Directoire Seating
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
Set of 8 Maison Jansen Paint Decorated Louis XVI Trapezoidal Back Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a rare and gorgeous set of 8 Maison Jansen gray painted and distressed finished dining chairs. They have a classic trapezoidal back and beautiful recent ( what we believe to ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Pair Of Antique French Directoire Period Painted Armchairs, Late 18th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
PAIR OF ANTIQUE FRENCH UPHOLSTERED CHAIRS
A pair of extremely romantic chairs with carved frames, painted in a buttery cream paint with sap green and orange details. naturally worn ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Paint
French 19th Century Pair of Directoire Bergeres
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A welcoming pair of 19th century French bergere chairs, made in the Directoire taste with influences of Louis XVI for timeless appeal. The pair are characterized by a gorgeous cut ve...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Paint
Pair of Directoire Style White Washed and Plaid Upholstered Club Chairs
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 24 3/4 in W: 28 1/4 in D: 29 1/2 in SH: 16 3/4 in
Infuse your space with sophisticated charm and timeless appeal with this pair of Directoire style club chairs, featuring a beautifully whitewashed wood finish and classic plaid upholstery reminiscent of the iconic Ralph Lauren aesthetic. Designed to evoke the understated elegance of French Directoire furniture...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
18th c. French Directoire Period Set of Six Bleached Beechwood Chairs
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 squ...
Category
Early 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Beech
French 18th Century Directoire Bed
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 18th century Directoire bed.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
1950s American Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Set of Four 18th Century Chairs, France, Cherry, Painted, Directoire, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Set of very unusual 18th century chairs
It's a set of four chairs, all with different paintings of the Greek mythology.
Bourgogne (France)
cherrywood, oil colors
Directoire,...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Cherry
French 18th Century Oak Armchair
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French 18th century (circa 1790) transitional style oak armchair reflecting design influences from Hepplewhite and Sheraton tastes with Directoire refinement. This sturdy, solid oa...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Brass
Exceptional Directoire Style Sofa in Cerused Oak
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine settee featuring a contemporary taking design cues from the iconic French Directoire style. Impeccably upholstered in a natural taupe woven fabric and framed in striking cerus...
Category
20th Century Directoire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Oak
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.
Category
1940s Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
18th Century Directoire Bergère Chair with Paisley Upholstery
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This rare French bergère dates from the late 18th century, during the elegant transitional period between the Louis XVI and Directoire styles. Crafted from solid beechwood, the frame...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Beech
Pair of Directoire Style Carved Armchairs Attributed to Theodore Alexander
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 27 3/4 in W: 24 in D: 23 1/2 in SH: 19 1/4 in
This striking pair of Directoire style carved armchairs, attributed to the renowned Theodore Alexander, exemplifies th...
Category
20th Century Unknown Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
French Directoire Style Children’s Hand Pinted Bergere Chairs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of French Directoire style children’s bergere chairs. The hand painted frames are coral and ivory. The upholstery is new and a cotton linen blend. The frames show some ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Late 18th Century French Directoire Period Painted Side Chairs
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This pair of late eighteenth century French Directoire period painted side chairs features its original patina. Their curved seat backs are detailed with a hand carved laurels at the...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Ash
20th C. Directoire Style Painted and Floral Crewelwork Upholstered Bregere
Located in Morristown, NJ
Mid 20th C. Directoire style crewelwork bergere with a cream painted wood frame decorated with bands of carved rope and draped swags. The crewelwork upholstery is accented with a com...
Category
1980s American Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Silk, Wood
Pair 18th Century Directoire Gold Parcel Gilt Painted Bergéres
Located in Houston, TX
Exquisite pair of late 18th Century Directoire bergères featuring parcel gilt detailing, faded sea green paint and upholstered in Velluto Sforza Venetian velvet fabric with outside b...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Giltwood
18th Century French Directoire Bergere
Located in Houston, TX
18th century French Directoire Bergere.
This stunning 18th century period French Directoire chair or bergère is the perfect side chair, ...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Wood
Antique 18th C Side Chairs W Tapestry Textile
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 18th C Side Chairs W Flemish Tapestry Textile
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Textile, 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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Beautiful Pair of 19th Century French Armchairs
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful pair of 19th century French armchairs.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Maison Jansen Style Carved Walnut X Form Stools Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic pair of hand-made Maison Jansen style X form benches. The benches are in good condition with hand-carved, hand-made frames and decent upholstery. The benches are ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Large Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Récamier Settee in Scalamandré Tiger Velvet
Located in Nashville, TN
And of unusual ( rare ) large dimensions. Matching bolsters for each end. Well worn gilt and paint finish and
losses to frame. Well worn paint and gilded finish. Oxidation to the gi...
Category
1790s Italian Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Giltwood
French Sofa Directoire circa 1800 Grey Painted , New Upholstery
Located in Epfach, DE
French sofa or canape directoire with elegantly moulded frame. It is grey and green painted and the original surface is wonderfully carved. The sofa is new upholstered with an comfor...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Directoire Style Fruitwood Armchair with Brown Leather Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
This early 20th-century armchair is crafted in the Directoire style, drawing inspiration from late 18th-century French design with its elegant, neoclassical lines and restrained orna...
Category
Early 20th Century Directoire Seating
Materials
Leather, Fruitwood
Fine Set of 8 French Directoire Louis XVI Style Paint Decorated Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous set of 8 paint decorated dining chairs. The chairs are color coordinated with the same color of the upholstery on their tim details. The chairs are in good conditi...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
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 Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
Late 19th Century French Directoire Painted Cane Daybed/Settee, C 1880
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A late 19th century French Directoire painted cane daybed/settee. C 1880. Very decorative item with original patina.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Cane, Wood
French Directoire Period Bergere
Located in Pembroke, MA
French Directoire period blue-gray painted bergere, newly-upholstered in lovely blue and gold toile fabric based on a museum-archived pattern....
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Set 8 French Louis XVI Ebonized Black Lacquer Maison Jansen Style Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a chic set of 8 Maison Jansen style black lacquer Directoire style dining chairs made in France. The chairs are in good condition and will show signs of age and use but minim...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
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 Seating
Materials
Wood, Velvet
Directoire canapé sofa, 18th century, Tassinari & Chatel silk
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Beautiful lacquered canapé, fine late 18th century Parisian production circa 1795 (Directoire period).
Finely carved ribs and roses patterns, beautiful proportions. A high range prod...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Silk, Wood
Pair of French Directoire Style Armchairs, 19th century
Located in Leimen, DE
Pair of Directoire-Style Armchairs, Circa 1880 – Timeless Elegance in Mahogany
This stunning pair of Directoire-style armchairs, crafted around 1880, epitomizes the refined elegance...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
The Collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret (1930-2002), Kensington Palace
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Formerly Owned By The Late Sister Of Queen Elizabeth II.The Collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret (1930-2002), Kensington Palace.
A Pair of Early 19th Century French Walnut Fau...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Pair Directoire Bergeres
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a superb pair of Directoire late 18th century or early 19th century Marquis or bergere a la reine. The quality and rarity of these chairs, i...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Down, Hardwood, Leather
Pair Ebonized Black Cane Back French Directoire Bergere Chairs Brass Accents
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a stylish pair of Directoire style cane chairs with gilt and ebonized frames. The chairs are in good condition with minor signs of damage to the cane as shown which is extrem...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Brass
Pair Maison Jansen Attributed Mahogany French Directoire Footstools, Circa 1960s
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
1960s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
1960s Robert Kjer Jakobsen & Virtue Bros Directors Chairs White Chrome
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 Seating
Materials
Chrome
Directoire Armchair, France 1800-10
Located in Leimen, DE
Discover the elegance and historical charm of this Directoire armchair, originating from France around 1800. This piece showcases a meticulously carved walnut frame, reflecting the r...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Exceptional 18th Century French Mahogany Stools
Located in Allerum, SE
Exceptional 18th / early 19th century French mahogany stools. Ca 1800. Signed by Henry Jacob, master in Paris (1753 - 1824).
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
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...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Eight walnut Direttorio chairs, Tuscany, Lucca circa 1795
Located in Prato, IT
Eight walnut Direttorio Chairs with banded backs and floral pattern carving.
Paws with carved frames typical of Lucca.
Entirely hand-sewn straw seat.
Tuscany, late 18th century
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
1950s Maison Jansen Steel and Brass Daybed
Located in New York, NY
1950s Maison Jansen Steel and Brass Daybed. Original fabric.
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Brass, Steel
Pair of Directoire Style Caned Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely pair of Directoire style caned armchairs with swan heads. Cushion done in a whimsical fabric with different breeds of dogs in canopy beds, etc.
Category
20th Century French Directoire Seating
Materials
Cane, Wood
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...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Elm, Pearwood
French Directoire Style Sofa in Cherrywood
Located in Southampton, NJ
A French Directoire style solid Cherrywood sofa with subtle scrolled arms and tapered front / splayed back legs. A unique transitional sofa suitable for placement in a variety of set...
Category
20th Century Italian Directoire Seating
Materials
Wrought Iron
18th Century Louis XVI Bedroom Bench or Daybed by George 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 Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Century Furniture Directoire Style Walnut Upholstered seat & Cane Back Armchair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Century Furniture Directoire Style Walnut with Upholstered seat with Cane Back Armchair in great vintage condition.
Measures 23" in width, 24" in depth and stands 36.5z" tall. Sea...
Category
Late 20th Century American Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Upholstered Bergères with Twisted Columns
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Directoire style painted wood bergères chairs from the 19th century with twisted columns and new custom upholstery. This elegant pair of French Directoire style berg...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Set of 6 Maison Jansen Attributed Balloon Back Circular Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic set of classic French Directoire dining chairs and in good original condition. They are done in the manner and attr...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Directoire Armchairs, Cherry, France circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Pair of antique cherry armchairs
France
Cherry
Directoire around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 87 x 58 x 49 cm, seat height: 43 cm
Description:
Pair of elegant and interestingly sha...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Cherry
Dark Green Paint Decorated Tufted French Directoire Footstool Window bench
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous dark green distressed fininsh Directoire style window bench. The bench dates to the 1960s era and measures 42 wide x 19 tall x 16 deep and will show signs of use a...
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
19th C. French Directoire Carved Walnut Armchair with Gold Velvet Upholstery
Located in Chicago, IL
19th Century French Directoire carved walnut armchair with white paint and gold velvet upholstery.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Velvet, Walnut, Paint
Large French Directoire Style Armchair
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exceptional 19th century French Directoire style armchair. This large Directoire style fauteuil is a timeless piece of French design. Featuring a beautiful white-distressed wooden...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Antique French Painted Directoire Style Armchairs, Circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
The period of French history known as Directoire was a difficult time, as it arrived at the end of the Revolutionary War. Furnishings in this style, such as our pair of painted armch...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Seating
Materials
Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Paint
French Directoire Settee with Painted Garlands, Upholstery and Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire settee from the 19th century with soft creamish yellow painted finish, green accents, painted garlands and linen upholster...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Directoire seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Directoire seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, more furniture and collectibles, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Maison Jansen, Baker Furniture Company, Century Furniture, 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $476 and tops out at $37,900 while the average work can sell for $3,917.