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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
Directoire Side Table
Located in Austin, TX
Side table from France in the Directoire style. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily cherry wood. It has been finished with a lustrous French polish of museum qua...
Category

1880s 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

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 Gilt and Patina Bronze Chandelier W/ Arrows, Early 20th
Located in Charleston, SC
Regal Directoire style chandelier was made in France in the Early 20th Century. The Classical Bronze Chandelier has an open work cylinder cage made out of eight two-tone Arrows with Patinated Shafts mounted with Gilt Quills and Arrowheads mounted to two Gilt Reeded Bronze Rings. There are eight two-tone S-curved Candelabra Arms mounted in between each Arrow. The S-curved two-tone Foliated Candelabra Arms are mounted to the lower gilt reeded ring...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Signed, Three Maison Jansen Tufted Benches
Located in New York, NY
Signed, three Maison Jansen Tufted benches. The benches have tufted velvet cushions, black ebonized tapered legs with gold trim.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood, Velvet

Directoire Armchairs
Located in Westwood, NJ
Two mahogany armchairs, with an over scroll padded back and seat between open scroll arms and above floral capital carved and paneled sabre legs. Inspired by a 19th-century French or...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair Of Silver Candlesticks – Antwerp, 1792 – Late Louis XVI / Directoire Style
Located in Bilzen, BE
Pair of Silver Candlesticks – Antwerp, 1792 – Late Louis XVI / Directoire Style Elegant pair of antique solid silver candlesticks, hallmarked in Antwerp, 1792, during the early years...
Category

Late 18th Century Belgian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Silver

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

Pair of French Directoire Style Midcentury Giltwood Stools with New Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French vintage Directoire style giltwood stools from the mid 20th century with carved rosettes, fluted accents, saber legs and new linen upholstery. This handsome pair of F...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Linen, Upholstery, Giltwood

French 18th-19th Century Copper Overlaid Relief Medallion of Antoine Lavoisier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large and Rare French 18th-19th century Copper Overlaid Portrayal Relief Medallion of The Renown French Chemist ANTOINE LAVOISIER (1743-1794). The ...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Copper

Early 19th Century Italian Painted Buffet
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautiful 18th century Italian Tuscan Buffet. The Painted Images and the Vibrant Colors make this piece a standout. It is a very large storage piece...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Directoire Style Gilt Bronze and Black Marble Gueridons
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of 1890-1900 Directoire Style Gilt Bronze and Black Marble Gueridons. Each with very fine ormolu mounts as well as hand-carved marble tops. Exceptional details on the ormolu i...
Category

1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

French Chest of Drawers, Directoire Period, Carved and Patinated Wood
Located in Madrid, ES
A French Directoire chest of drawers, late 18th or early 19th century, in carved, painted and patinated wood, with a grey marble top, fluted carving decoration on the sides and geome...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Directoire Heavily Brass Inlaid Ebonized Commode Circa 1940 Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This striking French Directoire style commode, circa 1940, is a masterful work of craftsmanship attributed to Maison Jansen, one of the most renowned Parisian design firms of the 20t...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

18th Century French Directoire Ormolu and Enamel Clock by Deverberie
Located in Essex, MA
Period French marble and ormolu mantel clock with sunburst or sun king motif original works. Gilding in great condition. Neoclassical form with enamel embellishments in great conditi...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Late 18th Century Settee in Directoire Style, done in walnut and brass inlay
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

Late 19th Century Directoire Style Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 19th century Directoire style armchair with pegged construction. Newly upholstered in textured purple/white fabric with plum linen back. Shell details carved to back with s...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

French Directoire Unique Fireplace Split Canape
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully designed French Directoire canape highlighted with paint and water gilding.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair French Directoire Bronze and Marble Neo-Classical Figural Candelabra
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This amazing pair of Louis XVI / Directoire period candelabra are of the finest quality. The figures are modeled as Roman Vestal Virgins issuing three scrolling acanthus leaf candle ...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

18th Century Pair French Consulate Chairs Signed Jacob
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
18th Century Pair French Consulate Chairs Signed Jacob Beautiful chairs purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Oak

French Revolving Dumb Waiter with a Faux Bois Finish and Bronze Fittings
Located in Dallas, TX
A French revolving dumb waiter, dessert table with a painted wood finish and bronze fittings. An applied letter in French on second shelf stating the quality of the table. this Faux ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French 18th century Mahogany, Ormolu and marble console, circa 1795
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and high quality French 18th century Directoire Period Mahogany, Ormolu and Gris St. Anne marble console, circa 1795. This stunning console is raised on toupie shaped feet...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Faux Suede Directoire Style Bergere
Located in New York, NY
Elegant faux suede Directoire style bergere with fluted and tapered legs and curved columnar arm details. Natural colored wood showing great a...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Suede

French antique Architect's Table, Directoire Period 1780-1800
Located in Belmont, MA
Explore a stunning late eighteenth-century Directoire Period architect’s desk crafted from figured mahogany. This exquisite piece features an adjustable green leather-lined writing surface with a hidden double rising system. Flanked by a pair of convenient pull-out slides and one long drawer, the desk opens to reveal an additional writing surface and sliding pen tray. Elevated on round tapering legs, this architect's table, also known as "table à la Tronchin...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of French Directoire Bronze Andirons
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of French Directoire-style bronze andirons with filigree connector (PRICED AS PAIR)
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

19th Century French Directoire Chest of Drawers, Cherry
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
19th Century French Directoire Chest of Drawers, 1810, France Cherrywood Directoire chest of drawers rests on conical feet. Straight, simple body, slightly protruding cover plate. ...
Category

1810s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Antique Painted Petite Side Table
Located in Austin, TX
Side table, French, made of cherry wood with a hand painted “Trianon” gray finish and black hand painted trim. Three dovetailed drawers have brass hardware rings. The tapered legs ar...
Category

1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Directoire Style Gold Gilt Rectangle Wall Hanging Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 45 1/4in W: 36in D: 1in This French Directoire style gold gilt rectangle wall hanging mirror is a prime example of luxury decor! This piece is made of the highest qua...
Category

Late 20th Century American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Giltwood

French Bronze and Marble Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
French bronze and marble coffee table. The table has a marble top with floral style bronze legs. Stamped made in France under one of the legs.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair Directoire Ormolu & Bronze Figural Candelabras
Located in New York, NY
Fine Pair Directoire Period Ormolu and Bronze candelabras with dark patinated cast bronze Neoclassical figures wearing draped robes, each holding a gil...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Pair of Directoire Style Armchairs with Incredible Patina c1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Matched pair of French Directoire Armchairs. Incredible finish, or should I say lack of finish, whatever you preference the patination is wo...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Upholstery

Armchairs Set of 8 Directoire 1790-1810 France
Located in New York, NY
Armchairs Set of 8 Directoire 1790-1810 France. A set of 8 armchairs made during the Directoire period 1790-1810 in France. Frame made in dark staine...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Birch

Directoire Mahogany and Brass Mounted Commode
Located in Essex, MA
With a rectangular St Ann gray and white marble top with rounded corners over a conforming case with three graduated brass mounted drawers with square brass bail handles , raised on ...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 Hexagonal Black and Gilt Leather Pedestal Center Table
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire-style hexagonal top center table with ebonized finish, gilt trim and details, gilt embossed leather top, and bronze decorative drawer pulls...
Category

20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Leather

Directoire cylinder desk with a book case on top, France 1800
Located in Leimen, DE
Directoire cylinder desk with a book case on top, France 1800, mahogany veneer. The desk has its original brass fittings. The leather on the writing surface is original as well. The ...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Walnut Directoire Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite 19th Century Walnut Directoire Table embodies the elegance and refinement of the French Directoire period. With its clean lines, subtle detailing, and timeless craftsm...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Directoire Style Acorn Finials Solid Cherry Open Arm Lounge Chairs MINT!
By Columbus Hickory Furniture Co.
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Directoire Style Acorn Finials Solid Cherry Open Arm Lounge Chairs MINT!
Category

20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Fine Paint Decorated Gilt Over Red Bole Green Silk Maison Jansen Attr. Settee
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
**Maison Jansen (Attributed) French Directoire Style Painted and Gilt Settee, Circa 1920s** This exquisite **paint-decorated and gilt-accented French Directoire style settee** is attributed to the legendary Parisian design house **Maison Jansen**, founded in 1880 by Jean-Henri Jansen. Elegantly proportioned, the piece features a beautifully carved beechwood frame with subtle **gilded detailing**, fluted legs, and neoclassical motifs emblematic of the Directoire period. The frame is finished in a refined cream paint with warm gilt highlights and red accents, while the upholstery—**luxurious pale green and ivory striped silk**—evokes timeless sophistication. The settee’s straight lines, scroll arm supports, and finely carved floral rosettes perfectly capture the **neoclassical symmetry and understated grandeur** that define both Directoire design and the Maison Jansen aesthetic. Renowned for blending classical elegance with modern refinement, **Maison Jansen** created interiors for the world’s elite, including **Elsie de Wolfe, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and Jacqueline Kennedy for the White House**. This remarkable settee embodies the grace, quality, and artistry for which **Maison Jansen** became synonymous, making it a statement piece for any collector or connoisseur of fine French furniture. Cushion may be goose down filled. Split in upholstery can be repaired by an upholsterer. Measures 55.5 wide x 38 tall x 33.25 deep x seat height of 21 tall **Keywords:** Maison Jansen settee, French Directoire furniture...
Category

1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Silk, Walnut, Giltwood

Antique French Directoire Style Mahogany Dining Arm Desk Chair Needlepoint Seat
Located in Dayton, OH
An early 20th Century French Directoire style dining chair. Made from solid mahogany with a contoured crest rail over vase shaped splat. Features scrolled arms, a pink needlepoint ...
Category

Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Tapestry, Mahogany

Pair Louis XVI  Ormolu Bronze Horse Handled Urn Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair Louis XVI  Ormolu Bronze Horse Handled Urn Candlesticks. French Empire-Directoire Period patinated urn form candlesticks with ormolu mounts, Ottoman influenced horsehead handles...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

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

Pair of Gilt and Patinated Bronze Candlesticks. Directoire, Late 18th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
A Pair of Gilt and Dark-Patinated Bronze Candlesticks – French Directoire, Late 18th Century An exquisite pair of French gilt and dark-patinated bronze candlesticks, crafted during ...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

1920s pair of Danish marble & brass gallery painted tables
Located in London, GB
A handsome pair of circa 1920s Scandinavian painted side tables with marble tops banded with reeded brass with fretwork gallery surround. In a striking mottled grey green marble they...
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Antique Cast Iron Urns
Located in Made, NL
Pair of Important Antique Cast Iron Urns Exquisite 18th-Century Directoire Urns

This exceptional pair of antique French cast iron vases originates from the heart of Paris, France. Crafted during the Directoire period (1770–1790), these urns showcase the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. The beautiful patina adorning the cast iron speaks to their historical authenticity. These timeless antiques are a testament to both functional design and aesthetic appeal from a celebrated period in European history.

The Rich Heritage of Antique Urns

Throughout history, antique urns and vases have been cherished across Europe for their exquisite craftsmanship and multifaceted functionality. Often serving as symbols of status and artistry, they were used to adorn gardens, courtyards, and stately homes. Made by skilled artisans, these pieces combined durability with intricate design, ensuring they could withstand the elements while remaining visually captivating. Today, their historical value and timeless appeal make them sought-after garden antiques.

Transforming Spaces with Antique Urns

These antique garden planters...

Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Iron

18th Century French Directoire Mahogany Wine Table with Gray Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
A French Directoire wine tasting table in mahogany with a gray marble top and brass inserts to hold wine bottles. This table dates from the late 18th century and is still very funct...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

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

18th-century Direttorio dresser from Vicenza in walnut and cherry inlays
Located in Villa Verucchio, Emilia-Romagna
18th-century Direttorio dresser from Vicenza in walnut and cherry inlays The 18th-century Direttorio Dresser from Vicenza represents a precious example of antique craftsmanship, expe...
Category

1780s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Nutwood

French Wrought Iron Bench
Located in New York, NY
Brown-burgundy leatherette top with a decorative wrought iron and brass frame.
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

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

Centre Table Commemorating the Paris Treaty and the USA Independence, Dated 1886
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A very interesting centre table commemorating the Paris Treaty between the original thirteen states of the United States of America and Great Britain ending the American Revolution o...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bone, Wood

Italian, Bronze and Marble Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
Italian, bronze and marble two-tier pedestal. The pedestal has a very decorative bronze frame. The top marble is beveled.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Directoire Style Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
French Directoire style pedestal. Pedestal has a white marble top with a steel and decorative brass frame.
Category

1970s Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass, Steel

Set of Six French Early 19th Century Directoire Period Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most handsome and complete set of six French early 19th century Directoire period armchairs. Each armchair is raised by elegant square ta...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

American Ivory Painted Upholstered Swan French Style Armchair
Located in Southampton, NY
American ivory painted upholstered swan French Directoire style armchair.
Category

Late 20th Century North American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

French Directoire Style Iron and Crystal Chandelier with Blue Crystal Feathers
Located in Dallas, TX
A French Directoire style iron and crystal chandelier with blue feather shaped crystals. This chandelier is very decorative and a nice scale.
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Iron

19th Century French Directoire Black Lacquered Chest with Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
This item is a gorgeous 19th Century French Directoire Black Lacquered Chest with Marble. The chest showcases a French style with a black color and a marble top, adding elegance and ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Directoire Mahogany Trestle Table, Early 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
Directoire mahogany trestle table, early 19th century. An octagonal top with lower shelf table.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

French Directoire Trumeau Mirror with a Painted Green, Purple and Gold Finish.
Located in Dallas, TX
A small scale French Directoire trumeau mirror with a gilded and painted green, purple and gold finish. This Etruscan style mirror, depicting Phaedrus is a lovey size and has wonder...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

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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