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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
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

Pair of Directoire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Sculptures of Children
Pair of Directoire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Sculptures of Children

Pair of Directoire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Sculptures of Children

Located in Kittery Point, ME

Each child seated on an oval tasseled and draped plinth in the shape of a stool, one reading a book, the other thinking, symbolizing knowledge and philosophy.

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

20th C. Sophisticated French Credenza by M. Hirsch
20th C. Sophisticated French Credenza by M. Hirsch

20th C. Sophisticated French Credenza by M. Hirsch

By Maurice Hirsch

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Sophisticated French Credenza, Signed Hirsch, Paris. This 4 door credenza/buffet is ebonized, and is made in Directoire style.

Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

LATE 18th CENTURY PAIR OF NEOCLASSICAL PAINTED CONSOLE TABLES
LATE 18th CENTURY PAIR OF NEOCLASSICAL PAINTED CONSOLE TABLES

LATE 18th CENTURY PAIR OF NEOCLASSICAL PAINTED CONSOLE TABLES

Located in Firenze, FI

Refined pair of wall-mounted, teardrop-shaped console tables, crafted from carved wood and painted with a thin tempera. The console tables feature a wooden top painted to resemble a ...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

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

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

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

Directoire Style Bronze And Burl Walnut Guéridon
Directoire Style Bronze And Burl Walnut Guéridon

Directoire Style Bronze And Burl Walnut Guéridon

Located in Essex, MA

Circular inset black granite top with metal banded edge and three faux bamboo cluster column supports joining a lower tripartite stretcher. Ending on bronze capped saber legs.

Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Granite, Bronze

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

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

18th Century Emilian Louis XVI Walnut Chest of Drawers
18th Century Emilian Louis XVI Walnut Chest of Drawers

18th Century Emilian Louis XVI Walnut Chest of Drawers

Located in Atlanta, GA

A refined 18th century Emilian Louis XVI chest of drawers in walnut, this elegant piece reflects the sophisticated cabinetmaking traditions of Emilia. The façade is beautifully arran...

Category

18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Antique Directoire Style Paint decorated Wall Vitrine Display Cabinet
Antique Directoire Style Paint decorated Wall Vitrine Display Cabinet

Antique Directoire Style Paint decorated Wall Vitrine Display Cabinet

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Dimensions: 39 inches high x 13.25 inches wide x 13.75 inches deep A refined example of late 19th century French Directoire Revival design, this elegant wall vitrine captures the en...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

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

Brass and Marble-Top Dining Table in the Style of Maison Jansen
Brass and Marble-Top Dining Table in the Style of Maison Jansen

Brass and Marble-Top Dining Table in the Style of Maison Jansen

By 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

French 18th Century Commode Secretaire
French 18th Century Commode Secretaire

French 18th Century Commode Secretaire

Located in Stockbridge, GA

This beautiful Commode secretaire is made of flamed mahogany with a black marble top.

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Set of 4 French Directoire Curled Armchairs
Set of 4 French Directoire Curled Armchairs

Set of 4 French Directoire Curled Armchairs

Located in Queens, NY

SET of 4 French Directoire (19th Century) mahogany armchairs with scroll form arms and gold upholstered seat and back (PRICED AS SET)

Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Gold

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

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

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 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

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

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

Table Game French Directoire 19th Century Mahogany Leather Black France
Table Game French Directoire 19th Century Mahogany Leather Black France

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

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

French Directoire Side Chair, Hand-Painted Wood, Cream Frame, 1785
French Directoire Side Chair, Hand-Painted Wood, Cream Frame, 1785

French Directoire Side Chair, Hand-Painted Wood, Cream Frame, 1785

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

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

French Directoire Marble Pillar Mantel Clock
French Directoire Marble Pillar Mantel Clock

French Directoire Marble Pillar Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

A Directoire Ormolu with black marble French pillar clock, three and a half inch enamel dial with Roman numerals signed ‘Viven Fils a Epernay’ with...

Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

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

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

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

French 18th Century Directoire Bed
French 18th Century Directoire Bed

French 18th Century Directoire Bed

Located in Stockbridge, GA

French 18th century Directoire bed.

Category

Late 18th 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 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

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

Pair of French 19th Century Directoire Style Patinated Étagères
Pair of French 19th Century Directoire Style Patinated Étagères

Pair of French 19th Century Directoire Style Patinated Étagères

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A fine pair of French 19th century Directoire style patinated etageres. Each display shelf is raised by topie shaped feet and has five tiers with dentil borders. The sides display a ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

French 18th Century Mirror
French 18th Century Mirror

French 18th Century Mirror

Located in Stockbridge, GA

Wonderful French Directoire mirror with a mercury glass and covered of gold leaves.

Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Pair of Directoire Style Bronze Tables with Pietra Dura Marble Top, French
Pair of Directoire Style Bronze Tables with Pietra Dura Marble Top, French

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

Maison Jansen Style Brass Arrow Directoire Lamp
Maison Jansen Style Brass Arrow Directoire Lamp

Maison Jansen Style Brass Arrow Directoire Lamp

By Maison Jansen

Located in Stamford, CT

1960s Maison Jansen style brass Directorie style lamp. Brass retains overall unpolished patina. No makers mark or signature. Newly rewired with brown silk braided cord. Original dou...

Category

1960s French Vintage 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

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

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

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.