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.
$16,437Sale Price / set|20% Off
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.
Walnut
$5,689Sale Price / set|30% Off
Bespoke Two Drawer Chest, Walnut & Tulipwood, Modern Design, UK
Located in Uppingham, GB
Two Drawer Chest of Drawers. Modern design two drawer chest with simple lines, matching 'Stripey' Walnut Grained tops, Two finely Beaded drawers resting on slender tapering legs. Mad...
Tulipwood, Walnut
$11,000 / set
1950s French Iron and Brass Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
1950s French iron and brass dining chairs. The chairs have iron frames, are black vinyl, with brass finials to the top and brass ball feet. The chairs also have sloping arms and fold...
Brass, Iron
$3,160Sale Price|20% Off
French Directoire Period Side Table, oval shaped, around 1800
Located in Belmont, MA
This elegant oval side table, dating from the Directoire period around 1800, is crafted from solid walnut and features a beautiful marble top with a brass railing. In good original c...
Carrara Marble
Louis XVI French Table Clock by Segaud, Carrara Marble, Antique, Circa 1780
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique French Portico Clock, Louis XVI White Marble Mantle Clock, Ormolu Mounted Portico Clock, 18th Century French Clock Legand Paris, Neoc...
Carrara Marble
Directoire Walnut Tricoteuse Table
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular with conforming gallery over a drawer and a trestle base with a stretcher.
Walnut
Empire-style pendulum clock made of fire-gilded bronze
Located in Berlin, DE
Object & Style: Portico clock, Portal mantel clock, Empire clock, French mantel clock, Portique clock, Neoclassical clock, Directoire, Louis XVI style. Material & Craftsmansh...
Bronze
$534Sale Price|40% Off
VINTAGE American KARASTAN Rug 4x6 RR3000
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is a nice hunting scene KARASTANN rug made in the 1980's from the KARASTAN company. 100% original wool pile. PRO SMAMPOOED and READY TO USE IN your HOME. THIS RU...
Wool
$6,927 / item
French Antique Style Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
In a dark walnut 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 taper...
Wood
Table Game Directoire 19th French Mahogany Brass Leather Top France
Located in New York, NY
Table game Directoire 19th century French mahogany brass leather top, France. A game table made during the 19th century in France. Demi lune opens up to a round table. Channeled and ...
Wood
Pair of French 19th Century Directoire St. Mahogany and Marble Consoles
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very elegant pair of French 19th century Directoire st. Mahogany, ebonized Fruitwood, and Vert Maurin marble consoles. Each freestanding console is raised by slender square tapered...
Marble
Late 18th Century Settee in Directoire Style, done in walnut and brass inlay
By Jacob Frères
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular and extraordinary piece of furniture that will add a touch of luxury and style to any corner you place it into. A fine late eighteenth cen...
Brass
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...
Walnut
Pair of Late 18th Century Gilt Bronze and Marble Candelabra
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of gilded and sculpted bronze candelabra with four branches each. The branches curve to form trumpets and foliated scrollwork on one end and sockets on the other end. The socket...
Marble, Bronze
Late 18th Century Set of 6 Directoire "Etrusque" Side Chairs, Manner of G. Jacob
By Georges Jacob
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of six sidechairs raised on circular front legs and square curved back legs, backrest with carved pierced latticework, the intersections of which are decorated with stylised rosettes, the top rail curved backwards. All side chairs are upholstered with elegant yellow / golden paisley pattern jacquard fabric by RUBELLI. The set of 6 Directoire side chairs with its shape "à l'Étrusque" and its characteristic backrest design is closely related to chairs made by Georges Jacob (1739-1814): Georges Jacob was one of the most prominent Parisian chair...
Upholstery, Wood
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...
Mahogany
$4,949Sale Price|20% Off
Directoire cylinder desk with a book case on top, France 1800
Located in Leimen, DE
Directoire cylinder desk with a book case on top, France 1800, mahogany veneer. The desk has its original brass fittings. The leather on the writing surface is original as well. The ...
Mahogany
Jacob Frères - fauteuil Directoire à dossier repercé - bois peint et tissu en cr
Located in PARIS, FR
Fauteuil Hêtre relaqué Assemblages chevillés Estampillé sur la traverse avant JACOB FRERES / RUE MESLEE Dimensions : H. 90 ; H. d'assise 41 ; L. 58 ; P. 48 (cm.) Paris, 1796 - 1803...
Beech
Paris, vers 1790-1800 - paire de grands bougeoirs, flambeaux à l'ormoulu - Galle
Located in PARIS, FR
Paire de flambeaux Bronze doré, 3 éléments Dimensions : H. 27,5 (cm.) Paris, vers 1790-1800 Paire de flambeau reposant sur une base circulaire ornée d'une frise de palmettes, de p...
Bronze
Large French 19th Century Copper Overlaid Relief Medallion of Antoine Lavoisier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large and Rare French 19th century Copper Overlaid Portrayal Relief Medallion of The Renown French Chemist ANTOINE LAVOISIER (1743-1794). The ovoid...
Copper
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...
Stone, Marble
18th Century French Directoire Ormolu and Enamel Clock by Deverberie
Located in Essex, MA
Period French marble and ormolu mantel clock with sunburst or sun king motif original works. Gilding in great condition. Neoclassical form with enamel embellishments in great conditi...
Marble, Ormolu
Pair of Directoire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Sculptures of Children
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Each child seated on an oval tasseled and draped plinth in the shape of a stool, one reading a book, the other thinking, symbolizing knowledge and philosophy.
Ormolu
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.
Walnut
French Directoire Mahogany Black Marble Guéridon ~ End Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant and beautifully restrained, this French antique guéridon captures the classical refinement of the Directoire tradition. The style emerged in France at the close of the 18th c...
Belgian Black Marble, Brass
Directoire Armchair in Cherrywood with light blue coating, Italy, 19th Century
Located in Prato, IT
Tuscany, Early 19th Century In solid cherry. New padding and light blue coating. Dimensions: cm H 100 x D 60 Seat height approx. 49 cm
Cherry
Large Pair of French Gilt Dore Bronze Figural Bow Top Four-Light Wall Sconces
Located in Roslyn, NY
A palatial pair of French doré bronze four-light bow top and tassle wall sconces, newly wired.
Ormolu
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....
Stone
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...
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...
Stone
19th Century Fine French Elegant Limestone Antique Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
The petite measures and elegant jambs with the Fine carving makes it suitable for cosy, elegant and French style room, very charming. The mantel (fireplace) is built in a honey color...
Stone
Directoire Style Chair, circa 1930
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Directoire style chair circa 1930 patina and coating to redo.
Beech
Directoire Fireplace Mantel with Black Marble Inlay, France
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...
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...
Belgian Black Marble, Stone
18th Century French Fireplace Surround in Carved Burgundy Stone
Located in Beervelde, BE
Phenomenal fireplace surround from the free mason compagnon in bicolor burgundy hard stone. The carving is very fine and very unusual. Measures: 142.5 cm EW 56.10", 112 cm EH...
Stone
Pair Of Directoire Armchairs In White Lacquered Wood
Located in BARSAC, FR
Beautiful pair of Directore armchairs in lacquered wood bench, trapezoidal backrest and jacob style legs, Seats covered with a beautiful bottle gr...
Lacquer
18th Century Directoire Gueridon
Located in New Orleans, LA
18th century Directoire gueridon with original paint.
Directoire Mahogany and Brass Mounted Commode
Located in Essex, MA
With a rectangular St Ann gray and white marble top with rounded corners over a conforming case with three graduated brass mounted drawers with square brass bail handles , raised on ...
Brass
$19,000 / set
1950s French Iron and Brass Dining Table and Chairs
Located in New York, NY
1950s French iron and brass dining table and chairs. The set has iron frames, chairs are black vinyl, with brass finials to the top and b...
Brass, Iron
$15,000 / set
Pair of Directoire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Ewers
Located in Kittery Point, ME
In the neoclassical taste, the open reeded spouts above ovoid bodies with leaf-clasped socles on square bases, the handles terminating in a female mask. This pair of ewers...
Bronze
$3,500Sale Price|30% Off
Directoire Mahogany Trestle Table, Early 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
Directoire mahogany trestle table, early 19th century. An octagonal top with lower shelf table.
Mahogany
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. Some scratches to the glass.
Wrought Iron
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...
Bronze, Ormolu
French Directoire Boot Scrape
Located in New York, NY
French Directoire boot scrape. Iron boot scrape on winged paw feet, France late 18th century. Dimension: 11" H x 10" D x 13" W.
Iron
Directoire Armchair, France 1800-10
Located in Leimen, DE
Discover the elegance and historical charm of this Directoire armchair, originating from France around 1800. This piece showcases a meticulously carved walnut frame, reflecting the r...
Walnut
$640 / item
Small French Empire Style Bench
Located in Buchanan, NY
A small Empire style bench upholstered in blue velvet. Add a touch of classic beauty and elegance to any space with this small Empire style bench. B...
Beech
French Directoire Gold Giltwood Mirror with Original Mercury Glass 19th Century
Located in IT
This exquisite French Directoire mirror, crafted in gold giltwood, features its original mercury glass, adding a touch of historical charm. Dating back to the 19th century, the mirro...
Mercury Glass, Giltwood
Directoire Card Table, 1800-10, Mahogany
Located in Belmont, MA
This French Directoire card table dates back to around 1800-10, It has a pretty mahogany veneer. The table stands on four pointed legs. The top can be folded out and rests on the pul...
Mahogany
rare Olivewood side table with decorative hardware.
Located in Bronx, NY
This wonderful french side table is wonderfully craffed with details and moulures to add class and elegance. The bale is made of rare olive wood with an impressive patern on the top....
Wood
Turquin Blue Marble Fireplace, Alep Brecchia and White Statuary
Located in Honnelles, WHT
marble fireplace, early nineteenth century, great quality of sculpture. Fireplace dimensions: 92,5x111cm.
Marble
20th C. Sophisticated French Credenza by M. Hirsch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sophisticated French Credenza, Signed Hirsch, Paris. This 4 door credenza/buffet is ebonized, and is made in Directoire style.
Wood
French Directoire Style Coffee Table in solid oak wood
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
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....
Wood, Cherry
Sober, 18th Century French Provincial Country Dining Table
Located in New York, NY
An expandable French country dining table from the Directoire period (1795-1803) that combines warmth with sobriety with it's chic tapered legs and stretchers. Two pullout leaves and...
Oak
Maison Baguès Style Gueridon Table
Located in New York, NY
Maison Baguès style French gueridon table. Has a smoked glass top.
Brass
Set Of 6 Directoire Style Armchairs , Wood and Fabric, Belgium
Located in Brussels, BE
Set Of 6 Directoire Style Armchairs , Wood and Fabric, Belgium
Wood
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
American Ivory Painted Upholstered Swan French Style Armchair
Located in Southampton, NY
American ivory painted upholstered swan French Directoire style armchair.
Fruitwood
$1,700Sale Price / set|22% Off
Pair of Directoire Chairs, Western, France, 1810-1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Charming pair of Directoire chairs, Western France, Strassburg region 1810-1820, cherrywood. The chairs are in very good condition with a new...
Cherry
19th C. French Directoire Trumeau Mirror, 7 Ft Tall
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire style trumeau mirror from the 19th century. This antique mirror from France features a classic trumeau design with woode...
Mirror, Wood
Wrought Iron and Tufted Bench Style of Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Wrought iron and tufted bench style of Maison Ramsay.
Wrought Iron
French 18th Century Ormolu and Crystal Chandelier
Located in Florence, Tuscany
Exquisite French Directoire period, chandelier dated to the end of 18th century. The lower Montgolfier is centered by a richly chased acorn finial amidst foliate. Main band, supporti...
Crystal, Ormolu