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.
Set of Six French Early 19th Century Directoire Period Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most handsome and complete set of six French early 19th century Directoire period armchairs. Each armchair is raised by elegant square ta...
Upholstery, Wood
1970's Directoire Style Ebonized X Bench with Cheetah Print
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
A wonderfully chic and unusual French Louis XVI-style ebonized X-frame bench, combining classical neoclassical form with dramatic leopard-print upholstery and brass hardware. Sophist...
Textile, Wood
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
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
Pair of French Directoire Style Walnut Bergères Chairs, 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A handsome pair of French walnut bergères from the late 19th century, designed in the restrained neoclassical taste of the Directoire period. Each chair features a tall, gently recli...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
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
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
$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
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
French Directoire Style Mahogany and Leather Canapé ~ Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
French Directoire style mahogany canapé combines refined neoclassical lines with the warmth and character of beautifully aged wood. The gracefully flared arms sweep outward from the ...
Leather, Mahogany
French Directoire Style Sofa, Hand Carved Cherry, Light Blue
Located in Southampton, NJ
An unique French Directoire style solid Cherry sofa beautifully balanced with subtle crescent curved frame, in gorgeous new powder blue upholstery. Features include hand carved scrol...
Upholstery, Cherry
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
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
Set of Four French Directoire Period Carved Wood Side Chairs, Circa 1795
Located in New York, NY
Set of Four French Directoire Period Carved Wood Side Chairs, Circa 1795 A handsome set of four French Directoire period side chairs, circa late 18th to early 19th century, displayi...
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
$749Sale 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
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
$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
$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
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
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
$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
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
$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
$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
$3,393 / 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
$15,500 / set
Pair of Exceptional Consulate Armchairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully carved and painted period consulate chairs.
French Directoire Side Chair, Hand-Painted Wood, Cream Frame, 1785
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A fully restored 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
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
$16,860Sale 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
$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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
$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
$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
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...
Fabric, Silk, Wood
$1,023Sale Price|23% Off
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...
Walnut
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
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
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
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
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
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
18th Century Pair French Consulate Chairs Signed Jacob
Located in Phoenix, 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
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
$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
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
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
$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
$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
$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
$1,393Sale 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
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
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
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