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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
Vaso con Piatto in Cristallo Decoro Blu e Oro Austroungarico Inizio 1800
Located in Milano, MI
Elegant decagonal shaped crystal lidded vase, dish plate dating back to Directoire period, finely decorated by elaborate floral and geometrical gilded, white and blue enameled patter...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Early 20th C Carved and Painted French Directoire Style Chairs in Linen, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of early 20th century carved French bergère chairs. The frames are sage green paint with almost deep russet painted details. The floral linen upholstery is recently do...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood

Single Brass and Steel Glass Top Guerdion or End Table Maison Jansen Style
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant brass and steel gueridon table reflects the refined design sensibilities of the Maison Jansen style, blending neoclassical inspiration with modern sophistication. Featur...
Category

1990s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Directoire Mahogany Bergère Attributed to Georges Jacob
Located in Kittery Point, ME
A Directoire Mahogany Bergère Attributed to Georges Jacob, its curved back and padded armrests with finely carved baluster-shaped supports raised on turned front legs and sabre back legs. With a spurious Jacob stamp to back rail. The term "Directoire" refers to a historical period following the French Revolution (1789) and preceding the First Empire when Napoleon reigned, but also to a style of furniture and decoration covering a longer period from 1789 to 1804. It is characterized by the production of furniture with simplified forms and ornaments, inspired by antique decorations. The profound social and political upheavals that marked this period had a direct impact on the production of Directoire furniture. The stripping down of furniture pieces, which had begun in the 1780s under the influence of Greek art, was accentuated during this period. The abolition of guilds by the revolutionaries also forced manufacturers in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine to simplify shapes and materials. Elegant and graceful, the furniture is generally small-scale. They retain the Louis XVI structure. The Directoire style adopts clean shapes, straight lines, simple curves, flat surfaces and right angles. Lines accentuate geometric shapes inspired by Antiquity. A typical trait is the pronounced rolled-over back, similar to a scroll illustrated in our bergere, evocative of the klismos chair. Only the more luxurious pieces of furniture use mahogany, an exotic and expensive wood. Despite his humble origins, Georges Jacob rose to become one of the most renowned menuisiers of his day. Unlike many artisans who joined their fathers or brothers in the middle-class family trade of furniture making, Jacob was from a peasant family and moved to Paris at sixteen to begin his career. He apprenticed in a joinery workshop and eventually became a master in 1765. He developed a reputation for producing inventive designs for chairs, beds, and screens carved with such motifs as twisted ribbons, guilloches, beading, and fluting. Jacob's reputation grew quickly, eventually spreading outside France; the future King George IV of England, Gustavus III of Sweden, and several German princes...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

18th Century French Country Antique Limestone Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
Unusual French limestone antique fireplace surround from the Directoire period. Its style has Italian influence with a Fine center carved element. Measures: 174 cm EW 68,50" 136 ...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Neoclassical Consulate Fauteuil or Armchair, Italy, circa 1800
Located in Kinderhook, NY
Elegant Italian, French Consulate style and period carved walnut fauteuil having Klismos style tablet form backrest above central X-form open splat, a...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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 ...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Jansen Inspired Custom Handcrafted Bookcase Made by Old Plank, in Any Dimension
Located in Chicago, IL
Jansen inspired custom bookcase, handmade in our Old Plank Workshop here in Chicago. Our craftsmen work to the highest standards to produce bespoke fur...
Category

2010s American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Demi Lune Console Table, Directoire Period (1790–1800) in Mahogany
Located in Belmont, MA
French Demi Lune Console Table, Directoire Period (1790–1800) in Mahogany with Marble Top This elegant French demi lune console table dates from the Directoire period, circa 1790–180...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

French Directoire Style Iron and Crystal Chandelier with Blue Crystal Feathers
Located in Dallas, TX
A French Directoire style iron and crystal chandelier with blue feather shaped crystals. This chandelier is very decorative and a nice scale.
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Iron

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 Louis XVI Directoire Style Bedside Table in Solid Oak, 1 Drawer
Located in Landivy, FR
This night stand is a handmade and modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical a...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Oak

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

Flame Mahogany Louis XVI Bronze Mounted Style Flip Top Game Chess Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This flame mahogany Louis XVI-style flip-top game table is a stunning example of neoclassical craftsmanship, offering both beauty and functionality. The elegant design features bronz...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century French Gates
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Mid-20th century French Director style iron gates. There are 5 gates connected to each other.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Iron

Mid-20th Century French Gates
Mid-20th Century French Gates
$5,440 Sale Price / set
20% Off
French Directoire Style Writing Table, Desk in Cherrywood, 2 Drawers
Located in Landivy, FR
This writing table 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 timeles...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak

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

Early 19th Century French Fruitwood Candlestand Table with Marble Top
Located in Charlottesville, VA
An early 19th C French candlestand table in fruitwood, featuring a circular white marble top with subtle veining and a pierced brass gallery surround. The tapering stem is supported ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Directoire Style Painted Bookcase Chicken Wire or Glass Doors Available Any Size
Located in Chicago, IL
Our personal favorite - This Old Plank in-house custom Bookcase in the Directoire style, constructed of solid wood and finished off in distressed black painted exterior, French vanil...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wire

A Pair Of Gilt Bronze And White Marble Guèridon Tables
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of Gilt Bronze With White Marble Guèridon Tables. The set features small round tables with the marble top raised on three in-curved supports joined by a marble inset undershelf ...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Century Furniture Directoire Style Walnut Upholstered seat & Cane Back Armchair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Century Furniture Directoire Style Walnut with Upholstered seat with Cane Back Armchair in great vintage condition. Measures 23" in width, 24" in depth and stands 36.5z" tall. Sea...
Category

Late 20th Century American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Walnut

French Directoire Style Night Stand in Solid Cherry with 1 Drawer
Located in Landivy, FR
This night stand is a handmade and modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical a...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Oak

Stone Fireplace Surround With Wild Boar And Red De Baviere Hound Head Detail
Located in Beervelde, BE
Directoire period French stone fireplace surround. Details of a wild boar and hunting hounds head are carved on the fronton. Exceptiona...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

Vintage Directoire Style Painted Accent Table with Slide
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

Fine Bicolor Marble Stone French Antique Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
This fine European antique fireplace mantel is from the burgundy region near the Corton village. The bicolor of this marble hard stone is typical that village in the middle of the vi...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

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...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry

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

Petite Intentionally Distressed Henredon Style 2 Drawer Commode Nightstand
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This petite intentionally distressed two-drawer commode nightstand in the Henredon style offers a perfect blend of timeless elegance and practical function. Featuring a compact form ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Fine Quality French Directoire Breche Marble Top Brass Gallery End Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine French Directoire style end table showcases the elegance and refinement of late 18th to early 19th century neoclassical design. The table features a richly grained breche m...
Category

1930s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Breccia Marble, 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

18th Century Directoire Period Country French Whitewashed Buffet
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century Directoire Period Country French Whitewashed Buffet is a splendid example of the tailored architecture made popular just before and after the turn of the 19th century. ...
Category

1790s French Antique 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

LATE 18th CENTURY DIRECTOIRE COFFEE TABLE WITH WALNUT VENEER
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant small side table, made of walnut veneer. The top is embellished with a refined inlay in fruit woods, which gives further elegance to the complement. The semi-curved legs are ...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood, Walnut

Zabihi Collection Ivory Antique Hadji Jal Li Tabriz Rug
Located in New York, NY
Timeless best describes this magnificent early 20th century antique Persian Hadji jali Tabriz rug. size 8'11'' x 12'
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wool

Petite Bagues Style Gilt Upholstered bench in needlepoint
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This petite Baguès style gilt upholstered bench in needlepoint is a charming and elegant accent piece that reflects the timeless sophistication of French design. Inspired by the reno...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Brass and Steel Glass Top Maison Jansen Style Directoire End Table, circa 1960
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This brass and steel glass top Maison Jansen style Directoire end table, circa 1960, embodies the refined elegance and timeless appeal for which Maison Jansen is celebrated. Crafted ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

18th Century Blue Stone Classic Rustic Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
This classic straight fireplace surround in bicolor grey hard stone from the Burgundy region with star as a central motive has a country, rustic influence. Measures: 155.5 cm EW 61...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

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

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

Ormolu and Patinated Bronze French Directoire Striking Clock, c1790
Located in valatie, NY
This graceful gilt bronze striking clock is from France’s Directoire period. The clocks white enameled face has black Roman numerals and is framed with ...
Category

Late 18th Century French 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 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

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

Large Directoire Mahogany Jardinière by Jacob Freres
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Of rectangular shape, with a tôle liner and bronze gallery and raised on an integral plinth with wooden roulettes, stamped to one side on the interior JACOB FRERES RUE MESLEE. Jacob...
Category

Late 18th Century European Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Directoire Armchair 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
This nice chair of directoire style is characterized by straight and simple forms. The uprights are made of turned wood with floral motifs on the connecting dice (seat and armrests)....
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Period Antique Directoire French Louis XVI Walnut Armchair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Period Antique Directoire French Louis XVI Walnut Armchair is a superb example of late 18th-century French design, capturing the refined neoclassical elegance that defines the L...
Category

1790s 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

French Directoire style nesting "gigognes" side tables 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....
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak

18th Century French Hard Stone Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
A phenomenal Directoire period fireplace mantel in hard stone with Black Belgian marble inlay. The centrepiece shows horse head details. The front is unusually bowed to the back of the wall. This gives this is an extra twist. This one was installed in a wood panel room...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

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

Pair of Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Metal French Benches or Foot Stools
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your living space with this exquisite Pair of Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Metal French Benches or Foot Stools. These elegant pieces beautifully capture the timeless appea...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal

18th Century French Classic Antique Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
Perfect fireplace surround for a panel room. It was also original installed in the center of the Burgundy region in France. Some original patina still remains on the mantel ,which en...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

French Directoire Style Period Fireplace Mantel In Stone.
Located in Beervelde, BE
Authentic fireplace surround from the Burgundy region with amazing cartouche in the center of the fronton: Details of music instruments. This mantel has also a very nice patina. Me...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

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

19th Century French Directoire Style Giltwood Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century French Directoire Style Giltwood Mirror. Stunning 19th century French Directoire style / Louis XVI style gilt wood fluted design mirror. This versatile mirror can be use...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Fine French Louis XVI Style Vintage Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
A fine Classic French Louis XVI style vintage fireplace in a honey color Burgundy hard stone/marble. The chimney piece marries well with...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Limestone

19th Century Original Antique French Stylish Fireplace Mantle
Located in Beervelde, BE
This is a fabulous, one of a kind , original antique fireplace surround in a porfierish hard stone. The inlay is of a high quality. This one is very easy on the eye. The straight lin...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone, Belgian Black Marble, Statuary Marble

18th Century Directoire Period Fine French Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
A Brêche marble with white statuary marble inlay is a perfect combination for this vintage chimney piece. The carving is of an exceptional quality bui...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Statuary Marble

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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