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Directoire Benches

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
Large Blonde Window Seat Banquette Bench Daybed Neoclassical Directoire Antique
Located in London, GB
A large and strikingly attractive Neoclassical blonde window seat bench in lovely antique condition. Likely made in the early 20th Century, in the manner of the late 18th Century Fre...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Pine

Large Blonde Window Seat Banquette Bench Daybed Neoclassical Directoire Antique
Large Blonde Window Seat Banquette Bench Daybed Neoclassical Directoire Antique

Large Blonde Window Seat Banquette Bench Daybed Neoclassical Directoire Antique

$4,343
French Directoire Style Painted Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely painted Directoire style French window bench. Nicely carved and painted bench with light blue upholstered seat. Very versatile.
Category

20th Century French Directoire Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

French Directoire Style Painted Bench
French Directoire Style Painted Bench

French Directoire Style Painted Bench

$1,850
18th Century Louis XVI Bedroom Bench or Daybed by George Jacob
By Georges Jacob
Located in Richmond, London
A fine French late 18th century Klismos bench, of great colour and desirable generous proportions. Stamped G.Jacob. France, circa 1795. Why we like it A handsome, timeless design. With its curved sabre legs at either end, this bench relates to the ancient Greek 'Klismos' seats, often seen depicted on Attic pottery. Its superb quality, splendid patination and a recorded maker...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

18th Century Louis XVI Bedroom Bench or Daybed by George Jacob
18th Century Louis XVI Bedroom Bench or Daybed by George Jacob

18th Century Louis XVI Bedroom Bench or Daybed by George Jacob

$12,695
1940s directorate-style bench
Located in SAN PIETRO MOSEZZO, NO
1940s directorate-style bench. The bench has a lacquered and gilded wooden frame. The seat is upholstered with fabric that is still original. The wooden frame is still good but the...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

1940s directorate-style bench
1940s directorate-style bench

1940s directorate-style bench

$705
French Directoire Style Bench
Located in Houston, TX
French Directoire Style Bench. This lovely French Directoire bench or stool painted a gray/green color with dark blue accents with swan handle ...
Category

1920s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Wood, Velvet

French Directoire Style Bench
French Directoire Style Bench

French Directoire Style Bench

$2,650
Stunning Carved Antique Creme Painted Finish Directoire Style Bench Stool
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite antique Directoire style bench stool showcases the refined elegance and neoclassical artistry of the late 18th to early 19th century aesthetic. Expertly hand-carved, t...
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Walnut

Stunning Carved Antique Creme Painted Finish Directoire Style Bench Stool
Stunning Carved Antique Creme Painted Finish Directoire Style Bench Stool

Stunning Carved Antique Creme Painted Finish Directoire Style Bench Stool

$1,356 Sale Price
20% Off
Petite Bagues Style Gilt Upholstered bench in needlepoint
By Maison Baguès
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This petite Baguès style gilt upholstered bench in needlepoint is a charming and elegant accent piece that reflects the timeless sophistication of French design. Inspired by the reno...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Metal

Petite Bagues Style Gilt Upholstered bench in needlepoint
Petite Bagues Style Gilt Upholstered bench in needlepoint

Petite Bagues Style Gilt Upholstered bench in needlepoint

$1,356 Sale Price
20% Off
Signed, Three Maison Jansen Tufted Benches
By Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Signed, three Maison Jansen Tufted benches. The benches have tufted velvet cushions, black ebonized tapered legs with gold trim.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Leather, Wood, Velvet

Signed, Three Maison Jansen Tufted Benches
Signed, Three Maison Jansen Tufted Benches

Signed, Three Maison Jansen Tufted Benches

$24,000 / set
Maison Baguès Iron and Bronze Tufted Mohair Fabric Bench
Located in New York, NY
Maison Baguès iron and bronze tufted bench. Base is steel with brass hoof feet. Newly upholstered in mohair fabric.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Maison Baguès Iron and Bronze Tufted Mohair Fabric Bench
Maison Baguès Iron and Bronze Tufted Mohair Fabric Bench

Maison Baguès Iron and Bronze Tufted Mohair Fabric Bench

$9,400
French Wrought Iron Bench
Located in New York, NY
Brown-burgundy leatherette top with a decorative wrought iron and brass frame.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

French Wrought Iron Bench
French Wrought Iron Bench

French Wrought Iron Bench

$3,600
French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion
Located in Montreal, Quebec
A beautiful French country Directoire style banquette bench with yellow velvet cushion Made from sturdy sculpted wood, with the Classic lozenge and flower motif typical of the Direc...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Benches

Materials

Wood

French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion
French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion

French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion

$2,880 Sale Price
40% Off
Small French Empire Style Bench
Located in Buchanan, NY
A small Empire style bench upholstered in blue velvet. Add a touch of classic beauty and elegance to any space with this small Empire style bench. B...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Benches

Materials

Beech

Small French Empire Style Bench
Small French Empire Style Bench

Small French Empire Style Bench

$512 Sale Price / item
71% Off
Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Directoire carved Draper era X-benches exemplifies timeless sophistication, blending neoclassical influence with mid-20th-century revival style. The X-frame design, a ha...
Category

1950s European Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Walnut

Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches
Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches

Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches

$1,356 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Wrought Iron and Tufted Bench Style of Maison Ramsay
By Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Wrought iron and tufted bench style of Maison Ramsay.
Category

1950s Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron and Tufted Bench Style of Maison Ramsay
Wrought Iron and Tufted Bench Style of Maison Ramsay

Wrought Iron and Tufted Bench Style of Maison Ramsay

$7,300
Decorative French Bronze Bench
Located in New York, NY
Decorative French bronze bench / stool with a linen-blend upholstered seat.
Category

1950s Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Bronze

Decorative French Bronze Bench
Decorative French Bronze Bench

Decorative French Bronze Bench

$5,500
Related Items
1940s Italian Solid Wood Mid-Century Bench
Located in Kampen, NL
Bench produced in Italy during the 1940s, crafted in solid wood. The design features clean, functional lines and precise joinery, reflecting the restrained aesthetic of Italian furni...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Wood

1940s Italian Solid Wood Mid-Century Bench
1940s Italian Solid Wood Mid-Century Bench

1940s Italian Solid Wood Mid-Century Bench

$4,547
H 34.26 in W 83.47 in D 25.99 in
18th Century Pine Long Benches
Located in Billingshurst, GB
A pair of 18th century long pine benches. Good seat size and all sturdy. Good colour and patina.  
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Pine

18th Century Pine Long Benches
18th Century Pine Long Benches

18th Century Pine Long Benches

$1,336
H 18 in W 146 in D 8.5 in
Brazilian Designer, Bench, Wood, Brazil, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A sizable wood bench designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1940s. In all original condition with lively wear and patina. Overall Dimensions (inches): 18.2"H x 98.625"W x 19.85"D All...
Category

1940s Brazilian Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Wood

Brazilian Designer, Bench, Wood, Brazil, 1940s
Brazilian Designer, Bench, Wood, Brazil, 1940s

Brazilian Designer, Bench, Wood, Brazil, 1940s

$4,600
H 18.2 in W 98.625 in D 19.85 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut Daybed or Bench
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive 19th century walnut daybed or bench seat made in the grand French Napoleon III period. The walnut frame features large round padd...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut Daybed or Bench
19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut Daybed or Bench

19th Century French Napoleon III Walnut Daybed or Bench

$8,500
H 25 in W 80 in D 36 in
Louis XIII Style Turned Wood Long Bench / Stool by Valenti, Spain 1940s
By Valenti
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful mid-20th century Louis XIII style walnut bench or footstool with finely turned legs, stretcher and upholstered seat. Manufactured by Valentí, Spain, 1940s. This original V...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Directoire Benches

Materials

Brass

Louis XIII Style Turned Wood Long Bench / Stool by Valenti, Spain 1940s
Louis XIII Style Turned Wood Long Bench / Stool by Valenti, Spain 1940s

Louis XIII Style Turned Wood Long Bench / Stool by Valenti, Spain 1940s

$2,350 Sale Price
20% Off
H 17.33 in W 36.23 in D 14.57 in
French Antique Painted Bench
Located in New York, NY
French antique painted bench. The bench has a tufted seat and hand-painted floral designs to the wood frame. This petite bench has a low seat hei...
Category

1890s French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Wood

French Antique Painted Bench
French Antique Painted Bench

French Antique Painted Bench

$7,200
H 22.5 in W 55.5 in D 14 in
Antique French Coffee Table Bench Window Seat Marble Top Oak Renaissance Revival
Located in Tyler, TX
UNIQUE Carved Oak French Renaissance Revival Coffee Table, Bench or Window Seat/Settee with Grey Marble Top~~c. 1900-1920s Beautifully carved "scroll" accents on sides and stretche...
Category

1920s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Marble

Antique French Coffee Table Bench Window Seat Marble Top Oak Renaissance Revival
Antique French Coffee Table Bench Window Seat Marble Top Oak Renaissance Revival

Antique French Coffee Table Bench Window Seat Marble Top Oak Renaissance Revival

$2,895
H 25 in W 43 in D 21.5 in
18th Century French Pair of Antique Louis XVI Walnut Benches
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique French pair of two Louis XVI benches made of hand crafted Walnut wood, in good condition. Can be used as bed end bench. The legs are tapered and fluted. This remarkable an...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut

18th Century French Pair of Antique Louis XVI Walnut Benches
18th Century French Pair of Antique Louis XVI Walnut Benches

18th Century French Pair of Antique Louis XVI Walnut Benches

$7,900 / set
H 19 in W 54 in D 16 in
Rustic Hand Made Adirondack Banquette Style Bench Circa 1940s
Located in Peabody, MA
An unusual rustic Adirondack style banquette bench, fashioned in the late 1940s for a New Hampshire lakeside retreat. It is constructed of individual split pine logs, joined in paral...
Category

1940s American Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Pine, Paint

Rustic Hand Made Adirondack Banquette Style Bench Circa 1940s
Rustic Hand Made Adirondack Banquette Style Bench Circa 1940s

Rustic Hand Made Adirondack Banquette Style Bench Circa 1940s

$1,895 Sale Price
24% Off
H 16.5 in W 72 in D 32 in
Pair of Swedish 18th Century Louis XVI Style Bench-stools
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A Swedish pair of Louis XVI style benches (interchangeable as footstools or ottomans) dating to the 1700’s. These classically styled benches have...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Paint, Wood, Upholstery

Pair of Swedish 18th Century Louis XVI Style Bench-stools
Pair of Swedish 18th Century Louis XVI Style Bench-stools

Pair of Swedish 18th Century Louis XVI Style Bench-stools

$4,200 / set
H 18.25 in W 19.5 in D 14.75 in
French Provincial Oak and Rush Bench, France, 1940s
Located in Almelo, NL
French Provincial Oak and Rush Bench, France, 1940s This French Provincial three-seat bench, crafted in France during the 1940s, embodies the timeless rustic elegance of regional cr...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Benches

Materials

Rush, Oak

French Provincial Oak and Rush Bench, France, 1940s
French Provincial Oak and Rush Bench, France, 1940s

French Provincial Oak and Rush Bench, France, 1940s

$2,360
H 38.98 in W 66.93 in D 23.63 in
Tubular Steel Bench Ottoman Cow Hide Coffee Table, 1940s
Located in Wien, AT
This chromed tubular steel bench was produced in the Czech Republic in the 1940s and covered with a new cowhide. Completely restored with new sprin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Directoire Benches

Materials

Cowhide, Hide

Tubular Steel Bench Ottoman Cow Hide Coffee Table, 1940s
Tubular Steel Bench Ottoman Cow Hide Coffee Table, 1940s

Tubular Steel Bench Ottoman Cow Hide Coffee Table, 1940s

$3,900
H 13 in W 47.64 in D 28.75 in
Previously Available Items
Pair of White Paint Decorated Faux Bamboo French Directoire Style X Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeosu pair of French Directoire style Faux bamboo leather lashed and wrapped foot stools or X benches. The benches are in good original condition and will show distresse...
Category

1960s European Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Brass

Pair of White Paint Decorated Faux Bamboo French Directoire Style X Benches
Pair of White Paint Decorated Faux Bamboo French Directoire Style X Benches

Pair of White Paint Decorated Faux Bamboo French Directoire Style X Benches

H 18.5 in W 23 in D 17 in
Late 18th Century French Directoire Period Carved Rush Seat Radassier Bench
Located in Birmingham, AL
A late 18th century French Directoire period hall bench handcrafted of walnut in the Provençal countryside near the picturesque hilltop village of Gordes, known for its white limesto...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Walnut, Rush

Late 18th Century French Directoire Period Carved Rush Seat Radassier Bench
Late 18th Century French Directoire Period Carved Rush Seat Radassier Bench

Late 18th Century French Directoire Period Carved Rush Seat Radassier Bench

H 33.5 in W 78 in D 23.75 in
Outstanding Gilded Swan Carved French Directoire Style Rectangular Window Bench
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a stunning French-made giltwood bench with super carving and gorgeous vintage upholstery that really compliments the gilded frames. The carved swans are very naturalistically...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Gold Leaf

Outstanding Gilded Swan Carved French Directoire Style Rectangular Window Bench
Outstanding Gilded Swan Carved French Directoire Style Rectangular Window Bench

Outstanding Gilded Swan Carved French Directoire Style Rectangular Window Bench

H 22 in W 47.25 in D 22.75 in
Pair of Directoire Style Walnut and Brass Upholstered Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 17 1/4 in W: 26 1/2 in D: 16 1/2 in This elegant pair of mid-20th century Directoire style benches blends classical design with the refined sensibilities of the mid...
Category

20th Century Unknown Directoire Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

Pair of Directoire Style Walnut and Brass Upholstered Benches
Pair of Directoire Style Walnut and Brass Upholstered Benches

Pair of Directoire Style Walnut and Brass Upholstered Benches

H 17.25 in W 26.5 in D 16.5 in
Vintage Painted Curule Bench with Greek Key Embrioidered Linen Upholstery
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Directoire style, curule bench having a newly upholstered bowed seat with nailheads, its ivory-painted finish showing natural wear, channeled, square-section X-frame legs, joined by ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Directoire Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Vintage Painted Curule Bench with Greek Key Embrioidered Linen Upholstery
Vintage Painted Curule Bench with Greek Key Embrioidered Linen Upholstery

Vintage Painted Curule Bench with Greek Key Embrioidered Linen Upholstery

H 20 in W 23.25 in D 15.25 in
French 18th Century Directoire Painted Bench
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Directoire period painted bench made during the late 1700’s. This bench is upholstered in a worn green velvet upholstery with a nailhead trim. The frame has diamond carvings...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Paint

French 18th Century Directoire Painted Bench
French 18th Century Directoire Painted Bench

French 18th Century Directoire Painted Bench

H 20 in W 31.5 in D 15.25 in
French Directoire style painted and gilt window bench circa 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Directoire style painted and gilt window bench circa 1950 having carved columns and rolled ends.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

French Directoire style painted and gilt window bench circa 1950.
French Directoire style painted and gilt window bench circa 1950.

French Directoire style painted and gilt window bench circa 1950.

H 31.5 in W 48 in D 17.75 in
Gorgeous Creme Painted and Gilded French Directoire Style Round Bench Stool
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Carved distressed painted wood frame. Gilt accents. Upholstered seat. Nail head trim. 21" h x 31" diameter. Condition Scratches. Minor finish loss.
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Walnut

Gorgeous Creme Painted and Gilded French Directoire Style Round Bench Stool
Gorgeous Creme Painted and Gilded French Directoire Style Round Bench Stool

Gorgeous Creme Painted and Gilded French Directoire Style Round Bench Stool

H 21 in Dm 31 in
Gorgeous Circular End Creme Paint Decorated Window Bench Foot Stool Directoire
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Distressed painted frame. Upholstered. 24" h x 50 3/4" w x 19 3/8" d. Seat height 19 1/2". Condition Scratches. Paint loss. Chips along edges. Minor stains.
Category

1970s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Walnut

Gorgeous Circular End Creme Paint Decorated Window Bench Foot Stool Directoire
Gorgeous Circular End Creme Paint Decorated Window Bench Foot Stool Directoire

Gorgeous Circular End Creme Paint Decorated Window Bench Foot Stool Directoire

H 24 in W 50.75 in D 19.5 in
Pair of Tufted Leather Benches by Baker Furniture
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Baker Directoire style gilded 22-karat gold leaf lion head wood benches with tufted leather upholstery and nailhead trim detail.
Category

20th Century Unknown Directoire Benches

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Pair of Tufted Leather Benches by Baker Furniture
Pair of Tufted Leather Benches by Baker Furniture

Pair of Tufted Leather Benches by Baker Furniture

H 31.5 in W 34.5 in D 17.5 in
French Directoire Sofa Bench Silk Patterns Blue Gray White 18th
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Small bench Directoire period, end of reign of Louis XVI. Magnificent patterned silk upholstery for the seat and plain blue silk on the back of the bench. Very good condition. Grey, ...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Silk, Wood

French Directoire Sofa Bench Silk Patterns Blue Gray White 18th
French Directoire Sofa Bench Silk Patterns Blue Gray White 18th

French Directoire Sofa Bench Silk Patterns Blue Gray White 18th

H 34.65 in W 43.71 in D 17.72 in
Early 20th Century French Directoire Style Painted Ash Banquette, Settee
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This French Directoire style banquette from the turn of the twentieth century features a scrolled seat back detailed with a carved central rosette flanked by palmettes within a class...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Ash

Early 20th Century French Directoire Style Painted Ash Banquette, Settee
Early 20th Century French Directoire Style Painted Ash Banquette, Settee

Early 20th Century French Directoire Style Painted Ash Banquette, Settee

H 36.25 in W 48.5 in D 24 in

Directoire benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Directoire benches for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with walnut, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire benches made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Unknown pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original benches, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Maison Jansen, and Georges Jacob. 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,100 and tops out at $2,625 while the average work can sell for $2,363.

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