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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
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

18th Century Directoire Period Fine Original Antique Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
This original vintage Directoire period fireplace surround is from the Jura Region. The right jamb has been restored. The center detail on the front is a composition of elements of w...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

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

18th Century Directoire Gueridon
Located in New Orleans, LA
18th century Directoire gueridon with original paint.
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Antique Directoire Furniture

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

Fine Quality French Mahogany Bronze Mounted Secretary Desk Bookcase Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine French mahogany bronze mounted secretary desk with bookcase top exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship of late 19th to early 20th century French furniture. Constructed ...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze

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

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

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

Small and Fine French Classic Original Antique Fireplace Surround in Stone
Located in Beervelde, BE
This beautiful honey colored antique fireplace mantel (fireplace) dates from the Directoire period. It comes from the Burgundy region. Its material is Burgundy hard stone, marble. M...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

Timeless Chique Reclaimed French Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
A fine French directoire period fireplace surround in a honey color Burgundy hard stone/marble with Brocatelle D'Espagne marble inlay. It was built in the early 19th century. Measure...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

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

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

Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Style Demilune Consoles
Located in Austin, TX
This pair of French Directoire-style demilune consoles is a truly unique and stunning addition to any home. Handcrafted in our atelier in France, these consoles were created by rethinking a 19th-century Directoire-style round dining table and transforming it into two matching demilunes...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

18th Century French Marble Stone Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
Burgundy hard stone Directoire period fireplace surround with a beautiful cartouche in the center of the front. The mantel endured the time but survived. Restauration on the left le...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

18th Century Original Antique Fireplace Mantel with Black Marble Inlay
Located in Beervelde, BE
This is a fabulous Directoire period fireplace surround in warm red hard stone. The Belgian black marble inlay with horse heads details sculpture is of an exceptional Quality. This i...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Stone

Directoire French Antique Buffet
Located in Austin, TX
Buffet from France from the Directoire period. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily walnut. There are two dovetailed drawers at the top with wood pulls. Below, tw...
Category

1880s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Soft Blue and White Painted French Directoire Style Medium Size Armchairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant pair of French Directoire style armchairs offers a perfect balance of timeless design and modern comfort, making them an ideal addition to both traditional and contempor...
Category

1950s European Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Baker Directoire Empire Style Ring Pulls 6 Drawers High Chest Dresser MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Directoire Empire Style Ring Pulls 6 Drawers High Chest Dresser MINT!
Category

20th Century American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Decca French Neoclassical Louis XVI Style Cream & Gold Bar Cabinet Buffet (B)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Neoclassical Louis XVI Style Cream & Gold Painted Bar Cabinet by Decca (B). Item features a heavy two part construction with crackle distres...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Directoire Furniture

Materials

Masonite, Paint

Pair of Directoire Style Gilt Bronze and Black Marble Gueridons
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of 1890-1900 Directoire Style Gilt Bronze and Black Marble Gueridons. Each with very fine ormolu mounts as well as hand-carved marble tops. Exceptional details on the ormolu i...
Category

1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

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

18th Century Antique Fireplace Mantel with Starry Marble Inlay
Located in Beervelde, BE
This antique fireplace surround in hard stone of the Directoire period with statuary marble inlay is quite unique. The hard stone has a wood look. The front is decorated with musique...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

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

French Jansen Style Black Buffet Handcrafted in Our Workshop in Any Dimension
Located in Chicago, IL
Jansen inspired handcrafted buffet in the French Directoire style. This Jansen inspired buffet is custom made in the Old Plank workshop and can be reproduced in any size and paint co...
Category

2010s American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Market Scene in Paris by Egron Sillif Lundgren
By Egron Sillif Lundgren
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A market scene in Paris by Egron Sillif Lundgren, (Swedish, 1815-1875), Pencil, touches of red and heightened with white on buff paper. Size: 7" inche...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Paper

Large Blonde Window Seat Banquette Bench Daybed Neoclassical Directoire Antique
Located in London, GB
A large and strikingly attractive Neoclassical blonde window seat bench in lovely antique condition. Likely made in the early 20th Century, in the manner of the late 18th Century Fre...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Pine

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

Zabihi Collection Vintage Turkish Anatolian Eclectic Runner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Turkish Runner with an unusual motif and colors. 1'9'' x 10'4''
Category

20th Century Turkish Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Directoire Style Mahogany Petite Vitrine with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Directoire Style Mahogany Petite Vitrine with Carrara Marble was hand-crafted in the mid-1900s out of exotic imported mahogany, then trimmed in brass and fitted with brass dr...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

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

Pair of French Directoire Fauteuil Armchairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
These delicately proportioned 18th-century fauteuil armchairs exemplify the French Directoire style, each with a barreled back, and rosette finials a...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

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 great accent for any room. Its diminutive size makes it ideal for cozy dwellings or seating groups. Fin...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

French Louis XVI Directoire Inlaid Satinwood Marquetry and Bronze End Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Louis XVI Directoire inlaid satinwood marquetry and bronze end table is a refined example of 18th-century inspired craftsmanship, blending neoclassical elegance with exce...
Category

1930s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Finest Quality French Directoire Steel and Glass Shallow Depth Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Directoire style console table exemplifies refined simplicity and timeless elegance, making it a perfect addition to both classic and contemporary interiors. Crafted from...
Category

1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Steel

Set of French Directoire Style Nesting Tables, Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 17 1/4in W: 19in D: 14in (Measurements for the largest of the 3 tables) This Set of French Directoire Style Nesting Tables By Maison Jansen...
Category

Late 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Maison Jansen Polished Steel and Brass Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Maison Jansen polished steel and brass coffee table.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair of Italian Directoire Carved and Painted Console Tables, circa 1810
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian Directoire console tables; the carved, fluted and tapered legs support an apron with silvered motif of rosettes and fanciful carving on all sides. The whole supports...
Category

Early 1800s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

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

Italian Directoire Carved and Painted Console Table, circa 1810
Located in New York, NY
Italian Directoire console table; the carved, fluted and tapered legs support an apron with silvered motif of rosettes and fanciful carving on all sides. The whole supports the origi...
Category

Early 1800s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

Antique French Directoire Neoclassical End Table with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical End Table with Carrara Marble will make the perfect addition to any room. Hand-crafted from exotic imported mahogany, it has been given a fini...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Pair French Directoire Style Lion Mask X Form Vintage Planters Jardinieres
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of French Directoire style jardinieres embodies elegance, strength, and refined craftsmanship, making them a standout addition to any collection or interior design. Each pl...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Directoire carved Draper era X-benches exemplifies timeless sophistication, blending neoclassical influence with mid-20th-century revival style. The X-frame design, a ha...
Category

1950s European Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches
Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches
$1,356 Sale Price / set
20% Off
19th Century French Skeleton Clock of Ormolu and Marble from Directoire Period
Located in London, GB
A symbolic skeleton clock from the French Directoire period. A rectangular Carrara marble plinth with bronze toupie feet with knurled decoration supports an ormolu 'arc-de-ciel', wi...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Ormolu, Bronze

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

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

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 Mahogany and Brass Mounted Floor Lamp with Shelves
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Enhance your home décor with this stunning French Directoire Mahogany and Brass Mounted Floor Lamp with Shelves, a timeless blend of elegance and functionality. Crafted during the Directoire period, this exquisite floor lamp features a rich mahogany body complemented by beautifully detailed brass mounts that highlight its sophisticated design. The lamp showcases a unique tiered structure with three spacious round shelves, perfect for displaying decorative items, books, or plants while adding a touch of classic French charm to any room. The lamp is fitted with dual bulb sockets at the top, ensuring ample lighting and enhancing the ambiance in your living space. Its fluted mahogany columns and finely turned legs exemplify the exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of French Directoire furniture...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Directoire Green Diamond Pattern Upholstered Mahogany Bergere Armchair
Located in Queens, NY
"French Directoire bergere armchair with pale green diamond patterned upholstery and walnut frame with curved backrest and padded armrests on balust...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Mahogany

Ebonized Mahogany Directoire Style Buffet with Solid Bronze Trim Any Dimension
Located in Chicago, IL
Our ebonized mahogany Directoire style buffet with solid bronze trim was custom made in the Old Plank Workshop. The buffet is handcrafted and built from solid mahogany, then triple-s...
Category

2010s American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Directoire Style Blood Tomato Red Lacquer Super Heavy Solid Brass Pulls Dresser
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Outstanding quality directoire style painted dresser with very heavy solid brass hardware. Six deep drawers dresser with a narrow door compartment in the m...
Category

20th Century American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Oak

Large Pair of French Directoire over Door Panels
Located in Dallas, TX
A large pair of French Directoire over door panels depicting two cherubs and a swan.  
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Paint, Plaster, Wood

French Directoire Gilt Bronze End Table
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire-style (20th Century) gilt bronze end table with 3 scroll legs and inset round pink and black speckled marble top and shelf.
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Fine Quality French Dore' Bronze and Mahogany Directoire Dessert Tray Top Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Discover timeless elegance with this Fine Quality French Doré Bronze and Mahogany Directoire Dessert Tray Top Table, an exquisite piece that seamlessly blends classic French craftsma...
Category

1920s Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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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