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
Set of Six French Directoire Chaires, signed J-E Coryn, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Six identical antique chairs
France
Beech
Directoire around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 87 x 45 x 41 cm, seat height: 46 cm
Description:
Beautiful set of provincial French chairs...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Beech
Gorgeous French Carved Beveled Glass Rectangular Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Beveled edge. Gilt. Ebonized. 48" h x 54" w x 3 7/8" d.
Condition
Scratches. Paint loss. Minor cracks in carving.
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Great Milling Road by Baker Large Ebonized Circular Gilded Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Beveled glass. Ebonized frame. Gilt accents. 43 3/4" h x 42 1/2" w.
Condition
Surface scratches. Minor dents. Minor finish loss.
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Maison Jansen Directoire Style Dining Room Table
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mahogany dining table in Hepplewhite style, a Maison Jansen Directoire style brass-mounted dining room table with two extensions and extension legs for extra stability.
*** with t...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Empire Style Bronze Chandelier With Arrows
Located in Houston, TX
French Empire Style Bronze Chandelier With Arrows.
This stunning French Empire style or Directoire style gilt bronze and patinated bronze quive...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Directoire Influenced Desk
Located in Southampton, NJ
An impressive three dovetailed drawer French Directoire influenced desk of Oak with leather top; newly refinished & ready for use.
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Oak
A French Directoire Gilt Bronze Mounted Commode with Marble Top, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A French Directoire Gilt Bronze Mounted Parquetry Commode With Marble Top, 19th Century
Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired in 1...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Pair Late Empire Barrel Back Chairs
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very desirable pair of period Lat Empire Barrel Back Bergeres that date to c. 1810-1820. The chairs have retained their original surface which we have cleaned and applied several coats of hard paste wax. The chairs are newly upholstered in a very high-end Kravet Couture velvet in the perfect shade of blue. In addition to their desirability, these barrel back chairs are very comfortable. They are the perfect addition to many settings from living room, study to bedroom.
****Please contact MJH Design...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Simple and Elegant Gilded Carved Wood French Directoire Wall Mirror, Circa 1940
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category
1940s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
Fine Quality 19th Century Bronze Mounted Directoire Jansen Style Marble Commode
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a spectacular Maison Jansen style French-made Directoire commode in very good condition with its original finish and superbly cast bronze mounts. The commode has a gorgeous s...
Category
1880s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Sophisticated Shallow Depth French Directoire Paint Decorated Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delivery needs! They offer a reasonable flat-rate fee for delivery and set up to the ground floor of your home. They deliver to the vast majority of the lower 48 states. They offer a flat rate for most of our items with exclusions for the largest or most complex items such as breakfronts or crystal chandeliers or other items of greater complexity. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase as these rates are different from our stated pricing. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase. Most deliveries to the East Coast will be 295.00, to the mid-west and Southern mid-west 395.00. To the areas west of Kansas 495.00 and the farthest points to the West coast will be 595.00. Again, some areas we can't cover, however we can deliver to most of the lower 48 states so please inquire to be sure! Delivery times range from as fast as 1-4 weeks for the east coast to 5-9 weeks to the farthest areas of the west coast, sometimes longer and sometimes even shorter. If it is a time sensitive purchase, we may be able to accommodate you for a higher price. It is our goal to please each and every one of our customers with the highest standard of service possible. You must realize and accept that we are shipping antique, vintage and quality used furnishings to your home. We cannot control traffic, weather, and acts of God. There will be times when additional patience will be necessary.
This gorgeous paint decorated console table is perfect for shallow hallways or spaces that just can't take a deep console...
Category
1960s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Faux Bamboo Bagues Style Solid Brass Hexangonal End Tables Circa 1970
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Brass faux bamboo frames. Glass tops. 17" h x 17 1/2" w x 20 1/8" d.
Condition
Scratches. Oxidation.
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Of French Directoire Tole Verriere
Located in Essex, MA
Each oval with handles. Chartreuse color with black classical scene panels. Copper liners. Rusting in spots.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tin
Directoire Mahogany Dining Table
Located in Hudson, NY
Lovely directoire mahogany drop-leaf extending dining table. Oval table top rests on four ring turned tapering legs that terminate in brass caps and castors. Each drop-leaf measures:...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Petite Lighted French Flame Mahogany Louis XVI Directoire Vitrine Marble Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a great, smaller sized apartment style flame mahogany lighted vitrine or china cabinet. It has beautiful flame mahogany and a nice white marble...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
French Directoire Louis XVI Demilune Shape Marble Top Marble Top Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Italian antique Directory style Chest of drawers in solid wood, mid 1700s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian antique Directory style Chest of drawers in solid wood, mid 1700s
Chest of drawers with rectangular top in solid wood of different shades. On the front it has 3 drawers, all ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Stunning Carved Antique Creme Painted Finish Directoire Style Bench Stool
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Carved wood. Upholstered. 22 1/2" h x 36 1/4" w x 24" d.
Condition
Finish loss. Minor stains to upholstery. Scratches.
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Set of Six Vintage Directoire Style Black & Gold Dining Chairs Modern Chic
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We have admired this style of chairs for years, but it took 13 years in business to find this set. Custom made in the early 1960s by Indianapolis Chair...
Category
1960s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French Directoire Style Armchair
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
19th C French Directoire style armchair. 1880.
Seat is 22" w x 22.5" d x 16.5" h.
Internal reference: JG11
Reference: 8063
Dimensions
28 inches (71 cms) Wide
30.5 inches (77 cms)...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Oak
French Directoire style 4 Drawer Chest in cherry and a white-cream finish
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4 drawer chest is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable for its straight, classical and timeless lines...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Antique Style Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
In a dark walnut finish with a molded edge rectangular top, nine paneled drawers with lozenge detailing motifs, antiqued pewter handles, with a fluted base and raised on square taper...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine French Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Directoire Marble Top Mirrored Vanity Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superbly crafted antique French Directoire style brass inlaid and bronze mounted secretaire desk or ladies vanity. The piece is perfect for paying bills or using as a makeup vanity...
Category
1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
French Directoire Fruitwood Corner Cabinet with Inlay
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French solid fruitwood corner cabinet that will add a bit more storage space without taking up too much room. Hand-crafted in the 19th century around 1850, this is a wonderful find...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal
Dark Green Paint Decorated Tufted French Directoire Footstool Window bench
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous dark green distressed fininsh Directoire style window bench. The bench dates to the 1960s era and measures 42 wide x 19 tall x 16 deep and will show signs of use a...
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Directoire Pendule Clock with Swans and Putti Paris 1790/1800
Located in Münster, DE
France Directoire Mantle Clock, around 1790/1800, figural depiction of two putti with swans, bronze, fire-gilded and dark patinated, on white enamel dial inscribed "Sauvage à Paris",...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Set of Eight Antique French Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Eight Antique French Directoire Dining Chairs is a relatively rare find, especially with this level of quality and preservation!...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Sycamore
French Painted Antique Style Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
In a painted antique finish with a molded edge rectangular top, nine paneled drawers with lozenge detailing motifs, antiqued pewter handles, with a fluted base and raised on square t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French Directoire Marble Athenian Clock with Eagle Heads Early 19th century
Located in NICE, FR
Directoire portico clock decorated with two Athenian with eagle heads and feet.
The three gilded bronze hats are decorated with flowers. The white Carrara marble Medicis vase sits a...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Ormolu
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
Wrought Iron and Tufted Bench Style of Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Wrought iron and tufted bench style of Maison Ramsay.
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Antique French Directoire Armchair
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Armchair is a relatively rare find, especially with this level of quality and preservation! The diamond pattern mohair is of the best quality but showing i...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Sycamore
Set of French Directoire Style Nesting Tables by 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
Marble Top Gilt And Ebonized Table
Located in Norwood, NJ
Gilt and ebonized marble top side table. Unusual black, gold and white merle top. Tapered and fluted carved legs with an X- form stretcher.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Gorgeous Oval Steel and Glass Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous coffee table in the style of the French company Maison Bagues who made some beautiful faux bamboo coffee tables just like this one. The finish appears to be silver...
Category
1980s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Steel
Liftable coffee table in solid cherry with 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
2-door 3-drawer Cabinet in solid oak, a French Directoire style interpretation
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2 doors cabinet is a handmade and modernized interpretation of a French Directoire style cabinet at the end of the 18th century. The des...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Oak
French Directoire style desk in oak with a shelf and leather pad, grey stained
Located in Landivy, FR
This desk is a craft-handed reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. The design of this period is remarkable with its straight, classical and time...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer
Maison Jansen Rare Stamped Silver Leaf Settee in Black Raw Silk
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite and elegant Directoire style silver leaf settee with black raw silk upholstery on tufted back, seat and padded arms, France, 1950s. This settee was likely designed as a spe...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Silk, Wood
French Directoire style nesting tables "gigognes" in solid and stained cherry
Located in Landivy, FR
This Table 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.
Its f...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak
Directoire Fruit Wood Demi Lune Games Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Continental Directoire fruit wood demi lune games table, early 19th century. Having a demi lune top which when opened becomes a round top, a fruit wood...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Directoire Style Crystal Chandelier
Located in Houston, TX
The 19th-century Directoire Style Crystal Chandelier is a masterpiece of elegance and opulence, epitomizing the design sensibilities of the era. Suspended from a gilded bronze canopy...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Metal
Century Furniture Directoire Style Walnut Upholstered seat & Cane Back Armchair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Century Furniture Directoire Style Walnut with Upholstered seat with Cane Back Armchair in great vintage condition.
Measures 23" in width, 24" in depth and stands 36.5z" tall. Sea...
Category
Late 20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery, Cane
19th Century French Directoire Neoclassical Marble Top Nightstand ~ End Table
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century French Directoire neoclassical marble top nightstand ~ end table is stately elegance on a diminutive scale defined! Topped with luxurious carrara marble, it features a p...
Category
1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Fine Quality French Directore Louis XVI Style Leather Top Faux Partners Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category
1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Maison Jansen Style Brass Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Maison Jansen Style Brass Coffee Table.
Category
1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Walnut Panetière Early 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb and rare walnut panetière from the beginning of the 19th century
This piece of furniture were used in the past to store the bread in the south of France. Provence region
Very...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Directoire Influenced Book-Matched Rosewood Writing Table or Desk
Located in Southampton, NJ
19th c. Rosewood writing desk or work table of impressive book matched fiery grains, original Directoire style brass pulls with inlay details throughout the entire piece. A striking ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Directoire Walnut Tricoteuse Table
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular with conforming gallery over a drawer and a trestle base with a stretcher.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Maison Jansen Style Ebonized Mahogany Coffee Table Built to Order
Located in Chicago, IL
French Maison Jansen or Directoire style coffee table that in our home, might more accurately be described as a cocktail table. This particular Maison Jansen or Directoire style coff...
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Game Table, Table à Tric Trac, Mahogany, France, Directoire, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Tric Trac game table
France
Mahogany
Directoire around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 77 x 114 x 64 cm
Description:
Piece of furniture standing on round legs with brass surro...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique French Directoire Period Carved and Gitwood Mirror
Located in Madrid, ES
Directory period French mirror in carved and gilded wood, with a frame decorated with rope motifs, it retains a beautiful vintage patina.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mercury Glass, Giltwood
Fine Quality French Directoire Maison Jansen Breche D' Alep Marble Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Pair Of Directoire Style Gilt Bronze Gueridon
Located in Essex, MA
Circular black marble top set in a conforming bronze frame with three incurved legs headed by birds heads and rings, lower conforming shelf. Splayed legs with stretcher with central ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Directoire Buffet in the manner of Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Austin, TX
A superb antique French Directoire buffet in the manner of Jacob-Desmalter, the “ebeniste" for Napoleon I. This classical piece is extremely well crafted, the primary wood is a Cuban...
Category
1820s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Fine Quaity Walnut French Louis XVI Directoire Brass Trimmed Marble Top Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Fine Quality French Directoire Gilt Bronze & Black Marble Gueridon Center Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fine Quality French Directoire Gilt Bronze & Black Marble Gueridon Center Table.
French, early 20th century. 23.5" round top (extending arms ma...
Category
20th Century French 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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