumeau mirror from the late 18th century with gilded accents, carved urn, distressed paint and mirror. This French Directoire mirror features an elegant l...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Mid Century Lacquered Louis XVI Style Dressing Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
White lacquered mid century Louis XVI style dressing table outlined in lime green accent.
Category
20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Directoire Style Brass Mounted Mahogany Gueridon
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Directoire style brass mounted mahogany gueridon, circa 1920's. With a flame mahogany top with brass banding on the outer edge, a fluted pedestal and 3 down swept legs with b...
Category
1920s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Ten French Mahogany Directoire St. Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and complete set of ten French turn of the century Directoire st. mahogany dining chairs. Each chair is raised by elegant lightly curved square tapered legs below the ...
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
Directoire Style Bibliotheque
Located in Vista, CA
Directoire Style painted Bibliotehque; France, circa 1830.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
French Directoire Louis XVI Demilune Shape Marble Top Marble Top Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant French Directoire Louis XVI demilune console table embodies the refined neoclassical style of the late 18th to early 19th century. Crafted with precision, the piece feat...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
$3,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of French Provencal Directoire Style Commodes
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A rustic yet handsome pair of 1950s Italian fruitwood chests crafted in the French Provincial Directoire style. With their clean lines, tapering legs, and restrained neoclassical det...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
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
Antique 18th C Side Chairs W Tapestry Textile
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 18th C Side Chairs W Flemish Tapestry Textile
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Textile, Wood
19th Century Demi-Lune Directoire Oak Wood and Veneer Dining Room Table
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant French demilune Directoire dining room table. Made in oak wood and veneer the legs end in bronze sabot, when the table is open they are 130 cm in diameter.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
French Directoire Two-Drawer Walnut Commode with Banded Inlay from Provence
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Provençale Directoire period two-drawer commode with banded inlay from the late 18th century. This French two-drawer commode was born in the mid-1790s, in the Provence regio...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
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
Mid Century Italian Flip Top Walnut
Marquetry Inlay Square Coffee Side Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 20th century flip top marquetry coffee table. Made in Italy featuring square or rectangular form with floral and geometric matchbook inlays, central medallion and serpentine X ba...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
$1,350 Sale Price
25% Off
Mid-century vintage large walnut obelisk table lamp
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a large mid-century vintage walnut obelisk table lamp. This decorator lamp has a black linen shade and comes with his original solid brass finial. This classical obelisk stan...
Category
1960s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
A Pair Of Gilt Bronze And White Marble Guèridon Tables
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of Gilt Bronze With White Marble Guèridon Tables. The set features small round tables with the marble top raised on three in-curved supports joined by a marble inset undershelf ...
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Early 19th Century French Directoire Period Painted Side Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant pair of late 19th century French Directoire period painted side chairs with their original patina. Lovely curved seat backs are detailed with a hand carved urn at each back t...
Category
1860s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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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