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.
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
$1,960Sale 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
19th Century Italian Directoire Demilune Console
Located in New Orleans, LA
Exceptional Italian walnut or marble demilune console.
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
$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
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
$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
$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
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
Pair of 19th Century French Directoire Carved Painted Demilune Console Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate an entryway with this elegant pair of antique painted consoles. Crafted in northern France, circa 1880 and shaped as half moon, each style table stands on four tapered and r...
Oak, Paint
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
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 ...
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
$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 Console Table in Cherry Wood, 3 Drawers
Located in Landivy, FR
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 Landivy, FR
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 3-drawer lacquered console table in solid wood
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. 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
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 ...
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
French Directoire console in cherry with red grey 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 ...
Wood, Cherry
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
$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
$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
Chrome and Brass Console after Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Jansen chrome and glass console table with brass feet.
Brass, Chrome
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
French Louis XVI Style Console Marble Top, Brass & Bronze
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
French Louis XVI style Mahogany console topped with a white Carrara marble, decorated by a gilt brass openwork gallery and bronze elements. A wooden lower shelf between legs finished with golden bronze clogs. Perfect in an entryway, or to create a small whiskey bar...
Carrara Marble
$3,237Sale Price|38% Off
H 29.93 in W 24.41 in D 13.59 in
French 18th Century Marble-Top Louis XVI Console Table
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful marble-top Louis XVI console table. Wonderful carvings and great patina. Original marble top. France, circa 1770-1889. Weathered and small losses. More photo's are availab...
Marble
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
$5,700Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 33 in W 53.5 in D 24.5 in
Pair of 19th Century Italian Painted and Gilt Marble-Top Console Tables
Located in Bradenton, FL
Fine pair of 19th century Italian rococo console tables, fine breche marble tops over scalloped sides and molded edge with carved gilt shell in center of aprons, which each have a si...
Marble
$1,412Sale Price|30% Off
H 26.38 in W 40.95 in D 18.12 in
Antique early 19th Century inlaid mahogany demi-lune console table
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique early 19th Century inlaid mahogany demi-lune console table. This table is a delightful piece, exuding age, charm, and character—a very rare decorative find. Featuring a cen...
Mahogany
Louis XVI Style Marble Top Console Table
Located in North York, ON
Louis XVI Style marble top console table. This 1940’s American piece is fully restored in a light bubble gum lacquer finish with ori...
Marble
$2,595
H 31.5 in W 46 in D 17.75 in
Mid-Century French Louis XVI Style Marble Top Painted Console Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely French Louis XVI style carved console table with a marble top. The hand painted frame is a blush color with a brown glaze. The marble top is predominantly grey with ...
Marble
$6,450 / set
H 34.25 in W 24.5 in D 12.25 in
Pair of 19th Century Painted Demilune Consoles with Mirrored Tops
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Louis XVI style, painted and parcel silvergilt demilune wall-mounting consoles, each top of mirrorplate on antique table base with fielded a...
Mirror, Wood
$2,930 / 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 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 ...
Brass
Grand French Neoclassical Marble Top Library or Console Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent 19th century French walnut library table or console table made on a grand scale. The table features a carved walnut frame crafted in the Louis XVI neoclassical taste with Nap...
Marble
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
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
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
Pair of Directoire Style Side Tables
Located in New Orleans, LA
Featuring beautiful polychromed details, this pair is a sure way to add interest to any space.
Wood