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,
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Seating
Upholstery, Fruitwood
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.
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
French Wrought Iron Bench
Located in New York, NY
Brown-burgundy leatherette top with a decorative wrought iron and brass frame.
Brass, Wrought Iron
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
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
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
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...
Mohair, Wood
$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
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...
Fabric, 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
Directoire Style Carved Walnut Cane Back Desk Vanity Side Chair
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...
Cane, Walnut
$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)....
Wood
Set of Six Vintage Directoire Dining Chairs, 1960s, Black Gloss Finish
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...
Wood
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...
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
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
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...
Upholstery, Wood
$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
$4,697Sale Price / set|35% Off
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,...
Cherry
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
$1,560Sale 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
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.
Bronze, Iron
$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
$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
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
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
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...
Wood
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).
Mahogany
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...
Wood
$15,500 / set
Pair of Exceptional Consulate Armchairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully carved and painted period consulate chairs.
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
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
$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
$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
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.
Wood
$7,750 / set
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...
Silk, Wood
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...
Wood
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
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....
Upholstery, Wood
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Wood
$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
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
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...
Mahogany
$1,397Sale Price|50% Off
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
Wood
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.
Oak
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
$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
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
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
American Ivory Painted Upholstered Swan French Style Armchair
Located in Southampton, NY
American ivory painted upholstered swan French Directoire style armchair.
Fruitwood
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
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...
Brass
$1,409Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Walnut
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...
Upholstery, Cherry
19th Century, French Louis XVI Style Six Wood Chairs and Two Wood Armchairs
Located in IT
19th century, French Louis XVI style six wood chairs and two wood armchairs France, late 19th century Size: chairs, cm H back 90, seat height 46 x...
Bronze
$1,127Sale Price|20% Off
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.
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
Pair Of Directorial Armchairs - Patina In Green Tones
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair Of Directorial Armchairs - Patina In Green Tones
Silk, 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. ...
Olive