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.
to
153
552
228
711
77
8
197,852
114,813
42,953
32,793
16,211
11,913
10,675
10,482
9,804
8,956
7,243
6,739
6,498
6,444
6,121
5,716
4,875
3,766
174
232
305
85
57
149
53
10
5
11
7
28
55
25
18
12
5
541
345
168
159
124
652
543
64
57
52
796
728
761
11
6
3
3
2
Style: Directoire
Outstanding Gilded Swan Carved French Directoire Style Rectangular Window Bench
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a stunning French-made giltwood bench with super carving and gorgeous vintage upholstery that really compliments the gilded frames. The carved swans are very naturalistically...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pair of Late 18th Century French Directoire Period Painted Side Chairs
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This pair of late eighteenth century French Directoire period painted side chairs features its original patina. Their curved seat backs are detailed with a hand carved laurels at the...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Ash
Directoire Style Bed In Lacquered Wood And Canework
Located in BARSAC, FR
Directoire style bed in cream lacquered wood on a white background and caned trim.
Quality work from the end of the 19th century.
Solid beech.
Very good condition, wear to the lacq...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French Directoire Style Children’s Hand Pinted Bergere Chairs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of French Directoire style children’s bergere chairs. The hand painted frames are coral and ivory. The upholstery is new and a cotton linen blend. The frames show some ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair Italian Directoire Style Nightstands
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 1960s Italian Directoire style two drawer nightstands feature lacquered wood, white marble top with brass ormolu and hardware.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
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
Beautiful Pair of 19th Century French Armchairs
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful pair of 19th century French armchairs.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Maison Jansen Style Dining Table With Bronze Swan Finials Circa 1940s
Located in Peabody, MA
French art deco, Maison Jansen style table in red lacquered wrought iron with bronze corner embellishments of a stylized swan.
See our separate listing for corresponding chairs.
Category
1940s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Wrought Iron
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
Pair of Neoclassical Demilune Commodes
Located in Greenwich, CT
A very fine pair of early 19th Century Northern European neoclassical demilune commodes, the original shaped marble tops over two brass molded door...
Category
Early 19th Century Scandinavian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
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
Early 19th Century French Three Drawer Commode
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An elegant French commode, called a "Sauteuse" because of it's shapely, long legs ready to spring forth!
Original ebonised finish with decorative brass drawer handles and escutcheons...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair Rams Head Maison Jansen Brass and Steel Marble Top Gueridon Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a stunning and rare pair of Maison bronze or brass Jansen rams head and steel gueridons or end tables. They date to the 1970s era and are in g...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze, Steel
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
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
Antique Directoire Bedside Nightstand Table In Walnut And Marquetry - Italy 19th
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant Italian bedside table dates to the early 19th century and reflects the clean, architectural lines of the Directoire period. Expertly crafted from solid walnut, the piece...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century French Directoire Hand Painted Tole Table Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a table or a buffet with this elegant antique tole lamp. Crafted in France, circa 1870, Resting on a round base, the lamp showcases finely hand-painted scenes with charming ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tôle
Narrow Depth Metal Cabinet with Antique French Directoire Period Doors
Located in Sheffield, MA
These Directoire period metal doors were once window shutters on an 18th century French chateau that now have been repurposed and made into doors for this cabinet which can lend itse...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Iron
A set of six French Directoire style painted dining room chairs, 19th C.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of six side chairs all painted and of pegged construction. Having rosette and diamond carved crests above pierced splats and upholstered seats, all supported by turned tape...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
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 Antique French Armchairs Directoire Style
Located in Buxton, GB
Add an elegant touch to your living space with this pair of Antique Directoire style Bergere Armchairs. These chairs boast a stunning Square shape and have Cotton upholstery fabric w...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
A Pair Of Gilt Bronze And White Marble Guèridon Tables
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of Gilt Bronze With White Marble Guèridon Tables. The set features small round tables with the marble top raised on three in-curved supports joined by a marble inset undershelf ...
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
18th Century Breccia Marble Statement Chimney Piece For Bespoke Luxury Design
Located in Beervelde, BE
Phenomenal Brêche marble fireplace surround.
This magnificent fireplace mantel showcases the timeless elegance of white marble, adorned with intricate veining in hues of violet, brow...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Breccia Marble, Statuary Marble
Pair of Maison Jansen Style Carved Walnut X Form Stools Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic pair of hand-made Maison Jansen style X form benches. The benches are in good condition with hand-carved, hand-made frames and decent upholstery. The benches are ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Directoire Style Bookcases, China Cabinets Made by Old Plank in Any Size
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of French Directoire Inspired Bookcases, China Cabinets or Display Cabinets made in house by Old Plank. Roughly 30-years ago we purchased in France a similar Directoire style Bo...
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wire
French Directoire Style Light Blue Painted Marble Top Dresser Semanie
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
1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
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
Directoire Console Table, France, circa 1800, Mahogany
Located in Belmont, MA
Directoire console table, France, circa 1800.
This Classic Directoire French console table has a beautiful mahogany veneer. The brass fittings are original. The marble top is framed ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
A Large Directoire Period Painted Seven- fold Screen, French Late 18th century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Large Directoire Period Painted Seven- fold Screen, French Late 18th century
Height: 175 cm Width: 420 cm fully extended Depth: 3 cm each panel
Provenance: Private Australian Col...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Hardwood
Vintage Ebonized Leather-top French Bureau Plat Faux-Partner's Desk
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ebonized French Bureau Plat Faux-Partner's Desk with Tooled Red Leather Top and Tapered Legs on Brass Sabots.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
18th Century French Folding Secrétaire in Walnut Veneer, Époque Directoire
Located in Sofia, BG
19th century folding secretary in walnut veneer and flamed mahogany opening to a drawer in the upper part and three drawers in the lower part, the fluted uprights resting on small sp...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
19th c. Venetian Painted Secretary
Located in New Orleans, LA
Fantastic Italian Venetian Painted secretary/cabinet. This piece has a wonderful color palette but I believe that was done in the early 20th...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
French Sofa Directoire circa 1800 Grey Painted , New Upholstery
Located in Epfach, DE
French sofa or canape directoire with elegantly moulded frame. It is grey and green painted and the original surface is wonderfully carved. The sofa is new upholstered with an comfor...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Antique French Directoire Solid Mahogany Dining Table, Exquisite Bronze Details
Located in Chicago, IL
On first glance, one might misinterpret this mahogany dining table as just another 1940’s-1960’s veneer mahogany Louis XVI style French dining table. On closer inspection, you will s...
Category
1870s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Louis XVI Directoire Style Marble Top Sideboard Buffett, Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 35 1/2in W: 104in D: 21 1/4in
This French Louis XVI Directoire Style Marble Top Sideboard Buffett attributed to Maison Jansen is made of the highest quality and is bo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Argentine Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Fine Quality French Directoire Solid Bronze and Marble Gueridon End Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Brass. Marble. 29 1/4" h x 29 1/4" diameter.
Condition
Scratches. Oxidation.
Dimensions
30 x 30 x 30 in
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Superb French-Made Maison Jansen Attributed Brass Mounted Mahogany Dining Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautifully simple and yet chic dining table with two 24 inch leaves. The table was made in France as indicated by the stamp on the bottom of the brass feet. The table is i...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Directoire Style Fruitwood Armchair with Brown Leather Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
This early 20th-century armchair is crafted in the Directoire style, drawing inspiration from late 18th-century French design with its elegant, neoclassical lines and restrained orna...
Category
Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Fruitwood
18th Century French Directoire Satinwood Mahogany Marble Top Commode
Located in Essex, MA
Beautiful Directoire or Late Louis XVI Commode or Chest of Drawers. Satinwood panels and drawer fronts. Original hardware. Original White Marble Top with Bronze Gallery. Toupe Fe...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Handsome Gold Dore' Bronze Ormolu Directoire Maison Jansen Executive Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is the quintessential Maison Jansen executive desk in classic original original ebony and gold dore' bronze cast ormolu and hardware. The leather top is in very good condition w...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Late 18th Century French Directoire Commode
Located in Charlottesville, VA
One of the prettiest commodes we have had. Beautiful walnut with burl panels
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Reclaimed French Chic Stone Fireplace Mantel For A Good Price
Located in Beervelde, BE
Antique fireplace surround in French Bleu-Green stone with a restoration on the front piece. This original French reclaimed 18th century period fireplace is available for a good pric...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
Fine Set of 8 French Directoire Louis XVI Style Paint Decorated Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous set of 8 paint decorated dining chairs. The chairs are color coordinated with the same color of the upholstery on their tim details. The chairs are in good conditi...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair Directoire Bergeres
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a superb pair of Directoire late 18th century or early 19th century Marquis or bergere a la reine. The quality and rarity of these chairs, i...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Down, Hardwood, Leather
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
French Directoire Style 4-Drawer Chest in Solid Cherry Wood - Commodinette
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4-drawer chest is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. It is offered in solid French cherry and is also available in oak.
The...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Theodore Alexander English Style Demilune Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 36 in W: 54 in D: 24 in
Elevate your interior with the timeless elegance of this Theodore Alexander English Style Commode or Chest of Drawers—a luxurious blend of classic design, superior craftsmanship, and practical storage. Expertly handcrafted, this exquisite piece reflects the rich heritage of English furniture, making it a standout addition to any traditional, transitional, or vintage-inspired space.
This heirloom-quality commode features a single upper drawer, ideal for storing smaller essentials such as keys, cutlery, or accessories. Below, three doored storage compartments offer generous space for organizing larger items like linens, books, or household necessities—perfect for enhancing organization in your living room, dining room, bedroom, or entryway.
The piece is adorned with solid brass hardware, elegantly aged for an authentic antique look. The brass pulls and hinges not only add a refined touch but also ensure long-lasting durability and smooth functionality.
Adding to its unique versatility, the commode includes convenient side pullout trays—perfect for use as additional serving space, a writing surface, or for displaying décor when needed. These trays slide neatly back into the body of the chest, preserving its sleek, classic silhouette when not in use.
Crafted from the finest materials and finished in a hand-rubbed wood tone that highlights its natural grain, this Theodore Alexander chest...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Candlesticks in gilded and darkpatinated bronze. Directoire circa 1795
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of very sophisticated Candlesticks in gilded and darkpatinated bronze. Probably made in Paris, France during the Directoire, circa 1795.
Wear consistent with age and use.
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Directoire Painted Cane Daybed/Settee, C 1880
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A late 19th century French Directoire painted cane daybed/settee. C 1880. Very decorative item with original patina.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cane, Wood
18th Century French Directoire Period Walnut Draper's Table with Marquetry Band
Located in Birmingham, AL
A grand 18th century French Directoire period table de drapier from a draper's atelier in Narbonne, a wealthy port city in Southern France in the Occitanie region, circa 1780s. Handc...
Category
1780s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood, Walnut
French Directoire Period Bergere
Located in Pembroke, MA
French Directoire period blue-gray painted bergere, newly-upholstered in lovely blue and gold toile fabric based on a museum-archived pattern....
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Late 18th Century French Directoire Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
Late 18th century French Directoire or Louis XVI Chest. Three drawers across top, two large drawers under, for a total of five drawers.
inset brass fluted columns ,the sides ...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Grand French Marble Top Carved Louis XVI Directoire Silver Leaf Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is an enormous console table with gorgeous tarnished silver leaf appearing as a soft gold. The silver is in good conditon with a pair of marble inserts into the top allowing this to be used as a buffet or sideboard. Measures an imposing 96 wide x 22 deep x 36 tall. The table is silver leaf not gold so it will show a tarnished gold appearance but it is silver over a red Italian clay...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Set Three (3) French Directoire Style Bronze and Marble Pedestals
Located in New York, NY
Set of three large very fine quality and rare French Directoire style Pedestals or plant stands with verdigris and gilt patina, with circular marble tops. Finely molded and cast ...
Category
Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, 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.