Directoire Furniture
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.
1880s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Brass
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Wood, Cherry, Oak
1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture
Walnut
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Bronze
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Leather, Wood, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Directoire Furniture
Wood
Late 18th Century Belgian Antique Directoire Furniture
Silver
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Linen, Upholstery, Giltwood
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Copper
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Wood
1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Marble, Bronze
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Brass
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Marble, Ormolu
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Wood
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Wood
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Carrara Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Oak
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Brass
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Marble, Ormolu
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Suede
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Mahogany
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Bronze
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Griotte Marble, Bronze
1810s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Cherry
1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Brass
Late 20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Marble, Bronze
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Bronze, Ormolu
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Hardwood, Upholstery
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Birch
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Brass
1960s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Wood
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Leather
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Mahogany
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Walnut
20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture
Cherry
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Silk, Walnut, Giltwood
Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Tapestry, Mahogany
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Marble, Ormolu
Mid-20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture
Marble
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Bronze
1920s Danish Vintage Directoire Furniture
Marble
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 UrnsThroughout 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 UrnsThese antique garden planters...
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Iron
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Marble, Brass
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Bronze, Iron
1780s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Wood, Cherry, Nutwood
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Brass, Wrought Iron
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Leather, Mahogany
Late 19th Century American Antique Directoire Furniture
Bone, Wood
1950s Italian Vintage Directoire Furniture
Marble, Bronze
1970s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Marble, Brass, Steel
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century North American Directoire Furniture
Fruitwood
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Crystal, Iron
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Marble
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Mahogany
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Gold Leaf





