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 Louis XVI Style Gold Gilt Octagonal Beveled Glass Wall Hanging Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 40 1/4in W: 28 1/4in D: 1in
This French Louis XVI Style Gold Gilt Octagonal Beveled Glass Wall Hanging Mirror is truly exceptional! If you take a look at the photos provided you'll see the exceptional attention to detail within the carved gilt frame. One dead give away that this piece is quality is by looking at the beveled mirror. Beveled mirror is much more expensive than plain mirror lower end furniture companies did not bother to put higher end materials into their product as it would cost them more money. This mirror is perfect to be used as a vanity mirror, Bathroom Mirror, Bedroom mirror, entryway mirror, or kitchen mirror...
Category
Late 20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Composition
Continental mid 19th century Directoire st. Carrara and Belgian marble mantel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most handsome Continental mid 19th century Directoire st. white Carrara and black Belgian marble mantel. This beautiful mantel is elevated by stepped Black Belgian mar...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Carrara Marble
Mid-Century French Bronze and Leather Two-Tier Coffee Table from Maison Jansen
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a living room or den with this elegant antique coffee table. Created in Paris, France, circa 1950 by Maison Jansen, the clean line frame is made of brushed steel, bronze and...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Steel, Bronze
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 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
French Directoire Period Trumeau Mirror, Interior Scene, Circa 1800
Located in Doylestown, PA
A French Directoire Period trumeau mirror with charming painted scene of a well-to-do family in a sitting room engaged in various activities, circa 1800, oil-on-canvas, and retaining its original giltwood frame and mercury plate mirror...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Mirror, Paint
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
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
Diminutive Antique Directoire Bookcase Secretary
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A finely constructed bookcase secretary with a chest. The tall cabinet has a pierced brass 3/4 gallery around the marble top with cookie corners. The bookcase has a frieze drawer ove...
Category
19th Century Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Painted Directoire Style Bouillotte Candlestand Occasional Table with Marble Top
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Directoire style candlestand bouiotte table having a round top of marble with pierced brass border, on ivory-painted base, its apron holding a single frieze drawer with ring pull, ra...
Category
Mid-20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
French Directoire Style Writing Table, Desk in Cherrywood, 2 Drawers
Located in Landivy, FR
This writing table 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 timeles...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak
Pair Of Fine Directoire Style Mahogany Marble Top Stands
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant designs, the marble tops with cookie corners in front and carved edges. The cabinets with reeded front column supports and reeded pilaster back supports. The double drawers w...
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
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
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
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
19th Century Giltwood Wall Mirror
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very fine Louis Philippe rectangular mirror in a wonderful gilt wood frame, which has been carved all round in a simple but attractive ribbed or reeded style. Dating from the mid-1...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, 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
Fine Maison Jansen Attrib. Solid Brass Mirror Three Piece Banquet Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This monumental, extremely beautiful coffee table was most likely made by either a Maison Jansen or Maison Charles -two of France's finest and elite manufacturers. The table is separ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Late 18th Century Italian Marquetry Walnut Chest or Nightstand, Marble Top
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late eighteenth century Italian walnut marquetry chest or nightstand features inset borders on three sides of fine lines of lemonwood. A central diamond lozenge details each sid...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Large Directoire Mahogany Jardinière by Jacob Freres
By Jacob Frères
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Of rectangular shape, with a tôle liner and bronze gallery and raised on an integral plinth with wooden roulettes, stamped to one side on the interior JACOB FRERES RUE MESLEE. Jacob...
Category
Late 18th Century European Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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 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
Directoire canapé sofa, 18th century, Tassinari & Chatel silk
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Beautiful lacquered canapé, fine late 18th century Parisian production circa 1795 (Directoire period).
Finely carved ribs and roses patterns, beautiful proportions. A high range prod...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Silk, Wood
French Handcrafted Directoire Style 2-Door Cabinet in Solid Cherry Wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2 doors small sideboard ( "mini-bahut") is a hand-crafted reproduction of the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This ...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Directoire Style Bench
Located in Houston, TX
French Directoire Style Bench.
This lovely French Directoire bench or stool painted a gray/green color with dark blue accents with swan handle ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Velvet
Ebonized Mahogany Directoire Style Nightstand
Located in Chicago, IL
Custom-made in our Old Plank workshop, this authentic French Directoire style nightstand can be produced in any size or finish. Note the or...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Italian Desk In The Giuseppe Maggiolini Style - 20th Century
Located in RUEIL-MALMAISON, FR
Desk in precious wood and finely executed marquetry, inspired by the work of Giuseppe Maggiolini (1738-1814), a cabinetmaker renowned for his detailed neoclassical marquetry.
Desk i...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Directoire Antique French Dining Chairs
Located in Austin, TX
Directoire style antique French chairs made with solid wood construction that has been finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. We love the elegant stylized acanthus...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Very Fine Antique Dovetailed Leather top Letter Secretary Desk Chest of Drawers
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Antique Dovetailed Leather top Letter Secretary Desk Chest of Drawers MINT
Category
20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Large 19th Century French Directoire Period Painted Bookcase or Display Cabinet
Located in Birmingham, AL
This exceptional mid-19th century French Directoire period painted bookcase or display cabinet from Gordes, circa early 1800s, embodies the elegance and craftsmanship of its era. Han...
Category
1860s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Louis XVI Directoire Style French Mahogany and Marble Top Stand Circa 1910
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Louis XVI Style French Marble Top Stand is made of the highest quality and is truly remarkable! Although small this little stand/end table packs a punch! and will most definitel...
Category
1910s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Brass and Marble-Top Dining Table in the Style of Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Brass and marble-top dining table in the style of Maison Jansen. Two brass pedestals supported by a stretcher with ram's head feet.
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
1950s Maison Jansen Steel and Brass Daybed
Located in New York, NY
1950s Maison Jansen Steel and Brass Daybed. Original fabric.
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
French Liftable "dinette" table in solid cherry - storage for bottles glasses
Located in Landivy, FR
This liftable coffee table is part of our MELANIE collection, which is a modernized interpretation of a French Directoire style coffee table at the e...
Category
2010s Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak
Large French Directoire Style Armchair
Located in Buchanan, NY
An exceptional 19th century French Directoire style armchair. This large Directoire style fauteuil is a timeless piece of French design. Featuring a beautiful white-distressed wooden...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Sophisticated Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, Directoire circa 1795
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of sophisticated and elegant gilt bronze Candlesticks, Probably made in Paris, France. Directoire circa 1795. Beautifully decorated with leaves.
Wear consistent with age an...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Gold Plate, Bronze
French 18th Century Gilt & Painted Trumeau Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A magnificent 18th century French giltwood trumeau mirror in the style of Louis XVI, the thick rococo carvings around the (French gray) painted frame appear even more theatrical unde...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Gold
The Collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret (1930-2002), Kensington Palace
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Formerly Owned By The Late Sister Of Queen Elizabeth II.The Collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret (1930-2002), Kensington Palace.
A Pair of Early 19th Century French Walnut Fau...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
Maison Jansen Attributed Gray Marble Top Brass and Bronze Adorned Triple Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a magnificent triple dresser of teh finest quality attributed to Maison Jansen. The gray marble is absolutely gorgeous and in good original condition. The case is adorned wit...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
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
Italian Brass Glass Nesting End Tables Directoire Maison Jansen Style, Set
Located in New York, NY
A versatile and substantial set/pair of Italian brass and glass nesting tables in the Directoire style, in the style of design h...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Louis XVI Walnut Rafraichissoir or Wine Table
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a charming late 18th century/early 19th century Rafraichissoir or wine/champagne coolert that has retained its original surface and basins. The table is in good overall condi...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Fine Quaity Walnut French Louis XVI Directoire Brass Trimmed Marble Top Dresser
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 French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Pair of 20th Century French Corner Cupboards
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of 20th Century French simulated mahogany corner cupboards.
Of lovely scale and proportions, these cupboards exhibit the most wonderful original rich patina.
The top section fea...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of French Directoire Style Crystal Two-Light Sconces with Rosette Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Directoire style two-light wall sconces from the 20th century with bronze armature, crystal rosettes and obelisk motifs. This exquisite pair of French Directoire sty...
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
French Directoire style 3-door sideboard in solid cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3 doors 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 straight, sober, timeless lines, sometimes enhanced by decorative motifs such as fluting, diamonds or Louis XVI rings...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Cast Iron Urns
Located in Made, NL
Pair of Important Antique Cast Iron Urns
Exquisite 18th-Century Directoire Urns
This exceptional pair of antique French cast iron vases originates from the heart of Paris, France. Crafted during the Directoire period (1770–1790), these urns showcase the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. The beautiful patina adorning the cast iron speaks to their historical authenticity. These timeless antiques are a testament to both functional design and aesthetic appeal from a celebrated period in European history.
The Rich Heritage of Antique UrnsThroughout history, antique urns and vases have been cherished across Europe for their exquisite craftsmanship and multifaceted functionality. Often serving as symbols of status and artistry, they were used to adorn gardens, courtyards, and stately homes. Made by skilled artisans, these pieces combined durability with intricate design, ensuring they could withstand the elements while remaining visually captivating. Today, their historical value and timeless appeal make them sought-after garden antiques.
Transforming Spaces with Antique UrnsThese antique garden planters...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Iron
Directoire Painted Bookcase, circa 1800
Located in Doylestown, PA
A wonderful and rare French Directoire Period bookcase cabinet in 2-parts, circa 1800, hand-scraped to its original grey painted finish, and retaining its original wavy glass panes. ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Painted Petite Side Table
Located in Austin, TX
Side table, French, made of cherry wood with a hand painted “Trianon” gray finish and black hand painted trim. Three dovetailed drawers have brass hardware rings. The tapered legs ar...
Category
1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Ebonized Black Cane Back French Directoire Bergere Chairs Brass Accents
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a stylish pair of Directoire style cane chairs with gilt and ebonized frames. The chairs are in good condition with minor signs of damage to the cane as shown which is extrem...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Pair of Beds
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Those pair of frame beds wears the original paint, the inside dimensions for a spring box are 35.75 x 74.5
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
18th Century Directoire Period Fine French Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
A Brêche marble with white statuary marble inlay is a perfect combination for this vintage chimney piece.
The carving is of an exceptional quality bui...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Statuary Marble
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
French Directoire Pendule, Black Marble, Firegilded Bronze, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Antique portal clock
France
marble, bronze, enamel
Directoire around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 46 x 28 x 14 cm
Description:
Antique portal c...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Pair Maison Jansen Attributed Mahogany French Directoire Footstools, Circa 1960s
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 French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Directoire Armchair, France 1800-10
Located in Leimen, DE
Discover the elegance and historical charm of this Directoire armchair, originating from France around 1800. This piece showcases a meticulously carved walnut frame, reflecting the r...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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.