Directoire Style Hardware & Bronzes
The elegant sobriety of the revolutionary era
Sublime your furniture and interiors with our collection of Directoire-style hardware and bronzes faithful to the spirit of this transitional period.
Directoire Style: Revolutionary Sobriety and Antique Influence
The Directoire style was born in the troubled context of the French Revolution and the political regime of the same name (1795-1799). This transitional style between Louis XVI and Empire is characterized by elegant sobriety, sleek forms, and an antique inspiration stripped of all monarchical pomp.
The Directoire style is distinguished by:
- Straight and geometric lines of great simplicity
- A voluntary sobriety breaking with the excesses of the Ancien Régime
- Motifs inspired by Greco-Roman antiquity: lyres, quivers, stars, lozenges
- Sleek shapes on furniture: taut lines, sharp angles
- A measured use of bronze often patinated rather than gilded
- Light woods: mahogany, walnut, lemonwood, elm burl
Recognizing Directoire style furniture
- Geometric and sleek shapes: straight lines, rectangular structures
- Absence of superfluous ornaments: sober and measured decor
- Characteristic legs: saber legs (curved outwards), top legs (spinning top shape), tapered legs
- Light woods: solid or veneered mahogany, walnut, lemonwood
- Discreet bronze fittings: patinated or lightly gilded bronzes, geometric motifs
- Simple motifs: lozenges, stars, stylized palmettes, lyres
Recognizing Directoire Style Bronzes
Directoire style bronzes are distinguished by their refined simplicity and discretion. Each piece of hardware contributes to the sober elegance of the furniture without ostentation.
01. Geometry & Simple Shapes
Diamonds, squares, rectangles, circles, stars, rosettes, post friezes, Greek friezes
02. Antique Motifs
Lyres, quivers, crossed arrows, torches
03. Vegetal Motifs
Stylized palmettes, laurel leaves, olive branches
04. Revolutionary Symbols
Phrygian caps, lictor's fasces, level (equality)
05. Animal Figures
Stylized swans, sober lion heads
06. Finishes
Patinated bronze, Matte gilded bronze, Light gilding, Polished brass, Medal bronze
Our collection of Directoire style hardware and bronzes
Our shop in Saint-Ouen, located in the heart of the Antiques District near the Paris Flea Market, brings together more than 2,500 references of period-style hardware and bronzes, including a selection dedicated to the Directoire style for furniture, interior fitting, and architecture. Since 1970, we have been supplying cabinetmakers, antique dealers, decorators, and individuals passionate about antique furniture.
Directoire Furniture Hardware
Give your Directoire furniture the authenticity it deserves with our selection of antique hardware and style bronzes faithful to the Revolutionary era.
Directoire Keyhole Escutcheons
- Patinated bronze diamond and rectangular escutcheons
- Lyre motif key plates
- Stylized palmette escutcheons
- Simple geometric key plates
Directoire Handles & Pulls
- Ring pulls on geometric backplates
- Simple decor pull handles
- Sleek drop handles
- Simple bail pulls
Directoire Rosettes & Appliques
- Round rosettes with geometric motifs
- Patinated bronze star rosettes
- Palmette appliques
- Simple medallions
Directoire Sabots & Rings
- Sabots for saber legs
- Sabots for toupie legs
- Simple fluted sabots
- Sober decorative rings
Directoire Ornaments & Mounts
- Patinated bronze lyre appliques
- Quiver and arrow ornaments
- Star and diamond decorations
- Geometric friezes
Directoire Galleries & Moldings
- Openwork geometric galleries
- Simple pearl moldings
- Vitruvian scroll friezes
- Greek key moldings
Directoire Architectural & Interior Hardware
For your Directoire style interior decoration projects and period building renovations, we offer a selection of adapted antique hardware.
- Directoire door handles with geometric rosettes in patinated bronze
- Push plates with sleek lines
- Cremone bolts and window accessories from the Revolutionary period
- Sober wall ornaments in Directoire style
- Decorative elements for woodwork and paneling
Finishes for Your Directoire Style Bronzes
All our period-style bronzes can be given a finish in our workshop to match the Directoire style. The Khephren workshop is skilled in all surface treatments, enabling us to faithfully reproduce period finishes or create custom designs according to your wishes.
Light Medal Bronze
Medium Medal Bronze
Dark Medal Bronze
Polished Varnished Patinated Gold
Satin Polished Brass
24-Carat Gilding
Bright Polished Brass
Polished Varnished Gold
Our services for your Directoire style projects
Bronze Reproduction
Our bronze artisans master both traditional and modern techniques to create faithful reproductions.
Bronze Restoration
Have your Directoire style ornaments lost their luster? The Khephren workshop restores life to your pieces.
Custom Creation
Have a specific project in mind? Our artisans can create custom-made pieces in the purest Directoire style.
Frequently Asked Questions about Directoire Style Hardware
Which finishes are authentic for Directoire style bronzes?
Bronze patina (brown-green or golden-brown) is the most authentic finish of the Directoire period. It reflects the desired sobriety, marking a break from the dazzling gilding of the Ancien Régime.
Matte or light gilding was also used, but sparingly. Uniform patina effects are characteristic of the Directoire style. Our workshop masters these techniques to restore or reproduce your Directoire style bronzes.
Can a missing ornament on a Directoire piece of furniture be replaced?
Yes, two options are available for replacing a missing ornament:
- Find an equivalent model among our 2,500 in-store references
- Have the piece reproduced identically from an existing model or a drawing
Our team will advise you on the solution best suited to your furniture and budget. Visit us with your piece or send us photos for an initial assessment.
How to restore tarnished Directoire style bronzes?
The restoration of Directoire style bronzes involves several steps:
- Delicate cleaning to remove grime without damaging the patina
- Assessment of the condition of the original patina or gilding
- Partial repatination or regilding if necessary
- Restoring the chasing to revive details
- Protection with a suitable wax
Warning: Never use household products on antique style bronzes. You risk permanently removing the original patina. Entrust this work to our specialized workshop.
Is it possible to have Directoire style hardware made to measure?
Yes. Our custom creation service guides you from design to production of personalized Directoire style hardware and bronzes:
- Study of your plans, sketches, or existing models
- Advice on the appropriate casting technique
- Artisanal production in our workshop
- Manual chasing of details
- Application of the desired patina or gilding
We regularly work with cabinetmakers, decorators, and architects on Directoire style furniture and interior design projects.
How much does a Directoire style hardware restoration cost?
The restoration cost of Directoire style bronzes varies depending on several factors:
- The initial condition of the pieces
- The number of pieces to be treated
- The desired surface treatment
- The complexity of the ornaments
Contact us for a free quote. We assess each project individually.
Where to buy Directoire style hardware and bronzes in France?
The Khephren shop in Saint-Ouen (93) offers more than 2,500 references of style hardware and bronzes, including a wide Directoire selection: geometric escutcheons, sleek handles, sabots for saber legs, lyre ornaments, star rosettes…
- Address: 41 rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen (Antiques District, Puces de Saint-Ouen)
- Phone: +33 1 40 11 35 78 / +33 6 21 53 12 79
- Email: khephren.bronzes@outlook.com
You can visit us during opening hours or contact us by phone and email for a remote order.
Do you ship Directoire style hardware and bronzes internationally?
Yes, we ship Directoire style hardware and bronzes:
- Metropolitan France: secure shipping
- Europe: Belgium, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy…
- International: USA, Canada, Middle East…
We regularly work with antique dealers, cabinetmakers, and decorators abroad. Shipping costs are calculated based on weight and destination. Contact us for a quote including secure packaging and delivery.
Discover Our Other Styles
Our expertise covers all styles of French furniture. Each era has its codes and characteristic ornaments.
Contact us
Our team is at your disposal to provide you with all the information you need to carry out your furnishing and layout projects.
- Address: 41 rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen
- Phone: +33 (0)1 40 11 35 78
- Email : khephren.bronzes@outlook.com