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Directional Chairs

​​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
Paul Evans for Directional Sculpted Bronze Dining Chairs
Paul Evans for Directional Sculpted Bronze Dining Chairs

Paul Evans for Directional Sculpted Bronze Dining Chairs

By Paul Evans, Directional

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Paul Evans for Directional, dining chairs, model PE-106, epoxy bronzed resin over steel, fabric, United States, circa 1970 These dining chairs are designed by Paul Evans for Directi...

Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Chairs

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Nautilus Chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
Nautilus Chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Directional

Nautilus Chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Directional

By Vladimir Kagan, Directional

Located in Chicago, IL

c. 1980s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Reupholstered in Jiun Ho velvet. Tagged Directional. Original example designed by Vladimir Kagan...

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Linen Dining Chairs by Directional Furniture Co, Set of 6
Linen Dining Chairs by Directional Furniture Co, Set of 6

Linen Dining Chairs by Directional Furniture Co, Set of 6

By Directional

Located in Lake Worth, FL

For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A 1991 Set of 6 Linen...

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Directional Chairs

Materials

Linen

Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6

Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6

By Paul McCobb, Directional

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century walnut and cane dining chairs - set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 16.5 wide x 16.5 deep x 34.5 high, with a seat height of 17.25 inches...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Chairs

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Set of 8 Vladimir Kagan Dining Chairs for Directional in Mocha Brown Bouclé
Set of 8 Vladimir Kagan Dining Chairs for Directional in Mocha Brown Bouclé

Set of 8 Vladimir Kagan Dining Chairs for Directional in Mocha Brown Bouclé

By Vladimir Kagan, Directional

Located in Saint Louis, MO

This set of 8 Vladimir Kagan dining chairs made by Directional is the only set of its kind available globally so act fast. Interior designers and private buyers routinely approach ou...

Category

1990s American Modern Directional Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery

Pair of Vladimir Attributed Lounge Chairs and Ottomans
Pair of Vladimir Attributed Lounge Chairs and Ottomans

Pair of Vladimir Attributed Lounge Chairs and Ottomans

By Directional, Vladimir Kagan

Located in Chicago, IL

Pair of Vladimir attributed lounge chairs and ottomans, reupholstered with Italian Boucle. Preview Label on underside Measures: Ottoman H 17" W 24.75" D 22.5".

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery

Directional Mid Century Lounge Chair with Casters
Directional Mid Century Lounge Chair with Casters

Directional Mid Century Lounge Chair with Casters

By Directional

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Directional mid century lounge chair with casters. These chairs measure: 26 wide x 34 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Chairs

Materials

Metal

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Previously Available Items
Paul Evans Set of Four Dining Chairs ‘PE-105/106’ in Sculpted Bronze and Fabric
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Paul Evans for Directional, dining chairs from the series PE-105/106, sculpted bronze, steel, fabric, United States, circa 1965 Stunning example of Paul Evans designs for Direct...

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H 28.5 in W 24.5 in D 26 in

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MCM Model 7001 Chair in Walnut by Paul McCobb for Directional, USA, c. 1950s

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Vladimir Kagan for Directional Hurricane Chair

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Located in Houston, TX

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Vladimir Kagan Navy Blue Velvet Nautilus "Corkscrew" Chairs
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Located in Dallas, TX

Vladimir Kagan's work commands the eye with its freshness, energy, sensuality, and wit. Classic pair of swiveling "Nautilus" lounge chairs with ottoman by the legendary furniture designer Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1990s. Features a sloping asymmetrical back on a swiveling base. The chairs are comfortable and swivel smoothly. They have been reupholstered in a navy blue velvet. They will match perfectly with any style of interior from Mid-Century Modern to contemporary. Literature: Vladimir Kagan for Directional CORK SCREW CHAIR...

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1980s Directional Furniture Designer Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
1980s Directional Furniture Designer Swivel Chairs, Set of 2

1980s Directional Furniture Designer Swivel Chairs, Set of 2

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Located in Miami, FL

1980s Postmodern designer swivel chairs, by Directional Furniture. The chairs have been reupholstered in Kirkby Design Noir fabric, to give them ...

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Pair of Paul Evans for Directional Dining Chairs in Edelman Leather
Pair of Paul Evans for Directional Dining Chairs in Edelman Leather

Pair of Paul Evans for Directional Dining Chairs in Edelman Leather

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Located in Los Angeles, CA

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Paul McCobb Lounge Chairs for Directional, circa 1955
Paul McCobb Lounge Chairs for Directional, circa 1955

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Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Paul McCobb lounge chairs for Directional, circa 1955. This pair has been professionally restored.

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Pair of White Boucle Lounge Chairs and Ottomans by Vladimir Kagan
Pair of White Boucle Lounge Chairs and Ottomans by Vladimir Kagan

Pair of White Boucle Lounge Chairs and Ottomans by Vladimir Kagan

By Directional, Vladimir Kagan

Located in Palm Springs, CA

1990’s Pair of ‘Corkscrew’ lounge chairs and ottomans designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Newly recovered in a soft boucle fabric. The chairs rotate 180 and return to origin...

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Directional chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Directional chairs 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 chairs, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Directional were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Katavolos, Littel, & Kelly, Drexel, and Broyhill Brasilia. Prices for Directional chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,960 and can go as high as $47,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,250.
Questions About Directional Chairs
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    While 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.