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 6 Maison Jansen Attributed Balloon Back Circular Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This set of six Maison Jansen attributed Directoire dining chairs exemplifies refined French craftsmanship and timeless neoclassical design. Featuring elegant balloon backrests with ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$3,719 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Set of Six Directoire Dining Chairs, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Set of six antique chairs
France
mahogany
early 19th century
Dimensions: H x W x D: 88 x 47 x 44 cm, seat height: 48 cm
Description:
Set o...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Maison Jansen Style White Painted Upholstered French Directoire Desk Armchair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Jansen style French Directoire desk armchair exudes timeless sophistication with its elegant white painted frame and refined proport...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$1,356 Sale Price
20% Off
French Directoire Carved Wood and Red Upholstered Daybed
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire daybed with a carved wooden frame a finial top on each end and an urn engraved in to the frame of the bed
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine French Breche D' Alep Marble Top Faux Tambor Doors Directoire Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine French Directoire style sideboard is a superb example of craftsmanship and elegance, distinguished by its stunning Breche d’Alep marble top and refined architectural form. ...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Breccia Marble, Bronze
$7,996 Sale Price
20% Off
Gorgeous Oval Steel and Glass Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This oval steel and glass Maison Baguès style faux bamboo coffee table is a striking example of refined French-inspired design that combines elegance with timeless craftsmanship. Fea...
Category
1980s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Steel
$1,356 Sale Price
20% Off
French 19th Century Directoire St. Cherry Buffet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely attractive and elegant French 19th century Directoire st. cherry and ebonized fruitwood inlaid buffet. The buffet is raised by eight square tapered legs with conforming ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble
Miniature French Directoire Style Commode
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Directoire style miniature chest of drawers.
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
$3,500 Sale Price
30% Off
French Directoire Mahogany and Brass Inlaid Leather Top Desk
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire (Late 18th Century) mahogany and bronze trim desk with a black leather top having 2 extending side surfaces surrounded by a shallow reticulated brass gallery, havin...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique French Directoire Glazed Cabinet with Crossed Water-Gilded Arrows
Located in Chicago, IL
About as original as can be, this stellar antique only received a minimal amount of conservation in our highly regarded workshop. Constructed of exotic rosewood, the case packs quite...
Category
1860s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Gold
Set of Four Directoire Mahogany Armchairs by Jacob Freres
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Each upholstered backrest with backscrolled top rail above an upholstered seat flanked by arm rests, raised on ring-turned legs; each stamped JACOB FRERES / RUE MESLEE on back rail, three with old inked inscription M Julien...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
18th-century Direttorio dresser from Vicenza in walnut and cherry inlays
By A. Manzoni
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
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
Pair Of Directoire Style Bronze And Granite Gueridon Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Each with circular inset black granite tops with metal banded edge and three curved legs and conforming small shelf, all ending on paw feet.
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Granite, 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
Late 19th Century French Directoire Painted Cane Daybed/Settee, C 1880
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A late 19th century French Directoire painted cane daybed/settee. C 1880. Very decorative item with original patina.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cane, Wood
Eight walnut Direttorio chairs, Tuscany, Lucca circa 1795
Located in Prato, IT
Eight walnut Direttorio Chairs with banded backs and floral pattern carving.
Paws with carved frames typical of Lucca.
Entirely hand-sewn straw seat.
Tuscany, late 18th century
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
19th Century French Directoire Hand Painted Tole Table Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a table or a buffet with this elegant antique tole lamp. Crafted in France, circa 1870, Resting on a round base, the lamp showcases finely hand-painted scenes with charming ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tôle
Wonderful Pair Directoire French Bronze Gueridon Side Tables Black Marble Tops
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of French Neoclassical Louis XVI Style Bronze Gueridon Directoire Side Tables With Black Marble / Granite Inset Tops Leading To Paw Feet.
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Granite, Marble, Bronze
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
Pair of Directoire Style Slipper Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite pair of Directoire style slipper chairs showcases refined neoclassical elegance and timeless French design. Crafted with finely carved wooden frames, the chairs featur...
Category
20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tapestry, Wood
$476 Sale Price
20% Off
French Directoire Bronze Marble Top End Table
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire-style (20th Century) dark bronze brazier design square shaped gueridon end table with rouge marble top and cross leg supports
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Early 19th c French Marble Topped Directoire Sewing Table With Isle of Man Feet
Located in valatie, NY
Early 19th c French Marble Topped Directoire Sewing Table With Isle of Man Feet, c1800. The octangular inset marble topped shelf has a conforming wooden surround and gallery surround...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
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
$13,850 Sale Price
60% Off
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
Rare Pair Maison Style Cylindrical Metal Brass Glass Two Tier End Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare pair of cylindrical metal and brass two-tier end tables reflects a refined Maison-style design that seamlessly combines elegance and modernity. Each table is crafted with a...
Category
1950s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
$2,316 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Set of Four 18th Century Chairs, France, Cherry, Painted, Directoire, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Set of very unusual 18th century chairs
It's a set of four chairs, all with different paintings of the Greek mythology.
Bourgogne (France)
cherrywood, oil colors
Directoire,...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
$4,793 Sale Price / set
35% Off
Pair of Directoire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Sculptures of Children
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Each child seated on an oval tasseled and draped plinth in the shape of a stool, one reading a book, the other thinking, symbolizing knowledge and philosophy.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
A French Gilt Brass Mirrored Top Table, in the manner of Maison Jansen, C. 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Of good scale and proportion, the table features two inset mottled mirrored shelves supported within a gilt brass frame. The design is restrained yet elegant, reflecting the neoclass...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
A Set of 3 French Brass & Marble Nesting Tables — Directoire Style, C. 1950
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Each table features a rectangular marble top inset within a brass surround, raised on four slender supports joined at the base by stretchers.
Designed for both practicality and eleg...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
A Pair of French Brass Directoire-Style Mottled Mirror Tables, C. 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Each table features a square mottled mirrored top inset within a brass frame, supported at the corners by four uprights surmounted by decorative acorn finials. The bases are united b...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
$1,850 / set
Fine Bronze Mounted Satinwood and Kingwood Center Table in The manner Weisweiler
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine bronze-mounted satinwood and kingwood center table in the manner of Adam Weisweiler is a superb example of late 19th to early 20th-century craftsmanship inspired by one of ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$2,396 Sale Price
20% Off
French 18th Century Directoire Period Mahogany and Marble Tilt Top Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most attractive French 18th century Directoire period mahogany and Brèche marble tilt top side table. The table is raised by three elegantly scrolled legs with their original caste...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
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
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
Portal of the Directoire Period
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Directoire period wrought iron gate with two panels, divided into two sections by a horizontal band. The upper part is composed of vertical rods ending in spearheads. They rest on a ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
A Fine & Rare Louis XVI Mahogany Dining Table by Claude Messier, 18th Century
By Claude Messier
Located in Sheffield, MA
A Fine & Rare Louis XVI Mahogany Dining Table
18th Century
By Claude Messier
Maitre 1792
Active in Paris at the end of the 18th Cen...
Category
18th Century and Earlier French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Directoire Mahogany And Brass Mounted Commode
Located in Essex, MA
With a rectangular white marble top with rounded corners over a conforming case with three smaller top drawers over two long drawers each with brass moldings...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
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
$12,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Directoire Style Cabinet Hides Pair of Sub Zero Refrigerators Made Any Size
Located in Chicago, IL
Directoire Style Cabinet Hides Pair of Sub Zero Refrigerators Made to Order in any dimension.
Fabricated in house in our Old Plank cabinetry department, this is our absolute favorite way to completely integrate your Sub-Zero refrigerators, and make them virtually disappear from your kitchen. French Directoire style cabinet, can be produced in any species of wood, and with either, silver plated metal as shown, or a more traditional brass trim as seen in French Louis XVI furniture. The cabinet shown was finished in a honey maple custom stain, per the client’s specification. Our workshop went to great pains to make all the gaps as tight as humanly possible, in order to truly make the French Directoire style cabinet look authentic. The Sub-Zero refrigerator cabinet...
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Silver, Brass
Pair of Directoire Style Ebonized Tables with Gold Gilt Glass Tops, circa 1950
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of Directoire style ebonized tables with gold gilt glass tops and supported by four round tapering legs ending in brass casters, circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Directoire Commode In Mahogany With A Grey Marble Top
Located in Kent, Dover
A French mahogany, three drawer Directoire commode, with brass mounts and inlay and a shaped variegated pale grey marble top.
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Directoire French Ebonized Buffet, Circa 1910
Located in Austin, TX
Buffet from France in the Directoire style. This piece is circa 1910. It is made of solid wood construction, primarily cherry-wood. There are four doors that feature detailed brass h...
Category
1910s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 Vintage Directoire Steel Floor Lamp with Feather Shade
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Fantastic floor lamp having a sleek Directoire steel base on 3 elegant legs and a handmade one of a kind shade dreamily adorned with authentic brown a...
Category
1910s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Steel
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
Beautiful Pair of 19th Century Directoire Walnut Commodes
Located in Houston, TX
An exceptionally stylish pair of early 19th Century three drawer chest of drawers with good use of matching walnut to fronts. Having original marbles on top. The drawers having eboni...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
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 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
$1,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Maison Jansen French Brass and Polished Steel Cocktail Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully made French Maison Jansen Cocktail Table made of Brass and Polished Steel.
The Piece is impeccable with some expected pagination for the age of the piece, ca. 1950's.
...
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Shallow Depth Baker Furniture Directoire Figured Walnut Directoire Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your home with this timeless Baker Furniture Company French Directoire Style Sideboard, expertly crafted in rich fiddle-back walnut. A distinguished example of Baker’s commit...
Category
1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
$5,400 / set
French Directoire Style 1880s Guéridon Table of Ebonized Wood with Swan Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French ebonized wood Directoire style guéridon side table with grey marble top and swan motifs from the late 19th century. This French table features a round variegated grey marble...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
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
Fine Quality 6 Drawer French Brass Bound Marble Top Louis XVI Tall Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine quality French Louis XVI style tall dresser showcases timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship. Featuring a six-drawer design, this stately piece provides ample storage...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Pair of French Gilded Iron Corner Tables
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French gilded iron corner tables. Two-tiered glass tops.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Iron
$7,650 / set
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 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...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Iron
$12,162
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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