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.
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
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cane Back Armchair
By Directional, Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern armchair or dining captain chair By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Sculpted walnut frame...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
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
$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
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
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 for Directional 'Cityscape' Floor Lamp
By Paul Evans, Directional
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
$4,000Sale 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
$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
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
Nautilus Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Reupholstered in beige mohair. Tagged Directional. Original example designed by Vladimir Kagan
Mohair
Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
circa 1980s, great condition with minor wear present
Fabric
Directional Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Armoire Dresser
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Directional Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Armoire Dresser This armoire measures: 27 wide x 18.25 deep x 71 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Small Scratch on Front Left Door. Sm...
Chrome
$74,900Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Sculptural Art Metal Cabinet Model 'PE-40A', Signed & Dated 1974
By Paul Evans, Directional
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 Evans for Directional Rare 'Cityscape' 'Steel Hinged' Sideboard in Chrome
By Directional, Paul Evans
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
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
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf or Console Table Glass & Brass
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design, a cityscape wall shelf designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's. The set features fine heavy construction with brass clad patchwork design. Includes two L shaped wa...
Brass
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa & Pouf in Boucle and Brass, Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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
$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
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
Cloud Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in Mohair
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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
Paul Evans for Directional Mid Century Copper Pewter Bronze Patchwork Credenza
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional Mid Century Copper, Pewter and Bronze Patchwork Credenza This credenza measures: 72.25 wide x 18.25 deep x 32.25 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition....
Bronze, Copper, Pewter
Directional Waterfall Ottoman Set, Auburn Velvet, Art Deco, USA, 1980s
By Directional
Located in Southampton, NJ
A superb pair of waterfall ottomans by Directional 1980's production fully restored in plush Auburn brown velvet.
Velvet, Wood
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Flip Top Server Bar Cart, Refinished
By Directional, Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
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
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
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 Cityscape Dining Table for Directional from PE-400 Series, 1970
By Paul Evans, Directional
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
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
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
Pair of Chairs Designed by Larry Laslo for Directional
By Directional, Larry Laslo
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Chairs Designed by Larry Laslo for Directional, wooden legs have a faux burl wood finish and stainless steel tips. Original fabric is in not perfect condition and has some so...
Stainless Steel
Paul McCobb for Directional #1322 Upholstered Black Rim Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb for Directional Furniture 1322 lounge chair, loose seat cushion. Circa 1950s. Featuring a Black ebonized Walnut frame, tapered legs and comfortable curved and cushioned b...
Fabric, Walnut
Paul Evans 'PE-32' Patchwork Copper Cabinet with Slate Top for Directional, 1968
By Paul Evans, Directional
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
Set of Six Mid Century Dining Chairs Milo Baughman for Directional Model 332/333
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Set of six mid century dining chairs, designed by Milo Baughman for the Directional Furniture Company, circa 1950/70's. The set consists of four side, and two arm chairs, constructed...
Upholstery, Walnut
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Walnut Nightstands - Pair
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Walnut Nightstands - Pair Each nightstand measures: 24 wide x 18 deep x 22.75 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Stain Wear and Minor Sc...
Walnut
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Cloud Sculpted Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Cloud Sculpted Sofa This sofa measures: 94 wide x 40 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 inches Excellent Vintage Condition...
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, "Cityscape" Dining Table, Mirror, Wood, Directional, USA, c. 1970
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and mirror "Cityscape" dining table designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional, circa 1970.
Mirror, Wood
20th Century American Directional Sofa - Vintage Curved Settee by Vladimir Kagan
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A half-round, vintage Mid-Century Modern American three seater sofa or settee with four pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat back rest of the divano is curved with a wide armrest, supported by two round wooden bases. Newly upholstered in a white cotton fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1950 - 1970, United States. The sofa belong to the Broadway theatre...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Wood
Expertly Restored - Kipp Stewart Rosewood & Chrome Dresser for Directional
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
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
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
$2,000Sale Price / set|23% Off
Set of 6 Modern Parson Dining Chairs for Directional, puffy off-white
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 6 Modern Parson Dining Chairs made by Directional. Off-white in color Fully upholstered 4 arm-less chairs and 2 with arms. Armchairs: 22"w x 23"d x 37"h Regular chairs: 20"w x 23"d x 37"h Vladimir Kagan designed a number of pieces for the furniture company Directional, although we couldn't find more information if he designed these or not. These could very well be a set of one-off chairs. Manufacturer labels attached to the bottom "Directional Custom...
Upholstery
$9,500 / set
Paul McCobb for Calvin Dining Set
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Dining Set, Features Six Dining Chairs, Two Arm Chairs, and Four Side Chairs, a Rectangular Table in mahogany veneer original medium tone with a solid brass st...
Brass
$1,937Sale Price|50% Off
Directional Dining Table designed by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping to your location. Directional Dining Table designed by Milo Baughman. The table measures 72" by 39" by 29.5" tall with two leave...
Rosewood, Teak, Walnut
Paul Evans for Directional 8-Layer Cityscape Coffee Table in Chrome & Burl
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the 1970s, the cityscape line brought the innovation and class highly sought after by top patrons to the masses with a mass-production run by Directional. There ...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood and Black Lacquered Credenza by Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elevate your interior with this stunning mid-century credenza, attributed to the legendary Milo Baughman and crafted by Directional in the United States during the 1970s. This except...
Burl, Lacquer
$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
$62,400Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Studio for Directional Argente Unique Dining Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Studio for Directional Argente Unique Dining Table Welded and patinated aluminum with 3/4" glass Welded signature and date to base ‘Paul Evans 73’. Sold with a digital cop...
Aluminum
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze PE 128 "Stalagmite" Coffee Table 1971 (Signed)
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
The work of Paul Evans is characterized by its seamless joining of art with functionality, the designers craftsmanship and his bold aesthetic. No where is this more evident than in t...
Bronze, Sheet Metal
Mid-Century Model E-11 Floor Lamp by Paul McCobb for Directional, USA, c. 1950's
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a one-of-a-kind, luxury piece of authentic twentieth century furniture - a rare model E-11 floor lamp designed by Paul McCobb for Directional. This architecturally stunn...
Metal, Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Dining Chairs with Caned Backs Directional , S/6
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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
Vladimir Kagan Vintage Mid Century Modern 3 Piece Cloud Serpentine Sectional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Denville, NJ
Vladimir Kagan was one of the most influential American furniture designers of the twentieth century, known for sculptural, sensuous forms that broke decisively from the rectilinear ...
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 Planner Group Lounge Chair and Ottoman Circa 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Peabody, MA
A 1950s lounge chair and ottoman by Paul McCobb from his early Planner Group Line for Directional. Chair measures 33.75" high, 28" deep, 25.75" wide, 17" seat height. Ottoman measur...
Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Newly and professionally reupholstered Post Modern Nautilus sofa in ivory white bouclé by acclaimed designer Vladimir Kagan and made by Directional circa 1990. Known for his love of ...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Luxurious 1980s Channel Tufted Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Raleigh, NC
Directional channel tufted sofa from the 1980s featuring asymmetric design with curved arm on one end and open chaise extension on the opposite end. Vertical channel tufting runs ac...
Velvet, Hardwood
Vladimir Kagan for Directional "Marilyn" Chaise Lounge, Circa Early 1990s
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Peabody, MA
A post modern sculptural chaise longue by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, the "Marilyn", circa early 1990s. Needs to be recovered; ready for you to add your personal touch.
Upholstery
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 the original pastel teal preminum...
Leather
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
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Corkscrew Swivel Chairs - Pair
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Corkscrew Swivel Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 35 wide x 32 deep x 29 high, with a seat height o...
Upholstery
Vintage Cloud Sofa in the manner of Directional Furniture, 1990s Cool Fabric
By Directional
Located in Hamburg, PA
This vintage 1990s Serpentine Cloud Sofa offers a timeless design with its supple, soft fabric, ready to enhance any living space. Inspired by the iconic st...
Ultrasuede
Mid Century Paul McCobb for Directional Lounge Chair 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Troy, MI
Exceptional lounge chair designed by Paul McCobb for Directional circa 1950s Sculpted alnut frame with splayed legs and fluted armrests Uphols...
Fabric, Walnut