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.
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...
Metal, Brass
$7,594Sale Price|20% Off
18th Century French Mahogany Sofa, George Jacob Manner, Circa 1796-1825
By Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Firenze, IT
This magnificent French sofa, crafted in the late 18th to early 19th century (circa 1796-1825), evokes the esteemed style of Jacob-Desmalter, the renowned chairmaker and cabinetmaker...
Velvet, Upholstery, Wood
Directoire-Style Desk, Brass and Leather, Early 20th Century, France
Located in Chicago, US
Directoire/Napoleon III style desk composed of one large center and two side dovetailed drawers. The right drawer has a divided back section with an inset tray and a horizontal panel...
Brass
Set of Four Late 18th Century Neoclassical Ormolu Wall Sconces
By François Rémond
Located in Essex, MA
Rare Set of Four Period French Directoire or Le Premier Empire Sconces. Two arm wall lights in the Late 18th Century Neoclassical form. Dull and Burnished Fire Gilding. Extreme de...
Ormolu
$3,411 / set
Pair Of French Directoire Style Armchairs1930
Located in Kent, Dover
A pair of French Directoire style painted armchairs, newly upholstered in stone coloured textured silk with gold scroll braid.
Fruitwood
Miniature French Directoire Style Commode, Wood, Circa 1950s, Antique
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Directoire style miniature chest of drawers.
Wood
Antique French Side Table, Cherry Wood with Hand Painted Finish, 1890
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...
Brass
$19,000 / set
1950s French Iron and Brass Dining Table and Chairs
Located in New York, NY
1950s French iron and brass dining table and chairs. The set has iron frames, chairs are black vinyl, with brass finials to the top and b...
Brass, Iron
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
Bronze
Fine Italian Dining Room Set of Eight Chairs and a Pair of Armchairs, 1790
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant set of Nord-Italian walnut chairs (8) and a pair of armchairs, Covered in ivory color silk in perfect condition. Lombardy Nord Italy, last quarter of the 18th century.
Walnut
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...
Marble, Ormolu
French Directoire Period Four Poster Bed, France 18th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very rare Directoire period four poster bed. Headboard and footboard are original - including paint. The tops curve gracefully outward. The friezes at either end feature beaut...
Wood
French Boiserie Library Paneled Wall Unit
Located in Sheffield, MA
Very handsome boiseries wall paneling from a French country chateau. The antique 19th century Directorie period oak paneled wall is made of 1 entry ...
Oak
French Directoire Style Coffee Table in solid oak wood
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....
Wood, Cherry
1940's Maison Jansen Louis XVI Directiore Style Painted Flip Top Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your interior with this elegant Maison Jansen paint-decorated console table, a refined example of French neoclassical design paired with the sophisticated craftsmanship for w...
Wood
French 19th Century Directoire Style Ebonized Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French, 19th century Directoire style leather-topped desk with hidden extensions on each side to add surface area, in a dramatic ebonized finish over the wood. The olive green leat...
Brass
French Directoire Style Console Table in Cherry with blue 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 ...
Wood, Cherry
Early 19th Century French Trumeau of a Gentleman Naturalist
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Very rare and charming early 19th Century French trumeau mirror. The painting depicts a flower collecting youth walking along a leafy country lane. With collecting box over the shoul...
Metal
Vintage Black and Gold Tole Chandelier, Directoire Style, 1950s
Located in Stamford, CT
A striking vintage gold and black tole chandelier with four lights, featuring flared metal shades and dates back to the mid - 20th Century. The f...
Metal, Tin
18th Century French Directoire Satinwood Mahogany Marble Top Commode
Located in Essex, MA
Beautiful Directoire or Late Louis XVI Commode or Chest of Drawers. Satinwood panels and drawer fronts. Original hardware. Original White Marble Top with Bronze Gallery. Toupe Fe...
Marble, Bronze
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Period Antique Directoire French Louis XVI Walnut Armchair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Period Antique Directoire French Louis XVI Walnut Armchair is a superb example of late 18th-century French design, capturing the refined neoclassical elegance that defines the L...
Walnut
Pair Antique French Directoire Mahogany End Tables with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Antique French Directoire Mahogany End Tables with Carrara Marble will make a delightful addition to your room, providing storage, display, perhaps a place for a lamp, convenien...
Carrara Marble, Brass
$4,556Sale Price|20% Off
French Directory Bureau Bonheur du jour desk, wood and leather, and bronze inkwe
Located in Valladolid, ES
Stunning French Bonheur du Jour mahogany desk or bureau, dating from the early 19th century, with a leather top and mirrored upper doors. The piece, entirely crafted in a beautiful ...
Crystal, Bronze
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Quality Maison Jansen Style Directoire Tall Dresser Wardrobe
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Jansen style Directoire tall dresser wardrobe exemplifies the refined elegance and superior craftsmanship for which the renowned Parisian design house is celebrated. Insp...
Brass
French Directoire style handcrafted secretary desk in cherry wood & leather pad
Located in Landivy, FR
This Secretary is a handmade modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timel...
Leather, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer
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...
Walnut
$7,196Sale Price|20% Off
Extraordinary Solid Bronze French Marble Top Directoire Sideboard with Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Introduce timeless sophistication and impeccable craftsmanship to your space with this Extraordinary Solid Bronze French Marble Top Directoire Sideboard with Mirror. A rare and opule...
Bronze
$32,000 / set
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...
Birch
French Tilt Top Dining Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A vintage French Directoire style oval tilt-top table made of solid walnut. Unusual lyre shaped swivel provides sturdy support. Dining table height. Thick 1" plank top with high glos...
Walnut
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Maison Jansen Style French Directoire Creme Painted X Bench Circa 1960
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Jansen style French Directoire crème painted X-bench, circa 1960, is a stunning example of neoclassical revival design that combines elegance with functional charm. Beaut...
Walnut
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...
Fabric, Wood
French Directoire Style Handcrafted Customizable 4-Drawer Chest in Solid Wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4 drawer chest is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable for its straight, classical and timeless lines...
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...
Faience
$1,356Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Directoire carved Draper era X-benches exemplifies timeless sophistication, blending neoclassical influence with mid-20th-century revival style. The X-frame design, a ha...
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...
Wood, Cherry, Oak
Pair of 18th Century Italian Demi Lune Console Tables
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Handsome pair of 18th Century Italian demi-lune consoles. Of blond walnut construction with hand-carved legs, hand-carved stretchers and a beautiful patina to the tops.
Walnut
Fine Italian Dining Room Set of Eight Chairs and a Pair of Armchairs, 1790
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant set of Nord-Italian walnut chairs (8) and a pair of armchairs, Covered in ivory color silk in perfect condition. Lombardy Nord Italy, last quarter of the 18th century.
Walnut
French 18th Century Directoire Mahogany Chairs with Silk Blend Upholster Fabric
Located in Firenze, IT
This beautiful set of four late 18th-early 19th century European Directoire period mahogany gondola chairs will be the perfect addition to your dining room or living room as they can be used as dining room chairs or side side chairs...
Fabric, Cotton, Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany, Giltwood
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
French Paint Decorated Directoire Petite Commode Jewelry Chest by Lewis Mittman
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite French paint decorated Directoire style petite commode jewelry chest by Lewis Mittman beautifully captures the elegance of neoclassical design. Crafted with attention ...
Wood
French Directoire handcrafted Oak Coffee Table with a drawer, chestnut finish
Located in Landivy, FR
This coffee table is a handmade and modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical an...
Wood, Cherry, Oak
Very Fine Antique Dovetailed Leather top Letter Secretary Desk Chest of Drawers
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Antique Dovetailed Leather top Letter Secretary Desk Chest of Drawers MINT
Mahogany
Maison Jansen Rare Stamped Silver Leaf Settee in Black Raw Silk
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite and elegant Directoire style silver leaf settee with black raw silk upholstery on tufted back, seat and padded arms, France, 1950s. This settee was likely designed as a spe...
Silk, Wood
Maison Jansen Style Brass Ram's Head Gueridon or Side Table
Located in New York, NY
Brass ram's head Maison Jansen style two-tier side table, smoked glass top.
Brass
Small Directoire Cylinder Desk In Mahogany
Located in Kent, Dover
A small French Directoire mahogany cylinder desk, with brass detailing throughout. The roll top hiding a witing slope with a tooled leather top and two drawers. Above, a marble galle...
Marble, Brass
Large Directoire Mahogany Jardinière by Jacob Freres
By Jacob Frères
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Of rectangular shape, with a tôle liner and bronze gallery and raised on an integral plinth with wooden roulettes, stamped to one side on the interior JACOB FRERES RUE MESLEE. Jacob ...
Mahogany
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 ...
Leather, Mahogany
$17,088Sale Price / set|20% Off
Dining Room Set of Eight Italian Chairs and a Pair of Armchairs, 1790
Located in Rome, IT
A fine set of Nord-Italian walnut chairs (8) and a pair of armchairs, Covered in ivory color silk in perfect condition. Lombardy Nord Italy, last quarter of the 18th century.
Walnut
$6,594 / set
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...
Wood
French Directoire Green Diamond Pattern Upholstered Mahogany Bergere Armchair
Located in Queens, NY
"French Directoire bergere armchair with pale green diamond patterned upholstery and walnut frame with curved backrest and padded armrests on balust...
Fabric, Wood, Mahogany
$16,000 / set
Large Pair of French Directoire over Door Panels
Located in Dallas, TX
A large pair of French Directoire over door panels depicting two cherubs and a swan.
Paint, Plaster, Wood
French Directoire Gold Giltwood Mirror with Original Mercury Glass 19th Century
Located in IT
This exquisite French Directoire mirror, crafted in gold giltwood, features its original mercury glass, adding a touch of historical charm. Dating back to the 19th century, the mirro...
Mercury Glass, Giltwood
1960s Montgolfier Tole Toleware Chandelier (Two Available)
Located in London, GB
1960s Montgolfier tole chandelier (two available). Gorgeous hand-painted, three-arm Italian ceiling light based on the Montgolfier Brothers' hot-air balloon design. Decorated in the...
Tôle
Set of 8 Directoire Shield Back Louis XVI Style Distressed Painted Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Bring timeless French elegance to your dining space with this exceptional set of French Directoire style shield back dining chairs. Beautifully crafted with distressed painted wood f...
Textile, Walnut
Extremely Rare French "Directoire" Style Bibliothque (Bookcase)
Located in Middleburg, VA
Extremely Rare French "Directoire" Style Bibliothque (Bookcase). Made of extraordinary "Burled Yew Wood" with a rich golden color and lustrous patina. A simple cornice over two glazed cabinet doors and two lower cupboards. Elegant proportions are emphasized by the figured wood. Made in the West of France, circa 1820. 82" High 63" Wide 18.75" Deep A handsome and well-proportioned French Directoire style Bibliotheque, crafted circa 1820 in the west of France. This two-part bookcase is constructed from richly figured burled yew wood, showcasing exceptional grain patterning and a warm, honey-toned finish that enhances its refined silhouette. The upper section features original glass-paneled doors with elegant molded framing and carved corners, opening to reveal three spacious shelves backed with a patterned textile, perfect for displaying books or decorative objects. The lower cabinet offers closed storage with paneled doors and retains its original hardware and working locks with decorative key tassels...
Metal, Iron
18th Century Directoire Deux-Corps
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Cupboard or sideboard in two parts, dating from the Directoire period. The doors with losange motifs. The lower section has a small central drawer. Elegant cornice. A beautiful and ...
Mid-Century French Mahogany Directoire Style Coffee Table with Carrara Marble To
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-century French Mahogany Directoire style coffee table with Carrara marble top represents understated elegance in a manner of which th...
Carrara Marble, Brass
Early 19th Century French Directoire Period Mahogany Drop Leaf Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Early 19th century French directoire period mahogany drop leaf table is a fine example of French craftsmanship melded with practicality! When closed, this piece makes a great sofa ta...
Mahogany
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...
Mahogany, Satinwood
French 20th Century Mahogany and Leather-top Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French 20th century leather-topped mahogany writing desk, designed in the Directoire taste for refined proportions & materials. The wide leather surface is original, gently cle...
Brass
Maison Jansen Style Chrome and Brass Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Maison Jansen French style coffee table. Table has X-stretcher to the sides, with brass and chrome frame. Top and bottom tiers have two pairs...
Brass, Chrome