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.
$12,580 / set
French 19th Century Set of 8 Dining Room Chairs
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful set of 8 dining room chairs, they are made of walnut and mahogany wood and black paint inside the curve along the legs and the top. They have a large seat and nicely curved...
Mahogany, Walnut
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...
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Set of Six French Directoire Style Dining Chairs Bronze Accents
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A refined set of six French neoclassical dining chairs comprised of two armchairs and four side chairs, executed in the Louis XVI or Directoire style. The set features warm honey-ton...
Bronze
Set of 8 Maison Jansen Style French Louis XVI Dining Chairs Circa 1950s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your dining space with this exquisite set of eight French Louis XVI / Directoire–style dining chairs, crafted in the sophisticated tradition of Maison Jansen. Finished in a w...
Faux Leather, Walnut
$4,350 / set
Directoire Antique French Dining Chairs
Located in Austin, TX
Directoire style antique French chairs made with solid wood construction that has been finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. We love the elegant stylized acanthus...
Upholstery, Wood
A set of six French Directoire style painted dining room chairs, 19th C.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of six side chairs all painted and of pegged construction. Having rosette and diamond carved crests above pierced splats and upholstered seats, all supported by turned tape...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
$11,000 / set
1950s French Iron and Brass Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
1950s French iron and brass dining chairs. The chairs have iron frames, are black vinyl, with brass finials to the top and brass ball feet. The chairs also have sloping arms and fold...
Brass, Iron
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...
Fabric, Sycamore
Set of Six Directoire Dining Chairs, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Set of six antique chairs France mahogany early 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 88 x 47 x 44 cm, seat height: 48 cm Description: Set o...
Wood
Rare set of 6 Directoire Dining Chairs with Elaborate Carved Backs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant set of six French Louis XVI style dining chairs exudes classical refinement and timeless sophistication. Crafted with carved and painted frames in a soft antique white f...
Beech
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...
Brass, Ormolu
Set of Ten French Mahogany Directoire St. Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and complete set of ten French turn of the century Directoire st. mahogany dining chairs. Each chair is raised by elegant lightly curved square tapered legs below the ...
Mahogany
$7,120Sale Price / set|20% Off
French Directoire Period Set of Six Bleached Beechwood Chairs, 18th c.
Located in Wichita, KS
A very charming set of six French dining chairs from the Directoire period. The frames are solid bleached beechwood nicely patinated with pegged mortise & tenon joinery. Scrolled...
Fabric, Beech
$6,294 / set
Directoire Side Chairs (Sets of 2)
Located in Westwood, NJ
Large mahogany side chairs, with an over scroll padded back and seat above floral capital carved and paneled sabre legs. Inspired by a 19th-century French original. Dimensions: 23" W...
Wood
French 18th Century Directoire Mahogany Chairs with Silk Blend Upholster Fabric
Located in Firenze, IT
This beautiful set of four late 18th-early 19th century European Directoire period mahogany gondola chairs will be the perfect addition to your dining room or living room as they can be used as dining room chairs or side side chairs...
Fabric, Cotton, Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany, Giltwood
Set of Six Vintage Directoire Dining Chairs, 1960s, Black Gloss Finish
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We have admired this style of chairs for years, but it took 13 years in business to find this set. Custom made in the early 1960s by Indianapolis Chair...
Wood
$19,000 / set
1950s French Iron and Brass Dining Table and Chairs
Located in New York, NY
1950s French iron and brass dining table and chairs. The set has iron frames, chairs are black vinyl, with brass finials to the top and b...
Brass, Iron
Set of Eight French 19th Century Directoire St. Patinated Wood Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and very unique complete set of eight French 19th century Directoire st. patinated wood dining chairs. Each chair is raised by lovely turned circular legs at the front wit...
Wood
$1,895 / set
French Pair of Period Directoire Side Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A regal pair of French side chairs from the Directoire period (circa 1795-1800). The chairs have chalk-white painted frames now patinated to fine craquelure texture softening the sym...
Velvet, Wood, Paint
$6,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Fine Set of 12 Brass Inlaid Rosewood French Regency Style Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine set of 12 brass inlaid rosewood French Regency style dining chairs represents the perfect balance of craftsmanship, elegance, and functionality. Expertly made, each chair f...
Brass
$17,272Sale Price / set|20% Off
Dining Room Set of Eight Italian Chairs and a Pair of Armchairs, 1790
Located in Rome, IT
A fine set of Nord-Italian walnut chairs (8) and a pair of armchairs, Covered in ivory color silk in perfect condition. Lombardy Nord Italy, last quarter of the 18th century.
Walnut
Fine Italian Dining Room Set of Eight Chairs and a Pair of Armchairs, 1790
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant set of Nord-Italian walnut chairs (8) and a pair of armchairs, Covered in ivory color silk in perfect condition. Lombardy Nord Italy, last quarter of the 18th century.
Walnut
$17,272Sale Price / set|20% Off
Dining Room Set of Eight Italian Chairs and a Pair of Armchairs, 1790
Located in Rome, IT
A fine set of Nord-Italian walnut chairs (8) and a pair of armchairs, Covered in ivory color silk in perfect condition. Lombardy Nord Italy, last quarter of the 18th century.
Walnut
$3,719Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 Maison Jansen Attributed Balloon Back Circular Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This set of six Maison Jansen attributed Directoire dining chairs exemplifies refined French craftsmanship and timeless neoclassical design. Featuring elegant balloon backrests with ...
Walnut
$6,594 / set
Directoire Armchairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
Two mahogany armchairs, with an over scroll padded back and seat between open scroll arms and above floral capital carved and paneled sabre legs. Inspired by a 19th-century French or...
Wood
An Exceptional Set of Six Inlaid Directoire Period Mahogany Dining Chairs
By Charles Percier
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
All six frames featuring swan shaped brass inlaid motifs strikingly silhouetted against ebonized panels within brass moldings, over hand carved lyre-shaped splats replete with brass 'strings'. The frames also featuring brass strung stiles, front seat rails & sabre-leg front supports. All are in exceptionally sound condition due to the classical construction method of using oak as the secondary wood for added strength & durability. The swan motif was highly favored by cabinetmakers & mount makers during the Directoire Period and was associated with Napoleons consort Josephine, by interpreting her protective nature towards her children like that of a swan towards it's cygnets). For comparative examples see works by Charles Percier...
Brass
Fine Italian Dining Room Set of Eight Chairs and a Pair of Armchairs, 1790
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant set of Nord-Italian walnut chairs (8) and a pair of armchairs, Covered in ivory color silk in perfect condition. Lombardy Nord Italy, last quarter of the 18th century.
Walnut
Set of Six Colonial Safari Armchairs with Animals in the Back Splats
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A set of six French Directoire chairs with figural back splats depicting African animals France, early 19th century Each in elm and pea...
Elm, Pearwood
$3,560Sale Price / set|60% Off
H 40.5 in W 23 in D 21 in
Set of 6 Maison Jansen Cerused Oak Dining Chairs
Located in Hanover, MA
1stdibs SATURDAY SALE 60% discount Stamped Maison Jansen gorgeously finished set of 6 dining chairs each stamped "Jansen" in cerused oak with a clear shiny gloss finish and brass em...
Brass
Set of Six Brutalist Style Dutch Dining Chairs
Located in London, London
Set of six dining chairs A striking set of six Dutch dining chairs from the 1970s, embodying a bold Brutalist aesthetic with a nod to the architectural influence of Afra and Tobia S...
Oak
$6,800 / set
H 36 in W 18.5 in D 18 in
Italian Neoclassical Dining Chairs Set of Four, Pinewood, Circa 1830
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant set of four Italian dining chairs, finely handcrafted in pinewood and finished in a soft white-grey patina. Executed in the late Neoclassical style, each chair features an...
Fabric, Upholstery, Pine
$27,288 / set
H 35.44 in W 18.71 in D 16.54 in
Set of 10 Early 19th Century Regency Mahogany Dining Room Chairs
Located in Dublin, IE
An exceptional set of 10 IRegency mahogany dining chairs, The set comprising of eight side chairs and two armchairs, each with pierced arched top rail, carved with acanthus leaves an...
Mahogany
Set Of Six Antique Hepplewhite Style Dining Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Restoration recommended for this set of Hepplewhite Style chairs dating to the 1920's and possibly earlier. Including two arm and four side chairs. With shaped carved crest rails and...
Faux Leather, Mahogany
Set of Four Louis XVI Style Painted Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stunning set of four lacquer painted dining chairs made in the grand French Louis XVI taste. The chairs feature beautifully carved frames...
Velvet, Wood
$1,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 33.86 in W 16.93 in D 20.87 in
Set of Four Balloon-Back Napoleon III Dining Chairs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A beautiful set of four balloon backed antique French dining chairs dating from the Napoleon III period. Comfortable as well as elegant, each chair is sculpted from finest mahogany, ...
Fruitwood
French Oak Dining Chairs 19th Century Set of 4
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Set of 4 19th Century F...
Cotton, Oak
$2,076Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 27.7 in W 16.8 in D 17.2 in
19th Century British Dining Chairs, Set of Four
Located in High Point, NC
Made in the United Kingdom in the 19th Century, this set of four chairs is made of wood and features an upholstered cushion. Finished in black, the refined style of these chairs lend...
Upholstery, Wood
Set of Eight 19th Century Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Martlesham, GB
A set of eight mahogany dining chairs in the Queen Anne style, consisting of six side chairs and two armchairs, the shaped central splat back with carved shell decoration flanked by ...
Mahogany
$799 / set
H 31.5 in W 16.15 in D 16.93 in
1950's Baumann Bentwood Tri Back Dining Chair - Bleached - Set Of Four
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950’s Baumann Bentwood Tri Back Dining Chair – Bleached – Set Of Four 1950’s Baumann Bentwood Tri Back Dining Chair – Honey – Set Of Four. Classic Beech bistro chair made in France ...
Bentwood
Set of Four McGuire Rattan Barrel Back Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic set of four rattan dining armchairs made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire. The chairs feature gorgeous pole bent rattan frames in a barrel back form w...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan
Sold
H 36.75 in W 24.5 in D 24 in
Fine Set of 8 French Directoire Louis XVI Style Paint Decorated Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine set of 8 French Directoire Louis XVI style dining chairs beautifully captures the elegance and refinement of neoclassical French design. Each chair features a delicately pa...
Walnut
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 ...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
Sold
H 35 in W 18.5 in D 17.5 in
Set of 8 Maison Jansen Paint Decorated Louis XVI Trapezoidal Back Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant set of 8 Maison Jansen dining chairs exemplifies refined French sophistication with timeless Louis XVI style. Expertly crafted and paint decorated, each chair features a...
Walnut
Sold
H 35 in W 17 in D 21 in
Set of 8 French Louis XVI Painted Balloon Back Maison Jansen Attri Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a bright, chic and gorgeous set of 8 chairs in the style of Maison Jansen. They are painted in an off-white and feature a gold velvet of some kind. The chairs are in good con...
Velvet, Walnut
Set Of 8 Directoire Period Oak Chairs
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very beautiful set of 8 Directoire period chairs in natural oak Very beautiful chairs in oak and caning. The chairs and caning have been checked and are solid and in perfect conditi...
Oak
Sold
H 35 in W 19 in D 22 in
Antique French Directoire Style Dining Chairs W/ Butter Cream Velvet - Set of 8
Located in Astoria, NY
Late 19th-century French dining chairs made in French Directoire style, sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully hand-crafted from solid walnut wood featuring a long scroll back. T...
Velvet, Walnut
French set of 6 Dining chairs Directoire wood, black leather
By French Foundry Pierret-Depaix et Cie
Located in Valladolid, ES
Outstanding set of 6 chairs in the Directoire style, made during the first decade of the 20th century in France, in walnut wood and with the seat upholstered in black leather. Simpl...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 33.5 in W 18 in D 17 in
Set of Six Mid-20th Century Directoire Style Painted Dining Chairs, Side Chairs
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This set of six mid-20th century French painted beechwood dining chairs or side chairs with their scrolled seat backs are classic Directoire in form and style. The turned front legs ...
Upholstery, Beech
Sold
H 38.25 in W 20 in D 22.5 in
Set 8 French Louis XVI Ebonized Black Lacquer Maison Jansen Style Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This set of eight French Louis XVI style dining chairs, finished in an elegant ebonized black lacquer, is a superb example of Maison Jansen-inspired design and timeless neoclassical ...
Walnut
Set of 6 French Directoire Walnut Chairs
Located in Jersey City, NJ
These chairs were purchased in France. There are in walnut. covered with a beige cotton wool fabric and show signs of previous use. They have the elegance of the Directoire and can...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 36.75 in W 18.75 in D 21.25 in
Six painted and gilt upholstered directoire style dining chairs circa 1940
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Six painted and gilt upholstered directoire style dining chairs circa 1940 with recent fabric.
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 33.75 in W 22.5 in D 20 in
Set of Four French Antique Neoclassical Finely Carved Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A fine 19th century set of 4 French neoclassical dining chairs from the Directoire period with stunning intricately carved walnut fram...
Upholstery, Walnut