This transitional style from Louis XVI to Empire utilized traditional elements of Neo-Classical architecture and design. Furniture of this period displayed minimal carvings, grained wood veneers, and paintings. Popular elements were borrowed from earlier styles including Louis XVI, Etruscan, and Roman.

During this period after the French Revolution, purveyors of the Directoire style idealized the ancient Roman republic. Festivals during this time were based on the conventions of Roman rituals and children were even named after Brutus and Solon.