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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
French 19th Century Tall Chest of Drawers
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French 19th century Directoire style fruitwood chest of drawers, appearing to be a semainier except with six drawers instead of the requisite seven. Below the modest wood top and rou...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

18th Century Oak French Commode
Located in Nijlen, BE
A fine quality, 18th Century French country, Directoire commode in Bleach oak, with a superb colour and proportions, of simple lines, that will work well in most settings. Pure cre...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Oak

French Vintage Mahogany Directoire Style Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French vintage leather-topped mahogany writing desk, designed in the Directoire taste for refined proportions & materials. Two hidden extensions on each side add occasional surface...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage Kittinger Directoire Style Writing Desk
Located in Houston, TX
1960s Vintage Kittinger Directoire style writing desk composed of satinwood and features ebony inlay and brass hardware. Maker's mark located inside the center drawer.
Category

Late 20th Century North American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French 18th Century Gilt & Painted Trumeau Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A magnificent 18th century French giltwood trumeau mirror in the style of Louis XVI, the thick rococo carvings around the (French gray) painted frame appear even more theatrical unde...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Gold

8 Alfonso Marina Ebonized and Gilt Regency Style Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 35 1/4 in W: 23 1/4 in D: 23 3/4 in SH: 20 1/2 in Seat height w/out cushion - 16 1/2 in Elevate your dining experience with this stunning and sophisticated set of ...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Wood

Directoire Style Brass & Black Marble 2-Tier Side Table, Style of Maison Jansen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Directoire Style Brass & Black Marble Two-Tier Side Table, in the Manner of Maison Jansen Dimensions: 20.5" H to finials x 19" W x 15" D Removable Black Marble/Stone Shelf dimensio...
Category

20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Antique Directoire period chest of drawers in walnut - Italy 18th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant chest of drawers from the Directoire period, crafted in solid walnut, dates to the late 18th century and originates from Italy’s Veneto region, a hub of refined furnitur...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

French 19th Century Pair of Directoire Bergeres
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A welcoming pair of 19th century French bergere chairs, made in the Directoire taste with influences of Louis XVI for timeless appeal. The pair are characterized by a gorgeous cut ve...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Paint

Paul Ferrante Indoor Outdoor Wrought Iron Mirrow W Arrows
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Paul Ferrante Indoor Outdoor Wrought Iron Mirrow W Arrows
Category

2010s American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Floral Painted Alpine Chest of Drawers 1810 ca
Located in Vo', Veneto
Tyrolean Chest of Drawers Dated 1840 Wood Type: Fir Period: 1840 Origin: Tyrol Dimensions: Height - 91 cm Width - 144 cm Depth - 65 cm Des...
Category

1840s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fir

Dark Green 1830 Floral Painted Cupboard
Located in Vo', Veneto
Dark Green Painted Wardrobe Dated 1830 Period: 1830 (dated) Origin: European Alps Wood essence: Fir Dimension : Height: 166 cm Width: 123 cm (127 cm to the corners) Depth: 50 cm (54 cm to the corners) Description Antique alpine wardrobe...
Category

1820s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fir

Antique Directoire Table Writing Desk In Walnut - Italy 19th
Located in Atlanta, GA
This refined Italian Directoire writing desk, dating to the early 19th century, showcases the minimalist elegance and architectural precision associated with the Directoire period. ...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair Of Antique French Directoire Period Painted Armchairs, Late 18th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
PAIR OF ANTIQUE FRENCH UPHOLSTERED CHAIRS A pair of extremely romantic chairs with carved frames, painted in a buttery cream paint with sap green and orange details. naturally worn ...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Paint

Vintage Ebonized Leather-top French Bureau Plat Faux-Partner's Desk
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ebonized French Bureau Plat Faux-Partner's Desk with Tooled Red Leather Top and Tapered Legs on Brass Sabots.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Directoire Style White Washed and Plaid Upholstered Club Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 24 3/4 in W: 28 1/4 in D: 29 1/2 in SH: 16 3/4 in Infuse your space with sophisticated charm and timeless appeal with this pair of Directoire style club chairs, featuring a beautifully whitewashed wood finish and classic plaid upholstery reminiscent of the iconic Ralph Lauren aesthetic. Designed to evoke the understated elegance of French Directoire furniture...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair Italian Directoire Style Nightstands
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 1960s Italian Directoire style two drawer nightstands feature lacquered wood, white marble top with brass ormolu and hardware.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

French 18th Century Louis XV Style Painted Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This archetypal 18th century Louis XV-style desk was given a distinguishing update in the 20th century: washing the pine construction in white paint and black pinstriping to accentua...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Pair of Chinoiserie Maison Jansen Attributed French Directoire Commodes
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a wonderful pair of distressed finished pale apple green, French made Directoire commodes attributed to Maison Jansen. The commodes are a rare pair of three drawer commodes a...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Directoire Roll Top Secretary
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stately French Directoire roll top secretary. This massive desk is over six feet long and four feet tall with a grey marble top. Directly beneath the marble are three drawers with ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

French Directoire Style Library Cabinet in solid Cherry wood, Handcrafted
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3 doors bookcase 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 timel...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer

Theodore Alexander English Style Demilune Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 36 in W: 54 in D: 24 in Elevate your interior with the timeless elegance of this Theodore Alexander English Style Commode or Chest of Drawers—a luxurious blend of classic design, superior craftsmanship, and practical storage. Expertly handcrafted, this exquisite piece reflects the rich heritage of English furniture, making it a standout addition to any traditional, transitional, or vintage-inspired space. This heirloom-quality commode features a single upper drawer, ideal for storing smaller essentials such as keys, cutlery, or accessories. Below, three doored storage compartments offer generous space for organizing larger items like linens, books, or household necessities—perfect for enhancing organization in your living room, dining room, bedroom, or entryway. The piece is adorned with solid brass hardware, elegantly aged for an authentic antique look. The brass pulls and hinges not only add a refined touch but also ensure long-lasting durability and smooth functionality. Adding to its unique versatility, the commode includes convenient side pullout trays—perfect for use as additional serving space, a writing surface, or for displaying décor when needed. These trays slide neatly back into the body of the chest, preserving its sleek, classic silhouette when not in use. Crafted from the finest materials and finished in a hand-rubbed wood tone that highlights its natural grain, this Theodore Alexander chest...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Exceptional Directoire Style Sofa in Cerused Oak
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine settee featuring a contemporary taking design cues from the iconic French Directoire style. Impeccably upholstered in a natural taupe woven fabric and framed in striking cerus...
Category

20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Early 19th Century French "Toilette D'Homme" or Dressing Table
Located in Greven, DE
Small antique dressing table Paris Mahogany on oak Directoire around 1800 Dimensions: H x W x D: 113 x 58 x 43 cm Description: In an issue of the famous Parisian fashion magazine ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

18th Century French Louis XVI Writing Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
Handsome late 18th Century French Louis XVI style writing desk with leather insert on top. Desk features a middle drawer, with three drawers on left and three drawers on right side. ...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Italian Directoire chest of drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
This piece is an 18th-century Italian chest of drawers in the Directoire style, a design aesthetic that bridges the gap between the ornate Louis XVI style and the more austere Empire...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Maison Jansen Style Dining Table With Bronze Swan Finials Circa 1940s
Located in Peabody, MA
French art deco, Maison Jansen style table in red lacquered wrought iron with bronze corner embellishments of a stylized swan. See our separate listing for corresponding chairs.
Category

1940s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Wrought Iron

French Directoire style minister's desk in solid wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This minister's desk with 5-drawers is a craft-handed reproduction of the world-renowned French Directoire style, which dates back to the end of the 18th century. This range is char...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Baker Rosewood Directoire Style Brass Mounted Vanity Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 30 1/4 in W: 36 in D: 19 1/4 in This Directoire style rosewood writing desk or vanity by Baker Furniture is a striking representation of neoclassical sophistication...
Category

20th Century Unknown Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century French Directoire Period Walnut Lyonnaise Enfilade Buffet
Located in Birmingham, AL
A stately early 19th century French Directoire period enfilade buffet, handcrafted in the historic city of Lyon, circa early 1800s. Constructed of rich, solid walnut, this elegant ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century French Directoire Large Gilded, Scalloped Antique Mirror
Located in New Orleans, LA
A striking large French Directoire mirror with a scalloped gilded frame, combining neoclassical symmetry with subtle curves—offering understated elegance and a luminous focal point.
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

French 19th Century Iron & Marble Butchers Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A whimsical French marble and iron work table from circa 1860, that would have been a display fixture in a butcher shop or bakery to present the current offerings. The thick, white m...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Iron

Directoire Style Bed In Lacquered Wood And Canework
Located in BARSAC, FR
Directoire style bed in cream lacquered wood on a white background and caned trim. Quality work from the end of the 19th century. Solid beech. Very good condition, wear to the lacq...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Directoire Style French Antique Desk
Located in Austin, TX
Desk from France in the Directoire style. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily rosewood and tinted rosewood parquetry. The writing table has been finished with a ...
Category

1910s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of French Curule Directoire Side Tables
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of side tables from France made with a solid wood construction, primarily cherry wood. Each table is finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. The tables showcas...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry

A Large Directoire Period Painted Seven- fold Screen, French Late 18th century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Large Directoire Period Painted Seven- fold Screen, French Late 18th century Height: 175 cm Width: 420 cm fully extended Depth: 3 cm each panel Provenance: Private Australian Col...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Hardwood

Exceptional Brass Inlaid French Directoire Beveled Mirrored Armoire TV Cabinet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous brass inlaid French made Directoire style brass inlaid and bronze mounted. This is in good antique condition and we will clean it up and make it look its best. Mea...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Late 19th Century French Dining Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
An enterprising person a long time ago decided not to hide the fact he was creating an extension table by incorporating shutter style leaves and telescoping support frame. The result...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Superb French-Made Maison Jansen Attributed Brass Mounted Mahogany Dining Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautifully simple and yet chic dining table with two 24 inch leaves. The table was made in France as indicated by the stamp on the bottom of the brass feet. The table is i...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Collection of Six 19th c. French Directoire Framed Panoramic Wallpaper Panels
Located in Wichita, KS
19th c. wood-block printed French panoramic wallpaper scenes in the Directoire style very likely by the premier French manufacturer, Zuber & Cie. Presenting a panorama of park and ga...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint, Paper

Six painted and gilt upholstered directoire style dining chairs circa 1940
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Six painted and gilt upholstered directoire style dining chairs circa 1940 with recent fabric.
Category

1940s Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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 Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Rare Brass and Steel Aged Mirrored Top John Vesey Style Ebonzed Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a stunning desk that was perhaps made by John Vesey, but we can't say with any degree of certainty. The elements are there, the steel and brass used to create the more averag...
Category

1980s European Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

John Vesey Style Brass and Steel Embossed Leather Top Executive Directoire Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a stunning, chic and breathtaking desk or bureau plat made in the Louis XVI or Directoire style in the manner of John Vesey. The original Vesey desk sells for upwards of 50-7...
Category

Early 2000s European Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

French Directoire style minister's desk in solid wood with leather pad
Located in Landivy, FR
This minister's desk with 5-drawers is a craft-handed reproduction of the world-renowned French Directoire style, which dates back to the end of the 18th century. This range is char...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique French BlackLouis XVI Bookcase or China Cabinet c1800's Nicely Restored
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautifully Restored Antique French Bookcase or possible China Cabinet from the 1800's. The style seems to blend between Louis XVI with hints of Directoire. The black paint is accent...
Category

1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint

18th c. French Directoire Period Set of Six Bleached Beechwood Chairs
Located in Wichita, KS
A very charming set of six French dining chairs from the Directoire period. The frames are solid bleached beechwood nicely patinated with pegged mortise & tenon joinery. Scrolled squ...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Pair of French 19th Century Chandeliers in the Directoire Style
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair of French 19th century Directoire tole, iron and crystal chandeliers with crystal drapes hanging from plumes at top, and unusual square cut crystals around the center ring, with...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Iron

Fine Quality French Directoire Maison Jansen Breche D' Alep Marble Sideboard
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

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

18th Century French Directoire Period Walnut Work Table or Console Table
Located in Birmingham, AL
An exceptional 18th century French Directoire period work table, handcrafted from solid walnut in Lyon, the historic capital of France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, circa 1790s. Sit...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Fine Maison Jansen Attrib. Solid Brass Mirror Three Piece Banquet Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This monumental, extremely beautiful coffee table was most likely made by either a Maison Jansen or Maison Charles -two of France's finest and elite manufacturers. The table is separ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large 19th Century French Directoire Period Painted Bookcase or Display Cabinet
Located in Birmingham, AL
This exceptional mid-19th century French Directoire period painted bookcase or display cabinet from Gordes, circa early 1800s, embodies the elegance and craftsmanship of its era. Han...
Category

1860s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Narrow Depth Metal Cabinet with Antique French Directoire Period Doors
Located in Sheffield, MA
These Directoire period metal doors were once window shutters on an 18th century French chateau that now have been repurposed and made into doors for this cabinet which can lend itse...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Iron

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 Furniture

Materials

Iron

French Directoire Louis XVI Demilune Shape Marble Top Marble Top Console Table
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

Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

The Collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret (1930-2002) Set Of Bergere Chairs
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Formerly Owned By The Late Sister Of Queen Elizabeth II.The Collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret (1930-2002), Kensington Palace. A Pair of Early 19th Century French Walnut Fau...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Directoire Solid Mahogany Dining Table, Exquisite Bronze Details
Located in Chicago, IL
On first glance, one might misinterpret this mahogany dining table as just another 1940’s-1960’s veneer mahogany Louis XVI style French dining table. On closer inspection, you will s...
Category

1870s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century French Maison Jansen Bronze, Steel and Glass Cocktail Coffee Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1950, this mid-century coffee table by Maison Jansen exemplifies the firm’s signature blend of neoclassical elegance and modern restraint. The rectangular fra...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Steel

Set of 8 Maison Jansen Paint Decorated Louis XVI Trapezoidal Back Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a rare and gorgeous set of 8 Maison Jansen gray painted and distressed finished dining chairs. They have a classic trapezoidal back and beautiful recent ( what we believe to ...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

French Modern Iron And Travertine Table Inspired By Gilbert Poillerat
Located in Houston, TX
French Modern Iron And Travertine Table Inspired By Gilbert Poillerat. Offered is a handsome French mid century triangular hand hammered iron table with a polished travertine top. Th...
Category

1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Travertine, Iron

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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