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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
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

Walnut Panetière Early 19th Century
Walnut Panetière Early 19th Century

Walnut Panetière Early 19th Century

Located in Brussels, Brussels

Superb and rare walnut panetière from the beginning of the 19th century This piece of furniture were used in the past to store the bread in the south of France. Provence region Very...

Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Small Directoire Cylinder Desk In Mahogany
Small Directoire Cylinder Desk In Mahogany

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...

Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass

Pair of 18th Century Italian Demi Lune Console Tables
Pair of 18th Century Italian Demi Lune Console Tables

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.

Category

18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Directoire Mahogany and Brass Mounted Commode
Directoire Mahogany and Brass Mounted Commode

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

Eight walnut Direttorio chairs, Tuscany, Lucca circa 1795
Eight walnut Direttorio chairs, Tuscany, Lucca circa 1795

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

Turquin Blue Marble Fireplace, Alep Brecchia and White Statuary
Turquin Blue Marble Fireplace, Alep Brecchia and White Statuary

Turquin Blue Marble Fireplace, Alep Brecchia and White Statuary

Located in Honnelles, WHT

marble fireplace, early nineteenth century, great quality of sculpture. Fireplace dimensions: 92,5x111cm.

Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Directoire Armchairs
Directoire Armchairs

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

Late 19th Century Swedish Pine Secretaire with Fall-Front Desk Top
Late 19th Century Swedish Pine Secretaire with Fall-Front Desk Top

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

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

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

Directoire 1800 Walnut Burl Gaming Table
Directoire 1800 Walnut Burl Gaming Table

Directoire 1800 Walnut Burl Gaming Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

A handsome Italian Directoire game table dating to circa 1800, beautifully veneered in richly figured walnut burl, prized for its dramatic swirling grain and warm tonal depth. The re...

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

1920s pair of Danish marble & brass gallery painted tables
1920s pair of Danish marble & brass gallery painted tables

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

1950s French Iron and Brass Dining Chairs
1950s French Iron and Brass Dining Chairs

1950s French Iron and Brass Dining Chairs

Located in New York, NY

1950s French iron and brass dining chairs. The chairs have iron frames, are black vinyl, with brass finials to the top and brass ball feet. The chairs also have sloping arms and fold...

Category

1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

French 19th Century Brass and Mahogany veneered Directoire Style Cylinder Bureau
French 19th Century Brass and Mahogany veneered Directoire Style Cylinder Bureau

French 19th Century Brass and Mahogany veneered Directoire Style Cylinder Bureau

Located in Berlin, DE

French 19th Century Brass Inlaid and Mahogany veneered Directoire Style Cylinder Bureau A 19th century mahogany cylinder bureau with the rectangular top surrounded by a pierced brass gallery, above two mirrored panelled doors, the roll-top opening to reveal a sliding leather writing surface surmounted by three drawers and a shelf, above two frieze drawers, on fluted circular tapering legs headed by asperges and terminated by cast sabot. The mirrored paneled doors, and the roll top are distinguished by its brass inlays that beautifully frame and outline the design of the item. Together with the brass handles, the brass gallery and the brass toupie feet this cylinder bureau displays...

Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French, Directoire Marble Top Demi-Lune Table
French, Directoire Marble Top Demi-Lune Table

French, Directoire Marble Top Demi-Lune Table

Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI

This stunning example of late neoclassical furniture will bring a touch of grace and elegance to any interior. At only 11" deep, this demi-lune table will fit in many spaces. And while diminutive in size, it's big in style. Its all metal legs and base are topped with a stunning piece of green marble and the subtle details in the legs create continued visual interest. This table is a quintessential piece of directoire style furniture...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Metal, Iron

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

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

1940s French Lounge Chairs Pair
1940s French Lounge Chairs Pair

1940s French Lounge Chairs Pair

Located in New York, NY

1940s pair of French lounge chairs that are nicely upholstered in silk with rolled arms and loose down filled seat cushions. The chairs have flared mahogany legs.

Category

1940s Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany, Silk

Large Directoire Mahogany Jardinière by Jacob Freres
Large Directoire Mahogany Jardinière by Jacob Freres

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 ...

Category

Late 18th Century European Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

Set of Six Directoire Mahogany Dining Chairs Attributed to Georges Jacob
Set of Six Directoire Mahogany Dining Chairs Attributed to Georges Jacob

Set of Six Directoire Mahogany Dining Chairs Attributed to Georges Jacob

By Georges Jacob

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A set of six period Directoire dining chairs carved in Honduras mahogany. Identical chairs are shown in the reference book "Ebenists of the 18th century". While unstamped, this set comes with written documentation and attribution to George Jacob by a leading antique dealer in Paris from where they were purchased. The chairs are very similar to a set in the dining room at Malmaison . Refer to last photo in the photo gallery . Georges Jacob (6 July 1739 – 5 July 1814) the most prominent furniture maker in 18th century Paris. He produced carved, painted and gilded beds and seat furniture and upholstery work for the French royal châteaux, in the Neoclassical style that is associated with Louis XVI furniture. In his workshop he employed numerous specialist carvers and gilders. In 1785, Jacob produced the first mahogany chairs à l'anglaise, for the Comte de Provence similar in many ways to the ones on offer here. When he retired in 1796, Georges Jacob left his workshop in the hands of his two sons, one of whom was François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter who went on to become a leading French Empire Furniture...

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

LATE 18TH-CENTURY DIRECTORY-STYLE VENEERED BEDSIDE TABLES
LATE 18TH-CENTURY DIRECTORY-STYLE VENEERED BEDSIDE TABLES

LATE 18TH-CENTURY DIRECTORY-STYLE VENEERED BEDSIDE TABLES

Located in Firenze, FI

A pair of elegant nightstands veneered with walnut and olive burl, embellished with geometric inlays. The nightstands feature truncated pyramid legs typical of the period and a curve...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Set of Eight French 19th Century Directoire St. Patinated Wood Dining Chairs
Set of Eight French 19th Century Directoire St. Patinated Wood Dining Chairs

Set of Eight French 19th Century Directoire St. Patinated Wood Dining Chairs

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An elegant and very unique complete set of eight French 19th century Directoire st. patinated wood dining chairs. Each chair is raised by lovely turned circular legs at the front wit...

Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Pair of French Directoire Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Side Tables
Pair of French Directoire Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Side Tables

Pair of French Directoire Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Side Tables

Located in Dallas, TX

Beautiful pair of French Directoire style gilt bronze and marble side tables. These tables are extremely fine quality and a gorgeous finish. Creates a very polished look!.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Large Pair of French Directoire over Door Panels
Large Pair of French Directoire over Door Panels

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.  

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Paint, Plaster, Wood

Early 19th Century French Pair of Walnut Directoire Stools
Early 19th Century French Pair of Walnut Directoire Stools

Early 19th Century French Pair of Walnut Directoire Stools

Located in New Orleans, LA

Crafted from richly patinated walnut, this elegant pair of French Directoire stools features clean lines, tapered legs, and refined neoclassical styling. Beautifully aged and versati...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of French 19th Century Tole Wall Jardinieres Wired as Wall Sconces
Pair of French 19th Century Tole Wall Jardinieres Wired as Wall Sconces

Pair of French 19th Century Tole Wall Jardinieres Wired as Wall Sconces

Located in Dallas, TX

A pair of French 19th century painted and parcel-gilt tole wall jardinieres wired as wall sconces.

Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Tôle

Pair of Memphis Style Armchairs
Pair of Memphis Style Armchairs

Pair of Memphis Style Armchairs

Located in New York, NY

Pair of Memphis style armchairs. Chairs are newly upholstered in linen. Has mahogany arms, a painted steel frame with circular bronze trim and bronze base.

Category

1970s Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Armchairs Set of 8 Directoire 1790-1810 France
Armchairs Set of 8 Directoire 1790-1810 France

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

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

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

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

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

French Directoire Period Four Poster Bed, France 18th Century
French Directoire Period Four Poster Bed, France 18th Century

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...

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Period French Directoire Mahogany Cannape in Gold Empire Silk Fabric
Period French Directoire Mahogany Cannape in Gold Empire Silk Fabric

Period French Directoire Mahogany Cannape in Gold Empire Silk Fabric

By Adam Jacob

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A Classic Directoire mahogany cannape with lion's head arm supports and paw feet, accented by Empire ormolu mounts and upholstered in gold Empire style silk yellow fabric.

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Early 20th Century Directoire-Style Silvered Giltwood Daybed
Early 20th Century Directoire-Style Silvered Giltwood Daybed

Early 20th Century Directoire-Style Silvered Giltwood Daybed

Located in Charlottesville, VA

A mid 20th century Directoire-style daybed in silvered giltwood, featuring carved star motifs above turned legs. The frame retains a softly aged patina and is upholstered in a geomet...

Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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

Painted Italian sideboard with four doors, 19th century, painted enfilade
Painted Italian sideboard with four doors, 19th century, painted enfilade

Painted Italian sideboard with four doors, 19th century, painted enfilade

Located in Vo', Veneto

Four-door painted Italian sideboard A vintage Italian corner sideboard in walnut, featuring a blue-gray lacquer finish and a natural wood top. Code: CR116 Epoch: circa 1820 Provenan...

Category

1820s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Nutwood, Walnut

French Directoire Louis XVI Style Gilt Metal & Tole Bouillotte Lamp
French Directoire Louis XVI Style Gilt Metal & Tole Bouillotte Lamp

French Directoire Louis XVI Style Gilt Metal & Tole Bouillotte Lamp

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Dimensions: 28 inches high x 13.75 inches wide x 13,75 inches deep Timeless and distinctly French, this Directoire style gilt metal and tole bouillotte lamp is a beautiful example o...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal

18th Century French Directoire Ormolu and Enamel Clock by Deverberie
18th Century French Directoire Ormolu and Enamel Clock by Deverberie

18th Century French Directoire Ormolu and Enamel Clock by Deverberie

By Jean-Simon 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

French 20th Century Mahogany and Leather-top Desk
French 20th Century Mahogany and Leather-top Desk

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...

Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Italian 18th Century Directoire Cherrywood Chest of Drawers
Italian 18th Century Directoire Cherrywood Chest of Drawers

Italian 18th Century Directoire Cherrywood Chest of Drawers

Located in Atlanta, GA

A refined Italian 18th century Directoire chest of drawers, beautifully crafted in warm cherrywood with elegant neoclassical restraint. The façade is composed of two smaller upper dr...

Category

18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

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.