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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
Very Fine Directoire Style French Gilt Bronze and Marble Mantel Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine French Directoire style gilt bronze and marble (Rosso Levanto) Mantel Clock. 19th Century. movement stamped 1075. Measures: height 16 1/2" x width 18" x depth 5 1/2" C...
Category

1860s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

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...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Breccia Marble, Statuary Marble

Antique Brass Candlesticks 18th century - Baroque
Located in DELFT, NL
Franco-Flemish, so Dutch or French Baroque period 18th century brass Candlesticks. Each with an octagonal base supporting baluster stems and candle cups. (Each candle cup has a hol...
Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Console with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Console with Carrara Marble is ideal for the efficient floorplan, or for adding a nice finishing touch to any room, including hallways...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

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...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

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...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Oak

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...
Category

19th Century Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Hunting Lodge Accent - French Antique Stone Fireplace Mantel With Patina
Located in Beervelde, BE
Bring the charm of the French countryside into your home with this authentic early 19th‑century limestone mantel, beautifully weathered and lovingly restored by a first-class stonema...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Limestone

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...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Crystal

French Directoire Style Writing Table, Desk in Cherrywood, 2 Drawers
Located in Landivy, FR
This writing table is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period style is remarkable with its straight, classical and timeles...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak

19th Century French Directoire Mirror
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century French Directoire Mirror. Gorgeous striking piece for any wall.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Directoire Antique French Candlesticks
Located in DELFT, NL
French Directoire Period brass Candlesticks. The detachable socles set within urn shaped holders, baluster-shaped stems, terminating on circular bases. Some rubbing and wear.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Shallow Depth Baker Furniture Directoire Figured Walnut Directoire Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your home with this timeless Baker Furniture Company French Directoire Style Sideboard, expertly crafted in rich fiddle-back walnut. A distinguished example of Baker’s commit...
Category

1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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...
Category

2010s Italian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Reclaimed French Chic Stone Fireplace Mantel For A Good Price
Located in Beervelde, BE
Antique fireplace surround in French Bleu-Green stone with a restoration on the front piece. This original French reclaimed 18th century period fireplace is available for a good pric...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

Custom-Made Mahogany Carved French Directoire Style Gilded Sideboard Buffet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This custom-made French Directoire style sideboard buffet is a superb example of fine craftsmanship, blending timeless design with modern utility. Constructed from rich mahogany, thi...
Category

1990s European Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique French Bouillotte Directoire 3 Light Pierced Tole Candelabra Lamp
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique French Neoclassical Bouillotte / Directoire / Hot Water Bottle silver plate three light table lamp, featuring a pierced / reticulated base wit...
Category

Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal

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...
Category

1790s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Straw

French Directoire Style Stainless Steel And Bronze Console Table
Located in Houston, TX
French Directoire Style Stainless Steel And Bronze Console Table. Offered is an unusual French Maison Jansen Directoire style, Louis XVI style or Neoclassical style stainless steel c...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze, Stainless Steel

Mid-20th Century French Gates
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Mid-20th century French Director style iron gates. There are 5 gates connected to each other.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Iron

Mid-20th Century French Gates
Mid-20th Century French Gates
$5,440 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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

French Directoire Child's Armchair
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century French Directoire Child's Armchair. Chair is finely carved and painted in soft tones with a timeworn patina that beautifully reflects its age. The armchair features eleg...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

1980s French Directoire Style Cherry Guéridon Side Table With Swan Design
Located in Charleston, SC
A classy French Directoire style guéridon side table with circular top made of high quality cherry. The table features three beautifully carved legs resting on a curved base and ador...
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Mid-century vintage large walnut obelisk table lamp
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a large mid-century vintage walnut obelisk table lamp. This decorator lamp has a black linen shade and comes with his original solid brass finial. This classical obelisk stan...
Category

1960s American Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

Late 20th Century American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Walnut

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".
Category

Late 20th Century American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Silk

Small French Empire Style Bench
Located in Buchanan, NY
A small Empire style bench upholstered in blue velvet. Add a touch of classic beauty and elegance to any space with this small Empire style bench. B...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Beech

Small French Empire Style Bench
Small French Empire Style Bench
$512 Sale Price / item
71% Off
19th Century Desk/office Chair In Walnut
Located in Brussels, Brussels
19th century walnut office chair Rare and superb 19th century office chair upholstered in camel-colored leather. The leather has a superb patina and is in magnificent condition. Rest...
Category

19th Century French Antique 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

French Louis XVI Directoire Style Bedside Table in Solid Oak, 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...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Oak

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...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Italy 19th Century Walnut Directory "Gondola" Chair Restored new-Upholstered
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A nice 19th century walnut directory Gondola chair from Italy restored and re-upholstered Measure cm: H 76\40 W 53 D 51.
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Zabihi Collection Ivory Antique Hadji Jal Li Tabriz Rug
Located in New York, NY
Timeless best describes this magnificent early 20th century antique Persian Hadji jali Tabriz rug. size 8'11'' x 12'
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wool

18th Century Directoire Cast Iron Fireback
Located in Houston, TX
18th Century Directoire Cast Iron Fireback. Handsome 18th century French Directoire cast iron fireback or fireplace back or fireplace screen with two columns. Can be used in the back...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Iron

French Demi Lune Console Table, Directoire Period (1790–1800) in Mahogany
Located in Belmont, MA
French Demi Lune Console Table, Directoire Period (1790–1800) in Mahogany with Marble Top This elegant French demi lune console table dates from the Directoire period, circa 1790–180...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

French Directoire Re-Interpreted Style TV Cabinet in Solid Oak with 2 Lift Doors
Located in Landivy, FR
This TV cabinet coffee table with 2 independent drawers belongs to our MELANIE collection that proposes handcrafted modernized reinterpretated pieces of furniture from the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period was remarkable with its straight, classical and timeless lines ornamented with grooves, diamonds or rings on fronts. The finish we propose here is a canelle / cinnamon oak stain and a natural varnish on the 2 diamonds and lower grooves. You can also customize your furniture with an other finish of your choice. The 2 doors open from the top in a "garage door" style, and give the impression of false drawers. A vertical interior partition divides the cabinet into 2 compartments. The left compartment is equipped with a CD rack...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry, Oak

Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Directoire carved Draper era X-benches exemplifies timeless sophistication, blending neoclassical influence with mid-20th-century revival style. The X-frame design, a ha...
Category

1950s European Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches
Pair Directoire Carved Draper Era x Benches
$1,356 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Set of Four Vintage French Brass Lyre Sconces
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This set of four, vintage 20th century French sconces are full of historic details referencing Directoire and Neoclassical themes. Cast in heavy, high-quality brass they are a beauti...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Wire

Pair Of French Directoire Style Armchairs1930
Located in Kent, Dover
A pair of French Directoire style painted armchairs, newly upholstered in stone coloured textured silk with gold scroll braid.
Category

1930s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Vintage Directoire Style Painted Dresser
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...
Category

20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry

French Boiserie Library Paneled Wall Unit
Located in Sheffield, MA
Very handsome boiseries wall paneling from a French country chateau. The antique 19th century Directorie period oak paneled wall is made of 1 entry ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

Fine Rare French Walnut Directoire Cartonier Writing Desk Marquetry Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exceptional French Directoire writing desk, also known as a cartonier desk, is a rare find that combines refined craftsmanship with timeless elegance. Crafted in walnut, the des...
Category

1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage French Ebonized Marble-Top Commode in the Directoire Manner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage French ebonized marble-top commode in the Directoire manner.
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Pair Antique French Directoire Mahogany End Tables with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Antique French Directoire Mahogany End Tables with Carrara Marble will make a delightful addition to your room, providing storage, display, perhaps a place for a lamp, three con...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Directoire Mahogany Bergère Attributed to Georges Jacob
Located in Kittery Point, ME
A Directoire Mahogany Bergère Attributed to Georges Jacob, its curved back and padded armrests with finely carved baluster-shaped supports raised on turned front legs and sabre back legs. With a spurious Jacob stamp to back rail. The term "Directoire" refers to a historical period following the French Revolution (1789) and preceding the First Empire when Napoleon reigned, but also to a style of furniture and decoration covering a longer period from 1789 to 1804. It is characterized by the production of furniture with simplified forms and ornaments, inspired by antique decorations. The profound social and political upheavals that marked this period had a direct impact on the production of Directoire furniture. The stripping down of furniture pieces, which had begun in the 1780s under the influence of Greek art, was accentuated during this period. The abolition of guilds by the revolutionaries also forced manufacturers in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine to simplify shapes and materials. Elegant and graceful, the furniture is generally small-scale. They retain the Louis XVI structure. The Directoire style adopts clean shapes, straight lines, simple curves, flat surfaces and right angles. Lines accentuate geometric shapes inspired by Antiquity. A typical trait is the pronounced rolled-over back, similar to a scroll illustrated in our bergere, evocative of the klismos chair. Only the more luxurious pieces of furniture use mahogany, an exotic and expensive wood. Despite his humble origins, Georges Jacob rose to become one of the most renowned menuisiers of his day. Unlike many artisans who joined their fathers or brothers in the middle-class family trade of furniture making, Jacob was from a peasant family and moved to Paris at sixteen to begin his career. He apprenticed in a joinery workshop and eventually became a master in 1765. He developed a reputation for producing inventive designs for chairs, beds, and screens carved with such motifs as twisted ribbons, guilloches, beading, and fluting. Jacob's reputation grew quickly, eventually spreading outside France; the future King George IV of England, Gustavus III of Sweden, and several German princes...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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...
Category

20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Grande Bureau Italiano in Noce Intarsiato Undici Cassetti e Abattant 1750 Circa
Located in Milano, MI
Ribalta Antica Italiana della metà del secolo XVIII di origine trentina, la regione a nord vicina all' Austria. Lastronata in legno di noce, decorato con filettature geometriche in ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Maple, Walnut

19th Century Giltwood Wall Mirror
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very fine Louis Philippe rectangular mirror in a wonderful gilt wood frame, which has been carved all round in a simple but attractive ribbed or reeded style. Dating from the mid-1...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Set of Four Directoire Mahogany Armchairs by Jacob Freres
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Each upholstered backrest with backscrolled top rail above an upholstered seat flanked by arm rests, raised on ring-turned legs; each stamped JACOB FRERES / RUE MESLEE on back rail, three with old inked inscription M Julien...
Category

1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique French Bouillotte Directoire 2 Light Tole Candelabra Parlor Lamp
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique French Neoclassical Bouillotte / Directoire / Hot Water Bottle silver plate three light table lamp, featuring a fluted column with round dish ...
Category

Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal

Fine French Louis XVI Style Vintage Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
A fine Classic French Louis XVI style vintage fireplace in a honey color Burgundy hard stone/marble. The chimney piece marries well with...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Paint Decorated Faux Bamboo Style Triple Dresser, circa 1970
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This paint-decorated faux bamboo style triple dresser, circa 1970, is a striking example of mid-century craftsmanship infused with timeless exotic flair. Designed to mimic the elegan...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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...
Category

1950s European Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

French Directoire Style 4-Drawer Chest in Solid Cherry Wood - Commodinette
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4-drawer chest is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. It is offered in solid French cherry and is also available in oak. The...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Baker French Directoire Style Walnut and Marble Top Canted Corners Sideboard
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This refined Baker Furniture French Directoire style sideboard exemplifies timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Constructed from fine walnut, the cabinet features clean neoclassical ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble

Petite Intentionally Distressed Henredon Style 2 Drawer Commode Nightstand
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This petite intentionally distressed two-drawer commode nightstand in the Henredon style offers a perfect blend of timeless elegance and practical function. Featuring a compact form ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 ...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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.

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