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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
French Directoire Style Console Table in Cherry Wood, 3 Drawers
Located in Landivy, FR
This console table is fully assembled in our workshop. The finish is made with an "A" cherry stain and 2 extra layers of varnish for a strong protection of the wood. 3 drawers assemb...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Mid-20th Century Directoire Nightstand in Walnut, Restored and Polished to Wax
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid-20th century Directoire style cabinet with drawers, nightstand, in walnut, restored and polished to wax Measure cm: H 65 x W 54 x D 37.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Original Antique Country Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
Burgundy hard stone fireplace surround made by special commission of a horse lover. Detail of saddle for horse riding in the center. The front has a nice moving design into the room....
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

Fine French Directoire Styke 5 Light Gilt Metal Chandelier
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Vintage gilt metal chandelier with 5 chains suspended from the circular ceiling plate conjoined with 5 arms. The body of the chandelier with center foliate motif and panels decorated...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal

1900s Austrian Ceiling Chandelier 14 Lights, Burnished Bronze Swarovsky Crystal
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Important Austrian ceiling chandelier with 14 lights in burnished bronze and gilded, with original Swarovsky pendants, late 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Directoire Style Desk Solid Cherry with Leather Pad and Covered Storage Space
Located in Landivy, FR
This desk belongs to the MELANIE collection that proposes handcraft modernized reinterpretated pieces of furniture from the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. T...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer

French Directoire Style 19th Century Walnut Table with Folding Top, Tapered Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire style walnut console table from the 19th century with folding top, two leaves, single drawer, tapered legs and brown patina. Created in France during the 19th cen...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Handcrafted Directoire Style 2-Door Cabinet in Solid Cherry Wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2 doors small sideboard ( "mini-bahut") is a hand-crafted reproduction of the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This ...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Set of Four Directoire Mahogany Armchairs by Jacob Freres
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Each upholstered backrest with backscrolled top rail above an upholstered seat flanked by arm rests, raised on ring-turned legs; each stamped JACOB FRERES / RUE MESLEE on back rail, three with old inked inscription M Julien...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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...
Category

1960s American Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Fine Set of 12 Brass Inlaid Rosewood French Regency Style Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine set of 12 brass inlaid rosewood French Regency style dining chairs represents the perfect balance of craftsmanship, elegance, and functionality. Expertly made, each chair f...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Directoire Style Console Table in Solid Cherry Wood, Secret Drawer
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

Art Deco Mid Century Modern Hollywood Regency French Directoire Lounge Armchairs
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous Pair of curved bent open arm chairs from the forties. Created from beech, chairs have a clean, simple and elegant pleasing look. Large seats that are very comfortable, recen...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Pair of Carrara Marble Top & Ormolu Mounted End Tables, attrib. to Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Carrara marble top and ormolu mounted end tables, attributed to Maison Jansen, reflects the refined elegance and craftsmanship for which the Parisian design firm was wor...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass, Bronze

French Directoire Style 2-door 3-drawer cabinet in solid wild cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This cabinet with 2 doors and 3 independent drawers belongs to our MELANIE collection that proposes handcrafted modernized reinterpretated pieces of furniture from the French Louis X...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak

Set of Four Wedgwood Directoire Yellow Banded Creamware Cups and Saucers
Located in New York, NY
Set of four Wedgwood Directoire pattern yellow banded cream cups and saucers. Cups and saucers in the Directoire pattern and style with characteristic handles of the post Revolutionary six year period of the French Directory...
Category

20th Century English Directoire Furniture

Materials

Creamware

Fantastic Shabby Distressted Multicolored Maison Jansen Style Armchair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your interior décor with this fantastic shabby distressed multicolored Maison Jansen style armchair, a true statement piece blending classic elegance with rustic charm. Featu...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Fine Quality Maison Jansen Style Directoire Tall Dresser Wardrobe
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Jansen style Directoire tall dresser wardrobe exemplifies the refined elegance and superior craftsmanship for which the renowned Parisian design house is celebrated. Insp...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Maison Charles Style Brass Horse and Steel Verdi Marble Console Table circa 1970
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Charles Style Brass Horse and Steel Verdi Marble Console Table, circa 1970, is a striking example of mid-20th century French design that perfectly blends luxury with mode...
Category

1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass, Steel

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 Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

Neoclassical Italian Center Table with Imperial Porphyry Marble Tabletop
Located in Rome, IT
Very fine and important center table with square shaped Egyptian porphyry veneered tabletop. Base in walnut and ebonized wood of the Directoir period of the Late 18’ century, made with special care and 'original choice of the Radica and marquetry. Provenance from an Aristocratic family descendant of Parma. Measurements: cm 120 x 120 This particular Imperial grade of porphyry came from a quarry in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. The term "porphyry" is from Latin and means "purple". Purple was the color of royalty, and the "Imperial Porphyry...
Category

1790s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Porphyry

Directoire-Style Commode with Marble Top
Located in New York, NY
Directoire- style commode with marble top on tapered legs.
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

French Directoire Style 3-drawer lacquered console table in solid wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This Console 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. This Console is made of solid French cherry wood. Its finish consists of black lacquered legs and white-cream lacquered drawers, shelf and top. This Console features 3 drawers with Louis XVI rings...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer

Pair Maison Jansen Attributed Mahogany French Directoire Footstools, Circa 1960s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Maison Jansen attributed mahogany French Directoire footstools, circa 1960s, captures the timeless elegance and neoclassical refinement that the renowned Parisian design...
Category

1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

French 18th Century Directoire Mahogany Chairs with Silk Blend Upholster Fabric
Located in Firenze, IT
This beautiful set of four late 18th-early 19th century European Directoire period mahogany gondola chairs will be the perfect addition to your dining room or living room as they can be used as dining room chairs or side side chairs...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany, Giltwood

French Directoire Style Coffee Table in Solid Cherry
Located in Landivy, FR
This coffee table 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. The finish is made with a layer of a natural varnish to keep the authentic look of the solid Cherry piece and 2 extra layers for protection of the wood. This Coffee Table features one central drawer topped with a Louis XVI ring...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry

French Directoire Style 3-Drawer Handcrafted Wooden Console Table
Located in Landivy, FR
This console table is a handmade reproduction of a console table from the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timeless lines ornamented with grooves, diamonds or rings. This console table is made of solid cherry wood sourced in sustainably managed French forests. The 3 drawers' fronts are assembled with dovetails for a better durability and feature 3 Louis XVI rings...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer

French Directoire Style interpreted handcrafted TV cabinet in solid cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This TV cabinet is a free hand crafted interpretation of the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This period style is remarkable with its straight, classical and ...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Directoire Style Carved Walnut Cane Back Desk Vanity Side Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This refined Directoire style carved walnut side chair perfectly embodies the understated elegance and neoclassical influence of late 18th-century French design. Crafted from warm-to...
Category

1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Pair of 18th Century Italian Demi Lune Console Tables
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Handsome pair of 18th Century Italian demi-lune consoles. Of blond walnut construction with hand-carved legs, hand-carved stretchers and a beautiful patina to the tops.
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

French Directoire Two-Drawer Walnut Commode with Banded Inlay from Provence
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Provençale Directoire period two-drawer commode with banded inlay from the late 18th century. This French two-drawer commode was born in the mid-1790s, in the Provence regio...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

French Directoire style handcrafted Desk in solid wood, with leather pad
Located in Landivy, FR
This desk with top storage compartments is a craft-handed re-interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. The design of...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Beautiful Maison Jansen Style French Directoire Creme Painted X Bench Circa 1960
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Jansen style French Directoire crème painted X-bench, circa 1960, is a stunning example of neoclassical revival design that combines elegance with functional charm. Beaut...
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

French Directoire Style gray desk in solid oak wood with a leather pad
Located in Landivy, FR
This desk is a craft-handed reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. The design of this period is remarkable with its straight, classical and time...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer

French Directoire style handcrafted striped Bonnetiere in solid cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This piece belongs to our MELANIE collection, which is a handmade modernized interpretation of this French Directoire style. The Directoire periode started at the end of the 18th cen...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Lacquer, Oak

2-door 3-drawer Cabinet in solid oak, a French Directoire style interpretation
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2 doors cabinet is a handmade and modernized interpretation of a French Directoire style cabinet at the end of the 18th century. The des...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Oak

Directoire Walnut Tricoteuse Table
Located in Essex, MA
Elongated octagonal top with gallery and fold down hinged panel. Trestle base with two oval lower shelves. The trestle sides with ebonized lozenge decoration. These tables were made ...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Vintage French Directoire Brass Scroll Arm Tole Metal Bouillotte Desk Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Directoire Brass Scroll Arm Tole Metal Bouillotte Desk Table Lamp with Adjustable Height Shade and Candle Arms. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 25.5" H (to fini...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

French Directoire Style 1880s Guéridon Table of Ebonized Wood with Swan Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French ebonized wood Directoire style guéridon side table with grey marble top and swan motifs from the late 19th century. This French table features a round variegated grey marble...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Directoire Mahogany And Brass Mounted Commode
Located in Essex, MA
With a rectangular white marble top with rounded corners over a conforming case with three smaller top drawers over two long drawers each with brass moldings...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Pair of Exceptional Consulate Armchairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully carved and painted period consulate chairs.
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

English walnut and elm burl walnut tilt of the 1700s
Located in Villa Verucchio, Emilia-Romagna
18th-century English walnut and elm burl walnut flap - A masterpiece of style and function The 18th-century English walnut and elm burl flap is an elegant example of period craftsma...
Category

Late 18th Century British Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Elm, Nutwood

Pair of Directoire Lion Mask Sconces of Bronze
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very fine pair of sconces, of gilt bronze and partial painted finish, each concave hexagonal backplate divided by a vertical arrow, and centered by a lion mask, its teeth holding two...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Directoire Style 19th Century Walnut Commode with Grey Marble Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire style walnut commode from the 19th century, with three drawers, grey marble top, brass accents and fluted posts. Created in France during the 19th century, this w...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

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

18th Century French Directoire Satinwood Mahogany Marble Top Commode
Located in Essex, MA
Beautiful Directoire or Late Louis XVI Commode or Chest of Drawers. Satinwood panels and drawer fronts. Original hardware. Original White Marble Top with Bronze Gallery. Toupe Fe...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Mid-20th Century Directoire Style Armchairs
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French mid-20th century Directoire style armchairs.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry

French Directoire Style Handcrafted Customizable 4-Drawer Chest in Solid Wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4 drawer chest is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable for its straight, classical and timeless lines...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Directoire console in cherry with red grey striped drawer
Located in Landivy, FR
This console 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. The ...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry

French Directoire style handcrafted lacquered desk with solid wood & leather pad
Located in Landivy, FR
This desk is a craft-handed reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. The design of this period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timel...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Wood, Oak, Lacquer

Gilt Metal Bagues Faux Bois Tree Branch Asymetric Form Smoked Glass Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Introduce organic elegance and sculptural sophistication to your living space with this Gilt Metal Baguès Faux Bois Tree Branch Asymmetric Form Smoked Glass Coffee Table. Inspired by...
Category

1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf

French Painted Antique Style Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
In a painted antique 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 t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Maison Jansen Style French Bronze Rope Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful solid bronze stylized rope base with a glass top. Manner of Maison Jansen.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Miniature French Directoire Style Commode
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Directoire style miniature chest of drawers.
Category

20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Directoire Style Gilt Arm Chair
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire white painted open arm chair with gilt foliate decoration and shaped fluted arms, legs, and open fluted columns on back.  
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

French Directoire Armchair Beech Gold & White Upholstery France 19th
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very pretty beech armchair with a pretty tapestry in shades of gold and white in the Directoire style - 19th century The very luminous white and gold upholstery makes it an elegant ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Antique French Directoire Mahogany End Table with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Mahogany End Table with Carrara Marble will make a delightful addition to your room, providing storage, display, perhaps a place for a lamp, convenient draw...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Directoire Style Onyx and Bronze Guéridon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Stunning onyx and bronze Directoire style guéridon with paw feet. Lower onyx shelf and central finial.
Category

20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Onyx, Bronze

Collection of Six 19th c. French Directoire Framed Panoramic Wallpaper Panels
Located in Wichita, KS
19th c. wood-block printed French panoramic wallpaper scenes in the Directoire style very likely by the premier French manufacturer, Zuber & Cie. Presenting a panorama of park and ga...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint, Paper

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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