Antique Directoire style commodes

The Directoire style of French furniture emerged during the late 18th century, specifically from 1795 to 1799, following the French Revolution. It represents a transitional period between the opulence of the Louis XVI style and the grandeur of the Empire style. The Directoire style is characterized by its simplicity, classical influences, and a departure from the ornate designs of the preceding era.

The Directoire style was influenced by the political and social changes brought about by the French Revolution. It sought to break away from the lavishness associated with the aristocracy and embraced a more republican and democratic aesthetic. The more... furniture of this period reflects a return to classical forms and motifs, drawing inspiration from ancient Greece and Rome.

Chairs in the Directoire style often feature straight, tapering legs, occasionally fluted or with saber shapes. The backs of the chairs are typically rectangular or shield-shaped, sometimes with a slight curve. The seats are usually padded and upholstered in simple fabrics or leather. The chair frames are often adorned with minimal ornamentation, such as subtle carvings or moldings.

Tables in the Directoire style are characterized by clean lines and geometric shapes. They often have rectangular or circular tops and straight, tapered legs. Some tables may feature fluted or reeded details on the legs. The tabletops may be adorned with simple inlays or veneers, showcasing classical motifs like laurel wreaths or Greek key patterns.

Chests of drawers and commodes in the Directoire style often have rectangular or square shapes with straight lines. They feature minimal ornamentation, focusing on the quality of the wood and the craftsmanship. The hardware, such as drawer pulls and escutcheons, is usually simple and understated. Some pieces may incorporate classical motifs in the form of delicate carvings or brass accents.

Mirrors in the Directoire style typically have rectangular or oval shapes. The frames are usually plain and unadorned, with minimal embellishments. The mirrors may be topped with a pediment or feature columns on the sides, drawing inspiration from classical architecture.

The Directoire style represents a transitional period in French furniture design, reflecting the changing political and social landscape of the time. It sought to establish a sense of simplicity, order, and democracy in furniture design, drawing inspiration from classical antiquity. The clean lines, restrained ornamentation, and emphasis on quality craftsmanship continue to make Directoire furniture appealing to those who appreciate a more understated and classical aesthetic.

Until the mid-19th century, the standard chest had either four long, or three long and two short drawers. Rarely were there any exceptions to this rule. A chest with three drawers, or a series of small upper drawers, purporting to be Georgian, will probably have been converted from a chest-on-chest or tallboy. It is true that the 18th century commode often contain two long deep drawers, but this was a much grander and more decorative piece altogether, intended for drawing rooms, not bedrooms, and in any case was usually made to stand on legs. The standard chest more... of drawers continued to be made throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries (some Edwardian pine chests even had bracket feet), but variations were introduced during the mid-Victorian period, with some chests having seven or more drawers usually a deep hat drawer and smaller glove compartments. Chests with barley-sugar twist or split bobbin-turned supports date from the mid-19th century. less...