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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
French 19th Century Directoire Roll Top Secretary
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stately French Directoire roll top secretary. This massive desk is over six feet long and four feet tall with a grey marble top. Directly beneath the marble are three drawers with ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Exceptional Large 18th Century French Directoire Period Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
Exceptional and extremely large original French Directoire period limestone fireplace surround dating from the late 18th century hand-carved. Its grand scale and refined neoclassical...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone, Limestone

Large Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Récamier Settee in Scalamandré Tiger Velvet
Located in Nashville, TN
And of unusual ( rare ) large dimensions. Matching bolsters for each end. Well worn gilt and paint finish and losses to frame. Well worn paint and gilded finish. Oxidation to the gi...
Category

1790s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Pair of Curule Stools, 19th Century
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Curule Stools, 19th Century
Category

19th Century European Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique French Directoire Style Settee ~ Canape
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire style Settee ~ Canape is ideal for a light and airy look, with a minimal footprint for more cozy seating arran...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Sycamore

French Directoire Style Bookcase in Solid Oak white Stained pearl grey Lacquered
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3 doors bookcase is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This period style is remarkable with its straight, classical and timel...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer

French 19th Century Directoire Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A sumptuous French 19th century settee, Directoire in style, with original painted finish of French gray-blue and spruce green. The tightly upholstered seatback and bench seat is don...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

French 18th Century Directoire Bed
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 18th century Directoire bed.
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Superb French-Made Maison Jansen Attributed Brass Mounted Mahogany Dining Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This superb French dining table attributed to the renowned design house Maison Jansen exemplifies refined 20th-century craftsmanship with timeless neoclassical influence. Beautifully...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Directoire Style Sofa in Cherrywood
Located in Southampton, NJ
A French Directoire style solid Cherrywood sofa with subtle scrolled arms and tapered front / splayed back legs. A unique transitional sofa suitable for placement in a variety of set...
Category

20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rare set of 6 Directoire Dining Chairs with Elaborate Carved Backs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant set of six French Louis XVI style dining chairs exudes classical refinement and timeless sophistication. Crafted with carved and painted frames in a soft antique white f...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Beech

Directoire Style Fruit Wood Coffee Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Directoire style fruit wood coffee table, 19th century. With an overhanging 3 board top, 3 frieze drawers with wood knobs, resting on square tapered legs. Mortise, tenon and ...
Category

19th Century European Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

French Directoire style minister's desk in solid wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This minister's desk with 5-drawers is a craft-handed reproduction of the world-renowned French Directoire style, which dates back to the end of the 18th century. This range is char...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Early 19th Century French Directoire Period Painted Side Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant pair of late 19th century French Directoire period painted side chairs with their original patina. Lovely curved seat backs are detailed with a hand carved urn at each back t...
Category

1860s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Paul Ferrante Indoor Outdoor Wrought Iron Mirrow W Arrows
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Paul Ferrante Indoor Outdoor Wrought Iron Mirrow W Arrows
Category

2010s American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique French Directoire Style Eglomise Gilt Coffee Table Attributed to Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 15in W: 48 1/2in D: 21 3/4in This Antique French Directoire Style Eglomise Gilt Coffee Table Attributed to Jansen is truly a showstopper and is made of the highest ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Argentine Directoire Furniture

Materials

Silver Leaf

20th C. Directoire Style Painted and Floral Crewelwork Upholstered Bregere
Located in Morristown, NJ
Mid 20th C. Directoire style crewelwork bergere with a cream painted wood frame decorated with bands of carved rope and draped swags. The crewelwork upholstery is accented with a com...
Category

1980s American Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Silk, Wood

1-door Directoire style cupboard in solid wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This wooden closet is offered in solid French cherrywood and is also available in oak. The hanging bar is fixed under a wooden shelf. This shelf is height-adjustable on a wooden rack. The oval entrance and key are in brass and fitted with a lock. The finish proposed here is a classic cherrywood "D" stain, with a natural varnish on the diamond and fluted fronts. The finish of every GONTIER cabinet is customizable. You can choose the wood stains and colors you prefer (see last pictures) MÉLANIE Collection This cupboard part of the MÉLANIE collection, a modern interpretation of the French Directoire style of the late 18th century. The straight, classic and timeless lines are embellished with rhombuses...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry

Pair Antique French Directoire Mahogany End Tables with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Antique French Directoire Mahogany End Tables with Carrara Marble will make a delightful addition to your room, providing storage, display, perhaps a place for a lamp, three con...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Pair of French 19th Century Chandeliers in the Directoire Style
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair of French 19th century Directoire tole, iron and crystal chandeliers with crystal drapes hanging from plumes at top, and unusual square cut crystals around the center ring, with...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Iron

18th Century Louis XVI Bedroom Bench or Daybed by George Jacob
Located in Richmond, London
A fine French late 18th century Klismos bench, of great colour and desirable generous proportions. Stamped G.Jacob. France, circa 1795. Why we like it A handsome, timeless design. With its curved sabre legs at either end, this bench relates to the ancient Greek 'Klismos' seats, often seen depicted on Attic pottery. Its superb quality, splendid patination and a recorded maker...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Directoire Side Chairs (Sets of 2)
Located in Westwood, NJ
Large mahogany side chairs, with an over scroll padded back and seat above floral capital carved and paneled sabre legs. Inspired by a 19th-century French original. Dimensions: 23" W...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Metal French Benches or Foot Stools
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your living space with this exquisite Pair of Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Metal French Benches or Foot Stools. These elegant pieces beautifully capture the timeless appea...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Directoire Large Gilded, Scalloped Antique Mirror
Located in New Orleans, LA
A striking large French Directoire mirror with a scalloped gilded frame, combining neoclassical symmetry with subtle curves—offering understated elegance and a luminous focal point.
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Maison Jansen French Brass and Polished Steel Cocktail Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully made French Maison Jansen Cocktail Table made of Brass and Polished Steel. The Piece is impeccable with some expected pagination for the age of the piece, ca. 1950's. ...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair of Demilune Cabinets, France 1800
Located in Belmont, MA
Elegant Pair of Demilune Cabinets, 1800 Discover this beautifully refinished pair of Demilune cabinets, crafted in France around 1800. These rare, matching cabinets feature mahogany ...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Early 19th Century French Ormolu-Gilded Inkwell
Located in Copenhagen, K
French cut-glass, Palisander and ormolu inkwell. Sneaks as handle and claw on ball feet. Original glass wells and two drawers.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Tilt Top Dining Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A vintage French Directoire style oval tilt-top table made of solid walnut. Unusual lyre shaped swivel provides sturdy support. Dining table height. Thick 1" plank top with high glos...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

French 19th Century Twins Beds
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful set of twins beds with the original grey lacquered color. The beds are complete with spring boxes, mattresses, covered and pillows.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Directoire Style Étagères
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Directoire style mahogany étagères or bookcases. Has brass pineapple finials at the top.
Category

1960s Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Directoire Style Dining Table in Bookmatched and Inlaid Macassar w/Bronze Mounts
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Art Deco dining table was realized in France circa 1940. Sitting on four conical ebonized legs with brass capped sabots and brass circular embellishments at the apex of...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

A Diminutive Camelback Settee for Reupholstery
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A diminutive camelback upholstered settee with serpentine back, rolled arms, resting on 5 paint decorated fluted legs with gold accents. Dimensions: 50 1/4" L, 21" D, 20" seat heigh...
Category

20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Rare Pair of French 18th c. Tole Lamps
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rare pair of Directoire period Bouillotte tole lamps in original black and gilt lacquer paint, having swan handles, vasiform bodies and plinth base, now electrified (fitted to inside...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Tin

Mahogany Mercier Freres of Paris Fine French Louis XVI Directoire Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Enhance your interior with this distinguished 1940s French Bronze Mounted Marble Top Sideboard, a striking blend of function and refined elegance. This vintage sideboard showcases a ...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Pair of Antique Directoire Style Painted Armchairs
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Pair of Antique Directoire style painted armchairs, circa 1900. With triangular shaped crest rails flanked by acorn finials, down swept arms, elongated vase shaped arm supports, turn...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

Pair of Chinoiserie Maison Jansen Attributed French Directoire Commodes
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare and elegant pair of French Directoire commodes, attributed to the esteemed design house Maison Jansen, exemplifies the refined artistry of early 20th-century European furni...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Directoire style 3-door hand-crafted buffet in solid cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3-door buffet is a craft handed reproduction of the world-renowned French Directoire style, which dates back to the end of the 18th century. This range is characterized by stra...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Maison Jansen Style Brass Ram's Head Gueridon or Side Table
Located in New York, NY
Brass ram's head Maison Jansen style two-tier side table, smoked glass top.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Rare Brass and Steel Aged Mirrored Top John Vesey Style Ebonzed Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare brass and steel ebonized writing desk in the style of John Vesey showcases a striking blend of modern sophistication and timeless craftsmanship. Designed with an eye for bo...
Category

1980s European Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Pair of French Curule Directoire Side Tables
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of side tables from France made with a solid wood construction, primarily cherry wood. Each table is finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. The tables showcas...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry

1960s Robert Kjer Jakobsen & Virtue Bros Directors Chairs White Chrome
Located in Charleston, SC
MCM Style Directors Chairs White Chrome Attr Robert Kjer Jakobsen & Virtue Bros Gorgouse pair of MCM a.k.a. Mid-Century Modern Campaign style sling director’s chairs attributed to Robert Kjer Jakobsen for Virtue Brothers. They are in wonderful vintage condition. The sling’s have the original white leather seats and still maintain their tag on both of the chairs. The chrome x base has been cleaned and polished however there may be slight age appropriate nicks or dings. Please see photos, circa 1960-1970. These chairs will bring a sleek and sophisticated look to any room in your house. They are Campaign style director’s chairs attributed to Robert Kjer Jakobsen for Virtue Brothers. These Mid-Century Modern, circa 1960-1970 The x base is composed of a rectangular tubed chrome steel beautifully polished. They are absolutely stunning and although they are director’s chairs, they will definitely be the main act in any room you put them in! Perfect to use in a sitting room, in the kitchen at a fun little breakfast nook, at a card table or a coffee bar. They are modern style but could bring a little sass to a traditional setting as well. Come to think of it, you need these in your life no matter if your design style leans to Hollywood Regency, Campaign Style, Industrial, or Modern Country, they will be perfect! Robert Kjer Jakobsen was born in Portland, Oregon, on March 8, 1918. From 1949-1985, he was chief designer of the Los Angeles furniture company...
Category

1960s American Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Directoire French Ebonized Buffet, Circa 1910
Located in Austin, TX
Buffet from France in the Directoire style. This piece is circa 1910. It is made of solid wood construction, primarily cherry-wood. There are four doors that feature detailed brass h...
Category

1910s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Directoire Bureau a Cylindre - France, circa 1800, Mahogany Secretaire or Desk
Located in Greven, DE
Desk with mirror attachment - Bureau à cylindre France Mahogany Directoire circa 1800 Dimensions: H x W x D: 149 x 97 x 50 cm Description: Top-mounted desk standing on tapered rou...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Pair of French Provencal Directoire Style Commodes
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A rustic yet handsome pair of 1950s Italian fruitwood chests crafted in the French Provincial Directoire style. With their clean lines, tapering legs, and restrained neoclassical det...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Large Giltwood Dark Framed French Directoire Wall MIrror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This impressive French Directoire style wall mirror is a striking statement piece that blends classical elegance with timeless craftsmanship. Featuring a bold dark wood frame accente...
Category

1980s European Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique Directoire Table Writing Desk In Walnut - Italy 19th
Located in Atlanta, GA
This refined Italian Directoire writing desk, dating to the early 19th century, showcases the minimalist elegance and architectural precision associated with the Directoire period. ...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of French Directoire Style Armchairs, 19th century
Located in Leimen, DE
Pair of Directoire-Style Armchairs, Circa 1880 – Timeless Elegance in Mahogany This stunning pair of Directoire-style armchairs, crafted around 1880, epitomizes the refined elegance...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Antique Aprey French Faience Pottery Cachepots or Jardinieres
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique French faience jardinieres or cachepots. By Aprey. Each with two painted scenes on either side. One has a man gardening and a woman carrying a breadbask...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Faience

Chests of Drawers Walnut & Tulipwood, Bespoke
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...
Category

2010s British Directoire Furniture

Materials

Tulipwood, Walnut

Chests of Drawers  Walnut & Tulipwood, Bespoke
Chests of Drawers  Walnut & Tulipwood, Bespoke
$5,326 Sale Price / set
43% Off
Signed Maison Jansen Mahogany Louis XVI Directoire Marble Top Commode Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite signed Maison Jansen commode dresser is a superb example of fine French craftsmanship blending Louis XVI and Directoire style influences. Featuring a sleek mahogany bo...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Pair Of Directoire Style Bronze And Granite Gueridon Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Each with circular inset black granite tops with metal banded edge and three curved legs and conforming small shelf, all ending on paw feet.
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Granite, Bronze

Mid Century Lacquered Louis XVI Style Dressing Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
White lacquered mid century Louis XVI style dressing table outlined in lime green accent.
Category

20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique 18th C Side Chairs W Tapestry Textile
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 18th C Side Chairs W Flemish Tapestry Textile
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Textile, Wood

Simple and Sophisticated French Travertine Marble Metal and Brass Gueridon Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your space with the simple yet sophisticated charm of this French Travertine Marble, Metal, and Brass Gueridon Table. A perfect blend of timeless materials and elegant design...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Travertine, Brass, Steel

Fine Pair of French Bronze and Malachite Directoire Gueridons Mid 20th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine pair of early to mid 20th century French gilt bronze and malachite topped gueridon cigarette tables.
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Set of Four Samuel Copelon Swan & Lyre Back Dining Chairs
Located in Peabody, MA
A set of four wrought iron lyre-back chairs in the French style by the Samuel Copelon Company of New York, one with original label. They feature art deco bronze swan finials and padd...
Category

1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Wrought Iron

Grand French Marble Top Carved Louis XVI Directoire Silver Leaf Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This grand French Louis XVI Directoire style console table is an exquisite example of refined neoclassical elegance and craftsmanship. Featuring a stunning marble top with natural ve...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

French Directoire Mahogany and Brass Inlaid Leather Top Desk
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire (Late 18th Century) mahogany and bronze trim desk with a black leather top having 2 extending side surfaces surrounded by a shallow reticulated brass gallery, havin...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

French Directoire Bronze Marble Top End Table
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire-style (20th Century) dark bronze brazier design square shaped gueridon end table with rouge marble top and cross leg supports
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Exceptional Brass Inlaid French Directoire Beveled Mirrored Armoire TV Cabinet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exceptional French Directoire style brass inlaid armoire, featuring beveled mirrored doors, is a stunning 19th/20th-century piece that seamlessly blends elegance, utility, and t...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

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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