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Directoire Secretaires

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
Late 19th Century Swedish Pine Secretaire with Fall-Front Desk Top
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Late 19th Century Swedish secretaire with fall-front desk top. This style of desk was very popular in the 18th and 19th century in Sweden. It offers an ingenious array of storage pos...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Pine

Late 19th Century Swedish Pine Secretaire with Fall-Front Desk Top
Late 19th Century Swedish Pine Secretaire with Fall-Front Desk Top

Late 19th Century Swedish Pine Secretaire with Fall-Front Desk Top

Diminutive Antique Directoire Bookcase Secretary
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A finely constructed bookcase secretary with a chest. The tall cabinet has a pierced brass 3/4 gallery around the marble top with cookie corners. The bookcase has a frieze drawer ove...
Category

19th Century Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Brass

Diminutive Antique Directoire Bookcase Secretary
Diminutive Antique Directoire Bookcase Secretary

Diminutive Antique Directoire Bookcase Secretary

18th Century French Folding Secrétaire in Walnut Veneer, Époque Directoire
Located in Sofia, BG
19th century folding secretary in walnut veneer and flamed mahogany opening to a drawer in the upper part and three drawers in the lower part, the fluted uprights resting on small sp...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Marble

18th Century French Folding Secrétaire in Walnut Veneer, Époque Directoire
18th Century French Folding Secrétaire in Walnut Veneer, Époque Directoire

18th Century French Folding Secrétaire in Walnut Veneer, Époque Directoire

Directoire Bureau a Cylindre - France, circa 1800, Mahogany Secretaire or Desk
Located in Greven, DE
Desk with mirror attachment - Bureau à cylindre France Mahogany Directoire circa 1800 Dimensions: H x W x D: 149 x 97 x 50 cm Description: Top-mounted desk standing on tapered rou...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Marble, Brass

Directoire Bureau a Cylindre - France, circa 1800, Mahogany Secretaire or Desk
Directoire Bureau a Cylindre - France, circa 1800, Mahogany Secretaire or Desk

Directoire Bureau a Cylindre - France, circa 1800, Mahogany Secretaire or Desk

Large Italian Bureau 18th Century Inlayed Walnut Chest of Drawers with Flap
Located in Milano, MI
An Italian monumental sized bureau with flap dating back to the second half of 18th century. Three deep drawers and a fall-front opening to reveal a fitted interior with six small dr...
Category

1770s Italian Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Cherry, Maple, Walnut

Large Italian Bureau 18th Century Inlayed Walnut Chest of Drawers with Flap
Large Italian Bureau 18th Century Inlayed Walnut Chest of Drawers with Flap

Large Italian Bureau 18th Century Inlayed Walnut Chest of Drawers with Flap

19th Century French Directory Cherry Wood Secetary Desk
Located in Madrid, ES
A French Directory era secretary desk, from the early 19th century, made of beautiful cherry wood, in a light tone with bronze handles and bronze keyholes as well. In their lower par...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Directory Cherry Wood Secetary Desk
19th Century French Directory Cherry Wood Secetary Desk

19th Century French Directory Cherry Wood Secetary Desk

Directoire Style Desk with Cylinder Top, France, 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Directoire style desk with cylinder top, France 19th century Mahogany veneer with satinwood inlays. This elegant little desk is perfect for a small working space. The writing top fo...
Category

1860s French Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Directoire Style Desk with Cylinder Top, France, 19th Century
Directoire Style Desk with Cylinder Top, France, 19th Century

Directoire Style Desk with Cylinder Top, France, 19th Century

Fine Quality French Mahogany Bronze Mounted Secretary Desk Bookcase Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is an absolutely gorgeous and superb quality diminutive secretary desk from France. The desk features a bookcase top with adjustable shelf and a marble top and trimmed in bronze...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze

Fine Quality French Mahogany Bronze Mounted Secretary Desk Bookcase Top
Fine Quality French Mahogany Bronze Mounted Secretary Desk Bookcase Top

Fine Quality French Mahogany Bronze Mounted Secretary Desk Bookcase Top

Italian walnut bureau with writing surface, tuscan cabinetmaking, mid-1700s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A beautiful 18th-century Italian walnut bureau with writing surface, internal drawers, and hidden compartment – tuscan cabinetmaking, mid-1700s Some pieces of furniture carry their ...
Category

Mid-17th Century Italian Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Italian walnut bureau with writing surface, tuscan cabinetmaking, mid-1700s
Italian walnut bureau with writing surface, tuscan cabinetmaking, mid-1700s

Italian walnut bureau with writing surface, tuscan cabinetmaking, mid-1700s

French Directoire style handcrafted secretary desk in cherry wood & leather pad
Located in Landivy, FR
This Secretary is a handmade modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timel...
Category

2010s French Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Leather, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer

French Directoire style handcrafted secretary desk in cherry wood & leather pad
French Directoire style handcrafted secretary desk in cherry wood & leather pad

French Directoire style handcrafted secretary desk in cherry wood & leather pad

Large French Directoire Period Traveling Secretary Desk
Located in Pembroke, MA
This French Directoire traveling secretary is made of walnut. Its large size is unusual and would make an impressive statement in a study. The top sec...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Iron, Brass

Large French Directoire Period Traveling Secretary Desk
Large French Directoire Period Traveling Secretary Desk

Large French Directoire Period Traveling Secretary Desk

French 19th Century Brass and Mahogany veneered Directoire Style Cylinder Bureau
Located in Berlin, DE
French 19th Century Brass Inlaid and Mahogany veneered Directoire Style Cylinder Bureau A 19th century mahogany cylinder bureau with the rectangular top surrounded by a pierced brass gallery, above two mirrored panelled doors, the roll-top opening to reveal a sliding leather writing surface surmounted by three drawers and a shelf, above two frieze drawers, on fluted circular tapering legs headed by asperges and terminated by cast sabot. The mirrored paneled doors, and the roll top are distinguished by its brass inlays that beautifully frame and outline the design of the item. Together with the brass handles, the brass gallery and the brass toupie feet this cylinder bureau displays...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Brass and Mahogany veneered Directoire Style Cylinder Bureau
French 19th Century Brass and Mahogany veneered Directoire Style Cylinder Bureau

French 19th Century Brass and Mahogany veneered Directoire Style Cylinder Bureau

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18th Century British Antique Directoire Secretaires

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19th Century French Mahogany Writing Desk with Folding Front Part

19th Century French Mahogany Writing Desk with Folding Front Part

H 37.8 in W 38.59 in D 20.48 in
English Mahogany Secretary Desk, 19th Century
Located in Southampton, NY
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English Mahogany Secretary Desk, 19th Century
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H 80.5 in W 46.5 in D 21 in
French Art Deco Secretaire Desk
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
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1930s French Vintage Directoire Secretaires

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French Art Deco Secretaire Desk
French Art Deco Secretaire Desk

French Art Deco Secretaire Desk

H 54.34 in W 24.81 in D 14.18 in
Elegant Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Painted Wood Slant-Front Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish mid-19th century painted wood Gustavian style slant-front desk or secretary with three lower drawers standing on short tapered feet. The exterior finish is a light grey blu...
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Elegant Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Painted Wood Slant-Front Desk
Elegant Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Painted Wood Slant-Front Desk

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H 50.5 in W 48 in D 26 in
French 19th Century Brass and Mahogany veneered Directoire Style Cylinder Bureau
Located in Berlin, DE
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French 19th Century Brass and Mahogany veneered Directoire Style Cylinder Bureau

French 19th Century Brass and Mahogany veneered Directoire Style Cylinder Bureau

H 48.43 in W 38.19 in D 19.69 in
19th Century Louis Philippe Fall-Front Secretary in Cherrywood
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautiful craftsmanship Louis Philippe abattant secretary desk in a walnut cherry wood with exterior front inlay with farmscapes, castle and flowers marquetry details. The secretary ...
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1860s European Antique Directoire Secretaires

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19th Century Louis Philippe Fall-Front Secretary in Cherrywood
19th Century Louis Philippe Fall-Front Secretary in Cherrywood

19th Century Louis Philippe Fall-Front Secretary in Cherrywood

H 64.5 in W 41 in D 16.5 in
Large Robsjohn-Gibbings Dresser Secretary w Bookcase
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Mid-century modern Robsjohn Gibbings walnut multifunction cabinet.
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20th Century American Directoire Secretaires

Large Robsjohn-Gibbings Dresser Secretary w Bookcase
Large Robsjohn-Gibbings Dresser Secretary w Bookcase

Large Robsjohn-Gibbings Dresser Secretary w Bookcase

H 62 in W 47 in D 20 in
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Mid-19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
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Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Mid-19th Century
Biedermeier Secretary Desk, Mid-19th Century

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H 58.67 in W 37.8 in D 15.36 in
Previously Available Items
Directoire Style French Secretary Desk
Located in Austin, TX
Secretary desk in the Directoire style from France. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily walnut. It has been finished with a lustrous French polish of museum qual...
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Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Directoire Style French Secretary Desk
Directoire Style French Secretary Desk

Directoire Style French Secretary Desk

H 36.75 in W 35 in D 28.5 in
Directoire Period French Secretary
Located in Austin, TX
Secretary from France from the Directoire period. This piece is made of solid hand "hewned " mahogany with a striking figuring on the drop front and sides. It has been finished with ...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Directoire Period French Secretary
Directoire Period French Secretary

Directoire Period French Secretary

H 56.25 in W 39.25 in D 16 in
Directoire Style Mahogany and Brass secretary Aabatant Leather Desk Surface
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Marble top. One dovetailed drawer on top. One drop down door containing leather and fitted interior. Two doors on bottom containing one shelf. Brass or bronze hardware and accents. ...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Directoire Style Mahogany and Brass secretary Aabatant Leather Desk Surface
Directoire Style Mahogany and Brass secretary Aabatant Leather Desk Surface

Directoire Style Mahogany and Brass secretary Aabatant Leather Desk Surface

H 57 in W 32 in D 17 in
19th Century French Directory Cherry Wood Secretary Desk
Located in Madrid, ES
A French Directory era secretary desk, from the early 19th century, made of beautiful cherry wood, in a light tone with bronze handles and bronze keyholes as well. In their lower part they have a long drawer, and two smaller upper ones. When opening the lid, with a mechanism of lateral iron bars, we can see four other smaller drawers, two on each side, separated by a small walnut arch...
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19th Century French Antique Directoire Secretaires

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Bronze

19th Century French Directory Cherry Wood Secretary Desk
19th Century French Directory Cherry Wood Secretary Desk

19th Century French Directory Cherry Wood Secretary Desk

H 43.31 in W 43.31 in D 19.69 in
Early 19th Century French Directoire Style Inlaid Cherry Commode Fitted Desk
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An early-19th century French cherrywood Directoire commode with lovely colour and patina. Its pleasing proportions and simple lines are accented with inlaid ebony stringing, includin...
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Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Cherry

Early 19th Century French Directoire Style Inlaid Cherry Commode Fitted Desk
Early 19th Century French Directoire Style Inlaid Cherry Commode Fitted Desk

Early 19th Century French Directoire Style Inlaid Cherry Commode Fitted Desk

H 36.5 in W 48 in D 19 in
18th Century Italian Drop Front Bureau Burl Walnut Marquetry Cabinet
Located in Milano, MI
An Italian bureau with flap dating back to the second half of 18th century. A slightly curved front, three deep drawers and a fall-front opening to reveal an interior with two small drawers, compartments one small door and hiding secrets, see pictures below. This antique secrétaire is fully decorated with veneered and warm flame burl walnut, decorated by cherry inlays...
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1770s Italian Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Cherry, Walnut, Burl

18th Century Italian Drop Front Bureau Burl Walnut Marquetry Cabinet
18th Century Italian Drop Front Bureau Burl Walnut Marquetry Cabinet

18th Century Italian Drop Front Bureau Burl Walnut Marquetry Cabinet

H 39.77 in W 42.13 in D 20.87 in
18th Century French Directoire Secretaire à Abbattant
Located in Winter Park, FL
A late 18th century Country French Directoire Period secretaire à abbattant. This drop leaf desk is made of solid walnut, and opens to a pine interior with six small dovetailed drawe...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Brass

18th Century French Directoire Secretaire à Abbattant
18th Century French Directoire Secretaire à Abbattant

18th Century French Directoire Secretaire à Abbattant

H 55 in W 30.5 in D 20 in
19th Century French Flame Mahogany Semainier Seven Drawer Chest Secretaire
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
French flame mahogany seven drawer chest or semainier, each drawer with book-matched flame mahogany front and the original brass pulls. Fall-front desk with fitted bird's-eye maple i...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century French Flame Mahogany Semainier Seven Drawer Chest Secretaire
19th Century French Flame Mahogany Semainier Seven Drawer Chest Secretaire

19th Century French Flame Mahogany Semainier Seven Drawer Chest Secretaire

H 54.5 in W 26.5 in D 14 in
Transformation Secretary circa 1795 by Johann Michael Vetter, Neuwied, Mahogany
Located in Epfach, DE
Transformation secretary circa 1795 by Johann Michael Vetter, Neuwied, Mahogany Secretary with in height adjustable standing desk different ...
Category

Late 18th Century German Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Mahogany

Transformation Secretary circa 1795 by Johann Michael Vetter, Neuwied, Mahogany
Transformation Secretary circa 1795 by Johann Michael Vetter, Neuwied, Mahogany

Transformation Secretary circa 1795 by Johann Michael Vetter, Neuwied, Mahogany

H 40.95 in W 49.22 in D 27.17 in
Directoire Drop Front Secretaire, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Elegant Directoire drop front secretaire, France Early 19th century, mahogany and elm veneer. Brass bands are framing the drawer, doors and sides...
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Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Secretaires

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Mahogany

Directoire Drop Front Secretaire, France, Early 19th Century
Directoire Drop Front Secretaire, France, Early 19th Century

Directoire Drop Front Secretaire, France, Early 19th Century

H 16.93 in W 38.98 in L 16.93 in
Directoire Chest of Drawers with Writing Top, "Butler's Chest", France, 1790-1800
Located in Belmont, MA
Directoire chest of drawers, so called "Butler's Chest", France 1790-1800, cherrywood veneer. Behind the upper drawer is a writing top. With brass fittings. The commode is in very g...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Cherry

Directoire Chest of Drawers with Writing Top, "Butler's Chest", France, 1790-1800
Directoire Chest of Drawers with Writing Top, "Butler's Chest", France, 1790-1800

Directoire Chest of Drawers with Writing Top, "Butler's Chest", France, 1790-1800

H 35.44 in W 44.1 in D 21.07 in
French Directoire Secretaire a Abbattant
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 19th century French Directoire style small scale marquetry secretaire à abbattant. A fine child's size desk made of solid cherry wood with inlaid decoration of an urn on the...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Secretaires

Materials

Cherry

French Directoire Secretaire a Abbattant
French Directoire Secretaire a Abbattant

French Directoire Secretaire a Abbattant

H 44.25 in W 24.75 in D 14 in

Directoire secretaires for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Directoire secretaires for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage secretaires created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire secretaires made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 secretaires differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $3,126 and tops out at $53,399 while the average work can sell for $5,100.

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