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
The Collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret (1930-2002), Kensington Palace
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
1950s Maison Jansen Steel and Brass Daybed
Located in New York, NY
1950s Maison Jansen Steel and Brass Daybed. Original fabric.
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
19th C. French Directoire Carved Walnut Armchair with Gold Velvet Upholstery
Located in Chicago, IL
19th Century French Directoire carved walnut armchair with white paint and gold velvet upholstery.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut, Paint
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
19th Century, Country French Directoire Period Infant's Bed
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th-early 19th century country French Directoire period infant's bed. Ideal for a doll collection or beloved mini-canine or cat. Fruitwood. Nicely molded throughout. The sides ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
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
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
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
French Directoire Period Side Table, oval shaped, around 1800
Located in Belmont, MA
This elegant oval side table, dating from the Directoire period around 1800, is crafted from solid walnut and features a beautiful marble top with a brass railing. In good original c...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
French Handcrafted Directoire Style 2-Door Cabinet in Solid Cherry Wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2 doors small sideboard ( "mini-bahut") is a hand-crafted reproduction of the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This ...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Late 18th Century Settee in Directoire Style, done in walnut and brass inlay
By Jacob Frères
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular and extraordinary piece of furniture that will add a touch of luxury and style to any corner you place it into. A fine late eighteenth cen...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Directoire Style Lamp in Glass and Gilt Bronze, 1950s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Directoire style lamp in large candleholder shape in glass and gilt bronze. Fluted baluster shape shaft in polished transparent glass topped by a capital in braided basket shape. It ...
Category
1950s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Glass
Set of 6 Antique French Directoire Style Painted Cane Back Dining Side Chairs
Located in Birmingham, AL
A handsome set of 6 early 20th century French Directoire style painted dining side chairs, circa 1920s, having hand caned backs, upholstered seats with nailhead trim, and typical neo...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Fine Set of 8 French Directoire Louis XVI Style Paint Decorated Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous set of 8 paint decorated dining chairs. The chairs are color coordinated with the same color of the upholstery on their tim details. The chairs are in good conditi...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Neoclassical Italian Center Table with Imperial Porphyry Marble Tabletop
Located in Rome, IT
Very fine and important center table with square shaped Egyptian porphyry veneered tabletop.
Base in walnut and ebonized wood of the Directoire period of the late 18th century, made with special care and 'original choice of the Radica and marquetry.
Provenance from an aristocratic family descendant of Parma.
Measurements: cm 120 x 120
This particular Imperial grade of porphyry came from a quarry in the Eastern Desert of Egypt.
The term "porphyry" is from Latin and means "purple". Purple was the color of royalty, and the "Imperial Porphyry...
Category
1790s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Porphyry
Pair of 18th Century Dutch Painted Still Lifes on Panels
Located in Hudson, NY
The pair are painted on wood panel and done circa 1760 by a country artist working from life. Each composition is very similar but subtly different and incorporating different leaves...
Category
Mid-18th Century Dutch Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Style gray desk in solid oak wood with a leather pad
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
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
Pair Maison Jansen Attributed Mahogany French Directoire Footstools, Circa 1960s
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 French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
Wood, Paint, Canvas, Mirror
Pair of Directoire Style Bookcases, China Cabinets Made by Old Plank in Any Size
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of French Directoire Inspired Bookcases, China Cabinets or Display Cabinets made in house by Old Plank. Roughly 30-years ago we purchased in France a similar Directoire style Bo...
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wire
French Directoire Painted Buffet
Located in Austin, TX
Buffet from France in the Directoire style. This piece is made of solid wood construction that has been finished with a milk paint in the “Petite Trianon” dove gray color. There is b...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Antique Aprey French Faience Pottery Cachepots or Jardinieres
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique French faience jardinieres or cachepots.
By Aprey.
Each with two painted scenes on either side. One has a man gardening and a woman carrying a breadbask...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Faience
French 19th Century Buffet Vitrine
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This buffet Vitrine is made of walnut and is interesting as a vitrine. There is a key to lock the top.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Directoire Style Mahogany and gold detailed Rectangular Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful and simple mirror with goreous gold floral elements at each corner. Measures 50.75 tall x 38 wide x 2.5 inches. Dates to teh 1990s era and is American.
Category
1990s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
French Pair of Directoire style armchairs off white wood and Pierre Frey fabric
Located in Valladolid, ES
Pair of French armchairs with backrest "for the queen" in carved and polychrome white wood, Louis XVI period, 18th century.
Extraordinary and unique Pair of French armchairs with "qu...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Late 18th Century Italian Directoire Solid Walnut Armchair
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Beautiful late 18th century of the period Directoire Italian antique armchair in solid walnut wood. The armchair is very elegant. The backrest decorated with a carved in wood is beau...
Category
1790s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
18th Century French Marble Stone Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
Burgundy hard stone Directoire period fireplace surround with a beautiful cartouche in the center of the front. The mantel endured the time but survived.
Restauration on the left le...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
French Directoire Dark Green and Gilt Painted Vine Design Trumeau / Wall Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire (l8th /19th Century) dark green painted trumeau / wall mirror with gilt vinework decorated frame.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Directoire Style Ebonized Chest of Drawers
Located in Austin, TX
Chest of drawers, French, made of mahogany that has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish. This piece has three dovetailed drawers and gilt brass handles. The clea...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
1950s Italy Empire Bar Buffet, Servant Sideboard, by Federico Munari.
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Elegant bar sideboard in walnut with maple interiors. Designed and produced by Munari ; with internal glass shelf and two drawers, all in vitrified and inlaid maple wood finish. Two ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Maple, Walnut
Italian Directoire Carved and Painted Console Table, circa 1810
Located in New York, NY
Italian Directoire console table; the carved, fluted and tapered legs support an apron with silvered motif of rosettes and fanciful carving on all sides. The whole supports the origi...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
French set of 6 Dining chairs Directoire wood, black leather
By French Foundry Pierret-Depaix et Cie
Located in Valladolid, ES
Outstanding set of 6 chairs in the Directoire style, made during the first decade of the 20th century in France, in walnut wood and with the seat upholstered in black leather. Simpl...
Category
1910s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
French Directoire Armchair Beech Gold & White Upholstery France 19th
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very pretty beech armchair with a pretty tapestry in shades of gold and white in the Directoire style - 19th century
The very luminous white and gold upholstery makes it an elegant ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Fine Quality French Directoire Breche Marble Top Brass Gallery End Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb French-made and signed "Made in France" Directoire style end or occasional table. The table does need polishing and professional detaling which we are happy to do if...
Category
1930s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Breccia Marble, Brass
18th Century French Country Antique Limestone Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
Unusual French limestone antique fireplace surround from the Directoire period. Its style has Italian influence with a Fine center carved element.
Measures:
174 cm EW 68,50"
136 ...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Limestone
Fine French Classic Style Antique Fireplace Surround In Marble
Located in Beervelde, BE
A fine antique 18th century marble antique fireplace surround of the Directoire period. It was installed in a corner. See the marks on the shelf. This Classic stylish mantelpiece was...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique French Directoire Style Eglomise Gilt Coffee Table Attributed to Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 15in W: 48 1/2in D: 21 3/4in
This Antique French Directoire Style Eglomise Gilt Coffee Table Attributed to Jansen is truly a showstopper and is made of the highest ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Argentine Directoire Furniture
Materials
Silver Leaf
Baker Furniture Company Tambor Door Gentleman's Dresser Tall Chest Circa 1960s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a sophisticated and simple Baker Directoire or Louis XVI style tall dresser. The dresser is in good original condition with few signs of age or use and is in ready to go cond...
Category
1960s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Directoire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The oval base raised on toupie feet, centered with a panel of hunting dogs with hunting trophies on each side, the case supported by a landscaped scenery of water and rocks and surmo...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
1950s French Iron and Brass Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
1950s French iron and brass dining chairs. The chairs have iron frames, are black vinyl, with brass finials to the top and brass ball feet. The chairs also have sloping arms and fold...
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of Directoire Style White Washed and Plaid Upholstered Club Chairs
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 24 3/4 in W: 28 1/4 in D: 29 1/2 in SH: 16 3/4 in
Infuse your space with sophisticated charm and timeless appeal with this pair of Directoire style club chairs, featuring a beautifully whitewashed wood finish and classic plaid upholstery reminiscent of the iconic Ralph Lauren aesthetic. Designed to evoke the understated elegance of French Directoire furniture...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
White Marble Top Mahogany Maison Jansen Style Directoire Commode
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 European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
Signed Maison Jansen Carrara Shallow Marble Top Flame Mahogany Sideboard Buffet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a very SHALLOW depth sideboard that can be placed almost anywhere in any home by the famous Maison Jansen in this case of Argentina. Maison Jansen had factories in France, Eg...
Category
1950s Argentine Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
Mid-20th Century French Gates
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Mid-20th century French Director style iron gates. There are 5 gates connected to each other.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Iron
French 19th Century Green Painted Metal And Brass Table Lamp For Candlestick
Located in Copenhagen, K
French 19th Century Green Painted Metal And Brass Table Lamp With Candle Holder
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
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
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
Theodore Alexander English Style Demilune Commode Chest of Drawers
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 36 in W: 54 in D: 24 in
Elevate your interior with the timeless elegance of this Theodore Alexander English Style Commode or Chest of Drawers—a luxurious blend of classic design, superior craftsmanship, and practical storage. Expertly handcrafted, this exquisite piece reflects the rich heritage of English furniture, making it a standout addition to any traditional, transitional, or vintage-inspired space.
This heirloom-quality commode features a single upper drawer, ideal for storing smaller essentials such as keys, cutlery, or accessories. Below, three doored storage compartments offer generous space for organizing larger items like linens, books, or household necessities—perfect for enhancing organization in your living room, dining room, bedroom, or entryway.
The piece is adorned with solid brass hardware, elegantly aged for an authentic antique look. The brass pulls and hinges not only add a refined touch but also ensure long-lasting durability and smooth functionality.
Adding to its unique versatility, the commode includes convenient side pullout trays—perfect for use as additional serving space, a writing surface, or for displaying décor when needed. These trays slide neatly back into the body of the chest, preserving its sleek, classic silhouette when not in use.
Crafted from the finest materials and finished in a hand-rubbed wood tone that highlights its natural grain, this Theodore Alexander chest...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Directory Cherry Wood Secetary Desk
Located in Madrid, ES
A French Directory era secretary desk, from the early 19th century, made of beautiful cherry wood, in a light tone with bronze handles and bronze keyholes as well. In their lower par...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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 Sofa Directoire circa 1800 Grey Painted , New Upholstery
Located in Epfach, DE
French sofa or canape directoire with elegantly moulded frame. It is grey and green painted and the original surface is wonderfully carved. The sofa is new upholstered with an comfor...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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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