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
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
A Pair of Italian Directoire painted and gilt open arm chairs, C 1800.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Pair of Italian Directoire painted and gilt open arm chairs, C 1800. This is a substantial pair of chairs and can be used every day in a sitting room, bedroom, living room!
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
French Directoire Style Swag Arm Chairs
Located in Southampton, NJ
Classic French Directoire style swag arm chairs with sliver leaf accents upholstered in fine cut velvet on linen ground. Klismos styling to the front legs with heirloom quality coil...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Directoire Seating
Materials
Silver Leaf
Directoire Style Carved Walnut Cane Back Desk Vanity Side Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous and very unique chair that matches a Grosfeld House attributed Cartonier Desk. It can be mated with that desk or used as a vanity or side chair. The chair is in go...
Category
1950s American Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Cane, Walnut
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...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Directoire Style Walnut and Brass Upholstered Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 17 1/4 in W: 26 1/2 in D: 16 1/2 in
This elegant pair of mid-20th century Directoire style benches blends classical design with the refined sensibilities of the mid...
Category
20th Century Unknown Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Fantastic Shabby Distressted Multicolored Maison Jansen Style Armchair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Distressed. Upholstered. 38 1/2" h x 23" w x 24" d. Seat height 20".
Condition
Minor stains.
Dimensions
39 x 23 x 24 in
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Set of 6 Maison Jansen Attributed Balloon Back Circular Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic set of classic French Directoire dining chairs and in good original condition. They are done in the manner and attr...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Period Antique Directoire French Louis XVI Walnut Armchair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Wood. Upholstered. 37 1/4" h x 25" w x 25 1/2" d. Seat height 18".
Condition
Previous repairs. Splits in wood. Chips. Dry rot. legs have been "tipped" and repaired.
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
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...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
French Bronze Mounted Mahogany Directoire Style Meridienne
Located in Dallas, TX
A very graceful French meridienne in the directoire style.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
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
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
Pair of Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Metal French Benches or Foot Stools
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Nice pair of metal faux bamboo Maison Bagues style rectangular benches. The benches have plastic white toe caps to protect the floor. We can see one is missing. They are in good vint...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Metal
Green Lacquered Wood Armchair Directoire/Consulate Period
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite suite comprises five green lacquered wood armchairs, each meticulously crafted in the elegant style of the Directoire and Consulate period. The chairs feature baluster...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Wood
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
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
French Mid-20th Century Directoire Style Armchairs
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French mid-20th century Directoire style armchairs.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Seating
Materials
Cherry
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
Early 19th Century French Directoire Walnut Settee in Seaglass
Located in Astoria, NY
An elegant early 19th-century French Directoire style settee, sourced from Provence, France. Beautifully hand-crafted from solid walnut, it showcases a naturally aged, characterful p...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
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
Italy 19th Century Walnut Directory "Gondola" Chair Restored new-Upholstered
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A nice 19th century walnut directory Gondola chair from Italy restored and re-upholstered
Measure cm: H 76\40 W 53 D 51.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
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
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
Pair of Directoire Period Painted Armchairs after a Model by Jacob Desmalter
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of Directoire period: gray painted armchairs after a model by Jacob Desmalter . France: circa 1800 Seat height: 17 in.
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Wood
French Directoire Style Ebonized Carved Dolphins Desk Armchair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page.
Offering one of our recent Palm Beach Estate fine furniture acquisitions of a
French regency Italian style with Ebonized arms & carved dolphins desk...
Category
1980s American Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Cotton, 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.
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
French 18th Century Directoire Mahogany Chairs with Silk Blend Upholster Fabric
Located in Firenze, IT
This beautiful set of four late 18th-early 19th century European Directoire period mahogany gondola chairs will be the perfect addition to your dining room or living room as they can be used as dining room chairs or side side chairs...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany, Giltwood
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
French Directoire Unique Fireplace Split Canape
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully designed French Directoire canape highlighted with paint and water gilding.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
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...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
Maison Jansen Style White Painted Upholstered French Directoire Desk Armchair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous Directoire French-made Maison Jansen style armchair. The chair looks like Jansen and may very well be but isn't marked. The chair is in good condition with normal ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
French Directoire Green Diamond Pattern Upholstered Mahogany Bergere Armchair
Located in Queens, NY
"French Directoire bergere armchair with pale green diamond patterned upholstery and walnut frame with curved backrest and padded armrests on balust...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Mahogany
Directoire Chairs, France, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Four French Directoire walnut chairs with a cushioned S-shaped backrest and a trapezoidal seat, standing on conical feet in the front and saber legs in the rear. The chairs were prof...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Walnut
French Late 18th Century Painted Directoire Chair
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 Exceptional Consulate Armchairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully carved and painted period consulate chairs.
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
19th Century French Pair of Directory-style Armchairs Upholstered in Vichy
Located in Lisboa, PT
This exquisite pair of 19th-century French armchairs embodies the elegance and refined simplicity of the Directory style, which flourished during a pivotal era in French history. Eac...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Fabric, 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
Set of Six Directoire Mahogany Dining Chairs Attributed to Georges Jacob
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A set of six period Directoire dining chairs carved in Honduras mahogany. Identical chairs are shown in the reference book "Ebenists of the 18th century". While unstamped, this set comes with written documentation and attribution to George Jacob by a leading antique dealer in Paris from where they were purchased.
Georges Jacob (6 July 1739 – 5 July 1814) the most prominent furniture maker in 18th century Paris. He produced carved, painted and gilded beds and seat furniture and upholstery work for the French royal châteaux, in the Neoclassical style that is associated with Louis XVI furniture. In his workshop he employed numerous specialist carvers and gilders. In 1785, Jacob produced the first mahogany chairs à l'anglaise, for the Comte de Provence similar in many ways to the ones on offer here.
When he retired in 1796, Georges Jacob left his workshop in the hands of his two sons, one of whom was François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter who went on to become a leading French Empire Furniture...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Mahogany
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
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.
Category
1970s Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Bronze, Steel
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
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
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
19th Century French Directoire Style Gilt Arm Chair
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.
Category
19th Century French Antique 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 Pair of Directoire Style Armchairs with Incredible Patina, '4' Available
Located in Chicago, IL
Matched pair of French Directoire armchairs. Incredible finish, or should I say lack of finish, whatever you preference the patination is wo...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Upholstery
18th Century French Directoire Armchair
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century French Directoire Armchair is a relatively rare find, especially with this level of quality and preservation! The diamond pattern mohair is of the best quality but show...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Mohair, Sycamore
Pair of French Black and Gold Trim Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French black and gold trim side chairs. Upholstered in a linen blend fabric. Hollywood Regency style.
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
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
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
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
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...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Seating
Materials
Bronze
1940s French Lounge Chairs Pair
Located in New York, NY
1940s pair of French lounge chairs that are nicely upholstered in silk with rolled arms and loose down filled seat cushions. The chairs have flared mahogany legs.
Category
1940s Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany, Silk
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
Decorative French Bronze Bench
Located in New York, NY
Decorative French bronze bench / stool with a linen-blend upholstered seat.
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Seating
Materials
Bronze
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
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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