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
Cast Bronze Olive Leaf Motif French Bagues Style Mirrored Side End Accent Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superbly crafted solid cast bronze and mirrored end table. The table is doen in the style of Maison Bagues and is in good condition. Dates to the 1970s era.
Measures 25.75...
Category
1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Directoire Style Bronze Tables with Pietra Dura Marble Top, French
Located in El Monte, CA
Outstanding pair of French Directoire style bronze round tables with semi precious gemstone (malachite, lapis lazuli, carnelian, agate, etc.) inlaid ...
Category
Late 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Marble, Bronze
Pair of French Directoire Style Brass Lyre Wall Sconces
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Directoire-style (20th century) brass wall sconces with three arms, lyre design, and eagle head details (priced as pair).
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
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 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 Directoire Boot Scrape
Located in New York, NY
French Directoire boot scrape. Iron boot scrape on winged paw feet, France late 18th century.
Dimension: 11" H x 10" D x 13" W.
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Iron
Maison Jansen French Directoire Style Brass and Glass Coffee Table
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire-style (20th Century) rectangular coffee table with gilt steel six-legged base with brass ram head ornaments and feet and a glass top. (attributed to MAISON JANSEN)
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Directoire-Style Bureau Plat Desk
Located in Chicago, US
Directoire/Napoleon III style desk composed of one large center and two side dovetailed drawers. The right drawer has a divided back section with an inset tray and a horizontal panel...
Category
Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
pair of French 19th century Directoire st. Bronze and Ormolu candlesticks
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and finely detailed pair of French 19th century Directoire st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu candlesticks. Each candlestick is raised by a triangular base with concave sides...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
18th Century French George Jacob Manner Hand Carved Mahogany Upholstered Sofa
By Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Firenze, IT
This magnificent French late 18th - early 19th Century (1796 - 1825) sofa hand carved in the manner of Jacob-Desmalter - an influential chairmaker and cabinetmaker who worked for King Louis XVI of...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Zinc Urns
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional pair of antique French zinc vases originates from the heart of Paris, France. Crafted in the style of the Directoire period (1770–1790), these urns showcase the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. These timeless antiques are a testament to both functional design and aesthetic appeal from a celebrated period in European history.
The Rich Heritage of Antique Urns
Throughout history, antique urns and vases have been cherished across Europe for their exquisite craftsmanship and multifaceted functionality. Often serving as symbols of status and artistry, they were used to adorn gardens, courtyards, and stately homes. Made by skilled artisans, these pieces combined durability with intricate design, ensuring they could withstand the elements while remaining visually captivating. Today, their historical value and timeless appeal make them sought-after garden antiques.
Transforming Spaces with Antique Urns
These antique garden planters...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Zinc
A continental 19th century Directoire st. mahogany center table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome Continental 19th century Directoire st. Mahogany, ebonized Fruitwood, Brass, Ormolu and Gris St. Anne marble side/center table. The table is raised by four square tapered ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
Mid Century Modern Bookcase, Wardrobe Cabinet or Armoire by Jansen
Located in Manhasset, NY
Lovely French Directoire style mahogany, rosewood and satinwood wardrobe cabinet, the top with bronze gallery over a conforming inlaid cabinet fitted with églomisé glass doors flanke...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
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.
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century, French Center Cabinet with Marble Top
Located in IT
19th century, French center cabinet with marble top
This central cabinet was made in France, during the Directoire period, between the late eighteenth and the beginning of the ninet...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
A French Directoire Gilt Bronze Mounted Commode with Marble Top, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A French Directoire Gilt Bronze Mounted Parquetry Commode With Marble Top, 19th Century
Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired in 1...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
French Directoire Mahogany and Brass Inlaid Leather Top Desk
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire (Late 18th Century) mahogany and bronze trim desk with a black leather top having 2 extending side surfaces surrounded by a shallow reticulated brass gallery, havin...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
18th-century Direttorio dresser from Vicenza in walnut and cherry inlays
By A. Manzoni
Located in Villa Verucchio, Emilia-Romagna
18th-century Direttorio dresser from Vicenza in walnut and cherry inlays
The 18th-century Direttorio Dresser from Vicenza represents a precious example of antique craftsmanship, expe...
Category
1780s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Nutwood
Signed, Three Maison Jansen Tufted Benches
Located in New York, NY
Signed, three Maison Jansen Tufted benches. The benches have tufted velvet cushions, black ebonized tapered legs with gold trim.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Velvet
Portor marble pedestal, France, circa 1900
Located in Paris, FR
Portor marble pedestal in Directoire style.
Portor marble is a rare and noble marble, used since Antiquity for its unique black color veined with a deep yellow. Exploited by King Lo...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
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
French 19th century Directorate st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most decorative French 19th century Directorate st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu chandelier. This beautiful six arm chandelier is centered by an Ormolu acorn bottom fin...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Baker Directoire Empire Style Ring Pulls 6 Drawers High Chest Dresser MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Baker Directoire Empire Style Ring Pulls 6 Drawers High Chest Dresser MINT!
Category
20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
19th C. French Directoire Trumeau Mirror, 7 Ft Tall
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire style trumeau mirror from the 19th century. This antique mirror from France features a classic trumeau design with woode...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
French 19th Century Green Painted Metal And Brass Table Lamp For Candlestick
Located in Copenhagen, K
French 19th Century Green Painted Metal And Brass Table Lamp With Candle Holder
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair of 18th Century Dutch Painted Still Lifes on Panels
Located in Hudson, NY
The pair are painted on wood panel and done circa 1760 by a country artist working from life. Each composition is very similar but subtly different and incorporating different leaves...
Category
Mid-18th Century Dutch Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
An Exceptional Set of Six Inlaid Directoire Period Mahogany Dining Chairs
By Charles Percier
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
All six frames featuring swan shaped brass inlaid motifs strikingly silhouetted against ebonized panels within brass moldings, over hand carved lyre-shaped splats replete with brass 'strings'. The frames also featuring brass strung stiles, front seat rails & sabre-leg front supports. All are in exceptionally sound condition due to the classical construction method of using oak as the secondary wood for added strength & durability.
The swan motif was highly favored by cabinetmakers & mount makers during the Directoire Period and was associated with Napoleons consort Josephine, by interpreting her protective nature towards her children like that of a swan towards it's cygnets).
For comparative examples see works by Charles Percier...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 19th c French Marble Topped Directoire Sewing Table With Isle of Man Feet
Located in valatie, NY
Early 19th c French Marble Topped Directoire Sewing Table With Isle of Man Feet, c1800. The octangular inset marble topped shelf has a conforming wooden surround and gallery surround...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Mid-19th Century Bouliotte Lamp, Three Socket Candle Cluster and Tole Shade
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mid-19th century French bouliotte lamp. Painted tole shade. Excellent scale and design, circa 1840-1860 in the Directoire style
The open work basket form base was used to retain the...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Tin
Set of Six Vintage Directoire Style Black & Gold Dining Chairs Modern Chic
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We have admired this style of chairs for years, but it took 13 years in business to find this set. Custom made in the early 1960s by Indianapolis Chair...
Category
1960s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French Directoire Period Side Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
A French Directoire period side table made of mahogany. The tabletop is finished with a beveled edge and has a protective glass cover. Below, a single drawer is hand dovetailed and o...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Mahogany
Early 19th Century Sèvres Neoclassical Ormolu and Bisque Porcelain Clock
Located in Essex, MA
Period early 19th century Directoire clock attributed to Sèvres. Beautifully sculpted biscuit porcelain in white and Wedgwood blue jasper ware col...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Directoire Mahogany and Brass Mounted Console Desserte
Located in Essex, MA
With rectangular top with 3/4 brass gallery and dark grey stone top over a drawer with two circular gilt bronze ring handles, raised on circular brass inset fluted legs joined by a l...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
17th Century Extension Table from Switzerland
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Fine 17th century table with two extensions coming from Switzerland
This uncommun extension table has a very beautiful base with Fine carvings and t...
Category
1650s Swiss Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Maison Jansen Rare Stamped Silver Leaf Settee in Black Raw Silk
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
Fine Rare French Walnut Directoire Cartonier Writing Desk Marquetry Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic and rare form of desk called a Cartonier and features a beautiful walnut case with a top in the form of a triangular etagere or bookshelf. The piece is designed i...
Category
1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Stone Fireplace Surround With Wild Boar And Red De Baviere Hound Head Detail
Located in Beervelde, BE
Directoire period French stone fireplace surround.
Details of a wild boar and hunting hounds head are carved on the fronton.
Exceptiona...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Stone
Monumental French Directoire Style Ebonized Mirror Beveled With Brass Accents
Located in Manhasset, NY
A Monumental French Ebonized and parcel-gilt mirror in the style of Directoire, circa 1950s, the rectangular beveled looking glass with a panelled frame decorated by brass accents.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Carved Painted Demilune Console Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate an entryway with this elegant pair of antique painted consoles. Crafted in northern France, circa 1880 and shaped as half moon, each style table stands on four tapered and r...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Oak, Paint
Directoire Card Table, 1800-10, Mahogany
Located in Belmont, MA
This French Directoire card table dates back to around 1800-10, It has a pretty mahogany veneer. The table stands on four pointed legs. The top can be folded out and rests on the pul...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Wrought Iron and Tufted Bench Style of Maison Ramsay
Located in New York, NY
Wrought iron and tufted bench style of Maison Ramsay.
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Large Giltwood Dark Framed French Directoire Wall MIrror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Carved wood frame. Gilt trim. 54" h x 36 1/2" w x 1 3/4" d.
Condition
Minor scratches. Minor finish loss.
Category
1980s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Maison Jansen Polished Steel and Brass Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Maison Jansen polished steel and brass coffee table.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
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 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
Chests of Drawers Walnut & Tulipwood, Bespoke
Located in Uppingham, GB
Two Drawer Chest of Drawers.
Modern design two drawer chest with simple lines, matching 'Stripey' Walnut Grained tops, Two finely Beaded drawers resting on slender tapering legs.
Mad...
Category
2010s British Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tulipwood, Walnut
Fine Quality French Mahogany Bronze Mounted Secretary Desk Bookcase Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is an absolutely gorgeous and superb quality diminutive secretary desk from France. The desk features a bookcase top with adjustable shelf and a marble top and trimmed in bronze...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze
Maison Jansen Style Directoire Style Marble Top Two Door Cabinet Commode Buffet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a converted commode that has been altered and turned into a buffet. The piece is designed in the Directoire style and unmistakably in the style of Maison Jansen. The painted ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Breccia Marble
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
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
Side Table, French Directoire Marble-Top Circa 1800
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A French Directoire Marble-Top Walnut Side Table Circa 1800, Height 28 1/4 x width 16 1/2 x depth 12 inches.
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Directoire Armchair in Cherrywood with light blue coating, Italy, 19th Century
Located in Prato, IT
Tuscany, Early 19th Century
In solid cherry. New padding and light blue coating.
Dimensions: cm H 100 x D 60 Seat height approx. 49 cm
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Antique 17th C. French Directoire Gilt Wood Fretwork Fireplace Tapestry Screen
Located in Dayton, OH
Extremely rare late 17th century museum quality giltwood fireplace screen. Features exceptional interlaced fretwork between ornately fluted columns mounted by pinecone finials. Inc...
Category
Late 17th Century Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Faux Bamboo Bronze Shelf in the Style of Maison Baguès
Located in New York, NY
Faux bamboo bronze shelf in the style of Maison Baguès. Has three glass shelves and a nice greenish patina to the bronze.
Category
1950s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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 ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
Antique French Bronze and Marble Pedestal
Located in New York, NY
1920s French bronze and marble pedestal. Pedestal has hoof feet, a nice burgundy marble top with a decorative and ornate bronze frame.
Category
1920s French Vintage 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.