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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:  Black
Creator: Directional
Paul Evans Patchwork Copper 106" Extendable Dining Table for Directional, c 1967
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning and very rare copper clad extendable dining table by Paul Evans for Directional, produced circa 1967. This incredible piece of design history is fabricated from patinated pieces of copper, brass, and pewter formed in a patchwork pattern. Perfect statement piece for a discerning collector, design connoisseur or luxury interior designer. Hefty and sturdy construction in this extendable Parsons table which can be transformed from 66" up to a large 106" with the two matching leaves, allowing seating for up to 10 to 12 people. Or consider using as a heavy duty desk / work table. The fusion of these mixed metals of copper, brass and pewter formulates an exemplary piece which would be a welcomed statement to any connoisseur's collection. We have the matching cafe / game table and floating wall console...
Category

1960s American Brutalist Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass, Copper, Pewter

1980s Kagan Style Biomorphic Form Sofa by Directional Furniture
By Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
An American made 1980’s classic Vladimir Kagan biomorphic kidney shaped sofa made by Directional Furniture. Kidney shaped couches have long b...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century rectangular ottoman with a black vinyl upholstered top resting on a walnut base with tapered legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR DIRECTIONAL)
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Bow Tie Dining Chairs, Set of Twelve
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of twelve Mid-Century Modern bow tie dining chairs. By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture. USA...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut, Lacquer

1980s Directional Furniture Designer Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Miami, FL
1980s Postmodern designer swivel chairs, by Directional Furniture. The chairs have been reupholstered in Kirkby Design Noir fabric, to give them ...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Chenille

Rare Cocktail Table by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Welded and enameled steel, glass. Designed & produced by Paul Evans Studio for Directional Furniture Company. Artist signed and dated. Very good vintage condition.
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Steel

Milo Baughman Black Lacquer Parsons Style Dining Table
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
An iconic dining table by Milo Baughman for Directional. Table is well constructed and comes with two leaves each of which is 20"W. Without leaves table is 66"W. Black lacquer.
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Paul Evans Directional 4 Rare Patchwork Chairs Patinated Brass Steel Leatherette
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super rare set of four original condition and signed Paul Evans for Directional patchwork chairs on castors. Clad in patinated brass, atop welded and enameled steel bases, upholste...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Vladimir Kagan for Directional Swivel Chairs, 1980
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Paul Evans Console for Directional Brutalist Sculpted Bronze & Glass Wall Mount
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
1960s sculpted bronze wall mount console designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional. New glass top. Original wall mount brackets.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Directional Furniture

Materials

Steel

Monumental Black Lacquered Low Table by Directional
By Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous black gloss lacquered pillow freeform low table by Directional. Monolithic and minimal in design. The large square shape with molded convex sides appears to float above the ...
Category

1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Swiveling Sculptural "Cork Screw Chair" by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Swiveling sculptural "Cork Screw Chair" by Vladimir Kagan, American, 1992 (retains original "Directional" label).
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Foam, Wood

Set of Four Chrome Cityscape Chairs by Paul Evans for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Culver City, CA
A stunning and rare set of 4 chrome cityscape chairs by Paul Evans for Directional. This matched set of PE-241 arm chairs are upholstered in a supple black matte ultrasuede and feature Evans' signature chrome patchwork design. These gorgeous Paul Evans Cityscape chairs...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Kipp Stewart Modern Lounge Chairs by Directional
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern "Arc" lounge chairs features heavy chrome frames and sleek Kipp Stewart design. Quality vintage craftsmanship by Directional furniture, this p...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Paul Evans Argente Cube Table Model PE37
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Culver City, CA
Looking for the ultimate flex in furniture? Paul Evans Studio pieces are just that. The Argente line is highly collectable, as each piece is one-of-a-kind, individually crafted by hand in Paul Evans Studio.This Paul Evans cube table is a stunning example of Brutalist design and features enameled/inked and welded aluminum with a slate top. This Paul Evans Argente side table while brutalist, is surprisingly versatile. We currently have it paired in the gallery between a pair of vintage Barcelona chairs across from a Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofa and it looks incredible. In the photos, we've added a photo for scale as well as to show versatility-- of the table in our booth at the 2020 Palm Springs Modernism Show. The table, featured lofted in the middle of the booth between 2 Torbjorn Afdal butterfly chairs...
Category

1960s American Brutalist Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Metal

Paul Evans for Directional "Sculpted Metal Collection" Bronze Resin Coffee Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Brutalist Paul Evans Sculpted Metal Collection PE-101 Bronze Resin Coffee Table, circa 1970. Produced exclusively for Directional. Cylindrica...
Category

1960s American Brutalist Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Related Items
Cloud Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Westport, CT
Cloud Sofa by Vladimir Kagan, a true emblem of 1970s design, meticulously restored to its original glory by Stamford Modern. This iconic piece exudes a sense of relaxed luxury, embod...
Category

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

Materials

Velvet, Lucite, Walnut

Paul Evans City Scape for Directional Cubes as End Tables or Coffee Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Paul Evans designed cubes from the city scape series for directional. Each cube is a patchwork of brushed stainless steel and polished brass geometric forms. Each measures 12...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Pair of Nicoletti Salotti Postmodern Italian Leather Sofas, 1980s
By Nicoletti Salotti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
An icon of postmodern design: a pair of Nicoletti Salotti 2-seater sofas in gray leather, produced in Italy around 1980. The leather of the sofas has taken on a lived-in look that gi...
Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Leather

Set of Six Paul Evans Cantilevered Dining Chairs for Directional, 1970s
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Hamburg, PA
A Mid-Century Modern set of 6 Paul Evans cantilevered dining chairs for Directional. This set includes two armchairs and four side chairs. These ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Paul McCobb Dining Chairs for Planner Group, Set of 4 Mid Century Modern
By Paul McCobb
Located in Wallkill, NY
Maple Paul McCobb dining chairs set of four, Planner Group. They are in wonderful vintage condition. Measuring: H 30 in, W 17 in, D 19 in, seat height 17 in. Be sure to check our st...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Maple

Cityscape coffee table by Paul Evans for Directional, circa 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in View Park, CA
A « cityscape » coffee table by Paul Evans for Directional in gold, early 1970s. Glass is original and in good vintage condition w...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Metal

1980s Natuzzi Beige Leather Barrel Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Natuzzi Salotti
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
These rare iconic textured leather swivel chairs are packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. Post modern Natuzzi Salotti S...
Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Metal

Paul Evans for Directional Set of Eight Dining Chairs
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of eight dining chairs designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional. Two armchairs and six side chairs, all expertly reupholstered a grey Maharam fabric. Great style and co...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Scandinavian Rosewood Extendable Dining Table by Hans Olsen
By Hans Olsen
Located in Pasadena, TX
87" Scandinavian rosewood extendable dining table Stunning rosewood table with 2 leaves Expands from 47.5" to 87".  
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Set 6 Rosewood Dining Chairs, Paul McCobb, Delineator
By Paul McCobb, Lane Furniture
Located in Buffalo, NY
Mid-Century Modern rosewood dining chairs - Set of 6, designed by Paul McCobb for Lane, "Delineator" Handsome set of Paul McCobb rosewood and black di...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Naugahyde, Rosewood

MCM Ottoman Footstool
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A MCM Upholstered...
Category

1980s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Cotton

MCM Ottoman Footstool
MCM Ottoman Footstool
H 20 in W 25 in D 18 in
Antique French Walnut Carved Draw Leaf Extendable Dining Table Parquetry Top 106
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique French walnut Draw Leaf extension dining table. Features a stunning diamond inlay parquetry top with serpentine shape. The table is supported by a rectangular apron with matc...
Category

Early 20th Century French Provincial Directional Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Previously Available Items
1980s Directional Swivel / Tilt Chair
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Tagged. Freshly reupholstered in a gray velvet - shows some minor signs of use from clients sitting on it at our showroom but overall great condition.
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Velvet

1980s Directional Swivel / Tilt Chair
1980s Directional Swivel / Tilt Chair
H 30.5 in W 32.5 in D 31.5 in
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 ...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Velvet

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquered Sideboard or Bar Cabinet
By Directional, Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Black la...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquer and Brass Dining Table, Refinished
By Directional, Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional and very versatile Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Bl...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquer and Brass Sideboard or Bar Cabinet
By Directional, Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard server or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture USA, 1950s Black lacquered mahogany...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Black Lacquer and Brass Dining Set, Fully Restored
By H Sacks & Sons, Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and outstanding Mid-Century Modern dining set By Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons, "Connoisseur Collection", with chairs from McCobb's "Irwin Collection" for Directional ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquered Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Ten
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of ten Mid-Century Modern dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Elegant sculpted bl...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul Evans for Directional Brutalist Welded Steel Coffee or Cocktail Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Southampton, NJ
Paul Evans for Directional Brutalist welded steel coffee table having abstract geometric pattern designs colored with acid pigments in red, blue and yellow under a 1" tempered glass ...
Category

1970s American Brutalist Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Steel

Kipp Stewart for Directional Barrel Back Club Chairs on Casters in Black Velvet
By Harvey Probber, Directional, Dunbar Furniture, Kipp Stewart, Edward Wormley
Located in Decatur, GA
Exceptional barrel back lounge chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional with all original tufted black velvet. Solid dark mahogany bases with chrome casters. An elegant and modern silh...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Velvet

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquer and Brass Lift-Top Vanity, Refinished
By Directional, Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional mid-century modern vanity or dressing table. By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Black lacq...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vladimir Kagan Cloud Serpentine Sofa by Directional in Black Microfiber
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Vladimir Kagan's iconic cloud serpentine sofa by Directional. This sofa is upholstered in black microfiber. They would both need to be reupholstered t...
Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Lucite, Upholstery

Directional Lounge Chairs, Swivel Rockers
By Directional
Located in Raleigh, NC
Pair of vintage swivel lounge chairs newly upholstered in a soft velvet. These are deep and have a plush back cushion. They are very comfortable and both swivel and rock. These are h...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

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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