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
19th Century French Directoire Hand Painted Green and Black Tole Table Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a table with this elegant antique tole lamp. Crafted in France circa 1840, the light fixture with new wiring sits on a square base over a ta...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tôle
LATE 18th CENTURY DIRECTORY WALNUT SOFA
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant, compact tub sofa, crafted from solid hand-carved walnut. The sofa is distinguished by its truncated pyramid legs, with the front legs ending in small, feral feet, adding a t...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Nutwood
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
$2,660 Sale Price
30% Off
Directoire-Style Sofa with Carved and Painted Frame
Located in Dallas, TX
a handsome Directoire-style sofa with carved and white painted frame, comfortable single seat cushion, upholstered back and sides, beautiful blue and white floral design fabric, the ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
Diminuitive Size Maison Jansen Style Brass Steel Glass Directoire Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Add a touch of Parisian sophistication to your interior with this Diminutive Size Maison Jansen Style Brass, Steel, and Glass Directoire Coffee Table. Exuding the refined elegance th...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Pair of French Directoire Candlesticks Made in the 1790s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of French candlesticks in a wonderful condition. White marble mounted with bronze ornaments. The quality of the castings and chiseling is high. the design is romantic and beau...
Category
Late 18th Century European Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
$1,393 Sale Price / set
24% Off
Custom Made Old Plank Directoire Style Bookcase in Stock Floor Model Reduced
Located in Chicago, IL
Handmade Country French style glazed bookcase, display cabinet or china cabinet. Our Directoire style bookcase or china cabinet was hand-crafted right here in our Old Plank workshop....
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint
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 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
French Directoire Style 19th Century Walnut Table with Folding Top, Tapered Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire style walnut console table from the 19th century with folding top, two leaves, single drawer, tapered legs and brown patina. Created in France during the 19th cen...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$5,560 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Directoire Chests in Plum Wood with Original Gray Marble Tops, 18th Cent
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional pair of Italian Directoire chests, dating to the late 18th century, is a rare find both for their material and provenance. Crafted from beautifully figured plum wood...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
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
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
Pair of French Directoire Style Gilt Bronze and Marble Side Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful pair of French Directoire style gilt bronze and marble side tables. These tables are extremely fine quality and a gorgeous finish. Creates a very polished look!.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
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
Walnut Gueridon Side Table Directoire Period
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
Walnut Gueridon Side Table Directoire Period
A beautifully crafted walnut gueridon features a red, white and grey variegated marble set into a turned moulded frame.
The frieze...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
$1,437 Sale Price
20% Off
French Directoire Style Handcrafted Customizable 4-Drawer Chest in Solid Wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4 drawer chest is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable for its straight, classical and timeless lines...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Pair of Directoire Fauteuils
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stunning pair of 19th century French Directoire fauteuils (armchairs) with fanciful carvings under light green paint reminiscent of celadon porcelain, complemented by tone-on-tone ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Linen, Oak, Paint
$4,200 / set
A Directoire Marble Pastry Table - All Original
Located in Washington, DC
A Directoire Marble Pastry Table with bronze and cast iron base. Original Top.
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Iron
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
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
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...
Category
1950s American Vintage 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
Pair of Hand Carved Cherrywood Directoire Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of elegant French Directoire style armchairs made of solid cherry. The lines, straight in the front view, give the armchairs an unmistakable and almost modern character. The sli...
Category
Late 20th Century European Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Cherry
Mid Century Italian Flip Top Walnut & Marquetry Inlay Square Coffee Side Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 20th century flip top marquetry coffee table. Made in Italy featuring square or rectangular form with floral and geometric matchbook inlays, central medallion and serpentine X ba...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
$1,440 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Directoire Armchairs, Cherry, France circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Pair of antique cherry armchairs
France
Cherry
Directoire around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 87 x 58 x 49 cm, seat height: 43 cm
Description:
Pair of elegant and interestingly sha...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
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...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French Directoire style 4 Drawer Chest in cherry and a white-cream finish
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4 drawer chest is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable for its straight, classical and timeless lines...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Italian walnut bureau with writing surface, tuscan cabinetmaking, mid-1700s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A beautiful 18th-century Italian walnut bureau with writing surface, internal drawers, and hidden compartment – tuscan cabinetmaking, mid-1700s
Some pieces of furniture carry their ...
Category
Mid-17th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Directoire Style oval Table in Cherry with 2 extensions, from France
Located in Landivy, FR
This piece belongs to our DIRECTOIRE collection, which takes up the Directoire style, very famous at the end of the 18th century in France.
It is remarkable for its straight, classic...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Cherry, Oak
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 ...
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
A Directoire style ebonized mahogany writing desk / bureau plat, C. 1945.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
In the manner of late 18th-century French design, this elegant and finely proportioned desk exemplifies the neoclassical restraint and symmetry characteristic of the late 18th-centur...
Category
Early 20th Century Argentine Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
A Pair of Italian Directoire painted and gilt open arm chairs, C 1800.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Pair of Italian Directoire painted and gilt open arm chairs, C 1800. This is a substantial pair of chairs and can be used every day in a sitting room, bedroom, living room!
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
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
Brass Steel and Glass Top French Maison Jansen Style Directoire End Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your living space with this exquisite Brass, Steel, and Glass Top French Maison Jansen Style Directoire End Table—a true masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. This elegant...
Category
1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
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...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Round Faux Iron Accent Tables
Located in Hudson, NY
The pair of vintage French gueridon-style iron pedestal base tables, shown here, are distinguished by their faux tortoise ringed surface finish. Sized for use as end tables or occas...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Iron
$3,600 / set
Fine Quality Maison Jansen Style Directoire Tall Dresser Wardrobe
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Jansen style Directoire tall dresser wardrobe exemplifies the refined elegance and superior craftsmanship for which the renowned Parisian design house is celebrated. Insp...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
$2,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Karges Directoire Style Carved Round Coffee Table with Gilt
Located in Doylestown, PA
Magnificent Directoire cocktail table by Karges Furniture, early 2000s.
This exceptional table celebrates beautifully hand-carved details that include hand-painted gold leaf rosette...
Category
Early 2000s North American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf
A Pair of Elegant Silver Candlesticks – Directoire, Late 18th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
A Pair of Elegant Silver Candlesticks – Directoire, Late 18th Century
A pair of classic and characteristic candlesticks in hallmarked silver from Central Europe, dating from the la...
Category
1790s European Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Silver
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...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Jules Cantini Jaspe Du Var Rose Marble Fireplace For High-End Design Decor
Located in Beervelde, BE
Phenomenal mantel from Jules Cantini. The marble is called the Jaspe Du Var Rose. In the right panel you see a seal from the world known Jules Cantini workhouse. The Cantini museum i...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
Pair of Ebonized Open Armchairs French Directoire in the Manner of Andre Arbus
By André Arbus
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of ebonized open armchairs French Directoire style in the manner of Andre Arbus. Upholstered back and seat cushion. Measure: Seat height 17.5".
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French Directoire Painted Buffet
Located in Austin, TX
Buffet from France in the Directoire style. This piece is made of solid wood construction that has been finished with a milk paint in the pistachio green color. There is gold leaf tr...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
French Directoire style handcrafted lacquered desk with solid wood & leather pad
Located in Landivy, FR
This desk is a craft-handed reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. The design of this period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timel...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry, Wood, Oak, Lacquer
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
Category
Late 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Iron
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Unusual Directoire Style Cast Iron, Aluminum and Stone Top Table
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Rare and elegant Directoire style round coffee table. The table is raised on tapered cast aluminum legs with ring detail. The cast iron apron is adorned with X-shape and star motifs and has traces of original paint. Grey stone top. Unique piece. One of the earliest examples of cast aluminum furniture.
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
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...
Category
1960s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Ivory Painted Upholstered Swan French Style Armchair
Located in Southampton, NY
American ivory painted upholstered swan French Directoire style armchair.
Category
Late 20th Century North American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood
$3,040 Sale Price
20% Off
Baker Furniture Company Tambor Door Gentleman's Dresser Tall Chest Circa 1960s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Baker Furniture Company tambour door gentleman’s dresser tall chest, circa 1960s, exemplifies the timeless quality and craftsmanship for which Baker is renowned. Constructed fro...
Category
1960s American Vintage 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
Louis XVI Cabriolet Armchair - Yellow and pinkish red toile de Jouy - France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very charming Louis XVI / Directoire style cabriolet armchair from the Directoire period, 18th century.
This very pretty armchair is made of molded beech wood, with a curved back.
Th...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
French Directoire Style Console Table in Solid Cherry Wood, Secret Drawer
Located in Landivy, FR
This rectangular console table is a craft handed re-interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century.
The Directoire period style is remarkable with its ...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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
Set of Six Italian 19th Century Directoire Style Olive Wood Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional complete set of six Italian 19th century Directoire st. olive wood dining chairs. Each chair is raised by elegant lightly curved square legs below the straight apron. ...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Olive
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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