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.
Italian, Torino, Pair of Walnut Demilune Console Tables, 1st Quarter 19th Cent.
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Italian Directoire period demi-lune consoles in warm-toned walnut, generously scaled with broad, rounded tops and clean, tapering legs. The form is restrained and architect...
Walnut
$3,000Sale Price|20% Off
French Directoire Louis XVI Demilune Shape Marble Top Marble Top Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant French Directoire Louis XVI demilune console table embodies the refined neoclassical style of the late 18th to early 19th century. Crafted with precision, the piece feat...
Carrara Marble, Brass
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
19th Century Walnut Directoire Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite 19th Century Walnut Directoire Table embodies the elegance and refinement of the French Directoire period. With its clean lines, subtle detailing, and timeless craftsm...
Walnut
19th Century Italian Directoire Demilune Console
Located in New Orleans, LA
Exceptional Italian walnut or marble demilune console.
Table Game Directoire 19th French Mahogany Brass Leather Top France
Located in New York, NY
Table game Directoire 19th century French mahogany brass leather top, France. A game table made during the 19th century in France. Demi lune opens up to a round table. Channeled and ...
Wood
French, Directoire Marble Top Demi-Lune Table
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
This stunning example of late neoclassical furniture will bring a touch of grace and elegance to any interior. At only 11" deep, this demi-lune table will fit in many spaces. And while diminutive in size, it's big in style. Its all metal legs and base are topped with a stunning piece of green marble and the subtle details in the legs create continued visual interest. This table is a quintessential piece of directoire style furniture...
Marble, Metal, Iron
$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
Pair of Vineyard Demilune Console Tables
Located in Westwood, NJ
The Vineyard demilune console table is a stunning piece that brings a touch of nature into your home. Made from pine, it has a natural and rustic look that will instantly warm up any space. The flaky pine finish gives it a one-of-a-kind texture and depth, while the half-round demilune top...
Wood
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Demilunes or Center Table
Located in San Angelo, TX
Here is a beautiful pair of 19th century Swedish Gustavian demilune tables with carved detail above each leg. These are perfect to flank a f...
Wood, Pine, Paint
Pair of 19th Century Swedish Pine Demilune Console Tables
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of 19th century Swedish demilune console tables, crafted in pine with bold turned legs and simple skirts measuring approximately three inches deep. The versatile half-round form...
Pine
Vintage 19th Century Swedish Pine Demilune Console Table
Located in Memphis, TN
A Swedish demilune table, likely late 19th to early 20th century, defined by its restrained form and quiet, utilitarian character. Crafted in solid wood, the piece retains a warm, ti...
Pine
$1,309Sale Price|20% Off
H 35.04 in W 31.89 in D 14.18 in
French Demilune Hand Painted White Wooden Console with White Marble Top
Located in London, GB
A very pretty French 19th century original hand painted wooden demilune with original marble top. The paintwork is original and has a distressed look but this only adds to the beauty.
Marble
Louis XVI Style Carved Wooden Demilune Console Table
Located in Redding, CT
Louis XVI Style Carved Wooden Demilune Console Table. Most likely Italian but no marks. This Louis XVI style demilune will add color and style to any entryway or hallway . The carve...
Wood, Paint
Custom English Mahogany Demilune / Console
Located in Woodbury, CT
This inlaid demilune / console features a radial top with satinwood crossbanding and ebony stringing. A central fan medallion of satinwood offers a fitting balance to the outside ban...
Mahogany, Ebony, Olive, Satinwood
19th Century Pair of Demi Lunes
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Period pair of 19th Century Demi lunes that are simple in design and style. Scraped to original paint.
Wood
19th Century Italian Walnut Demi Lune Console Table
Located in Vosselaar, BE
This console is of a classic design. Made for centuries and perfected by local artisans. The proportions are unusual but work beautifully together. In particular the one piece walnut...
Walnut
$5,700 / set
H 28.5 in W 47 in D 22.5 in
Pair of Early 19th Century Demilune Mahogony Tables, Dining Table
Located in Water Mill, NY
A wonderful pair of period demilune tables with inlaid detail on brass wheels with backdops opening into a 88" dining table with brass locks-Hampton location.
19th Century English Demilune Table
Located in High Point, NC
19th century English demilune table made from oak. The top is made from two boards, and follows down to a simple apron. The table is supported o...
Oak
French Louis XVI Style Carved Demilune Console
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite French Louis XVI style demilune-console from the 1800s. This impressive little console has its original hand-cut red marble top, shaped to the contours of the wood frame tha...
Marble
$12,600 / set
H 29.5 in W 42 in D 20.5 in
Pair of English Mahogany Demilune Console Tables with Fluted Legs, 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant pair of English mahogany console tables from the 19th century showcases timeless neoclassical inspiration. Designed with demi-lune tops and richly figured mahogany venee...
Mahogany
$1,428Sale 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, England
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
Sold
H 31.25 in W 22.25 in D 58 in
Pair Very Large French Directoire Brass Bound Mahogany Demilune Console Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous paid of beautiful mahogany and brass bound and ormolu demilune consoles. They each measures 58 wide x 22.25 deep x 31.25 tall. The tables are in good original cond...
Brass
Directoire Dining Table
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a great uncommonly large folder-over demilune dining table. The table is crafted of solid beautifully grained pearwood. The shaped legs termina...
Brass
French 19th Century Directoire Console Game Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Made in 1830s France, this wonderful antique can play double duty. This demilune console table sits wonderfully against a wall or the top flips open to a round felt-top game table. B...
Brass
Sold
H 30.25 in W 35.5 in D 15 in
French Directoire Inspired Cherry and Bronze Demi Lune Console Table, 20th C
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This Maison Jansen style cherry and bronze demi lune console table is designed in a modernized Directoire fashion with a polished and brass stringed cherry top above a wonderfully de...
Bronze
Continental Directoire Walnut Demi-Lune Games Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Continental Directoire walnut demi-lune games table, circa 1800.
Walnut
Sold
H 30.52 in W 45.28 in D 21.86 in
Circa 1780 Fully Restored French Directorie Demi Lune Extending Card Games Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite fully restored circa 1760-1780 French Directorie Demi Lune Extending games card table This is a truly very high qualit...
Brass
French Directoire Style Demilune Fold-Over Console Table
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
French solid mahogany demilune fold over console table with brass trim details and raised on turned tapering fluted legs with brass-capped feet. The tabl...
Mahogany
Directoire Fruit Wood Games Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Directoire fruitwood demilune games table, early 19th century. Your choice of two playing surfaces when opened, wood or leather.
Brass
Sold
H 29.53 in W 51.19 in D 25.6 in
19th Century Demi-Lune Directoire Oak Wood and Veneer Dining Room Table
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant French demilune Directoire dining room table. Made in oak wood and veneer the legs end in bronze sabot, when the table is open they are 130 cm in diameter.
Bronze
Sold
H 30 in W 42.5 in D 17.5 in
Ebonized French Empire Demilune Sofa Console Table Attributed Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Vintage midcentury Classic table with gilt bronze banded ebonized top. The demilune apron is fitted with bronze mounts. There are four column legs with bronze chased capitals and bas...
Bronze
French Directoire Style Cherrywood Demilune Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
Custom made in France about 30 years ago, Directoire style cherrywood demilune table with brass accent. When the table is open the diameter is 43.5 inches. Height of the table when o...
Cherry
Sold
H 31 in W 29.5 in D 14.5 in
French Directoire Style Mahogany Demilune Table with Marble Top and Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Directoire style mahogany demilune console table from the early 20th century, with marble top, brass gallery, two unusual unfolding drawers and tapered legs. Born in France ...
Marble, Brass
Directoire Mahogany and Brass-Mounted Console or Games Table
Located in Essex, MA
Signed by the maker Nicholas Hericourt 1729-1790. Demilune form with brass edge opening to tooled leather interior, panelled frieze with brass trim raised on circular tapered fluted ...
Other
A French Ebonized Brass Mounted Console Dessert
Located in New York, NY
A French ebonized brass mounted console dessert, the new white marble top resting on a frieze with a faux drawer and ring handles, the reeded legs with ...
Marble, Brass
Sold
H 30.91 in W 47.25 in D 11.82 in
Maison Jansen Directoire Style Half Moon Console in Gilt Bronze and Marble-Top
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Directoire style Gilt bronze Tripode base Claw feet surmounted by a caryatid Black marge top
Marble, Bronze