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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
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

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

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

19th Century Directoire Style Painted Benches
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely 19th century French carved and painted Directoire' style painted benches with grey upholstery. Patina is recent. So pretty!! Note: Price list is for one. There are two availab...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Wood

19th Century Directoire Style Painted Benches
19th Century Directoire Style Painted Benches

19th Century Directoire Style Painted Benches

Stunning Carved Antique Creme Painted Finish Directoire Style Bench Stool
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Carved wood. Upholstered. 22 1/2" h x 36 1/4" w x 24" d. Condition Finish loss. Minor stains to upholstery. Scratches.
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

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

Handsome Directoire Irish Pine Window Bench or Bench for Foot of Bed
Located in Buchanan, MI
Handsome Directoire Irish pine window bench or bench for foot of bed.
Category

19th Century Northern Irish Antique Directoire Benches

Materials

Pine

Handsome Directoire Irish Pine Window Bench or Bench for Foot of Bed
Handsome Directoire Irish Pine Window Bench or Bench for Foot of Bed

Handsome Directoire Irish Pine Window Bench or Bench for Foot of Bed

Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
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

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

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

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

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

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

Petite Bagues Style Gilt Upholstered bench in needlepoint
By Maison Baguès
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a special and beautiful gold leaf Maison Bagues style stool. The stool has needlepoint upholstery and is in good condition for its age. No major flaws to mention. The finish ...
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

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

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

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Located in Billingshurst, GB
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H 18 in W 146 in D 8.5 in
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Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Benches

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H 43.5 in W 39.38 in D 22 in
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Located in Swedesboro, NJ
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Louis XVI Style 19th Century Distressed Creme Painted Bench Green Upholstery

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Antique English Jacobean Style Carved Oak Joint Bench Stool
Located in London, GB
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H 12.21 in W 36.23 in D 11.82 in
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Located in Miami, FL
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Late 20th Century American Directoire Benches

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Previously Available Items
Early 20th Century French Directoire Style Painted Ash Banquette, Settee
Located in Fayetteville, AR
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Early 20th Century French Directoire Style Painted Ash Banquette, Settee
Early 20th Century French Directoire Style Painted Ash Banquette, Settee

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H 36.25 in W 48.5 in D 24 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 ...
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Mid-20th Century Directoire Benches

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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...
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18th Century French Antique Directoire Benches

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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.
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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.
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1940s French Vintage Directoire Benches

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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.
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1970s French Vintage Directoire Benches

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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.
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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, ...
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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
Hollywood Regency Cane Window Bench 1960's
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Southampton, NJ
Fabulous caned window bench attributed to Baker Furniture featuring Hollywood Regency styling with custom upholstered seat in new vintage stock Brunschwig & Fils floral velvet. Strik...
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20th Century American Directoire Benches

Materials

Velvet, Cane, Walnut

Hollywood Regency Cane Window Bench 1960's
Hollywood Regency Cane Window Bench 1960's

Hollywood Regency Cane Window Bench 1960's

H 29 in W 48.5 in D 14.5 in
Maison Bagues Style Gilded Metal X Form French Faux Bamboo Benches Stools
By Maison Baguès
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a stunning pair of gold gilded metal Maison Bagues style x form benches. They are absolutely gorgeous and very rare and hard to find. The benches measure 16 tall x 22 wide x ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Directoire Benches

Materials

Metal

Maison Bagues Style Gilded Metal X Form French Faux Bamboo Benches Stools
Maison Bagues Style Gilded Metal X Form French Faux Bamboo Benches Stools

Maison Bagues Style Gilded Metal X Form French Faux Bamboo Benches Stools

H 18 in W 22 in D 16 in
Pair of Silver Leaf Upholstered Sabre Leg French Directoire Stools
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful and glamorous pair of silver leaf directoire benches or stools. They are perfect to add a touch of glamor that you may be missing in your home. They each measure ...
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1990s Unknown Directoire Benches

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Walnut

Pair of Silver Leaf Upholstered Sabre Leg French Directoire Stools
Pair of Silver Leaf Upholstered Sabre Leg French Directoire Stools

Pair of Silver Leaf Upholstered Sabre Leg French Directoire Stools

H 20 in W 19 in D 20 in
Chic Pair of Ebonized Gilded French Directoire Louis XVI Benches Stools
By Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is one of the purest forms of Directoire stools we have ever had, and so beautifully done. The distressed gold leaf finish and original ebonized finish are simply superb. The be...
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1940s French Vintage Directoire Benches

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Walnut

Chic Pair of Ebonized Gilded French Directoire Louis XVI Benches Stools
Chic Pair of Ebonized Gilded French Directoire Louis XVI Benches Stools

Chic Pair of Ebonized Gilded French Directoire Louis XVI Benches Stools

H 20 in W 22 in D 16 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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