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 Petite Inlaid Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A lovely, petite desk from 19th Century France made of luxurious mahogany and a leather writing surface with gold tooling. The small scale of this table would be interesting as a con...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Petite Directoire Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite, French occasional table or writing desk from the 19th century with a very well-patinated leather surface in a gorgeous mahogany frame. The Directoire silhouette of this han...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Pair of Louis XVI Style Reeded Gilt Mirrors
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Flat, reeded molding is an ideal surface area to reflect the lustre of gold leaf on this exciting pair of French mirrors from circa 1870, now patinated with a fine craquelure texture...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Gold
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
French 19th Century Mahogany Petite Writing Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French 19th century leather-topped mahogany writing desk, designed in the Directoire taste for refined proportions & materials. The vermilion leather surface is worn to a mottled h...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Directoire Style Bronze Mounted Leather Top Writing Table Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Directoire Style Bronze Mounted Leather Top Writing Table Desk.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$3,600 Sale Price
25% Off
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
A French Directoire style Leather Top Mahogany Writing Desk, C. 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Crafted in mahogany with a leather writing surface, this elegant desk features five drawers, bronze mounts, leather pull-out slides, and square tapering legs. Combining refined Direc...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Exceptional Paint Decorated French Directoire style or Louis XVI China Cabinet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exceptional French Louis XVI or Directoire paint-decorated china cabinet embodies neoclassical refinement and timeless elegance. Finished in a soft cream tone with subtle green ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Directoire Style Commode
Located in Bridgeport, CT
French Directore style commode with three short over two long recessed panel drawers. The center drawer with a working key pull lock, others with drop pull hardware. The sides with r...
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 19th Century Directoire Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A sumptuous French 19th century settee, Directoire in style, with original painted finish of French gray-blue and spruce green. The tightly upholstered seatback and bench seat is don...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
French Directoire Style Children’s Hand Pinted Bergere Chairs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of French Directoire style children’s bergere chairs. The hand painted frames are coral and ivory. The upholstery is new and a cotton linen blend. The frames show some ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
Pair of Very Fine Cerused Mahogany New Upholstery Twin Size Headboards Beds MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Very Fine Cerused Mahogany New Upholstery Twin Size Headboards Beds MINT
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Directoire Style Ebonized French Buffet
Located in Austin, TX
This impressive French antique grand buffet crafted in the Directoire style is made of solid wood construction, primarily mahogany. It showcases a magnificent neoclassical design wit...
Category
1910s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 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
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
French Directoire Walnut Sofa with Linen Upholstery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stately French Directoire-style sofa, crafted in solid walnut and offering timeless elegance with understated architectural lines. This three-seat piece reflects the restrained neo...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Linen, Walnut
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
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
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
LATE 18th CENTURY ROUND DIRECTORY WALNUT COFFEE TABLE
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant coffee table embellished with solid walnut legs and a poplar top veneered with walnut. The legs feature curved saber shapes, typical of the period, while the smooth top is en...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
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
French Directoire style 2-door sideboard in solid oak, white-cream lacquered
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2-door sideboard 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 characterized by s...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
$3,450 Sale Price
25% Off
Pair Antique French Directoire Mahogany End Tables with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Antique French Directoire Mahogany End Tables with Carrara Marble will make a delightful addition to your room, providing storage, display, perhaps a place for a lamp, convenien...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
$2,784 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Directoire French Antique Chest
Located in Austin, TX
Chest of drawers from France in the Directoire style. This petite chest of drawers is made of mahogany that has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish of museum qua...
Category
1890s French Antique 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
Signed Maison Jansen Ebonized Black Lacquer Dining Table Brass Trim w 2 Leaves
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This signed Maison Jansen dining table is an exquisite example of mid-20th century Parisian design, blending refined French neoclassical style with modern sophistication. Crafted in a sleek ebonized black lacquer finish, the table is highlighted with polished brass trim that adds a striking contrast and timeless elegance. The piece comes complete with two extension leaves, allowing it to expand into a generously sized dining surface, perfect for both intimate dinners and large gatherings.
The table rests on elegant tapered legs with brass-capped feet, ensuring both stability and stylish detail. Its elongated oval form, clean lines, and luxurious materials exemplify Maison Jansen’s reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and sophisticated design. This piece reflects the firm’s ability to merge classical French Louis XVI influences with sleek modern elements, making it ideal for traditional, transitional, or contemporary interiors.
Highly collectible and versatile, this Maison Jansen black lacquer dining table...
Category
1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$10,000 Sale Price
33% Off
Petite Ebonized Child Size or Ladies Writing Desk attributed to Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Refined and compact, this Maison Jansen–attributed Directoire-style desk from the 1950s showcases timeless French elegance in a scaled-down form ideal for a lady’s writing table or c...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Mercier Freres of Paris Fine French Louis XVI Directoire Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Enhance your interior with this distinguished 1940s French Bronze Mounted Marble Top Sideboard, a striking blend of function and refined elegance. This vintage sideboard showcases a ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Pair of Maison Jansen Style Carved Walnut X Form Stools Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Maison Jansen style carved walnut X-form stools exemplifies refined French design with timeless versatility. Each stool features a beautifully carved walnut frame, highl...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
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
Mid 19th Century Candlestick - Swans - Ormolu Gilt Bronze
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Refined French ormolu bronze candlestick, mid 19th century, finely detailed and beautifully cast. The base is formed by three sculpted swans, their long necks rising gracefully to su...
Category
1860s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Directoire Style White Washed and Plaid Upholstered Club Chairs
By Ralph Lauren
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
French Directoire Style Swag Arm Chairs
Located in Southampton, NJ
Classic French Directoire style swag arm chairs with sliver leaf accents upholstered in fine cut velvet on linen ground. Klismos styling to the front legs with heirloom quality coil...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Silver Leaf
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
Pair of Antique Faux Marble Paint Decorated French Directoire Console Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your interior decor with this exquisite Pair of Antique Faux Marble Paint Decorated French Directoire Console Tables. These stunning console tables capture the elegance and s...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$2,396 Sale Price / set
20% Off
19th Century Set of Six Directoire Style Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent set of six mahogany French dining chairs made in the transitional directoire pre-Empire taste. The chairs feature gracefully curv...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
Set of Nine 18th Century French Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Nine 18th Century French Directoire Dining Chairs is a relatively rare find, especially with this level of quality and preservation! The diamond pattern mohair is of the best...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Sycamore
$5,584 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of Early 19th Century French Directoire Period Painted Side Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant pair of late 19th century French Directoire period painted side chairs with their original patina. Lovely curved seat backs are detailed with a hand carved urn at each back t...
Category
1860s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
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
$2,800 / set
Pair Antique French Directoire Neoclassical End Tables with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Antique French Directoire Neoclassical End Tables with Carrara Marble are ideal companions for any setting. Hand-crafted from exotic imported mahogany, each has been given a fi...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
$3,584 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Smoked Glass Steel Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Baguès style coffee table is a refined example of mid-20th century French design, blending elegance with functionality. Crafted with a steel faux bamboo frame, the table ...
Category
1980s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Steel
$1,196 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
A Pair of Candlesticks in Gilt Bronze, 19th Century, in the style of Directoire
Located in Knivsta, SE
A Pair of Elegant and Ornate Gilt Bronze Candlesticks from the 19th Century. In the style of Directoire.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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 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
French Directoire Louis XVI Demilune Shape Marble Top Marble Top Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant French Directoire Louis XVI demilune console table embodies the refined neoclassical style of the late 18th to early 19th century. Crafted with precision, the piece feat...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
$3,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Set of Four Samuel Copelon Swan & Lyre Back Dining Chairs
Located in Peabody, MA
A set of four wrought iron lyre-back chairs in the French style by the Samuel Copelon Company of New York, one with original label. They feature art deco bronze swan finials and padd...
Category
1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Wrought Iron
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
$7,460 Sale Price
60% Off
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
Signed Maison Jansen Mahogany Louis XVI Directoire Marble Top Commode Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite signed Maison Jansen commode dresser is a superb example of fine French craftsmanship blending Louis XVI and Directoire style influences. Featuring a sleek mahogany bo...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
$6,396 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$2,041 / set
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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