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.
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquer and Brass End Tables or Nightstands
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern end tables, side tables, or nightstands By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s ...
Brass
Pr. Directional Custom Collection Nightstands c. 1970’s
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Chic, sophisticated and stylish pair of nightstands made by Directional as part of the Custom Collection series, possibly designed by Milo Baughman, circa 1970’s. The night tables fe...
Metal
Pair Paul Evans Cityscape Night Stands, Burl and Brass with Drawers, Signed
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare and fine pair of burl and brass Cityscape night stands / nightstands designed by Paul Evans for Directional, 1970s. Both have two drawers that function perfectly. Clusters of li...
Brass
$3,850Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb for Directional Nightstands Cabinets Walnut
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century American designer Paul McCobb pair of nightstands small cabinets solid walnut. Original finish in beautiful vintage condition - Has (1) top drawer and (2) lower front cab...
Walnut
Mid-Century Cubic Rosewood Nightstands by Directional Furniture
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Striking pair of Mid-Century Modern nightstands designed and produced by Directional Furniture. These cubic cabinets feature richly grained rosewood veneers with bold linear patterns...
Metal, Chrome
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding pair of Mid-Century Modern bedside tables or occasional side tables By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s M...
Brass
Directional Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Nightstand
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Directional Mid Century Walnut and chrome nightstand This nightstand measures: 24 wide x 18 deep x 21 inches high All pieces of furniture can ...
Chrome
Pair of Directional White Laminate and Chrome Bedside Tables / Commodes
By Directional
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century white laminate bedside tables / commodes with one large cabinet and two adjacent drawers, each with a square chrome...
Metal, Chrome
Pair of American Midcentury Headboard Paul McCobb for Calvin
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of twin-size bed headboards by Paul Mccobb designed for Calvin, circa 1950s. This pair can also be placed together and used as a king size headboard. Constructed with heavy br...
Brass
Pair of Carrocel Custom White Oak Nightstands
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
This transitional style pair of night tables is made to order out of rift cut white oak with a vinyl wrapped centre block on top. There is a lower open shelf and below that a drawer ...
Pewter
$2,595
H 22.25 in W 20 in D 30 in
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb “Irwin Collection” Marble & Brass Side Table
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul McCobb "Irwin Collection" marble & brass side table for Calvin Furniture. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is ...
Marble, Brass
Pair of Parchment Night Stands with Brass Accents by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The pair of Dandy round bedside table by Kifu Paris...
Brass
$6,000Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 25 in W 22 in D 20 in
Pair Mid Century Paul McCobb Irwin 2 drawer Nightstands Vitrolite Brass
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Beautiful Paul McCobb 1960s Production brass nightstands end tables with 2 drawers and brass frame with Rare Vitrolite white glass tops. Solid Brass knobs - Original Vintage ...
Brass
$3,495
H 37 in W 117 in D 17 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin Upholstered King Size bed Teak Headboard, C 1950
By Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin upholstered king size bed teak headboard with brass trim and two floating drawers, labeled in drawer. C.1950.
Teak
Pair of Baker Neoclassical End Tables or Nightstands
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant pair of Neoclassical end tables or night stands, by Baker, American, circa 1980s. Like all Baker furniture, they are extremely well made wi...
Wood
Westnofa Mid Century Danish Rosewood Nightstands
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Westnofa Mid Century Danish Rosewood Nightstands Each nightstand measures: 20.5 wide x 15.5 deep x 20 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintag...
Rosewood
$5,775
H 36 in W 80 in D 3 in
Paul Evans King Headboard Burl Wood and Brass 'Cityscape' for Directional 1970's
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Paul Evans King Headboard Burl Wood and Brass 'Cityscape' for Directional 1970's Slab form, brass and burl wood patchwork tiles. King size, wall mountable using bias cut mounting boa...
Brass
Lacquered Horn Nightstand or End Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
*The one seen on the right has been sold. Lacquered horn nightstand or end table, American, circa 1980s. It is constructed of lacquered horn with bea...
Wood, Horn
CraftAssociates Nightstand, Milo Baughman Nightstand, Oak
By Craft Associates, Milo Baughman
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Nightstand, Milo Baughman Nightstand, Oak The Milo Baughman White Oak Night Stand for Craft Associates® Furniture is expertly cr...
Wood, Oak
Shagreen Night Stand with Brass Accents by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Dandy Square Bedside Table...
Brass
Sold
H 22.5 in W 24 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Directional for Milo Baughman Walnut Nightstands - Set of 2
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This sophisticated pair of Mid-Century Modern walnut nightstands by Directional for designer Milo Baughman exemplifies timeless American modernism. Each cabinet features beautifully ...
Metal
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Marble Top Nightstands
By Calvin Furniture, Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding pair of Mid-Century Modern bedside tables or occasional side tables By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s M...
Marble, Brass
Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut and Ebonized Nightstands.
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Exception pair of Mid Century Modern nightstands Designed by Milo Baughman for Directional. USA, 1960s. Walnut cases with ebonized frames and hardware. 22.5” tall, 15” deep, ...
Walnut
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Nightstand, 1950s
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern nightstand or side table By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "The Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Mahogany, with brass trim...
Brass
Pair of Vintage Midcentury Directional Wooden Nightstands, 1960s
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Detroit, MI
Vintage Mid Century Milo Baughman for Directional Wooden Nightstands This pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman for Directional nightstands are circa 1960. They feature...
Walnut
Sold
H 20.5 in W 30 in D 30 in
Milo Baughman for Directional Black Lacquered Large Bedside Chests or End Tables
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern large nightstands or side tables By Milo Baughman for Directional USA, 1960s Black lacquered walnut, with brass finished accents an...
Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 22.38 in W 24 in D 30 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding pair of Mid-Century Modern bedside tables or occasional side tables By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950...
Brass
Sold
H 22.5 in W 24.5 in D 18 in
Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut and Ebonized Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern nightstands. By Milo Baughman for directional. USA, 1960s. Book-matched walnut, with ebonized legs and accents and original hardwar...
Walnut
Sold
H 19.13 in W 20 in D 24 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquer, Brass, and Cane Side Table
By Calvin Furniture, Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern three-tier side table or nightstand By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Black lacque...
Brass
Paul Evans Cityscape End Tables or Nightstands with Drawers
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Cityscape end tables or nightstands with drawers, from PE 200 Series, Chrome plated tiles with rare drawer function. Signed Paul Ev...
Chrome
Refinished Milo Baughman for Directional Gentleman's Nightstand
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Medina, OH
Partially refinished, Milo Baughman for Directional Gentlemen's nightstand. Features contrasting black frame with walnut wood. This amazing piece is amazing to add to any bedroom.
Walnut
Sold
H 22.38 in W 24 in D 30 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Nightstand or Side Table, 1950s
By Calvin Furniture, Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern bedside table or occasional side table By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Mahog...
Brass