Directional Sofas
A brand known to vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors everywhere, Directional Furniture opened its doors after American furniture designer Paul McCobb created the high-end Directional Modern line of sofas distributed by the New York–based Modernage Company.
In his pivotal introduction of postwar modernism to the mass market, the revered Massachusetts-born McCobb had established several lines, from the affordable and refined Planner Group for Winchendon to the swooping and unexpected arms of the Symmetric Group for Widdicomb, a Shaker-inspired collection that included a sofa and a lounge chair. Like all of McCobb’s designs, the Directional pieces for Modernage are defined by a sleek aesthetic in which the focus is on elegant functionality, frequently using fine materials such as brass and walnut. In 1949, in partnership with New York furniture salesman B.G. Mesberg, McCobb set up the Directional Furniture Company.
The pair’s first pieces were upholstered chairs, intended to harmonize with the modular Multiplex pieces designed by Martin Feinman. McCobb then designed an array of furniture including storage, dining, seating, desks and other pieces with details such as leather tops, wood finishes and Roman Travertine surfaces. While Directional stopped production of McCobb’s work in the early 1960s, it still released numerous pieces by leading designers manufactured by a variety of companies.
Designer Paul Evans led the factory for a time after joining in 1964. His provocative work for the company often reflected his understanding of materials from his early training as a silversmith, such as the popular Cityscape series — a milestone in brutalist design — with its blocky forms accented with brass and chrome. At his shop in Lambertville, New Jersey, he collaborated with a design team to clad furniture pieces in metallic surfaces, like the Argente line that began production in 1968 and involved an acetylene torch to give its aluminum material a textural quality. He also worked on the Sculpted Bronze series with hand-formed resin shaped over plywood or steel that was then coated with atomized bronze.
Other Directional designers included Vladimir Kagan, who contributed biomorphic sofas and swivel chairs; Milo Baughman, who created tables and dressers inspired by Scandinavian modernism; and Jack Lenor Larsen, who covered sofas in dynamically patterned fabric.
Find authentic Directional Furniture seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Directional
1980s Kagan Style Biomorphic Form Sofa by Directional Furniture
By Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
An American made 1980’s classic Vladimir Kagan biomorphic kidney shaped sofa made by Directional Furniture. Kidney shaped couches have long b...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Serpentine Sofa in Chocolate Velvet by Vladimir Kagan, C. 1970s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Westport, CT
Experience the timeless elegance of the Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1970s. This iconic piece has been fully restored and reupholstered in luxurious choco...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Lucite, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Tan Mohair
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
Step into the realm of luxury and design with this iconic Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa! Crafted with the finesse of a sculptor, this masterpiece is not just a piece of furniture; it's ...
Category
1990s Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Mohair
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa, Directional, in Chinoiserie Tiger Velvet
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
This Vladimir Kagan Cloud sofa is divine! This is not just any sofa; it's a fantastical journey into the world of design where comfort meets chic in the most delightful way possible...
Category
1990s American Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Velvet
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic Mid Century Modern Vladimir Kagan serpentine cloud sofa for Directional, USA circa 1970's. This highly collectable and desirable modern designer sofa features original blue U...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood
Serpentine Cloud Sofa in the manner of Vladimir Kagan, 1990s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Hamburg, PA
A vintage 1990s Serpentine Cloud Sofa in the manner of Vladimir Kagan. The fabric on the Cloud Sofa is supple, soft, and ready to place. This sofa would look great in any Mid-Centur...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Ultrasuede
Original Vladimir Kagan ‘Cloud’ Sofa with Ottoman and Rare Sofa Table Ebony
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Miami, FL
Rare opportunity, Vladimir Kagan sofa with ottoman and attached sofa table.
Sofa is from the 70ies and made by Directional, sofa table is about 2 years old and made by Vladimir Kagan...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Lucite, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Newly and professionally reupholstered Post Modern Nautilus sofa in ivory white bouclé by acclaimed designer Vladimir Kagan and made by Directional circa 1980. Known for his love of ...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
Directional Mid-Century Sectional Sofa
By Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Directional Mid-Century sectional sofa
This sectional sofa measures: 143 wide x 111 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 17.5 inches
All pieces of ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Cloud Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Reupholstered in charcoal fabric. Lucite leg on bottom in the middle. Tagged. A classic of postmodern design.
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid-Century Modern Sofa with Brass Cross Stretcher
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
1950s Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Directional sofa on tapered legs with round brass stretcher from front to back and side to side. Drop arm detail, older floral upholstery ne...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Newly and professionally reupholstered Post Modern Nautilus sofa in ivory white bouclé by acclaimed designer Vladimir Kagan and made by Directional circa 1980. Known for his love of ...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
1990s Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Wave' 3 Seat Sofa
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Houston, TX
Rare "Wave" three-seat sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, c.1990s. Known to draw inspiration from nature and his surroundings, Kagan styled these beautiful pieces after...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Bouclé
Larry Laslo for Directional Down Sofa, Pair Available
By Directional, Larry Laslo
Located in New York, NY
Modernist sofa designed by Larry Laslo for Directional featuring new Italian Ivory Boucle fabric. Back and seat feature cushions which are ...
Category
20th Century American Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Down
Steve Chase Style Channel Tufted Sectional by Directional
By Directional
Located in Raleigh, NC
Vintage Steve Chase Style sectional with deep seat and large scale. Extremely well built and ready for updating.
Category
1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Paul McCobb Tuxedo Sofa in White Boucle, Directional, 1960's
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is mid-century design at its finest. Designed by Paul McCobb for famed modernism manufacturer Directional Furniture, this tuxedo sofa is timelessly chic. Upholstered in a fine Belgian boucle...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Bouclé
Serpentine Style Sofa with Chrome Feet by Directional Furniture
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
Iconic, curved "Serpentine" style sofa by Directional Furniture. This left arm facing sofa with polished chrome feet, has been reupholstered by Venfield in a white Holly Hunt, indoo...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Paul McCobb for Directional Off-White Velvet Sofa, 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Miami, FL
Reupholstered Mid-Century Modern model 1307 light cream velvet sofa by Paul McCobb for Directional. The couch has been recovered in a gorgeous neutra...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Vladimir Kagan Sectional for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan Sectional for Directional, with Great Plains boucle, new hand-cut foam, and wood legs.
Depth 37"
Back Height 30"
Seat...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Kagan for Directional Mid Century Kidney Sofa
By Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Directional midcentury kidney sofa.
This sofa measures: 86 wide x 35 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 18 inch...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century American Lucite Four Seater Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern American four seater Serpentine sofa with two pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat backrest of the...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Lucite
1980s Weiman Curved Serpentine Sofa and Swivel Chairs, 3 Pieces
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Original rare set of 3, 1980s Iconic serpentine cloud sofa and swivel chairs are packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout the monumental form. The Vintage complete set are beyond stunning. Beautiful colors in ultra suede light...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Marilyn Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post modern Vladimir Kagan Marilyn Sofa by Directional for Vladimir Kagan in new ivory white bouclé upholstery. Whimsical and happy, Kagan's Marilyn line...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
20th Century White American Directional Sofa, Curved Settee by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A half-round, vintage Mid-Century Modern American three seater sofa or settee with four pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat back rest of the divano is curved with a wide armrest, supported by two round wooden bases. Newly upholstered in a white cotton fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1950 - 1970, United States.
The sofa belong to the Broadway theatre...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Wood
Rare New Upholstered Beige Paul McCobb Set for Directional, USA - 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Berlin, DE
Early 1950s Paul McCobb Set for Directional, newly upholstered in Dedar Fabric. The measurements given apply to the sofa. The Lounge Chair measures: D9...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Blush Pink Boucle Sculptural Sofa by Directional, circa 1980
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
One look at this sofa, and you're hooked. The perfect pink blush-tone bouclé fabric and the soft, inviting curves are so seductive. It evokes a warm, loving feeling that is soothing, welcoming and inviting - like a blush rose. You can't help but to cheer up...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Bouclé
Pair of Postmodern Sofas by Directional Furniture, 1980
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional furniture model 4760L & 4760R sofas. Opposite swooping backs with big chunky bases. Newly upholstered.
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Directional Cloud Sofa on Chrome Base
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional furniture cloud sofa. Blue-grey mohair upholstery with chrome base.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Modern 80s Sculptural Sofa in New Silver Grey Metallic Leopard Jacquard Fabric
By Directional
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We took an amazing 1980s sofa by Directional and found a spectacular metallic silver gray leopard velvet fabric to redo it in. The result is a sp...
Category
1980s North American Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Newly Upholstered Wingback Sofa 1307 by Paul McCobb for Directional, US, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Berlin, DE
Paul McCobb sofa model 1307 for Directional features a slight winged back resting on a maple frame that gives the sofa a floating look with loose cushions on seat and back. Newly reu...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Maple
Larry Laslo for Directional Purple Modern Italian Bauhaus Style Chrome Leg Sofa
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Larry Laslo for Directional purple modern Italian Bauhaus style chrome leg sofa. Listing includes 6 chrome metal legs, purple microfiber upholstery, or...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Metal
Larry Laslo for Directional Red Modern Italian Bauhaus Style Chrome Leg Sofa
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Larry Laslo for Directional red modern Italian Bauhaus style chrome leg sofa. Listing includes 6 chrome metal legs, red microfiber upholstery, original...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Metal
Vintage Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa Blue Microfiber by Directional Furniture
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Miami, FL
Original Vintage Vladimir Kagan Cloud Serpentine sofa in blue microfiber by Directional Furniture Company.
Original label underneath, Directional, Made in USA.
Note: The sofa needs n...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Lucite, Wood, Ultrasuede
Magnificent Directional Biscuit Tufted Party Sofa Midcentury
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Milo Baughman style Directional biscuit tufted party sofa. This sofa was re-upholstered about 15 years ago and would be best-redone again-few pulls to the front of the ar...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Heavy Boucle
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
This Vladimir Kagan sofa is simply stunning. The entire sofa has been upholstered in a heavy ivory bouclé, including the double disc bottom. This heavily textured sofa is not only vi...
Category
1990s American Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Bouclé
Directional Post Modern Sofa with Rounded Arms
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Love this shape. In excellent condition but I recommend a deep cleaning or new upholstery. The cushions are still nice and firm.
I think this was made by Directional based on the de...
Category
1980s Post-Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Textile
Set of Organic Sofas by Directional in Teddy Bouclé, C. 1970s
By Directional
Located in Westport, CT
Indulge in mid-century luxury with this stunning set of Directional sofas, a true vintage find from the 1970s, meticulously restored to their original splendor by our skilled craftsm...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Bouclé
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa, Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Raleigh, NC
Expertly restored with new mohair upholstery on this iconic sofa. A classic designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional.
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofa in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofa was produced by Directional Furniture in the 1980s and was just newly reupholstered in a gorgeous nubby bouclé fabric, and is signed underneath with Directional label and has the lucite center support leg.
The color of the bouclé is a very light oatmeal color - close to ivory and off-white. In brighter light settings it appears to be white but in darker or regular room settings you can see the slight tan color it possesses. We've searched for years for the best bouclé fabric and this one is quite exquisite, with bigger and softer pile and thicker backing than all the others we have found.
*NOTE, the Philip & Kelvin LaVerne 'Chan' cocktail table shown in the photos is not priced in this set however is available for purchase in another listing. In addition, we have a matching ottomans on casters, three 'Corkscrew' swivel club chairs and other configurations of the 'Cloud' sofas, contact with questions and for more details.
Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and classic always-in-demand 'Cloud' sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. This pair of sofas feature the pouf / ottoman on the right side (if you are sitting on the sofas) which allow you to face the sofas towards each other in a Yin / Yang formation. Also both sofas are the style with the more in-demand 'center back' vs the style which has the 'wrap around arm'. This particular style is more rare and desirable so having both sofas with this style is difficult to achieve as they are harder to find. If you need a different configuration contact us as we have other Cloud sofas in stock that are ready to be reupholstered.
Collectors and designers, it's hard to find a matching pair together - here's your opportunity, but hurry - this design is hot and sell fast as they are a staple for interior designers looking to create a magazine cover interior.
This Vladimir Kagan cloud sofa is so popular today with interior designers and collectors - the demand for Kagan's designs keep growing year after year. There is something timeless about the shape and silhouette of this couch and the comfort level is through the roof. Combine this was the on-trend off-white / oatmeal boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness.
This Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved Cloud sofa...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofas in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular pair of Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofas were produced by Directional in circa 1980 and were newly reupholstered in a gorgeous white nubby bouclé fabric, both sofas signed underneath with Directional labels.
Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and classic always-in-demand 'Cloud' sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. Each sofa has a different back style, one which wraps around one side and the other centralized. Having both styles together in the same room was the signature look that Kagan made popular - a beautiful way to creatively signify how two separate individuals, while different, can live harmoniously together. You can have the sofas face each other or place them side by side as you can see in the photos.
Collectors and designers, it's hard to find a matching pair together - here's your opportunity, but hurry - these matched pairs sell fast as they are a staple for interior designers looking to create a magazine cover interior.
*This listing is priced for the pair of sofas, if you wish to only purchase a single see our other listings for these sofas individually priced or contact us.
These Vladimir Kagan cloud sofas are so popular today with interior designers and collectors - the demand for Kagan's designs keep growing year after year. There is something timeless about the shape and silhouette of this couch and the comfort level is through the roof. Combine this was the on-trend white boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness.
These Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved Cloud sofas...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Lucite, Bouclé
Directional sofas for sale on 1stDibs.
Directional sofas are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Directional sofas, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sofas by Directional were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sofas by Thayer Coggin, Herman Miller, and Weiman. Prices for Directional sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,200 and can go as high as $46,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $13,950.
Creators Similar to Directional
Questions About Directional Sofas
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021While a pear-shaped ring can be worn either way, most commonly it is worn with the tip of the diamond facing upwards to look like a falling teardrop when the hand is raised. This also helps create the impression of longer fingers.