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 Painted Directoire Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Directorie period petite settee is in wonderful antique condition. Hand carved and built in the early 1800’s, this settee is sturdy and is sure to bring a lot of character t...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French antique Architect's Table, Directoire Period 1780-1800
Located in Belmont, MA
Explore a stunning late eighteenth-century Directoire Period architect’s desk crafted from figured mahogany. This exquisite piece features an adjustable green leather-lined writing surface with a hidden double rising system. Flanked by a pair of convenient pull-out slides and one long drawer, the desk opens to reveal an additional writing surface and sliding pen tray. Elevated on round tapering legs, this architect's table, also known as "table à la Tronchin...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Directoire Provincial Walnut Table
Located in Essex, MA
With a rectangular top over a drawer raised on square tapered legs.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Set Of 6 Directoire Style Armchairs , Wood and Fabric, Belgium
Located in Brussels, BE
Set Of 6 Directoire Style Armchairs , Wood and Fabric, Belgium
Category
2010s Belgian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of French Directoire Nightstands, 1780-1800
Located in Belmont, MA
Pair of French Nightstands, Directoire Period 1780-1800
Step into a world of elegance and history with this remarkable pair of nightstands, hailing from France and dating back to th...
Category
1780s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Bespoke Walnut & Tulipwood Chests of Drawers
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
Antique French Directoire Mahogany Petite Cabinet with Carrara Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Mahogany Petite Cabinet with Carrara Marble Top is an unusual find due to its amazing quality executed on such a diminutive scale! Perfect for cozy niches,...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Stunning Inlaid Mahogany Marquetry Bronze Mounted Directoire French Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This desk is absolutely stunning with gorgeous mahogany done in marquetry inlay and bright bronze ormolu that is crisp and extremely well defined. The desk has two drawers and wll sh...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Single Brass and Steel Glass Top Guerdion or End Table Maison Jansen Style
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous brass and steel high quality Maison Jansen style gueridon or end table. The table is in the Directoire style and is in good condition and measures 25.5 wide x 25.5...
Category
1990s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
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
Set of 10 Ebonized Lacquered and Gilded French Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous set of 10 French Directoire style sidechairs in black lacquer and gold from the 1960s era. The chairs are in good condition as far as their frames are concerned bu...
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Set of 8 French Directoire Style Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
This is a very decorative set of French dining chairs.
The attractive directoire design is accentuated with the original cream and pale blue original paint. Please take a look at a...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Pair of French Directoire Mahogany Fauteuils
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A handsome and sturdy pair of French Directoire square back fauteuils are tasteful and comfortable. These mahogany occasional chairs are upholstered in a worn green velvet and accent...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Signed Maison Jansen Mahogany Louis XVI Directoire Marble Top Commode Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic signed Maison Jansen 9 drawer marble top dresser or commode. The piece features superb cast bronze and brass ormolu and a white carara marble top. The mahogany ca...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
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 Period Walnut 2-Door Commode, 1st quarter 19th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a rectangular molded edge top above a conforming case with slightly stepped center section and two drawers with geometric carving retaining original brass ring pulls, with car...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Simple and Elegant Gilded Carved Wood French Directoire Wall Mirror, Circa 1940
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
1940s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Pair of French Late 18th Century Carved & Original Painted Directoire Armchairs
Located in London, GB
A wonderful pair of French late eighteenth century with their original patina dating from Directoire period circa 1790. Recently reupholstered in a grey/beige linen fabric.
The fra...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Paint
Pair of Solid Brass Thick Glass Top John Vesey Style Directoire Pedestals Stands
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
These are gorgeous Italian Made Rams Head brass and thick glass pedestals or plantstands in very good condition for their vintage age. They measure 34 3/4" h x 28 1/4" w x 31" d. Sea...
Category
1990s Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Ebonized Brass Trimmed French Directoire Style Executive Writinig Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous Baker quality brass trimmed desk with a wonderful gold embossed and tooled leather top. The desk is ebonized in black lacquer and features remarkable build quality...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique French Directoire Period Carved and Gitwood Mirror
Located in Madrid, ES
Directory period French mirror in carved and gilded wood, with a frame decorated with rope motifs, it retains a beautiful vintage patina.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mercury Glass, Giltwood
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...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone, Marble
Fine Quality Antique Painted French Directoire Style Marble Top Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous antique paint Decorated and gilded marble top console table in the Directoire style. The table is in good condition with no issues to speak of and measures 42.5 wi...
Category
1950s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Black Leather Top French Directoire Style Writing Desk Bureau Plat, 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 delive...
Category
1960s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Wire, Brass
Pair of French Directoire Style Carved Dolphin Mahogany Club Chairs Circa 1970
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous pair of club chairs in solid mahogany with carved "dolphins" on each arm. The chairs are from the 1960-70s era and are French. The chairs measure 33.25 tall x 22.7...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Directoire Inlaid Marquetry Side Table or Desk with Meticulous Inlay
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Antique Directoire table is adorned with intricate diamond marquetry details on the top and skillfully sculpted ring patterns on the sides. T...
Category
1910s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Satinwood, Walnut
Pair of Antique French Painted Directoire Style Armchairs, Circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
The period of French history known as Directoire was a difficult time, as it arrived at the end of the Revolutionary War. Furnishings in this style, such as our pair of painted armch...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Early 20th-C. French Carved Walnut Bergere Chairs In New Floral Linen -Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of early 20th century French Directoire style bergere chairs that have been newly upholstered in a neutral white, beige, gray and blue linen. The cushion is a thick do...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Linen, Walnut
19th Century mahogany and brass tall chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century directoire influenced mahogany tall chest of drawers, circa 1890.
Fine quality tall chest in the directoire style. Fitted with 6 drawers of equal proportions and detail...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century French Directoire Marble Top, Bronze and Brass Guéridon Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a living room with this elegant neoclassical antique two-tier gueridon table. Created in France circa 1970, and round in shape, the table is supported by three slender cabri...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Gorgeous French Carved Beveled Glass Rectangular Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Beveled edge. Gilt. Ebonized. 48" h x 54" w x 3 7/8" d.
Condition
Scratches. Paint loss. Minor cracks in carving.
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Leather Top Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Leather Top Desk is a marvel of timeless architecture, tailored styling and quality materials. Crafted from exotic imported mahogany,...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Directoire Commode or Chest of Drawers
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 19th Century French Directoire Period commode made of solid cherry wood with yellow pine as a secondary wood. Unusual form with serpentine sides. Rounded fluted front corner...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Smoked Glass Steel Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous coffee table in the style of Maison Bagues. The table is made of steel with a smoked glass top. The table measures 21.5 tall x 27.25 wide x 16 deep. The table date...
Category
1980s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Steel
Unique Greek Key John Vesey Style Marble Top Steel Demilune Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful Directoire style demilune console table. The table is in good condition and measures 15.25 deep x 30.25 wide x 34.25 tall with greek key and tradtional Directoire...
Category
Early 2000s European Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Metal
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Commode with Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Commode with Marble Top represents a revival of the classic style revived in this form a...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Direttorio Style Desk by Morelato, Made of Cherrywood with Leather Top
By Morelato
Located in Salizzole, IT
Writing desk made of cherrywood with drawers and leather top
Available in different finishes and leather colors.
Measures: L 114, W 58, H 80 cm.
also av...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Large Giltwood Dark Framed French Directoire Wall MIrror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Carved wood frame. Gilt trim. 54" h x 36 1/2" w x 1 3/4" d.
Condition
Minor scratches. Minor finish loss.
Category
1980s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Buffet with Carrara Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Buffet with Carrara Marble Top combines classical architecture inspired by the ancient Greeks and Romans with exotic materials like im...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Pair of Round French Directoire Style Bronze Colored Steel Marble Top Gueridons
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This a beautiful pair of bronze hued steel marble top Directoire style gueridons. They are in the manner of Restoration Hardware. They each are in good used condition and have no maj...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Steel
Rare Satinwood French-Made Directoire Brass Trimmed Semanier Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
These don't normally have satinwood cases! They are usually walnut or cherry, but rarely satinwood. The brass trim and gallery are top quality as is the original hardware, case and f...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Directoire St. Walnut Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant French 19th century Directoire st. Walnut stool. The circular stool is raised by lovely lightly curved square tapered legs below the straight wrap around frieze.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Great Milling Road by Baker Large Ebonized Circular Gilded Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Beveled glass. Ebonized frame. Gilt accents. 43 3/4" h x 42 1/2" w.
Condition
Surface scratches. Minor dents. Minor finish loss.
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century French Directoire Cherry Wood Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Directoire Cherry Wood Commode exudes the understated elegance for which the style is world renowned! Crafted from old growth seasoned cherry wood to produce a r...
Category
1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Modern Directoire Style Mirrored Studded 3-Drawer Nightstand, a Pair
Located in Plainview, NY
An exquisite pair of nightstands that capture the essence of the directoire style aesthetics. These study and well built nightstands, showcasing a trifecta of functional drawers, sta...
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror
Pair Late Empire Barrel Back Chairs
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very desirable pair of period Lat Empire Barrel Back Bergeres that date to c. 1810-1820. The chairs have retained their original surface which we have cleaned and applied several coats of hard paste wax. The chairs are newly upholstered in a very high-end Kravet Couture velvet in the perfect shade of blue. In addition to their desirability, these barrel back chairs are very comfortable. They are the perfect addition to many settings from living room, study to bedroom.
****Please contact MJH Design...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Set of Six French Directoire Chaires, signed J-E Coryn, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Six identical antique chairs
France
Beech
Directoire around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 87 x 45 x 41 cm, seat height: 46 cm
Description:
Beautiful set of provincial French chairs...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Beech
Antique French Directoire Giltwood Mirror with Divided Mercury Glass
Located in Dallas, TX
Very fine period French Directoire giltwood mirror with divided mercury glass. Beautiful detail on the frame. A classic piece. So pretty!!
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mercury Glass, Giltwood
Maison Jansen Directoire Style Dining Room Table
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mahogany dining table in Hepplewhite style, a Maison Jansen Directoire style brass-mounted dining room table with two extensions and extension legs for extra stability.
*** with t...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
A French Directoire Gilt Bronze Mounted Commode with Marble Top, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A French Directoire Gilt Bronze Mounted Parquetry Commode With Marble Top, 19th Century
Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired in 1...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Fine Quality 19th Century Bronze Mounted Directoire Jansen Style Marble Commode
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a spectacular Maison Jansen style French-made Directoire commode in very good condition with its original finish and superbly cast bronze mounts. The commode has a gorgeous s...
Category
1880s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Directoire Influenced Desk
Located in Southampton, NJ
An impressive three dovetailed drawer French Directoire influenced desk of Oak with leather top; newly refinished & ready for use.
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Oak
18th Century Baguette Gilded Directoire Mirror with Acanthus Leaf Detail
Located in Washington, DC
The frame is in good condition and the Acanthus Leaf Details on the inner frame is very special. The gilt is over Sienna Bole. The Mirror itself is cloudy.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Pair Of French Directoire Tole Verriere
Located in Essex, MA
Each oval with handles. Chartreuse color with black classical scene panels. Copper liners. Rusting in spots.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tin
Pair of Faux Bamboo Bagues Style Solid Brass Hexangonal End Tables Circa 1970
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Brass faux bamboo frames. Glass tops. 17" h x 17 1/2" w x 20 1/8" d.
Condition
Scratches. Oxidation.
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Antique Game Table, Table à Tric Trac, Mahogany, France, Directoire, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Tric Trac game table
France
Mahogany
Directoire around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 77 x 114 x 64 cm
Description:
Piece of furniture standing on round legs with brass surro...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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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