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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
Petite Intentionally Distressed Henredon Style 2 Drawer Commode Nightstand
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This petite intentionally distressed two-drawer commode nightstand in the Henredon style offers a perfect blend of timeless elegance and practical function. Featuring a compact form ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French 18th Century Ormolu and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Florence, Tuscany
Exquisite French Directoire period, chandelier dated to the end of 18th century. The lower Montgolfier is centered by a richly chased acorn finial amidst foliate. Main band, supporti...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Fine Paint Decorated Gilt Over Red Bole Green Silk Maison Jansen Attr. Settee
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
**Maison Jansen (Attributed) French Directoire Style Painted and Gilt Settee, Circa 1920s** This exquisite **paint-decorated and gilt-accented French Directoire style settee** is attributed to the legendary Parisian design house **Maison Jansen**, founded in 1880 by Jean-Henri Jansen. Elegantly proportioned, the piece features a beautifully carved beechwood frame with subtle **gilded detailing**, fluted legs, and neoclassical motifs emblematic of the Directoire period. The frame is finished in a refined cream paint with warm gilt highlights and red accents, while the upholstery—**luxurious pale green and ivory striped silk**—evokes timeless sophistication. The settee’s straight lines, scroll arm supports, and finely carved floral rosettes perfectly capture the **neoclassical symmetry and understated grandeur** that define both Directoire design and the Maison Jansen aesthetic. Renowned for blending classical elegance with modern refinement, **Maison Jansen** created interiors for the world’s elite, including **Elsie de Wolfe, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and Jacqueline Kennedy for the White House**. This remarkable settee embodies the grace, quality, and artistry for which **Maison Jansen** became synonymous, making it a statement piece for any collector or connoisseur of fine French furniture. Cushion may be goose down filled. Split in upholstery can be repaired by an upholsterer. Measures 55.5 wide x 38 tall x 33.25 deep x seat height of 21 tall **Keywords:** Maison Jansen settee, French Directoire furniture...
Category

1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Silk, Walnut, Giltwood

French 18th Century Directoire Period Mahogany and Marble Tilt Top Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most attractive French 18th century Directoire period mahogany and Brèche marble tilt top side table. The table is raised by three elegantly scrolled legs with their original caste...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Pair Maison Jansen Attributed Mahogany French Directoire Footstools, Circa 1960s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Maison Jansen attributed mahogany French Directoire footstools, circa 1960s, captures the timeless elegance and neoclassical refinement that the renowned Parisian design...
Category

1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

French Directoire Period Four Poster Bed, France 18th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very rare Directoire period four poster bed. Headboard and footboard are original - including paint. The tops curve gracefully outward. The friezes at either end feature beaut...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Portal of the Directoire Period
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Directoire period wrought iron gate with two panels, divided into two sections by a horizontal band. The upper part is composed of vertical rods ending in spearheads. They rest on a ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candlesticks. Directoire, Late 18th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
A Pair of Gilt and Dark-Patinated Bronze Candlesticks – French Directoire, Late 18th Century An exquisite pair of French gilt and dark-patinated bronze candlesticks, crafted during ...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Pair of Beds
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Those pair of frame beds wears the original paint, the inside dimensions for a spring box are 35.75 x 74.5
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Fine Pair French 19th/20th Century Directoire Style Ormolu Marble Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very Fine Pair of French 19th/20th Century Directoire Style Ormolu and Rouge Griotte Marble Gueridon Side-Tables. The finely executed mercury gilt-bronze rectangular frames, each w...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Early 19th c French Marble Topped Directoire Sewing Table With Isle of Man Feet
Located in valatie, NY
Early 19th c French Marble Topped Directoire Sewing Table With Isle of Man Feet, c1800. The octangular inset marble topped shelf has a conforming wooden surround and gallery surround...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

19th Century French Skeleton Clock of Ormolu and Marble from Directoire Period
Located in London, GB
A symbolic skeleton clock from the French Directoire period. A rectangular Carrara marble plinth with bronze toupie feet with knurled decoration supports an ormolu 'arc-de-ciel', wi...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Ormolu, Bronze

Black and Gold Directoire Tole Chandelier
Located in Stamford, CT
A striking vintage gold and black tole chandelier with four lights, featuring flared metal shades and dates back to the mid - 20th Century. The f...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Tin

Antique Italian Silver Gilt Metal Chandelier, 1920s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Italian silver gilt metal chandelier. It includes 4 lights with Austrian crystal bobeches and prisms. Additional information: Materials: crystal, lights, silver Color: s...
Category

20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Signed Maison Jansen Bronze Mounted Marble Top Directoire Commode Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Signed Maison Jansen Bronze Mounted Marble Top Directoire Commode Dresser is a fine example of the Parisian atelier’s legendary craftsmanship and timeless design. With its elega...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze

Signed Maison Jansen Marble Top Directoire Console Table with Certification
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This extraordinary Maison Jansen console table exemplifies the refined elegance and neoclassical precision of the Directoire style. Beautifully crafted and signed by Maison Jansen, t...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Pair of French 19th Century Directoire Style Patinated Étagères
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fine pair of French 19th century Directoire style patinated etageres. Each display shelf is raised by topie shaped feet and has five tiers with dentil borders. The sides display a ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Early 19th-Century Italian Directoire Walnut Bedside Cabinet
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant early 19th-century bedside cabinet in solid walnut, crafted in Italy in the Directoire style. The design is clean and vertical, with tapered legs and refined proportions t...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

French 19th Century Painted Boiserie Trumeau
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French trumeau mirror of antique boiserie (wood paneling) from Rouen, France, originally carved in the late 1800s and recently repainted. This architectural trumeau is ideally suite...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Pine, Paint

Jules Cantini Jaspe Du Var Rose Marble Fireplace For High-End Design Decor
Located in Beervelde, BE
Phenomenal mantel from Jules Cantini. The marble is called the Jaspe Du Var Rose. In the right panel you see a seal from the world known Jules Cantini workhouse. The Cantini museum i...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Vintage French Brushed Steel and Brass Neoclassical Directoire Table Stand
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Unique and elegant vintage brushed steel and brass tall stand in the manner of Maison Jansen. Stand features a square form with solid brass gallery, inset glass top, brushed steel st...
Category

Mid-20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair Louis XVI  Ormolu Bronze Horse Handled Urn Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair Louis XVI  Ormolu Bronze Horse Handled Urn Candlesticks. French Empire-Directoire Period patinated urn form candlesticks with ormolu mounts, Ottoman influenced horsehead handles...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Early 1800s French Directoire Commode in Bleached Walnut with Black Stone Top
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… The highly rectilinear form of this commode, coupled with minimalistic carvings, is indicative of the French Directoire style. Dating to the early 180...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone, Metal, Bronze

French Directoire Style Console Table in Cherry Wood, 3 Drawers
Located in Landivy, FR
This console table is fully assembled in our workshop. The finish is made with an "A" cherry stain and 2 extra layers of varnish for a strong protection of the wood. 3 drawers assemb...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry

French Directoire Style Writing Table, Desk in Cherrywood, 2 Drawers
Located in Landivy, FR
This writing table is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period style is remarkable with its straight, classical and timeles...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak

Baker Fruitwood 72" Long 9 Drawers Dresser Credenza Cabinet MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Fruitwood 72" Long 9 Drawers Dresser Credenza Cabinet MINT!
Category

20th Century American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Late 18th Century Italian Directoire Solid Walnut and Vienna Sraw Armchairs
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this fantastic pair of armchairs from the Directoire period, late 18th century. The armchairs are made of solid walnut wood with a characteristic seat in Vienna straw wov...
Category

1790s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Straw

French Directoire Style 4-Drawer Chest in Solid Cherry Wood - Commodinette
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4-drawer chest is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. It is offered in solid French cherry and is also available in oak. The...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vaso con Piatto in Cristallo Decoro Blu e Oro Austroungarico Inizio 1800
Located in Milano, MI
Elegant decagonal shaped crystal lidded vase, dish plate dating back to Directoire period, finely decorated by elaborate floral and geometrical gilded, white and blue enameled patter...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Grande Bureau Italiano in Noce Intarsiato Undici Cassetti e Abattant 1750 Circa
Located in Milano, MI
Ribalta Antica Italiana della metà del secolo XVIII di origine trentina, la regione a nord vicina all' Austria. Lastronata in legno di noce, decorato con filettature geometriche in ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Maple, Walnut

Reclaimed French Chic Stone Fireplace Mantel For A Good Price
Located in Beervelde, BE
Antique fireplace surround in French Bleu-Green stone with a restoration on the front piece. This original French reclaimed 18th century period fireplace is available for a good pric...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

19th Century Giltwood Wall Mirror
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very fine Louis Philippe rectangular mirror in a wonderful gilt wood frame, which has been carved all round in a simple but attractive ribbed or reeded style. Dating from the mid-1...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Pair of Carrara Marble Top Ormolu Mounted End Tables, attrib. to Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Carrara marble top and ormolu mounted end tables, attributed to Maison Jansen, reflects the refined elegance and craftsmanship for which the Parisian design firm was wor...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass, Bronze

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

French Directoire style handcrafted 6-Drawer Chiffonier in solid cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This Chiffonnier 6-drawer chest is a free hand crafted and modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period style is remarkable wi...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak

Vintage Neoclassical Directoire Scrolled Iron Outdoor Plank Top Dining Table 72"
Located in Dayton, OH
A nice blend of Neoclassical, Directoire and Farmhouse styling in this beautiful outdoor table. Made of iron featuring scrolled accents and pine plank top. Dimensions: 72" x 34" x 29"h
Category

Late 20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Iron

Zabihi Collection Vintage Turkish Anatolian Eclectic Runner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Turkish Runner with an unusual motif and colors. 1'9'' x 10'4''
Category

20th Century Turkish Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wool

Fine Quality French Sword and Scabbard Form Marble Top Gueridon Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Add a touch of regal French flair to your interior with this fine quality French sword and scabbard form marble top gueridon table, a masterfully crafted ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

18th Century French Directoire Bergere
Located in Houston, TX
18th century French Directoire Bergere. This stunning 18th century period French Directoire chair or bergère is the perfect side chair, ...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Directoire Sofa in Fruitwood with Paw Feet, France, ca. 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
Directoire period fruitwood sofa with carved paw feet, France, circa 1800,
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Fruitwood

Italian Brass Glass Nesting End Tables Directoire Maison Jansen Style, Set
Located in New York, NY
A versatile and substantial set/pair of Italian brass and glass nesting tables in the Directoire style, in the style of design h...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Directoire Style Acorn Finials Solid Cherry Open Arm Lounge Chairs MINT!
By Columbus Hickory Furniture Co.
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Directoire Style Acorn Finials Solid Cherry Open Arm Lounge Chairs MINT!
Category

20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Zabihi Collection Ivory Antique Hadji Jal Li Tabriz Rug
Located in New York, NY
Timeless best describes this magnificent early 20th century antique Persian Hadji jali Tabriz rug. size 8'11'' x 12'
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wool

1960s French Brass Stool
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1960s French Brass Stool With Scrolls Legs bend in per the design Needs refinishing and reupholstery
Category

1960s Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze

French Directoire style nesting "gigognes" side tables in solid cherry
Located in Landivy, FR
This coffee table 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....
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak

Antique French Bouillotte Directoire 3 Light Pierced Tole Candelabra Lamp
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique French Neoclassical Bouillotte / Directoire / Hot Water Bottle silver plate three light table lamp, featuring a pierced / reticulated base wit...
Category

Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Set of Four Vintage French Brass Lyre Sconces
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This set of four, vintage 20th century French sconces are full of historic details referencing Directoire and Neoclassical themes. Cast in heavy, high-quality brass they are a beauti...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Wire

18th Century Black Belgian Marble Arts And Crafts Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
Fabulous 18th century Belgian antique fireplace surround. A small Black Belgian marble and Belgian Ardenne marble jewel in great condition. One of a kind original fireplace surround ...
Category

18th Century Belgian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Belgian Black Marble

Pair of Directoire Style Mahogany Floral Brocade Silk Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Directoire Style Mahogany Floral Brocade Silk Upholstered Armchairs Measures 23" in width , 24" in width, 37.5" in height. Seat height is 19" and low arm height is 21".
Category

Late 20th Century American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Silk

Antique English Brass Tapesty Fireplace Screen Ball Claw Hearthware Guard
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique French Victorian Directoire fireplace screen. Made of brass featuring exceptional reticulated fretwork with fluting and ornate ball & claw feet. Great for use with stained gl...
Category

19th Century Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Directoire Style 3-drawer lacquered console table in solid wood
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. This Console is made of solid French cherry wood. Its finish consists of black lacquered legs and white-cream lacquered drawers, shelf and top. This Console features 3 drawers with Louis XVI rings...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer

Maison Jansen Style Brass Arrow Directoire Lamp
Located in Stamford, CT
1960s Maison Jansen style brass Directorie style lamp. Brass retains overall unpolished patina. No makers mark or signature. Newly rewired with brown silk braided cord. Original dou...
Category

1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Directoire Style gray desk in solid oak wood with a 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 time...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer

Ormolu and Patinated Bronze French Directoire Striking Clock, c1790
Located in valatie, NY
This graceful gilt bronze striking clock is from France’s Directoire period. The clocks white enameled face has black Roman numerals and is framed with ...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Directoire Style Desk Solid Cherry with Leather Pad and Covered Storage Space
Located in Landivy, FR
This desk belongs to the MELANIE collection that proposes handcraft modernized reinterpretated pieces of furniture from the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. T...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer

Fine Quality 19th Century Bronze Mounted Directoire Jansen Style Marble Commode
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exceptional 19th century French commode exemplifies the refined elegance of the Directoire and Jansen style, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The commode features a ...
Category

1880s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Boiserie Library Paneled Wall Unit
Located in Sheffield, MA
Very handsome boiseries wall paneling from a French country chateau. The antique 19th century Directorie period oak paneled wall is made of 1 entry ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Oak

Shallow Depth Baker Furniture Directoire Figured Walnut Directoire Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your home with this timeless Baker Furniture Company French Directoire Style Sideboard, expertly crafted in rich fiddle-back walnut. A distinguished example of Baker’s commit...
Category

1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Bouillotte Directoire 2 Light Tole Candelabra Parlor Lamp
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique French Neoclassical Bouillotte / Directoire / Hot Water Bottle silver plate three light table lamp, featuring a fluted column with round dish ...
Category

Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal

18th Century Directoire Period Country French Whitewashed Buffet
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century Directoire Period Country French Whitewashed Buffet is a splendid example of the tailored architecture made popular just before and after the turn of the 19th century. ...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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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