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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
Antique English Adjustable Stool, Mahogany & Red Leather, Circa 1900
Antique English Adjustable Stool, Mahogany & Red Leather, Circa 1900

Antique English Adjustable Stool, Mahogany & Red Leather, Circa 1900

Located in Alessandria, Piemonte

M/832 - Antique English adjustable piano or vanity stool in mahogany, just covered in real red leather. Height adjustable. Simple and elegant.

Category

Early 20th Century English Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Very Fine Directoire Style French Gilt Bronze and Marble Mantel Clock
Very Fine Directoire Style French Gilt Bronze and Marble Mantel Clock

Very Fine Directoire Style French Gilt Bronze and Marble Mantel Clock

Located in Atlanta, GA

A very fine French Directoire style gilt bronze and marble (Rosso Levanto) Mantel Clock. 19th Century. movement stamped 1075. Measures: height 16 1/2" x width 18" x depth 5 1/2" C...

Category

1860s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

1920's Tole Bouillotte Lamp in Yellow
1920's Tole Bouillotte Lamp in Yellow

1920's Tole Bouillotte Lamp in Yellow

Located in Sarasota, FL

A striking yellow tole bouillotte table lamp circa 1920. A central column supports two arm brackets with simple conical capitals. Above is t...

Category

Early 20th Century American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Directoire Armchair in Cherrywood with light blue coating, Italy, 19th Century
Directoire Armchair in Cherrywood with light blue coating, Italy, 19th Century

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

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry

French 18th Century Ormolu and Crystal Chandelier
French 18th Century Ormolu and Crystal Chandelier

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...

Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Antique French Pair Silver Plated Bouillotte Lamps
Antique French Pair Silver Plated Bouillotte Lamps

Antique French Pair Silver Plated Bouillotte Lamps

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Antique French Pair Silver Plated Bouillotte Lamps. Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.

Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Silver

Pinwheel Portico Clock
Pinwheel Portico Clock

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

Antique French Directoire Neoclassical End Table with Carrara Marble
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical End Table with 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

Directoire Style Gilt Bronze Two-Light Sconce by Gherardo degli Albizzi
Directoire Style Gilt Bronze Two-Light Sconce by Gherardo degli Albizzi

Directoire Style Gilt Bronze Two-Light Sconce by Gherardo degli Albizzi

By Gherardo Degli Albizzi

Located in Florence, Tuscany

This French Directoire style sconce features top-quality chiselled bronze, with many vivid details typical of the end of the 18th century. At the top, there is a staple, a typical el...

Category

2010s Italian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Napoleon III Etagere 'Japonism ALPHONSE GIROUX PARIS
Napoleon III Etagere 'Japonism ALPHONSE GIROUX PARIS

Napoleon III Etagere 'Japonism ALPHONSE GIROUX PARIS

Located in Madrid, ES

A Napoleon III Etagere 'japonism' in ormolu and grave glass Modeled as rods of bamboo mounted with bamboo leaves on the legs, the top suspended with four handles and with three circular tiers each engraved with floral and ivy designs and surrounded by a three-quarter pierced gallery, the upper tier signed 'ALPH. GIROUX PARIS...

Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Zinc Urns
Zinc Urns

Zinc Urns

$2,880 / set

Zinc Urns

Located in Atlanta, GA

This exceptional pair of antique French zinc vases originates from the heart of Paris, France. Crafted in the style of the Directoire period (1770–1790), these urns showcase the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. These timeless antiques are a testament to both functional design and aesthetic appeal from a celebrated period in European history. The Rich Heritage of Antique Urns Throughout history, antique urns and vases have been cherished across Europe for their exquisite craftsmanship and multifaceted functionality. Often serving as symbols of status and artistry, they were used to adorn gardens, courtyards, and stately homes. Made by skilled artisans, these pieces combined durability with intricate design, ensuring they could withstand the elements while remaining visually captivating. Today, their historical value and timeless appeal make them sought-after garden antiques. Transforming Spaces with Antique Urns These antique garden planters...

Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Zinc

18th Century Pair French Consulate Chairs Signed Jacob
18th Century Pair French Consulate Chairs Signed Jacob

18th Century Pair French Consulate Chairs Signed Jacob

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

18th Century Pair French Consulate Chairs Signed Jacob Beautiful chairs purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.

Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Oak

Directoire Style Gilt Bronze Sconce by Gherardo degli Albizzi
Directoire Style Gilt Bronze Sconce by Gherardo degli Albizzi

Directoire Style Gilt Bronze Sconce by Gherardo degli Albizzi

By Gherardo Degli Albizzi

Located in Florence, Tuscany

This French Directoire style sconce features top-quality chiselled bronze, with many vivid details. On the top of this sconce, there is a trident sided by two swan's wings. The body ...

Category

2010s Italian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Candelabras "Aux Sphinges", Directoire Period
Pair of Candelabras "Aux Sphinges", Directoire Period

Pair of Candelabras "Aux Sphinges", Directoire Period

Located in Paris, FR

A pair of Directoire period gilt and patinated bronze and black and white marble candelabras. They present a decoration of winged sphinxes in patinated bronze carrying on their heads...

Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair Of Directorial Armchairs - Patina In Green Tones
Pair Of Directorial Armchairs - Patina In Green Tones

Pair Of Directorial Armchairs - Patina In Green Tones

Located in Brussels, BE

Pair Of Directorial Armchairs - Patina In Green Tones

Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Silk, Wood

Tripod Table with Verdigris Stone Top
Tripod Table with Verdigris Stone Top

Tripod Table with Verdigris Stone Top

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Fine Karelian wood tri-pod table with brass mounts in the Directoire taste with polished verdigris stone top.

Category

20th Century Directoire Furniture

Pair of French 19th Century Directoire St. Mahogany and Marble Consoles
Pair of French 19th Century Directoire St. Mahogany and Marble Consoles

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...

Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

French 19th Century Directoire Style Side/Center Table
French 19th Century Directoire Style Side/Center Table

French 19th Century Directoire Style Side/Center Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An exceptional and most decorative French 19th century Directoire style flamed mahogany, rosewood, maplewood and ormolu side/center table. The table is raised by its original casters...

Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Round Marble Top Gueridon Table With Mahogany Shelves
Round Marble Top Gueridon Table With Mahogany Shelves

Round Marble Top Gueridon Table With Mahogany Shelves

Located in Locust Valley, NY

A vintage round marble top gueridon table with a brass rail, brass legs and mahogany shelves. At the heart of this gueridon table is a round white carrara marble top, exuding a luxur...

Category

Mid-20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

Directoire Diminutive Walnut Secrétaire à Abattant and a Similar Diminutive
Directoire Diminutive Walnut Secrétaire à Abattant and a Similar Diminutive

Directoire Diminutive Walnut Secrétaire à Abattant and a Similar Diminutive

Located in Buchanan, MI

A 19th century Directoire diminutive walnut Secrétaire a' Abattant and a similar diminutive five-drawer chest. Great small drinks table or jewelry chest. Great attention paid to deta...

Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Maison Jansen, Pair of Directoire Style Wall Sconces Gilt and Silver Brass 1970s
Maison Jansen, Pair of Directoire Style Wall Sconces Gilt and Silver Brass 1970s

Maison Jansen, Pair of Directoire Style Wall Sconces Gilt and Silver Brass 1970s

By Maison Jansen

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Maison Jansen, in the taste of. Pair of Directoire style gilt and silver brass wall sconces with four arm lights. Chandelle shaft topped by an ancient covered vase and finished by...

Category

1970s European Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century Directoire Style Gilt Gueridon Table with Marble Ramsay Style
Mid-20th Century Directoire Style Gilt Gueridon Table with Marble Ramsay Style

Mid-20th Century Directoire Style Gilt Gueridon Table with Marble Ramsay Style

By Maison Jansen

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

A refined Art Deco–style round side table featuring a gilt iron base and a sleek black marble top. The circular stone surface, with its subtle natural veining and polished finish, pr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Iron

French 19th Century Directoire St. Mahogany Dessert Console
French 19th Century Directoire St. Mahogany Dessert Console

French 19th Century Directoire St. Mahogany Dessert Console

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A stunning French late 19th century Directoire st. mahogany dessert console. The console is raised on tapered legs with ormolu sabots joined by a mahogany tier. At the apron is a cen...

Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

French 18th Century Directoire Period Mahogany and Marble Tilt Top Side Table
French 18th Century Directoire Period Mahogany and Marble Tilt Top Side Table

French 18th Century Directoire Period Mahogany and Marble Tilt Top Side Table

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A most attractive French 18th century Directoire period mahogany and Brèche marble tilt top side table. The table is raised by three elegantly scrolled legs with their original caste...

Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Painted Demi-Lune Console Tables
Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Painted Demi-Lune Console Tables

Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Painted Demi-Lune Console Tables

Located in Dallas, TX

Elegant and exceptionally versatile, this pair of antique demi-lune console tables was crafted in northern France circa 1880 in the restrained neoclassical Directoire style. Each half-moon table features a molded wooden top above a gently curved apron enriched with carved diamond-shaped reserves centered by floral rosettes. Vertical panels decorated with stylized leaf motifs divide the apron, while a delicate dentil border beneath the top adds architectural definition. The consoles stand on four slender, tapered legs with ring-turned details and petite feet, creating a refined silhouette that is both graceful and visually light. A layered, timeworn painted finish in soft gray and off-white tones highlights the carvings and gives the tables an authentic aged patina. Designed as a complementary pair, the tables may be positioned separately as narrow entry consoles...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Oak, Paint

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.