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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 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 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 19th Century Mahogany & Marble Console Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French 19th century diminutive mahogany and marble console-occasional table, in low and narrow proportions to use practically anywhere. This Directoire style piece is topped with whi...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, 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

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

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 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

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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

Simple and Sophisticated French Travertine Marble Metal and Brass Gueridon Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your space with the simple yet sophisticated charm of this French Travertine Marble, Metal, and Brass Gueridon Table. A perfect blend of timeless materials and elegant design...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Travertine, Brass, Steel

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

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 Bookcase in Solid Oak white Stained pearl grey Lacquered
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

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

18th Century Directoire Bergère Chair with Paisley Upholstery
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This rare French bergère chair dates from the late 18th century, during the elegant transitional period between the Louis XVI and Directoire styles. Crafted from solid beechwood, the...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Beech

French 18th Century Oak Armchair
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French 18th century (circa 1790) transitional style oak armchair reflecting design influences from Hepplewhite and Sheraton tastes with Directoire refinement. This sturdy, solid oa...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

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

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 Carrara Shallow Marble Top Flame Mahogany Sideboard Buffet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This signed Maison Jansen Carrara marble top sideboard buffet is a refined example of French craftsmanship, seamlessly blending neoclassical elegance with timeless modern appeal. Des...
Category

1950s Argentine Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

Pair of French Directoire Candlesticks, circa 1790
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of rare and beautiful French Directoire candlesticks in gilt bronze from the late 18th century. In very good antique condition. Marked in the lower part of the foot with "13...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Gold Plate, Bronze

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

Set of Four French Antique Neoclassical Finely Carved Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A fine 19th century set of 4 French neoclassical dining chairs from the Directoire period with stunning intricately carved walnut fram...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

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

Pair of Chinoiserie Maison Jansen Attributed French Directoire Commodes
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare and elegant pair of French Directoire commodes, attributed to the esteemed design house Maison Jansen, exemplifies the refined artistry of early 20th-century European furni...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

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 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 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

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

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 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 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

19th Century French Directiore Style Painted Pine Sideboard Buffet Enfilade
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century antique French Directoire Style 3-door sideboard is crafted in pine wood with a beautiful rustic painted finish. Meaures 40 1/2"h x 82 1/4"l x 27 3/4"d
Category

1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine, Paint

Brass and Mirrored French Directoire Round Drinks or Occassional Table 1920s era
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Add a touch of refined Parisian elegance to your space with this vintage French Directoire-style brass and mirrored occasional table. Dating to the early-to-mid 20th century, this an...
Category

1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Directoire Style Bookcases Built to Order in Any Dimension or Finish
Located in Chicago, IL
Exact replicas of a Directoire style (circa 1793-1804) bookcase. Handcrafted in our Old Plank workshop, you can specify your desired dimensions and finishes.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

French Directoire style 3-door hand-crafted buffet in solid cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3-door buffet 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 stra...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Directoire Cherry Wood Antique Single Bed
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Delicious Italian directoire antique single bed in cherry wood, 1800. Internal dimensions inch W 30,70 D 74,01 cm W 78, D 188. Attention this bed wi...
Category

Early 1800s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Iron

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

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

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

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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