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.
Directoire Style 1980's Glass Top Two Tier Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 33in W: 45 1/4in D: 14in Bring timeless French sophistication into your home with this elegant Directoire style gilt metal two-tier console table, crafted in the ma...
Brass
Baker Milling Road Darryl Carter Ebonized Directoire Style Brass Mounted Console
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 29 1/2 IN W: 42 IN D: 21 3/4 IN Refined and effortlessly sophisticated, this Baker Furniture console table from the celebrated Darryl Carter Collection embodies the ...
Metal, Brass
French Neoclassical Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine French early 19th century walnut neoclassical console or pier table, the top with wooden gallery edge with ebonized molded edge over two drawer...
Walnut
LATE 18th CENTURY PAIR OF DIRECTORY CONSOLE TABLES
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant pair of console tables in solid wood and walnut veneer, embellished with a Carrara marble top set into the lintel. The consoles are crescent-shaped, with three curved saber l...
Carrara Marble
$3,996Sale Price|20% Off
Louis XVI Style Marble Top Console Server Patinated Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
ChatGPT said: This Louis XVI Style Marble Top Console Server with Patinated Mirror exudes timeless sophistication and French neoclassical elegance. Featuring a luxurious marble top ...
Marble, Bronze
French Directoire Style Stainless Steel And Bronze Console Table
By Maison Baguès, Maison Jansen
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...
Carrara Marble, Bronze, Stainless Steel
Signed Maison Jansen Marble Top Directoire Console Table with Certification
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This extraordinary Maison Jansen console table exemplifies the refined elegance and neoclassical precision of the Directoire style. Beautifully crafted and signed by Maison Jansen, t...
Marble
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Marble, Brass, Steel
$5,560Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Brass
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
Unique Greek Key John Vesey Style Marble Top Steel Demilune Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This unique demilune console table in the style of John Vesey exemplifies timeless elegance with a blend of neoclassical motifs and modern sophistication. The table features a striki...
Marble, Metal
French Directoire Style Console Table in Cherry with blue striped Drawer
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
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 ...
Wood, Cherry
LATE 18th CENTURY PAIR OF NEOCLASSICAL PAINTED CONSOLE TABLES
Located in Firenze, FI
Refined pair of wall-mounted, teardrop-shaped console tables, crafted from carved wood and painted with a thin tempera. The console tables feature a wooden top painted to resemble a ...
Wood, Paint
French Directoire console in cherry with red grey striped drawer
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
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 ...
Wood, Cherry
Rare Pair of Maison Jansen Attributed Carrara Marble Top Mahogany Console Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare and exceptional pair of mahogany and marble console tables, attributed to Maison Jansen, is the kind of furniture that doesn’t raise its voice—because it doesn’t have to. T...
Carrara Marble, Brass
Vintage Directoire Maison Jansen Style Steel & Brass Marble Top Console Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage French Directoire Maison Jansen Style Steel & Brass Marble Top Console Ta...
Marble, Brass, Steel
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
Finest Quality French Directoire Steel and Glass Shallow Depth Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Directoire style console table exemplifies refined simplicity and timeless elegance, making it a perfect addition to both classic and contemporary interiors. Crafted from...
Steel
Pair of 18th Century Italian Demi Lune Console Tables
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Handsome pair of 18th Century Italian demi-lune consoles. Of blond walnut construction with hand-carved legs, hand-carved stretchers and a beautiful patina to the tops.
Walnut
19th Century Italian Directoire Demilune Console
Located in New Orleans, LA
Exceptional Italian walnut or marble demilune console.
$4,240Sale Price|20% Off
Directoire Console Table, France, circa 1800, Mahogany
Located in Belmont, MA
Directoire console table, France, circa 1800. This Classic Directoire French console table has a beautiful mahogany veneer. The brass fittings are original. The marble top is framed ...
Mahogany
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...
Mahogany
Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Painted Demi-Lune Console Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant and exceptionally versatile, this pair of antique demi-lune console tables was crafted in northern France circa 1880 in the restrained neoclassical Directoire style. Each half-moon table features a molded wooden top above a gently curved apron enriched with carved diamond-shaped reserves centered by floral rosettes. Vertical panels decorated with stylized leaf motifs divide the apron, while a delicate dentil border beneath the top adds architectural definition. The consoles stand on four slender, tapered legs with ring-turned details and petite feet, creating a refined silhouette that is both graceful and visually light. A layered, timeworn painted finish in soft gray and off-white tones highlights the carvings and gives the tables an authentic aged patina. Designed as a complementary pair, the tables may be positioned separately as narrow entry consoles...
Oak, Paint
Chrome and Brass Console after Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Jansen chrome and glass console table with brass feet. Some scratches to the glass.
Brass, Chrome
French Directoire Style 3-drawer lacquered console table in solid wood
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
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
Mahogany Directoire Restauration French Marble-Top Console Table
Located in Miami, FL
Mahogany Directoire Restauration French marble-top console table. The size makes this piece easy to use in any place. Details, carved Palmettes on the base, lemon tree filets inlay...
Mahogany
French Directoire Style Console Table in Solid Cherry Wood, Secret Drawer
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
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 ...
Brass
$2,850Sale Price|25% Off
19th Century French Directoire Mirror and Console with Ebony Columns
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stunning two piece French Directoire mirror over matching console, perfect for an entryway or important hallway. Mirror has original stunning ...
Mirror, Walnut
French Directoire Style 3-Drawer Handcrafted Wooden Console Table
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This console table is a handmade reproduction of a console table from the French Directoire Style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timeless lines ornamented with grooves, diamonds or rings. This console table is made of solid cherry wood sourced in sustainably managed French forests. The 3 drawers' fronts are assembled with dovetails for a better durability and feature 3 Louis XVI rings...
Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer
French Directoire Style Console Table in Cherry Wood, 3 Drawers
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This console table is fully assembled in our workshop. The finish is made with an "A" cherry stain and 2 extra layers of varnish for a strong protection of the wood. 3 drawers assemb...
Cherry
Pair of French 19th Century Directoire St. Mahogany and Marble Consoles
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very elegant pair of French 19th century Directoire st. Mahogany, ebonized Fruitwood, and Vert Maurin marble consoles. Each freestanding console is raised by slender square tapered...
Marble
Stainless Steel Designer Console Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Custom stainless steel table used in luxury retail store to display shoes shoes. Heavy duty construction with a modern appearance. A vers...
Stainless Steel
$5,200
H 32.5 in W 35.5 in D 14.25 in
French Louis XVI Style Ebonized, Brass and Marble Demi-Lune Console Table
Located in Austin, TX
An elegant French Louis XVI style demi-lune console featuring an ebonized wood case, white marble top and refined gilt-brass ornamentation. The half-moon marble top is surrounded by...
Carrara Marble, Brass
$2,360Sale Price|50% Off
H 33 in W 48.5 in D 19.5 in
Maison Jansen Style Neoclassical Brass, Steel & Glass Console, France, C 1960
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Maison Jansen style neoclassical brass, steel & glass console, France, C 1960 With custom thick beveled glass top, the base with 'X" stretcher side and bras horse head caryatids wit...
Brass, Steel
Mid-Century French Iron, Bronze and Black Glass Console Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring sculptural elegance and refined French character to an entryway, living room, or formal hallway with this striking antique console table. Crafted in France circa 1950 and attri...
Bronze, Wrought Iron
$2,902 / item
H 30.32 in W 35.83 in D 15.75 in
French Directoire Style Console Table in Solid Cherry Wood, Secret Drawer
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
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 ...
Brass
Provincial French Directoire Console Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Provincial French directoire console table with traditional walnut stain finish, aged bronze knobs, a molded top edge, frieze drawers, turned...
Wood
$1,700Sale Price|24% Off
H 32.75 in W 67 in D 17 in
Louis XVI Style Painted Console Table with Marble Top
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Louis XVI Style painted and silver leafed marble top console table, late 20th century. With a pink marble top with molded front and side edges, a frieze with a central medallion and ...
Marble, Silver Leaf
$2,480
H 37 in W 83 in D 24 in
Vintage Louis XVI Style Hand Painted and Breche Violette Marble Top Console
Located in Morristown, NJ
20th c., Louis XVI style carved and painted console features, most notably, a top of gorgeous 1.25" thick breche de violette marble. An elaborate apron is found under the marble top,...
Marble
Table Console, Tuscany 18th century late 18th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A charming late 18th century Tuscan side table crafted in solid walnut, displaying the understated elegance and practicality associated with rural Italian furniture of the period. Th...
Wood
18th Century Spanish Console Table
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An elegant 18th Century Spanish console table. Of walnut construction with two drawers to the frieze raised on rounded legs on bun feet, retaining its original hand forged iron pulls.
Walnut
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 33.25 in W 44.5 in D 11 in
Finest Quality French Directoire Steel and Glass Shallow Depth Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Directoire style console table exemplifies refined simplicity and timeless elegance, making it a perfect addition to both classic and contemporary interiors. Crafted from...
Steel
Monumental Late 18th Century Chinese Altar console Table
Located in Pasadena, CA
Exceptional piece of Chinese history, we have never seen an altar table in person or online as wonderful as this. Sleek minimal lines allow this piece to be in many interiors from cl...
Wood
Antique French Directoire Mahogany Console with Carrara Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Mahogany Console with Carrara Marble Top expresses a tailored elegance that cannot be denied! Crafted from solid mahogany, it features a shallow design wit...
Carrara Marble, Brass
Sold
H 34.5 in W 43 in D 16.25 in
White Marble Small Size Brass and Walnut Maison Jansen Style Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite French Directoire style console table, crafted in Italy and inspired by Maison Jansen, radiates refined neoclassical elegance. The table features a beautiful white mar...
Marble, Brass
French 19th Century Mahogany & Marble Console Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French 19th century diminutive mahogany and marble console-occasional table, in low and narrow proportions to use practically anywhere. This Directoire style piece is topped with whi...
Marble, Brass
Vintage Directoire Neoclassical Console Hall Table Italian
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Elegant vintage Italian brushed steel and brass console table in the manner of Maison Jansen. Item features a rectangular form with solid brass gallery, inset glass top, brushed stee...
Brass, Steel
Sold
H 33.5 in W 35.25 in D 16.5 in
Fine Mahogany French Louis XVI Style Marble Top Demilune Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb ribbon mahogany and Carrara marble top demilune console table with a fantastic bright brass pierced gallery. The table is in good vintage condition and features gorg...
Carrara Marble, Brass
Italian Directoire Carved and Painted Console Table, circa 1810
Located in New York, NY
Italian Directoire console table; the carved, fluted and tapered legs support an apron with silvered motif of rosettes and fanciful carving on all sides. The whole supports the origi...
Carrara Marble
Sold
H 36.25 in W 52 in D 18 in
Pair of Italian Directoire Carved and Painted Console Tables, circa 1810
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian Directoire console tables; the carved, fluted and tapered legs support an apron with silvered motif of rosettes and fanciful carving on all sides. The whole supports...
Carrara Marble
Sold
H 18 in W 44 in D 19.75 in
French Directoire style brass and glass three-piece coffee table C 1960.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Directoire style brass and glass three-piece coffee table C 1960. In the manner of Maison Bagues. Having a rectangular central section flanked by two D-shaped ends.
Brass
Sold
H 31.75 in W 37 in D 15.75 in
French Directoire style ebonized mahogany marble top console table C 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Directoire style ebonized mahogany marble top console table C 1950. The canted shaped marble top within an open bronze gallery, above a single dovetailed drawer with ormolu st...
Marble, Bronze
Sold
H 34 in W 63.25 in D 17.5 in
Fine Quality Solid Cherry Distressed French Directoire Server Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous American-made French Directoire style solid cherry console or buffet. The piece was most likely made by Henredon or another American company and is of the highest ...
Cherry
Sold
H 36 in W 96 in D 22 in
Grand French Marble Top Carved Louis XVI Directoire Silver Leaf Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This grand French Louis XVI Directoire style console table is an exquisite example of refined neoclassical elegance and craftsmanship. Featuring a stunning marble top with natural ve...
Marble
Pair of Belgian Directoire Style Demilune Consoles
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A pair of Belgian demilune consoles from the turn of the century, circa 1800. In the French Directoire taste, this pair of consoles make a statement. Saint Anne marble tops fit over ...
Marble, Brass