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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
Directoire Sofa in Fruitwood with Paw Feet, France, ca. 1800
Directoire Sofa in Fruitwood with Paw Feet, France, ca. 1800

Directoire Sofa in Fruitwood with Paw Feet, France, ca. 1800

Located in Atlanta, GA

Directoire period fruitwood sofa with carved paw feet, France, circa 1800,

Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Fruitwood

French Wrought Iron Bench
French Wrought Iron Bench

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

Rare set of 6 Directoire Dining Chairs with Elaborate Carved Backs
Rare set of 6 Directoire Dining Chairs with Elaborate Carved Backs

Rare set of 6 Directoire Dining Chairs with Elaborate Carved Backs

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This elegant set of six French Louis XVI style dining chairs exudes classical refinement and timeless sophistication. Crafted with carved and painted frames in a soft antique white f...

Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Beech

Set Of 4 Directoire Period Dining Chairs
Set Of 4 Directoire Period Dining Chairs

Set Of 4 Directoire Period Dining Chairs

Located in Brussels, Brussels

A charming set of four Directoire period cherry wood dining chairs from the early 19th century A very beautiful set of superb quality, resting on fluted legs connected by wooden cro...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Cherry

Small French Empire Style Bench
Small French Empire Style Bench

Small French Empire Style Bench

Located in Buchanan, NY

A small Empire style bench upholstered in blue velvet. Add a touch of classic beauty and elegance to any space with this small Empire style bench. B...

Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Seating

Materials

Beech

A Diminutive Camelback Settee for Reupholstery
A Diminutive Camelback Settee for Reupholstery

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

Fine Pair Quality Paint Decorated French 1920s Era Directoire Louis XVI Armchair
Fine Pair Quality Paint Decorated French 1920s Era Directoire Louis XVI Armchair

Fine Pair Quality Paint Decorated French 1920s Era Directoire Louis XVI Armchair

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Introduce timeless Parisian sophistication into your home with this exquisite pair of French Louis XVI paint-decorated armchairs, a beautiful example of neoclassical elegance and fin...

Category

1920s French Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Beech

Directoire Style Carved Walnut Cane Back Desk Vanity Side Chair
Directoire Style Carved Walnut Cane Back Desk Vanity Side Chair

Directoire Style Carved Walnut Cane Back Desk Vanity Side Chair

By Grosfeld House

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This refined Directoire style carved walnut side chair perfectly embodies the understated elegance and neoclassical influence of late 18th-century French design. Crafted from warm-to...

Category

1950s American Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Directoire  Armchair 19th Century
Directoire  Armchair 19th Century

Directoire Armchair 19th Century

$732Sale Price|20% Off

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

Late 19th Century Directoire Style Armchair
Late 19th Century Directoire Style Armchair

Late 19th Century Directoire Style Armchair

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful 19th century Directoire style armchair with pegged construction. Newly upholstered in textured purple/white fabric with plum linen back. Shell details carved to back with s...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of Early 19th Century French Directoire Period Painted Side Chairs
Pair of Early 19th Century French Directoire Period Painted Side Chairs

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

Petite Bagues Style Gilt Upholstered bench in needlepoint
Petite Bagues Style Gilt Upholstered bench in needlepoint

Petite Bagues Style Gilt Upholstered bench in needlepoint

By Maison Baguès

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This petite Baguès style gilt upholstered bench in needlepoint is a charming and elegant accent piece that reflects the timeless sophistication of French design. Inspired by the reno...

Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Metal

Set of Four 18th Century Chairs, France, Cherry, Painted, Directoire, circa 1800
Set of Four 18th Century Chairs, France, Cherry, Painted, Directoire, circa 1800

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 Directoire Armchair Beech Gold & White Upholstery France 19th
French Directoire Armchair Beech Gold & White Upholstery France 19th

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

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 Seating

Materials

Walnut

1960s French Brass Stool
1960s French Brass Stool

1960s French Brass Stool

By Gio Ponti

Located in Tarrytown, NY

1960s French Brass Stool With Scrolls Legs bend in per the design Needs refinishing and reupholstery

Category

1960s Vintage Directoire Seating

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Pair of 18th Century French Directoire Armchairs, Painted Wood
Pair of 18th Century French Directoire Armchairs, Painted Wood

Pair of 18th Century French Directoire Armchairs, Painted Wood

Located in Madrid, EX

A pair of French armchairs from the Consulate (Directoire) period, carved from wood and polychromed in cream tones with greenish-black trim. Each piece features an elegant gondola-sh...

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Beech

Four Directoire Armchairs, France, early 19th Century
Four Directoire Armchairs, France, early 19th Century

Four Directoire Armchairs, France, early 19th Century

Located in Greding, DE

Four French armchairs made of solid mahogany with elegantly curved legs and a slightly rounded upholstered seat. The armrests slope down in a gentle curve and end on the extended leg...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Set Of Four French Early 19th Century Directoire St. Patinated Wood Armchairs
Set Of Four French Early 19th Century Directoire St. Patinated Wood Armchairs

Set Of Four French Early 19th Century Directoire St. Patinated Wood Armchairs

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An elegant set of four French early 19th century Directoire st. Patinated wood armchairs. Each wonderful chair is raised by circular tapered front legs with two mottled bands and end...

Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century French Pair of Walnut Directoire Stools
Early 19th Century French Pair of Walnut Directoire Stools

Early 19th Century French Pair of Walnut Directoire Stools

Located in New Orleans, LA

Crafted from richly patinated walnut, this elegant pair of French Directoire stools features clean lines, tapered legs, and refined neoclassical styling. Beautifully aged and versati...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair Of Directoire Armchairs In White Lacquered Wood
Pair Of Directoire Armchairs In White Lacquered 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

Late 18th Century Settee in Directoire Style, done in walnut and brass inlay
Late 18th Century Settee in Directoire Style, done in walnut and brass inlay

Late 18th Century Settee in Directoire Style, done in walnut and brass inlay

By Jacob Frères

Located in Beograd, RS

In this listing you will find a spectacular and extraordinary piece of furniture that will add a touch of luxury and style to any corner you place it into. A fine late eighteenth cen...

Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Brass

Pair of Painted French Directoire Style Armchairs
Pair of Painted French Directoire Style Armchairs

Pair of Painted French Directoire Style Armchairs

Located in Dallas, TX

These French Directoire style open arm chairs from around 1910 are a charming and elegant pair. With gently curved arms and delicate carved details, these chairs exude a timeless app...

Category

Early 20th Century Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of 18th Century French Directoire Side Chairs
Pair of 18th Century French Directoire Side Chairs

Pair of 18th Century French Directoire Side Chairs

Located in Dallas, TX

Late 18th century carved and painted Directoire side chairs. Featuring a lovely patina and upholstered in a pastel plaid. Pretty! Circa 1795 19w x 15d x 34.5h

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

18th Century Pair Directoire Bergeres Detached Columns
18th Century Pair Directoire Bergeres Detached Columns

18th Century Pair Directoire Bergeres Detached Columns

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

18th Century Pair Directoire Bergeres Detached Columns Unique pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.

Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of Directoire Cream-Painted Slipper Chairs
Pair of Directoire Cream-Painted Slipper Chairs

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...

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Silk, Wood

Directoire Period Oxblood Salon Suite w/ Saber Legs and Scrolled Backs, Late 18C
Directoire Period Oxblood Salon Suite w/ Saber Legs and Scrolled Backs, Late 18C

Directoire Period Oxblood Salon Suite w/ Saber Legs and Scrolled Backs, Late 18C

Located in New York, NY

This remarkable salon suite from the Directoire period (circa late 18th century) includes a finely crafted small sofa paired with two matching chairs, embodying the restrained elegan...

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

Directoire Armchair, France 1800-1810
Directoire Armchair, France 1800-1810

Directoire Armchair, France 1800-1810

Located in Leimen, DE

Discover the elegance and historical charm of this Directoire armchair, originating from France around 1790. This piece showcases a meticulously carved walnut frame, reflecting the r...

Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Walnut

French Directoire Period Bergere
French Directoire Period Bergere

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

French Directoire Side Chair, Hand-Painted Wood, Cream Frame, 1785
French Directoire Side Chair, Hand-Painted Wood, Cream Frame, 1785

French Directoire Side Chair, Hand-Painted Wood, Cream Frame, 1785

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A late 18th century French side chair from the Directoire Period with a carved and parcel gilt cream painted frame. The backsplat with a carved classical urn. Upholstered in green Empire...

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of French Directoire Style Armchairs, 19th century
Pair of French Directoire Style Armchairs, 19th century

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

20th Century Round Top Armchair in Silk Upholstery
20th Century Round Top Armchair in Silk Upholstery

20th Century Round Top Armchair in Silk Upholstery

Located in Sofia, BG

ARMCHAIR in natural wood, resting on fluted baluster legs. Work of the 30s France

Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Seating

Materials

Wood

18th Century Pair French Consulate Chairs Signed Jacob
18th Century Pair French Consulate Chairs Signed Jacob

18th Century Pair French Consulate Chairs Signed Jacob

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

18th Century Pair French Consulate Chairs Signed Jacob Beautiful chairs purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.

Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Oak

Pair of French Directoire Period Fauteuils
Pair of French Directoire Period Fauteuils

Pair of French Directoire Period Fauteuils

Located in Pembroke, MA

Pair of French painted fauteuils, period Directoire, newly-upholstered in museum reproduction cotton toile fabric. Paint appears original.

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

French Directoire Style Armchair
French Directoire Style Armchair

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

American Ivory Painted Upholstered Swan French Style Armchair
American Ivory Painted Upholstered Swan French Style Armchair

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

Directoire Armchair, France 1800-10
Directoire Armchair, France 1800-10

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

An Exceptional Set of Six Inlaid Directoire Period Mahogany Dining Chairs
An Exceptional Set of Six Inlaid Directoire Period Mahogany Dining Chairs

An Exceptional Set of Six Inlaid Directoire Period Mahogany Dining Chairs

By Charles Percier

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

All six frames featuring swan shaped brass inlaid motifs strikingly silhouetted against ebonized panels within brass moldings, over hand carved lyre-shaped splats replete with brass 'strings'. The frames also featuring brass strung stiles, front seat rails & sabre-leg front supports. All are in exceptionally sound condition due to the classical construction method of using oak as the secondary wood for added strength & durability. The swan motif was highly favored by cabinetmakers & mount makers during the Directoire Period and was associated with Napoleons consort Josephine, by interpreting her protective nature towards her children like that of a swan towards it's cygnets). For comparative examples see works by Charles Percier...

Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Brass

Italian Walnut High Chair, Hand-Crafted, Directoire Style, Italy, 1880
Italian Walnut High Chair, Hand-Crafted, Directoire Style, Italy, 1880

Italian Walnut High Chair, Hand-Crafted, Directoire Style, Italy, 1880

Located in Alessandria, Piemonte

Italian walnut high chair: sturdy, simple, comfortable with the rounded backrest. If you want a cushion, no problem: there are many ones, easily was...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Hand Carved Cherrywood Directoire Armchairs
Pair of Hand Carved Cherrywood Directoire Armchairs

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

Antique English Adjustable Stool, Mahogany & Red Leather, Circa 1900
Antique English Adjustable Stool, Mahogany & Red Leather, Circa 1900

Antique English Adjustable Stool, Mahogany & Red Leather, Circa 1900

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

Directoire Armchair in Cherrywood with light blue coating, Italy, 19th Century
Directoire Armchair in Cherrywood with light blue coating, Italy, 19th Century

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

Pair Of Directorial Armchairs - Patina In Green Tones
Pair Of Directorial Armchairs - Patina In Green Tones

Pair Of Directorial Armchairs - Patina In Green Tones

Located in Brussels, BE

Pair Of Directorial Armchairs - Patina In Green Tones

Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Seating

Materials

Silk, Wood

Set of Six Italian 19th Century Directoire Style Olive Wood Dining Chairs
Set of Six Italian 19th Century Directoire Style Olive Wood Dining Chairs

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

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.