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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 Ebonized Black Cane Back French Directoire Bergere Chairs Brass Accents
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of French Directoire bergère chairs combines neoclassical elegance with timeless sophistication, featuring finely crafted ebonized black frames accented with brass details....
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Directoire Transformable Games Table, Late 18th – Early 19th Century
Located in SAINT-CLÉMENT-DE-LA-PLACE, FR
French Directoire Transformable Games Table, Late 18th – Early 19th Century This French Directoire-style table embodies the elegance and ingenuity of late 18th-century craftsmanship...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Original Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
Phenomenal fireplace surround from the free mason compagnon in bicolor burgundy hard stone. The carving is very fine and very unusual. Measures: 142.5 cm EW 56.10", 112 cm EH...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

Sophisticated French Directoire Style 1930s era French Vitrine Marble Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This sophisticated French Directoire style vitrine from the 1930s exudes refined elegance and timeless charm, making it an exceptional addition to any interior. Crafted with meticulo...
Category

1930s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

Pair Rams Head Maison Jansen Brass and Steel Marble Top Gueridon Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Maison Jansen gueridon tables exudes timeless French elegance with their sophisticated blend of brass, steel, and marble craftsmanship. Each table features a sleek circu...
Category

1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze, Steel

Directoire Style Bibliotheque
Located in Vista, CA
Directoire Style painted Bibliotehque; France, circa 1830.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Pair of Carrara Marble Top & Ormolu Mounted End Tables, attrib. to Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Carrara marble top and ormolu mounted end tables, attributed to Maison Jansen, reflects the refined elegance and craftsmanship for which the Parisian design firm was wor...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass, Bronze

Beautiful Pair of 19th Century French Armchairs
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

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

Directoire Antique French Dining Chairs
Located in Austin, TX
Directoire style antique French chairs made with solid wood construction that has been finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. We love the elegant stylized acanthus...
Category

1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

A Diminutive Camelback Settee for Reupholstery
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A diminutive camelback upholstered settee with serpentine back, rolled arms, resting on 5 paint decorated fluted legs with gold accents. Dimensions: 50 1/4" L, 21" D, 20" seat heigh...
Category

20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

Set of Nine 18th Century French Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of Nine 18th Century French Directoire Dining Chairs is a relatively rare find, especially with this level of quality and preservation! The diamond pattern mohair is of the best...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Sycamore

French 19th Century Pair of Beds
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Those pair of frame beds wears the original paint, the inside dimensions for a spring box are 35.75 x 74.5
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Rare Brass and Steel Aged Mirrored Top John Vesey Style Ebonzed Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare brass and steel ebonized writing desk in the style of John Vesey showcases a striking blend of modern sophistication and timeless craftsmanship. Designed with an eye for bo...
Category

1980s European Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Maison Baguès Iron and Bronze Tufted Mohair Fabric Bench
Located in New York, NY
Maison Baguès iron and bronze tufted bench. Base is steel with brass hoof feet. Newly upholstered in mohair fabric.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Late 18th Century French Directoire Period Carved Rush Seat Radassier Bench
Located in Birmingham, AL
A late 18th century French Directoire period hall bench handcrafted of walnut in the Provençal countryside near the picturesque hilltop village of Gordes, known for its white limesto...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Rush, Walnut

Continental mid 19th century Directoire st. Carrara and Belgian marble mantel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most handsome Continental mid 19th century Directoire st. white Carrara and black Belgian marble mantel. This beautiful mantel is elevated by stepped Black Belgian mar...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Carrara Marble

Fine French Country and Classy Antique Fireplace Surround in Limestone
Located in Beervelde, BE
Unusual limestone fireplace surround with remains of the old patina. The front has an Geometric Italian influence design. See the details of the refined carving. Measures: 131 cm E...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Limestone

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

Stunning Carved Antique Creme Painted Finish Directoire Style Bench Stool
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite antique Directoire style bench stool showcases the refined elegance and neoclassical artistry of the late 18th to early 19th century aesthetic. Expertly hand-carved, t...
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

Directoire Side Chairs (Sets of 2)
Located in Westwood, NJ
Large mahogany side chairs, with an over scroll padded back and seat above floral capital carved and paneled sabre legs. Inspired by a 19th-century French original. Dimensions: 23" W...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese 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

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

LATE 18th CENTURY DIRECTOIRE COFFEE TABLE WITH INLAYS
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant small side table made of carved cherry and walnut, enriched with ebonized pastiglia inlays. The inlays, which adorn both the top and the band of the undertop, feature geometr...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Walnut

Mid Century Lacquered Louis XVI Style Dressing Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
White lacquered mid century Louis XVI style dressing table outlined in lime green accent.
Category

20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

LATE 18th CENTURY SIX DIRECTOIRE WALNUT CHAIRS
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant set of six chairs in solid carved walnut, embellished with original fabric with plant embroidery in shades of gold, green, and pink. The chairs are distinguished by their cur...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

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

French Directoire style 6-drawer handcrafted chiffonier in solid cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This Chiffonier's design is in a French Countryside style, also called "Campagne chic". This storage furniture features 2 white cream, 2 basalt grey lacquered drawers and two smoked...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak

French Directoire Style Coffee Table in Solid Cherry
Located in Landivy, FR
This coffee 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. The finish is made with a layer of a natural varnish to keep the authentic look of the solid Cherry piece and 2 extra layers for protection of the wood. This Coffee Table features one central drawer topped with a Louis XVI ring...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry

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

18th Century Limestone Antique Fireplace Mantle
Located in Beervelde, BE
This is an original antique fireplace surround in burgundy hard stone with remains of the original wax. This was built in the Directoire period. Measures: 126 cm EW 49,60". ...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Large Giltwood Dark Framed French Directoire Wall MIrror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This impressive French Directoire style wall mirror is a striking statement piece that blends classical elegance with timeless craftsmanship. Featuring a bold dark wood frame accente...
Category

1980s European Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

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

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

Fine Quality 19th Century Bronze Mounted Directoire Jansen Style Marble Commode
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exceptional 19th century French commode exemplifies the refined elegance of the Directoire and Jansen style, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The commode features a ...
Category

1880s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of Maison Jansen Style Brass and Steel Floor Lamps
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite pair of Maison Jansen style brass and steel floor lamps beautifully embodies the timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship for which the Parisian design house is ren...
Category

1980s European Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Gorgeous French Carved Beveled Glass Rectangular Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French carved wall mirror showcases timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship, making it a perfect addition to both traditional and transitional interiors. The mirror features...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Faux Bamboo Bagues Style Solid Brass Hexangonal End Tables Circa 1970
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This stylish pair of vintage brass end tables embodies the timeless elegance of French Maison Baguès design, circa 1970. Crafted in a sophisticated faux bamboo motif, the frames are ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Directoire Antique French Candlesticks
Located in DELFT, NL
French Directoire Period brass Candlesticks. The detachable socles set within urn shaped holders, baluster-shaped stems, terminating on circular bases. Some rubbing and wear.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Unique Greek Key John Vesey Style Marble Top Steel Demilune Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This unique demilune console table in the style of John Vesey exemplifies timeless elegance with a blend of neoclassical motifs and modern sophistication. The table features a striki...
Category

Early 2000s European Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Metal

Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Carved Painted Demilune Console Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate an entryway with this elegant pair of antique painted consoles. Crafted in northern France, circa 1880 and shaped as half moon, each style table stands on four tapered and r...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Oak, Paint

French Directoire Style Silver Leaf and Bronze Tall Pedestal
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Directoire style silver leaf and bronze tall pedestal is a stunning example of neoclassical-inspired design, blending refinement, symmetry, and artistry. Crafted with ele...
Category

1980s European Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Directoire Walnut Tricoteuse Table
Located in Essex, MA
Elongated octagonal top with gallery and fold down hinged panel. Trestle base with two oval lower shelves. The trestle sides with ebonized lozenge decoration. These tables were made ...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Directoire Marble Top Mahogany Two-Tier Bouillotte Table
Located in Dallas, TX
This petite and tall antique two-tier table was crafted in France circa 1880. Standing on three tapered and fluted legs decorated with brass rings and ending twisted feet over a triangle form stretcher, the round bouillotte table is decorated with brass mounts, over the legs and around the apron; the table features a central shelf with marquetry decor and brass gallery, supported with curved legs, and embellished with floral rosette medallions. The upper shelf decorated with intricate foliage brass mounts around the the apron, is dressed with a circular variegated green marble top embellished with a decorative pierced brass gallery rim. The feminine étagère is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, and adorns a rich walnut patina, and delicate polished brass mounts. Versatile and practical, use this petite gueridon...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

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 Jansen Directoire' Style Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Fine pair of STAMPED Jansen Directoire' armchairs. The wood has carvings and are painted in beautiful crème patina with green details along the borders of the wood. The chairs are up...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Jansen Directoire' Style Armchairs
Pair of Jansen Directoire' Style Armchairs
$3,160 Sale Price / set
45% Off
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

18th Century French Pair of Directoire Chairs
Located in Bradenton, FL
Beautiful pair of French original Directoire - Louis XVI chairs, France, 18th century. Original painted French Greenish gray with blue accents. All pegged construction, these came ou...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Custom Hand-Made Desk by Old Plank in French Directoire Style New Made to Order
Located in Chicago, IL
Custom Desk in the French Directoire Style by Old Plank and Made to Order in your specific dimensions and finish. The more you look closely at the finite details, the more you will b...
Category

2010s American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Gold, 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

Vintage Italian Directoire X-Back Wrought Iron Acorn Finial Dining Set - 7 Pcs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Italian Directoire X-Back Wrought Iron Acorn Finial Dining Set - 7 Pc Set. Listing includes (6) side chairs, (1) rectangular table with faux marble gray laminated top. Set ha...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Signed Maison Jansen Bronze Mounted Marble Top Directoire Commode Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Signed Maison Jansen Bronze Mounted Marble Top Directoire Commode Dresser is a fine example of the Parisian atelier’s legendary craftsmanship and timeless design. With its elega...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze

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

Fine Quality Tambor Door Breche D' Alep Marble Walnut Directoire Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine quality French Directoire sideboard showcases the timeless elegance and craftsmanship of late 18th to early 19th-century design. Constructed from rich walnut, the piece fea...
Category

1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Breccia 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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