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 Coffee Table in solid oak wood
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
Wrought Iron French Gilt Coffee Table Attributed to Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Gold gilt wrought iron glass top coffee table. Some scratches to the glass. Attributed to Maison Ramsay.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Russian Baltic Mahogany Bronze Trimmed Directoire Style China Cabinet Vitrine
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a very unique Russian vitrine with fantastic bronze ormolu and directoire styling. Look at the gorgeous design and solid mahogany contrasting beautifully with the brass and b...
Category
1850s Russian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
18th Century Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
This bicolor antique fireplace surround has a very deep patina. The detail in the middle shows music instruments and is from the Directoire period. It was installed in a panneled lib...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
Mid-century vintage large walnut obelisk table lamp
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a large mid-century vintage walnut obelisk table lamp. This decorator lamp has a black linen shade and comes with his original solid brass finial. This classical obelisk stan...
Category
1960s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair Of Directoire Style Bronze And Granite Gueridon Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Each with circular inset black granite tops with metal banded edge and three curved legs and conforming small shelf, all ending on paw feet.
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Granite, Bronze
French Directoire style 4 Drawer Chest in cherry and a white-cream finish
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
Pair Of French Directoire Style Armchairs1930
Located in Kent, Dover
A pair of French Directoire style painted armchairs, newly upholstered in stone coloured textured silk with gold scroll braid.
Category
1930s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Directoire Antique French Candlesticks
By France"
Located in DELFT, NL
French Directoire Period brass Candlesticks.
The detachable socles set within urn shaped holders, baluster-shaped stems, terminating on circular bases.
Some rubbing and wear.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Long Directoire Style Antiqued Buffet
Located in Westwood, NJ
Antiqued Buffet with a hand rubbed and distressed dark beige finish to the six-door cabinet, each with a cross arrow design. This piece is crafted in pi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Extremely Rare French "Directoire" Style Bibliothque (Bookcase)
Located in Middleburg, VA
Extremely Rare French "Directoire" Style Bibliothque (Bookcase). Made of extraordinary "Burled Yew Wood" with a rich golden color and lustrous patina. A simple cornice over two glazed cabinet doors and two lower cupboards. Elegant proportions are emphasized by the figured wood. Made in the West of France, circa 1820.
82" High 63" Wide 18.75" Deep
A handsome and well-proportioned French Directoire style Bibliotheque, crafted circa 1820 in the west of France. This two-part bookcase is constructed from richly figured burled yew wood, showcasing exceptional grain patterning and a warm, honey-toned finish that enhances its refined silhouette.
The upper section features original glass-paneled doors with elegant molded framing and carved corners, opening to reveal three spacious shelves backed with a patterned textile, perfect for displaying books or decorative objects. The lower cabinet offers closed storage with paneled doors and retains its original hardware and working locks with decorative key tassels...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Iron
French Directoire Style Console Table in Cherry with blue 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
Dark Green Paint Decorated Tufted French Directoire Footstool Window bench
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous dark green distressed fininsh Directoire style window bench. The bench dates to the 1960s era and measures 42 wide x 19 tall x 16 deep and will show signs of use a...
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Faux Bamboo Bagues Style Solid Brass Hexangonal End Tables Circa 1970
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Brass faux bamboo frames. Glass tops. 17" h x 17 1/2" w x 20 1/8" d.
Condition
Scratches. Oxidation.
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Mid-Century French Mahogany Directoire Style Coffee Table with Carrara Marble To
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-century French Mahogany Directoire style coffee table with Carrara marble top represents understated elegance in a manner of which th...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Italy 19th Century Walnut Directory "Gondola" Chair Restored new-Upholstered
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A nice 19th century walnut directory Gondola chair from Italy restored and re-upholstered
Measure cm: H 76\40 W 53 D 51.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Maison Jansen Directoire Style Dining Table, 20th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
A refined Maison Jansen Directoire style dining table with brass mounts, inspired by the Hepplewhite aesthetic. This elegant dining table features a versatile design with two extensi...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Steel and Brass Circular Maison Jansen Attributed End Tables Gueridons
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic and rare pair of steel and brass Directoire style end tables or gueridons attributed to Maison Jansen. The tables are in good used vintage condition and will show...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
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
French Directoire Style Cherry Wood Stained Coffee Table
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.
Its classical finish is made with Cherry stains, PU lacquer, and a satin varnish.
This Coffee Table features one central drawer topped with a Louis XVI ring...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry
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
Ebonized Mahogany French Directoire Style Desk Hand-Crafted in Chicago Any Size
Located in Chicago, IL
Handmade in our Old Plank workshop, this Ebonized Mahogany Directoire Style Desk can be made in any size or finish. Note the optional pop up door and hidden power strip...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Directoire Style Swag Arm Chairs
Located in Southampton, NJ
Classic French Directoire style swag arm chairs with sliver leaf accents upholstered in fine cut velvet on linen ground. Klismos styling to the front legs with heirloom quality coil...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Silver Leaf
Antique French Bouillotte Directoire 3 Light Pierced Tole Candelabra Lamp
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique French Neoclassical Bouillotte / Directoire / Hot Water Bottle silver plate three light table lamp, featuring a pierced / reticulated base wit...
Category
Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal
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
Antique Tabriz Rug
Located in New York, NY
Timeless best describes this magnificent early 20th century antique Persian Tabriz rug.
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wool
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
Custom-Made Mahogany Carved French Directoire Style Gilded Sideboard Buffet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful mahogany and gilt French Directoire style sideboard. The sideboard features carved floral elements and bronze swag style hardware. This is a custom piece with me...
Category
1990s European Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of French Directoire Bronze Andirons
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of French Directoire-style bronze andirons with filigree connector (PRICED AS PAIR)
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
Antique Italian Silver Gilt Metal Chandelier, 1920s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Italian silver gilt metal chandelier. It includes 4 lights with Austrian crystal bobeches and prisms.
Additional information:
Materials: crystal, lights, silver
Color: s...
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Flame Mahogany Louis XVI Bronze Mounted Style Flip Top Game Chess Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This an absolutely superbly crafted French Directoire style chess or checkers table. The top is absolutely gorgeous flame mahogany surrounded by brass trim and a gorgeous finish. The...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Directoire Period Engraving
Located in Carmel, CA
Napoleonic War Series, mezzotint Plate 04
"Fusillades de Lyon, Commandees par Collot- D'Herbois"
le 14 December 1793 ou Frimaire An 2 âme de la République
Etching by Pi...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Paper
Directoire Fruit Wood Demi Lune Games Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Continental Directoire fruit wood demi lune games table, early 19th century. Having a demi lune top which when opened becomes a round top, a fruit wood...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Gorgeous French Directoire Petite Gilt Bronze End Table or Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous French solid bronze and glass very small coffee table or perhaps an end table. The table looks like Maison Jansen and may well be, but it isn't stamped. Measures 1...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Maison Charles Style Brass Horse and Steel Verdi Marble Console Table circa 1970
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 deliv...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass, Steel
French Directoire style handcrafted secretary desk in cherry wood & leather pad
Located in Landivy, FR
This Secretary is a handmade modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timel...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer
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
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
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
French Directoire Style oval Table in Cherry with 2 extensions, from France
Located in Landivy, FR
This piece belongs to our DIRECTOIRE collection, which takes up the Directoire style, very famous at the end of the 18th century in France.
It is remarkable for its straight, classic...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak
French Directoire Coffee Work Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
1830s rustic French country Directoire style coffee table is from Provence. Once a worktable for bread making, now with legs cut down and used as coffee table. The rounded dough knea...
Category
1820s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Oak
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
Pair of Antique Directoire Style Painted Armchairs
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Pair of Antique Directoire style painted armchairs, circa 1900. With triangular shaped crest rails flanked by acorn finials, down swept arms, elongated vase shaped arm supports, turn...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Stunning Carved Antique Creme Painted Finish Directoire Style Bench Stool
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Carved wood. Upholstered. 22 1/2" h x 36 1/4" w x 24" d.
Condition
Finish loss. Minor stains to upholstery. Scratches.
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Inspired Bookcase, Custom Hand-Made to Order in Our Chicago Workshop
Located in Chicago, IL
Custom Country French inspired handmade 4-door bookcase, in the Directoire style, finished with a black brushed painted exterior, French vanilla interior and European style chicken w...
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
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
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
Set of Four Cast Bronze Bows and Tassels Sconces, circa 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Rare set of four. Housing two-light each, Will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA, appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang. Heavy bronze with g...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Boiserie Library Paneled Wall Unit
Located in Sheffield, MA
Very handsome boiseries wall paneling from a French country chateau. The antique 19th century Directorie period oak paneled wall is made of 1 entry ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Oak
Elegant Directoire Gueridon with Marble Top
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant and original French gueridon circa late 18th century. Directoire style with Carrara marble top, brass galley, brass casters, truly a fantastic piece.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Directoire Style Carved Walnut Cane Back Desk Vanity Side Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous and very unique chair that matches a Grosfeld House attributed Cartonier Desk. It can be mated with that desk or used as a vanity or side chair. The chair is in go...
Category
1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cane, Walnut
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
Karges Directoire Style Carved Round Coffee Table with Gilt
Located in Doylestown, PA
Magnificent Directoire cocktail table by Karges Furniture, early 2000s.
This exceptional table celebrates beautifully hand-carved details that include hand-painted gold leaf rosette...
Category
Early 2000s North American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
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.