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
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
Custom Made Old Plank Directoire Style Bookcase in Stock Floor Model Reduced
Located in Chicago, IL
Handmade Country French style glazed bookcase, display cabinet or china cabinet. Our Directoire style bookcase or china cabinet was hand-crafted right here in our Old Plank workshop....
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint
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
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
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
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
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 attributed to Maison Jansen. Measures 37.25 tall x ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
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
Directoire Period French Secretary
Located in Austin, TX
Secretary from France from the Directoire period. This piece is made of solid hand "hewned " mahogany with a striking figuring on the drop front and sides. It has been finished with ...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Fantastic Pair Carved Beech Wood French Louis XVI Directoire Bergere Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous, expertly carved pair of "limed" beechwood Louis XVI style or Directoire. The frames are very precisely carved, better than average by far and have a sophisticated...
Category
1980s European Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Beech
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
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
Maison Jansen Style White Painted Upholstered French Directoire Desk Armchair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous Directoire French-made Maison Jansen style armchair. The chair looks like Jansen and may very well be but isn't marked. The chair is in good condition with normal ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
18th Century French Louis XVI Writing Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
Handsome late 18th Century French Louis XVI style writing desk with leather insert on top. Desk features a middle drawer, with three drawers on left and three drawers on right side. ...
Category
18th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Superb Brass Directoire Style Coffee Table Attributed to Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a Maison Jansen attributed coffee table of fine design and form made of brass in the Directoire manner. The table is in good condition and features robust conical legs and a ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fine Quality Aged Brass French Table or Bouillotte Lamp with shades
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous time-wron aged bronze or brass lamp with an arrow quiver and push button at the base. The lamp is in good condition and worked when tested. The lamp is in the Dire...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Metal, 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.
Category
19th Century Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Quality Forged Brass and Black and White Marble Directoire Beverage Cart
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb hand-forged brass and black and white marble two tier bar or liquor cart. of course you can use it for pastries or wine. The piece is in very good condition and has ...
Category
1990s French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble, Brass
EARLY 19th CENTURY TUSCAN DIRECTORIO TABLE IN WALNUT AND FRUIT WOOD
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant circular coffee table entirely veneered in walnut and finely inlaid with floral and vegetal motifs in fruit wood. The inlays decorate the top, the band and the legs of the co...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Nutwood
Directoire Style Mahogany and Brass secretary Aabatant Leather Desk Surface
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Marble top. One dovetailed drawer on top. One drop down door containing leather and fitted interior. Two doors on bottom containing one shelf. Brass or bronze hardware and accents. ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Buffet Vitrine
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This buffet Vitrine is made of walnut and is interesting as a vitrine. There is a key to lock the top.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Directoire 3-Panel Screen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
French Directoire folding screen with glass top and fabric panels. Dimensions: 55"H x 21.25"W (each panel). Ask us about our local NYC delivery.
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Furniture
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Glass
19th Century French Directoire Hand Painted Green and White Tole Table Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a table or a buffet with this elegant antique tole lamp; crafted in France, circa 1840, the lamp sits on a square base, and features hand painted decor with soldiers and dec...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Tôle
Fantastic Shabby Distressted Multicolored Maison Jansen Style Armchair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Distressed. Upholstered. 38 1/2" h x 23" w x 24" d. Seat height 20".
Condition
Minor stains.
Dimensions
39 x 23 x 24 in
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Custom Hand-Made Desk by Old Plank in French Directoire Style New Made to Order
Located in Chicago, IL
Custom Desk in the French Directoire Style by Old Plank and Made to Order in your specific dimensions and finish. The more you look closely at the finite details, the more you will b...
Category
2010s American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Gold, Brass
French 19th Century Directoire Style Dessert with Bronze Gallery
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
French bow-front one drawer dessert. Marble top with brass pierced gallery and bottom shelf. Inlaid banding throughout. Terminates into bronze feet. Circa 1880s.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Blue Italian Bedside Table
Located in Albignasego, IT
Antique blue bedside table
Nice bedside table with a door and a drawer. Entirely built of walnut wood, at the beginning of the 19th century and entirely d...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Nutwood
Jaeguer Le coultre Atmos table clock
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Jaeguer Le coultre Atmos table clock
Atmos Model Directory Style
Origin Switzerland Circa 1970
Excellent condition. minimal natural wear due to its age
Works correctly
Materials Gild...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Smaller French Gilded Carved Directoire Bergere Chairs in Green Velvet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful pair of French-made gilded smaller scale bergere chairs. They have been reupholstered in Brooklyn NY and appear to be in good condition with regards to their upho...
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Neoclassical Directoire Style Scrolled Iron Outdoor Daybed Sofa 72"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Neoclassical Directoire style outdoor settee daybed. Made of iron featuring scrolled accents and waterproof cushions.
DIMENSIONS
31" x 72" x 30.5h
Category
Late 20th Century Directoire Furniture
Materials
Iron
Superb Pair of Marble Top Bronze Mounted French Demilune Console Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic pair of demilune tables made in France of walnut with groegous brass and bronze ormolu. The tables feature beautiful wood quality and brass and bronze. The tables...
Category
1920s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Six painted and gilt upholstered directoire style dining chairs circa 1940
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Six painted and gilt upholstered directoire style dining chairs circa 1940 with recent fabric.
Category
1940s Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Directoire Style Maison Jansen Brass Mounted Dry Bar Server W Marble Top
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Directoire Style Maison Jansen Brass Mounted Dry Bar Server W Marble Top
Category
1940s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
French Directoire Style Swag Arm Chairs
Located in Southampton, NJ
Classic French Directoire style swag arm chairs with sliver leaf accents upholstered in fine cut velvet on linen ground. Klismos styling to the front legs with heirloom quality coil...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Directoire Furniture
Materials
Silver Leaf
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
Pair of French Directoire Chest of Drawers / Side Tables
Located in Westport, CT
A beautiful pair of Directoire chests in solid walnut and comprised of three drawers with brass angular handles and shield-shaped escutcheons,...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Set of 6 directoire chairs 19th century
Located in Somme-Leuze, BE
very beautiful set of 6 chairs reupholstered with magnificent 19th century directoire style fabrics
Category
19th Century French Antique Directoire Furniture
Materials
Oak
French Directoire Mahogany and Brass Mounted Floor Lamp with Shelves
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a superb and very rare Directoire style brass mounted fluted floor lamp. The lamp is French and is in good antique condition. Measures 57.75 tall x 18.5 wide x 18.5 deep. Dat...
Category
1950s French Vintage Directoire Furniture
Materials
Brass
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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