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.
1
758
62
13
to
165
589
224
833
783
805
186,117
113,397
40,065
30,769
14,488
11,158
10,253
10,134
9,310
8,389
7,098
7,022
6,039
5,721
5,324
4,852
4,525
3,451
172
262
324
75
60
157
52
3
4
7
6
32
54
30
20
10
7
575
353
178
163
142
677
567
60
54
50
19
4
3
3
2
Style: Directoire
Pair of Directoire Style Bookcases, China Cabinets Made by Old Plank in Any Size
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of French Directoire Inspired Bookcases, China Cabinets or Display Cabinets made in house by Old Plank. Roughly 30-years ago we purchased in France a similar Directoire style Bo...
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wire, Brass
Pair of Bespoke Walnut & Tulipwood Chests of Drawers
Located in Uppingham, GB
Two Drawer Chest of Drawers.
Modern design two drawer chest with simple lines, matching 'Stripey' Walnut Grained tops, Two finely Beaded drawers resting on slender tapering legs.
Mad...
Category
2010s British Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tulipwood, Walnut
Italian Directoire Green and Gilt Painted Parcel-Gilt Sofa
Located in Essex, MA
Directoire style green and gilt painted parcel-gilt sofa with elegantly curved back ending in flared corners. Sabre legs and exquisite carving and parcel-gilt throughout. Flared arms ending in scrolled ends with exquisite parcel-gilt foliate and flower decoration.
Newly professionally upholstered in a creme color performance velvet...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Rare Mother of Reticulated Mother of Pearl Large Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Wood. Mother of Pearl. 59 7/8" h x 41 7/8" w x 3 1/2" d.
Condition
Scratches. Finish loss. Splits in seams. Chips in mother of pearl.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Récamier Settee in Scalamandré Tiger Velvet
Located in Nashville, TN
Estate lawyers say must sell to meet probate .And of unusual ( rare ) large dimensions. Matching bolsters for each end. Well worn gilt and paint finish.
l...
Category
1790s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Fine Quality French Directore Louis XVI Style Leather Top Faux Partners Desk
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 delive...
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Stunning Inlaid Mahogany Marquetry Bronze Mounted Directoire French Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This desk is absolutely stunning with gorgeous mahogany done in marquetry inlay and bright bronze ormolu that is crisp and extremely well defined. The desk has two drawers and wll sh...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Demilune Directoire Style Bedside Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This petite mahogany bedside table was made in France in the 1800’s. The inset white marble top makes for a durable surface and is surrounded by a break front pierced brass gallery. ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Bicolor Antique Stone And Marble Fireplace Surround With Dolphin From Italiy
Located in Beervelde, BE
This treasure has been salvaged in Italy however original French. The fireplace surround in a bicolor hard stone and with a marble inlay. The front shows a dolphin in the carving. It...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone, Marble
Signed Maison Jansen Mahogany Louis XVI Directoire Marble Top Commode Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic signed Maison Jansen 9 drawer marble top dresser or commode. The piece features superb cast bronze and brass ormolu and a white carara marble top. The mahogany ca...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Pair of French Directoire Mahogany Fauteuils
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A handsome and sturdy pair of French Directoire square back fauteuils are tasteful and comfortable. These mahogany occasional chairs are upholstered in a worn green velvet and accent...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Wood
French Directoire Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Southampton, NJ
Classic French Directoire style chest of drawers attributed to Baker Furniture.
Features include ornamental moulding, beading & banded detailing to each drawer
on interesting tapere...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of 10 Ebonized Lacquered and Gilded French Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous set of 10 French Directoire style sidechairs in black lacquer and gold from the 1960s era. The chairs are in good condition as far as their frames are concerned bu...
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Black Leather Top French Directoire Style Writing Desk Bureau Plat, Circa 1960
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 delive...
Category
1960s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set or Pair of Italian Neoclassical Directoire Fruitwood Klismos Side Chairs
Located in Nashville, TN
In leopard or cheetah velvet. Both in hand carved and peg constructed. Directoire frames and of slight Klismos form. Pretty well untouched (other than new leo...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Pair Ebonized Directoire Style Nightstands
Located in Houston, TX
Pair 1950s French ebonized Directoire nightstands featuring single drawer with bronze pull and lower shelf.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Louis XVI Style Gallery Nightstands
Located in Houston, TX
Pair 1940s French Louis XVI style gallery nightstands featuring two drawers with bronze pulls and white marble tops.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Superb Maison Jansen Style Louis XVI Directoire Marble Top Commode Circa 1950
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 delive...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Directoire Mahogany And Brass Mounted Tric Trac Table
Located in Essex, MA
With rectangular removable top with brass stringing and corners, on the reverse a green felt game surface. Enclosing a backgammon playing surface. The frieze with opposing small draw...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Jacques Adnet Style Cupboard, Bar, or TV Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning French 1940's Jacques Adnet style cupboard with double bi-fold doors over a lower base section with two convenient and very useful full width drawers. The finish is black pa...
Category
20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of French Late 18th Century Carved & Original Painted Directoire Armchairs
Located in London, GB
A wonderful pair of French late eighteenth century with their original patina dating from Directoire period circa 1790. Recently reupholstered in a grey/beige linen fabric.
The fra...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Pair of Solid Brass Thick Glass Top John Vesey Style Directoire Pedestals Stands
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
These are gorgeous Italian Made Rams Head brass and thick glass pedestals or plantstands in very good condition for their vintage age. They measure 34 3/4" h x 28 1/4" w x 31" d. Sea...
Category
1990s Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century mahogany and brass tall chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century directoire influenced mahogany tall chest of drawers, circa 1890.
Fine quality tall chest in the directoire style. Fitted with 6 drawers of equal proportions and detail...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Antique French Painted Directoire Style Armchairs, Circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
The period of French history known as Directoire was a difficult time, as it arrived at the end of the Revolutionary War. Furnishings in this style, such as our pair of painted armch...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Leather Top Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Leather Top Desk is a marvel of timeless architecture, tailored styling and quality materials. Crafted from exotic imported mahogany,...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of French Directoire Style Carved Dolphin Mahogany Club Chairs Circa 1970
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous pair of club chairs in solid mahogany with carved "dolphins" on each arm. The chairs are from the 1960-70s era and are French. The chairs measure 33.25 tall x 22.7...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of French Directoire Style Caned Suede Armchair Fauteuils
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive pair of late 20th century caned armchairs or fauteuils made in the French directoire taste. The chairs feature a square back with a double-caned seat back. The arms grace...
Category
20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Suede, Cane, Wood
French 19th Century Directoire St. Walnut Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant French 19th century Directoire st. Walnut stool. The circular stool is raised by lovely lightly curved square tapered legs below the straight wrap around frieze.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century French Directoire Commode or Chest of Drawers
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 19th Century French Directoire Period commode made of solid cherry wood with yellow pine as a secondary wood. Unusual form with serpentine sides. Rounded fluted front corner...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Unique Greek Key John Vesey Style Marble Top Steel Demilune Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful Directoire style demilune console table. The table is in good condition and measures 15.25 deep x 30.25 wide x 34.25 tall with greek key and tradtional Directoire...
Category
Early 2000s European Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Metal
Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Smoked Glass Steel Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous coffee table in the style of Maison Bagues. The table is made of steel with a smoked glass top. The table measures 21.5 tall x 27.25 wide x 16 deep. The table date...
Category
1980s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Steel
Single Brass and Steel Glass Top Guerdion or End Table Maison Jansen Style
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous brass and steel high quality Maison Jansen style gueridon or end table. The table is in the Directoire style and is in good condition and measures 25.5 wide x 25.5...
Category
1990s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
19th Century French Directoire Giltwood Frame
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th Century French Directoire style giltwood picture frame. Fine quality heavy molding with warm gilt finish. Very good condition with minor losses. Nice scale for use as a mirro...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Set of 8 French Directoire Style Mid-Century Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of 8 French directoire style mid-century mahogany dining chairs are perfect for providing tailored, stylish comfort to your dining experience! Generous seats are taller than norm...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Directoire Cherry and Brass Adorned Kidney Shaped Ladies Vanity Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is superb French Louis XVI or Directoire style desk or ladies vanity for makeup. The desk is charming and is finished on the back which means its dual use. The piece is made in ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Buffet with Carrara Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Buffet with Carrara Marble Top combines classical architecture inspired by the ancient Greeks and Romans with exotic materials like im...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
French 19th Century Directoire Style Settee
Located in Buchanan, NY
This stunning French 19th century settee, styled in the Directoire manner, is a testament to timeless elegance. The wooden frame, still bearing remnants of its original blue-painted ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
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 Furniture
Materials
Beech
Antique Directoire Style Flame Mahogany Writing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Directoire style flame mahogany writing table with a faux leather top, early 19th century. With a rectangular flame mahogany top i...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Synthetic, Mahogany, Pine, Bone, Textile
Large Oval Mahogany Dining Table
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Hutton-Clarke Antiques is delighted to present a grand oval French mahogany dining table, originating from around 1830. This magnificent piece exhibits outstanding craftsmanship and ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Directoire Style Mahogany Petite Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This petite writing desk made of solid mahogany is perfect for casually working or makes for a wonderful side table or console. The top features a gently worn black leather writing s...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Fine Quality Antique Painted French Directoire Style Marble Top Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous antique paint Decorated and gilded marble top console table in the Directoire style. The table is in good condition with no issues to speak of and measures 42.5 wi...
Category
1950s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Large French Directoire Style Armchair
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exceptional 19th century French Directoire style armchair. This large Directoire style fauteuil is a timeless piece of French design. Featuring a beautiful white-distressed wooden...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of French Brass Directoire Period Antique Candlesticks, Early 19th Century
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A good pair of Directoire period brass candlesticks circa the first quarter of the 19th century, they exhibit separately formed candle wells that remove from the stem over a ring-tur...
Category
19th Century Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French 18th Century Directoire Sideboard
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This beautiful sideboard wears the 2 tendencies of being dressy and rustic in the same time. It has wonderful hardware as well.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Fruitwood
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Commode with Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Commode with Marble Top represents a revival of the classic style revived in this form a...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Oval Directoire Style Dining Room Extension Dining Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A handsome Directoire Style Dining Table. Oval dining table with beautiful book matched top, carved edge and black string inlaid banding. The ebonized apron with gilt molded panels, ...
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century French Directoire Cherry Wood Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Directoire Cherry Wood Commode exudes the understated elegance for which the style is world renowned! Crafted from old growth seasoned cherry wood to produce a r...
Category
1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
A French Directoire Gilt Bronze Mounted Commode with Marble Top, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A French Directoire Gilt Bronze Mounted Parquetry Commode With Marble Top, 19th Century
Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired in 1...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French Empire Style Bronze Chandelier With Arrows
Located in Houston, TX
French Empire Style Bronze Chandelier With Arrows.
This stunning French Empire style or Directoire style gilt bronze and patinated bronze quive...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Directoire Mahogany Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Mahogany Commode exudes the understated elegance for which the style is world renowned! Crafted from exotic mahogany imported from the Americas during the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Tall Brass Mounted Mahogany Directoire Louis XVI Style Dresser Semanier
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 delive...
Category
1960s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Late Empire Barrel Back Chairs
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very desirable pair of period Lat Empire Barrel Back Bergeres that date to c. 1810-1820. The chairs have retained their original surface which we have cleaned and applied several coats of hard paste wax. The chairs are newly upholstered in a very high-end Kravet Couture velvet in the perfect shade of blue. In addition to their desirability, these barrel back chairs are very comfortable. They are the perfect addition to many settings from living room, study to bedroom.
****Please contact MJH Design...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Maison Jansen Directoire Style Dining Room Table
Located in Montemor-O-Novo, PT
Mahogany dining table in Hepplewhite style, a Maison Jansen Directoire style brass-mounted dining room table with two extensions and extension legs for extra stability.
*** with t...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fine Quality Antique 19th Century French Directoire 3 Drawer Commode
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This commode dates to the 1880s era and is in good original antique condition, The commode has three drawers and measures 36.5 wide x 31.25 tall x 18.5 deep.
Category
1880s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Ebonized and Gold Leaf Detailed Curved French Directoire Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful black and gold leafed console table in teh manner of Restoration Hardware. The table measures 15 inches deep x 60.25 wide x 36 tall. The table is in good conditio...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French 19th Century Painted Directoire Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Directorie period petite settee is in wonderful antique condition. Hand carved and built in the early 1800’s, this settee is sturdy and is sure to bring a lot of character t...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique French Directoire Giltwood Mirror with Divided Mercury Glass
Located in Dallas, TX
Very fine period French Directoire giltwood mirror with divided mercury glass. Beautiful detail on the frame. A classic piece. So pretty!!
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mercury Glass, Giltwood
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 Jean-Simon Deverberie. 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 $95,710 while the average work can sell for $4,800.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Vintage Flower Button
Black Lacquered China Cabinet
Antique Wooden Lock
Black Lacquer China Cabinet
Brass Display Shelf
Brass Shelf Display
Campaign Style Cabinet
Burled Walnut Cabinets
Black Glass Display Case
Vintage Receipt
Wooden Display Case
Zenith Used
Charms Golden
Vintage 90S Patterns
Vintage Glass Panel Door
Black Gold Rug
Wooden Cabinet Pulls
Vintage Glass Panel Doors