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.
French Directoire Pendule, Black Marble, Firegilded Bronze, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Antique portal clock France marble, bronze, enamel Directoire around 1800 Dimensions: H x W x D: 46 x 28 x 14 cm Description: Antique portal c...
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Set Of Four French Early 19th Century Directoire St. Patinated Wood Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant set of four French early 19th century Directoire st. Patinated wood armchairs. Each wonderful chair is raised by circular tapered front legs with two mottled bands and end...
Wood
Maison Jansen Polished Steel and Brass Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
Maison Jansen polished steel and brass coffee table.
Brass, Steel
French Directoire Neoclassical Carrara Marble Top Commode
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant and architectural, this French Directoire neoclassical commode brings together the disciplined line of the period with materials of real substance and quality. The hardware, ...
Carrara Marble, Brass
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
19th Century Original Antique Country Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
Burgundy hard stone fireplace surround made by special commission of a horse lover. Detail of saddle for horse riding in the center. The front has a nice moving design into the room....
Stone
18th Century French-style Poudreuse, circa 1780, plum wood and walnut
Located in Münster, DE
Poudreuse, circa 1780, plum wood and walnut, rectangular body with flared legs and hinged panels, several small drawers and false drawers, original interior fittings, shellac finish...
Fruitwood, Nutwood
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
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Late 18th Century Mahogany Directoire Server
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Original condition with a beautiful natural patina.
Mahogany
$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
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 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
Pair of Candelabras "Aux Sphinges", Directoire Period
Located in Paris, FR
A pair of Directoire period gilt and patinated bronze and black and white marble candelabras. They present a decoration of winged sphinxes in patinated bronze carrying on their heads...
Marble, Bronze
$2,800Sale Price|56% Off
19th Century French Directoire Mirror
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century French Directoire Mirror. Gorgeous striking piece for any wall.
Wood
18th Century Directoire Period Fine French Antique Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
A Brêche marble with white statuary marble inlay is a perfect combination for this vintage chimney piece. The carving is of an exceptional quality bui...
Marble, Statuary Marble
$747Sale Price|20% Off
Directoire Armchair 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
This nice chair of directoire style is characterized by straight and simple forms. The uprights are made of turned wood with floral motifs on the connecting dice (seat and armrests)....
Wood
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.
Marble
18th Century Directoire Deux-Corps
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Cupboard or sideboard in two parts, dating from the Directoire period. The doors with losange motifs. The lower section has a small central drawer. Elegant cornice. A beautiful and ...
$5,995 / set
French Vintage Brass Lyre Sconces - Set of Four
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Set of four vintage French Midcentury wall sconces that are full of historic details referencing Directoire and Neoclassical themes. Cast in heavy, high-quality brass they are a beau...
Brass
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
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
19th century French Louis XVI Style Marble Top Commode by Maison Carlihian
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite 19th century French Louis XVI style commode by renowned maker Maison Carlihian embodies timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship. Featuring a finely grained mahoga...
Breccia Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Skeleton Clock of Ormolu and Marble from Directoire Period
Located in London, GB
A symbolic skeleton clock from the French Directoire period. A rectangular Carrara marble plinth with bronze toupie feet with knurled decoration supports an ormolu 'arc-de-ciel', wi...
Carrara Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
French 18th Century Commode Secretaire
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This beautiful Commode secretaire is made of flamed mahogany with a black marble top.
Marble
Pair of French Directoire Late 18th Century Lidded Apothecary Jars with Labels
By Deroche
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Directoire period ceramic lidded apothecary jars from the late 18th century, with hand-painted foliage motifs, labeled Tamarind and Ext. Cicutæ A:F, from the Deroche...
Ceramic
French Louis XVI Style Bronze Mounted Marble Top Mahogany High Chest C. 1940's
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 54 1/2 in W: 26 1/2 in D: 15 1/2 in An elegant and architecturally refined French Louis XVI style bronze-mounted mahogany high chest, dating to the 1940s, embodying ...
Marble, Brass
Vaso con Piatto in Cristallo Decoro Blu e Oro Austroungarico Inizio 1800
Located in Milano, MI
Elegant decagonal shaped crystal lidded vase, dish plate dating back to Directoire period, finely decorated by elaborate floral and geometrical gilded, white and blue enameled patter...
Crystal
19th Century French Oval Mahogany Dressing Mirror
Located in London, GB
A large mid 19th century French oval mahogany dressing table Mirror surmounted by urn, supported by carved & scrolled eagle heads with central paterae, ending on possibly replaced pl...
Mahogany
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
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 ...
Wood
Late 19th Century French Directoire Painted Cane Daybed/Settee, C 1880
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A late 19th century French Directoire painted cane daybed/settee. C 1880. Very decorative item with original patina.
Cane, Wood
Pair of Baker Furniture Company Rosewood Directoire End Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Baker Furniture Company Rosewood Directoire End Tables exemplifies the craftsmanship and timeless elegance for which Baker is renowned. Beautifully constructed with rich...
Brass
Directoire Style Desk Solid Cherry with Leather Pad and Covered Storage Space
Located in Landivy, FR
This desk belongs to the MELANIE collection that proposes handcraft modernized reinterpretated pieces of furniture from the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. T...
Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer
Antique English Brass Tapesty Fireplace Screen Ball & Claw Hearthware Guard
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique French Victorian Directoire fireplace screen. Made of brass featuring exceptional reticulated fretwork with fluting and ornate ball & claw feet. Great for use with stained gl...
Brass
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
Directoire-Style Commode with Marble Top
Located in New York, NY
Directoire- style commode with marble top on tapered legs.
Carrara Marble
$3,719Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 Maison Jansen Attributed Balloon Back Circular Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This set of six Maison Jansen attributed Directoire dining chairs exemplifies refined French craftsmanship and timeless neoclassical design. Featuring elegant balloon backrests with ...
Walnut
English Oak Directoire Style Tall Work Table w/ Chippendale Pull & Tapered Legs
Located in Germantown, MD
An English Oak Directoire Style Tall Work Table with Chippendale Pull and Tapered Legs. Dimensions: 22.5" in width, 15" in depth and 35.75 inches in height.
Oak
Antique Burgundy Limestone Fireplace Surround, Directoire Style
Located in Beervelde, BE
This is an original antique fireplace surround in burgundy hard stone with remains of the original wax. This was built in the Directoire period. Measures: 126 cm EW 49,60". ...
Limestone
$1,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
Soft Blue and White Painted French Directoire Style Medium Size Armchairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant pair of French Directoire style armchairs offers a perfect balance of timeless design and modern comfort, making them an ideal addition to both traditional and contempor...
Walnut
2-door 3-drawer Cabinet in solid oak, a French Directoire style interpretation
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2 doors cabinet is a handmade and modernized interpretation of a French Directoire style cabinet at the end of the 18th century. The des...
Cherry, Oak
French Directoire Style 3-drawer lacquered console table in solid wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This Console is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timeless lines. This Console is made of solid French cherry wood. Its finish consists of black lacquered legs and white-cream lacquered drawers, shelf and top. This Console features 3 drawers with Louis XVI rings...
Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer
Vintage Directoire Style Painted Dresser or Commode
Located in Sheffield, MA
Refinished large paint decorated black cherry 10-drawer Directoire style dresser. A handsome grey paint with a hint of gold gilt accent gives this dresser added style and functional...
Cherry
Flame Mahogany Louis XVI Bronze Mounted Style Flip Top Game Chess Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This flame mahogany Louis XVI-style flip-top game table is a stunning example of neoclassical craftsmanship, offering both beauty and functionality. The elegant design features bronz...
Brass
French 18th Century Directoire Bed
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 18th century Directoire bed.
Wood
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
Early 1800s French Directoire Commode in Bleached Walnut with Black Stone Top
Located in Dallas, TX
More information coming soon… The highly rectilinear form of this commode, coupled with minimalistic carvings, is indicative of the French Directoire style. Dating to the early 180...
Stone, Metal, Bronze
$17,256Sale Price / set|20% Off
Dining Room Set of Eight Italian Chairs and a Pair of Armchairs, 1790
Located in Rome, IT
A fine set of Nord-Italian walnut chairs (8) and a pair of armchairs, Covered in ivory color silk in perfect condition. Lombardy Nord Italy, last quarter of the 18th century.
Walnut
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
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
Exceptional Large 18th Century French Directoire Period Fireplace Mantel
Located in Beervelde, BE
Exceptional and extremely large original French Directoire period limestone fireplace surround dating from the late 18th century hand-carved. Its grand scale and refined neoclassical...
Stone, Limestone
Zabihi Collection Vintage Turkish Anatolian Eclectic Runner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Turkish Runner with an unusual motif and colors. 1'9'' x 10'4''
Wool
20th Century French Directoire Style Crystal Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Refined and beautifully composed, this 20th-century French chandelier is a striking example of Directoire Revival style—where neoclassical clarity meets understated elegance. Its gra...
Crystal
Fine Pair Quality Paint Decorated French 1920s Era Directoire Louis XVI Armchair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Introduce timeless Parisian sophistication into your home with this exquisite pair of French Louis XVI paint-decorated armchairs, a beautiful example of neoclassical elegance and fin...
Beech
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 Directoire Style Acorn Finials Solid Cherry Open Arm Lounge Chairs MINT!
By Columbus Hickory Furniture Co.
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Directoire Style Acorn Finials Solid Cherry Open Arm Lounge Chairs MINT!
Cherry
$2,876Sale Price / set|20% Off
Late 18th Century Italian Directoire Solid Walnut and Vienna Sraw Armchairs
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this fantastic pair of armchairs from the Directoire period, late 18th century. The armchairs are made of solid walnut wood with a characteristic seat in Vienna straw wov...
Walnut, Straw
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)
Brass, Steel
Aged Bronze Metal Doric Column Floor Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very Handsome Aged Bronze Metal Doric Column Floor Lamp. Excellent reading light for near a pair of chairs or chair . Add some Architecture to your Design Project.
Metal