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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:  Gray
Creator: Directional
Set of Six Paul Evans Cantilevered Dining Chairs for Directional, 1970s
By Directional, Paul Evans
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

Linen Dining Chairs by Directional Furniture Co, Set of 6
By Directional
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A 1991 Set of 6 Linen Dining Chairs by DIRECTIONAL Furniture Co Se...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Linen

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...
Category

1990s Post-Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Pair of Vladimir Kagan Corkscrew Nautilus Swivel Chairs for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Wayne, NJ
Pair of Vladimir Kagan corkscrew swivel chairs for Directional. If you are in the New Jersey , New York City Metro Area , please...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Steve Chase Style Channel Tufted Sectional by Directional
By Directional
Located in Raleigh, NC
Vintage Steve Chase Style sectional with deep seat and large scale. Extremely well built and ready for updating.
Category

1980s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

1990s Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Wave' 3 Seat Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Houston, TX
Rare "Wave" three-seat sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, c.1990s. Known to draw inspiration from nature and his surroundings, Kagan styled these beautiful pieces after...
Category

1990s American Post-Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Directional Frosted Acrylic and Glass Coffee Table
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Frosted Acrylic column coffee table with half inch glass top.
Category

1980s American Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Glass, Acrylic

Directional Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Asymmetric swivel set Lounge chair and ottoman on casters. Upholstered in a light purple ultra suede. Sound structural condition. Minor signs of sc...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Ultrasuede

Directional Channel Tufted Slipper Chaise Lounge, 1970
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional channeled tufted slipper chaise lounge chair, 1970. Restored and reupholstered in white boucle.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Pair of Lounge Chairs by Directional
By Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage pair of lounge chairs by Directional feature a shimmering upholstery with embroidered floral designs throughout. A half-round back and cushioned seat offer a comfortable...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chair by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning dramatic form lounge chair designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the 1980's. Its retains the original upholstery which needs to be recovered. Padding a...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Vladimir Kagan Wingback Swivel Chair and Ottoman
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Iconic Vladimir Kagan for Directional wingback tilt and swivel lounge chair with matching ottoman. Both the chair and ottoman are newly reupholstered in gray bouclé fabric. The chair...
Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Post Modern Vladimir Kagan for Directional Style Swivel Lounge Chair
By Directional, Milo Baughman, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Houston, TX
Post Modern Vladimir Kagan for Directional swivel lounge chair. This unusual iconic Kagan swivel chair has a high b...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Directional Modular Sectional Sofa, 1970
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional modular sectional sofa, 1970. Original beautiful condition.
Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Leather

Lovely Pair of Directional Croissant Swivel Lounge Chair Mid-Century
By Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Lovely pair of Directional croissant barrel back swivel chairs. This pair will need to be reupholstered as the original fabric is worn and dated. They measure 30"T x 35"W x 36"D with...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of Poufs by Directional
By Directional
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of 1980’s ottoman poufs designed by Directional. Newly recovered in a jersey fabric. Measurements: 24” Diameter, 18” High.  
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Foam

Signed Directional Sculptural Cubist Style Pair Lounge Chairs Vintage & Original
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These super stylish cubist form club or lounge chairs retain their original patterned upholstery! But that's not the best part. Light weight, medium scale, super comfortable, you'll ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

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. ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Chrome "Cityscape" Dining Table by Paul Evans for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exceptional vintage “Cityscape” dining table designed by Paul Evans for Directional in the United States, circa 1970s. This dining table belongs to ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Pair of Vladimir Attributed Lounge Chairs and Ottomans
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Vladimir attributed lounge chairs and ottomans, reupholstered with Italian Boucle. Preview Label on underside Measures: Ottoman H 17" W 24.75" D 22.5".
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery

Pair of Postmodern Sofas by Directional Furniture, 1980
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional furniture model 4760L & 4760R sofas. Opposite swooping backs with big chunky bases. Newly upholstered.
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Directional Cloud Sofa on Chrome Base
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional furniture cloud sofa. Blue-grey mohair upholstery with chrome base.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Midcentury Paul Evans Brutalist Sideboard for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An iconic vintage modern design by Paul Evans with an elaborate chrome patchwork design. This stylish case piece boasts a spacious black interior hidden behind four cabinet doors. A ...
Category

1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Stunning Pair of Directional Croissant Swivel Lounge Chair Mid-Century
By Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning pair of Directional crescent roll tufted swivel lounge chairs. These wonderful chairs are oversized and very comfortable. The original fabric is not...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Larry Laslo for Directional Purple Modern Italian Bauhaus Style Chrome Leg Sofa
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Larry Laslo for Directional purple modern Italian Bauhaus style chrome leg sofa. Listing includes 6 chrome metal legs, purple microfiber upholstery, or...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Metal

Milo Baughman for Directional Geometric Bronze Glass Coffee Table
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Baltimore, MD
An extraordinary Geometric, glass, midcentury, Bronze-finish base coffee table by Milo Baughman for Directional, circa 1970s. Features original, octagonal, 3/4" thick glass resting o...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Metal

Paul Evans Cityscape Dining Suite, Eight Chairs with Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
This listing is for a Dining Suite in desirable chrome cityscape and white leather. Includes a dining table (not pictured at this moment) with two armchairs and six side chairs. Dini...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Metal

Chrome And Glass Coffee Table By Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Highland, IN
This large scale coffee table by Directional has a very strong architectural quality with a pair of chrome steel bases which support a hexagonal glass top that echos the angular shap...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel, Chrome

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Paul Evans for Directional Set of Eight Dining Chairs
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Pair of Swiveling "Nautilus" Chairs by Vladimir Kagan in Smoked Platinum
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Set of Six Chairs Solid Beechwood by Rainer Daumiller for Hirtshals, 1970s
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1 Vintage Walnut Johnson Furniture Dining Chair
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Monk Dining Chairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Molteni, 1970s, Set of 4
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Serpentine Cloud Sofa in the manner of Vladimir Kagan, 1990s
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1960s Serpentine Mid Century Curved Sectional
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, serpentine sectional you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful sectional is statement p...
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Vladimir Kagan for Direction Cloud Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Authentic Vladimir Kagan for Directional “Cloud” Sofa. Original tan microfiber fabric. Some water marks on seat please see pictures. Label on bottom.
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Directional Mid-Century Sectional Sofa
By Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Directional Mid-Century sectional sofa This sectional sofa measures: 143 wide x 111 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 17.5 inches All pieces of ...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

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Off White Semi-Circular Channel Sectional Sofa by Steve Chase
By Steve Chase
Located in Palm Springs, CA
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Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
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Previously Available Items
Vladimir Kagan Postmodern Roll-Back Lounge Chairs for Directional, USA, 1985
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Vladimir Kagan Postmodern Roll-Back Lounge Chairs, United States, 1985. This pair has been expertly restored. Literature: Vladimir Kagan: A Lifetime of Avant-Garde Design, Kagan,...
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20th Century American Post-Modern Directional Furniture

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Fabric

Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Gray Flannel Sofa for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Milo Baughman grey flannel sofa for Directional. A delightful sofa from legendary designer Milo Baugman for Directional Furniture. This sophisticat...
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Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

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Fabric

Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa for Directional in Heavy Ivory Boucle
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
This Vladimir Kagan sofa is simply stunning. The entire sofa has been upholstered in a heavy ivory bouclé, including the double disc bottom. This heavily textured sofa is not only visually appealing, it's insanely comfortable and is incredibly stylish. The upholstery fabric is indeed a performance fabric that is meant to repel stains and hold its shape wonderfully. Vladimir Kagan has never been a hotter designer than he is right now-- with many interior designers and celebrities alike opting for 1 or 2 of these gorgeous contemporary sofas in their living rooms. A few clicks online and you'll find a million ways to style these in your home. When Vladimir Kagan designed this serpentine cloud sofa, he had NYC penthouses and apartments in mind-- this 8' long sofa is large enough to be a solo sofa...
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Paul Evans Cityscape End Tables or Nightstands with Drawers
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Cityscape end tables or nightstands with drawers, from PE 200 Series, Chrome plated tiles with rare drawer function. Signed Paul Ev...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

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Chrome

Paul Evans Cityscape Chrome Coffee Table, 1970's, Signed
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Culver City, CA
This coffee table by Paul Evans is a remarkable piece of his iconic Cityscape collection for Directional Furniture. A perfect square base, completely clad both inside and out in vert...
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1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

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Chrome

Directional Gray Silk Settee, 1970
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Directional gray silk settee's, 1970. Original silk upholstery. One sofa has a tear in the back. Price is per sofa.
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

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Silk

Directional Gray Silk Settee, 1970
Directional Gray Silk Settee, 1970
H 32 in W 69 in D 33.5 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Brass Framed Wall Mirror, 1950s
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency brass framed wall mirror By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture USA, 1950s Measures: 20.25"...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

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Brass

Pair of Bouclé Swivel Sculptural Lounge Chairs by Directional
By Directional
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of mocha light brown boucle swivel sculptural lounge chairs by Directional. Newly recovered with a soft mocha light brown bouclé fabric. The swivel is a memory/auto spring return position...
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1980s American Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

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Set of Serpentine Sofas by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, 1970s
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Westport, CT
A stunning and rare set of vintage "Serpentine" sofas designed by architect and furniture designer Vladimir Kagan for Directional. The sofas feature a distinctive curved frame that g...
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Wool

Vladimir Kagan for Directional "Cloud" Sofas in Wool
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Westport, CT
A stunning and rare set of vintage "Cloud" sofas designed by architect and furniture designer Vladimir Kagan for Directional. The sofas feature a distinctive curved frame that gives ...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

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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 nubby bouclé fabric, both sofas signed underneath with Directional labels and have lucite center support legs. *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. 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. 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. 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 - 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 off-white / oatmeal boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness. These Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved...
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1980s American Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

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Bouclé, Lucite

Paul Evans for Directional Chrome and Glass Floating Shelves or Console Tables
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare pair of mid-century modern floating wall shelves or console tables By Paul Evans for Directional, "Cityscape" Collection USA, 1970s ...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

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Chrome

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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