Late 18th Century French Painted Commode
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Late 18th Century French commode with serpentine front. Circa 1790.
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Wood, Paint
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.
Late 18th Century French Painted Commode
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Late 18th Century French commode with serpentine front. Circa 1790.
Wood, Paint
1808 Blue Floral Painted Two Doors Cabinet
Located in Vo', Veneto
Painted Wardrobe dated 1808 Measurements: H. 173 cm – W. 128 (140 to the frames) cm – D. 50 (55 to the frames) cm Period: 1808 Origin: Tyrol Wood: Fir Description Beautiful painte...
Fir
Dark Green 1830 Floral Painted Cupboard
Located in Vo', Veneto
Dark Green Painted Wardrobe Dated 1830 Period: 1830 (dated) Origin: European Alps Wood essence: Fir Dimension : Height: 166 cm Width: 123 cm (127 cm to the corners) Depth: 50 cm (54 cm to the corners) Description Antique alpine wardrobe...
Fir
Pair of Brass Mounted Flame Mahogany Russian Baltic Directoire Style Commodes
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Measures 30.5 tall x 37.5 wide x 18.5 deep They were built in a hard country. You can see it in the weight of them — in the way the lines stand firm and the bronze holds fast again...
Brass, Ormolu
Fine Pair of Creme Painted French Directoire Style Commodes
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Bring timeless European elegance into your home with this stunning pair of French Directoire–style commodes, beautifully finished in a soft cream painted patina that highlights their...
Brass
Rare and Elegant French Directoire Painted Shop Counter, C. 1830.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The piece features a paneled front and an open back fitted with a single small drawer over shelves, offering both display and storage. Its narrow depth makes it exceptionally versati...
Wood, Paint
Mid-19th Century French Directoire Style Walnut Semainier or Chest of Drawers
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid nineteenth century French Directoire style tall chest of drawers is called a semainier in French due to its seven drawers. Semainier comes from the French word "semaine" whi...
Bronze
Antique Directoire period chest of drawers in walnut - Italy 18th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant chest of drawers from the Directoire period, crafted in solid walnut, dates to the late 18th century and originates from Italy’s Veneto region, a hub of refined furnitur...
Walnut
Directoire Period French Semainier
Located in Austin, TX
French “semainier” from the Directoire period. This cabinet features 7 dovetailed drawers (one for each day of the week, “semaine” means week in French). The Semainier was crafted in...
Carrara Marble, Bronze
French Louis XVI Directoire Solid Cherry Brass Mounted Commode C. 1950s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Measures: 32 tall x 49.25 wide x 19 deep. It is a sturdy thing, this commode — built not for ornament alone, but for service. This handsome solid cherry French Directoire or Louis XVI style commode, crafted in the mid-20th century, carries the disciplined lines of late 18th century France into a later age. It stands square and confident, its proportions balanced, its surface worn just enough to remind you that furniture, like people, gathers character through use. The form is unmistakably Directoire in spirit — clean geometry, restrained decoration, and an emphasis on proportion rather than flourish. The three small upper drawers sit above two broad lower drawers, creating a symmetrical façade that feels ordered and calm. Each drawer is framed with subtle molding, the edges outlined in fine detailing that speaks to traditional craftsmanship. Round brass pulls and key escutcheons punctuate the cherry fronts with quiet dignity. The solid cherry wood glows in warm reddish tones, the grain running like gentle currents across the drawer faces. Time has left small marks and surface wear — honest evidence of decades lived — but the wood remains strong and true. Cherry has always been valued for its durability and depth of color, and here it lends the piece both substance and warmth. It is a material that ages well, deepening rather than fading. Fluted corner posts rise vertically at each side, echoing classical columns and anchoring the design firmly in the Louis XVI neoclassical tradition. The tapered legs descend with restraint, ending in simple brass-capped feet that lift the case just slightly from the floor. There is no excess here — no Rococo exuberance — only the measured discipline that defined French design at the close of the 18th century and inspired revival pieces for generations after. As a mid-century French cherry commode...
Brass
Fine SHALLOW DEPTH Maison Jansen Style Directoire Marble Top Mahogany Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elegant Maison Jansen Style Bronze-Mounted Mahogany and Marble-Top Sideboard – 20th Century Neoclassical Excellence This superb Maison Jansen–style sideboard is a masterclass in ref...
Marble, Brass
Baker French Directoire Style Walnut and Marble Top Canted Corners Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This refined Baker Furniture French Directoire style sideboard exemplifies timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Constructed from fine walnut, the cabinet features clean neoclassical ...
Marble
$4,031Sale 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
Italian Directoire style chest of drawers in wood, 1930s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Directoire style chest of drawers in wood, 1930s Chest of drawers with a rectangular top, in wood. The two wooden drawers have inside beige paper and round brass handles. The...
Brass
Signed Maison Jansen Carrara Shallow Marble Top Flame Mahogany Sideboard Buffet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This signed Maison Jansen Carrara marble top sideboard buffet is a refined example of French craftsmanship, seamlessly blending neoclassical elegance with timeless modern appeal. Des...
Carrara Marble
Theodore Alexander English Style Demilune Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 36 in W: 54 in D: 24 in Elevate your interior with the timeless elegance of this Theodore Alexander English Style Commode or Chest of Drawers—a luxurious blend of classic design, superior craftsmanship, and practical storage. Expertly handcrafted, this exquisite piece reflects the rich heritage of English furniture, making it a standout addition to any traditional, transitional, or vintage-inspired space. This heirloom-quality commode features a single upper drawer, ideal for storing smaller essentials such as keys, cutlery, or accessories. Below, three doored storage compartments offer generous space for organizing larger items like linens, books, or household necessities—perfect for enhancing organization in your living room, dining room, bedroom, or entryway. The piece is adorned with solid brass hardware, elegantly aged for an authentic antique look. The brass pulls and hinges not only add a refined touch but also ensure long-lasting durability and smooth functionality. Adding to its unique versatility, the commode includes convenient side pullout trays—perfect for use as additional serving space, a writing surface, or for displaying décor when needed. These trays slide neatly back into the body of the chest, preserving its sleek, classic silhouette when not in use. Crafted from the finest materials and finished in a hand-rubbed wood tone that highlights its natural grain, this Theodore Alexander chest...
Brass
French Directoire style 3-door hand-crafted buffet in solid cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3-door buffet is a craft handed reproduction of the world-renowned French Directoire style, which dates back to the end of the 18th century. This range is characterized by stra...
Brass
French 19th Century Directoire Roll Top Secretary
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stately French Directoire roll top secretary. This massive desk is over six feet long and four feet tall with a grey marble top. Directly beneath the marble are three drawers with ...
Marble, Brass
Floral Painted Alpine Chest of Drawers 1810 ca
Located in Vo', Veneto
Tyrolean Chest of Drawers Dated 1840 Wood Type: Fir Period: 1840 Origin: Tyrol Dimensions: Height - 91 cm Width - 144 cm Depth - 65 cm Des...
Fir
Shallow Depth Baker Furniture Directoire Figured Walnut Directoire Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your home with this timeless Baker Furniture Company French Directoire Style Sideboard, expertly crafted in rich fiddle-back walnut. A distinguished example of Baker’s commit...
Walnut
$2,636Sale Price|20% Off
Sophisticated French Directoire Style 1930s era French Vitrine Marble Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This sophisticated French Directoire style vitrine from the 1930s exudes refined elegance and timeless charm, making it an exceptional addition to any interior. Crafted with meticulo...
Carrara Marble
$3,196Sale Price|20% Off
Fantastic Baker Furniture Company Directore Jansen Style Mahogany Brass Commode
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous Baker 1950s commode with the styling of Maison Jansen is absolutely quintessential Baker of the 1950s and is in good vintage condition. The brass ormolu and beauti...
Brass
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
Antique French Painted Corner Cabinet, Lined in French Toile Fabric
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Late 19th, Early 20th c painted French corner cabinet, in two pieces. The upper piece may have been added at a later date (20th c). This cabinet features striking carved and curved d...
Brass
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
$6,927 / item
French Antique Style Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
In a dark walnut finish with a molded edge rectangular top, nine paneled drawers with lozenge detailing motifs, antiqued pewter handles, with a fluted base and raised on square taper...
Wood
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
Exceptional Brass Inlaid French Directoire Beveled Mirrored Armoire TV Cabinet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exceptional French Directoire style brass inlaid armoire, featuring beveled mirrored doors, is a stunning 19th/20th-century piece that seamlessly blends elegance, utility, and t...
Brass
$7,970 / set
Pair of 20th Century French Corner Cupboards
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of 20th Century French simulated mahogany corner cupboards. Of lovely scale and proportions, these cupboards exhibit the most wonderful original rich patina. The top section fea...
Wood
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Quaity Walnut French Louis XVI Directoire Brass Trimmed Marble Top Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine quality French Louis XVI Directoire style dresser, crafted from walnut and accented with brass trim, is a sophisticated example of late 18th-century inspired design. Topped...
Carrara Marble, Brass
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
French Directoire Style Paint Decorated Two Drawer Baker Commode Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite French Directoire style commode dresser by Baker Furniture showcases refined elegance and timeless craftsmanship. Featuring a beautifully paint-decorated finish in sof...
Walnut
Maison Jansen Style Directoire Style Marble Top Two Door Cabinet Commode Buffet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Jansen style Directoire marble top commode buffet is a fine example of understated French elegance and timeless versatility. The cabinet features a beautifully veined ori...
Breccia Marble
French Directoire style 3-door sideboard in solid cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3 doors sideboard is a craft handed reproduction of the world-renowned French Directoire style, which dates back to the end of the 18th century. This range is characterized by straight, sober, timeless lines, sometimes enhanced by decorative motifs such as fluting, diamonds or Louis XVI rings...
Brass
Pair Directoire Bronze Mounted Figural Marble Top Kingwood Nightstands Commodes
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Directoire bronze mounted figural marble top kingwood nightstands commodes represents the height of French craftsmanship and timeless design. Beautifully constructed in ...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Chinoiserie Maison Jansen Attributed French Directoire Commodes
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare and elegant pair of French Directoire commodes, attributed to the esteemed design house Maison Jansen, exemplifies the refined artistry of early 20th-century European furni...
Brass
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
French Directoire Louis XVI Demilune Shape Marble Top Marble Top Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant French Directoire Louis XVI demilune console table embodies the refined neoclassical style of the late 18th to early 19th century. Crafted with precision, the piece feat...
Carrara Marble, Brass
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
$6,396Sale Price|20% Off
Signed Maison Jansen Mahogany Louis XVI Directoire Marble Top Commode Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite signed Maison Jansen commode dresser is a superb example of fine French craftsmanship blending Louis XVI and Directoire style influences. Featuring a sleek mahogany bo...
Marble, Brass
Antique Directoire Commode by Emile Noël Malle, France, 1795
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Elégante commode sauteuse à deux tiroirs en bois de rose surmontée d'un marbre gris Saint-Anne. La marqueterie est faite de placage de la même essence posé en frisage et opposition ...
Marble
18th Century French Directoire Enfilade Made From Walnut
Located in High Point, NC
18th century walnut Directoire enfilade from France. The top is made from the most gorgeous matched grain planks, and banded as well to prevent shrinkage over the years. The top fo...
Walnut
$5,001 / item
1-door Directoire style cupboard in solid wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This wooden closet is offered in solid French cherrywood and is also available in oak. The hanging bar is fixed under a wooden shelf. This shelf is height-adjustable on a wooden rack. The oval entrance and key are in brass and fitted with a lock. The finish proposed here is a classic cherrywood "D" stain, with a natural varnish on the diamond and fluted fronts. The finish of every GONTIER cabinet is customizable. You can choose the wood stains and colors you prefer (see last pictures) MÉLANIE Collection This cupboard part of the MÉLANIE collection, a modern interpretation of the French Directoire style of the late 18th century. The straight, classic and timeless lines are embellished with rhombuses...
Wood, Cherry
Late 18th-Century Italian Directoire Walnut Chest of Drawers — Emilia Romagna
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant Italian Directoire chest of drawers from the late 18th century, originating from the Emilia Romagna region and crafted entirely in solid walnut. This refined piece reflect...
Walnut
Pair of French Provencal Directoire Style Commodes
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A rustic yet handsome pair of 1950s Italian fruitwood chests crafted in the French Provincial Directoire style. With their clean lines, tapering legs, and restrained neoclassical det...
Fruitwood
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...
Marble, Brass
Fine Quality 6 Drawer French Brass Bound Marble Top Louis XVI Tall Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine quality French Louis XVI style tall dresser showcases timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship. Featuring a six-drawer design, this stately piece provides ample storage...
Carrara Marble, Brass
French Directoire style minister's desk in solid wood with leather pad
Located in Landivy, FR
This minister's desk with 5-drawers is a craft-handed reproduction of the world-renowned French Directoire style, which dates back to the end of the 18th century. This range is char...
Brass
French Directoire Style Commode
Located in Bridgeport, CT
French Directore style commode with three short over two long recessed panel drawers. The center drawer with a working key pull lock, others with drop pull hardware. The sides with r...
Brass
Signed Maison Jansen Mahogany and Marble Top Commode Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Jansen signed mahogany and marble top commode dresser embodies the epitome of French neoclassical design. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this high-quality d...
Marble, Brass
Late 18th Century Directoire Provençal Oak Commode
Located in High Point, NC
Wonderful late 18th century Director commode in oak. This commode is of excellent scale. the top is made from three planks, and follows down to raised paneled sides for added desig...
Brass
19th c. Venetian Painted Secretary
Located in New Orleans, LA
Fantastic Italian Venetian Painted secretary/cabinet. This piece has a wonderful color palette but I believe that was done in the early 20th...
Wood
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
Early 19th Century Italian Painted Buffet
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautiful 18th century Italian Tuscan Buffet. The Painted Images and the Vibrant Colors make this piece a standout. It is a very large storage piece...
Wood
French Louis XVI Directoire Style Brass Mounted White Marble Top Commode
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 30 1/2 IN W: 41 1/4 IN D: 18 1/2 IN An elegant and classically proportioned French Louis XVI Directoire style commode, distinguished by its refined neoclassical sil...
Carrara Marble, Metal, Brass
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
Custom-Made Mahogany Carved French Directoire Style Gilded Sideboard Buffet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This custom-made French Directoire style sideboard buffet is a superb example of fine craftsmanship, blending timeless design with modern utility. Constructed from rich mahogany, thi...
Mahogany
French Directoire style minister's desk in solid wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This minister's desk with 5-drawers is a craft-handed reproduction of the world-renowned French Directoire style, which dates back to the end of the 18th century. This range is char...
Brass
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
Directoire French Ebonized Buffet, Circa 1910
Located in Austin, TX
Buffet from France in the Directoire style. This piece is circa 1910. It is made of solid wood construction, primarily cherry-wood. There are four doors that feature detailed brass h...
Brass
Pair of Hand Painted Blue and White Directoire Style Commodes
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… The Neoclassical form of this pair of commodes, paired with the subtle, minimalist carvings, is a hallmark of Directoire-style furniture. The two tier...
Metal, Brass
$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
French Directoire Period Buffet
Located in Austin, TX
Buffet from France from the Directoire period; the piece was in the main Salon of a famous French Restaurant in Vienne (Rhone Valley) ”La Pyramide.” This architectural sideboar...
Bronze
Directoire Louis XVI Style Bronze and Brass Trimmed Beveled Mirror Armoire
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Measures 96.25 tall x 63 wide x 22 inches deep. Armoire does completely breakdown into smaller more managable sections for delivery. One finds oneself, quite unexpectedly, in the p...
Brass, Bronze