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
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
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 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 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 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 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
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
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 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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 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
18th Century French Directoire Sofa in Walnut and Cream Upholstery
Located in Madrid, ES
Three-seater sofa with straight lines and a classic French design, inspired by the Louis XVI-Directoire style (late 18th century). Its solid wood frame with a natural finish supports...
Category
Late 18th Century European Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Antique Directoire Table Writing Desk In Walnut - Italy 19th
Located in Atlanta, GA
This refined Italian Directoire writing desk, dating to the early 19th century, showcases the minimalist elegance and architectural precision associated with the Directoire period.
...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
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
Rare Pair of French 18th c. Tole Lamps
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rare pair of Directoire period Bouillotte tole lamps in original black and gilt lacquer paint, having swan handles, vasiform bodies and plinth base, now electrified (fitted to inside...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tin
$6,900 / set
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
Wonderful Pair Directoire French Bronze Gueridon Side Tables Black Marble Tops
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of French Neoclassical Louis XVI Style Bronze Gueridon Directoire Side Tables With Black Marble / Granite Inset Tops Leading To Paw Feet.
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Granite, Marble, Bronze
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
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 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
A Directoire style ebonized mahogany writing desk / bureau plat, C. 1945.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
In the manner of late 18th-century French design, this elegant and finely proportioned desk exemplifies the neoclassical restraint and symmetry characteristic of the late 18th-centur...
Category
Early 20th Century Argentine Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
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
Pair of Curule Stools, 19th Century
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Curule Stools, 19th Century
Category
19th Century European Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$2,490 / set
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
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
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
French Directoire Style Brass Trimmed Leather Top Vanity Desk, Circa 1890
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Directoire style brass trimmed vanity desk, circa 1890, exemplifies refined Parisian elegance from the late 19th century. Crafted in fine mahogany, the piece features a r...
Category
1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$1,960 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique 18th C Side Chairs W Tapestry Textile
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 18th C Side Chairs W Flemish Tapestry Textile
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Textile, Wood
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
French Directoire style 3-door sideboard in solid cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3 doors 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 straight, sober, timeless lines, sometimes enhanced by decorative motifs such as fluting, diamonds or Louis XVI rings...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
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
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
Large Giltwood Dark Framed French Directoire Wall MIrror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This impressive French Directoire style wall mirror is a striking statement piece that blends classical elegance with timeless craftsmanship. Featuring a bold dark wood frame accente...
Category
1980s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$796 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of French 19th Century Chandeliers in the Directoire Style
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair of French 19th century Directoire tole, iron and crystal chandeliers with crystal drapes hanging from plumes at top, and unusual square cut crystals around the center ring, with...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Iron
$18,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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 of French Directoire Late 18th Century Lidded Apothecary Jars with Labels
By Deroche
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Directoire period ceramic lidded apothecary jars from the late 18th century, with hand-painted foliage motifs, labeled Tamarind and Ext. Cicutæ A:F, from the Deroche...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
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
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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