Directoire Furniture
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
Italian Brass Glass Nesting End Tables Directoire Maison Jansen Style, Set
Located in New York, NY
A versatile and substantial set/pair of Italian brass and glass nesting tables in the Directoire style, in the style of design h...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Directoire Style Console Table in Cherry with a Secret Drawer Made in France
Located in Landivy, FR
This rectangular console table is a craft handed re-interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century.
The Directoire period style is remarkable with its ...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare Jansen style Steel & Brass Cheval Mirror- Italy
Located in Danville, CA
Rare Brushed Steel Cheval Mirror with Brass trim and details in the style of Maison Jansen. The main frame of the mirror is bordered with solid brass trim and hardware, including sol...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Vintage Directoire Style Painted Accent Table with Slide
By Drexel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Directoire-style accent table, by Drexel, having an ivory painted finish showing natural wear. Its round top over an apron containing a slide, raised on a trio of sabre legs....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set Of 8 Directoire Period Oak Chairs - Early 19 Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb set of 8 Directoire period oak chairs in their original patina from the beginning of the 19th century
Very beautiful and rare set of superb quality composed of 8 chairs.
The ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Oak
Set Of 14 Directoire Period Oak Chairs
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb set of 14 Directoire period oak chairs in their original patina from the beginning of the 19th century
Very beautiful and rare set of superb quality composed of 14 chairs.
Th...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Oak
French 19th Century Louis XVI-style Demilune Enfilade
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Stunning mahogany enfilade in the style of Louis XVI, with classic demilune shape. The top surface is a captivating slab of Brèche d’Alep marble in a range of ochre tones and flashes...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Pair Antique French Directoire Style End Tables with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Antique French Directoire Style End Tables with Carrara Marble will make the perfect finishing touch to any seating group, or even as compact bedside companions for a cozy bedro...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
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 Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Painted Directoire Style Bouillotte Candlestand Occasional Table with Marble Top
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Directoire style candlestand bouiotte table having a round top of marble with pierced brass border, on ivory-painted base, its apron holding a single frieze drawer with ring pull, ra...
Category
Mid-20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Maison Jansen Style Brass Oval Pineapple Finial Tea Trolley Bar Liquor Cart
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful tea cart or liquor cart. It can also be used for desserts and serving virtually anything. The cart has oxidation from years of use but nothing that can't be polis...
Category
1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Painted Curule Bench with Greek Key Embrioidered Linen Upholstery
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Directoire style, curule bench having a newly upholstered bowed seat with nailheads, its ivory-painted finish showing natural wear, channeled, square-section X-frame legs, joined by ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
French Carved Walnut Panel Commemorating The French Revolution
Located in Essex, MA
Possibly made to be used as a model or mold to cast an iron fireback. Depicting the Bastille and a woman with the sword and the scales. Also cannons, flags, cannon balls.
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
20th C. Sophisticated French Credenza by M. Hirsch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sophisticated French Credenza, Signed Hirsch, Paris.
This 4 door credenza/buffet is ebonized, and is made in Directoire style.
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Maison Jansen Style Brass and Glass Top Coffee Table with Pineapple Finials
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous Maison Jansen style coffee table with a thick, bold brass boxed frame and fitted with beautiful carved "pineapple" finials. The table features a clean and clear gl...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Directoire Trumeau Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An endearing trumeau mirror, painted a restful celadon green tone, is illuminated by trim of gold gilt around the frame and crown molding. The frieze above the mirror plate depicts a...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Ebonized Directoire French Buffet
Located in Austin, TX
Buffet from France in the Directoire style. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily mahogany. This piece has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish...
Category
1910s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Upholstered Bergères with Twisted Columns
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Directoire style painted wood bergères chairs from the 19th century with twisted columns and new custom upholstery. This elegant pair of French Directoire style berg...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Directoire French Ebonized Buffet
Located in Austin, TX
Buffet from France in the Directoire style. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily mahogany. This piece has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Bronze Mounted Neoclassical Tripod Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine round end table with pierced balustraded brass gallery around gilt-tooled leather top. Striking turned shaft below featuring carved panels with gilt brass beaded trim, the scrol...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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. ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Vintage Directoire Neoclassical Console Hall Table Italian
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Elegant vintage Italian brushed steel and brass console table in the manner of Maison Jansen. Item features a rectangular form with solid brass gallery, inset glass top, brushed stee...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
French set of 6 Dining chairs Directoire wood, black leather
By French Foundry Pierret-Depaix et Cie
Located in Valladolid, ES
Outstanding set of 6 chairs in the Directoire style, made during the first decade of the 20th century in France, in walnut wood and with the seat upholstered in black leather. Simpl...
Category
1910s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
French Directoire Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Southampton, NJ
Classic French Directoire style chest of three dovetailed drawers with polished handles &
brass banded tapered feet. Versatile Transitional style. Nice mid size ready for use.
Category
1970s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fine Directoire Mahogany Marble Top Sideboard
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A tall antique French sideboard in mahogany with canted corners and white marble on top. With three recessed flame frieze drawers with carved moldings, each with a decorative brass ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Fine Mahogany French Louis XVI Style Marble Top Demilune Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb ribbon mahogany and Carrara marble top demilune console table with a fantastic bright brass pierced gallery. The table is in good vintage condition and features gorg...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Buffet with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Buffet with Carrara Marble exudes a tailored elegance that truly transcends time itself! Hand-crafted from sumptuous imported mahogan...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Beautiful French Directoire style painted and giltwood queen size bed, C 1940.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful French Directoire style painted and giltwood queen size bed, C 1940. This bed is bed a warm creamy white and has carved and gilt accents throughout. The fabric is newly uph...
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Directoire Walnut Desk Chair
Located in Essex, MA
Great scale with deep rounded back in black leather with brass tacks, conforming seat with turned arm supports and circular turned tapered legs.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French 18th Century Commode
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This Commode is made of walnut. It is a French Directoire Period which is a short time in the French history. It has this dressy and rustic look.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Directoire Style Bench
Located in Houston, TX
French Directoire Style Bench.
This lovely French Directoire bench or stool painted a gray/green color with dark blue accents with swan handle ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
A Directoire style ebonized mahogany writing desk, C 1925.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Directoire style ebonized mahogany writing desk, C 1925, having a gilt embossed leather top above two drawers . The turned legs have a very elegant taper.
Category
Early 20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Baker Furniture Leather Topped Drink Table
Located in Round Top, TX
An American classic side table by Baker Furniture, circa 1960s. Elegant, tapered legs and worn, weathered leather top. Understated, carved ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
19th Century French Directoire Chest of Drawers, Cherry
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
19th Century French Directoire Chest of Drawers,
1810, France
Cherrywood
Directoire chest of drawers rests on conical feet. Straight, simple body, slightly protruding cover plate. ...
Category
1810s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Brass and Granite Directoire Style Table
Located in Houston, TX
21st Century Directoire style brass side table with black granite top.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Directoire Furniture
Materials
Granite, Brass
French 18th Century Commode
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This French Directoire chest is made of walnut with a saint-Anne marble top.
Its simple line makes it very chic.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
1960s Robert Kjer Jakobsen & Virtue Bros Directors Chairs White Chrome
Located in Charleston, SC
MCM Style Directors Chairs White Chrome Attr Robert Kjer Jakobsen & Virtue Bros
Gorgouse pair of MCM a.k.a. Mid-Century Modern Campaign style sling director’s chairs attributed to Robert Kjer Jakobsen for Virtue Brothers. They are in wonderful vintage condition. The sling’s have the original white leather seats and still maintain their tag on both of the chairs. The chrome x base has been cleaned and polished however there may be slight age appropriate nicks or dings. Please see photos, circa 1960-1970. These chairs will bring a sleek and sophisticated look to any room in your house. They are Campaign style director’s chairs attributed to Robert Kjer Jakobsen for Virtue Brothers. These Mid-Century Modern, circa 1960-1970 The x base is composed of a rectangular tubed chrome steel beautifully polished. They are absolutely stunning and although they are director’s chairs, they will definitely be the main act in any room you put them in! Perfect to use in a sitting room, in the kitchen at a fun little breakfast nook, at a card table or a coffee bar. They are modern style but could bring a little sass to a traditional setting as well. Come to think of it, you need these in your life no matter if your design style leans to Hollywood Regency, Campaign Style, Industrial, or Modern Country, they will be perfect! Robert Kjer Jakobsen was born in Portland, Oregon, on March 8, 1918. From 1949-1985, he was chief designer of the Los Angeles furniture company...
Category
1960s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Maison Jansen Style Louis XVI Style Marble Top Console Server Patinated Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous Maison Jansen style console table with a gorgeous ebonized case and fantastic, crisp bronze ormolu castings. The design is Directoire or Louis XVI and is beautiful...
Category
1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Paint Decorated French Louis XVI Style Directoire Armchairs Circa 1940
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful pair of French-made Directoire style or Louis XVI style armchairs with some form of moisture-proofed ipholstery that is not vinyl but some other form of waterproo...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair Rams Head Maison Jansen Brass and Steel Marble Top Gueridon Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a stunning and rare pair of Maison bronze or brass Jansen rams head and steel gueridons or end tables. They date to the 1970s era and are in g...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze, Steel
French Period Directoire Trumeau Mirror with Distressed Paint, Late 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French period Directoire trumeau mirror from the late 18th century with gilded accents, carved urn, distressed paint and mirror. This French Directoire mirror features an elegant l...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Late 18th Century Curule Stool
Located in Richmond, London
A very rare and beautiful late 18th century Directoire / Empire style curule stool featuring exquisite swan feet. France, circa 1790-1800.
Why we like it
As classicists, we marvel ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Fine Quality Tambor Door Breche D' Alep Marble Walnut Directoire Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous and extremely sophisticated sideboard buffet. The case is made of gorgeous walnut in its original finish and unrestored with a superb, highly prized Breche d' Alep...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Breccia Marble, Bronze
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 Furniture
Materials
Metal
18th Century Italian Small curved Directoire chest of drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
This piece is an 18th-century Italian chest of drawers in the Directoire style, a design aesthetic that bridges the gap between the ornate Louis XVI style and the more austere Empire...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Directoire Style Gallery Table Stand
Located in Houston, TX
1960s French Directoire style gallery table stand with a faux goatskin veneer, brass ormolu, gallery rails, and a single drawer.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
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...
Category
1910s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
1860 circa Green Floral Panted Blanket Chest
Located in Vo', Veneto
Alpine Green Floral Painted Blanket Chest
Period: about 1860
Origin: Tyrol
Essence: Fir
Measures:
Height: 49cm
Width: 113 cm
Depth: 51 cm
Description:
Tyrolean chest entirely pain...
Category
1860s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fir
French Directoire Walnut Desk Writing Table One Drawer, 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
French 19th century Directoire walnut writing table.
This antique table was very carefully reworked in the 20th century: part of the top was replaced and the legs were lengthened. A...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Green Lacquered Wood Armchair Directoire/Consulate Period ( 5 Available)
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Green Lacquered Directoire Chair with Palmette & Cassolette Details(6 Available)
Located in New York, NY
A refined suite of six green lacquered wood chairs, distinguished by baluster front legs and elegantly curved saber back legs. The chairs feature rectangular openwork backs adorned w...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair Maison Jansen Carrara Marble Top and Oromolu Mounted End Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous pair of Maison Jansen Directoire style end tables with Carrara marble on top and superb brass and bronze ormolu mounts. The tables have their original finish and w...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass, Bronze
Signed Maison Jansen Ebonized Black Lacquer Dining Table Brass Trim w 2 Leaves
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic and gorgeous signed Maison Jansen ebonized lacquer dining table. The table is designed in the Directoire manner and is in good condition with minimal signs of age...
Category
1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Finest Quality French Directoire Steel and Glass Shallow Depth Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb quality French-made finely fabricated steel Directoire style console that's ONLY 11 inches deep so it can fit anywhere. The casting quality of the metal is precise a...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Steel
Pair Maison Jansen style Distressed Grayish Green and Blush Moire Bergere Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic and very rare pair of Directoire or Louis XVI style Maison Jansen marquis or Bergere chairs. The chairs are in an original grayish green or greenish gray painted ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Fine Set of 12 Brass Inlaid Rosewood French Regency Style Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb, extremely rare set of 12 carved and brass inlaid Directoire style French rosewood dining chairs. They feature superb quality rosewood frames with diamond carved bac...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Directoire furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Directoire furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Maison Jansen, Baker Furniture Company, Gherardo Degli Albizzi, and Century Furniture. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $100 and tops out at $91,647 while the average work can sell for $4,519.
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