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.
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Maison Jansen Style French Directoire Creme Painted X Bench Circa 1960
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Jansen style French Directoire crème painted X-bench, circa 1960, is a stunning example of neoclassical revival design that combines elegance with functional charm. Beaut...
Walnut
Directoire Style Carved and Gilt Accent Side Chair attributed to Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 31 3/4 in W: 23 in D: 21 3/4 in SH: 20 3/4 in An exceptional Directoire Style carved and gilt accent side chair attributed to Maison Jansen, representing the refine...
Upholstery, Wood
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...
Beech
French 19th Century Directoire St. Walnut Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant French 19th century Directoire st. Walnut stool. The circular stool is raised by lovely lightly curved square tapered legs below the straight wrap around frieze.
Walnut
Directoire Lyre Back Settee, circa 1880s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Rare and elegant Directoire style lyre-back settee. Original black paint. Newly reupholstered with vintage fabric. Horsehair-filled cushion.
Fabric, 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 ...
Wood, Velvet
LATE 18TH-CENTURY LARGE DIRECTOIRE-PERIOD BENCH
Located in Firenze, FI
A refined and unique bench handcrafted from finely carved walnut. The piece features a clean, rectangular shape, supported by trapezoidal legs. The seat is padded for comfort and cov...
Fabric, Nutwood
Suite de six chaises Directoire d'époque bois laqué gris médaillon sculpté
Located in NEUFCHÂTEL-HARDELOT, FR
Élégante suite de six chaises d'époque Directoire en bois laqué et patiné, illustrant parfaitement la sobriété raffinée de la fin du XVIIIᵉ siècle. Chaque chaise présente un dossier...
Beech
$700Sale Price|30% Off
Antique French Directoire Style Mahogany Dining Arm Desk Chair Needlepoint Seat
Located in Dayton, OH
An early 20th Century French Directoire style dining chair. Made from solid mahogany with a contoured crest rail over vase shaped splat. Features scrolled arms, a pink needlepoint ...
Tapestry, Mahogany
Antique 18th C Side Chairs W Tapestry Textile
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 18th C Side Chairs W Flemish Tapestry Textile
Textile, Wood
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...
Beech
$727Sale Price|20% Off
Louis XVI Cabriolet Armchair - Yellow and pinkish red toile de Jouy - France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very charming Louis XVI / Directoire style cabriolet armchair from the Directoire period, 18th century. This very pretty armchair is made of molded beech wood, with a curved back. Th...
Upholstery, Wood
Set of Six Directoire Dining Chairs, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Set of six antique chairs France mahogany early 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 88 x 47 x 44 cm, seat height: 48 cm Description: Set o...
Wood
French Directoire Armchairs, Lacquered Wood, Circa 1795-1799, France
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Those beautiful armchairs are French Directoire Period. They are comfortable and sturdy.
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...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Jacob Frères (1796 - 1803), attribué à - fauteuil à l'étrusque - acajou et placa
Located in PARIS, FR
Jacob Frères (1796 - 1803), attribué à - fauteuil à l'étrusque - acajou et placage d'acajou Jacob Frères, attribué à, Fauteuil en acajou et placage d’acajou, verni au tampon Assembl...
Mahogany
A Pair of Late 18th-Century Directoire-Style Settees
Located in Firenze, FI
An elegant pair of sofas crafted from solid cherry wood, featuring delicate carvings. The sofas feature gently curved legs, gracefully shaped armrests, and backrests adorned with ele...
Fabric, Cherry
$3,384 / set
Pair Of French Directoire Style Armchairs1930
Located in Kent, Dover
A pair of French Directoire style painted armchairs, newly upholstered in stone coloured textured silk with gold scroll braid.
Fruitwood
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...
Cherry
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,
Upholstery, Fruitwood
$15,500 / set
Pair of Exceptional Consulate Armchairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully carved and painted period consulate chairs.
Directoire Style Mahogany Bench
Located in Essex, MA
Shaped curved back with three splats with pierced palmette carving. Drop in upholstered seat with circular fluted tapered legs.
Mahogany
$1,596Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
Walnut
$3,719Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 Maison Jansen Attributed Balloon Back Circular Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This set of six Maison Jansen attributed Directoire dining chairs exemplifies refined French craftsmanship and timeless neoclassical design. Featuring elegant balloon backrests with ...
Walnut
Pair of Directoire French Open Arms Painted Frames Arm Chairs
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Directoire French Open Arms Painted Frames Arm Chairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
$6,294 / set
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...
Wood
$24,000 / set
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.
Leather, Wood, Velvet
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 ...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Fantastic Shabby Distressted Multicolored Maison Jansen Style Armchair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your interior décor with this fantastic shabby distressed multicolored Maison Jansen style armchair, a true statement piece blending classic elegance with rustic charm. Featu...
Walnut
$640 / item
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...
Beech
$1,356Sale Price|20% Off
Petite Bagues Style Gilt Upholstered bench in needlepoint
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...
Metal
$11,000 / set
1950s French Iron and Brass Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
1950s French iron and brass dining chairs. The chairs have iron frames, are black vinyl, with brass finials to the top and brass ball feet. The chairs also have sloping arms and fold...
Brass, Iron
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...
Beech
$1,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
Walnut
Antique French Directoire Armchair, White with Gilt Decoration
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire white painted open arm chair with gilt foliate decoration and shaped fluted arms, legs, and open fluted columns on back.
Wood
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.
Walnut
$2,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
Wood
Wrought Iron and Tufted Bench Style of Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Wrought iron and tufted bench style of Maison Ramsay.
Wrought Iron
French Directoire Ebonized Dolphins Armchair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering one of our recent Palm Beach Estate fine furniture acquisitions of a French regency Italian style with Ebonized arms & carved dolphins desk...
Cotton, Wood
$16,371Sale Price / set|20% Off
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.
Walnut
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...
Mahogany
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
Cherry
Jacob Frères - fauteuil Directoire à dossier repercé - bois peint et tissu en cr
Located in PARIS, FR
Fauteuil Hêtre relaqué Assemblages chevillés Estampillé sur la traverse avant JACOB FRERES / RUE MESLEE Dimensions : H. 90 ; H. d'assise 41 ; L. 58 ; P. 48 (cm.) Paris, 1796 - 1803...
Beech
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...
Brass
Late 18th Century Set of 6 Directoire "Etrusque" Side Chairs, Manner of G. Jacob
By Georges Jacob
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of six sidechairs raised on circular front legs and square curved back legs, backrest with carved pierced latticework, the intersections of which are decorated with stylised rosettes, the top rail curved backwards. All side chairs are upholstered with elegant yellow / golden paisley pattern jacquard fabric by RUBELLI. The set of 6 Directoire side chairs with its shape "à l'Étrusque" and its characteristic backrest design is closely related to chairs made by Georges Jacob (1739-1814): Georges Jacob was one of the most prominent Parisian chair...
Upholstery, Wood
Directoire Style Chair, circa 1930
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Directoire style chair circa 1930 patina and coating to redo.
Beech
$19,000 / set
1950s French Iron and Brass Dining Table and Chairs
Located in New York, NY
1950s French iron and brass dining table and chairs. The set has iron frames, chairs are black vinyl, with brass finials to the top and b...
Brass, Iron
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...
Walnut
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...
Lacquer
$1,700Sale Price / set|22% Off
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...
Cherry
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...
Walnut
$6,300 / set
Pair of Memphis Style Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Memphis style armchairs. Chairs are newly upholstered in linen. Has mahogany arms, a painted steel frame with circular bronze trim and bronze base.
Bronze, Steel
$1,250
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
Brass, Bronze
$1,356Sale Price|20% Off
Maison Jansen Style White Painted Upholstered French Directoire Desk Armchair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Jansen style French Directoire desk armchair exudes timeless sophistication with its elegant white painted frame and refined proport...
Walnut
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.
Mahogany
Pair of Ebonized Open Armchairs French Directoire in the Manner of Andre Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of ebonized open armchairs French Directoire style in the manner of Andre Arbus. Upholstered back and seat cushion. Measure: Seat height 17.5".
Wood
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)...
Fabric, Oak
$11,750 / set
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.
Upholstery, Wood
Set Of 6 Directoire Style Armchairs , Wood and Fabric, Belgium
Located in Brussels, BE
Set Of 6 Directoire Style Armchairs , Wood and Fabric, Belgium
Wood
$2,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Upholstery, Wood