Directoire Building and Garden Elements
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 Period Floral Painted Panel in Gilded Frame, circa 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire period framed painted panel from the late 18th century, with floral motifs. Born in France during the later years of the 18th century, this exquisite decorative p...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood, Paint
French Directoire Style Bronze Wall Panels
Located in Sherborne, GB
French Directoire style bronze wall mounted panels, the classic X-frame panels with central diamond made from molten enamel.
So stylish, these panels can be wall mounted to give ...
Category
Late 20th Century French Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
French Directoire Style Fireplace Screen
Located in Westwood, NJ
A French Directoire style dark grey iron paneled fireplace screen with X frame panels centered with gold rosettes and raised on paw feet.
Dimensions
38" W x 9" D x 30" H.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
18th Century Breccia Marble Statement Chimney Piece For Bespoke Luxury Design
Located in Beervelde, BE
Phenomenal Brêche marble fireplace surround.
This magnificent fireplace mantel showcases the timeless elegance of white marble, adorned with intricate veining in hues of violet, brow...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Breccia Marble, Statuary Marble
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
Continental mid 19th century Directoire st. Carrara and Belgian marble mantel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most handsome Continental mid 19th century Directoire st. white Carrara and black Belgian marble mantel. This beautiful mantel is elevated by stepped Black Belgian mar...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Carrara Marble
Antique Cast Iron Urns
Located in Made, NL
Pair of Important Antique Cast Iron Urns
Exquisite 18th-Century Directoire Urns
This exceptional pair of antique French cast iron vases originates from the heart of Paris, France. Crafted during the Directoire period (1770–1790), these urns showcase the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. The beautiful patina adorning the cast iron speaks to their historical authenticity. These timeless antiques are a testament to both functional design and aesthetic appeal from a celebrated period in European history.
The Rich Heritage of Antique UrnsThroughout history, antique urns and vases have been cherished across Europe for their exquisite craftsmanship and multifaceted functionality. Often serving as symbols of status and artistry, they were used to adorn gardens, courtyards, and stately homes. Made by skilled artisans, these pieces combined durability with intricate design, ensuring they could withstand the elements while remaining visually captivating. Today, their historical value and timeless appeal make them sought-after garden antiques.
Transforming Spaces with Antique UrnsThese antique garden planters...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Limestone
18th Century Original Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
Phenomenal fireplace surround from the free mason compagnon in bicolor burgundy hard stone. The carving is very fine and very unusual.
Measures:
142.5 cm EW 56.10",
112 cm EH...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
Large Directoire Mahogany Jardinière by Jacob Freres
By Jacob Frères
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Of rectangular shape, with a tôle liner and bronze gallery and raised on an integral plinth with wooden roulettes, stamped to one side on the interior JACOB FRERES RUE MESLEE. Jacob...
Category
Late 18th Century European Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Mahogany
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Belgian Black Marble
French 19th Century Directoire Jardiniere
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This Directoire Jardiniere is narrow and long and will be wonderful under a window. Very nice and simple line, it can match with any style of furniture.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Cherry
Pair of Late 18th Century French Chateau Doors
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of late 18th Century French Directoire period chateau internal double doors and frames.
(Dimensions are for each door).
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
18th Century Limestone Antique Fireplace Mantle
Located in Beervelde, BE
This is an original antique fireplace surround in burgundy hard stone with remains of the original wax. This was built in the Directoire period.
Measures:
126 cm EW 49,60".
...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Limestone
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
Mid-20th Century French Gates
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Mid-20th century French Director style iron gates. There are 5 gates connected to each other.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
Portor marble pedestal, France, circa 1900
Located in Paris, FR
Portor marble pedestal in Directoire style.
Portor marble is a rare and noble marble, used since Antiquity for its unique black color veined with a deep yellow. Exploited by King Lo...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Pair of Russian Gilt Figural and Ebonized Marble Top Pedestals, Circa 1790
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Russian Gilt figural and ebonized marble top pedestals terminating on tripod winged hoof feet. Late 18th Century
Category
1790s Russian Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Zinc Urns
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional pair of antique French zinc vases originates from the heart of Paris, France. Crafted in the style of the Directoire period (1770–1790), these urns showcase the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. These timeless antiques are a testament to both functional design and aesthetic appeal from a celebrated period in European history.
The Rich Heritage of Antique Urns
Throughout history, antique urns and vases have been cherished across Europe for their exquisite craftsmanship and multifaceted functionality. Often serving as symbols of status and artistry, they were used to adorn gardens, courtyards, and stately homes. Made by skilled artisans, these pieces combined durability with intricate design, ensuring they could withstand the elements while remaining visually captivating. Today, their historical value and timeless appeal make them sought-after garden antiques.
Transforming Spaces with Antique Urns
These antique garden planters...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Zinc
Stone Fireplace Surround With Wild Boar And Red De Baviere Hound Head Detail
Located in Beervelde, BE
Directoire period French stone fireplace surround.
Details of a wild boar and hunting hounds head are carved on the fronton.
Exceptiona...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
French Early 19th Century Directoire St. Mahogany And Ormolu Jardiniere Planter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and most decorative French early 19th century Directoire st. Mahogany and ormolu jardiniere planter circa 1805. The planter is raised by an elegant bottom tier with fi...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ormolu
Directoire Style Ebonized Fruitwood Oblong Pedestals, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair directoire style ebonized fruitwood oblong pedestals.
Measure 15 inches in width, 12 inches in depth and stand 47 inches tall.
Category
1940s American Vintage Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Fruitwood
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Oak
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone, Marble
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Limestone
18th Century Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
This bicolor antique fireplace surround has a very deep patina. The detail in the middle shows music instruments and is from the Directoire period. It was installed in a panneled lib...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
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 Building and Garden Elements
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
French Directoire Style Period Fireplace Mantel In Stone.
Located in Beervelde, BE
Authentic fireplace surround from the Burgundy region with amazing cartouche in the center of the fronton: Details of music instruments. This mantel has also a very nice patina.
Me...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
Fine French Louis XVI Style Vintage Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
A fine Classic French Louis XVI style vintage fireplace in a honey color Burgundy hard stone/marble. The chimney piece marries well with...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Limestone
19th Century Original Antique French Stylish Fireplace Mantle
Located in Beervelde, BE
This original hard stone fireplace surround with Carrara marble inlay from the early 19th century It was installed in the Burgundy region in France. The extra deep legs with side pie...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
Pair of French Directoire Bronze Andirons
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of French Directoire-style bronze andirons with filigree connector (PRICED AS PAIR)
Category
20th Century French Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
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 Building and Garden Elements
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Stone
Fine Bicolor Marble Stone French Antique Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
This fine European antique fireplace mantel is from the burgundy region near the Corton village. The bicolor of this marble hard stone is typical that village in the middle of the vi...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
Timeless Chique Reclaimed French Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
A fine French directoire period fireplace surround in a honey color Burgundy hard stone/marble with Brocatelle D'Espagne marble inlay. It was built in the early 19th century.
Measure...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Brass
19th Century Original Antique Country Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
Burgundy hard stone fireplace surround made by special commission of a horse lover. Detail of saddle for horse riding in the center. The front has a nice moving design into the room....
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
19th Century Original Antique French Stylish Fireplace Mantle
Located in Beervelde, BE
This is a fabulous, one of a kind , original antique fireplace surround in a porfierish hard stone. The inlay is of a high quality. This one is very easy on the eye. The straight lin...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone, Belgian Black Marble, Statuary Marble
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
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 Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
Directoire Period French Music Room Grey Marble Stone Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
Phenomenal antique fireplace mantel (fireplace) in the Besançon grey hard stone from the Directoire period. The central cartouche shows musical instruments.
The mantel aged very nic...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
Large Pair of French Directoire over Door Panels
Located in Dallas, TX
A large pair of French Directoire over door panels depicting two cherubs and a swan.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Paint, Plaster, Wood
18th Century Directoire Period Fine Original Antique Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
This original vintage Directoire period fireplace surround is from the Jura Region. The right jamb has been restored. The center detail on the front is a composition of elements of w...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
French Directoire Style Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
French Directoire style pedestal. Pedestal has a white marble top with a steel and decorative brass frame.
Category
1970s Vintage Directoire Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble, Brass, Steel
Directoire building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Directoire building and garden elements 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 building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire building and garden elements made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original building and garden elements, popular names associated with this style include Jacob Frères, and Maitland Smith. 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 building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,000 and tops out at $75,000 while the average work can sell for $9,871.