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
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
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
Early 19th Century Floral Painted Cupboard Wardrobe
Located in Vo', Veneto
Antique Painted Wardrobe
Measurements: H. 185 cm – W. 148 (167 to the frames) cm – D. 55 (63 to the frames) cm
Period: circa 1810
Origin: Tyrol
Wood: Fir
Description:
Tyrolean pain...
Category
Early 1800s Austrian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fir
French 20th Century Flip-top Mahogany Gueridon
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A radiant gueridon table from early 20th century France, in the Directoire taste, it features an impressive inlay of oak parquetry that wraps the top and sides with alternating squar...
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Oak
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
French 19th Century Directoire Bed Frame
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French 19th century bed from the Directoire period with a warm gray and French blue color scheme. Both the headboard and the footboard have a low and wide pitch across the top to f...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
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, Lacquer, Oak, Cherry, Wood
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
Antique Directoire Chest Of Drawers In Walnut - Italy 18th
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant Directoire chest of drawers originates from Modena in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and dates to the late 18th century. Crafted entirely from solid walnut, the piec...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
John Vesey Style Brass and Steel Embossed Leather Top Executive Directoire Desk
By John Vesey
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
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
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
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Petite Lighted French Flame Mahogany Louis XVI Directoire Vitrine Marble Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a great, smaller sized apartment style flame mahogany lighted vitrine or china cabinet. It has beautiful flame mahogany and a nice white marble...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
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
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 Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Beautiful Pair of 19th Century French Armchairs
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful pair of 19th century French armchairs.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Fine Quality French Directoire Solid Bronze and Marble Gueridon End Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Brass. Marble. 29 1/4" h x 29 1/4" diameter.
Condition
Scratches. Oxidation.
Dimensions
30 x 30 x 30 in
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
French Directoire Mahogany and Glass 3 Panel Screen
Located in Queens, NY
English Sheraton style (19/20th Century) 3-panel mahogany screen with applied carved molding and small roSettes below 9 pane glass windows in each panel.
Each panel 17.75" W. Wear t...
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Mahogany
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
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
Signed Maison Jansen Ebonized Black Lacquer Dining Table Brass Trim w 2 Leaves
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic and gorgeous signed Maison Jansen ebonized lacquer dining table. The table is designed in the Directoire manner and is in good condition with minimal signs of age...
Category
1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
20th C. Directoire Style Painted and Floral Crewelwork Upholstered Bregere
Located in Morristown, NJ
Mid 20th C. Directoire style crewelwork bergere with a cream painted wood frame decorated with bands of carved rope and draped swags. The crewelwork upholstery is accented with a com...
Category
1980s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Silk, Wood
Monumental French Mirrored Louis XVI Directoire Armoire Curca 1890s
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 deliv...
Category
1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
Pair Rams Head Maison Jansen Brass and Steel Marble Top Gueridon Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a stunning and rare pair of Maison bronze or brass Jansen rams head and steel gueridons or end tables. They date to the 1970s era and are in g...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze, Steel
1980s French Directoire Style Cherry Guéridon Side Table With Swan Design
Located in Charleston, SC
A classy French Directoire style guéridon side table with circular top made of high quality cherry. The table features three beautifully carved legs resting on a curved base and ador...
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
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
19th c. Venetian Painted Secretary
Located in New Orleans, LA
Fantastic Italian Venetian Painted secretary/cabinet. This piece has a wonderful color palette but I believe that was done in the early 20th...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Maison Jansen Style Carved Walnut X Form Stools Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic pair of hand-made Maison Jansen style X form benches. The benches are in good condition with hand-carved, hand-made frames and decent upholstery. The benches are ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
French Directoire Style Light Blue Painted Marble Top Dresser Semanie
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
1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
Italian Brass Glass Nesting End Tables Directoire Maison Jansen Style, Set
Located in New York, NY
A versatile and substantial set/pair of Italian brass and glass nesting tables in the Directoire style, in the style of design h...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Directoire Style Étagères
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Directoire style mahogany étagères or bookcases. Has brass pineapple finials at the top.
Category
1960s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
Early 19th Century French Three Drawer Commode
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An elegant French commode, called a "Sauteuse" because of it's shapely, long legs ready to spring forth!
Original ebonised finish with decorative brass drawer handles and escutcheons...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Set of 8 French Directoire Louis XVI Style Paint Decorated Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous set of 8 paint decorated dining chairs. The chairs are color coordinated with the same color of the upholstery on their tim details. The chairs are in good conditi...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of French Directoire Style Armchairs, 19th century
Located in Leimen, DE
Pair of Directoire-Style Armchairs, Circa 1880 – Timeless Elegance in Mahogany
This stunning pair of Directoire-style armchairs, crafted around 1880, epitomizes the refined elegance...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century French Comtoise Clock Movement
Located in Denton, TX
A great industrial accent for a tabletop or bookshelf the combination of brass and steel gears and a bronze bell. This movement is in non working condition and is used for decorative...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Steel, Iron
French 19th Century Directoire Red Marble Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This fruitwood occasional table is topped with an inset piece of stunning red Rosso Francia marble and surrounded by a 3/4th gallery over an apron with a single drawer. The drawer co...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone, Marble, Metal, Brass
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
Large Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Récamier Settee in Scalamandré Tiger Velvet
Located in Nashville, TN
And of unusual ( rare ) large dimensions. Matching bolsters for each end. Well worn gilt and paint finish and
losses to frame. Well worn paint and gilded finish. Oxidation to the gi...
Category
1790s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Extraordinary Solid Bronze French Marble Top Directoire Sideboard with Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superbly crafted, one-of-a-kind solid bronze mirrored sideboard in teh Directoire style from France. The piece is in very good condition ...
Category
1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century French Bronze and Leather Two-Tier Coffee Table from Maison Jansen
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a living room or den with this elegant antique coffee table. Created in Paris, France, circa 1950 by Maison Jansen, the clean line frame is made of brushed steel, bronze and...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Steel, Bronze
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 Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Carrara Marble
French Directoire Round Giltwood and Ebonized Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful ebonized and gilded wall mirror in the directoire taste. The mirror measures 33.25 x 33.25 x 4.5 deep.
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror
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
French Directoire Style Ebonized Solid Mahogany Desk in Any Dimension
Located in Chicago, IL
Our Old Plank Directoire style desk, is entirely made to order in our workshop here in Chicago and can be specified, both in dimension and finishes. Since we do everything in house, the options are almost limitless; down to the color of the leather. The Directoire desk you see in our 1stdibs listing, was crafted from solid mahogany and carefully ebonized the old fashion way, where the grain of the mahogany is still visible, as are the warm brown tones of the wood. Take a close look at the gold embossing on the leather top, of our French style desk...
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Directoire Style Bookcases, China Cabinets Made by Old Plank in Any Size
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of French Directoire Inspired Bookcases, China Cabinets or Display Cabinets made in house by Old Plank. Roughly 30-years ago we purchased in France a similar Directoire style Bo...
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wire
French Directoire Heavily Brass Inlaid Ebonized Commode Circa 1940 Jansen
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
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
Late 19th Century French Directoire Painted Cane Daybed/Settee, C 1880
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A late 19th century French Directoire painted cane daybed/settee. C 1880. Very decorative item with original patina.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cane, Wood
Pair of Directoire Style Mahogany Floral Brocade Silk Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Directoire Style Mahogany Floral Brocade Silk Upholstered Armchairs
Measures 23" in width , 24" in width, 37.5" in height. Seat height is 19" and low arm height is 21".
Category
Late 20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Silk
Antique 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
Portal of the Directoire Period
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Directoire period wrought iron gate with two panels, divided into two sections by a horizontal band. The upper part is composed of vertical rods ending in spearheads. They rest on a ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
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 Furniture
Materials
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.