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
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
18th Century Fine Marble Fireplace Surround With Bespoke Brass Bijouterie
Located in Beervelde, BE
This unusual antique fireplace surround was crafted at the end of the 18th century. It is made of a very special colored marble with brass bijouterie; it is typical of Directoire per...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, 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
Original French Directoire Period Vintage Fireplace Surround Designed by Nature
Located in Beervelde, BE
Very impressive fireplace surround in bicolor burgundy hard stone from the vineyard area around Corton, France. The colors in the stone are exceptionally designed by nature.
The det...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
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
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
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
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 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
$2,396 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Original Antique French Stylish Fireplace Mantle
Located in Beervelde, BE
This original hard stone fireplace surround with Carrara marble inlay from the early 19th century It was installed in the Burgundy region in France. The extra deep legs with side pie...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
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
$1,598 Sale Price / set
41% Off
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
$6,360 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
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
English walnut and elm burl walnut tilt of the 1700s
By A. Manzoni
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
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
$2,600 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
$1,996 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
$3,996 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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 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
$2,156 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
Gorgeous French Directoire Petite Gilt Bronze End Table or Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your interior design with this Gorgeous French Directoire Petite Gilt Bronze End Table or Coffee Table, a refined example of neoclassical elegance and enduring sophistication...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$1,596 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Pair of Exceptional Consulate Armchairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully carved and painted period consulate chairs.
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
$15,500 / set
Set of Four Wedgwood Directoire Yellow Banded Creamware Cups and Saucers
By Wedgwood
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
$100 Sale Price / set
20% Off
18th Century Pair of Directoire Candelabra With Bronze Griffins
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
18th Century Pair of Directoire Candelabra With Bronze Griffins
Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Set of Four 18th Century Chairs, France, Cherry, Painted, Directoire, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Set of very unusual 18th century chairs
It's a set of four chairs, all with different paintings of the Greek mythology.
Bourgogne (France)
cherrywood, oil colors
Directoire,...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
$4,731 Sale Price / set
35% Off
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
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
$1,196 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$2,009 / item
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 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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
Directoire French Golden Ocher Color Tole Tray
Located in Houston, TX
Directoire French golden ocher color tole tray adorned in original painted decoration, early 19th century.
Note: Original/early finish on antique an...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tôle
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
$6,927 / item
French Bronze Mounted Mahogany Directoire Style Meridienne
Located in Dallas, TX
A very graceful French meridienne in the directoire style.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
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
Pair of Directoire Cream-Painted Slipper Chairs
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Each with a rectangular carved panelled top rail above a pierced vertical splat and an upholstered seat, raised on front tapering circular legs and saber back legs.
The exquisite qu...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Silk, Wood
$7,750 / set
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
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
$3,950 / set
French Mid-20th Century Directoire Buffet
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Very interesting, small cabinet with inlay and brass. Elegant with a lot of character.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
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
$2,396 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
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
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 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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