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.
$3,950 / set
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...
Wood
French 18th Century Commode Secretaire
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This beautiful Commode secretaire is made of flamed mahogany with a black marble top.
Marble
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
Walnut
Charles Pollack Custom Ottoman
Located in Dallas, TX
Custom ottoman by Charles Pollack with semi attached boxed seat cushion covered in Bergamo fabric.
Fabric, Wood
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...
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.
Wood
1960s Montgolfier Tole Toleware Chandelier (Two Available)
Located in London, GB
1960s Montgolfier tole chandelier (two available). Gorgeous hand-painted, three-arm Italian ceiling light based on the Montgolfier Brothers' hot-air balloon design. Decorated in the...
Tôle
Directoire Style Carved and Gilt Accent Side Chair attributed to Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 31 3/4 in W: 23 in D: 21 3/4 in SH: 20 3/4 in An exceptional Directoire Style carved and gilt accent side chair attributed to Maison Jansen, representing the refine...
Upholstery, Wood
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...
Wood
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...
Wood
20th C. Sophisticated French Credenza by M. 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.
Wood
$25,000 / set
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...
Early 19th-Century Italian Directoire Walnut Bedside Cabinet
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant early 19th-century bedside cabinet in solid walnut, crafted in Italy in the Directoire style. The design is clean and vertical, with tapered legs and refined proportions t...
Walnut
Century Furniture Directoire Style Walnut Upholstered seat & Cane Back Armchair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Century Furniture Directoire Style Walnut with Upholstered seat with Cane Back Armchair in great vintage condition. Measures 23" in width, 24" in depth and stands 36.5z" tall. Sea...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
French Directoire Period Four Poster Bed, France 18th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very rare Directoire period four poster bed. Headboard and footboard are original - including paint. The tops curve gracefully outward. The friezes at either end feature beaut...
Wood
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.
Bronze
$6,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Fine Set of 12 Brass Inlaid Rosewood French Regency Style Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine set of 12 brass inlaid rosewood French Regency style dining chairs represents the perfect balance of craftsmanship, elegance, and functionality. Expertly made, each chair f...
Brass
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:...
Fir
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 ...
Mahogany
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...
Upholstery, Wood
Portal of the Directoire Period, Early 19th Century
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Directoire period wrought iron gate with two panels, divided into two sections by a horizontal band. The upper part is composed of vertical rods ending in spearheads. They rest on a ...
Wrought Iron
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...
Metal
Pair of Large Candelabra-Candlesticks in Gilded Wood, France Directoire Period
Located in Paris, FR
Two large candelabra-candlesticksdecorated with lion claw and cherub heads on the on the visible side . They are turned wood and are decorated, engraved and gilded only on one side ...
Gold Leaf
French 19th Century Directoire St. Walnut Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant French 19th century Directoire st. Walnut stool. The circular stool is raised by lovely lightly curved square tapered legs below the straight wrap around frieze.
Walnut
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...
Nutwood, Walnut
$1,196Sale Price|27% Off
French Directoire Style Cream Painted Gilt Polychromed Decorative Barometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Cream Painted and Gilt Polychromed Directoire Barometer P. F. Bollenbach Barometer and Thermometer, 20th Century A stunning French-style cream-painted and gilt polychromed D...
Glass, Wood
$39,813Sale Price / set|25% Off
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...
Marble, Bronze
$1,295Sale Price|30% Off
Mid Century Wm A Berkey John Widdicomb Olive Wood Triangle Pedestal End Table
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...
Olive
Baker Milling Road Darryl Carter Ebonized Directoire Style Brass Mounted Console
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 29 1/2 IN W: 42 IN D: 21 3/4 IN Refined and effortlessly sophisticated, this Baker Furniture console table from the celebrated Darryl Carter Collection embodies the ...
Metal, Brass
19th c. French Directoire’ Mahogany Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
The product is a 19th century French Directoire mahogany chest, which is a stylish and classic piece of furniture for any home. With its elegant design and rich mahogany finish, this...
Marble, Brass
$700Sale Price|30% Off
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 ...
Tapestry, Mahogany
French Directoire Fruitwood Corner Cabinet with Inlay
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French solid fruitwood corner cabinet that will add a bit more storage to any room without taking up too much space. Hand-crafted in the 19th century around 1850, this is a wonderf...
Metal
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 ...
Multi-gemstone, Marble, Bronze
Late 18th Century Mahogany Directoire Server, French
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Original condition with a beautiful natural patina.
Mahogany
Directoire Style Gallery Table Stand
Located in Houston, TX
1960s French Directoire style gallery table stand with a faux goatskin veneer, brass ormolu, gallery rails, and a single drawer.
Brass, Ormolu
Directoire-Style Commode with Marble Top
Located in New York, NY
Directoire- style commode with marble top on tapered legs.
Carrara Marble
Set of 4 19th Century French Directoire Mahogany 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)
Gold
$13,987Sale Price|25% Off
A Large Directoire Period Painted Seven- fold Screen, French Late 18th century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Large Directoire Period Painted Seven- fold Screen, French Late 18th century Height: 175 cm Width: 420 cm fully extended Depth: 3 cm each panel Provenance: Private Australian Col...
Canvas, Hardwood
French Directoire Style Mahogany and Leather Canapé ~ Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
French Directoire style mahogany canapé combines refined neoclassical lines with the warmth and character of beautifully aged wood. The gracefully flared arms sweep outward from the ...
Leather, Mahogany
Directoire Lyre Back Settee, circa 1880s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Rare and elegant Directoire style lyre-back settee. Original black paint. Newly reupholstered with vintage fabric. Horsehair-filled cushion.
Fabric, Wood
$2,994Sale Price|20% Off
Directoire Half Moon Table In wood From The Directoire Period
Located in Valladolid, ES
Amazing mahogany crescent-shaped table from the Directoire period, late 18th century. It rests on pilastered legs topped with wooden pads. Elegant and timeless half-moon gaming table...
Fabric, Wood
Gorgeous Oval Steel and Glass Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This oval steel and glass Maison Baguès style faux bamboo coffee table is a striking example of refined French-inspired design that combines elegance with timeless craftsmanship. Fea...
Steel
Set of Six French Early 19th Century Directoire Period Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most handsome and complete set of six French early 19th century Directoire period armchairs. Each armchair is raised by elegant square ta...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage French Directoire Brass Scroll Arm Tole Metal Bouillotte Desk Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Directoire Brass Scroll Arm Tole Metal Bouillotte Desk Table Lamp with Adjustable Height Shade and Candle Arms. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 25.5" H (to fini...
Metal, Brass
$1,575Sale Price|55% Off
An early Twenty First Century Italian Trumeau miror
Located in Winnetka, IL
A large modern Directoire style white and gilt painted Italian- made Trumeau mirror. The carved gilt carvings over the beaded mirror plate include musical instruments, ribbons and al...
Wood
French 18th Century Directoire Period Mahogany, Ormolu and Brass Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely elegant French 18th century Directoire period mahogany, ormolu and brass side table. The table is raised by three lightly scrolled legs with fine ormolu mounts with beau...
Brass, Ormolu
Antique Italian Silver Gilt Metal Chandelier, 1920s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Italian silver gilt metal chandelier. It includes 4 lights with Austrian crystal bobeches and prisms. Additional information: Materials: crystal, lights, silver Color: s...
Metal
Pair of Directoire Style Mahogany Floral Brocade Silk Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Directoire Style Mahogany Floral Brocade Silk Upholstered Armchairs Measures 23" in width , 24" in width, 37.5" in height. Seat height is 19" and low arm height is 21".
Mahogany, Silk
Pair of French 19th Century Directoire St. Limoges Porcelain and Ormolu Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most elegant pair of French 19th century Directoire st. Limoges porcelain and ormolu lamps. Each lamp is raised by a fine square ormolu base with a lovely beaded wrap around band. ...
Ormolu
Maison Baguès Iron and Bronze Tufted Mohair Fabric Bench
Located in New York, NY
Maison Baguès iron and bronze tufted bench. Base is steel with brass hoof feet. Newly upholstered in mohair fabric.
Bronze, Iron
$1,196Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Faux Bamboo Bagues Style Solid Brass Hexangonal End Tables Circa 1970
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This stylish pair of vintage brass end tables embodies the timeless elegance of French Maison Baguès design, circa 1970. Crafted in a sophisticated faux bamboo motif, the frames are ...
Brass
Directoire Sofa in Fruitwood with Paw Feet, France, ca. 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
Directoire period fruitwood sofa with carved paw feet, France, circa 1800,
Upholstery, Fruitwood
$1,750Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Neoclassical Directoire Scrolled Iron Outdoor Plank Top Dining Table 72"
Located in Dayton, OH
A nice blend of Neoclassical, Directoire and Farmhouse styling in this beautiful outdoor table. Made of iron featuring scrolled accents and pine plank top. Dimensions: 72" x 34" x 29"h
Iron
$1,895 / set
French Pair of Period Directoire Side Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A regal pair of French side chairs from the Directoire period (circa 1795-1800). The chairs have chalk-white painted frames now patinated to fine craquelure texture softening the sym...
Velvet, Wood, Paint
Fine French Classic Style Antique Fireplace Surround In Marble
Located in Beervelde, BE
A fine antique 18th century marble antique fireplace surround of the Directoire period. It was installed in a corner. See the marks on the shelf. This Classic stylish mantelpiece was...
Marble
18th Century Breccia Marble Statement Chimney Piece For Bespoke Luxury Design
Located in Beervelde, BE
Phenomenal Brêche marble fireplace surround. This magnificent fireplace mantel showcases the timeless elegance of white marble, adorned with intricate veining in hues of violet, brow...
Marble, Breccia Marble, Statuary Marble
A Diminutive Camelback Settee for Reupholstery
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A diminutive camelback upholstered settee with serpentine back, rolled arms, resting on 5 paint decorated fluted legs with gold accents. Dimensions: 50 1/4" L, 21" D, 20" seat heigh...
Fabric, Wood
$675Sale Price|50% Off
Maison Jansen Style Brass Arrow Directoire Lamp
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...
Brass
Directoire Brass-Mounted Mahogany Commode, Late 18th Century
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Directoire Brass-Mounted Mahogany Commode, Late 18th Century, the rectangular grey-veined white marble galleried top, above three short drawers and where two further long drawers use...
Brass
French Directoire Style Night Stand in Solid Cherry with 1 Drawer
Located in Landivy, FR
This night stand is a handmade and modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical a...
Cherry, Oak