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.
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...
Wood, Paint
$16,000 / set
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.
Paint, Plaster, Wood
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 ...
Limestone
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...
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...
Marble, Brass
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...
Stone
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...
Marble, Statuary Marble
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...
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...
Stone
$11,868
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...
Iron
Portal of the Directoire Period, Early 19th Century
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 ...
Wrought Iron
$1,438
H 24 in W 76 in D 3 in
19th Century Red Painted Architectural Panel with Carved Golden Rinceaux Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique carved and painted architectural panel from the 19th century, with rinceaux motifs. This exquisite 19th-century carved and painted architectural panel captures the eye wit...
Wood
Antique French Fireplace in Sandstone
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Very nice and subtle pinkish French Louis XVI fireplace mantel. The mantel is made from Sandstone from the “Massif de Vosges” called Grès Rose, pink sandstone. One of its unique characters it that the color changes during the day and the way it is lit. It’s unusual shape and nice paneling combined with the leaf decorations make this a modest yet strong decorative piece. It is unrestored, it has some chips and imperfections but this only adds to its beautiful pantina. This mantel can be supplied with returns or can be made to be flush fitted against a wall. Sold by Schermerhorn Antique Fireplaces Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have, we are happy to help! Our vast collection of antique fireplaces and mantels...
Sandstone
Art Deco Bronze Floral Motif Architectural Panel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Art Deco bronze floral motif architectural panel, each one of rectangular form with pierced floral still life.
Bronze
Antique French Painted Decorative Floral Panel
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Originally purchased from Hollyhock in West Hollywood, California. A large panel in ecru paint with carved painted and gilt high relief decoration- a gilt bow and swags at the top over a basket of fruits with a garden rake...
Wood
$5,255
H 39.77 in W 25.6 in D 1.58 in
Ceramic Wall Panel by Pierre Digan, to La Borne, circa 1970-1975
By Pierre Digan
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A ceramic wall panel by Pierre Digan, to La Borne, circa 1970-1975. The base is in wood. Very good original conditions.
Ceramic
$3,153
H 40.95 in W 43.31 in D 20.08 in
Nice Patinated Antique French Limestone Fireplace, 19th Century
Located in Made, NL
Beautiful patinated antique chimney of French limestone. The chimney is simple and quiet. The top has beautiful lines and a beautiful patina. The legs ...
Limestone
$4,900
H 30.5 in W 51.5 in D 2.25 in
Antique Spanish Wall Pediment 'or Headboard' w/Original Floral-Painted Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Spanish carved-wood wall hanging pediment with it's original painted finish from the 19th century. This antique wooden architectural pl...
Wood
$3,200Sale Price|21% Off
H 46.86 in W 49.61 in D 13 in
19th Century Antique French Limestone Fireplace Mantel
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Very warm colored French Corton limestone fireplace. Opening measurements: 41.7 x 40.9 inch. (106 x 104 cm) height x width.
Limestone
$11,707Sale Price|20% Off
H 74.81 in W 90.16 in D 36.62 in
Antique Fireplace Mantel from the 19th century of french limestone
Located in Made, NL
Beautiful robust castle mantelpiece made of French limestone. This antique mantle dates from the 19th century and is in the style of Louis XIII with a beautiful ornament in the middl...
Limestone
$5,320
H 47 in W 29.25 in D 3.5 in
Italian Decorative Wall Panel Carved w/Helmet, Horn & Arrows, 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian hand-carved wall plaque, with its original painted and gilt finish, from the 19th century. This antique wall decoration from Italy features a rectangular-shaped molded surround, with quarter-circle inner edges, that frame a carved assemblage of helmet, horn, arrows, and foliate motif at center with carved-rope and bow-tied ribbon in gilt. The original hand-painted finish has a faux marble background in gray hues, with green, red and gilt accents on the center carvings. This 19th century Italy carved plaque...
Wood
19th Century Toroja Wooden Granary Panel from Sulawesi
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 19th century Toraja wooden granary panel from Sulawesi Island in the Indonesian archipelago. This antique granary facade with window from the Toraja peoples of Sulawesi, Indonesia ...
Wood
$6,727Sale Price|20% Off
H 90.56 in W 61.03 in D 3.94 in
Antique Lacquered Gilded Door with Painted Panels, Complete Frame, 1700, Italy
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Ancient double wing door, lacquered and gilded (veil) with painted panels, complete with original frame lacquered with faux marble, wonderful in the texture and in the original paint...
Wood
Pair of French Directoire Period Stucco Boiserie Panels
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Originally part of the boiserie in a chateau in Baux de Provence in southern France, this pair of late eighteenth century Directoire period panels feature stucco female Bacchantes fi...
Stucco
Sold
H 56.5 in W 19 in D 2 in
Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Painted Iron Architectural Elements
Located in Atlanta, GA
Directoire iron architectural elements in distressed white/cream painted finish, 19th century, France Dimensions: A) 19" W X 56.5" H; B) 19" W X 54" H.
Iron
Pair of Tops of Door, Early Nineteenth Century, Style Directoire
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of tops of door, early 19th century, Directoire style, carved and painted wood, large interior decoration Measures: H 48, L 104cm, P 9cm.
Wood
Sold
H 41.74 in W 48.82 in L 41.74 in
18th Century Fine French Classic Antique Fireplace Stone and Marble Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
This beautiful fireplace surround has straight legs and a straight front. It reflects the hand of the carver and the light in the room. A Classic element for a timely fine European ...
Stone
French Directoire Fireplace in Grey Bardiglio Marble
Located in London, GB
An attractive French Directoire fireplace in grey Italian Bardiglio marble. The panelled frieze and jambs with matching inlaid white marble diamond panel featuring rosette and foliag...
Antique French Iron Fragment Lamp
Located in Nashville, TN
Fragment of urn with flame supported on three legs terminating in paw feet converted to lamp. White linen shade.
Iron
Pair of Overdoor Plaques from France
Located in Dallas, TX
These French Demilune, over door plaques on wood have Directoire style bas relief plaster motifs of an urn with a bouquet of flowers scrolling over either...
French Directoire Chimneypiece in Grey Bardiglio Marble
Located in London, GB
An attractive French Directoire fireplace in grey Bardiglio marble. The panelled frieze and jambs with matching inlaid Statury marble diamond panel featuring rosette and foliage. Mou...