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Directoire Furniture

DIRECTOIRE STYLE

Formed in the wake of the Jacobin Reign of Terror’s bloody guillotine, the Directoire was established to lead France into order through the leadership of a five-member council of directors. It was brief, lasting only from 1795 to 1799, ending with Napoléon Bonaparte’s coup d’état, and was economically tumultuous. Yet it was an essential bridge between the era of Louis XVI and the elaborate Empire style that followed, with Directoire furniture and decorative arts shaped by a royal passion for classical design and an enthusiasm for postrevolutionary France.

Much of the country’s furniture production had halted during the French Revolution when the furniture guilds system was abolished, but during the Directoire period, the cabinetmakers restarted their businesses, such as François-Honoré-Georges and Jacob-Desmalter who established a new workshop called Jacob-Frères. Pieces made in walnut, elm, mahogany and other inexpensive materials incorporated influences ranging from Egypt to Pompeii, with popular forms including the curule armchair based on an ancient Roman design. The aesthetics of the transitional style were more austere than during the monarchy, with court cabinetmaker Jean-Baptiste Sené, for instance, reimagining his workshop’s neoclassical-style furniture with ungilded surfaces and a reduction of ornamentation.

Symbols referencing the revolutionary tenets of liberty, equality and fraternity were frequently carved into Directoire furnishings, such as the Phrygian cap, clasped hands and the fasces, which is an image of a bound bundle of sticks adopted from the Roman Republic, where it was seen as an emblem of strength through unity.

Elements of the French Directoire style continued through Empire style. Designers Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine are credited today as major proponents of both movements. The classically inspired furniture design is represented in pieces such as the boat-shaped daybed and the klismos chair, which endured in French interiors as well as in styles abroad, including American Directoire.

Find a collection of antique ​​Directoire chairs, tables, daybeds, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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

Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large Blonde Window Seat Banquette Bench Daybed Neoclassical Directoire Antique
Located in London, GB
A large and strikingly attractive Neoclassical blonde window seat bench in lovely antique condition. Likely made in the early 20th Century, in the manner of the late 18th Century Fre...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Pine

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

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

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

Set of French Directoire Style Nesting Tables, Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 17 1/4in W: 19in D: 14in (Measurements for the largest of the 3 tables) This Set of French Directoire Style Nesting Tables By Maison Jansen...
Category

Late 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Miniature Walnut Commode
Located in Greenwich, CT
Early 19th Century walnut commode, the inlaid top with cookie corners over turned and fluted legs flanking three inlaid drawers and standing on turned turnip feet, French or Italian ...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Fruitwood, Walnut, Pine

Pair Ebonized Black Cane Back French Directoire Bergere Chairs Brass Accents
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of French Directoire bergère chairs combines neoclassical elegance with timeless sophistication, featuring finely crafted ebonized black frames accented with brass details....
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique French Louis XVI Mahogany Buffet with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Louis XVI Mahogany Buffet with Carrara Marble will make a handsome addition to any room! The tailored, rectilinear architecture has its roots in the glory days of anc...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Pair of Maison Jansen Style Carved Walnut X Form Stools Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Maison Jansen style carved walnut X-form stools exemplifies refined French design with timeless versatility. Each stool features a beautifully carved walnut frame, highl...
Category

1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Beautiful Walnut and Brass Mounted French Directoire Baker Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your living space with this Beautiful Walnut and Brass Mounted French Directoire Baker Coffee Table, a striking piece that combines neoclassical elegance with timeless functionality. Expertly crafted by the renowned Baker Furniture Company, this table showcases the refined lines and understated sophistication of the French Directoire style. The rich walnut top features a warm, natural grain, perfectly complemented by sleek brass mounts and trim that lend a subtle touch of glamour. The tapered legs, adorned with brass-capped feet and collar details, add a sense of balance and architectural grace to the piece. Ideal for both formal and relaxed settings, this coffee table integrates seamlessly into antique-inspired interiors, Hollywood Regency decor, or even clean, mid-century modern spaces. Its generous rectangular surface offers both style and practicality—perfect for displaying art books, serving cocktails, or grounding your seating area. A fine example of Baker’s craftsmanship and attention to historical detail, this French Directoire table...
Category

1980s American Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

A Directoire style ebonized mahogany writing desk / bureau plat, C. 1945.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
In the manner of late 18th-century French design, this elegant and finely proportioned desk exemplifies the neoclassical restraint and symmetry characteristic of the late 18th-centur...
Category

Early 20th Century Argentine Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Italian Desk with Drawer Directoire All Cherrywood Restored and Wax-Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Late 19th-early 20th century Italian writing desk with drawer all solid cherrywood, restored and wax-polished. Wonderful writing table in solid cherrywood, original and restored. ...
Category

1890s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Fine Quality 6 Drawer French Brass Bound Marble Top Louis XVI Tall Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine quality French Louis XVI style tall dresser showcases timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship. Featuring a six-drawer design, this stately piece provides ample storage...
Category

1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Maison Jansen-style Guéridon Marble and Gilt Bronze Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
The “ancestor” of this piece, a guéridon, was a small and typically round table that originated in mid-17th century France for holding a candelabrum to light the room or a vase. Even...
Category

Early 1800s Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Signed Maison Jansen Mahogany Louis XVI Directoire Marble Top Commode Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite signed Maison Jansen commode dresser is a superb example of fine French craftsmanship blending Louis XVI and Directoire style influences. Featuring a sleek mahogany bo...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Early 19th Century Directoire Cherry Wood Antique Single Bed
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Delicious Italian directoire antique single bed in cherry wood, 1800. Internal dimensions inch W 30,70 D 74,01 cm W 78, D 188. Attention this bed wi...
Category

Early 1800s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Iron

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

Mid-20th Century Argentine Directoire Furniture

Materials

Silver Leaf

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

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Travertine, Brass, Steel

Pair of French Directoire Late 18th Century Lidded Apothecary Jars with Labels
By Deroche
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Directoire period ceramic lidded apothecary jars from the late 18th century, with hand-painted foliage motifs, labeled Tamarind and Ext. Cicutæ A:F, from the Deroche...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Wrought Iron

French Directoire Mahogany and Glass 3 Panel Screen
Located in Queens, NY
English Sheraton style (19/20th Century) 3-panel mahogany screen with applied carved molding and small roSettes below 9 pane glass windows in each panel. Each panel 17.75" W. Wear t...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Mahogany

20th C. Sophisticated French Credenza by M. Hirsch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sophisticated French Credenza, Signed Hirsch, Paris. This 4 door credenza/buffet is ebonized, and is made in Directoire style.
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

Pair of Directoire Style Caned Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely pair of Directoire style caned armchairs with swan heads. Cushion done in a whimsical fabric with different breeds of dogs in canopy beds, etc.
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cane, Wood

Early 19th Century Giltwood Barometer "Selon Toricelli"
Located in Madrid, ES
Barometer end of the 18th century, Directorie, in carved and gilded wood, by Selon Toriceli, with allegory music wing on the top, beautiful patina, and decorative barometer...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Fine French Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Directoire Marble Top Mirrored Vanity Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine French ormolu-mounted mahogany Directoire marble top mirrored vanity desk is a refined example of neoclassical design from the late 18th to early 19th century. Crafted with...
Category

1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass, Bronze

A Pair of French Directoire painted open armchairs C 1800.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Pair of French Directoire painted open armchairs C 1800. The chairs have a subtle two-tone paint and have been upholstered in a raw silk-like material. The fabric on the seats and ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

18th c. French Directoire Period Set of Six Bleached Beechwood Chairs
Located in Wichita, KS
A very charming set of six French dining chairs from the Directoire period. The frames are solid bleached beechwood nicely patinated with pegged mortise & tenon joinery. Scrolled squ...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Beech

French Directoire Louis XVI Demilune Shape Marble Top Marble Top Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant French Directoire Louis XVI demilune console table embodies the refined neoclassical style of the late 18th to early 19th century. Crafted with precision, the piece feat...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara 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

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

1860s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

French Directoire Crackle Lacquer Gueridon Swan Pedestal Table Sculpture Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
Stately French Directoire and Empire inspired Pedestal or Sculpture Stand. Made from hardwood with a crackle lacquer finish. Features three intricate downswept swan supports leading to an acanthus scrolled foot over a tripod base. Finish is a reddish brown with black crackle lines. The tables large stature allows for use as a pub bar table...
Category

Late 20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Lacquer

Brass and Mirrored French Directoire Round Drinks or Occassional Table 1920s era
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Add a touch of refined Parisian elegance to your space with this vintage French Directoire-style brass and mirrored occasional table. Dating to the early-to-mid 20th century, this an...
Category

1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 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

Set of Ten French Mahogany Directoire St. Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and complete set of ten French turn of the century Directoire st. mahogany dining chairs. Each chair is raised by elegant lightly curved square tapered legs below the ...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Directoire Gilt-Bronze Marble Mounted Chariot Clock, Late 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine and delicate directoire style gilt-bronze marble mounted chariot clock. Exquisite bronze work depicting a winged charioteer guiding a pair of...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Directoire Style Painted Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely painted Directoire style French window bench. Nicely carved and painted bench with light blue upholstered seat. Very versatile.
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

19th Century French Comtoise Clock Movement
Located in Denton, TX
A great industrial accent for a tabletop or bookshelf the combination of brass and steel gears and a bronze bell. This movement is in non working condition and is used for decorative...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Steel, Iron

19th Century French Directoire Period Oak Cabinet Bookcase
Located in Madrid, ES
19th century French Directoire period oak bookcase or cabinet t has two parts that can be separated for easier transport. the upper part has a height of 125 cm with two doors and th...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Leather, Hardwood, Down

Pair Directoire Bergeres
Pair Directoire Bergeres
$19,880 Sale Price
20% Off
Circle of François Boucher – "Venus and Cupid" – Oil on canvas – 18th century
Located in Madrid, ES
An elegant 18th-century oil on canvas, attributable to the circle of François Boucher, depicting Venus, goddess of love and beauty, accompanied by Cupid (Amore). Seated on clouds, cr...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Set of Eight French 19th Century Directoire St. Patinated Wood Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and very unique complete set of eight French 19th century Directoire st. patinated wood dining chairs. Each chair is raised by lovely turned circular legs at the front wit...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Fine Quaity Walnut French Louis XVI Directoire Brass Trimmed Marble Top Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine quality French Louis XVI Directoire style dresser, crafted from walnut and accented with brass trim, is a sophisticated example of late 18th-century inspired design. Topped...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

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

Signed Maison Jansen Mahogany and Marble Top Commode Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Jansen signed mahogany and marble top commode dresser embodies the epitome of French neoclassical design. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this high-quality d...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

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

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

Maison Jansen Style Brass Oval Pineapple Finial Tea Trolley Bar Liquor Cart
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Jansen style brass oval tea trolley bar cart is a striking piece of French-inspired design, perfect for entertaining and display. Crafted with meticulous attention to det...
Category

1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

French 19th Century Set of 8 Dining Room Chairs
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful set of 8 dining room chairs, they are made of walnut and mahogany wood and black paint inside the curve along the legs and the top. They have a large seat and nicely curved...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

French Directory Bureau Bonheur du jour desk, wood and leather, and bronze inkwe
Located in Valladolid, ES
Stunning French Bonheur du Jour mahogany desk or bureau, dating from the early 19th century, with a leather top and mirrored upper doors. The piece, entirely crafted in a beautiful ...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Antique Directoire Chest Of Drawers In Walnut - Italy 18th
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant Directoire chest of drawers originates from Modena in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and dates to the late 18th century. Crafted entirely from solid walnut, the piec...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Late 18th Century French Trumeau Mirror
Located in San Francisco, CA
Absolutely beautiful example of an original French trumeau mirror with painting of what appears to depict a scene from the famous o...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Paint, Canvas, Mirror, Wood

Custom Made Old Plank Directoire Style Bookcase in Stock Floor Model Reduced
Located in Chicago, IL
Handmade Country French style glazed bookcase, display cabinet or china cabinet. Our Directoire style bookcase or china cabinet was hand-crafted right here in our Old Plank workshop....
Category

2010s American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint

18th Century Limestone Antique Fireplace Mantle
Located in Beervelde, BE
This is an original antique fireplace surround in burgundy hard stone with remains of the original wax. This was built in the Directoire period. Measures: 126 cm EW 49,60". ...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Finest Quality French Directoire Steel and Glass Shallow Depth Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Directoire style console table exemplifies refined simplicity and timeless elegance, making it a perfect addition to both classic and contemporary interiors. Crafted from...
Category

1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Steel

Diminuitive Size Maison Jansen Style Brass Steel Glass Directoire Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Add a touch of Parisian sophistication to your interior with this Diminutive Size Maison Jansen Style Brass, Steel, and Glass Directoire Coffee Table. Exuding the refined elegance th...
Category

1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

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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