At Nicholas Wells Antiques, we present a collection of Directoire period furniture (1795–1799), a style that embodies both historical significance and timeless design. Created in the aftermath of the French Revolution, this transitional aesthetic bridged the refined neoclassicism of Louis XVI with the monumental grandeur of the Empire period.
Directoire furniture reflects the spirit of the age: clear lines, elegant proportions, and restrained decoration. Symmetry and geometry prevailed, while ornament drew on the antique world—Greek key borders, urns, laurel wreaths, and stylised foliage—executed with subtlety rather than extravagance.
Our Directoire furniture for sale includes beautifully crafted pieces in mahogany, cherry, and walnut, notable for:
✨ Straight, architectural silhouettes with finely tapered legs
🏺 Classical detailing, often inlaid or painted with finesse
🎨 Muted tones—soft greys, whites, and blacks enhancing clarity of design
Highlights include the elegant Directoire commode and the iconic klismos chair, both celebrated for their balance of function and beauty.
Today, the French Revolution and Directoire antiques in our collection remain highly sought after by collectors and interior designers who value simplicity, proportion, and authenticity. Each piece at Nicholas Wells Antiques is carefully chosen for its quality and provenance, offering clients the opportunity to acquire furniture that speaks to a pivotal moment in French cultural history.
