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.
19th Century French Directoire Style Silver Plate Mirrored Surtout de Table Tray
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Originally used to display a centerpiece on a buffet or table, this large late nineteenth century French Directoire style silver plate footed tray, or surtout de table, features a mi...
Silver Plate
Directoire French Golden Ocher Color Tole Tray
Located in Chireno, TX
Directoire French golden ocher color tole tray adorned in original painted decoration, early 19th century. Note: Original/early finish on antique an...
Tôle
Collection of 7 20th century silver plate trays
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Here we have a collection of 7 silver plated trays dating from 1920 to 1950. 2 circular, 4 oval and 1 tray rectangular. Some minor plate loss and marks.. Please see individual pic...
Silver Plate
$560
H 0.5 in W 8 in D 10.38 in
Small Cocktail Tray by Christofle, French Art Deco Silver Plated Serving Tray
By Christofle
Located in Miami, FL
French Art Deco style silver-plated serving tray from Christofle. This small cocktail tray is hallmarked on the reverse. In very good condition, wear consistent with age, materials...
Silver Plate
$1,150
H 1.75 in W 19.75 in D 12.5 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Silver-Plated Serving Tray with Handles
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1880, this refined antique silver-plated serving tray showcases the elegant symmetry and ornamental vocabulary of the Louis XVI style. The rectangular board i...
Silver Plate
French Chrome Serving Tray by Zanetti 1970 Italy Silver Color
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Beautiful brass tray with its Chrome structure. It is Silver in color and dates from the 1970s. It is a tray that was made in Italy with very good manufacturing quality. Brass and c...
Brass, Chrome
$2,900
H 1.75 in W 27 in D 17 in
19th Century French Silver Plated Repousse Tray with Engraving Signed Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant and ornate antique silver plated tray with ornate handles was created in France, circa 1870. Recently re-silvered, the tray wit...
Silver Plate
$324
H 1.19 in W 22.05 in D 13.78 in
Platter or Tray in Ceramic and Wood Portugal 1970s Blue and White Color Azuelos
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Platter or Tray in Ceramic and Wood Portugal 1970s Blue and White Color Azuelos
Ceramic, Wood
19th Century French Faience Decorative Plate
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French faience charger or platter with typical hand painted burgundy floral decoration from St Clement in the East of France. Minor glaze loss. Old brass plate hanger...
Faience
19th Century Majolica Bread Tray
Located in High Point, NC
19th century Majolica bread tray from England in the wheat pattern. The tray has a central medallion of solid brown, surrounded by a yellow basket weave...
Pottery
$4,900
H 2.5 in W 19 in D 26 in
English Silver-Plated Mirrored Plateau Centerpiece, Edwardian Style, Late 19th C
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An elegant late 19th century English silver-plated mirrored plateau centerpiece, designed in the refined Edwardian style. Of oval form, the plateau is framed with stepped sides and a...
Silver Plate
19th Century American Wood Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
A fantastic 19th century American carved walnut tray with sloped sides, and a wonderful patina only one hundred years of age can bestow. Perfect for use on your dining table, holding...
Walnut
$770Sale Price|30% Off
H 1.97 in W 21.07 in D 8.67 in
French Decorative Ceramic Tray by Albert Thiry 'circa 1960s'
By Albert Thiry
Located in London, GB
Mid-century decorative tray (circa 1960s) by Albert Thiry. A chalk-white glaze provides the background for a colourful thistle motif in the centre. The rim has touches of earthy gree...
Ceramic
$1,500
H 3 in W 20.75 in D 11.5 in
19th Century French Louis XV Silverplated over Bronze Mirrored Plateau "Surtout"
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique bronze silver plated "Surtout de table" (table platter) was crafted in France circa 1880. Oval in shape with intricate side handles, the tray stands on four smal...
Silver Plate, Bronze
18th Century French Pewter Tureen and Six Bowls
Located in Dallas, TX
A continental Pewter Tureen with six bowls, Europe, 19th century Marks: (various) Measures: height: 11.7 inches width: 16 inches diameter: 10.9 inches (29.5 x 40.6 x 27.6 cm)...
Pewter
Directoire French Pinkish-Ocher Color Tole Tray
Located in Chireno, TX
Directoire French pinkish-ocher color tole tray adorned in original painted decoration, early 19th century.
Tôle