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
Pair of Directoire Armchairs, Cherry, France circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Pair of antique cherry armchairs
France
Cherry
Directoire around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 87 x 58 x 49 cm, seat height: 43 cm
Description:
Pair of elegant and interestingly sha...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Set of Six French Directoire Chaires, signed J-E Coryn, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Six identical antique chairs
France
Beech
Directoire around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 87 x 45 x 41 cm, seat height: 46 cm
Description:
Beautiful set of provincial French chairs...
Category
1790s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Beech
French Louis XVI Directoire Style Marble Top Sideboard Buffett By Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 35 1/2in W: 104in D: 21 1/4in
This French Louis XVI Directoire Style Marble Top Sideboard Buffett By Maison Jansen is made of the highest quality and is bound to brin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Argentine Directoire Furniture
Materials
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...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Oak, Paint
Antique Game Table, Table à Tric Trac, Mahogany, France, Directoire, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Tric Trac game table
France
Mahogany
Directoire around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 77 x 114 x 64 cm
Description:
Piece of furniture standing on round legs with brass surro...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of Six Directoire Dining Chairs, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Set of six antique chairs
France
mahogany
early 19th century
Dimensions: H x W x D: 88 x 47 x 44 cm, seat height: 48 cm
Description:
Set o...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
French Directoire Pendule, Black Marble, Firegilded Bronze, circa 1800
Located in Greven, DE
Antique portal clock
France
marble, bronze, enamel
Directoire around 1800
Dimensions: H x W x D: 46 x 28 x 14 cm
Description:
Antique portal c...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Pair of Long Brass and Leather Club Fenders
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A pair of 9ft long brass and leather club fenders
It is very rare to find a pair of club fenders, it is also very rate to find them as long as these
These are very large pieces o...
Category
Early 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
An Exceptional Set of Six Inlaid Directoire Period Mahogany Dining Chairs
By Charles Percier
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
All six frames featuring swan shaped brass inlaid motifs strikingly silhouetted against ebonized panels within brass moldings, over hand carved lyre-shaped splats replete with brass 'strings'. The frames also featuring brass strung stiles, front seat rails & sabre-leg front supports. All are in exceptionally sound condition due to the classical construction method of using oak as the secondary wood for added strength & durability.
The swan motif was highly favored by cabinetmakers & mount makers during the Directoire Period and was associated with Napoleons consort Josephine, by interpreting her protective nature towards her children like that of a swan towards it's cygnets).
For comparative examples see works by Charles Percier...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Maison Jansen Style Ebonized Mahogany Coffee Table Built to Order
Located in Chicago, IL
French Maison Jansen or Directoire style coffee table that in our home, might more accurately be described as a cocktail table. This particular Maison Jansen or Directoire style coff...
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair Directoire Bronze Mounted Figural Marble Top Kingwood Nightstands Commodes
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French fruitwood marquetry top writing table, 1950’s
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Academic Revival rectangular bureau plat in the French Directoire taste. The fruitwood marquetry top is mounted on a conforming apron fitted with a divided long drawer. Each drawer f...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare Mother of Reticulated Mother of Pearl Large Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Wood. Mother of Pearl. 59 7/8" h x 41 7/8" w x 3 1/2" d.
Condition
Scratches. Finish loss. Splits in seams. Chips in mother of pearl.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fine Quality French Mahogany Bronze Mounted Secretary Desk Bookcase Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is an absolutely gorgeous and superb quality diminutive secretary desk from France. The desk features a bookcase top with adjustable shelf and a marble top and trimmed in bronze...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze
Antique Brass Candlesticks 18th century - Baroque
By France"
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
The Collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret (1930-2002), Kensington Palace
Located in High Wycombe, GB
The Collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret (1930-2002), Kensington Palace.
A Pair of Early 19th Century French Walnut Fauteuils Upholstery In Green Flower Head Needlework Uphols...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Directoire Armchair, France 1800-10
Located in Leimen, DE
Discover the elegance and historical charm of this Directoire armchair, originating from France around 1800. This piece showcases a meticulously carved walnut frame, reflecting the r...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Directoire Armchair, France 1800-1810
Located in Leimen, DE
Discover the elegance and historical charm of this Directoire armchair, originating from France around 1790. This piece showcases a meticulously carved walnut frame, reflecting the r...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Exceptional Brass Inlaid French Directoire Beveled Mirrored Armoire TV Cabinet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous brass inlaid French made Directoire style brass inlaid and bronze mounted. This is in good antique condition and we will clean it up and make it look its best. Mea...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Maison Jansen Style 3 Piece Banquet Coffee Table in Brass
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
3 pieces. Brass frames. Glass top inserts. Beveled edge on glass. 19 3/8" h x 53 1/4" w x 21" d.
Condition
Minor oxidation. Light surface scratches.
Dimensions
20 x 54 x 21 in
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Petite Directoire Buffet
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite French mahogany Directoire buffet with its original St. Anne marble top. A single compartmentalized drawer sits above a pair of doors made from bookmatched burl mahogany. On...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Rare Jansen style Steel & Brass Cheval Mirror- Italy
Located in Danville, CA
Rare Brushed Steel Cheval Mirror with Brass trim and details in the style of Maison Jansen. The main frame of the mirror is bordered with solid brass trim and hardware, including sol...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Late 19th Century French Walnut Directoire Style Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Burton, TX
Found in the South of France, this Late 19th Century French Directoire Style Writing Desk was crafted in the late 1800's from old growth walnut. The piece features a nicely aged tool...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Mahogany Leather Top Directoire Writing Desk with Pull Out Trays
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a very good French mahogany Directoire desk with bronze ormolu and restrained and simple design. The leather top is in good antique condition with some signs of age and use b...
Category
1930s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French 19th century Directorate st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and most decorative French 19th century Directorate st. patinated Bronze and Ormolu chandelier. This beautiful six arm chandelier is centered by an Ormolu acorn bottom fin...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Sophisticated Gold Gilded French Directoire Wall Mirrors
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Measures 39.5 tall x 28 wide x 1.75 deep. The mirrors are in good used vintage condition minor signs of age and wear as shown. They are French.
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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 ...
Category
19th Century Belgian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Gorgeous Brass and Steel Maison Jansen Attributed Etagere Bookshelf
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous etagere or bookcase and is made up of steel and brass and meticulously detailed. The Etagere is in good vintage condition. Measures 77.5 tall x 39.25 wide x 15.5 a...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Directoire style ebonized mahogany leather top desk C 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Directoire style ebonized mahogany leather top desk C 1950.
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Black and Gold Large decorative Carved French Louis XVI Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous black and genuine gold leaf Directoire mirror. The mirror is good condition. The carving is fantastic. Measures 40 wide x 52.5 tall x 3 deep. Made in Italy in the ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Oval Directoire Style Dining Room Extension Dining Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A handsome Directoire Style Dining Table. Oval dining table with beautiful book matched top, carved edge and black string inlaid banding. The ebonized apron with gilt molded panels, ...
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fantastic Baker Furniture Company Directore Jansen Style Mahogany Brass Commode
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous Baker 1950s commode with the styling of Maison Jansen is absolutely quintessential Baker of the 1950s and is in good vintage condition. The brass ormolu and beauti...
Category
1950s American Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Ralph Lauren Faux Bamboo Distressed Painted Commode Dresser
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is an intentionally distressed Ralph Lauren French Directoire style commode or dresser. The commode is in good working condition and is labeled. Measures 46 wide x 18 deep x 34 ...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Set of 6 Maison Jansen Attributed Balloon Back Circular Directoire Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic set of classic French Directoire dining chairs and in good original condition. They are done in the manner and attr...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of French Directoire Style Crystal Two-Light Sconces with Rosette Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Directoire style two-light wall sconces from the 20th century with bronze armature, crystal rosettes and obelisk motifs. This exquisite pair of French Directoire sty...
Category
20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
French Directoire Walnut Desk Writing Table One Drawer, 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
French 19th century Directoire walnut writing table.
This antique table was very carefully reworked in the 20th century: part of the top was replaced and the legs were lengthened. A...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Directoire Style Painted & Upholstered Armchair
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French Directoire period armchair from the early 1800’s. This comfortable chair has a squared off back with sloping arms ending with ball finials that connect the front carved legs...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century French Bronze and Leather Two-Tier Coffee Table from Maison Jansen
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a living room or den with this elegant antique coffee table. Created in Paris, France, circa 1950 by Maison Jansen, the clean line frame is made of brushed steel, bronze and...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Steel, Bronze
Superb Decorative Crafts Italian-made Flame Mahogany Directoire Demilune Commode
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb Decorative Crafts Italian-made flame mahogany bronze and brass adorned demilune Louis XVI or Directoire commode. The quality is breathtaking and this is a in good co...
Category
1990s Italian Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Directoire French Antique Buffet
Located in Austin, TX
Buffet from France in the Directoire style. This piece has been eboinzed and finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. There are four dovetailed drawers above four do...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
French Directoire Style Extending Dining Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This vintage reproduction extending dining table is in the French Directoire style. Rectangular in form with curved ends, this table extends from 72” up to 10 feet long. There are tw...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Quality Bronze Brass Metal Tole Painted Bouillotte Table Lamp
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Measures 26.5 tall x 13 in diameter. Good used condition. No major issues. Dates to the 1920-30s era and is French.
Category
1930s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Mid-Century French Bronze Two-Tier Coffee Table from Maison Jansen
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a living room or den with this elegant two-tier antique coffee table. Created in Paris, France, circa 1950 by Maison Jansen, the clean line frame is made of brushed steel an...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Steel
Directoire Style Console Table in Cherry with a Secret Drawer Made in France
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 ...
Category
2010s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Neoclassical Directoire Scrolled Iron Outdoor Plank Top Dining Table 72"
Located in Dayton, OH
A nice blend of Neoclassical, Directoire and Farmhouse styling in this beautiful outdoor table. Made of iron featuring scrolled accents and pine plank top.
Dimensions:
72" x 34" x 29"h
Category
Late 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Iron
French 19th Century Directoire Jardiniere
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This Directoire Jardiniere is narrow and long and will be wonderful under a window. Very nice and simple line, it can match with any style of furniture.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Cherry
French Directoire Walnut Daybed & Crown
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This is a classic French Directoire hand-carved walnut daybed and crown. The walnut bed frame has Directoire motifs thoughtfully carved throughout. The headboard and footboard are u...
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Directoire Style Mahogany and gold detailed Rectangular Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful and simple mirror with goreous gold floral elements at each corner. Measures 50.75 tall x 38 wide x 2.5 inches. Dates to teh 1990s era and is American.
Category
1990s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Italian Directoire Period Late 18th Century Three Drawer Walnut Bedside Chest
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian Directoire period bedside chest from the 18th century, in solid walnut, with three drawers, carved accents and fluted side posts. This exquisite Italian Directoire period ...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Pair of Directoire style armchairs off white wood and Pierre Frey fabric
Located in Valladolid, ES
Pair of French armchairs with backrest "for the queen" in carved and polychrome white wood, Louis XVI period, 18th century.
Extraordinary and unique Pair of French armchairs with "qu...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
A Diminutive Camelback Settee for Reupholstery
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A diminutive camelback upholstered settee with serpentine back, rolled arms, resting on 5 paint decorated fluted legs with gold accents.
Dimensions: 50 1/4" L, 21" D, 20" seat heigh...
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Classic Directoire Style Round Banded And Inlaid Extension Banquet Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Solidly crafted Grange quality French Style Dining Table with pegged construction, handsome wood, tapered legs with capped foot, interesting inlaid and banded top and fine geometric ...
Category
20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Lombardy Italian Neoclassical Painted Corner Etagere Cabinet
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Lombardy Italian Neoclassical Painted Corner Etagere Cabinet
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of 6 French Directoire Walnut Chairs
Located in Jersey City, NJ
These chairs were purchased in France. There are in walnut. covered with a beige cotton wool fabric and show signs of previous use.
They have the elegance of the Directoire and can...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Maison Jansen Style Mahogany with Brass and Bronze Ormolu Triple Dresser
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb brass trimmed gray marble top signed Maison Jansen STYLE triple dresser. The piece has wonderful bronze mounts and a gorgeous gray veined marble top. The piece is us...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass, Bronze
Pair of Brass Fluted Walnut Directoire French Nightstands End Tables Marble Tops
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Measure 27.5 tall x 16.75 wide x 11.5 deep. These tables can be used as end tables if the backs are finished and nightstands just as they are. They are really quite nice with brass i...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Late 18th Century French Directoire Period Hand Carved Walnut Daybed
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This French Directoire period walnut daybed from the late eighteenth century features hand carved rosettes on the die joints. Each end is crowned with a double faced pediment detaile...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Signed Classic Louis XVI Distressed Walnut Marble Directoire Commode
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb distressed Directoire style commode with a beautiful marble top. The commode measures 50.5 wide x 24.5 deep x 34 tall. The commode is made to look antique is and is ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble
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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