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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
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

Mid-Century French Bronze, Steel and Mirrored Top Coffee Table by Maison Jansen
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1950, this mid-century coffee table by Maison Jansen showcases the firm’s celebrated fusion of neoclassical detail and modern restraint. The square frame feat...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Steel

French Writing Table on Casters, Pull-Out Gilt-Tooled Leather Top
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French writing table on casters, pull-out gilt-tooled leather top above a drawer, two storage shelves. Versatile in its design and size, beautiful golden colour with black leather wr...
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

French Directoire Style 4-drawer Chest - Commode in solid oak
Located in Landivy, FR
This chest of drawers is part of the DIRECTOIRE collection, based on the world-renowned DIRECTOIRE style of the late 18th century in France. This range is characterized by straight, ...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Directoire Style 19th Century Walnut Commode with Grey Marble Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire style walnut commode from the 19th century, with three drawers, grey marble top, brass accents and fluted posts. Created in France during the 19th century, this w...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, 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

1960s Montgolfier Tole Toleware Chandelier (Two Available)
Located in London, GB
1960s Montgolfier tole chandelier (two available). Gorgeous hand-painted, three-arm Italian ceiling light based on the Montgolfier Brothers' hot-air balloon design. Decorated in the...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Tôle

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

Continental Directoire Style Flamed Mahogany and Marble Center Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very handsome Continental 19th century Directoire st. flamed mahogany and marble center table. The table is raised by three elegant patinat...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

French Paint Decorated Directoire Petite Commode Jewelry Chest by Lewis Mittman
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite French paint decorated Directoire style petite commode jewelry chest by Lewis Mittman beautifully captures the elegance of neoclassical design. Crafted with attention ...
Category

20th Century American Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

French 19th Century Painted Boiserie Trumeau
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French, newly repainted mirror of antique boiserie (wood paneling) from Rouen, France, originally carved in the late 1800s.  This architectural trumeau is finished with narrow crown ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Pine

French Directoire Style Painted Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely painted Directoire style French window bench. Nicely carved and painted bench with light blue upholstered seat. Very versatile.
Category

20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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

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 ...
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Antique Directoire Furniture

Vintage French Directoire Brass Scroll Arm Tole Metal Bouillotte Desk Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Directoire Brass Scroll Arm Tole Metal Bouillotte Desk Table Lamp with Adjustable Height Shade and Candle Arms. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 25.5" H (to fini...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Signed Maison Jansen Mahogany and Marble Top Commode Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Jansen signed mahogany and marble top commode dresser embodies the epitome of French neoclassical design. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this high-quality d...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, 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

Large Italian Bureau 18th Century Inlayed Walnut Chest of Drawers with Flap
Located in Milano, MI
An Italian monumental sized bureau with flap dating back to the second half of 18th century. Three deep drawers and a fall-front opening to reveal a fitted interior with six small dr...
Category

1770s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry, Maple, Walnut

Directoire Chairs, France, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Four French Directoire walnut chairs with a cushioned S-shaped backrest and a trapezoidal seat, standing on conical feet in the front and saber legs in the rear. The chairs were prof...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Leather Top Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Leather Top Desk is a marvel of timeless architecture, tailored styling and quality materials. Crafted from exotic imported mahogany,...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique French Louis XVI Mahogany Buffet with Carrara Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Louis XVI Mahogany Buffet with Carrara Marble will make a handsome addition to any room! The tailored, rectilinear architecture has its roots in the glory days of anc...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

Pair of Antique French Painted Directoire Style Armchairs, Circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
The period of French history known as Directoire was a difficult time, as it arrived at the end of the Revolutionary War. Furnishings in this style, such as our pair of painted armch...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Paint

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

Pair of French Brass and Steel Jansen Style Glass Top Gueridon End Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of French brass and steel Jansen-style gueridon end tables seamlessly blends luxury with modern craftsmanship, offering a striking and sophisticated addition to any interio...
Category

1980s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Custom Old Plank Directoire Inspired Ebonized Desk with Gilded Leather Top
Located in Chicago, IL
From our Old Plank collection of hand-crafted furniture is a French Directoire inspired desk built to your exact specifications; meaning, in any dimension, wood species, leather colo...
Category

2010s American 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

1960s French Brass Stool
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1960s French Brass Stool With Scrolls Legs bend in per the design Needs refinishing and reupholstery
Category

1960s Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze

18th Century Original French Country Fireplace Mantle
Located in Beervelde, BE
Very unusual French Provençal rustic fireplace surround in bicolor hard stone. The out of real live, chicken detail on the front refers to t...
Category

18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

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

Gorgeous French Directoire Petite Gilt Bronze End Table or Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your interior design with this Gorgeous French Directoire Petite Gilt Bronze End Table or Coffee Table, a refined example of neoclassical elegance and enduring sophistication...
Category

1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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 interpreted handcrafted TV cabinet in solid cherry wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This TV cabinet is a free hand crafted interpretation of the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This period style is remarkable with its straight, classical and ...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

French Directoire Style Coffee Table in solid oak wood
Located in Landivy, FR
This coffee table 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....
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry

Early 20th Century Writing Desk in Walnut with Inlay by Meroni & Fossati
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Italian elegant early 20th century Directoire writing desk in walnut massive and veneered with inlay on the top by Meroni & Fossati. Wax polished Useful height under central drawer 60 cm. To better understand the Directoire style of this desk Directoire style was a period in the decorative arts, fashion, and especially furniture design in France concurrent with the Directory (November 2, 1795–November 10, 1799), the later part of the French Revolution. The style uses Neoclassical architectural forms, minimal carving, planar expanses of highly grained veneers, and applied decorative painting. It is a style transitional between Louis XVI and Empire. The Directoire style was primarily established by the architects and designers Charles Percier (1764–1838) and Pier François Léonard Fontaine (1762–1853). In its use of Neoclassical architectural form and decorative motifs the style anticipates the slightly later and more elaborate Empire style, which was introduced after Napoleon established the First French Empire. The Directoire style reflected the Revolutionary belief in the values of republican Rome: "The stoic virtues of Republican Rome were upheld as standards not merely for the arts but also for political behaviour and private morality. Conventionels saw themselves as antique...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

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

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

French Directoire Style Console Table in Cherry with blue striped Drawer
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. The ...
Category

2010s French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cherry

Fine Set of 12 Brass Inlaid Rosewood French Regency Style Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine set of 12 brass inlaid rosewood French Regency style dining chairs represents the perfect balance of craftsmanship, elegance, and functionality. Expertly made, each chair f...
Category

1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass

St. Croix Mahogany Directoire One Drawer Stand, Stamped By Maker circa 1790-1800
Located in Charleston, SC
This Directoire or Consulate Style solid Mahogany One Drawer Work-stand / Table was made in the Danish West Indies on the Island of Saint Croix in the Lat...
Category

Late 18th Century Caribbean Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Cedar

19th Century Fine French Elegant Limestone Antique Fireplace Surround
Located in Beervelde, BE
The petite measures and elegant jambs with the Fine carving makes it suitable for cosy, elegant and French style room, very charming. The mantel (fireplace) is built in a honey color...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Stone

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

Italian Desk with Drawer Directoire All Cherrywood Restored and Wax-Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Late 19th-early 20th century Italian writing desk with drawer all solid cherrywood, restored and wax-polished. Wonderful writing table in solid cherrywood, original and restored. ...
Category

1890s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Maison Charles Style Brass Horse and Steel Verdi Marble Console Table circa 1970
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Charles Style Brass Horse and Steel Verdi Marble Console Table, circa 1970, is a striking example of mid-20th century French design that perfectly blends luxury with mode...
Category

1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Marble, Brass, Steel

Neoclassical Italian Center Table with Imperial Porphyry Marble Tabletop
Located in Rome, IT
Very fine and important center table with square shaped Egyptian porphyry veneered tabletop. Base in walnut and ebonized wood of the Directoire period of the late 18th century, made with special care and 'original choice of the Radica and marquetry. Provenance from an aristocratic family descendant of Parma. Measurements: cm 120 x 120 This particular Imperial grade of porphyry came from a quarry in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. The term "porphyry" is from Latin and means "purple". Purple was the color of royalty, and the "Imperial Porphyry...
Category

1790s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Porphyry

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

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

Pair of Steel and Brass Circular Maison Jansen Attributed End Tables Gueridons
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant pair of steel and brass circular end tables, attributed to Maison Jansen, embodies the refined sophistication and timeless craftsmanship of French design. Each table fea...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

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

Late 18th Century Italian Directoire Solid Walnut Armchair
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Beautiful late 18th century of the period Directoire Italian antique armchair in solid walnut wood. The armchair is very elegant. The backrest decorated with a carved in wood is beau...
Category

1790s Italian Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

Fine Quaity Walnut French Louis XVI Directoire Brass Trimmed Marble Top Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine quality French Louis XVI Directoire style dresser, crafted from walnut and accented with brass trim, is a sophisticated example of late 18th-century inspired design. Topped...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

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

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

Directoire Painted Bookcase, circa 1800
Located in Doylestown, PA
A wonderful and rare French Directoire Period bookcase cabinet in 2-parts, circa 1800, hand-scraped to its original grey painted finish, and retaining its original wavy glass panes. ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture

Materials

Wood

Dark Green Paint Decorated Tufted French Directoire Footstool Window bench
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your interior with this stunning Dark Green Paint Decorated Tufted French Directoire Footstool Window Bench. Inspired by the refined aesthetics of...
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Directoire Style Ebonized Fruitwood Oblong Pedestals, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair directoire style ebonized fruitwood oblong pedestals. Measure 15 inches in width, 12 inches in depth and stand 47 inches tall.
Category

1940s American Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

A French Directoire Style Ormolu Parquetry Bureauplat, Early 20th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A French Directoire Style Ormolu Parquetry Bureauplat, Early 20th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Description: The rectangular top of parquetry finely inset wi...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Gilt Metal Bagues Faux Bois Tree Branch Asymetric Form Smoked Glass Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Introduce organic elegance and sculptural sophistication to your living space with this Gilt Metal Baguès Faux Bois Tree Branch Asymmetric Form Smoked Glass Coffee Table. Inspired by...
Category

1970s French Vintage Directoire Furniture

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf

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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