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
$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
$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
$754Sale 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
19th Century Papier Mâché Tray
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century papier mâché tray featuring a painted English landscape scene with man fishing.
$318Sale Price / set|49% Off
H 1.19 in W 8.67 in D 8.67 in
Pair French, 19th Century Glazed Earthenware Plates
Located in Buisson, FR
Great pair of late 19th century Provencal earthenware plates France, circa 1880-1900 Good but weathered condition.
Earthenware
$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
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
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
19th Century Mahogany Inlaid Tray
Located in High Point, NC
19th century mahogany tray from England inlaid in a lovely pattern with leaves and acorns.. Around the central lozenge of leaves and acorns, there is a scalloped pattern which border...
Brass
Hand-Painted Green metal Tray, France, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A charming metal serving tray featuring a hand-painted floral design set against a light green background with a crackle finish. Its elegant pierced gallery and integrated handles le...
Metal
French Double Headed Dragon Tray 1920s
Located in CA, CA
A beautiful hand carved double headed dragon tray with curved edges and two raised handles in the form of a dragon tail, the tail detailed with carved scal...
Wood
Wood and Brass Tray, France, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
An elegant rectangular solid wood tray, featuring a surrounding wooden gallery with brass fittings accentuating the corners. Its understated, refined design highlights the wood's natural beauty and the patina it has acquired over time. With its integrated side handles, this tray is as practical as it is decorative. It is perfect for display on a table, sideboard, or console—whether for serving drinks, showcasing decorative objects, or acting as a catch-all tray. A beautiful antique piece blending functionality with elegance, ideal for classic, country-chic, or timeless interiors. Style : Classic Napoleon III French Rustic chic Elegant 19th century Key Features : Solid wood Brass fittings Integrated handles Beautiful original patina French-made 19th century Serving tray Decorative and functional object Sturdy construction Keywords : wood serving tray, antique wooden tray, brass tray, French antique tray, serving tray with handles, wooden butler tray, brass-mounted tray, 19th-century tray, antique home decor, vintage serving tray, antique wood tray...
Brass
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