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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
Mid-20th Century Directoire Style Gilt Gueridon Table with Marble Ramsay Style
Mid-20th Century Directoire Style Gilt Gueridon Table with Marble Ramsay Style

Mid-20th Century Directoire Style Gilt Gueridon Table with Marble Ramsay Style

By Maison Jansen

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

A refined Art Deco–style round side table featuring a gilt iron base and a sleek black marble top. The circular stone surface, with its subtle natural veining and polished finish, pr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Iron

Directoire-Style Desk, Brass and Leather, Early 20th Century, France
Directoire-Style Desk, Brass and Leather, Early 20th Century, France

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...

Category

Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish Late 18th Century Gustavian Period Commode / Chest of Drawers
Swedish Late 18th Century Gustavian Period Commode / Chest of Drawers

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

Mid-Century French Bronze, Steel and Mirrored Top Coffee Table by Maison Jansen
Mid-Century French Bronze, Steel and Mirrored Top Coffee Table by Maison Jansen

Mid-Century French Bronze, Steel and Mirrored Top Coffee Table by Maison Jansen

By Maison Jansen

Located in Dallas, TX

Crafted in France circa 1950, this mid-century coffee table by Maison Jansen showcases the firm’s celebrated fusion of neoclassical detail and modern restraint. The square frame feat...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Steel

French Painted Antique Style Dresser
French Painted Antique Style Dresser

French Painted Antique Style Dresser

Located in Westwood, NJ

In a painted antique finish with a molded edge rectangular top, nine paneled drawers with lozenge detailing motifs, antiqued pewter handles, with a fluted base and raised on square t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Récamier Settee in Scalamandré Tiger Velvet
Large Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Récamier Settee in Scalamandré Tiger Velvet

Large Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Récamier Settee in Scalamandré Tiger Velvet

Located in Nashville, TN

And of unusual ( rare ) large dimensions. Matching bolsters for each end. Well worn gilt and paint finish and losses to frame. Well worn paint and gilded finish. Oxidation to the gi...

Category

1790s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Chrome and Brass Console after Jansen
Chrome and Brass Console after Jansen

Chrome and Brass Console after Jansen

Located in New York, NY

Jansen chrome and glass console table with brass feet.  

Category

1960s Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Dark lacquered fir wood side table
Dark lacquered fir wood side table

Dark lacquered fir wood side table

Located in Vo', Veneto

Dark lacquered fir wood side table Alpine fir wood side table dating to around 1850, featuring a front drawer and an anthracite gray lacquered finish. Technical information: Period:...

Category

1850s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fir

Pair of Jansen Directoire' Style Armchairs
Pair of Jansen Directoire' Style Armchairs

Pair of Jansen Directoire' Style Armchairs

Located in Dallas, TX

Fine pair of STAMPED Jansen Directoire' armchairs. The wood has carvings and are painted in beautiful crème patina with green details along the borders of the wood. The chairs are up...

Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

French 1900s Directoire Style Walnut Three-Drawer Commode with Banding
French 1900s Directoire Style Walnut Three-Drawer Commode with Banding

French 1900s Directoire Style Walnut Three-Drawer Commode with Banding

Located in Atlanta, GA

A French Directoire style walnut commode from the early 20th century, with three drawers, banding and tapered legs. Born in France during the early years of the 20th century, this Di...

Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Directoire Style Gilt Bronze and Black Marble Gueridons
Pair of Directoire Style Gilt Bronze and Black Marble Gueridons

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

Maison Jansen Rare Stamped Silver Leaf Settee in Black Raw Silk
Maison Jansen Rare Stamped Silver Leaf Settee in Black Raw Silk

Maison Jansen Rare Stamped Silver Leaf Settee in Black Raw Silk

By Maison Jansen

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...

Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Silk, Wood

Antique Cast Iron Urns
Antique Cast Iron Urns

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

Pair of Russian Gilt Figural and Ebonized Marble Top Pedestals, Circa 1790
Pair of Russian Gilt Figural and Ebonized Marble Top Pedestals, Circa 1790

Pair of Russian Gilt Figural and Ebonized Marble Top Pedestals, Circa 1790

Located in Charleston, SC

Pair of Russian Gilt figural and ebonized marble top pedestals terminating on tripod winged hoof feet. Late 18th Century

Category

1790s Russian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Antique French Side Table, Cherry Wood with Hand Painted Finish, 1890
Antique French Side Table, Cherry Wood with Hand Painted Finish, 1890

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...

Category

1890s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Bronze and Onyx Side Table
French Bronze and Onyx Side Table

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

Directoire Style Desk with Cylinder Top, France, 19th Century
Directoire Style Desk with Cylinder Top, France, 19th Century

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...

Category

1860s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

Large Blonde Window Seat Banquette Bench Daybed Neoclassical Directoire Antique
Large Blonde Window Seat Banquette Bench Daybed Neoclassical Directoire Antique

Large Blonde Window Seat Banquette Bench Daybed Neoclassical Directoire Antique

Located in London, GB

A large and strikingly attractive Neoclassical blonde window seat bench in lovely antique condition. Likely made in the early 20th Century, in the manner of the late 18th Century Fre...

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair of Directoire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Ewers
Pair of Directoire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Ewers

Pair of Directoire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Ewers

Located in Kittery Point, ME

In the neoclassical taste, the open reeded spouts above ovoid bodies with leaf-clasped socles on square bases, the handles terminating in a female mask. This pair of ewers...

Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Period French Directior Leather Topped Writing Table.
Period French Directior Leather Topped Writing Table.

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

Signed, Three Maison Jansen Tufted Benches
Signed, Three Maison Jansen Tufted Benches

Signed, Three Maison Jansen Tufted Benches

By Maison Jansen

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

Early 19th Century French Directoire Period Mahogany Drop Leaf Table
Early 19th Century French Directoire Period Mahogany Drop Leaf Table

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...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Rare Pair of Maison Jansen Attributed Carrara Marble Top Mahogany Console Tables
Rare Pair of Maison Jansen Attributed Carrara Marble Top Mahogany Console Tables

Rare Pair of Maison Jansen Attributed Carrara Marble Top Mahogany Console Tables

By Maison Jansen

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This rare and exceptional pair of mahogany and marble console tables, attributed to Maison Jansen, is the kind of furniture that doesn’t raise its voice—because it doesn’t have to. T...

Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

18th Century Directoire Period Country French Whitewashed Buffet
18th Century Directoire Period Country French Whitewashed Buffet

18th Century Directoire Period Country French Whitewashed Buffet

Located in Dallas, TX

18th Century Directoire Period Country French Whitewashed Buffet is a splendid example of the tailored architecture made popular just before and after the turn of the 19th century. ...

Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

18th Century Pair of Directoire Candelabra With Bronze Griffins
18th Century Pair of Directoire Candelabra With Bronze Griffins

18th Century Pair of Directoire Candelabra With Bronze Griffins

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

18th Century Pair of Directoire Candelabra With Bronze Griffins Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.

Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Walnut Directoire Table
19th Century Walnut Directoire Table

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

Gorgeous, rare French Olivewood commode
Gorgeous, rare French Olivewood commode

Gorgeous, rare French Olivewood commode

Located in Bronx, NY

A rare French riviera olive wood Commode with stuning wood patern and amazing craft, Fully restaured by french nicoisse restauration artisan. Amazing quality and condition. Oilded b...

Category

1930s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of French Directoire Fauteuil Armchairs
Pair of French Directoire Fauteuil Armchairs

Pair of French Directoire Fauteuil Armchairs

Located in Long Island City, NY

These delicately proportioned 18th-century fauteuil armchairs exemplify the French Directoire style, each with a barreled back, and rosette finials a...

Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Directoire cylinder desk with a book case on top, France 1800
Directoire cylinder desk with a book case on top, France 1800

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

Large French Directoire Period Traveling Secretary Desk
Large French Directoire Period Traveling Secretary Desk

Large French Directoire Period Traveling Secretary Desk

Located in Pembroke, MA

This French Directoire traveling secretary is made of walnut. Its large size is unusual and would make an impressive statement in a study. The top sec...

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

French Late 18th Century Painted Directoire Chair
French Late 18th Century Painted Directoire Chair

French Late 18th Century Painted Directoire Chair

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A late 18th century French side chair from the Directoire Period with a carved and parcel gilt cream painted frame. The backsplat with a carved classical urn. Upholstered in green Empire...

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Upholstered Bergères with Twisted Columns
Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Upholstered Bergères with Twisted Columns

Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Upholstered Bergères with Twisted Columns

Located in Atlanta, GA

A pair of French Directoire style painted wood bergères chairs from the 19th century with twisted columns and new custom upholstery. This elegant pair of French Directoire style berg...

Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Suite of 5 engravings of Antique scenes after Moitte by Janinet
Suite of 5 engravings of Antique scenes after Moitte by Janinet

Suite of 5 engravings of Antique scenes after Moitte by Janinet

By Jean François Janinet

Located in Paris, FR

Suite of 5 Directoire-period etchings and aquatint engravings depicting scenes from antiquity, after drawings by Jean-Guillaume MOITTE (1746-1810), author, and by the engraver Jean F...

Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Paper

French Directoire Period Bergere
French Directoire Period Bergere

French Directoire Period Bergere

Located in Pembroke, MA

French Directoire period blue-gray painted bergere, newly-upholstered in lovely blue and gold toile fabric based on a museum-archived pattern....

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

1960s Montgolfier Tole Toleware Chandelier (Two Available)
1960s Montgolfier Tole Toleware Chandelier (Two Available)

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...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Tôle

French Directoire Style Pedestal
French Directoire Style Pedestal

French Directoire Style Pedestal

By Maison Jansen

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

rare Olivewood side table with decorative hardware.
rare Olivewood side table with decorative hardware.

rare Olivewood side table with decorative hardware.

Located in Bronx, NY

This wonderful french side table is wonderfully craffed with details and moulures to add class and elegance. The bale is made of rare olive wood with an impressive patern on the top....

Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Directoire Style Farmhouse Table in Solid Mahogany, 20th Century
Directoire Style Farmhouse Table in Solid Mahogany, 20th Century

Directoire Style Farmhouse Table in Solid Mahogany, 20th Century

Located in NAVILLY, FR

Directoire style farmhouse table with six solid mahogany legs. The legs end in brass sabots. This table needs restoration – we can restore it in our cabinetmaking upon request, wit...

Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Mid Century Wm A Berkey John Widdicomb Olive Wood Triangle Pedestal End Table
Mid Century Wm A Berkey John Widdicomb Olive Wood Triangle Pedestal End Table

Mid Century Wm A Berkey John Widdicomb Olive Wood Triangle Pedestal End Table

By John Widdicomb

Located in Dayton, OH

Mid century William A. Berkey / John Widdicomb Olive wood side / end / accent table. Rounded triangular top with pedestal base and onion shaped feet. Dimensions: 16.75" x 22" (Diam...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Olive

Late 18th Century Mahogany Directoire Server
Late 18th Century Mahogany Directoire Server

Late 18th Century Mahogany Directoire Server

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Original condition with a beautiful natural patina.

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of French Directoire Style Armchairs, 19th century
Pair of French Directoire Style Armchairs, 19th century

Pair of French Directoire Style Armchairs, 19th century

Located in Leimen, DE

Pair of Directoire-Style Armchairs, Circa 1880 – Timeless Elegance in Mahogany This stunning pair of Directoire-style armchairs, crafted around 1880, epitomizes the refined elegance...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Charles Pollack Custom Ottoman
Charles Pollack Custom Ottoman

Charles Pollack Custom Ottoman

Located in Dallas, TX

Custom ottoman by Charles Pollack with semi attached boxed seat cushion covered in Bergamo fabric.

Category

Late 20th Century American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of Ten French Mahogany Directoire St. Dining Chairs
Set of Ten French Mahogany Directoire St. Dining Chairs

Set of Ten French Mahogany Directoire St. Dining Chairs

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An exceptional and complete set of ten French turn of the century Directoire st. mahogany dining chairs. Each chair is raised by elegant lightly curved square tapered legs below the ...

Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Late 18th Century Gilt Bronze and Marble Candelabra
Pair of Late 18th Century Gilt Bronze and Marble Candelabra

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

French late 19th century Directoire st. patinated, Gilt Metal, and Glass lantern
French late 19th century Directoire st. patinated, Gilt Metal, and Glass lantern

French late 19th century Directoire st. patinated, Gilt Metal, and Glass lantern

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A unique and wonderfully decorative French late 19th century Directoire st. patinated, Gilt Metal, and Glass lantern. This wonderful hexagonal frosted glass lantern is centered at th...

Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Directoire Mirror
19th Century French Directoire Mirror

19th Century French Directoire Mirror

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

19th Century French Directoire Mirror. Gorgeous striking piece for any wall.

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion
French Country Directoire Style Banquette Bench with Yellow Velvet Cushion

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

French Bleached Mahogany Directoire’ Commode
French Bleached Mahogany Directoire’ Commode

French Bleached Mahogany Directoire’ Commode

Located in Dallas, TX

The French Bleached Mahogany Directoire' Commode is an antique piece of furniture that adds a touch of elegance and history to any room. With its classic design and use of high-quali...

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

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.