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 Evans for Directional Large-Scaled 'PE 122' Bar Cabinet in Sculpted Bronze
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, Paul Evans Studio for Directional, largely sized wall-mounted bar cabinet, model 'PE 122' epoxy bronzed resin over laminate, painted wood, wood wrapped in leather, United...
Bronze
Vintage Curved Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1980s
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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 Cloud Curved Sofas for Directional, Signed Pair Iconic
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An iconic and highly coveted pair of Mid‑Century Modern Vladimir Kagan serpentine cloud sofas for Directional, circa 1970s. These sculptural, curvaceous masterpieces showcase Kagan’s...
Upholstery, Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood
$142,000 / set
Paul Evans for Directional Sculpted Bronze Dining Chairs
By Directional, Paul Evans
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...
Bronze, Steel
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Cloud Sofa
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Cloud Sofa This sofa measures: 95 wide x 39.5 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 inches Good Vintage Condition. We take o...
Upholstery
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cane Back Armchairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern club chairs or dining armchairs By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Sculpted walnut frames, with caned backs and vinyl upholstered seat...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
$4,000Sale Price / set|50% Off
Mid Century Modern woven nubby cotton linen modular sectional sofa Directional
By Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern woven nubby cotton linen modular sectional sofa by Directional. Amazing upholstery on this sofa great for the beach house or house upstate. Large modular 9 section...
Cotton, Linen, Upholstery
Mid‑Century Modern 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 1970s. This sculptural masterpiece feat...
Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood
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
$846Sale Price / set|75% Off
Larry Laslo for Directional Zebra Pattern Wood Frame Lounge Club Chairs, a Pair
By Larry Laslo, Directional
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Stunning pair of armchairs, upholstered in a lux woven zebra pattern upholstery.
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair in Original Turquoise Upholstery and Walnut
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul McCobb for Directional Designs, lounge chair, model 1322, walnut, fabric, 1950s. A design Paul McCobb model 1322 dating back to the 1950s. The quintessential design features o...
Fabric, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Sofa, 1970s Modernist Design, USA 1970
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage large serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in the 1970s. This sculptural piece epitomizes Kagan’s mastery of organic, flowing forms, featuring a bold ki...
Fabric, Wood
Paul Evans Cityscape Dining Table for Directional from PE-400 Series, 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Cityscape Extendable Dining Table for Directional from PE-400 Series, 1970’s. Beautiful Chrome and Burlwood. Original Measures 126.25” long with leaves, 96.25” long with...
Chrome
$3,520Sale Price|20% Off
Directional Custom Collection Eight Drawer Dresser
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional large double dresser by Directional, as part of the classic Custom Collection series, circa 1970’s. This impressive dresser features two banks of four drawers, having lux...
Metal
$74,900Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Sculptural Art Metal Cabinet Model 'PE-40A', Signed & Dated 1974
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptional and monumental cabinet, model PE-40A, designed by American sculptor and furniture master Paul Evans for Directional, signed and dated 1974. This important example repr...
Slate, Steel
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Flip Top Server Bar Cart, Refinished
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern flip top extension rolling bar cart server By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Calvin Group" USA, 1950s Black lacqu...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Kipp Stewart Rosewood & Chrome Dresser for Directional
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Brazilian Rosewood, Polished Chrome Pulls & Base ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history...
Chrome
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...
Brass
Paul Evans for Directional Rare 'Cityscape' 'Steel Hinged' Sideboard in Chrome
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, Paul Evans Studio for Directional, 'Cityscape' or 'Steel Hinged' cabinet, mirrored glass, chrome-plated steel, lacquered High Pressure Laminate, United States, 1970s Thi...
Steel, Chrome
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Wall Mirror & Console Table Shelf in Chrome
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design combination, a cityscape wall shelf and mirror designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's. The set features fine heavy construction with chrome clad patchwork design. ...
Chrome
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
1980s Curved Post Modern Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning near mint condition 1980's Biomorphic Kidney Bean sofa by Directional. Comes in it's original upholstery, purchased from the original owner ...
Upholstery, Wood, Bentwood
Milo Baughman for Directional Dining Table in Walnut, Rosewood, Ash w/ 2 Leaves
By Directional, Johnson Furniture Company, Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made in the Unites States in the 1960s, this piece was manufactured by Johnson Furniture Co. and sold by Directional, who consistently sold smash hits from the likes of Paul Evans an...
Hardwood, Ash, Rosewood, Walnut
Paul Evans 'PE-32' Patchwork Copper Cabinet with Slate Top for Directional, 1968
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 'PE-32' copper clad bar cabinet on casters by Paul Evans for Directional, produced in 1968 per original receipt which we have a copy of...
Brass, Copper, Pewter
Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Dining Chairs with Caned Backs Directional , S/6
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1950s Set of Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Dining Chairs with Caned Backs. Set includes two armchairs and four side chairs, all with their original fabric seats in a dimensional...
Brass
Milo Baughman for Directional Oval Burl Wood Dining Table with Three Leaves
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Milo Baughman for Directional Oval Burl Wood Dining Table with Three Leaves Exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table by Directional Furniture, USA, circa 1970s. Crafted ...
Walnut, Burl
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
Cloud Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in Mohair
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Reupholstered in green mohair. Lucite leg on bottom in the middle. Tagged. A classic of postmodern design.
Mohair
1980s Directional Five-Piece Chrome Frame Modular Sofa in Élitis Cotton Velvet
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning 1980s five-piece modular designer sofa by Directional, newly restored from the inside out. Each module is encased in polished chrome that defines the piece’s bold silhouet...
Chrome
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Stalagmite Coffee Table, Signed PE 69
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Paul Evans and signed 'PE 69,' this coffee table belongs to his celebrated Stalagmite series. The welded bronze base features two concave demilune arches flanked by taper...
Bronze
Mid-Century Walnut and Chrome Armoire Dresser by Directional
By Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Striking Mid-Century Modern walnut and chrome armoire dresser by Directional. A perfect blend of timeless design and practical storage. Featuring rich walnut wood grain accented by s...
Walnut
Paul Evans Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirror in Sculpted Bronze, Signed, 1970
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Paul Evans Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirror in Sculpted Bronze, Signed, 1970. Large individually crafted bronze resin over wood wall mirror, decorated with a variety of abstract patter...
Bronze
$7,840Sale Price / set|20% Off
Paul McCobb for Directional model 1323 Loose Cushion 1956
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Model 1323 Loose-Cushion Lounge Chair, 1956 A classic mid-century lounge chair designed by Paul McCobb for Directional in 1956. The sculptural walnut bas...
Upholstery, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa, Directional, in Chinoiserie Tiger Velvet
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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...
Velvet
Paul Evans for Directional PE70 Mid Century Signed Resin Coffee Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional PE70 Mid Century Signed Resin Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 60 wide x 25 deep x 15.75 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We take our ph...
Glass, Resin
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Two Door Cabinet with Brass Leg Posts
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb for Directional #7026 Black Two door Cabinet with Drawer. Featuring newly restored and re-enameled rectangular black enameled hinged two door swing door Cabinet, top draw...
Brass
Postmodern Vladimir Kagan Marilyn Chaise Lounge Newly Reupholstered
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Postmodern Vladimir Kagan Marilyn Sculptural Chaise Lounge For Directional Newly Reupholstered in a Ivory Boucle The Vintage Postmodern Vladimir Kagan Marilyn Sculptural Ch...
Bouclé
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Heavy Boucle
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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 a...
Mohair
Milo Baughman Walnut Buffet for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Esperance, NY
Available for sale is this excellent mid-century walnut buffet. The top is removable, this stunning piece retains its original label,
Walnut
Vintage Postmodern Teal Leather Sofa by Directional Furniture. Circa 1980s.
By Directional
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Postmodern Teal Leather Sofa by Directional Furniture. Circa 1980s. Features a quintessential 1980s postmodern lines design, upholstered in ...
Leather
SOLD 03/24/26 Paul Evans for Directional PE-102 Stalagmite Bronze Dining Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional PE-102 Mid Century Stalagmite Bronze Dining Table This dining table measures: 90 wide x 47.75 deep x 28.75 inches high, with a chair clearance of 28 inche...
Bronze
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Directional Nautilus Corkscrew Swivel Chairs Black & Blue
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Vladimir Kagan for prestigious manufacturer Directional, this symmetrical (left and right) pair of chairs are rare and exclusive. Their distinct and organic design featur...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Paul Evans Cityscape Mirror with Console Table for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An exceptional example from Paul Evans’ celebrated Cityscape collection for Directional, this 1970s mid-century modern chrome console and wall-mounted mirror captures the bold experi...
Chrome
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Round Dining Table or Game Table
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern round dining, table, game table, or center table By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950...
Brass
Pr. Directional Sedgefield Lounge Chairs att. to Milo Baughman c. 1970's
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional pair of oversized lounge chairs, made by Sedgefield for Directional, design attributed to Milo Baughman, circa 1970's. The chairs feature exaggerated scoop form arms wi...
Upholstery
Paul Evans for Directional 'Cityscape' Floor Lamp
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, 'Cityscape' floor lamp, model PE-4010 from the PE200 series, chrome-plated steel, brass, United States, circa 1975 This distinctive floor lamp from the ...
Brass, Steel, Chrome
$4,200Sale Price|25% Off
Paul McCobb for Directional 314 Model High Back Lounge Chair in Grey Velvet
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have this absolutely gorgeous Paul McCobb for Directional, model 314 wingback lounge chair. This lounge chair is stunning-- very large in scale, and clad in fine cotton velvet that has a slight sheen. This gorgeous wingback was designed in the 1950's by Paul McCobb for Directional furniture, which is known for its high quality manufacturing. Many famed designers such as Milo Baughman, Paul Evans and even Vladimir Kagan have designed for Directional furniture, as it's truly a furniture dynasty producer of legacy furniture...
Velvet, Walnut
$6,280Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Directional Even Arm Sofa Jack Lenor Larsen Mid Century Modern
By Directional, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Directional even arm sofa with Jack Lenor Larsen cut velvet fabric. This sofa is in very nice vintage condition with only light signs of wear. The original fabric is a ...
Upholstery, Walnut
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
Fine long low twelve drawer Directional Furniture custom collection dresser
By Directional
Located in Ferndale, MI
Another fine piece of furniture from Directional furniture . Home to so many modernist designers . Kagen , McCobb , Baughman ,Evans . This dresser part of the Directional Custom Coll...
Brass
Comfortable Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Comfortable lounge chair and ottoman by Milo Baughman for Directional. Labeled with original tag. Measurements listed are for the armchair. The ottoman is 32 in. wide x 25 in. deep...
Upholstery
$108,000Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Monumental Three-Slate PE-42 Deep Relief Cabinet, Signed & Dated 1968
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptional and rare PE-42 'Deep Relief' cabinet by Paul Evans, executed in 1968, represents one of the most sculptural and architecturally significant forms produced by the Pau...
Slate, Steel
Paul Evans for Directional Mid Century Chrome Cantilever Dining Chair - Set of 6
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional Mid Century Chrome Cantilever Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 19.5 wide x 23 deep x 35 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 20...
Chrome
Paul Evans CityScape Sideboard for Directional Brass Tiles & Burl Wood Doors
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare 1970s Paul Evans Cityscape sideboard with waterfall ends for Directional with brass tiles and book matched Burl wood doors. Interior laminated in black...
Brass
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Hurricane Lounge Chairs in New Chocolate Brown Bouclé
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A pair of sculptural icons from the master of movement himself, these rare Vladimir Kagan Hurricane Lounge Chairs, c. 1996, embody the sensual, biomorphic language that made Kagan on...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
$4,680Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Directional Biscuit Tufted Party Loveseat Sofa Modern
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Milo Baughman style Directional biscuit tufted party loveseat sofa. This sofa was re-upholstered about 15 years ago and would be best redone again-light wear to seat and ...
Upholstery
Milo Baughman Designed Sideboard for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern sideboard with bi-fold doors, matte black base, and matching black exposed hinges. Designed for Directional by Milo Baughman, and manufactured by Johnson Furniture...
Walnut
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Handsome Milo Baughman Directional Cube Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Milo Baughman for Directional even arm cube lounge chair. This chair was re-upholstered about 15 years ago in a stylish turquoise blue cotton ve...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 'Waterfall' Bench by Directional
By Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Sculptural and modern 1980's Directional waterfall bench in the style of Milo Baughman or Karl Springer. This on-trend bench exudes elegance and will turn heads. Wonderful scroll sha...
Velvet, Wood
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...
Velvet
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Burlwood Parsons Coffee Table
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Burlwood Parsons Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 60 wide x 20 deep x 19.25 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Table is in Great...
Burl