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
French Directoire Settee with Painted Garlands, Upholstery and Diamond Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire settee from the 19th century with soft creamish yellow painted finish, green accents, painted garlands and linen upholster...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Early 19th Century Directoire Cherry Wood Antique Single Bed
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Delicious Italian directoire antique single bed in cherry wood, 1800. Internal dimensions inch W 30,70 D 74,01 cm W 78, D 188. Attention this bed wi...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Iron
$2,396 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair Of Directoire Armchairs In White Lacquered Wood
Located in BARSAC, FR
Beautiful pair of Directore armchairs in lacquered wood bench, trapezoidal backrest and jacob style legs, Seats covered with a beautiful bottle gr...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
19th Century French Directoire Mahogany Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Directoire mahogany Commode exudes the understated elegance for which the style is world renowned! Crafted from exotic mahogany imported from the Americas during ...
Category
1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Late 18th Century Gilt Bronze and Marble Candelabra
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of gilded and sculpted bronze candelabra with four branches each. The branches curve to form trumpets and foliated scrollwork on one end and sockets on the other end. The socket...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Directoire Style Bronze Tables with Pietra Dura Marble Top, French
Located in El Monte, CA
Outstanding pair of French Directoire style bronze round tables with semi precious gemstone (malachite, lapis lazuli, carnelian, agate, etc.) inlaid ...
Category
Late 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Marble, Bronze
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
Late 18th Century Settee in Directoire Style, done in walnut and brass inlay
By Jacob Frères
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
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
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
19th Century Demi-Lune Directoire Oak Wood and Veneer Dining Room Table
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant French demilune Directoire dining room table. Made in oak wood and veneer the legs end in bronze sabot, when the table is open they are 130 cm in diameter.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century Swedish Pine Secretaire with Fall-Front Desk Top
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Late 19th Century Swedish secretaire with fall-front desk top.
This style of desk was very popular in the 18th and 19th century in Sweden.
It offers an ingenious array of storage pos...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Pine
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
Directoire Style Thick Marble-Top Coffee Table With Matching Faux Marble Base
Located in Manhasset, NY
A beautiful marble-top coffee table with matching faux marble base. The coffee table is in a Directoire style, attributed to Maison Jansen.
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
French Directoire Dark Green and Gilt Painted Vine Design Trumeau / Wall Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire (l8th /19th Century) dark green painted trumeau / wall mirror with gilt vinework decorated frame.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
Maison Jansen French Directoire Style Brass and Glass Coffee Table
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire-style (20th Century) rectangular coffee table with gilt steel six-legged base with brass ram head ornaments and feet and a glass top. (attributed to MAISON JANSEN)
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
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
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
French Directoire Style Ebonized Solid Mahogany Desk in Any Dimension
Located in Chicago, IL
Our Old Plank Directoire style desk, is entirely made to order in our workshop here in Chicago and can be specified, both in dimension and finishes. Since we do everything in house, the options are almost limitless; down to the color of the leather. The Directoire desk you see in our 1stdibs listing, was crafted from solid mahogany and carefully ebonized the old fashion way, where the grain of the mahogany is still visible, as are the warm brown tones of the wood. Take a close look at the gold embossing on the leather top, of our French style desk...
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
French Directoire Boot Scrape
Located in New York, NY
French Directoire boot scrape. Iron boot scrape on winged paw feet, France late 18th century.
Dimension: 11" H x 10" D x 13" W.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Iron
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 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
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...
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Brass and Marble-Top Dining Table in the Style of Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Brass and marble-top dining table in the style of Maison Jansen. Two brass pedestals supported by a stretcher with ram's head feet.
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
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, three con...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Pair of Directoire Period Painted Armchairs after a Model by Jacob Desmalter
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of Directoire period: gray painted armchairs after a model by Jacob Desmalter . France: circa 1800 Seat height: 17 in.
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Pair of 19th Century French Corinthian Column Gilt Bronze Candlesticks
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of 19th Century French Corinthian column gilt bronze candlesticks.
With tripod-shaped feet on paws and acanthus sheathed and fluted pillars.
Ci...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion
Located in Montreal, Quebec
A beautiful French country Directoire style banquette bench with yellow velvet cushion
Made from sturdy sculpted wood, with the Classic lozenge and flower motif typical of the Direc...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
$2,880 Sale Price
40% Off
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.
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$17,255 Sale Price
20% Off
Table Game French Directoire 19th Century Mahogany Leather Black France
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary game table from the Directoire period made in France. Frame made of mahogany in a beautiful cognac brown shade. Apron divided into rectangular parts of brass and bra...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Hunting Lodge Accent - French Antique Stone Fireplace Mantel With Patina
Located in Beervelde, BE
Bring the charm of the French countryside into your home with this authentic early 19th‑century limestone mantel, beautifully weathered and lovingly restored by a first-class stonema...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Limestone
Zinc Urns
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional pair of antique French zinc vases originates from the heart of Paris, France. Crafted in the style of the Directoire period (1770–1790), these urns showcase the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. 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
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Zinc
$2,880 / set
18th Century French Folding Secrétaire in Walnut Veneer, Époque Directoire
Located in Sofia, BG
19th century folding secretary in walnut veneer and flamed mahogany opening to a drawer in the upper part and three drawers in the lower part, the fluted uprights resting on small sp...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
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
$2,150
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
Swedish Late 18th Century Gustavian Period Commode / Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and sober late 18th century/very early 19th century Swedish dresser or chest of drawers of good proportion and handsome appearance. Late Gustavian pieces are reminiscent o...
Category
Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Directoire Furniture
$6,890 Sale Price
29% Off
Pair of Round French Directoire Style Bronze Colored Steel Marble Top Gueridons
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant pair of French Directoire style guéridons combines timeless neoclassical design with modern versatility. Each table features a round marble top with natural veining, off...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Steel
$1,596 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Exceptional 18th Century French Mahogany Stools
Located in Allerum, SE
Exceptional 18th / early 19th century French mahogany stools. Ca 1800. Signed by Henry Jacob, master in Paris (1753 - 1824).
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th C. French Directoire Trumeau Mirror, 7 Ft Tall
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire style trumeau mirror from the 19th century. This antique mirror from France features a classic trumeau design with woode...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
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
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.
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$17,255 Sale 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.
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$17,255 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Side Table, French Directoire Marble-Top Circa 1800
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A French Directoire Marble-Top Walnut Side Table Circa 1800, Height 28 1/4 x width 16 1/2 x depth 12 inches.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique English Brass Tapesty Fireplace Screen Ball & Claw Hearthware Guard
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique French Victorian Directoire fireplace screen. Made of brass featuring exceptional reticulated fretwork with fluting and ornate ball & claw feet. Great for use with stained gl...
Category
19th Century Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$800 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$32,000 / set
Antique French Directoire Style Settee ~ Canape
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire style Settee ~ Canape is ideal for a light and airy look, with a minimal footprint for more cozy seating arran...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Sycamore
Pair of David Duncan Studio Sage Boissy II Light Sconces
By David Duncan
Located in New York, NY
A directoire-inspired hand-carved, diamond shaped backplate in mahogany available with wood, painted or guilt finishes. The eight point star-shaped backplate designed for single or d...
Category
2010s Directoire Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass, Wood
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
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
$24,000 / set
French Bronze and Onyx Side Table
Located in New York, NY
French bronze and onyx side table. The table has an ornate frame with an onyx top.
Category
1940s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Onyx, Bronze
French 18th century Directoire Period Mahogany, Marble, and Ormolu center table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and most unique French late 18th century Directoire Period Flame Mahogany, Ebony, white Carrara marble and Ormolu center table. This wonderful circular table is raised on ...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
Pair of Directoire Chairs, Western, France, 1810-1820
Located in Belmont, MA
Charming pair of Directoire chairs, Western France, Strassburg region 1810-1820, cherrywood. The chairs are in very good condition with a new...
Category
1810s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
$1,700 Sale Price / set
22% Off
Pair of Early 19th Century Directoire Chairs, in the manner of Bellange Frères
By Henri Jacob
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of early 19th century mahogany side chairs in the manner of Bellange Frères. Raised on turned tapering front legs and sabre rear legs, carved with pierced splades in the shape o...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Late 18th Century French Trumeau Mirror
Located in San Francisco, CA
Absolutely beautiful example of an original French trumeau mirror with painting of what appears to depict a scene from the famous o...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint, Canvas, Mirror
Portor marble pedestal, France, circa 1900
Located in Paris, FR
Portor marble pedestal in Directoire style.
Portor marble is a rare and noble marble, used since Antiquity for its unique black color veined with a deep yellow. Exploited by King Lo...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Directoire-Style Bureau Plat Desk
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Italian Dining Table
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Italian early 19th Century dining table.
Featuring an unusual, decorative top that extends to make a stylish square table.
With fantastic proportions and design, this table will ad...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Directoire Style Athenienne Stand in Gilt Bronze and Porcelain, 1900 Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Directoire style athenienne stand table in chiseled and gilt bronze composed of a tripod fluted and tapered support on lion’s paw feet. They’re joined bottom by a concave stretcher f...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
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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