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Directional

​​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.

Milo Baughman for Directional Tuxedo Sofa in Orange Velvet, 1960
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional Floating Tuxedo Sofa in Orange Velvet on Plinth Base, 1960’s. Original upholstery in great vintage condition. Measures 26” tall 100” long 37” deep seat...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional

Materials

Velvet

Vladimir Kagan For Directional Cloud Sofa In Mohair
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Houston, TX
Vadimir Kagan For Directional Cloud Sofa In Mohair. Offered is a curvaceous cloud sofa or serpentine sofa, loveseat or chaise with chromed steel feet is both stunning and comfortable...
Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional

Materials

Steel

Vladimir Kagan For Directional Cloud Sofa In Mohair
Vladimir Kagan For Directional Cloud Sofa In Mohair
$10,500
H 31.5 in W 64 in D 34.5 in
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa & Pouf in Boucle and Brass, Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Cue the spotlight and the swoon — because this signed Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa is not just iconic, it’s got range. From sultry curves to that double polished brass disc base, this D...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Directional

Materials

Brass

Expertly Restored - Kipp Stewart Rosewood & Chrome Dresser for Directional
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional

Materials

Chrome

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...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional

Materials

Fabric

Exceptional Paul Evans for Directional Model PE24 Brutalist Welded Dining Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
When I purchased this table from its original Pennsylvania owners, it had been neglected and for decades and covered with multiple layers of poorly applied paint. I had no idea what was underneath. After a week in the workshop, the colors began to reveal themselves, and I knew that this table was special. Compared to virtually every PE24 I've ever seen, this example features colors and patterns to outdo any. Where most examples feature muted tones of blue, red, and brass beneath a dark outer coat, this table wears bright sky-blue, vibrant green, and even white, unheard of for this table. It also features a greater number of special graphics on the individual panels, such as a vertically elongated star...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Steel

Walnut Highboy Cabinet by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Milo Baughman for the Directional Furniture Company, this handsome walnut mid-century cabinet would work as well for an office as for a bedroom. The lower case has tw...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional

Materials

Metal

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 des...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional

Materials

Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood

Browse all Furniture from Directional
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Directional Sale Prices

Sold DateSold PriceCategoryMaterialCreation Year
2025$9,562Lounge ChairsUpholstery, Walnut1950s
2025$38,900Cabinets, CredenzasSteel, Slate, Wood1964
2025$5,310ChairsWool1980s
2025$11,000SofasVelvet, Walnut1970s
2025$1,200Side TablesWood20th Century
2025$20,500Swivel Chairs, Club ChairsVelvet1980s-1990s
2025$1,000Dining Room TablesWalnut1960/70's
2025$7,650ShelvesBronze, Resin, Slate, Wood1969
2025$6,000Tables, Coffee and Cocktail TablesBronze1974
2025$18,000Dining Room TablesEnamel, Steel, Glass, Paint1970
2025$5,850CredenzasBrass, Rosewood, WalnutCirca 1960s
2025$3,400Shelves, Wall MirrorsBrass, Glass, Mirror, Chrome1970s
2025$2,090Club Chairs, Lounge ChairsVelvet1960s
2025$7,200SofasFabric, Wood1990s
2025$5,500Swivel ChairsMohair, Upholstery1980
2025$35,200CabinetsResin, Slate1969
2025$3,100ShelvesPlastic1970s
2025$3,100CredenzasBrass, Glass, MahoganyCirca 1950s
2025$18,500SofasBouclécirca 1990s
2025$30,780Swivel ChairsFabric, Upholstery1990s
$9,048
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months
$900-$38,900
Sold price range of items in the past 12 months

Creators Similar to Directional

Directional furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Directional furniture 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 furniture, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Directional were created in the modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Thayer Coggin, Harvey Probber, and Jens Risom. Prices for Directional furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $5,800 and can go as high as $47,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $17,300.
Questions About Directional
  • 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.

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