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Directional Furniture

​​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.

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Color:  Beige
Creator: Directional
Pair of Paul McCobb of Consoles
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional. Pair of model 8704 console tables. Square tubular brass frames with travertine top. Patina on brass consistent with age and use. Stool sold separately.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Travertine, Brass

1990s Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Wave' Lounge Chair
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Houston, TX
Rare "Wave" lounge chair designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, c.1990s. Known to draw inspiration from nature and his surroundings, Kagan styled this beautiful piece after the ...
Category

1990s American Post-Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Marilyn Chaise Lounge
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A true sculptural work of art, whisk yourself away in this exquisite Post Modern Chaise Lounge by renowned Designer Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Modern glam. Chic and high art without a doubt. Unlike traditional chaise lounges that seem to anchor heavily in a room, Kagan's Marilyn Chaise...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery

Pair of Milo Baughman for Directional American Polished Upholstered Armchairs
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century armchairs with polished chrome flat bar frames, upholstered in a textured tan fabric with removable seat cushions. (MILO BAUGHMAN FOR DIRECTIONAL)(PRICED...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf or Console Table Chrome & 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 & chrome clad patchwork design. Includes two L ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Pair of Mirror Image Marilyn Chaise Lounges by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Whisk yourself away from the worries of the day in this exquisite Pair of Post Modern Chaise Lounges by renowned Designer Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Modern. Chic. High Art. Unlike traditional chaise lounges that seem to anchor heavily in a room, the Kagan Marilyn...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery

Travertine and Brass Side Table by Paul McCobb for Directional, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Miami, FL
A fine Mid-Century Modern brass and travertine limestone model 8732 end table designed by Paul McCobb for the Directional Collection, d...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Travertine, Brass

1980s Light Beige Directional Nautilus Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
These Iconic swivel chairs are packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout the monumental form. Post modern designed by Vl...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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...
Category

1970s Minimalist Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Paul McCobb for Directional Brass and Vitrolite “Cigarette” Table, 1954
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Round Rock, TX
Offered is a rare design from Paul McCobb that doesn’t come to market often. Commonly referred to as the “cigarette” table, model no. 1094 from Directional was only produced for a sh...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass

Kipp Stewart Directional Original Leather Stainless Steel Lounge Chair Ottoman
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Wow, original and buttery soft, off-white leather! On a polished and hefty stainless steel base. This super cool "Arc" lounge chair and ottoman, a complete and original matching set,...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

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...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of Directional Post Modern Swivel Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Stylish, sculptural and incredibly comfortable pair of tilt and swivel wide seat lounge chairs by Directional. Our shop has carried several Directional and Vladimir Kagan style lounge chairs...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery

Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Ivory Bouclé Swivel Chairs & Ottoman for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post modern pair of Vladimir Kagan tilt and swivel chairs for directional with custom en suite ottoman newly reupholstered in soft luxurious ivory white bouclé. Modern. Plush. Sexy. Uber comfy. These are large statement piece swivel chairs. Come to Momma. Take the weight of the world off in uber luxurious modern comfort. Curvy plush over sized arm rests envelop you like a mink stole. Tilt back and take a deep breath or sit side saddle and recline your legs. Swivel about with your best scotch. Super soft ivory bouclé fabric ventilates well - cozy in winter and cool in summer. These Vladimir Kagan swivel lounge chairs are perfect for a Malibu beach...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery

20th Century American Lucite Four Seater Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern American four seater Serpentine sofa with two pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat backrest of the...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Lucite

Paul McCobb Travertine Consoles and or Sofa Tables
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Travertine Consoles and or Sofa Tables, model 8704 for Directional. Square tubular brass with 3/4" travertine.      
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf or Console Table Glass & Brass
By Directional, Paul Evans
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...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass

Directional Post Modern Sofa with Rounded Arms
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Love this shape. In excellent condition but I recommend a deep cleaning or new upholstery. The cushions are still nice and firm. I think this was made by Directional based on the de...
Category

1980s Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Textile

Four Sculptural Dining Chairs by Directional
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
Set of four dining chairs by Directional. The chairs have the original upholstery and a nice sculptural design.
Category

1980s Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Directional Swivel Beige Leather Club Lounge Pair Armchairs, style of Baughman
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Directional swivel beige leather modern club lounge arm chairs - a pair, in the style of Milo Baughman. Item features large swivel and return frames, beige high quality leather uphol...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Leather

Beige Offwhite Alcantara Suede Corkscrew Nautilus Swivel Chairs Directional Mint
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Beige off white alcantara suede corkscrew nautilus swivel chairs directional mint.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Ultrasuede

Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Wall Mirror & Console Table Shelf in Brass
By Paul Evans, Directional
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 brass clad patchwork design. I...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vladimir Kagan A-Symmetric Settee in Ivory Bouclé by Directional, c. 1991
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Asymmetrical and chic Directional Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Settee professionally reupholstered in soft ivory white bouclé. All new cushioning and u...
Category

1990s American Post-Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery

Oversized Postmodern Directional Lounge Chairs, a Pair
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
These are awesome!!! Oversized and so comfy. I don’t know exactly how old they are but they are very well made and great statement chairs! Dimensions: 37"W...
Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Textile

Mom & Pop Pair Vladimir Kagan Wingback Swivel Chairs & Ottomans in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
If you want to be the envy of your friends and fellow designers, here's how you do it. Our shop is very excited to offer a rare pair of Mom & Pop Vladimir Kagan swivel wingback chairs...
Category

1990s American Post-Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Blush Pink Boucle Sculptural Sofa by Directional, circa 1980
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
One look at this sofa, and you're hooked. The perfect pink blush-tone bouclé fabric and the soft, inviting curves are so seductive. It evokes a warm, loving feeling that is soothing, welcoming and inviting - like a blush rose. You can't help but to cheer up...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Paul Evans Cityscape Game, Side Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Nice signed example from the Cityscape series by Paul Evans for Directional. Hard to find form, usable as a game, side, or occasional table. This table is in good, original condition...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Paul Evans King Size Bedframe with Brass Tiles
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans king size bedframe with brass tiles, cladded squared tiles in brass make the structure exterior finish. The top horizontal soffit has 3 dimmable reading lights. Vertical columns have bifold...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass

Larry Laslo for Directional Art Deco Oval Beige Bouclé Sofa Golden Diamond Legs
By Larry Laslo, Directional
Located in Miami, FL
Modern daybed, round sofa, oversized ottoman designed by Larry Laslo for Directional in the 1990s. Upholstery is a high quality beige and gold or taupe color bouclé fabric. Elegant...
Category

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Directional Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Foam, Wood

Paul Evans Ice Bucket, Cityscape, Brass, Chrome, Glass
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Paul Evans ice bucket, Cityscape brass, chrome, glass. Chunky brass and chrome patchwork ice bucket with hinged lid from Evans' Cityscape series ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofa in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofa was produced by Directional Furniture in the 1980s and was just newly reupholstered in a gorgeous nubby bouclé fabric, and is signed underneath with Directional label and has the lucite center support leg. The color of the bouclé is a very light oatmeal color - close to ivory and off-white. In brighter light settings it appears to be white but in darker or regular room settings you can see the slight tan color it possesses. We've searched for years for the best bouclé fabric and this one is quite exquisite, with bigger and softer pile and thicker backing than all the others we have found. *NOTE, the Philip & Kelvin LaVerne 'Chan' cocktail table shown in the photos is not priced in this set however is available for purchase in another listing. In addition, we have a matching ottomans on casters, three 'Corkscrew' swivel club chairs and other configurations of the 'Cloud' sofas, contact with questions and for more details. Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and classic always-in-demand 'Cloud' sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. This pair of sofas feature the pouf / ottoman on the right side (if you are sitting on the sofas) which allow you to face the sofas towards each other in a Yin / Yang formation. Also both sofas are the style with the more in-demand 'center back' vs the style which has the 'wrap around arm'. This particular style is more rare and desirable so having both sofas with this style is difficult to achieve as they are harder to find. If you need a different configuration contact us as we have other Cloud sofas in stock that are ready to be reupholstered. Collectors and designers, it's hard to find a matching pair together - here's your opportunity, but hurry - this design is hot and sell fast as they are a staple for interior designers looking to create a magazine cover interior. This Vladimir Kagan cloud sofa is so popular today with interior designers and collectors - the demand for Kagan's designs keep growing year after year. There is something timeless about the shape and silhouette of this couch and the comfort level is through the roof. Combine this was the on-trend off-white / oatmeal boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness. This Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved Cloud sofa...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Lucite

Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofas in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular pair of Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofas were produced by Directional in circa 1980 and were newly reupholstered in a gorgeous white nubby bouclé fabric, both sofas signed underneath with Directional labels. Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and classic always-in-demand 'Cloud' sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. Each sofa has a different back style, one which wraps around one side and the other centralized. Having both styles together in the same room was the signature look that Kagan made popular - a beautiful way to creatively signify how two separate individuals, while different, can live harmoniously together. You can have the sofas face each other or place them side by side as you can see in the photos. Collectors and designers, it's hard to find a matching pair together - here's your opportunity, but hurry - these matched pairs sell fast as they are a staple for interior designers looking to create a magazine cover interior. *This listing is priced for the pair of sofas, if you wish to only purchase a single see our other listings for these sofas individually priced or contact us. These Vladimir Kagan cloud sofas are so popular today with interior designers and collectors - the demand for Kagan's designs keep growing year after year. There is something timeless about the shape and silhouette of this couch and the comfort level is through the roof. Combine this was the on-trend white boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness. These Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved Cloud sofas...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Lucite, Bouclé

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 Furniture
  • 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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