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.
Antique French Louis XVI Kingwood Marquetry Leather Top Bureau Plat Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
An exquisite French Directoire Bureau Plat or Library Table, Circa 1920. Features a rectangular form made from kingwood with a black tooled lea...
Ormolu
French 19th Century Directoire Style Ebonized Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French, 19th century Directoire style leather-topped desk with hidden extensions on each side to add surface area, in a dramatic ebonized finish over the wood. The olive green leat...
Brass
French 20th Century Mahogany and Leather-top Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French 20th century leather-topped mahogany writing desk, designed in the Directoire taste for refined proportions & materials. The wide leather surface is original, gently cle...
Brass
Directoire-style Mahogany Bronze-Mounted Writing Desk, C. 1940.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The rectangular leather-inset top above three frieze drawers, raised on square tapering legs terminating in bronze sabots. Elegant gilt-bronze mounts throughout enhance the refined n...
Bronze
Louis XVI Style Mahogany Bureau Plat (Directoire Desk), Mid-20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Louis XVI style bureau plat crafted in mahogany, dating to the mid-20th century and inspired by late 18th-century French Directoire design. The desk features clean architectu...
Wood
Directoire-Style Desk, Brass and Leather, Early 20th Century, France
Located in Chicago, US
Directoire/Napoleon III style desk composed of one large center and two side dovetailed drawers. The right drawer has a divided back section with an inset tray and a horizontal panel...
Brass
French Directoire Style gray desk in solid oak wood with a leather pad
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This desk is a craft-handed reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. The design of this period is remarkable with its straight, classical and time...
Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer
$17,596Sale Price|20% Off
Dore' Bronze Mounted Signed Maison Jansen Leather Blue-Green Bureau Plat Desk
By Maurice Hirch
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is an extraordinary desk by Maurice Hirch, a famous French designer made for Maison Jansen of Paris. The desk is solid mahogany that was stained a beautiful blue-green hue. The ...
Bronze
French Directoire style minister's desk in solid wood with leather pad
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This minister's desk with 5-drawers is a craft-handed reproduction of the world-renowned French Directoire style, which dates back to the end of the 18th century. This range is char...
Brass
Rare Flame Mahogany Bronze Mounted Leather Top Francois Linke Desk Bureau Plat
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare François Linke desk, Bureau Plat, circa early 20th century, is an extraordinary example of French luxury craftsmanship, showcasing the artistry and elegance that made Linke...
Bronze
Petite Ebonized Child Size or Ladies Writing Desk attributed to Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Refined and compact, this Maison Jansen–attributed Directoire-style desk from the 1950s showcases timeless French elegance in a scaled-down form ideal for a lady’s writing table or c...
Brass
Period French Directior Leather Topped Writing Table.
Located in Hudson, NY
This beautiful period writing table was constructed in France circa 1790 to 1800 of rich imported mahogany and the woods have been carefully selected to create an overall pattern of ...
Leather, Mahogany
French Directoire style minister's desk in solid wood
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This minister's desk with 5-drawers is a craft-handed reproduction of the world-renowned French Directoire style, which dates back to the end of the 18th century. This range is char...
Brass
18th Century French Directoire Desk in Mahogany with Leather Top
Located in Queens, NY
French Directoire (Late 18th Century) mahogany and bronze trim desk with a black leather top having 2 extending side surfaces surrounded by a shallow reticulated brass gallery, havin...
Metal, Brass
Directoire Style Desk Solid Cherry with Leather Pad and Covered Storage Space
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This desk belongs to the MELANIE collection that proposes handcraft modernized reinterpretated pieces of furniture from the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. T...
Wood, Cherry, Oak, Lacquer
French Directoire Style Writing Table, Desk in Cherrywood, 2 Drawers
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This writing table is a handmade reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period style is remarkable with its straight, classical and timeles...
Wood, Cherry, Oak
Early 20th Century Writing Desk in Walnut with Inlay by Meroni & Fossati
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Italian elegant early 20th century Directoire writing desk in walnut massive and veneered with inlay on the top by Meroni & Fossati. Wax polished Useful height under central drawer 60 cm. To better understand the Directoire style of this desk Directoire style was a period in the decorative arts, fashion, and especially furniture design in France concurrent with the Directory (November 2, 1795–November 10, 1799), the later part of the French Revolution. The style uses Neoclassical architectural forms, minimal carving, planar expanses of highly grained veneers, and applied decorative painting. It is a style transitional between Louis XVI and Empire. The Directoire style was primarily established by the architects and designers Charles Percier (1764–1838) and Pier François Léonard Fontaine (1762–1853). In its use of Neoclassical architectural form and decorative motifs the style anticipates the slightly later and more elaborate Empire style, which was introduced after Napoleon established the First French Empire. The Directoire style reflected the Revolutionary belief in the values of republican Rome: "The stoic virtues of Republican Rome were upheld as standards not merely for the arts but also for political behaviour and private morality. Conventionels saw themselves as antique...
Walnut
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
French Directoire Style Brass Trimmed Leather Top Vanity Desk, Circa 1890
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Directoire style brass trimmed vanity desk, circa 1890, exemplifies refined Parisian elegance from the late 19th century. Crafted in fine mahogany, the piece features a r...
Brass
$4,680Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Brass and Steel Aged Mirrored Top John Vesey Style Ebonzed Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This rare brass and steel ebonized writing desk in the style of John Vesey showcases a striking blend of modern sophistication and timeless craftsmanship. Designed with an eye for bo...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Vintage Early 20th Century French Mahogany Desk with Aubergine Leather Top
Located in Buchanan, NY
This vintage French mahogany desk will add a touch of sophistication to your work environment. It features a sleek aubergine leather top that complements the original art deco hardware...
Leather, Mahogany
Directoire Style Desk with Cylinder Top, France, 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Directoire style desk with cylinder top, France 19th century Mahogany veneer with satinwood inlays. This elegant little desk is perfect for a small working space. The writing top fo...
Mahogany, Satinwood
Italian Desk with Drawer Directoire All Cherrywood Restored and Wax-Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Late 19th-early 20th century Italian writing desk with drawer all solid cherrywood, restored and wax-polished. Wonderful writing table in solid cherrywood, original and restored. ...
Cherry
$3,887Sale Price|35% Off
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Leather Top Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Directoire Neoclassical Mahogany Leather Top Desk is a marvel of timeless architecture, tailored styling and quality materials. Crafted from exotic imported mahogany,...
Brass
$3,161 / item
French Directoire style desk in oak
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This computer desk is proposed here in solid oak from France and is also available in cherry. A black leather desk pad equips the top. The top is sli...
Leather, Oak
French Directoire style handcrafted secretary desk in cherry wood & leather pad
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This Secretary is a handmade modernized interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. This period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timel...
Leather, Wood, Cherry, Lacquer
French Directoire style handcrafted Desk in solid wood, with leather pad
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This desk with top storage compartments is a craft-handed re-interpretation of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. The design of...
Brass
French Directoire style handcrafted lacquered desk with solid wood & leather pad
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This desk is a craft-handed reproduction of the French Directoire style at the end of the 18th century. The design of this period is remarkable with its straight, classical and timel...
Cherry, Wood, Oak, Lacquer
French Writing Table, Pull-Out Gilt-Tooled Leather Top
Located in Montreal, Quebec
An elegant desk from 20th century France. This writing table features a pull-out black leather top adorned with gold tooling, creating a beautiful contrast with the warm brown wood o...
Leather, Wood
$3,558
H 32.29 in W 44.1 in D 70.87 in
Classic English Partner Desk/Writing Desk 20th Century, Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Classic English Partner Desk/Writing Desk 20th Century, Mahogany Solid mahogany, partially veneered. Baluster-shaped and grooved/channelled legs ending with brass castors. Frame bo...
Leather, Mahogany
Antique Leather Top French Louis XVI Style Writing Desk
Located in North York, ON
This antique French Louis XVI style writing desk, crafted in France circa 1940s, exudes timeless elegance and classical refinement. Made from walnut with a light natural finish, it f...
Brass
$6,923
H 31.5 in W 40.56 in D 25.6 in
20th Century Louis XV Style French Bureau Plat or Desk after Francois Linke
Located in Berlin, DE
20th century Louis XV style French Bureau plat or desk after Francois Linke Table top covered with genuine high quality leather and gold embossing Tulip wood and shadowed noble w...
Bronze
$10,500
H 31 in W 52 in D 31 in
Louis XV Style French Kingwood Parquetry and Gilt Bronze Bureau Plat 'Desk'
By Jean-Pierre Latz
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A late 19th century French Bureau Plat in kingwood and amaranth parquetry with three drawers to one side with gilt bronze decoration all round; notable are the drawer handles modelled with Chinese heads; the two ends decorated with Apollo heads...
Kingwood
$2,500
H 29.75 in W 51 in D 25.5 in
19th Century Louis Philippe Mahogany Bureau Plat Desk, Hand-Crafted
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Louis Philippe style bureau plat, or desk, made of solid and veneer of mahogany. Double sided, the back has false drawers so this desk may be free floated in a ...
Brass
$125,000
H 30.5 in W 79.5 in D 38 in
French 19th Century Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Kingwood Bureau-Plat Desk
By H. Conquet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and large French 19th century Louis XV style ormolu mounted (gilt bronze) kingwood and walnut bureau plat by H. Conquet after a model by Charles Cressent. The shaped rect...
Bronze
$2,130
H 30 in W 48.5 in D 25 in
French Louis XV Bureau Plat Leather Top Desk With Mounted Bronze Ormolu
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A gorgeous French Louis XV style executive writing desk or bureau plat desk Mahogany, with bronze/bronze trim and ormolu mounts, and embossed green leather top. Remnants of gilt fin...
Bronze
$4,800
H 29.5 in W 55 in D 29 in
Vintage Early 20th Century French Mahogany Desk with Aubergine Leather Top
Located in Buchanan, NY
This vintage French mahogany desk will add a touch of sophistication to your work environment. It features a sleek aubergine leather top that complements the original art deco hardware...
Leather, Mahogany
$4,407
H 29.93 in W 41.74 in D 23.23 in
Louis XV-Style Writing Desk with Leather Top and Bronze Mounts, 1950
Located in Barntrup, DE
This fine Louis XV-style desk has a leather top framed by bronze borders. The writing desk is raised on cabriole legs headed by floral and leaf cast mounts that have finely finished ...
Bronze
$3,714
H 29.53 in W 50.79 in D 27.17 in
Elegant early 20th century writing desk with brass details and three drawers
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Elegant early 20th century writing desk crafted in hardwood and inspired by the refined lines of the Louis XVI period. The desk features three drawers across the front, slender flut...
Brass
19th Century French Walnut Inlaid Desk
Located in High Point, NC
19th century inlaid walnut writing table/desk from France. The top is made from two gorgeous walnut boards, surrounded in walnut banding and having a beveled edge. The top follows...
Walnut
French Louis XV Style Bureau Plat Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An outstanding French Louis XV style writing desk or bureau plat desk with bronze trim and ornate ormolu mounts and embossed leather top. The desk is finished on all sides and could ...
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 61.03 in W 38.78 in D 29.34 in
"Bonheur de jour" desk 19th century Directoire style, solid walnut
Located in MADRID, ES
This exquisite "Bonheur de jour" desk is a quintessential example of French Directoire style, dating back to the late 18th or early 19th century. Crafted from high-quality solid wal...
Walnut
French 19th Century Mahogany Desk with Leather Top
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French 19th century leather-topped mahogany writing desk, designed in the Directoire taste for refined proportions & materials. The wide, cognac leather surface has been gently...
Brass
Sold
H 29.75 in W 47.25 in D 25.5 in
A French Directoire style Leather Top Mahogany Writing Desk, C. 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Crafted in mahogany with a leather writing surface, this elegant desk features five drawers, bronze mounts, leather pull-out slides, and square tapering legs. Combining refined Direc...
Leather, Mahogany
French Petite Inlaid Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A lovely, petite desk from 19th Century France made of luxurious mahogany and a leather writing surface with gold tooling. The small scale of this table would be interesting as a con...
Bronze
French 19th Century Petite Directoire Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite, French occasional table or writing desk from the 19th century with a very well-patinated leather surface in a gorgeous mahogany frame. The Directoire silhouette of this han...
Brass
French Empire Style Mahogany & Leather Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French vintage 20th century leather-topped polished mahogany writing desk, designed in the Directoire taste for refined proportions & materials, accented with Neoclassical symbolis...
Brass
French 19th Century Mahogany Petite Writing Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French 19th century leather-topped mahogany writing desk, designed in the Directoire taste for refined proportions & materials. The vermilion leather surface is worn to a mottled h...
Brass
French Vintage Mahogany Directoire Style Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French vintage leather-topped mahogany writing desk, designed in the Directoire taste for refined proportions & materials. Two hidden extensions on each side add occasional surface...
Brass
Sold
H 29 in W 43.25 in D 23.5 in
A Directoire style ebonized mahogany writing desk / bureau plat, C. 1945.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
In the manner of late 18th-century French design, this elegant and finely proportioned desk exemplifies the neoclassical restraint and symmetry characteristic of the late 18th-centur...
Bronze
French 18th Century Louis XV Style Painted Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This archetypal 18th century Louis XV-style desk was given a distinguishing update in the 20th century: washing the pine construction in white paint and black pinstriping to accentua...
Pine, Paint
Vintage Kittinger Directoire Style Writing Desk
By Kittinger Furniture Company
Located in Houston, TX
1960s Vintage Kittinger Directoire style writing desk composed of satinwood and features ebony inlay and brass hardware. Maker's mark located inside the center drawer.
Brass
Antique Directoire Table Writing Desk In Walnut - Italy 19th
Located in Atlanta, GA
This refined Italian Directoire writing desk, dating to the early 19th century, showcases the minimalist elegance and architectural precision associated with the Directoire period. ...
Walnut