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 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...
Gold
Paul Ferrante Indoor Outdoor Wrought Iron Mirrow W Arrows
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Paul Ferrante Indoor Outdoor Wrought Iron Mirrow W Arrows
Wrought Iron
French Louis XVI Style Gold Gilt Octagonal Beveled Glass Wall Hanging Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 40 1/4in W: 28 1/4in D: 1in This French Louis XVI Style Gold Gilt Octagonal Beveled Glass Wall Hanging Mirror is truly exceptional! If you take a look at the photos provided you'll see the exceptional attention to detail within the carved gilt frame. One dead give away that this piece is quality is by looking at the beveled mirror. Beveled mirror is much more expensive than plain mirror lower end furniture companies did not bother to put higher end materials into their product as it would cost them more money. This mirror is perfect to be used as a vanity mirror, Bathroom Mirror, Bedroom mirror, entryway mirror, or kitchen mirror...
Composition
18th Century French Giltwood Trumeau Mirror in Louis XVI Style
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...
Gold
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
French Directoire Round Giltwood and Ebonized Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Directoire round giltwood and ebonized wall mirror is a striking example of neoclassical elegance blended with timeless French craftsmanship. Featuring a beautifully bala...
Mirror
Set of Four 1940s Directoire Style Mirrors, France
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Chic and understatedly elegant set of four Directoire-style rectangular walnut mirrors, from the 1940s. The corners are embellished with a simple diamond-shape ebonized wood cabochon...
Wood, Walnut
$2,660Sale Price|30% Off
Monumental French Directoire Style Ebonized Mirror Beveled With Brass Accents
Located in Stamford, CT
A Monumental French Ebonized and parcel-gilt mirror in the style of Directoire, circa 1950s, the rectangular beveled looking glass with a panelled frame decorated by brass accents.
Wood
18th Century French Louis XVI Directoire Mirror
Located in New Orleans, LA
This elegant 18th-century French mirror reflects the refined transition between the Louis XVI and Directoire periods, featuring clean lines, balanced proportions, and understated neo...
Mirror, Wood
19th Century French Hand-Painted Boiserie Trumeau Mirror, Rouen
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French trumeau mirror of antique boiserie (wood paneling) from Rouen, France, originally carved in the late 1800s and recently repainted. This architectural trumeau is ideally suite...
Mirror, Pine, Paint
19th Century French Directoire Style Giltwood Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century French Directoire Style Giltwood Mirror. Stunning 19th century French Directoire style / Louis XVI style gilt wood reeded design mirror. This versatile mirror can be use...
Giltwood
$796Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Walnut
Antique French Directoire Walnut Wall Mirror, Rectangular, 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Mirror from the Directoire period made of solid walnut with a central rectangular mirror. This piece is in very nice antique condition with only minor surface wear consistent with ag...
Mirror, Wood
1960's Pair Directoire Style Italian Gold Gilt MIrrors
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
An exceptional and historically significant pair of signed Directoire-style gilt mirrors, made specifically for the New York Hilton at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Created as...
Mirror
$3,032Sale Price|20% Off
French 18th Century Classicistical Directoire Trumeau/Mirror in White/Gold Paint
Located in Salzburg, AT
French, Classic Directoire Trumeau 18th century gold / white Very fine representation of an antique chariot with handlebar. Framed with pearl frieze ...
Mercury Glass, Wood
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Gorgeous French Carved Beveled Glass Rectangular Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French carved wall mirror showcases timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship, making it a perfect addition to both traditional and transitional interiors. The mirror features...
Walnut
$1,575Sale Price|55% Off
An early Twenty First Century Italian Trumeau miror
Located in Winnetka, IL
A large modern Directoire style white and gilt painted Italian- made Trumeau mirror. The carved gilt carvings over the beaded mirror plate include musical instruments, ribbons and al...
Wood
French Directoire Gold Giltwood Mirror with Original Mercury Glass 19th Century
Located in IT
This exquisite French Directoire mirror, crafted in gold giltwood, features its original mercury glass, adding a touch of historical charm. Dating back to the 19th century, the mirro...
Mercury Glass, Giltwood
Late 18th Century French Trumeau Mirror
Located in San Francisco, CA
Absolutely beautiful example of an original French trumeau mirror with painting of what appears to depict a scene from the famous o...
Wood, Paint, Canvas, Mirror
Period French Directoire’ Giltwood Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
The Period French Directoire Giltwood Mirror is an elegant and sophisticated addition to any home decor. With a classic design inspired by the French Directoire style, this mirror is...
Giltwood
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
French Directoire Style Gold Gilt Rectangle Wall Hanging Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 45 1/4in W: 36in D: 1in This French Directoire style gold gilt rectangle wall hanging mirror is a prime example of luxury decor! This piece is made of the highest qua...
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Early 19th Century French Trumeau of a Gentleman Naturalist
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Very rare and charming early 19th Century French trumeau mirror. The painting depicts a flower collecting youth walking along a leafy country lane. With collecting box over the shoul...
Metal
19th C. French Directoire Trumeau Mirror, 7 Ft Tall
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire style trumeau mirror from the 19th century. This antique mirror from France features a classic trumeau design with woode...
Mirror, Wood
19th Century French Oval Mahogany Dressing Mirror
Located in London, GB
A large mid 19th century French oval mahogany dressing table Mirror surmounted by urn, supported by carved & scrolled eagle heads with central paterae, ending on possibly replaced pl...
Mahogany
An Antique French Carved Giltwood Wall Mirror
Located in London, GB
An intricately carved and very well gilt French wall mirror from the mid 19th century. Original mirror plate. The frame carved with foliate, shell, flowers and C scrolls. A very good...
Mirror, Giltwood
19th Century Round Convex Giltwood Wall Mirror
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Nineteenth century giltwood convex wall mirror with ball and ribbon decoration.
Mirror, Giltwood
French Designer, Wall Mirror, Oak, France, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak wall mirror likely designed and produced in France, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12.1"H x 10.1"W x 0.7"D Does not include mounting hardware. All items ship from H...
Wood, Oak
18th Century French Louis XVI Period Giltwood Mirror
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Transport yourself to the opulent charm of the 18th century with this exquisite giltwood mirror from the era of Louis XVI. Adorned with a resplendent giltwood frame, this mirror boas...
Giltwood, Mirror
1930s Round French Rococo style Giltwood Wall Mirror
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Round antique 1930s French Rococo style gold giltwood wall mirror featuring leafy scroll carvings.
Glass, Wood
Carved Wooden Mirror — France, 1940s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Carved Wooden Mirror — France, 1940s Description: This elegant carved wooden mirror was made in France in the 1940s. Its warm brown patina and distinctive structure — with crossed w...
Wood
French 19th C. Louis XVI Style Gilt Wood Mirror, 4.5'
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XVI style carved, painted, and gilt wood wall mirror from the 19th century. This antique mirror from France, inspired by Louis XVI design aesthetics, has a rectangular...
Wood, Mirror, Giltwood
Large 18th Century French Louis XVI Period Giltwood Mirror
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Large 18th Century French Louis XVI period giltwood mirror. With original gilding and foxed mercury glass mirror plates. Circa 1770-80.
Giltwood
$3,950
H 49.5 in W 36.88 in D 1.5 in
Antique French Louis XVI Style Gold Gilt Wood Painted Mirror Soft Gray
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Louis XVI style rectangular mirror featuring a giltwood, finely reeded inner frame surrounded by a softly time-worn grey border. This piece has an understated, timeless elegance an...
Glass, Wood, Paint
$7,840Sale Price|20% Off
H 45.48 in W 26.97 in D 1.58 in
Antique Venetian Murano Glass Wall Mirror, Beveled Octagonal, 1940s
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
Gorgeous one of a kind Antique Italian Venetian Murano Glass Antiqued Wall Mirror, beveled octagonal mirror, hand blown, antiqued mirror panels, smoky gold fleck Murano glass applica...
Glass
French Directoire Style Gilt Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French directoire style gilt mirror with classic simple director carving details. Perfect amount of gilt to add to any room for some elegant understated elegance. Add some classic Fr...
Mirror, Wood
French Louis XVI Style Carved Gilt Rectangular Mirror C. 1940's
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 42 3/4 IN W: 33 IN D: 1 1/2 IN A sophisticated and classically inspired French Louis XVI style rectangular mirror dating to the 1940s, embodying the restrained elega...
Mirror, Wood
Brass Bistro Mirror
Located in Arundel, GB
Large, French, Brass Bistro mirror. A moulded brass frame formed over a wooden frame and surrounding a foxed, mercury mirror plate.
Brass
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Giltwood Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Giltwood Mirror. Offered is a stunning French Louis XVI or Directorie Style almost square reeded giltwood mirror. This large versatile Fren...
Giltwood
French 18th Century Mirror
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Wonderful French Directoire mirror with a mercury glass and covered of gold leaves.
Giltwood
18c French Antique Directoire Trumeau
Located in New Orleans, LA
An elegant 18th-century French Directoire trumeau, reflecting the refined simplicity and neoclassical influence of the period. Featuring clean lines and balanced proportions, the pie...
Giltwood
Sold
H 82.5 in W 52.75 in D 2 in
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.
Mirror, Wood
Sold
H 56.25 in W 46.25 in D 3.5 in
Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Carved Gilt Wood Wall Mirrors
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a master bathroom with this elegant pair of antique mirrors. Crafted in, France, circa 1880, each large mirror is rectangular in shape and features a carved frame with simpl...
Brass
French 19th Century Directoire Trumeau Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An endearing trumeau mirror, painted a restful celadon green tone, is illuminated by trim of gold gilt around the frame and crown molding. The frieze above the mirror plate depicts a...
Mirror, Wood
Sold
H 52.25 in W 43.75 in D 2 in
French Period Directoire Trumeau Mirror with Distressed Paint, Late 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French period Directoire trumeau mirror from the late 18th century with gilded accents, carved urn, distressed paint and mirror. This French Directoire mirror features an elegant l...
Mirror, Wood
18th Century Directoire Gilded Mirror
Located in New Orleans, LA
Infuse your home with the refined elegance of the late 18th century with this exquisite 18th Century Directoire Mirror. A stunning exam...
Giltwood, Mirror
18th Century French Directoire Giltwood Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
18th Century French Directoire Giltwood Mirror. This lovely antique period French Directoire mirror has a fluted gilt wood design with divid...
Giltwood
Sold
H 58 in W 30.75 in D 1.75 in
Fine Pair of Antique Giltwood and Gesso Directoire Wall Mirrors Circa 1920s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic pair of Louis XVI style or Directoire mirrors. The mirrors are in good antique condition with giltwood and gilded gesso. The mirrors are in delicate and feature g...
Gesso, Mirror, Walnut
Rare Jansen style Steel & Brass Cheval Mirror- Italy
Located in Danville, CA
Rare Brushed Steel Cheval Mirror with Brass trim and details in the style of Maison Jansen. The main frame of the mirror is bordered with solid brass trim and hardware, including sol...
Brass, Steel