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 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
$19,880 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
$720 Sale Price
20% Off
Beautiful Pair of 19th Century Directoire Walnut Commodes
Located in Houston, TX
An exceptionally stylish pair of early 19th Century three drawer chest of drawers with good use of matching walnut to fronts. Having original marbles on top. The drawers having eboni...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
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
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
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
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
Swedish Late 18th Century Gustavian Period Commode / Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and sober late 18th century/very early 19th century Swedish dresser or chest of drawers of good proportion and handsome appearance. Late Gustavian pieces are reminiscent o...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Directoire Furniture
$6,890 Sale Price
29% Off
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
$1,596 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$1,196 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
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
$2,320 Sale Price
20% Off
18th Century French Directoire Bergere
Located in Houston, TX
18th century French Directoire Bergere.
This stunning 18th century period French Directoire chair or bergère is the perfect side chair, ...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$2,850 Sale Price
24% Off
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
$4,543 Sale Price
59% Off
French Directoire style handcrafted 6-Drawer Chiffonier in solid cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This Chiffonnier 6-drawer chest is a free hand crafted and modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period style is remarkable wi...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak
French 18th century Directoire Period Mahogany, Marble, and Ormolu center table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and most unique French late 18th century Directoire Period Flame Mahogany, Ebony, white Carrara marble and Ormolu center table. This wonderful circular table is raised on ...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
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
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
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 Round Giltwood and Ebonized Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Directoire round giltwood and ebonized wall mirror is a striking example of neoclassical elegance blended with timeless French craftsmanship. Featuring a beautifully bala...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
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
French 19th Century Directoire Red Marble Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This fruitwood occasional table is topped with an inset piece of stunning red Rosso Francia marble and surrounded by a 3/4th gallery over an apron with a single drawer. The drawer co...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone, Marble, Metal, 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
$7,764 / set
Vintage Early 20th Century French Mahogany Desk with Aubergine Leather Top
Located in Buchanan, NY
This vintage French mahogany desk will add a touch of sophistication to your work environment. It features a sleek aubergine leather top that complements the original art deco hardware...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
French Directoire style desk in oak
Located in Landivy, FR
This computer desk is proposed here in solid oak from France and is also available in cherry.
A black leather desk pad equips the top.
The top is sli...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Oak
$3,185 / item
18th Century Porcelain Cabinet Cup and Saucer Empire French Locre and Russinger
By Meissen Porcelain, Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, Locre, Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM), Dresden Porcelain
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Antique French Locre & Russinger French gilded porcelain cup and saucer with figural handle
On the cup four landscapes in reserve (2 lozenge) and a row embossed pearls. In the corner...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
A Fine & Rare Louis XVI Mahogany Dining Table by Claude Messier, 18th Century
By Claude Messier
Located in Sheffield, MA
A Fine & Rare Louis XVI Mahogany Dining Table
18th Century
By Claude Messier
Maitre 1792
Active in Paris at the end of the 18th Cen...
Category
18th Century and Earlier French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
$1,580 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$1,516 Sale Price
20% Off
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
19th Century Italian Dining Table
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Italian early 19th Century dining table.
Featuring an unusual, decorative top that extends to make a stylish square table.
With fantastic proportions and design, this table will ad...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Eight walnut Direttorio chairs, Tuscany, Lucca circa 1795
Located in Prato, IT
Eight walnut Direttorio Chairs with banded backs and floral pattern carving.
Paws with carved frames typical of Lucca.
Entirely hand-sewn straw seat.
Tuscany, late 18th century
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
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
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
Signed Maison Jansen Marble Top Directoire Console Table with Certification
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This extraordinary Maison Jansen console table exemplifies the refined elegance and neoclassical precision of the Directoire style. Beautifully crafted and signed by Maison Jansen, t...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
French Pair of Period Directoire Side Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A regal pair of French side chairs from the Directoire period (circa 1795-1800). The chairs have chalk-white painted frames now patinated to fine craquelure texture softening the sym...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Wood, Paint
$1,895 / set
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
$1,960 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$2,396 Sale Price
20% Off
Schumacher Four Yards of Vintage Chintz, Original Chandler Price Tag
By Schumacher
Located in Sharon, CT
Rare Schumacher vintage Chintz. Gorgeous flowers in vases patterned chintz. Retains the original Chandler, Boston price tag. Four yards. Signed on the s...
Category
Early 20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric
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
Dark Green Paint Decorated Tufted French Directoire Footstool Window bench
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your interior with this stunning Dark Green Paint Decorated Tufted French Directoire Footstool Window Bench. Inspired by the refined aesthetics of...
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$1,196 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Directoire Style Blood Tomato Red Lacquer Super Heavy Solid Brass Pulls Dresser
By Maslow Freen
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Outstanding quality directoire style painted dresser with very heavy solid brass hardware. Six deep drawers dresser with a narrow door compartment in the m...
Category
20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Oak
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 round Table in solid cherry wood, white-cream lacquered
Located in Landivy, FR
This piece belongs to our DIRECTOIRE collection, which takes up the Directoire style, very famous at the end of the 18th century in France.
It is remarkable for its straight, classic...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak
Pair of Solid Brass or Bronze Patinated Gueridons by Century Furniture Company
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of solid brass or bronze patinated gueridons by the renowned Century Furniture Company reflects superior craftsmanship and timeless mid-century elegance. Featuring round to...
Category
1990s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$3,196 Sale Price / set
46% Off
Gorgeous Oval Steel and Glass Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This oval steel and glass Maison Baguès style faux bamboo coffee table is a striking example of refined French-inspired design that combines elegance with timeless craftsmanship. Fea...
Category
1980s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Steel
$1,356 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Style Demilune Consoles
Located in Austin, TX
This pair of French Directoire-style demilune consoles is a truly unique and stunning addition to any home. Handcrafted in our atelier in France, these consoles were created by rethinking a 19th-century Directoire-style round dining table and transforming it into two matching demilunes...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$2,475 Sale Price
40% Off
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 fruitwood marquetry top writing table, 1950’s
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Academic Revival rectangular bureau plat in the French Directoire taste. The fruitwood marquetry top is mounted on a conforming apron fitted with a divided long drawer. Each drawer f...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Louis XVI Style Marble Top Console Server Patinated Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
ChatGPT said:
This Louis XVI Style Marble Top Console Server with Patinated Mirror exudes timeless sophistication and French neoclassical elegance. Featuring a luxurious marble top ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
$3,996 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Fine Set of 8 French Directoire Louis XVI Style Paint Decorated Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine set of 8 French Directoire Louis XVI style dining chairs beautifully captures the elegance and refinement of neoclassical French design. Each chair features a delicately pa...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Rare Pair Maison Style Cylindrical Metal Brass Glass Two Tier End Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare pair of cylindrical metal and brass two-tier end tables reflects a refined Maison-style design that seamlessly combines elegance and modernity. Each table is crafted with a...
Category
1950s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
$2,316 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
Antique French Directoire Style Mahogany Cabinet with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Style Mahogany Cabinet with Carrara Marble features a tailored, classic look that will never go out of style! Crafted from exotic imported mahogany, it fea...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
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 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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