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 Directoire style 2-door sideboard in solid oak, white-cream lacquered
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2-door sideboard 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 s...
Category
2010s French 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
Directoire Commode In Mahogany With A Grey Marble Top
Located in London, GB
A French mahogany, three drawer Directoire commode, with brass mounts and inlay and a shaped variegated pale grey marble top.
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
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
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
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
French Directoire Style Cream Painted Gilt Polychromed Decorative Barometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Cream Painted and Gilt Polychromed Directoire Barometer
P. F. Bollenbach Barometer and Thermometer, 20th Century
A stunning French-style cream-painted and gilt polychromed D...
Category
20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Large Italian Bureau 18th Century Inlayed Walnut Chest of Drawers with Flap
Located in Milano, MI
An Italian monumental sized bureau with flap dating back to the second half of 18th century. Three deep drawers and a fall-front opening to reveal a fitted interior with six small dr...
Category
1770s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Maple, Walnut
Pair of Directoire Armchairs, Cherry, France circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Pair of antique cherry armchairs
France
Cherry
Directoire around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 87 x 58 x 49 cm, seat height: 43 cm
Description:
Pair of elegant and interestingly sha...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Vintage Italian Directoire X-Back Wrought Iron Acorn Finial Dining Set - 7 Pcs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Italian Directoire X-Back Wrought Iron Acorn Finial Dining Set - 7 Pc Set. Listing includes (6) side chairs, (1) rectangular table with faux marble gray laminated top. Set ha...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
French Modern Iron And Travertine Table Inspired By Gilbert Poillerat
Located in Houston, TX
French Modern Iron And Travertine Table Inspired By Gilbert Poillerat.
Offered is a handsome French mid century triangular hand hammered iron table with a polished travertine top.
Th...
Category
1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Iron
Pair of Antique Faux Marble Paint Decorated French Directoire Console Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb pair of original antique French Directoire paint decorated console tables. The tables are faux painted in the top and lower tiers to look like marble and have a nice...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Upholstered Bergères with Twisted Columns
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Directoire style painted wood bergères chairs from the 19th century with twisted columns and new custom upholstery. This elegant pair of French Directoire style berg...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
French Directoire Style Coffee Table in Solid Cherry
Located in Landivy, FR
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.
The finish is made with a layer of a natural varnish to keep the authentic look of the solid Cherry piece and 2 extra layers for protection of the wood.
This Coffee Table features one central drawer topped with a Louis XVI ring...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry
19th Century Set of Six Directoire Style Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent set of six mahogany French dining chairs made in the transitional directoire pre-Empire taste. The chairs feature gracefully curv...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
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
1844 Blu Floral Painted Small Cabinet
Located in Vo', Veneto
Painted Tyrolean cabinet dated 1844
CODE: CR115
Period: 1844
Origin: Tyrol
Essence: Fir
Measures:
Height: 74cm
Width: 57 cm (64 cm at the frames)
Depth: 36 cm (40 cm at the frames)...
Category
1840s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fir
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
Directoire Style Onyx and Bronze Guéridon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Stunning onyx and bronze Directoire style guéridon with paw feet. Lower onyx shelf and central finial.
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Onyx, Bronze
French Directoire Round Giltwood and Ebonized Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful ebonized and gilded wall mirror in the directoire taste. The mirror measures 33.25 x 33.25 x 4.5 deep.
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror
Custom Black Lacquer Commodes or Chests Gunmetal Hardware in Any Dimension
Located in Chicago, IL
Handmade Classic style chest of drawers or commodes with gunmetal hardware. These dressers are handmade to the highest standards in the Old Plank workshop and can be customized in size, finish and hardware. The finish on this particular pair is black lacquer. Price listed is for the pair of commodes...
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Nickel
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
18th Century Tuscan Direttorio Dormeuse, Daybed, Italia
Located in Prato, IT
Toscana, end of '700 beginning '800
In walnut
Legs in the typical shape of the Tuscan direttorio with carved and gilded wood flower
Restored
Dimensions: cm L194 x D63 x H96
Sea...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Early 19th Century French Directoire Period Stripped Oak Buffet
Located in Dallas, TX
Early 19th century French Directoire Period stripped oak buffet is an historically significant piece, recalling the period as France transitioned out of the Empire style into a more ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Oak
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
Rare Flame Mahogany Bronze Mounted Leather Top Francois Linke Desk Bureau Plat
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
1910s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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 ...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Four Vintage French Brass Lyre Sconces
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This set of four, vintage 20th century French sconces are full of historic details referencing Directoire and Neoclassical themes. Cast in heavy, high-quality brass they are a beauti...
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wire
French Directoire Fruitwood Corner Cabinet with Inlay
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French solid fruitwood corner cabinet that will add a bit more storage space without taking up too much room. Hand-crafted in the 19th century around 1850, this is a wonderful find...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Antique Directoire Style Verre Églomisé Glass Barometer
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Directoire style verre églomisé glass barometer, 19th century. Barometer is not functional it is purely decorative.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Antique French Bouillotte Directoire 3 Light Pierced Tole Candelabra Lamp
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique French Neoclassical Bouillotte / Directoire / Hot Water Bottle silver plate three light table lamp, featuring a pierced / reticulated base wit...
Category
Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal
French Directoire Style Stainless Steel And Bronze Console Table
Located in Houston, TX
French Directoire Style Stainless Steel And Bronze Console Table.
Offered is an unusual French Maison Jansen Directoire style, Louis XVI style or Neoclassical style stainless steel c...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze, Stainless Steel
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
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
French Directoire Gold Giltwood Mirror with Original Mercury Glass 19th Century
Located in Milano, 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...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mercury Glass, Giltwood
Pair of Late 18th Century Gilt Bronze and Marble Candelabra
Located in Paris, FR
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...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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 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
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
Vaso con Piatto in Cristallo Decoro Blu e Oro Austroungarico Inizio 1800
Located in Milano, MI
Elegant decagonal shaped crystal lidded vase, dish plate dating back to Directoire period, finely decorated by elaborate floral and geometrical gilded, white and blue enameled patter...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Vintage Directoire Style Painted Accent Table with Slide
By Drexel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Directoire-style accent table, by Drexel, having an ivory painted finish showing natural wear. Its round top over an apron containing a slide, raised on a trio of sabre legs....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Centre Table Commemorating the Paris Treaty and the USA Independence, Dated 1886
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A very interesting centre table commemorating the Paris Treaty between the original thirteen states of the United States of America and Great Britain ending the American Revolution o...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bone, Wood
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
A Directoire Marble Pastry Table - All Original
Located in Washington, DC
A Directoire Marble Pastry Table with bronze and cast iron base. Original Top.
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Iron
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
2-door 3-drawer Cabinet in solid oak, a French Directoire style interpretation
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2 doors cabinet is a handmade and modernized interpretation of a French Directoire style cabinet at the end of the 18th century. The des...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Oak
Century Furniture Directoire Style Walnut Upholstered seat & Cane Back Armchair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Century Furniture Directoire Style Walnut with Upholstered seat with Cane Back Armchair in great vintage condition.
Measures 23" in width, 24" in depth and stands 36.5z" tall. Sea...
Category
Late 20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Fine Quality Tambor Door Breche D' Alep Marble Walnut Directoire Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous and extremely sophisticated sideboard buffet. The case is made of gorgeous walnut in its original finish and unrestored with a superb, highly prized Breche d' Alep...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Breccia Marble, Bronze
19th Century Large French Oak Directoire Library Cabinet
Located in Surrey, BC
Beautiful six-door cabinet with brass details and adjustable solid oak shelves. Fantastic patina/age-cracked finish on the cabinet's original, untouched surface. This fully functioni...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Oak, Walnut
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
Set of Four French Antique Neoclassical Finely Carved Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A fine 19th century set of 4 French neoclassical dining chairs from the Directoire period with stunning intricately carved walnut fram...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Sophisticated French Directoire Style 1930s era French Vitrine Marble Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous, simple and yet sophisticated French-made Louis XVI or Directoire style cabinet. It features clean lines, and a gorgeous brass gallery and a white marble top. The ...
Category
1930s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
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
Finest Quality French Directoire Steel and Glass Shallow Depth Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb quality French-made finely fabricated steel Directoire style console that's ONLY 11 inches deep so it can fit anywhere. The casting quality of the metal is precise a...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Steel
Antique French Directoire Glazed Cabinet with Crossed Water-Gilded Arrows
Located in Chicago, IL
About as original as can be, this stellar antique only received a minimal amount of conservation in our highly regarded workshop. Constructed of exotic rosewood, the case packs quite...
Category
1860s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Gold
Ormolu and Patinated Bronze French Directoire Striking Clock, c1790
Located in valatie, NY
This graceful gilt bronze striking clock is from France’s Directoire period. The clocks white enameled face has black Roman numerals and is framed with ...
Category
Late 18th Century 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
Pair of Matching Directoire Style Ebonized Buffets with Original Marble Tops
Located in Chicago, IL
We were just sitting here, trying to remember the last time we had a genuine pair of matching Antique French Buffets, lets alone Directoire style French Buffets and in 25 years, we b...
Category
1880s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, 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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