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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
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

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

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

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

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

Antique French Directoire Style Settee ~ Canape
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire style Settee ~ Canape is ideal for a light and airy look, with a minimal footprint for more cozy seating arran...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Seating

Materials

Fabric, Sycamore

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

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

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

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.
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Walnut

French Directoire Armchair Beech Gold & White Upholstery France 19th
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very pretty beech armchair with a pretty tapestry in shades of gold and white in the Directoire style - 19th century The very luminous white and gold upholstery makes it an elegant ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Faux Suede Directoire Style Bergere
Located in New York, NY
Elegant faux suede Directoire style bergere with fluted and tapered legs and curved columnar arm details. Natural colored wood showing great a...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Suede

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

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

Armchairs Set of 8 Directoire 1790-1810 France
Located in New York, NY
Armchairs Set of 8 Directoire 1790-1810 France. A set of 8 armchairs made during the Directoire period 1790-1810 in France. Frame made in dark staine...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Birch

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

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

Maison Jansen Rare Stamped Silver Leaf Settee in Black Raw Silk
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite and elegant Directoire style silver leaf settee with black raw silk upholstery on tufted back, seat and padded arms, France, 1950s. This settee was likely designed as a spe...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Silk, Wood

Pair of Directoire Style Slipper Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Pair of Directoire style slipper chairs with needle point upholstery, gilt highlights, and nailhead trim.
Category

20th Century American Directoire Seating

Materials

Tapestry, Wood

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

Pair Of Directoire Armchairs In White Lacquered Wood
Located in BARSAC, FR
Beautiful pair of Directore armchairs in lacquered wood bench, trapezoidal backrest and jacob style legs, Seats covered with a beautiful bottle gr...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Lacquer

Pair of French Directoire Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Side Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful pair of French Directoire style gilt bronze and marble side tables. These tables are extremely fine quality and a gorgeous finish. Creates a very polished look!.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Seating

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Set of Four Directoire Mahogany Armchairs by Jacob Freres
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Each upholstered backrest with backscrolled top rail above an upholstered seat flanked by arm rests, raised on ring-turned legs; each stamped JACOB FRERES / RUE MESLEE on back rail, three with old inked inscription M Julien...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Mahogany

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

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.
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Walnut

Set of Six Vintage Directoire Style Black & Gold Dining Chairs Modern Chic
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...
Category

1960s American Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair Of Antique French Custom Upholstered Carved Side Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The pair of heavy wood side chairs are in a walnut stain with carved details. The backs with ribbed frames and the front seat rails with decorative brass appliques with rosettes flan...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Brass

Pair of French Directoire Style Midcentury Giltwood Stools with New Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French vintage Directoire style giltwood stools from the mid 20th century with carved rosettes, fluted accents, saber legs and new linen upholstery. This handsome pair of F...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Seating

Materials

Linen, Upholstery, Giltwood

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.
Category

Late 18th Century Italian 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

Pair of Early 19th Century Directoire Chairs, in the manner of Bellange Frères
By Henri Jacob
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of early 19th century mahogany side chairs in the manner of Bellange Frères. Raised on turned tapering front legs and sabre rear legs, carved with pierced splades in the shape o...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Directoire Mahogany Bergère Attributed to Georges Jacob
Located in Kittery Point, ME
A Directoire Mahogany Bergère Attributed to Georges Jacob, its curved back and padded armrests with finely carved baluster-shaped supports raised on turned front legs and sabre back legs. With a spurious Jacob stamp to back rail. The term "Directoire" refers to a historical period following the French Revolution (1789) and preceding the First Empire when Napoleon reigned, but also to a style of furniture and decoration covering a longer period from 1789 to 1804. It is characterized by the production of furniture with simplified forms and ornaments, inspired by antique decorations. The profound social and political upheavals that marked this period had a direct impact on the production of Directoire furniture. The stripping down of furniture pieces, which had begun in the 1780s under the influence of Greek art, was accentuated during this period. The abolition of guilds by the revolutionaries also forced manufacturers in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine to simplify shapes and materials. Elegant and graceful, the furniture is generally small-scale. They retain the Louis XVI structure. The Directoire style adopts clean shapes, straight lines, simple curves, flat surfaces and right angles. Lines accentuate geometric shapes inspired by Antiquity. A typical trait is the pronounced rolled-over back, similar to a scroll illustrated in our bergere, evocative of the klismos chair. Only the more luxurious pieces of furniture use mahogany, an exotic and expensive wood. Despite his humble origins, Georges Jacob rose to become one of the most renowned menuisiers of his day. Unlike many artisans who joined their fathers or brothers in the middle-class family trade of furniture making, Jacob was from a peasant family and moved to Paris at sixteen to begin his career. He apprenticed in a joinery workshop and eventually became a master in 1765. He developed a reputation for producing inventive designs for chairs, beds, and screens carved with such motifs as twisted ribbons, guilloches, beading, and fluting. Jacob's reputation grew quickly, eventually spreading outside France; the future King George IV of England, Gustavus III of Sweden, and several German princes...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Mahogany

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.
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Walnut

Neoclassical Consulate Fauteuil or Armchair, Italy, circa 1800
Located in Kinderhook, NY
Elegant Italian, French Consulate style and period carved walnut fauteuil having Klismos style tablet form backrest above central X-form open splat, a...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Mahogany

French Wrought Iron Bench
Located in New York, NY
Brown-burgundy leatherette top with a decorative wrought iron and brass frame.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Signed, Three Maison Jansen Tufted Benches
Located in New York, NY
Signed, three Maison Jansen Tufted benches. The benches have tufted velvet cushions, black ebonized tapered legs with gold trim.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood, Velvet

Directoire Armchair in Cherrywood with light blue coating, Italy, 19th Century
Located in Prato, IT
Tuscany, Early 19th Century In solid cherry. New padding and light blue coating. Dimensions: cm H 100 x D 60 Seat height approx. 49 cm
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Cherry

Directoire Armchair 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
This nice chair of directoire style is characterized by straight and simple forms. The uprights are made of turned wood with floral motifs on the connecting dice (seat and armrests)....
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

Period French Directoire Mahogany Cannape in Gold Empire Silk Fabric
By Adam Jacob
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A Classic Directoire mahogany cannape with lion's head arm supports and paw feet, accented by Empire ormolu mounts and upholstered in gold Empire style silk yellow fabric.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Wrought Iron and Tufted Bench Style of Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Wrought iron and tufted bench style of Maison Ramsay.
Category

1950s Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Wrought Iron

Directoire-Style Sofa with Carved and Painted Frame
Located in Dallas, TX
a handsome Directoire-style sofa with carved and white painted frame, comfortable single seat cushion, upholstered back and sides, beautiful blue and white floral design fabric, the ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood, Paint

French Directoire Style Armchair
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
19th C French Directoire style armchair. 1880. Seat is 22" w x 22.5" d x 16.5" h. Internal reference: JG11 Reference: 8063 Dimensions 28 inches (71 cms) Wide 30.5 inches (77 cms)...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Fabric, Oak

French 19th Century Pair of Directoire Fauteuils
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stunning pair of 19th century French Directoire fauteuils (armchairs) with fanciful carvings under light green paint reminiscent of celadon porcelain, complemented by tone-on-tone ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Linen, Oak, Paint

Pair of Directoire Chairs, Western, France, 1810-1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Charming pair of Directoire chairs, Western France, Strassburg region 1810-1820, cherrywood. The chairs are in very good condition with a new...
Category

1810s French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Cherry

Pair of Jansen Directoire' Style Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Fine pair of STAMPED Jansen Directoire' armchairs. The wood has carvings and are painted in beautiful crème patina with green details along the borders of the wood. The chairs are up...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of Jansen Directoire' Style Armchairs
Pair of Jansen Directoire' Style Armchairs
$3,160 Sale Price / set
45% Off
Pair of Directoire Style Mahogany Floral Brocade Silk Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Directoire Style Mahogany Floral Brocade Silk Upholstered Armchairs Measures 23" in width , 24" in width, 37.5" in height. Seat height is 19" and low arm height is 21".
Category

Late 20th Century American Directoire Seating

Materials

Mahogany, Silk

Pair of Hand Carved Cherrywood Directoire Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of elegant French Directoire style armchairs made of solid cherry. The lines, straight in the front view, give the armchairs an unmistakable and almost modern character. The sli...
Category

Late 20th Century European Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Cherry

American Ivory Painted Upholstered Swan French Style Armchair
Located in Southampton, NY
American ivory painted upholstered swan French Directoire style armchair.
Category

Late 20th Century North American Directoire Seating

Materials

Fruitwood

Set of 6 Antique French Directoire Style Painted Cane Back Dining Side Chairs
Located in Birmingham, AL
A handsome set of 6 early 20th century French Directoire style painted dining side chairs, circa 1920s, having hand caned backs, upholstered seats with nailhead trim, and typical neo...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

English Stool
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
M/832 - Antique English adjustable piano or vanity stool in mahogany, just covered in real red leather. Height adjustable. Simple and elegant.
Category

Early 20th Century English Directoire Seating

Materials

Mahogany

English Stool
English Stool
$1,118 Sale Price
20% Off
Late 18th Century Italian Directoire Solid Walnut and Vienna Sraw Armchairs
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this fantastic pair of armchairs from the Directoire period, late 18th century. The armchairs are made of solid walnut wood with a characteristic seat in Vienna straw wov...
Category

1790s Italian Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Walnut, Straw

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...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Pair of French Directoire Fauteuil Armchairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
These delicately proportioned 18th-century fauteuil armchairs exemplify the French Directoire style, each with a barreled back, and rosette finials a...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Seating

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 ...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Early 20th C Carved and Painted French Directoire Style Chairs in Linen, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of early 20th century carved French bergère chairs. The frames are sage green paint with almost deep russet painted details. The floral linen upholstery is recently do...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Seating

Materials

Linen, Wood

Set of Six Italian 19th Century Directoire Style Olive Wood Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional complete set of six Italian 19th century Directoire st. olive wood dining chairs. Each chair is raised by elegant lightly curved square legs below the straight apron. ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Olive

Pair of Exceptional Consulate Armchairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully carved and painted period consulate chairs.
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Petite Bagues Style Gilt Upholstered bench in needlepoint
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a special and beautiful gold leaf Maison Bagues style stool. The stool has needlepoint upholstery and is in good condition for its age. No major flaws to mention. The finish ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Metal

Set of Six French Directoire Chaires, signed J-E Coryn, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Six identical antique chairs France Beech Directoire around 1800 Dimensions: H x W x D: 87 x 45 x 41 cm, seat height: 46 cm Description: Beautiful set of provincial French chairs...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Beech

Late 18th Century Italian Directoire Solid Walnut Armchair
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Beautiful late 18th century of the period Directoire Italian antique armchair in solid walnut wood. The armchair is very elegant. The backrest decorated with a carved in wood is beau...
Category

1790s Italian Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Walnut

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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