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.
$4,030Sale Price / item|30% Off
French Directoire Style Vitrine and Bookcase in Solid Oak
Located in Landivy, FR
This Vitrine is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timeless lines. T...
Cherry, Oak
Large 19th Century French Directoire Period Painted Bookcase or Display Cabinet
Located in Birmingham, AL
This exceptional mid-19th century French Directoire period painted bookcase or display cabinet from Gordes, circa early 1800s, embodies the elegance and craftsmanship of its era. Han...
Wood
Extremely Rare French "Directoire" Style Bibliothque (Bookcase)
Located in Middleburg, VA
Extremely Rare French "Directoire" Style Bibliothque (Bookcase). Made of extraordinary "Burled Yew Wood" with a rich golden color and lustrous patina. A simple cornice over two glazed cabinet doors and two lower cupboards. Elegant proportions are emphasized by the figured wood. Made in the West of France, circa 1820. 82" High 63" Wide 18.75" Deep A handsome and well-proportioned French Directoire style Bibliotheque, crafted circa 1820 in the west of France. This two-part bookcase is constructed from richly figured burled yew wood, showcasing exceptional grain patterning and a warm, honey-toned finish that enhances its refined silhouette. The upper section features original glass-paneled doors with elegant molded framing and carved corners, opening to reveal three spacious shelves backed with a patterned textile, perfect for displaying books or decorative objects. The lower cabinet offers closed storage with paneled doors and retains its original hardware and working locks with decorative key tassels...
Metal, Iron
French Directoire Style Library Cabinet in solid Cherry wood, Handcrafted
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3 doors bookcase is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This period style is remarkable with its straight, classical and timel...
Glass, Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer
Antique French BlackLouis XVI Bookcase or China Cabinet c1800's Nicely Restored
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Beautifully Restored Antique French Bookcase or possible China Cabinet from the 1800's. The style seems to blend between Louis XVI with hints of Directoire. The black paint is accent...
Glass, Wood, Paint
Custom Made Old Plank Directoire Style Bookcase in Stock Floor Model Reduced
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Handmade Country French style glazed bookcase, display cabinet or china cabinet. Our Directoire style bookcase or china cabinet was hand-crafted right here in our Old Plank workshop....
Glass, Wood, Paint
$11,500 / set
Pair of Directoire Style Étagères
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Directoire style mahogany étagères or bookcases. Has brass pineapple finials at the top.
Mahogany
Directoire Painted Bookcase, circa 1800
Located in Doylestown, PA
A wonderful and rare French Directoire Period bookcase cabinet in 2-parts, circa 1800, hand-scraped to its original grey painted finish, and retaining its original wavy glass panes. ...
Wood
French Directoire Style Bookcase in Solid Oak white Stained pearl grey Lacquered
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3 doors bookcase is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This period style is remarkable with its straight, classical and timel...
Glass, Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer
Antique French Directoire Glazed Cabinet with Crossed Water-Gilded Arrows
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
About as original as can be, this stellar antique only received a minimal amount of conservation in our highly regarded workshop. Constructed of exotic rosewood, the case packs quite...
Gold
$3,750Sale Price / item|40% Off
19th Century French Directoire Period Oak Cabinet Bookcase
Located in Madrid, ES
19th century French Directoire period oak bookcase or cabinet t has two parts that can be separated for easier transport. the upper part has a height of 125 cm with two doors and th...
Bronze
French Vitrine Cabinet, Glass Door Walnut, Rosewood with Ormolu Mounts
Located in Toronto, CA
A French vitrine cabinet with glass door and sides, in walnut with rosewood and tulipwood, top with a grey marble top. The ormolu mounts give the cabinet the Louis XV styling tha...
Walnut
$2,450Sale Price|24% Off
H 112 in W 61.25 in D 22 in
1800's Antique Library, French, Carved Oak, Glazed Doors Bookcase!
Located in Austin, TX
Exceptional Antique Bookcase , Italian Renaissance Revival, Foliates, Late 19th Century, 1800s, 19th Century!! This exquisite antique bookcase features exceptional craftsmanship and...
Wood, Oak
$8,700
H 95.75 in W 82 in D 21 in
19th Century Large French Bleached Oak Carved Bookcase Display Cabinet
Located in Round Top, TX
19th century large French bleached oak bookcase and display cabinet featuring extensive and highly expressive hand carving throughout. Elaborate carved details include putti faces, l...
Brass
19th Century French Neoclassical Style Painted Bookcase
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Imposing 19th century French library bookcase or cabinet featuring a weathered, painted finish. The two-part case is crafted in the Greco-Roman style with decorative pilaster columns...
Brass
$2,590
H 48.42 in W 46.45 in D 11.81 in
French Provincial Plantation Style Walnut Vitrine, Bookcase, 19th Century
Located in Miami, FL
This early (circa 1830) French Provincial plantation style walnut bookcase features an upper part topped by a cornice above two glazed doors opening u...
Walnut
$10,723Sale Price / set|28% Off
H 85.63 in W 46.07 in D 19.3 in
Rare 19th Century Italian Walnut Pair of Antique Bookcases or Vitrines RESTORED
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We are thrilled to present this fantastic pair of antique Italian bookcases dating to the final decades of the 19th century. A stunning pair o...
Walnut
$1,795
H 54 in W 32 in D 14 in
Milo Baughman Style Burl Wood Lighted Bookcase or Display Cabinet by Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Milo Baughman style lighted display cabinet or bookcase with glass front doors By Henredon, "Scene Two" Collection USA, 1980s Burled olive wood, with ash case and...
Glass, Mirror, Ash, Ebony, Burl
$12,500
H 102.5 in W 99.5 in D 20.25 in
Large French Carved and Painted Wood Display and Storage Cabinet
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large French carved and painted wood display and storage cabinet from the mid-20th century. This vintage French buffet à deux-corps (whic...
Metal, Wire
Grand Scale Mahogany Custom Bookcase with Leaded Glass Sliding Doors
Located in Milford, NH
A fine large two-door bookcase with sliding leaded glass doors and adjustable shelves, originally a built-in floor to ceiling piece, with a cut-in on the left side, built around heat...
Glass, Mahogany
$2,495
H 58 in W 29.75 in D 15 in
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Vitrine, Bookcase, Marble Top
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Standing at 58 inches in height, this small scale late nineteenth century Louis XVI style mahogany vitrine or bookcase is finished with stunning bronze banding and a red marble top with white veining. Its corners feature fluting with inset bronze filets. Its single door is finished with a bronze border and key surround and opens to reveal an interior with three adjustable shelves. The cabinet rests on Classic finial...
Marble, Bronze
$3,756Sale Price|20% Off
H 79 in W 35 in D 18 in
Restored Vintage 1960’s Mid-Century Modern Bookcase Wall Cabinet
Located in North York, ON
Restored vintage 1960’s Mid-Century Modern bookcase wall cabinet. Featuring brass detailed accents and walnut woods. Finished in a dark espresso brown, this piece is the perfect stat...
Metal, Brass
French Art Deco Cabinet in Rosewood Palissander
By Maxime Old
Located in Miami, FL
Exceptional quality piece of furniture in rosewood, (Palissandre) Art Deco period, standing on a base ending by four rectangular feet each one encased in a nickel plated metal parts. Two thick metal rings on each front doors. This piece is an authentic antique furniture...
Rosewood
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Bibliotheque or Bookcase
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Louis XVI bibliotheque, or bookcase, made of solid walnut with mahogany as a secondary wood. Nice hand carved decorative panels at the bottom with musical instr...
Glass, Mahogany, Walnut
Sold
H 84 in W 34 in D 15.25 in
Fantastic Bronze or Brass Maison Jansen Style 5 Tier Etagere Bookshelf Display
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a unique and beautiful Maison Jansen style French brass etagere with 5 tiers. The etagere is in good condition with minor scuffs and a crack to an edge of one glass shelf but...
Brass
Sold
H 77.5 in W 39.25 in D 15.5 in
Gorgeous Brass and Steel Maison Jansen Attributed Etagere Bookshelf
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous etagere or bookcase and is made up of steel and brass and meticulously detailed. The Etagere is in good vintage condition. Measures 77.5 tall x 39.25 wide x 15.5 a...
Brass, Steel
Sold
H 99.5 in W 98.5 in D 18 in
Italian, Tuscany, Walnut & Ebonized, Glass Door Libreria/Bookcase, early 19thc
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautifully crafted bookcase with three ebonized sections: the crown, middle top, and lower sections and feet, the upper doors with original glass and applied woodwork of arches, t...
Walnut
Directoire Style Painted French Bookcase with Chicken Wire Doors
Located in Houston, TX
Directoire Style Painted French bookcase with Chicken wire doors. The exterior of the cabinet looks and has the construction of a 19th century piece ...
Wire
Sold
H 99 in W 120 in D 20 in
Monumental Antique French Directoire Style Cherry Bibliotheque or Bookcase
Located in Birmingham, AL
A fine antique French Directoire style bibliothèque handcrafted of beautiful cherry wood by talented artisans in the city of Lyon, circa 1900. The upper bookcase of this grand chatea...
Cherry
Sold
H 73.75 in W 50.75 in D 15.5 in
Late 19th Century French Directoire Style Walnut Bookcase or Vitrine
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Directoire style bibliotheque or bookcase is constructed of solid walnut and rests on tapered square legs fitted with bronze sabots. Its two glass...
Glass, Walnut
Sold
H 96 in W 72 in D 21 in
Fine Quality French Directoire Auffray or Ruseau Hand-Made Breakfront Bookcase
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delivery needs! They offer a reasonable flat-rate fee for delivery and set up to the ground floor of your home. They deliver to the vast majority of the lower 48 states. They offer a flat rate for most of our items with exclusions for the largest or most complex items such as breakfronts or crystal chandeliers or other items of greater complexity. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase as these rates are different from our stated pricing. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase. Most deliveries to the East Coast will be 295.00, to the mid-west and Southern mid-west 395.00. To the areas west of Kansas 495.00 and the farthest points to the West coast will be 595.00. Again, some areas we can't cover, however we can deliver to most of the lower 48 states so please inquire to be sure! Delivery times range from as fast as 1-4 weeks for the east coast to 5-9 weeks to the farthest areas of the west coast, sometimes longer and sometimes even shorter. If it is a time sensitive purchase, we may be able to accommodate you for a higher price. It is our goal to please each and every one of our customers with the highest standard of service possible. You must realize and accept that we are shipping antique, vintage and quality used furnishings to your home. We cannot control traffic, weather, and acts of God. There will be times when additional patience will be necessary. This is a superbly crafted hand-made breakfront or bookcase made by either Auffray or Don Ruseau. The cabinet is in very good condition and looks like an antique with hand-made features and construction. The interior is a beautiful color of blue and measures 72 wide x 21 deep x 96 tall and dates to the 1960s era. This is a 2 piece breakfront.
Walnut
Tall Chrome and Brass Maison Jansen Style Louis XVI Dircetoire Etagere
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a very tall, very clean chrome and brass etagere attributed to Maison Jansen. The piece has a mirrored bottom shelf and numerous glass shelves. Some shelves will have minor c...
Brass, Chrome
Sold
H 100.38 in W 44.88 in D 12.25 in
Pair 19th C. French Directoire Style Bibliothèque Bookecases in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A pair of 19th c. French Directoire style bibliothèque bookcases or vitrines made of fir wood with original glass and seven adjustable shelves in the top and bottom sections (rack an...
Fir, Paint
Sold
H 89 in W 55.13 in D 19.69 in
French Directoire Style Two-Part Bibliothèque Vitrine in Original Paint, 19th c.
Located in Wichita, KS
A 19th c. French bibliothèque in two parts with original glass and adjustable shelves. Found in Provence. This beautiful vitrine cabinet or bookcase is the perfect piece for almost a...
Glass, Wood, Paint
Sold
H 96 in W 40 in D 15 in
Custom Painted Bookcases Made in Our Old Plank Workshop in Any Dimension, Pair
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Stunning pair of handmade solid wood bookcases, custom made for one of our designer clients. These bookcases are made to the highest standards here...
Wood, Glass, Paint
Sold
H 100 in W 57 in D 18 in
Jansen Inspired Custom Handcrafted Bookcase Made by Old Plank, in Any Dimension
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Jansen inspired custom bookcase, handmade in our Old Plank Workshop here in Chicago. Our craftsmen work to the highest standards to produce bespoke fur...
Brass