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Directoire Benches

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
French Directoire style painted and gilt window bench circa 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Directoire style painted and gilt window bench circa 1950 having carved columns and rolled ends.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

French Directoire style painted and gilt window bench circa 1950.
French Directoire style painted and gilt window bench circa 1950.

French Directoire style painted and gilt window bench circa 1950.

18th Century French Bedroom Bench by George Jacob
By Georges Jacob
Located in London, GB
A fine French late 18th century Klismos bench, of great colour and desirable generous proportions. Stamped G.Jacob. France, circa 1795. Why we like it A handsome, timeless desig...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

18th Century French Bedroom Bench by George Jacob
18th Century French Bedroom Bench by George Jacob

18th Century French Bedroom Bench by George Jacob

Stunning Carved Antique Creme Painted Finish Directoire Style Bench Stool
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Carved wood. Upholstered. 22 1/2" h x 36 1/4" w x 24" d. Condition Finish loss. Minor stains to upholstery. Scratches.
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Walnut

Stunning Carved Antique Creme Painted Finish Directoire Style Bench Stool
Stunning Carved Antique Creme Painted Finish Directoire Style Bench Stool

Stunning Carved Antique Creme Painted Finish Directoire Style Bench Stool

Wrought Iron and Tufted Bench Style of Maison Ramsay
By Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Wrought iron and tufted bench style of Maison Ramsay.
Category

1950s Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron and Tufted Bench Style of Maison Ramsay
Wrought Iron and Tufted Bench Style of Maison Ramsay

Wrought Iron and Tufted Bench Style of Maison Ramsay

Early 20th Century French Directoire Style Painted Ash Banquette, Settee
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This French Directoire style banquette from the turn of the twentieth century features a scrolled seat back detailed with a carved central rosette flanked by palmettes within a class...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Ash

Early 20th Century French Directoire Style Painted Ash Banquette, Settee
Early 20th Century French Directoire Style Painted Ash Banquette, Settee

Early 20th Century French Directoire Style Painted Ash Banquette, Settee

Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category

1950s European Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Walnut

Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches
Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches

Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches

French Directoire Style Painted Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely painted Directoire style French window bench. Nicely carved and painted bench with light blue upholstered seat. Very versatile.
Category

20th Century French Directoire Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

French Directoire Style Painted Bench
French Directoire Style Painted Bench

French Directoire Style Painted Bench

Regency Style Cane Window Bench by Baker
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Southampton, NJ
Fabulous caned scroll arm window bench by Baker Furniture featuring Directoire styling to the walnut frame with new custom seat upholstered in Brunschwig & Fils floral velvet. The gr...
Category

20th Century American Directoire Benches

Materials

Velvet, Cane, Walnut

Regency Style Cane Window Bench by Baker
Regency Style Cane Window Bench by Baker

Regency Style Cane Window Bench by Baker

French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion
Located in Montreal, Quebec
A beautiful French country Directoire style banquette bench with yellow velvet cushion Made from sturdy sculpted wood, with the Classic lozenge and flower motif typical of the Direc...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Benches

Materials

Wood

French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion
French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion

French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion

Signed, Three Maison Jansen Tufted Benches
By Maison Jansen
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 Benches

Materials

Leather, Velvet, Wood

Signed, Three Maison Jansen Tufted Benches
Signed, Three Maison Jansen Tufted Benches

Signed, Three Maison Jansen Tufted Benches

Handsome Directoire Irish Pine Window Bench or Bench for Foot of Bed
Located in Buchanan, MI
Handsome Directoire Irish pine window bench or bench for foot of bed.
Category

19th Century Northern Irish Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Pine

Handsome Directoire Irish Pine Window Bench or Bench for Foot of Bed
Handsome Directoire Irish Pine Window Bench or Bench for Foot of Bed

Handsome Directoire Irish Pine Window Bench or Bench for Foot of Bed

Maison Baguès Iron and Bronze Tufted Mohair Fabric Bench
Located in New York, NY
Maison Baguès iron and bronze tufted bench. Base is steel with brass hoof feet. Newly upholstered in mohair fabric.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Maison Baguès Iron and Bronze Tufted Mohair Fabric Bench
Maison Baguès Iron and Bronze Tufted Mohair Fabric Bench

Maison Baguès Iron and Bronze Tufted Mohair Fabric Bench

Antique 18th Century French Bedroom Bench or Window Seat by George Jacob
By Georges Jacob
Located in London, GB
A fine French late 18th century bench / window seat or banquette, of great colour and desirable generous proportions. Stamped G.Jacob. France, circa 1795. Why we like it A handsome, timeless design. With its curved sabre legs at either end, this bench relates to the ancient Greek 'Klismos' seats, often seen depicted on Attic pottery...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Antique 18th Century French Bedroom Bench or Window Seat by George Jacob
Antique 18th Century French Bedroom Bench or Window Seat by George Jacob

Antique 18th Century French Bedroom Bench or Window Seat by George Jacob

Decorative French Bronze Bench
Located in New York, NY
Decorative French bronze bench / stool with a linen-blend upholstered seat.
Category

1950s Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Bronze

Decorative French Bronze Bench
Decorative French Bronze Bench

Decorative French Bronze Bench

French Wrought Iron Bench
Located in New York, NY
Brown-burgundy leatherette top with a decorative wrought iron and brass frame.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

French Wrought Iron Bench
French Wrought Iron Bench

French Wrought Iron Bench

Small French Empire Style Bench
Located in Buchanan, NY
A small Empire style bench upholstered in blue velvet. Add a touch of classic beauty and elegance to any space with this small Empire style bench. B...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Benches

Materials

Beech

Small French Empire Style Bench
Small French Empire Style Bench

Small French Empire Style Bench

French 18th Century Directoire Painted Bench
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Directoire period painted bench made during the late 1700’s. This bench is upholstered in a worn green velvet upholstery with a nailhead trim. The frame has diamond carvings...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Paint

French 18th Century Directoire Painted Bench
French 18th Century Directoire Painted Bench

French 18th Century Directoire Painted Bench

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Mid-20th Century American Directoire Benches

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Unique Wrought Iron and Wicker Gossip Bench in the Style of Arthur Umanoff 1950s
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18th Century Pine Long Benches
Located in Billingshurst, GB
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H 18 in W 146 in D 8.5 in
French 19th Century Painted Directoire Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Directorie period petite settee is in wonderful antique condition. Hand carved and built in the early 1800’s, this settee is sturdy and is sure to bring a lot of character t...
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19th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

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French 19th Century Painted Directoire Settee
French 19th Century Painted Directoire Settee

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H 35 in W 37 in D 22.5 in
Chic Black Wrought Iron and Leather X Benches, Circa 1950
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
These beautiful leather upholstered wrought iron benches have that great cerule or maybe an x shape. They are in very good condition with minor signs of age and wear but really nothi...
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Chic Black Wrought Iron and Leather X Benches, Circa 1950
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H 19 in W 24 in D 15 in
18th Century French Louis XV Upholstered Bench
Located in Southampton, NY
19th century French Louis XV upholstered bench Hand-carved in Oak, decorated with floral motif on curving cabriole legs. Aged brass nail heads along perimeter. Grey & White check fa...
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Materials

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18th Century French Louis XV Upholstered Bench
18th Century French Louis XV Upholstered Bench

18th Century French Louis XV Upholstered Bench

H 15.5 in W 70 in D 16.75 in
Superb Yellow Upholstered White Painted French Louis XVI Style Window Bench
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic, super clean bright yellow and bright white French louis XVI style window bench with clean lines and simple beautiful yellow upholstery. The piece has minimal sig...
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1950s French Vintage Directoire Benches

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Walnut

Superb Yellow Upholstered White Painted French Louis XVI Style Window Bench
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H 28.75 in W 64.5 in D 26.5 in
Classic English Edwardian Wrought Iron Strap Style Garden Bench
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
An Edwardian period garden bench. The wrought iron "straps" are hand riveted and the arms and legs are forged in a scroll design with a worn painted finish.
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Early 20th Century English Directoire Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Classic English Edwardian Wrought Iron Strap Style Garden Bench
Classic English Edwardian Wrought Iron Strap Style Garden Bench

Classic English Edwardian Wrought Iron Strap Style Garden Bench

H 29 in W 59 in D 30 in
18th Century Primitive French Oak Long Bench
Located in Hudson, NY
Fantastic french oak bench. Primitive and yet elegant in its simplicity and vernacular design. These benches had many uses, this one coming in at over one hundred inches in length mu...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Oak

18th Century Primitive French Oak Long Bench
18th Century Primitive French Oak Long Bench

18th Century Primitive French Oak Long Bench

H 18.5 in W 101.75 in D 9 in
Antique English Jacobean Style Carved Oak Joint Bench Stool
Located in London, GB
Antique English Jacobean style carved oak joint bench stool circa 1920 A good size piece. Of good solid construction. Expected signs of wear to plank top, commensurate of age, ol...
Category

Early 20th Century English Directoire Benches

Materials

Oak

Antique English Jacobean Style Carved Oak Joint Bench Stool
Antique English Jacobean Style Carved Oak Joint Bench Stool

Antique English Jacobean Style Carved Oak Joint Bench Stool

H 12.21 in W 36.23 in D 11.82 in
Antique 18th Century George III Oak Settle Hall Bench
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 18th century George III Oak Settle Hall Bench. Beautiful Primitive form with original patina. Additional information: Materials: Oak Color: Brown Period: 18th century ...
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18th Century British Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Oak

Antique 18th Century George III Oak Settle Hall Bench
Antique 18th Century George III Oak Settle Hall Bench

Antique 18th Century George III Oak Settle Hall Bench

H 37 in W 72 in D 21 in
French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion
Located in Montreal, Quebec
A beautiful French country Directoire style banquette bench with yellow velvet cushion Made from sturdy sculpted wood, with the Classic lozenge and flower motif typical of the Direc...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Benches

Materials

Wood

French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion
French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion

French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion

H 34 in W 65 in D 22.5 in
19th Century Directoire Bench
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A bench for the foot of a bed. Perhaps in a hall or at the table.
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

19th Century Directoire Bench
19th Century Directoire Bench

19th Century Directoire Bench

H 18 in W 51 in D 13 in
Previously Available Items
French 18th Century Directoire Painted Bench
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Directoire period painted bench made during the late 1700’s. This bench is upholstered in a worn green velvet upholstery with a nailhead trim. The frame has diamond carvings...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Paint

French 18th Century Directoire Painted Bench
French 18th Century Directoire Painted Bench

French 18th Century Directoire Painted Bench

H 20 in W 31.5 in D 15.25 in
Gorgeous Creme Painted and Gilded French Directoire Style Round Bench Stool
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Carved distressed painted wood frame. Gilt accents. Upholstered seat. Nail head trim. 21" h x 31" diameter. Condition Scratches. Minor finish loss.
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Walnut

Gorgeous Creme Painted and Gilded French Directoire Style Round Bench Stool
Gorgeous Creme Painted and Gilded French Directoire Style Round Bench Stool

Gorgeous Creme Painted and Gilded French Directoire Style Round Bench Stool

H 21 in Dm 31 in
Gorgeous Circular End Creme Paint Decorated Window Bench Foot Stool Directoire
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Distressed painted frame. Upholstered. 24" h x 50 3/4" w x 19 3/8" d. Seat height 19 1/2". Condition Scratches. Paint loss. Chips along edges. Minor stains.
Category

1970s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Walnut

Gorgeous Circular End Creme Paint Decorated Window Bench Foot Stool Directoire
Gorgeous Circular End Creme Paint Decorated Window Bench Foot Stool Directoire

Gorgeous Circular End Creme Paint Decorated Window Bench Foot Stool Directoire

H 24 in W 50.75 in D 19.5 in
Pair of Tufted Leather Benches by Baker Furniture
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Baker Directoire style gilded 22-karat gold leaf lion head wood benches with tufted leather upholstery and nailhead trim detail.
Category

20th Century Unknown Directoire Benches

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Pair of Tufted Leather Benches by Baker Furniture
Pair of Tufted Leather Benches by Baker Furniture

Pair of Tufted Leather Benches by Baker Furniture

H 31.5 in W 34.5 in D 17.5 in
French Directoire Sofa Bench Silk Patterns Blue Gray White 18th
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Small bench Directoire period, end of reign of Louis XVI. Magnificent patterned silk upholstery for the seat and plain blue silk on the back of the bench. Very good condition. Grey, ...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Silk, Wood

French Directoire Sofa Bench Silk Patterns Blue Gray White 18th
French Directoire Sofa Bench Silk Patterns Blue Gray White 18th

French Directoire Sofa Bench Silk Patterns Blue Gray White 18th

H 34.65 in W 43.71 in D 17.72 in
Maison Bagues Style Gilded Metal X Form French Faux Bamboo Benches Stools
By Maison Baguès
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a stunning pair of gold gilded metal Maison Bagues style x form benches. They are absolutely gorgeous and very rare and hard to find. The benches measure 16 tall x 22 wide x ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Metal

Maison Bagues Style Gilded Metal X Form French Faux Bamboo Benches Stools
Maison Bagues Style Gilded Metal X Form French Faux Bamboo Benches Stools

Maison Bagues Style Gilded Metal X Form French Faux Bamboo Benches Stools

H 18 in W 22 in D 16 in
Pair of Silver Leaf Upholstered Sabre Leg French Directoire Stools
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful and glamorous pair of silver leaf directoire benches or stools. They are perfect to add a touch of glamor that you may be missing in your home. They each measure ...
Category

1990s Unknown Directoire Benches

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Silver Leaf Upholstered Sabre Leg French Directoire Stools
Pair of Silver Leaf Upholstered Sabre Leg French Directoire Stools

Pair of Silver Leaf Upholstered Sabre Leg French Directoire Stools

H 20 in W 19 in D 20 in
Chic Pair of Ebonized Gilded French Directoire Louis XVI Benches Stools
By Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is one of the purest forms of Directoire stools we have ever had, and so beautifully done. The distressed gold leaf finish and original ebonized finish are simply superb. The be...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Walnut

Chic Pair of Ebonized Gilded French Directoire Louis XVI Benches Stools
Chic Pair of Ebonized Gilded French Directoire Louis XVI Benches Stools

Chic Pair of Ebonized Gilded French Directoire Louis XVI Benches Stools

H 20 in W 22 in D 16 in
Matched Pair Black Chinoiserie Paint Decorated Faux Bamboo Directoire Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautifully painted pair of window benches perfect for a boudoir or living room area. They are in good condition with old crackeled lacquer and nice upholstery. They are in...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Walnut

Matched Pair Black Chinoiserie Paint Decorated Faux Bamboo Directoire Benches
Matched Pair Black Chinoiserie Paint Decorated Faux Bamboo Directoire Benches

Matched Pair Black Chinoiserie Paint Decorated Faux Bamboo Directoire Benches

H 31.5 in W 28.5 in D 13.5 in
Directoire Style Beechwood Bench
Located in Essex, MA
In the form of a miniature daybed. With loose cushion and upholstery in need of replacement. Turned tapered legs. Carved details. Cute for the end of a bed.
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Beech

Directoire Style Beechwood Bench
Directoire Style Beechwood Bench

Directoire Style Beechwood Bench

H 29.5 in W 54 in D 20.5 in
Pair of 19th Century Directoire Carved Painted Benches with Rounded Corners
Located in Dallas, TX
Complete your entryway or hallway with this pair of antique painted benches. Crafted in France, circa 1890, each bench stands on six tapered and rounded legs decorated with floral me...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Directoire Carved Painted Benches with Rounded Corners
Pair of 19th Century Directoire Carved Painted Benches with Rounded Corners

Pair of 19th Century Directoire Carved Painted Benches with Rounded Corners

H 19.5 in W 69 in D 16.25 in
Pair of French Early 20th Century Painted Directoire-Style Banquettes
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stunning pair of painted and upholstered banquettes from early 20th century France. The pair have beautifully carved details covering their cream-painted frames which have been acc...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

Pair of French Early 20th Century Painted Directoire-Style Banquettes
Pair of French Early 20th Century Painted Directoire-Style Banquettes

Pair of French Early 20th Century Painted Directoire-Style Banquettes

H 25 in W 46.5 in L 25 in

Directoire benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Directoire benches for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with walnut, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire benches made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Unknown pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original benches, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Maison Jansen, and Georges Jacob. 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,100 and tops out at $2,625 while the average work can sell for $2,363.

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