Formed in the wake of the Jacobin Reign of Terror’s bloody guillotine, the Directoire was established to lead France into order through the leadership of a five-member council of directors. It was brief, lasting only from 1795 to 1799, ending with Napoléon Bonaparte’s coup d’état, and was economically tumultuous. Yet it was an essential bridge between the era of Louis XVI and the elaborate Empire style that followed, with Directoire furniture and decorative arts shaped by a royal passion for classical design and an enthusiasm for postrevolutionary France.
Much of the country’s furniture production had halted during the French Revolution when the furniture guilds system was abolished, but during the Directoire period, the cabinetmakers restarted their businesses, such as François-Honoré-Georges and Jacob-Desmalter who established a new workshop called Jacob-Frères. Pieces made in walnut, elm, mahogany and other inexpensive materials incorporated influences ranging from Egypt to Pompeii, with popular forms including the curule armchair based on an ancient Roman design. The aesthetics of the transitional style were more austere than during the monarchy, with court cabinetmaker Jean-Baptiste Sené, for instance, reimagining his workshop’s neoclassical-style furniture with ungilded surfaces and a reduction of ornamentation.
Symbols referencing the revolutionary tenets of liberty, equality and fraternity were frequently carved into Directoire furnishings, such as the Phrygian cap, clasped hands and the fasces, which is an image of a bound bundle of sticks adopted from the Roman Republic, where it was seen as an emblem of strength through unity.
Elements of the French Directoire style continued through Empire style. Designers Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine are credited today as major proponents of both movements. The classically inspired furniture design is represented in pieces such as the boat-shaped daybed and the klismos chair, which endured in French interiors as well as in styles abroad, including American Directoire.
Find a collection of antique Directoire chairs, tables, daybeds, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
French 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
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
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
$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
$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
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
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
$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
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
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
$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
$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
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
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
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
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
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...
Carrara Marble, Brass
19th Century Italian Directoire Demilune Console
Located in New Orleans, LA
Exceptional Italian walnut or marble demilune console.
Chrome and Brass Console after Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Jansen chrome and glass console table with brass feet.
Brass, Chrome
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
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
$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 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
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
$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
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
$2,963Sale Price|24% Off
H 34.25 in W 54 in D 12 in
Maison Jansen Style Neoclassical Black & Gold Console Bronze Beveled Marble Top
Located in Miami, FL
Superb black & gold console table in the style of Maison Jansen. Features 4 ebonized turned wood pedestal base with gold gallerie decoration. Th...
Marble
Fine Bronze Marble Top Demilune Console Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Heavy gold tone bronze marble top Demilune console hanging table.
Marble, Bronze
Maison Jansen Painted Console Table
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular to with concave ends over a conforming creme painted carved wood frieze with green highlights on the carved leaves. Raised on circular fluted tapered legs. Provenance; Wa...
Marble
$2,270
H 31.11 in W 47.25 in D 11.82 in
Maison Jansen Style Neoclassical Brass, Steel & Glass Console, France, C 1960
Located in Miami, FL
Maison Jansen style neoclassical metal & glass console, France, C 1960 With glass top, the base and stretcher side and bronze head caryatids with pawn bronze feet.
Metal, Brass
White Marble Top Demilune Wall Console circa 1940s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant White Marble Top Demilune Wall Mounted Console Table, American, circa 1940s. It is constructed of a white marble top with a wooden wall mou...
Marble, Metal
$2,475
H 30 in W 72 in D 18.25 in
Parsons Style Brass Console Table Attributed to Directional Circa 1970s
Located in Peabody, MA
Brass parson's style six foot long console or sofa table with inset glass top attributed to Directional, circa 1970s.
Brass
$17,376 / set
H 33 in W 38.75 in D 12.29 in
Pair Of Late 18th Century English Console / Side Tables Of Serpentine Shape
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine pair of late 18th century pier / console tables of neat proportions, the shaped serpentine Gonzalez Alves top within a satinwood border, above a plain frieze rising from ...
Wood
$15,145
H 33.08 in W 45.28 in D 22.84 in
Gustavian Late 18th Century Neoclassical Swedish, White-Painted Console Table
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Carved wood with original white paint, carved giltwood rosettes, original grey white-veined marble top. The rectangular top above a Greek key frieze with applied rosettes on square t...
Marble
$1,140Sale Price|40% Off
H 26.5 in W 61 in D 14 in
John Vesey Style Mid-Century Modern Brass Chrome & Glass Console Table, 1970s
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid-Century Modern mixed metal brass and chromed steel console sofa table in the style of John Vesey and Maison Jansen. Removable clear beveled glass top. Coordinating coffee table a...
Brass, Chrome
Maison Jansen Painted and Parcel-Gilt Console Table
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Maison Jansen Painted and Parcel-Gilt Console Table with chamfered corners. This console was created by Maison Jansen who sold an identical pair to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor for their house on the Boulevard Suchet in Paris where they lived before the war. The unmistakable edges of the consoles appear in a watercolour by famed Russian artist Serebryakov of the entrance to the Banquette Room. The consoles reappear in the dining room of their Paris house on route du Champs...
Marble
Italian Baroque Style Marble Top Console Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic 20th century Italian carved pine console table decorated in the baroque taste. The table features a 1 inch thick rouge/rosso marble top with white veining in a Terra Cotta ...
Marble
$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
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