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.
$7,750 / set
Pair of Directoire Cream-Painted Slipper Chairs
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Each with a rectangular carved panelled top rail above a pierced vertical splat and an upholstered seat, raised on front tapering circular legs and saber back legs. The exquisite qu...
Silk, Wood
$3,763Sale Price|20% Off
H 27.96 in W 30.71 in D 29.53 in
Contemporary Isabella Scalloped Slipper Chair Juniper Green Velvet Walnut Legs
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Isabella slipper chair is one of our signature pieces. The exquisite tailored fluting and distinctive lines give a shapely feminine edge. This design is superb upholstered in a v...
Velvet, Walnut
Pair Upholstered Slipper Chairs With Painted Frames
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A pair of slipper chairs with upholstered seats, backs, and skirts in a striped fabric of yellow, green, and lavender tones. Each chair has a low rectangular back within a painted fr...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stylish and elegant slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. Upholstered in Fret custom Italian silk velvet, luxurious to the touch, (samples available). Chocolate bra...
Mahogany
$2,495 / set
H 34 in W 29.5 in D 33 in
MCM Hollywood Regency Button Back Oyster & Blue Harlequin Fabric Slipper Chairs
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous vintage MCM aka Mid-Century Modern or Hollywood Regency button back oyster & blue colored harlequin fabric slipper chairs with front brass ball casters. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. These have been professionally cleaned and the fabric is in great condition. Legs have had a coat of Danish oil applied. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Mid-20th Century. Time to slip into something more comfortable! How about this GORGEOUS pair of Mid-Century Modern slipper chairs! Don’t mind if we do!! This is a Classic pair of slipper chairs we believe were reupholstered in this wonderful oyster or off white colored fabric with blue dots on the tips of the diamonds of the harlequin design, button backs, and deck. The seat is a loose foam cushion that fits much like a T cushion...
Fabric, Wood
$15,500 / set
H 31 in W 34 in D 31 in
Baker Ivory Satin Slipper Chairs Attributed to Michael Taylor, circa 1950s, Pair
By Michael Taylor, James Mont, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Saint Louis, MO
An absolutely jaw-dropping pair of meticulous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency lounge chairs in original tufted ivory satin from a boutique series produced by Baker Furniture, circa 1960. Extremely rare Baker Furniture chairs in the style of James Mont. Stout, expertly crafted ebonized solid mahogany construction. This fabulous design is routinely attributed to the work of the esteemed Michael Taylor. The unmistakable look of old money...
Satin, Mahogany
$1,995 / set
H 29 in W 29 in D 32 in
1960s Mid-Century Modern Chrome Slipper Chairs, Florence Knoll Style
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern slipper chairs with chrome base in the manner of Florence Knoll. Comfortable angled backs with polished chrome base. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - ...
Chrome
Slipper Chair in the Style of André Sornay
By Andre Sornay
Located in Glendale, CA
Slipper chair in the style of André Sornay. Handcrafted in Los Angeles in the workshop of noted French designer and antiques dealer Denis de le Mesiere, who pays homage to the work...
Brass
$4,250 / set
H 36 in W 19.5 in D 18 in
Louis XVI Lyre Back Slipper Chairs, Fortuny Fabric, France, Circa 1780
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Louis XVI Period Lyre back slipper chairs upholstered in Fortuny fabric. Very good and sturdy condition.
Wood
Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. USA, circa 1950. Signed with brass tag. Features tufted back with piping. Original f...
Upholstery, Mahogany
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Slipper Chairs, Pair
Located in North Miami, FL
Classic pair of slipper chairs designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, circa 1954. The frames are walnut and the chairs have a wonderful button tufted soft blue leather upholstery. To di...
Leather, Walnut
$750Sale Price / set|76% Off
H 32 in W 30.5 in D 28 in
Chic Pair of Estate Slipper Chairs, Matte Black Fabric
Located in Bronx, NY
chic pair of estate slipper chairs in a cool stretch matte black fabric with a waterfall skirt and inset pleats. Fully refurbished.
$950 / set
H 36 in W 21 in D 23 in
Vintage French Louis XV Style Cream & Pink Painted Boudoir Slipper Chair - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage French Louis XV Style Cream & Pink Painted Boudoir Slipper Chairs with Floral...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 30.5 in W 22 in D 21 in
French 19th Century Directoire Inspired Slipper Chair with Striped Fabric
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire inspired wooden slipper chair from the 19th century, with striped upholstery and casters. Created in France during the 19th ce...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Slipper Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of large early 19th century French Directoire fruitwood chairs. Of simple and classic design, these chairs have sloping backs and d...
Fruitwood
Pair of Directoire Style Slipper Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite pair of Directoire style slipper chairs showcases refined neoclassical elegance and timeless French design. Crafted with finely carved wooden frames, the chairs featur...
Tapestry, Wood