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Directoire Lounge Chairs

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
1960s Robert Kjer Jakobsen & Virtue Bros Directors Chairs White Chrome
1960s Robert Kjer Jakobsen & Virtue Bros Directors Chairs White Chrome

1960s Robert Kjer Jakobsen & Virtue Bros Directors Chairs White Chrome

By Virtue Brothers

Located in Charleston, SC

MCM Style Directors Chairs White Chrome Attr Robert Kjer Jakobsen & Virtue Bros Gorgouse pair of MCM a.k.a. Mid-Century Modern Campaign style sling director’s chairs attributed to Robert Kjer Jakobsen for Virtue Brothers. They are in wonderful vintage condition. The sling’s have the original white leather seats and still maintain their tag on both of the chairs. The chrome x base has been cleaned and polished however there may be slight age appropriate nicks or dings. Please see photos, circa 1960-1970. These chairs will bring a sleek and sophisticated look to any room in your house. They are Campaign style director’s chairs attributed to Robert Kjer Jakobsen for Virtue Brothers. These Mid-Century Modern, circa 1960-1970 The x base is composed of a rectangular tubed chrome steel beautifully polished. They are absolutely stunning and although they are director’s chairs, they will definitely be the main act in any room you put them in! Perfect to use in a sitting room, in the kitchen at a fun little breakfast nook, at a card table or a coffee bar. They are modern style but could bring a little sass to a traditional setting as well. Come to think of it, you need these in your life no matter if your design style leans to Hollywood Regency, Campaign Style, Industrial, or Modern Country, they will be perfect! Robert Kjer Jakobsen was born in Portland, Oregon, on March 8, 1918. From 1949-1985, he was chief designer of the Los Angeles furniture company...

Category

1960s American Vintage Directoire Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

1940s French Lounge Chairs Pair
1940s French Lounge Chairs Pair

1940s French Lounge Chairs Pair

Located in New York, NY

1940s pair of French lounge chairs that are nicely upholstered in silk with rolled arms and loose down filled seat cushions. The chairs have flared mahogany legs.

Category

1940s Vintage Directoire Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany, Silk

Soft Blue and White Painted French Directoire Style Medium Size Armchairs
Soft Blue and White Painted French Directoire Style Medium Size Armchairs

Soft Blue and White Painted French Directoire Style Medium Size Armchairs

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This elegant pair of French Directoire style armchairs offers a perfect balance of timeless design and modern comfort, making them an ideal addition to both traditional and contempor...

Category

1950s European Vintage Directoire Lounge Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Art Deco Mid Century Modern Hollywood Regency French Directoire Lounge Armchairs
Art Deco Mid Century Modern Hollywood Regency French Directoire Lounge Armchairs

Art Deco Mid Century Modern Hollywood Regency French Directoire Lounge Armchairs

By (after) Jean Michel Frank

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous Pair of curved bent open arm chairs from the forties. Created from beech, chairs have a clean, simple and elegant pleasing look. Large seats that are very comfortable, recen...

Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

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Diana Armchair in Blue Soft or Black Soft Velvet
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Mid-Century Modern Walnut Lounge Chairs
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Danish Brown Leather + Chrome Frame Lounge Chair #1, 1960s
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Pair of Directoire Style Caned Armchairs, Wood & Cane, French Design
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Mid-Century Modern Danish Tessellated Cube Lounge Armchair

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Milo Baughman Chrome Cube Chairs, 1960
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By Milo Baughman

Located in Chicago, IL

Milo Baughman Chrome Cube Chairs. Chairs have original fabric in great vintage condition. Measure 26.5” wide 28.75” deep 25.5” tall seat height 17”

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Danish Cabinetmaker, pair of Lounge Chairs Lambswool, 1940s
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Danish cabinetmaker pair of lounge chairs new upholstered with lambswool. Legs of stained beech. Made in the 1940s.  

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French Directoire Chaise Longue, circa 1840
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Directoire lounge chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Directoire lounge chairs 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 lounge chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, walnut and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire lounge chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 lounge chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $796 and tops out at $14,000 while the average work can sell for $2,778.