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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 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

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

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

French Directoire Style Stainless Steel And Bronze Console Table
Located in Houston, TX
French Directoire Style Stainless Steel And Bronze Console Table. Offered is an unusual French Maison Jansen Directoire style, Louis XVI style or Neoclassical style stainless steel c...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze, Stainless Steel

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

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

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

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

Late 18th Century French Directoire Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
Late 18th century French Directoire or Louis XVI Chest. Three drawers across top, two large drawers under, for a total of five drawers. inset brass fluted columns ,the sides ...
Category

18th Century French Antique 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 Directoire Gold Giltwood Mirror with Original Mercury Glass 19th Century
Located in IT
This exquisite French Directoire mirror, crafted in gold giltwood, features its original mercury glass, adding a touch of historical charm. Dating back to the 19th century, the mirro...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mercury Glass, Giltwood

Louis XVI Directoire Style French Mahogany and Marble Top Stand Circa 1910
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Louis XVI Directoire style French mahogany and marble top stand, circa 1910, is a refined example of early 20th-century craftsmanship rooted in classical tradition. Designed wit...
Category

1910s European Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Antique Directoire Style Night Stand with Marble Lining
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Antique Directoire Style Night Stand with Marble Lining. Beautiful piece purchased in France. Has minor scratching on the marble top. Age appropriate wear. Message us with any questi...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

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

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

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

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
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 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 Round French Directoire Style Bronze Colored Steel Marble Top Gueridons
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant pair of French Directoire style guéridons combines timeless neoclassical design with modern versatility. Each table features a round marble top with natural veining, off...
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, 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 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

Extraordinary Solid Bronze French Marble Top Directoire Sideboard with Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Introduce timeless sophistication and impeccable craftsmanship to your space with this Extraordinary Solid Bronze French Marble Top Directoire Sideboard with Mirror. A rare and opule...
Category

1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Fine Quality French Sword and Scabbard Form Marble Top Gueridon Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Add a touch of regal French flair to your interior with this fine quality French sword and scabbard form marble top gueridon table, a masterfully crafted ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

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

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

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

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

Set of Six Directoire Dining Chairs, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Set of six antique chairs France mahogany early 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 88 x 47 x 44 cm, seat height: 48 cm Description: Set o...
Category

Early 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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 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

English Oak Directoire Style Tall Work Table w/ Chippendale Pull & Tapered Legs
Located in Germantown, MD
An English Oak Directoire Style Tall Work Table with Chippendale Pull and Tapered Legs. Dimensions: 22.5" in width, 15" in depth and 35.75 inches in height.
Category

20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

Pair of Candelabras "Aux Sphinges", Directoire Period
Located in Paris, FR
A pair of Directoire period gilt and patinated bronze and black and white marble candelabras. They present a decoration of winged sphinxes in patinated bronze carrying on their heads...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

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

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

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

19th c. Venetian Painted Secretary
Located in New Orleans, LA
Fantastic Italian Venetian Painted secretary/cabinet. This piece has a wonderful color palette but I believe that was done in the early 20th...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Period French Directior Leather Topped Writing Table.
Located in Hudson, NY
This beautiful period writing table was constructed in France circa 1790 to 1800 of rich imported mahogany and the woods have been carefully selected to create an overall pattern of ...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Elegant Antique Italian Directoire Fruitwood Side Table with Octagonal Top
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Superb antique Italian fruitwood side table having 3 tiers including an elongated octagonal top, two oval shelves below and a very elegant refined silouette.
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

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

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

Schumacher Four Yards of Vintage Chintz, Original Chandler Price Tag
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

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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