Directoire Style, also known as Régence Style, is a French neoclassical style of furniture, architecture, and interior design that emerged during the late 18th century. It is characterized by the use of straight lines, simple shapes, and a focus on functionality, which was a reflection of the revolutionary period in France. The style was named after the five-member Directory that governed France from 1795 to 1799. Directoire Style is a blend of classicism and modernity, which is evident in its design elements. The style features symmetrical shapes, columns, and pilasters, which are derived from ancient Greek and Roman classical architecture. The furniture pieces are typically crafted from mahogany and include sideboards, armoires, secretaries, and chairs. The use of carved motifs and gilded accents is common in Directoire Style, while textiles are often inspired by the motifs of the French Revolution. One of the key features of Directoire Style is its simplicity. The lack of intricate ornamentation and the focus on functionality are a reflection of the revolutionary period in France, where the aristocracy was overthrown, and the middle class emerged. The style was popular among the middle class who wanted to distance themselves from the opulence of the previous era. Directoire Style was also influenced by the Enlightenment, which emphasized rationality and reason. The style's emphasis on functionality and simplicity was a reflection of this philosophy. The use of straight lines and simple shapes was also a departure from the curvilinear forms that were popular in the previous Rococo era. In conclusion, Directoire Style is a neoclassical style of furniture, architecture, and interior design that emerged during the late 18th century in France. It is characterized by the use of straight lines, simple shapes, and a focus on functionality. The style was influenced by the revolutionary period in France, the Enlightenment, and the desire of the middle class to distance themselves from the opulence of the previous era. Directoire Style is a perfect balance between modernity and classicism, combining practicality and elegance.
Directoire Style, Régence Style, neoclassical, symmetrical shapes, mahogany, carved motifs, gilded accents, simplicity, functionality, Enlightenment
The Directoire Style is characterized by the use of straight and simple lines, a lack of intricate ornamentation, and a focus on functionality. Its design elements are based on the neoclassical style, which is characterized by the use of symmetrical shapes, columns and pilasters, and ornamental elements derived from ancient Greek and Roman classical architecture. The furniture pieces featured in the Directoire Style are typically crafted from mahogany and include sideboards, armoires, secretaries, and chairs. In terms of decoration, the Directoire Style favours the use of carved motifs and gilded accents, while textiles are often inspired by the motifs of the French Revolution. Overall, the Directoire Style is a perfect balance between modernity and classicism, combining practicality and elegance.
Neoclassicism, simplicity, functionality, elegance.
CITATION : "Ji-Soo Park. 'Directoire Style.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=192302 (Accessed on May 22, 2025)"
Directoire Style, also known as Régence Style, is a French style of furniture, architecture and interior design that dates back to the start of the Revolutionary period to the beginning of the Napoleonic Kingdom in the late 18th century. This neoclassical style is characterised by straight lines and simple shapes creating a refined and elegant look. Primary materials used are usually mahogany, walnut and cherry wood, but some items can also be made of other woods such as maple, ash and oak. This style of furniture is typically made with a combination of wood and gilded bronze, and can often feature geometric designs, such as intertwining circles and triangles.
Directoire, neoclassical, French, furniture, architecture, design, mahogany, walnut, cherry wood, maple, ash, oak, gilded bronze, geometric.
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