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.
Mid-Century Post Modern Curved L Shaped Cloud Sectional Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek & stunning L shaped sectional sofa with incredible design lines. This well built sofa is by Directional furniture, circa 1980s. It features the original fabric in a 3 separat...
Fabric
Curved Serpentine Sofa by Directional Furniture
By Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is beyond stunning! Circa 1994, this white sofa features a gorgeous flame stitch upholstery and is equal parts comfortable and beautiful. The sofa features 3 pieces and a w...
Fabric
Paul McCobb Two Piece Sectional Sofa for Directional
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A wonderful two piece sectional designed by Paul McCobb for Directional. Features conical walnut feet with brass stretchers running front to back. Designed with the idea of an end ta...
Upholstery
Directional 5 Piece Serpentine Sectional Sofa
By Directional
Located in Southampton, NJ
Project Piece Please note that this sectional will need to be reupholstered. One of the best designs from Directional. The most incredible Directional Serpentine Sofa that may possi...
Leather
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.
Upholstery
Large Three Piece Sectional Sofa by Directional. Black/White Fabric. Signed.
By Directional
Located in Kansas City, MO
L shaped sectional sofa by Directional in a beautiful black and white patterned fabric with a snakeskin like appearance. This is from the original owner and was placed in a large, rarely used living...
Upholstery, Wood
McCobb Walnut and Brass Burnt Orange Sectional Sofa
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Miami, FL
All original Paul McCobb walnut and brass two piece sectional sofa from the designer's coveted Directional collection. The rare Mid-Century Modern set features: a model 5006-L left arm sofa; a model 5004-R right arm loveseat; set-in arm detail; original burnt orange wool fabric; walnut legs; brass stretchers. 100% original condition. The perfect seating arrangement to accent any decor! The couch measures approximately 77.5 in (196.85 cm) W x 34.5 in (87.63 cm) D x 32.5 in (82.55 cm) H. The settee measures approximately 51.5 in (130.81 cm) W x 34.5 in (87.63 cm) D x 32.5 in (82.55 cm) H. The two pieces can also be used together to create one long sofa measuring 129.75 inches (329.56 cm). The dimensions listed under Item Details are if the two pieces are used as a sectional with a square corner table...
Brass
MCM 3 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa By Directional In Original Fabric
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern 3 Peace Modular Living Room Set by Directional in Original Fabric The Mid Century Modern 3 Piece Modular Living Room Set by Directional showcases a timeless desig...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Curved or Circular Modular Serpentine Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A six piece modular sofa circa 1970's. These feature their original burnt orange wool fabric. In usable condition but would look great with updated fabric. We have 2 matching sofas...
Fabric
$7,800
H 30 in W 96 in D 42 in
Vintage Curved Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1980s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional in the 1980s. Great flowing lines with signature disc bases and thick lucite center support. Fabric is origi...
Fabric, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa by Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Raleigh, NC
A classic cloud or serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan. Newly upholstered in a very light oatmeal or linen colored tweed, sturdy yet soft. Manufactured by Directional in the 1990s ...
Upholstery
$1,449Sale Price|20% Off
H 25.2 in W 78.75 in D 26.38 in
Postmodern Italian Sofa in Black Velvet and Steel by MDF Italia
By MDF Italia
Located in Milano, IT
Spectacular sofa produced by MDF Italy in black velvet and steel from the 90s.The sofa of MDF was made with precious materials.The beautiful velvet sofa has a very particular shape, ...
Metal
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.5 in W 115 in D 35 in
Wonderful 2 Piece Harvey Probber Sectional Sofa Mid-century
By Harvey Probber
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful 2 piece signed Harvey Probber sectional sofa. This piece is in vintage condition with it's original floral tapesty fabric which does show wear. This sofa will definitely n...
Upholstery
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...
Chrome
Three Piece Sectional "Dane" by Sofa Company
By Sofar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful contemporary seat-scape modules 'Dane' by Sofa Company, Denmark, designed and produced in 2020 with 'Danny Dusty Blue' upholstery. The set consists of two corner modules an...
Upholstery
Fantastic Six-Piece Sectional Sofa by Preview
By Preview
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic six-piece Preview sectional sofa. This set will need to be re-upholstered but that's what you designers are looking for right? Great for that smaller space or add to a sect...
Upholstery
Curved 1980's Wave Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Four pc. asymmetrical curved sofa. Sculptural wave like back. Newly upholstered with Italian Bouclé and 4 down feather throw pillows.
Bouclé
$24,500 / set
H 29.5 in W 180 in D 34 in
Stunning Hollywood Regency Tufted 2-Piece Curved Sectional Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Hollywood Regency an extra long two-part sofa with a deep tufted back. The sofa splits in the centre, each side has a single seat cushion with rounded outer edge on an upholstered base, the extension has a tufted top and also has a curved edge. The sofa comes with two matching tufted foot stools...
Upholstery
Monumental 1980s 3 Piece Sofa by Steve Chase
By Steve Chase, A. Rudin, Martin Brattrud
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This MASSIVE 3 piece sofa by Steve Chase is a sight to behold. Measuring in at just under 15 feet across, it is a real statement maker. The slightly asym...
Fabric
Felicerossi Italian Post-Modern Sectional Sofa, 1970s
By Felicerossi
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare Felicerossi Italian post-modern sectional sofa in brown and beige fabric upholstery, produced in the 1970s. This organically shaped modular model consists of three units that ...
Metal
Sold
H 26 in W 108 in D 81 in
Signed Directional Furniture Mid Century Modern 3PC Curved Sectional Sofa
By Directional
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning curved iconic mid century masterpiece from Directional Furniture circa 1970s. Still in great condition with only age appropriate wear. Three pieces and note the center cur...
Fabric, Textile, Wood
Directional Furniture, Sectional Sofa, Bamboo, Velvet, USA, 1970s
By Directional
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo and green velvet sectional sofa designed and produced by Directional Furniture, USA, 1970s. Seat height 18”.
Velvet, Bamboo
Sold
H 30.5 in W 97.5 in D 32.5 in
1990s Directional White Ivory Five Piece Modular Lounge Sectional – 5 Pieces
By Directional
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a chic and timeless five-piece sectional by Directional circa the 1990s. Showcasing linear elements, this piece offers a visual dialogue between structur...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Vladimir Kagan Sectional for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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 He...
Upholstery
Sold
H 29 in W 125 in D 29.5 in
Midcentury Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa for Directional, Lucite, Bouclé
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Manhasset, NY
Mid-Century Modern Massive Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofa, Lucite, Bouclé. Rare example of Vladimir Kagan's iconic serpentine sofa winding to an incredible 10.5 feet long reupholstered in a nubby gray color bouclé. The sofa stands on two circular bases as well as Kagan's notorious Lucite stands - a staple of the designer's to achieve a unique floating effect. Sofa maintains an original Directional Inc...
Textile, Lucite, Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 120 in D 34 in
Serpentine Sectional Sofa by Directional Furniture in the Vladimir Kagan's Style
By Directional
Located in Miami, FL
Late 20th century curved Serpentine three Pieces sectional sofa by Directional Furniture in the Vladimir Kagan's Manner. Circa Late 1990s. Features curved cloud style lines frame wi...
Suede, Velvet
Sold
H 30.5 in W 120 in D 48 in
Directional All Original Four Piece Sectional Sofa in the Style of Steve Chase
By Steve Chase, Directional
Located in Palm Springs, CA
it’s very hard to find a well designed vintage sofa in this condition. As luck has it we found one in a seldom used Palm Springs estate. The fabric is beautiful and in great conditio...
Fabric
Sold
H 29 in W 125 in D 29.5 in
Pair Mid-Century Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofas for Directional, Lucite, Bouclé
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair Mid-Century Modern massive Vladimir Kagan Serpentine sofas, Lucite, Bouclé Rare Pair of Vladimir Kagan's iconic Serpentine sofas winding to an incredible 10.5 feet long. Each sofa dons a warm nubby Gray color bouclé. The sofas stand on two circular bases as well as Kagan's notorious Lucite stands - a staple of the designer's to achieve a unique floating effect. Sofa maintains an original Directional Inc...
Textile, Lucite, Wood
Directional Modular Sectional Sofa, 1970
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional modular sectional sofa, 1970. Original beautiful condition. Beautiful patina to leather. Wear consistent with age and use.
Leather
Post-Modern Four Piece Sectional Sofa by Directional, c 1980, Signed
By Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible sectional sofa is by Directional, circa 1980 and is signed with Directional labels underneath. Directional featured designs by Vladimir Kagan, Milo Baughman, Paul Eva...
Fabric
1970s Directional White Channel Four Piece Sectional Sofa with Ottoman
By Directional
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a rare, stunning L shaped sectional sofa by Directional, circa the 1970s. Cushy channels, a unique upholstered plinth and an unparalleled comfort makes t...
Fabric
Crescent Sectional by Directional, 1970s
By Directional
Located in Westport, CT
Extremely rare crescent sectional by Directional, circa 1970s. All insides including foam, straps, dacron, and spring system have been updated. Re-u...
Wool, Walnut