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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
Pair of French Directoire Chest of Drawers / Side Tables
Located in Westport, CT
A beautiful pair of Directoire chests in solid walnut and comprised of three drawers with brass angular handles and shield-shaped escutcheons,...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique Directoire Table Writing Desk In Walnut - Italy 19th
Located in Atlanta, GA
This refined Italian Directoire writing desk, dating to the early 19th century, showcases the minimalist elegance and architectural precision associated with the Directoire period. ...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Set 8 French Louis XVI Ebonized Black Lacquer Maison Jansen Style Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This set of eight French Louis XVI style dining chairs, finished in an elegant ebonized black lacquer, is a superb example of Maison Jansen-inspired design and timeless neoclassical ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Petite Lighted French Flame Mahogany Louis XVI Directoire Vitrine Marble Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Bring timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship into your space with this Petite Lighted French Flame Mahogany Louis XVI Directoire Vitrine Marble Top. Expertly crafted in the Fren...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Pair of Antique Directoire Style Painted Armchairs
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Pair of Antique Directoire style painted armchairs, circa 1900. With triangular shaped crest rails flanked by acorn finials, down swept arms, elongated vase shaped arm supports, turn...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

Pair of 18th Century Italian Directoire Painted and Parcel Gilt Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 18th century Italian Directoire painted and parcel gilt chairs. This stunning pair of 18th century Italian Directoire chairs are pain...
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mohair, Wood

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

Zabihi Collection Vintage Turkish Anatolian Runner
Located in New York, NY
1930s Turkish Anatolian runner in soft brown, beige, and pink Details rug no. j3530 size 2'5" x 9' 6" (74 x 290 cm)
Category

20th Century Turkish Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair of Very Fine Cerused Mahogany New Upholstery Twin Size Headboards Beds MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Very Fine Cerused Mahogany New Upholstery Twin Size Headboards Beds MINT
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret (1930-2002) Set Of Bergere Chairs
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

Custom Painted Bookcases Made in Our Old Plank Workshop in Any Dimension, Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning pair of handmade solid wood bookcases, custom made for one of our designer clients. These bookcases are made to the highest standards here...
Category

2010s American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Glass, Paint

Directoire Style Fruit Wood Coffee Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Antique Directoire style fruit wood coffee table, 19th century. With an overhanging 3 board top, 3 frieze drawers with wood knobs, resting on square tapered legs. Mortise, tenon and ...
Category

19th Century European Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique 18th C Side Chairs W Tapestry Textile
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique 18th C Side Chairs W Flemish Tapestry Textile
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Textile, Wood

French Directoire style minister's desk in solid wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This minister's desk with 5-drawers is a craft-handed reproduction of the world-renowned French Directoire style, which dates back to the end of the 18th century. This range is char...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Solid Brass Thick Glass Top John Vesey Style Directoire Pedestals Stands
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of solid brass pedestal stands with thick round glass tops, executed in the John Vesey style, are exceptional examples of Directoire-inspired design blended with mid-20th-c...
Category

1990s Italian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

18th Century Breccia Marble Statement Chimney Piece For Bespoke Luxury Design
Located in Beervelde, BE
Phenomenal Brêche marble fireplace surround. This magnificent fireplace mantel showcases the timeless elegance of white marble, adorned with intricate veining in hues of violet, brow...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Breccia Marble, Statuary Marble

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

Antique French Directoire Solid Mahogany Dining Table, Exquisite Bronze Details
Located in Chicago, IL
On first glance, one might misinterpret this mahogany dining table as just another 1940’s-1960’s veneer mahogany Louis XVI style French dining table. On closer inspection, you will s...
Category

1870s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Directoire Period Floral Painted Panel in Gilded Frame, circa 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire period framed painted panel from the late 18th century, with floral motifs. Born in France during the later years of the 18th century, this exquisite decorative p...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

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

French Directoire Style Vitrine and Bookcase in Solid Oak
Located in Landivy, FR
This Vitrine 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. T...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Oak

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 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

Directoire Style Desk with Cylinder Top, France, 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Directoire style desk with cylinder top, France 19th century Mahogany veneer with satinwood inlays. This elegant little desk is perfect for a small working space. The writing top fo...
Category

1860s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Early 20th Century Walnut Directoire Drop Leaf Table with Brass Sabot's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully hand crafted Directoire Drop leaf table with Brass Sabot's / wheels. Easily moved from one room to another. The practical size is perfect for a small space as it can ...
Category

Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

Pair of Curule Stools, 19th Century
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Curule Stools, 19th Century
Category

19th Century European Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Cast Bronze Olive Leaf Motif French Bagues Style Mirrored Side End Accent Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Cast Bronze Olive Leaf Motif French Bagues Style Mirrored Side Accent Table is an exquisite piece of craftsmanship that combines elegance with nature-inspired design. The table ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Carved Walnut Panel Commemorating The French Revolution
Located in Essex, MA
Possibly made to be used as a model or mold to cast an iron fireback. Depicting the Bastille and a woman with the sword and the scales. Also cannons, flags, cannon balls.
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Long Directoire Style Antiqued Buffet
Located in Westwood, NJ
Antiqued Buffet with a hand rubbed and distressed dark beige finish to the six-door cabinet, each with a cross arrow design. This piece is crafted in pi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Directoire Style Gallery Table Stand
Located in Houston, TX
1960s French Directoire style gallery table stand with a faux goatskin veneer, brass ormolu, gallery rails, and a single drawer.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

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

Fine Quality Bronze Brass Metal Tole Painted Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine quality bronze and brass metal Bouillotte table lamp with a tole painted shade is an elegant lighting piece that exudes French sophistication and timeless neoclassical styl...
Category

1930s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass, Bronze

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 Style 3-Drawer Handcrafted Wooden Console Table
Located in Landivy, FR
This console table is a handmade reproduction of a console table from the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timeless lines ornamented with grooves, diamonds or rings. This console table is made of solid cherry wood sourced in sustainably managed French forests. The 3 drawers' fronts are assembled with dovetails for a better durability and feature 3 Louis XVI rings...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer

Directoire Style Dining Table in Bookmatched and Inlaid Macassar w/Bronze Mounts
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Art Deco dining table was realized in France circa 1940. Sitting on four conical ebonized legs with brass capped sabots and brass circular embellishments at the apex of...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Inspired Bookcase, Custom Hand-Made to Order in Our Chicago Workshop
Located in Chicago, IL
Custom Country French inspired handmade 4-door bookcase, in the Directoire style, finished with a black brushed painted exterior, French vanilla interior and European style chicken w...
Category

2010s American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

19th century French Louis XVI Style Marble Top Commode by Maison Carlihian
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite 19th century French Louis XVI style commode by renowned maker Maison Carlihian embodies timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship. Featuring a finely grained mahoga...
Category

1880s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Breccia Marble, Bronze

Late 18th Century French Directoire Commode
Located in Charlottesville, VA
One of the prettiest commodes we have had. Beautiful walnut with burl panels
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Grand French Marble Top Carved Louis XVI Directoire Silver Leaf Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This grand French Louis XVI Directoire style console table is an exquisite example of refined neoclassical elegance and craftsmanship. Featuring a stunning marble top with natural ve...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

18th Century French Directoire Period Walnut Draper's Table with Marquetry Band
Located in Birmingham, AL
A grand 18th century French Directoire period table de drapier from a draper's atelier in Narbonne, a wealthy port city in Southern France in the Occitanie region, circa 1780s. Handc...
Category

1780s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood, Walnut

Rare Flame Mahogany Bronze Mounted Leather Top Francois Linke Desk Bureau Plat
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare François Linke desk, Bureau Plat, circa early 20th century, is an extraordinary example of French luxury craftsmanship, showcasing the artistry and elegance that made Linke...
Category

1910s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

French Directoire console in cherry with red grey striped drawer
Located in Landivy, FR
This console 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 ...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry

Gorgeous, rare French Olivewood commode
Located in Bronx, NY
A rare French riviera olive wood Commode with stuning wood patern and amazing craft, Fully restaured by french nicoisse restauration artisan. Amazing quality and condition. Oilded b...
Category

1930s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

Late 19th Century French Dining Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
An enterprising person a long time ago decided not to hide the fact he was creating an extension table by incorporating shutter style leaves and telescoping support frame. The result...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

French Directoire style handcrafted secretary desk in cherry wood & leather pad
Located in Landivy, FR
This Secretary is a handmade modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timel...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer

19th Century French Ebonised Three Drawer Commode
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A Louis XV ebonised, three drawer commode. With marble top and brass gallery. France, Circa 1850.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, 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 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

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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