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
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
French Directoire Walnut Sofa with Linen Upholstery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stately French Directoire-style sofa, crafted in solid walnut and offering timeless elegance with understated architectural lines. This three-seat piece reflects the restrained neo...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Linen, 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
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 ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
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
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
French Directoire Style Swag Arm Chairs
Located in Southampton, NJ
Classic French Directoire style swag arm chairs with sliver leaf accents upholstered in fine cut velvet on linen ground. Klismos styling to the front legs with heirloom quality coil...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Directoire Seating
Materials
Silver Leaf
French 19th Century Directoire Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A sumptuous French 19th century settee, Directoire in style, with original painted finish of French gray-blue and spruce green. The tightly upholstered seatback and bench seat is don...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
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 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
18th Century Directoire Bergère Chair with Paisley Upholstery
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This rare French bergère chair dates from the late 18th century, during the elegant transitional period between the Louis XVI and Directoire styles. Crafted from solid beechwood, the...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Beech
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
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
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
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
Pair of Early 19th Century French Directoire Period Painted Side Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant pair of late 19th century French Directoire period painted side chairs with their original patina. Lovely curved seat backs are detailed with a hand carved urn at each back t...
Category
1860s French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
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
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
Leather, Hardwood, Down
$16,500 Sale Price
33% Off
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
Pair of Paint Decorated French Louis XVI Style Directoire Armchairs Circa 1940
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Pair of Paint Decorated French Louis XVI Style Directoire Armchairs, Circa 1940, beautifully embodies the refinement and timeless appeal of French neoclassical design. Crafted w...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
$1,596 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
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 ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
$3,904 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of Antique Directoire Style Painted Armchairs
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Pair of Antique Directoire style painted armchairs, circa 1900. With triangular shaped crest rails flanked by acorn finials, down swept arms, elongated vase shaped arm supports, turn...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Pair of 18th Century Italian Directoire Painted and Parcel Gilt Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 18th century Italian Directoire painted and parcel gilt chairs.
This stunning pair of 18th century Italian Directoire chairs are pain...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Mohair, Wood
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
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
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
$384 Sale Price
52% Off
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
18th Century Tuscan Direttorio Dormeuse, Daybed, Italia
Located in Prato, IT
Toscana, end of '700 beginning '800
In walnut
Legs in the typical shape of the Tuscan direttorio with carved and gilded wood flower
Restored
Dimensions: cm L194 x D63 x H96
Sea...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
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
The Collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret (1930-2002) Set Of Bergere Chairs
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
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
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
$2,950 / set
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
Pair of Curule Stools, 19th Century
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Curule Stools, 19th Century
Category
19th Century European Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Wood
$2,515 / set
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
LATE 18th CENTURY DIRECTOIRE PERIOD WALNUT SOFA
Located in Firenze, FI
An elegant, compact sofa, crafted from solid walnut and veneered walnut. The sofa features truncated pyramid legs, typical of the period, and flared armrests that lend elegance and b...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of Maison Jansen Style Carved Walnut X Form Stools Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Maison Jansen style carved walnut X-form stools exemplifies refined French design with timeless versatility. Each stool features a beautifully carved walnut frame, highl...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
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
French Pair of Directoire Style Armchairs with Incredible Patina c1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Matched pair of French Directoire Armchairs. Incredible finish, or should I say lack of finish, whatever you preference the patination is wo...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Upholstery
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
Charles Pollack Custom Ottoman
Located in Dallas, TX
Custom ottoman by Charles Pollack with semi attached boxed seat cushion covered in Bergamo fabric.
Category
Late 20th Century American Directoire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
French 18th Century Directoire Bed
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 18th century Directoire bed.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
18th Century French Mahogany Sofa, George Jacob Manner, Circa 1796-1825
By Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Firenze, IT
This magnificent French sofa, crafted in the late 18th to early 19th century (circa 1796-1825), evokes the esteemed style of Jacob-Desmalter, the renowned chairmaker and cabinetmaker...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Velvet, Upholstery, Wood
$7,667 Sale Price
20% Off
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Wood
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
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
Pair Ebonized Black Cane Back French Directoire Bergere Chairs Brass Accents
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of French Directoire bergère chairs combines neoclassical elegance with timeless sophistication, featuring finely crafted ebonized black frames accented with brass details....
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Brass
$1,996 Sale Price / set
20% Off
LATE 18th CENTURY SIX DIRECTOIRE WALNUT CHAIRS
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant set of six chairs in solid carved walnut, embellished with original fabric with plant embroidery in shades of gold, green, and pink. The chairs are distinguished by their cur...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
$4,600 / set
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
$2,410 / 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...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$4,350 / set
A Diminutive Camelback Settee for Reupholstery
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A diminutive camelback upholstered settee with serpentine back, rolled arms, resting on 5 paint decorated fluted legs with gold accents.
Dimensions: 50 1/4" L, 21" D, 20" seat heigh...
Category
20th Century Directoire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Sycamore
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 Seating
Materials
Bronze, Iron
Late 18th Century French Directoire Period Carved Rush Seat Radassier Bench
Located in Birmingham, AL
A late 18th century French Directoire period hall bench handcrafted of walnut in the Provençal countryside near the picturesque hilltop village of Gordes, known for its white limesto...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Rush, Walnut
Stunning Carved Antique Creme Painted Finish Directoire Style Bench Stool
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite antique Directoire style bench stool showcases the refined elegance and neoclassical artistry of the late 18th to early 19th century aesthetic. Expertly hand-carved, t...
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
$1,356 Sale Price
20% Off
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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Directoire Seating
Materials
Wood
$5,100 / set
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.
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