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
Two Story Mahogany Side Table
By Loyzaga
Located in Mexico, Ciudad de México
This two story side table is made from mahogany wood with border inlays in a lighter colored wood.
The inspiration for this piece comes from Directorie Style, a 15 year period in la...
Category
2010s Mexican Directoire Furniture
Materials
Oak
Soft Blue and White Painted French Directoire Style Medium Size Armchairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant pair of French Directoire style armchairs offers a perfect balance of timeless design and modern comfort, making them an ideal addition to both traditional and contempor...
Category
1950s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$1,560 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Directoire Antique French Candlesticks
By France"
Located in DELFT, NL
French Directoire Period brass Candlesticks.
The detachable socles set within urn shaped holders, baluster-shaped stems, terminating on circular bases.
Some rubbing and wear.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Directoire Style Paint Decorated Two Drawer Baker Commode Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite French Directoire style commode dresser by Baker Furniture showcases refined elegance and timeless craftsmanship. Featuring a beautifully paint-decorated finish in sof...
Category
1960s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$2,396 Sale Price
20% Off
Set of Four Wedgwood Directoire Yellow Banded Creamware Cups and Saucers
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
Set of four Wedgwood Directoire pattern yellow banded cream cups and saucers. Cups and saucers in the Directoire pattern and style with characteristic handles of the post Revolutionary six year period of the French Directory...
Category
20th Century English Directoire Furniture
Materials
Creamware
$100 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Early 19th Century Green Painted Household Shrine
Located in Houston, TX
Early 19th century green-painted household shrine, or niche, in Directoire neoclassical style (circa 1795-1815). Used for lighting candles or placing statue of saint. Original green ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
French Directoire Style Gold Gilt Rectangle Wall Hanging Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 45 1/4in W: 36in D: 1in
This French Directoire style gold gilt rectangle wall hanging mirror is a prime example of luxury decor! This piece is made of the highest qua...
Category
Late 20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
$1,400 Sale Price
20% Off
French Directoire Style 19th Century Walnut Commode with Grey Marble Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire style walnut commode from the 19th century, with three drawers, grey marble top, brass accents and fluted posts. Created in France during the 19th century, this w...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
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
Fine French Classic Style Antique Fireplace Surround In Marble
Located in Beervelde, BE
A fine antique 18th century marble antique fireplace surround of the Directoire period. It was installed in a corner. See the marks on the shelf. This Classic stylish mantelpiece was...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
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
French Directoire Child
s Armchair
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century French Directoire Child's Armchair. Chair is finely carved and painted in soft tones with a timeworn patina that beautifully reflects its age. The armchair features eleg...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Maison Baguès Steel and Brass Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Steel and brass Maison Baguès coffee table with a rectangular shaped glass top.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
French Directoire Style oval Table in Cherry with 2 extensions, from France
Located in Landivy, FR
This piece belongs to our DIRECTOIRE collection, which takes up the Directoire style, very famous at the end of the 18th century in France.
It is remarkable for its straight, classic...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak
Early 20th C Carved and Painted French Directoire Style Chairs in Linen, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of early 20th century carved French bergère chairs. The frames are sage green paint with almost deep russet painted details. The floral linen upholstery is recently do...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood
French Directoire Style Cherry Wood Stained Coffee Table
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.
Its classical finish is made with Cherry stains, PU lacquer, and a satin varnish.
This Coffee Table features one central drawer topped with a Louis XVI ring...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry
1920
s Tole Bouillotte Lamp in Yellow
Located in Sarasota, FL
A striking yellow tole bouillotte table lamp circa 1920. A central column supports two arm brackets with simple conical capitals. Above is t...
Category
Early 20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Gilt Metal Bagues Faux Bois Tree Branch Asymetric Form Smoked Glass Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Introduce organic elegance and sculptural sophistication to your living space with this Gilt Metal Baguès Faux Bois Tree Branch Asymmetric Form Smoked Glass Coffee Table. Inspired by...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Gold Leaf
$2,396 Sale Price
20% Off
French Directoire Style Coffee Table 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.
The finish is made with a layer of a natural varnish to keep the authentic look of the solid Cherry piece and 2 extra layers for protection of the wood.
This Coffee Table features one central drawer topped with a Louis XVI ring...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry
$2,024 / item
Maison Jansen Polished Steel and Brass Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Maison Jansen polished steel and brass coffee table.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Original French Directoire Period Vintage Fireplace Surround Designed by Nature
Located in Beervelde, BE
Very impressive fireplace surround in bicolor burgundy hard stone from the vineyard area around Corton, France. The colors in the stone are exceptionally designed by nature.
The det...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
Neoclassical Consulate Fauteuil or Armchair, Italy, circa 1800
Located in Kinderhook, NY
Elegant Italian, French Consulate style and period carved walnut fauteuil having Klismos style tablet form backrest above central X-form open splat, a...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Directoire Boot Scrape
Located in New York, NY
French Directoire boot scrape. Iron boot scrape on winged paw feet, France late 18th century.
Dimension: 11" H x 10" D x 13" W.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Iron
18th Century Fine Marble Fireplace Surround With Bespoke Brass Bijouterie
Located in Beervelde, BE
This unusual antique fireplace surround was crafted at the end of the 18th century. It is made of a very special colored marble with brass bijouterie; it is typical of Directoire per...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
French Directoire Style 4-drawer Chest - Commode in solid oak
Located in Landivy, FR
This chest of drawers is part of the DIRECTOIRE collection, based on the world-renowned DIRECTOIRE style of the late 18th century in France.
This range is characterized by straight, ...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of 4 French Directoire Curled Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 4 French Directoire (19th Century) mahogany armchairs with scroll form arms and gold upholstered seat and back (PRICED AS SET)
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Gold
$6,500 / set
Italian walnut bureau with writing surface, tuscan cabinetmaking, mid-1700s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A beautiful 18th-century Italian walnut bureau with writing surface, internal drawers, and hidden compartment – tuscan cabinetmaking, mid-1700s
Some pieces of furniture carry their ...
Category
Mid-17th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Bicolor Antique Stone And Marble Fireplace Surround With Dolphin From Italiy
Located in Beervelde, BE
This treasure has been salvaged in Italy however original French. The fireplace surround in a bicolor hard stone and with a marble inlay. The front shows a dolphin in the carving. It...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone, Marble
Custom-Made Mahogany Carved French Directoire Style Gilded Sideboard Buffet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This custom-made French Directoire style sideboard buffet is a superb example of fine craftsmanship, blending timeless design with modern utility. Constructed from rich mahogany, thi...
Category
1990s European Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$2,396 Sale Price
20% Off
Miniature French Directoire Style Commode
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Directoire style miniature chest of drawers.
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
18th Century French Country Antique Limestone Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
Unusual French limestone antique fireplace surround from the Directoire period. Its style has Italian influence with a Fine center carved element.
Measures:
174 cm EW 68,50"
136 ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Limestone
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
18th Century Directoire Period Fine French Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
A Brêche marble with white statuary marble inlay is a perfect combination for this vintage chimney piece.
The carving is of an exceptional quality bui...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
Fine French Country and Classy Antique Fireplace Surround in Limestone
Located in Beervelde, BE
Unusual limestone fireplace surround with remains of the old patina. The front has an Geometric Italian influence design. See the details of the refined carving.
Measures: 131 cm E...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Limestone
French Directoire Style Night Stand in Solid Cherry with 1 Drawer
Located in Landivy, FR
This night stand is a handmade and modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century.
This period is remarkable with its straight, classical a...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Oak
Early 20th Century Writing Desk in Walnut with Inlay by Meroni
Fossati
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Italian elegant early 20th century Directoire writing desk in walnut massive and veneered with inlay on the top by Meroni & Fossati. Wax polished
Useful height under central drawer 60 cm.
To better understand the Directoire style of this desk
Directoire style was a period in the decorative arts, fashion, and especially furniture design in France concurrent with the Directory (November 2, 1795–November 10, 1799), the later part of the French Revolution. The style uses Neoclassical architectural forms, minimal carving, planar expanses of highly grained veneers, and applied decorative painting. It is a style transitional between Louis XVI and Empire.
The Directoire style was primarily established by the architects and designers Charles Percier (1764–1838) and Pier François Léonard Fontaine (1762–1853). In its use of Neoclassical architectural form and decorative motifs the style anticipates the slightly later and more elaborate Empire style, which was introduced after Napoleon established the First French Empire.
The Directoire style reflected the Revolutionary belief in the values of republican Rome:
"The stoic virtues of Republican Rome were upheld as standards not merely for the arts but also for political behaviour and private morality. Conventionels saw themselves as antique...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Small and Fine French Classic Original Antique Fireplace Surround in Stone
Located in Beervelde, BE
This beautiful honey colored antique fireplace mantel (fireplace) dates from the Directoire period. It comes from the Burgundy region. Its material is Burgundy hard stone, marble.
M...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
Signed, Three Maison Jansen Tufted Benches
Located in New York, NY
Signed, three Maison Jansen Tufted benches. The benches have tufted velvet cushions, black ebonized tapered legs with gold trim.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Velvet
$24,000 / set
18th Century French Classic Antique Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
Perfect fireplace surround for a panel room. It was also original installed in the center of the Burgundy region in France. Some original patina still remains on the mantel ,which en...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
19th Century Fine French Elegant Limestone Antique Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
The petite measures and elegant jambs with the Fine carving makes it suitable for cosy, elegant and French style room, very charming. The mantel (fireplace) is built in a honey color...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
French Directoire Style Coffee Table in solid oak wood
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
Italy 19th Century Walnut Directory "Gondola" Chair Restored new-Upholstered
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A nice 19th century walnut directory Gondola chair from Italy restored and re-upholstered
Measure cm: H 76\40 W 53 D 51.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
18th Century French Marble Stone Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
Burgundy hard stone Directoire period fireplace surround with a beautiful cartouche in the center of the front. The mantel endured the time but survived.
Restauration on the left le...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
18th Century Original Antique Fireplace Mantel with Black Marble Inlay
Located in Beervelde, BE
This is a fabulous Directoire period fireplace surround in warm red hard stone. The Belgian black marble inlay with horse heads details sculpture is of an exceptional Quality. This i...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Stone
18th Century Antique Fireplace Mantel with Starry Marble Inlay
Located in Beervelde, BE
This antique fireplace surround in hard stone of the Directoire period with statuary marble inlay is quite unique. The hard stone has a wood look. The front is decorated with musique...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
18th Century Original French Country Fireplace Mantle
Located in Beervelde, BE
Very unusual French Provençal rustic fireplace surround in bicolor hard stone.
The out of real live, chicken detail on the front refers to t...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
Bronze Mounted Neoclassical Tripod Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine round end table with pierced balustraded brass gallery around gilt-tooled leather top. Striking turned shaft below featuring carved panels with gilt brass beaded trim, the scrol...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
18th Century French Hard Stone Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
A phenomenal Directoire period fireplace mantel in hard stone with Black Belgian marble inlay. The centrepiece shows horse head details. The front is unusually bowed to the back of the wall. This gives this is an extra twist. This one was installed in a wood panel room...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
18th Century Pair Directoire Bergeres Detached Columns
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
18th Century Pair Directoire Bergeres Detached Columns
Unique pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$5,200 Sale Price / set
20% Off
18th Century Blue Stone Classic Rustic Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
This classic straight fireplace surround in bicolor grey hard stone from the Burgundy region with star as a central motive has a country, rustic influence.
Measures:
155.5 cm EW 61...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
Fine French Breche D
Alep Marble Top Faux Tambor Doors Directoire Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine French Directoire style sideboard is a superb example of craftsmanship and elegance, distinguished by its stunning Breche d’Alep marble top and refined architectural form. ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Breccia Marble, Bronze
$7,996 Sale Price
20% Off
Very Fine Antique Dovetailed Leather top Letter Secretary Desk Chest of Drawers
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Antique Dovetailed Leather top Letter Secretary Desk Chest of Drawers MINT
Category
20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
18th Century Directoire Vintage French Marble Limestone Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
This is a phenomenal French Burgundy region bicolor hard stone fireplace chimneypiece. The rich and royal carving is astounding. It is a museum worthy piece of the Directoire period....
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
French Directoire Style Console Table in Cherry with blue striped Drawer
Located in Landivy, FR
This console is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timeless lines. The ...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry
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
Gorgeous Oval Steel and Glass Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This oval steel and glass Maison Baguès style faux bamboo coffee table is a striking example of refined French-inspired design that combines elegance with timeless craftsmanship. Fea...
Category
1980s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Steel
$1,356 Sale Price
20% Off
Directoire canapé sofa, 18th century, Tassinari
Chatel silk
By Georges Jacob, Tassinari
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Beautiful lacquered canapé, fine late 18th century Parisian production circa 1795 (Directoire period).
Finely carved ribs and roses patterns, beautiful proportions. A high range prod...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Silk, Wood
French Directoire style round Table in solid cherry wood, white-cream lacquered
Located in Landivy, FR
This piece belongs to our DIRECTOIRE collection, which takes up the Directoire style, very famous at the end of the 18th century in France.
It is remarkable for its straight, classic...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak
Fine Rare French Walnut Directoire Cartonier Writing Desk Marquetry Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exceptional French Directoire writing desk, also known as a cartonier desk, is a rare find that combines refined craftsmanship with timeless elegance. Crafted in walnut, the des...
Category
1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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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