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
Dining Room Set of Eight Italian Chairs and a Pair of Armchairs, 1790
Located in Rome, IT
A fine set of Nord-Italian walnut chairs (8) and a pair of armchairs,
Covered in ivory color silk in perfect condition.
Lombardy Nord Italy, last quarter of the 18th century.
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Sophisticated French Directoire Marble Top Brass Bound Ebonized Side End Table
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 delive...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
French Mid-Century Ebonized and Mirrored Desk, by Maison Jansen
Located in Queens, NY
French mid-century (1940s) ebonized and mirrored desk with five drawers and an off-white leather writing surface (Maison Jansen).
Maison Jansen was a Paris-based interior decorati...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Leather, Wood
French Directoire Style Ebonized Carved Dolphins Desk Armchair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page.
Offering one of our recent Palm Beach Estate fine furniture acquisitions of a
French regency Italian style with Ebonized arms & carved dolphins desk...
Category
1980s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Wood
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
Set of Four Late 18th Century Neoclassical Ormolu Wall Sconces
By François Rémond
Located in Essex, MA
Rare Set of Four Period French Directoire or Le Premier Empire Sconces. Two arm wall lights in the Late 18th Century Neoclassical form. Dull and Burnished Fire Gilding. Extreme de...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
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
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
Miniature French Directoire Style Commode
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Directoire style miniature chest of drawers.
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
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
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
Pair of Directoire Lion Mask Sconces of Bronze
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very fine pair of sconces, of gilt bronze and partial painted finish, each concave hexagonal backplate divided by a vertical arrow, and centered by a lion mask, its teeth holding two...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Directoire Style Gold Gilt Rectangle Wall Hanging Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 45 1/4in W: 36in D: 1in
This French Directoire style gold gilt rectangle wall hanging mirror is a prime example of luxury decor! This piece is made of the highest qua...
Category
Late 20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
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
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
18th Century Directoire Vintage French Marble Limestone Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
This is a phenomenal French Burgundy region bicolor hard stone fireplace chimneypiece. The rich and royal carving is astounding. It is a museum worthy piece of the Directoire period....
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
Fine Italian Dining Room Set of Eight Chairs and a Pair of Armchairs, 1790
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant set of Nord-Italian walnut chairs (8) and a pair of armchairs,
Covered in ivory color silk in perfect condition.
Lombardy Nord Italy, last quarter of the 18th century.
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
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
Directoire Armchair, France 1800-1810
Located in Leimen, DE
Discover the elegance and historical charm of this Directoire armchair, originating from France around 1790. This piece showcases a meticulously carved walnut frame, reflecting the r...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique French Directoire Style Mahogany Marble Top End Table, Nightstand
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Style Mahogany Marble Top End Table ~ Nightstand is a splendid design perfect for more formal decors. Using ex...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Pair Of Directoire Style Gilt Bronze Gueridon
Located in Essex, MA
Circular black marble top set in a conforming bronze frame with three incurved legs headed by birds heads and rings, lower conforming shelf. Splayed legs with stretcher with central ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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
Fine Quality Bronze Brass Metal Tole Painted Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Measures 26.5 tall x 13 in diameter. Good used condition. No major issues. Dates to the 1920-30s era and is French.
Category
1930s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century Walnut Directoire Drop Leaf Table with Brass Sabot's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully hand crafted Directoire Drop leaf table with Brass Sabot's / wheels. Easily moved from one room to another.
The practical size is perfect for a small space as it can ...
Category
Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pinwheel Portico Clock
Located in Stamford, CT
A French Empire pinwheel portico clock with figured amboyna wood. Signed Rieussec, Horlogier du Roi.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Amboyna
Four Directoire Armchairs, France, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Four French armchairs made of solid mahogany with elegantly curved legs and a slightly rounded upholstered seat. The armrests slope down in a gentle curve and end on the extended leg...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Directoire Unique Fireplace Split Canape
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully designed French Directoire canape highlighted with paint and water gilding.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
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 Gustavian Girandoles, 3 Lights, Faceted Blue Crystal. , Sweden 19th
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of Swedish Gustavian style girandoles with three lights.
The large crystal dagger cut with scratches bears at its top an arrow surmounted by a very luminous lens. It rests on a...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
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
Maison Jansen Style White Painted Upholstered French Directoire Desk Armchair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous Directoire French-made Maison Jansen style armchair. The chair looks like Jansen and may very well be but isn't marked. The chair is in good condition with normal ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Neoclassical Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine French early 19th century walnut neoclassical console or pier table, the top with wooden gallery edge with ebonized molded edge over two drawer...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Brass and Steel Glass Top Maison Jansen Style Directoire End Table, circa 1960
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 delivery needs! They offer a reasonable flat-rate fee for delivery and set up to the ground floor of your home. They deliver to the vast majority of the lower 48 states. They offer a flat rate for most of our items with exclusions for the largest or most complex items such as breakfronts or crystal chandeliers or other items of greater complexity. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase as these rates are different from our stated pricing. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase. Most deliveries to the East Coast will be 295.00, to the mid-west and Southern mid-west 395.00. To the areas west of Kansas 495.00 and the farthest points to the West coast will be 595.00. Again, some areas we can't cover, however we can deliver to most of the lower 48 states so please inquire to be sure! Delivery times range from as fast as 1-4 weeks for the east coast to 5-9 weeks to the farthest areas of the west coast, sometimes longer and sometimes even shorter. If it is a time sensitive purchase, we may be able to accommodate you for a higher price. It is our goal to please each and every one of our customers with the highest standard of service possible. You must realize and accept that we are shipping antique, vintage and quality used furnishings to your home. We cannot control traffic, weather, and acts of God. There will be times when additional patience will be necessary.
This is a beautiful Maison Jansen style circular end table. The table wears...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
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
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
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
Paint Decorated Faux Bamboo Style Triple Dresser, circa 1970
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Wood. 9 drawers. Painted. Faux bamboo. Metal hardware. 33 1/2" h x 80 7/8" w x 22 3/8" d.
Condition
Scratches. Finish loss. Paint loss. One drawer's hardware missing screw.
Dimens...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Maison Jansen Style Brass and Steel Floor Lamps
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is beautiful paid of steel and brass floor lamps in the style of Andre Arbus or Maison Janse with arrows and brass ormolu. Measures 66.75 tall x 21 x 21 and dates to the 1980s era.
Category
1980s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
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 Chairs, France, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Four French Directoire walnut chairs with a cushioned S-shaped backrest and a trapezoidal seat, standing on conical feet in the front and saber legs in the rear. The chairs were prof...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Demi-Lune Directoire Oak Wood and Veneer Dining Room Table
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant French demilune Directoire dining room table. Made in oak wood and veneer the legs end in bronze sabot, when the table is open they are 130 cm in diameter.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
Pair French Directoire Style Lion Mask X Form Vintage Planters Jardinieres
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 delive...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair Directoire Ormolu & Bronze Figural Candelabras
Located in New York, NY
Fine Pair Directoire Period Ormolu and Bronze candelabras with dark patinated cast bronze Neoclassical figures wearing draped robes, each holding a gil...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of French candelabra with bronze vestals and marble bases late 18th century
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of large, elegant French candelabra with burnished bronze vestals holding gilded bronze cornucopias in their hands, from which the four arms of the candelabra open: a central on...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze
Vicentine Direttorio walnut dresser from the 1700s
By A. Manzoni
Located in Villa Verucchio, Emilia-Romagna
An 18th-Century Masterpiece: 18th-Century Vicentine Directory Walnut Chest of Drawers
Furnishing one's home with period furniture means adding a touch of history and sophistication ...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Nutwood
French Late 18th Century Painted Directoire Chair
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A late 18th century French side chair from the Directoire Period with a carved and parcel gilt cream painted frame. The backsplat with a carved classical urn. Upholstered in green Empire...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Floral Painted Alpine Chest of Drawers 1810 ca
Located in Vo', Veneto
Tyrolean Chest of Drawers Dated 1840
Wood Type: Fir
Period: 1840
Origin: Tyrol
Dimensions:
Height - 91 cm
Width - 144 cm
Depth - 65 cm
Des...
Category
1840s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fir
Portico Clock, Directoire Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Portico clock in chiseled and gilt bronze composed of a rectangular base in white marble. Architecture with two columns topped by griffins holding the di...
Category
1790s European Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Iron & Marble Butchers Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A whimsical French marble and iron work table from circa 1860, that would have been a display fixture in a butcher shop or bakery to present the current offerings. The thick, white m...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Iron
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
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
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 Directoire Style Ebonized Solid Mahogany Desk in Any Dimension
Located in Chicago, IL
Our Old Plank Directoire style desk, is entirely made to order in our workshop here in Chicago and can be specified, both in dimension and finishes. Since we do everything in house, the options are almost limitless; down to the color of the leather. The Directoire desk you see in our 1stdibs listing, was crafted from solid mahogany and carefully ebonized the old fashion way, where the grain of the mahogany is still visible, as are the warm brown tones of the wood. Take a close look at the gold embossing on the leather top, of our French style desk...
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Period French Directior Leather Topped Writing Table.
Located in Hudson, NY
This beautiful period writing table was constructed in France circa 1790 to 1800 of rich imported mahogany and the woods have been carefully selected to create an overall pattern of ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
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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