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Directoire Vitrines

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
Petite Lighted French Flame Mahogany Louis XVI Directoire Vitrine Marble Top
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a great, smaller sized apartment style flame mahogany lighted vitrine or china cabinet. It has beautiful flame mahogany and a nice white marble...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

19th Century Large French Oak Directoire Library Cabinet
Located in Surrey, BC
Beautiful six-door cabinet with brass details and adjustable solid oak shelves. Fantastic patina/age-cracked finish on the cabinet's original, untouched surface. This fully functioni...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Oak, Walnut

French Directoire Style Vitrine and Bookcase in Solid Oak
Located in Landivy, FR
This Vitrine 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. T...
Category

2010s French Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Cherry, Oak

Russian Baltic Mahogany Bronze Trimmed Directoire Style China Cabinet Vitrine
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a very unique Russian vitrine with fantastic bronze ormolu and directoire styling. Look at the gorgeous design and solid mahogany contrasting beautifully with the brass and b...
Category

1850s Russian Antique Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Brass, Bronze

French Vitrine Cabinet, Glass Door Walnut, Rosewood with Ormolu Mounts
Located in Toronto, CA
A French vitrine cabinet with glass door and sides, in walnut with rosewood and tulipwood, top with a grey marble top. The ormolu mounts give the cabinet the Louis XV styling tha...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Directoire Glazed Cabinet with Crossed Water-Gilded Arrows
Located in Chicago, IL
About as original as can be, this stellar antique only received a minimal amount of conservation in our highly regarded workshop. Constructed of exotic rosewood, the case packs quite...
Category

1860s French Antique Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Gold

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Antique Louis XV Style Vernis Martin China Display Cabinet/Vitrine, circa 1900
Located in Portland, OR
Antique Louis XV style Vernis Martin China display cabinet/Vitrine, circa 1900. The cabinet having a pierced brass gallery to the top and a brass frieze below with hanging floral gar...
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Early 20th Century French Directoire Vitrines

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Walnut

Early 20th Century French Walnut and Blown Glass Doors Vitrine, 1900s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Magnificent walnut Vitrine dating from 1900, four glass doors made of blown glass. The vitrine is entirely removable. Two drawers on the bottom. Several shelves to be placed at you...
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Early 20th Century Directoire Vitrines

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Blown Glass, Walnut

Large Solid Oak French Louis XV Style Breakfront Bookcase Vitrine, circa 1980
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...
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1980s American Vintage Directoire Vitrines

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Oak

Small Scale Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Vitrine, Bookcase
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This small scale late 19th century French Louis XVI style mahogany bibliotheque or bookcase is finished with bronze banding. Its corners feature fluting and the side panels are also inset with bronze banding. Its two doors open to reveal an interior with four adjustable shelves. The cabinet rests on classic finial feet...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Vitrines

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Bronze

Antique French Carved Walnut Marble Top Bowfront Parlor Cabinet
Located in New Orleans, LA
A French carved walnut marble top bowfront parlor cabinet, circa 1870, having a lovely inset white marble with double curved glass doors, flanked by cur...
Category

1870s French Antique Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Small Scale Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Vitrine, Bookcase
Located in Fayetteville, AR
With glass on three sides, this French Louis XVI style mahogany vitrine from the late nineteenth century is ideal for displaying any fine collection. Resting on turned finial feet...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Vitrine with Bronze Detailing
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Standing at 63 inches in height, this small scale mid-nineteenth century Louis XVI style mahogany bibliotheque or bookcase is finished with stunning bronze banding. Its corners feature fluting with inset bronze filets. Both doors have their original blown glass, evidenced by waves and an occasional bubble, and are finished with bronze borders and key surrounds. This circa 1860 vitrine is fitted with its two adjustable interior shelves. The cabinet rests on classic finial feet...
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19th Century French Antique Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Bronze

19th Mahogany Vitrine-Table in Louis XVI Style
Located in Marseille, FR
Showcase presentation mahogany Louis XVI style dating from late 19th century. Ideal vitrine for the presentation of small trinkets. Richly decorated with...
Category

19th Century French Antique Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Mahogany

19th Mahogany Vitrine-Table in Louis XVI Style
19th Mahogany Vitrine-Table in Louis XVI Style
H 29.53 in W 24.41 in D 16.54 in
Louis XVI Style Desk with Vitrine Top
Located in Stamford, CT
A Louis XVI style desk with vitrine Top. This fine custom quality Louis XVI style desk has long tapering bronze-mounted legs supporting a center drawer flanked by larger drawers leading to a set of three smaller drawers under a vitrine mirrored shelving...
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Early 20th Century French Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Wood

Louis XVI Style Desk with Vitrine Top
Louis XVI Style Desk with Vitrine Top
H 50 in W 33 in D 17.5 in
French 19th Century Mahogany Vitrine
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This Louis Philippe vitrine was crafted in France during the 19th century from finley bookmatched mahogany. A brass border encompasses the large single pane of glass and faux panel b...
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19th Century French Antique Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Metal, Brass, Ormolu

French 19th Century Mahogany Vitrine
French 19th Century Mahogany Vitrine
H 69.88 in W 33.25 in D 15.75 in
Art Deco Walnut Vitrine China Cabinet
Located in Pasadena, TX
An Art Deco, two-section cabinet for china or bar storage. The upper cabinet has sliding glass doors and a mirrored interior. The lower cabinet fea...
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1930s Argentine Vintage Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Mahogany

Art Deco Walnut Vitrine China Cabinet
Art Deco Walnut Vitrine China Cabinet
H 42.5 in W 39 in D 11.5 in
Library / Cabinet vitrine in antique Biedermeier Style mahogany veneer
Located in Berlin, DE
Pyramid mahogany on solid conifers, also back wall. On stepped frame base, high-corpuscular body. The front has two triple-sectioned, door-glazed, casted doors, the panels are handcr...
Category

19th Century German Antique Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Mahogany

Previously Available Items
Late 19th Century French Directoire Style Walnut Bookcase or Vitrine
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Directoire style bibliotheque or bookcase is constructed of solid walnut and rests on tapered square legs fitted with bronze sabots. Its two glass...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Fine Quality French Directoire Auffray or Ruseau Hand-Made Breakfront Bookcase
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 delivery needs! They offer a reasonable flat-rate fee for delivery and set up to the ground floor of your home. They deliver to the vast majority of the lower 48 states. They offer a flat rate for most of our items with exclusions for the largest or most complex items such as breakfronts or crystal chandeliers or other items of greater complexity. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase as these rates are different from our stated pricing. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase. Most deliveries to the East Coast will be 295.00, to the mid-west and Southern mid-west 395.00. To the areas west of Kansas 495.00 and the farthest points to the West coast will be 595.00. Again, some areas we can't cover, however we can deliver to most of the lower 48 states so please inquire to be sure! Delivery times range from as fast as 1-4 weeks for the east coast to 5-9 weeks to the farthest areas of the west coast, sometimes longer and sometimes even shorter. If it is a time sensitive purchase, we may be able to accommodate you for a higher price. It is our goal to please each and every one of our customers with the highest standard of service possible. You must realize and accept that we are shipping antique, vintage and quality used furnishings to your home. We cannot control traffic, weather, and acts of God. There will be times when additional patience will be necessary. This is a superbly crafted hand-made breakfront or bookcase made by either Auffray or Don Ruseau. The cabinet is in very good condition and looks like an antique with hand-made features and construction. The interior is a beautiful color of blue and measures 72 wide x 21 deep x 96 tall and dates to the 1960s era. This is a 2 piece breakfront.
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1960s Unknown Vintage Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Walnut

Great Solid Bronze French Directoire Style Vitrine with Finials Circa 1940
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Bronze frame. 2 glass doors containing 3 glass shelves. Mirrored bottom. 78 3/8" h x 49 1/4" w x 21 5/8" d. Condition Chips on glass shelves. Mirrored bottom cracked but we can rep...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Bronze

Pair 19th C. French Directoire Style Bibliothèque Bookecases in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A pair of 19th c. French Directoire style bibliothèque bookcases or vitrines made of fir wood with original glass and seven adjustable shelves in the top and bottom sections (rack an...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Fir, Paint

French Directoire Style Two-Part Bibliothèque Vitrine in Original Paint, 19th c.
Located in Wichita, KS
A 19th c. French bibliothèque in two parts with original glass and adjustable shelves. Found in Provence. This beautiful vitrine cabinet or bookcase is the perfect piece for almost a...
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19th Century French Antique Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint

Pair of Solid Brass Directoire Style Vitrines China Display Cabinets circa 1940s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a very, very rare pair of French solid brass not tubular hollow brass, vitrines. The vitrines are in superb antique condition and have solid, hearty construction and build qu...
Category

1940s French Vintage Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Directoire Style Vitrine
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 19th century Directoire style vitrine.
Category

1880s French Antique Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Cherry

Pair of Solid Brass Directoire Style Vitrines China Display Cabinets circa 1940s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a very, very rare pair of French solid brass not tubular hollow brass, vitrines. The vitrines are in superb antique condition and have solid, hearty construction and build qu...
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1940s French Vintage Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Brass

Beautiful Mid-20th Century French Small Vitrine, Directoire Style
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Beautiful mid-20th century French small vitrine, Directoire style.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Oak

Early 20th Century French Mahogany and Brass Directoire Style Vitrine
Located in LEGNY, FR
Early 20th century French mahogany and gilted brass directoire style vitrine. Spindle feet, fluted columns with brass. Three glass shelves and glass sides. Lining fabric was probab...
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Brass

French Louis XV Style Bronze Mounted Vitrine Display Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Directoire style bronze mounted glass top vitrine with a lined interior.
Category

Early 20th Century Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Fabric, Glass, Wood

Charming 19th Century French Vitrine
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Charming 19th century French vitrine.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Directoire Vitrines

Materials

Walnut

Charming 19th Century French Vitrine
Charming 19th Century French Vitrine
H 57 in W 31 in D 9.75 in

Directoire vitrines for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Directoire vitrines 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 vitrines created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Directoire vitrines made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 vitrines differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,559 and tops out at $16,500 while the average work can sell for $4,570.

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