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.
Milo Baughman for Directional Campaign Wardrobe
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This tall two piece wardrobe has all the right names attached! Designed by Milo Baughman for Directional's Custom Collection, and sold by Baker Furniture. Rich cocoa brown wood grain...
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
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
$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
Mid Century Modern Paul Evans Cityscape Brass Chrome Glass Coffee Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Baltimore, MD
An elegant, stylish midcentury square rounded corners glass top, with brass plated base "Cityscape" square cocktail table (PE 400 series) coffee table. Attributed to the legendary ar...
Steel
Paul Evans Open Back Cityscape Console Bar Cabinet In Burlwood And Chrome
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Southampton, NJ
A stunning and exceptionally rare console bar cabinet in Olive Burlwood and patchwork chromed steel designed by Paul Evans for Directional. This console features an open back with ad...
Chrome
Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, United States, 1980s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Antwerp, BE
A masterpiece of mid-century modern design, the Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa embodies the fluid elegance that defines his work. Its sweeping, organic silhouette invites both comfor...
Velvet
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
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
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century walnut and cane dining chairs - set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 16.5 wide x 16.5 deep x 34.5 high, with a seat height of 17.25 inches...
Cane, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional Model 1321 Lounge Chair in Walnut & Light Upholstery
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Paul McCobb, this chair was manufactured by Directional, who was one of many partners that McCobb worked with. A prolific designer, this chair is one of the best models o...
Upholstery, Walnut
Re-Upholstered Michael Wolk for Directional Swivel Chairs, A Pair, Post-Modern
By Directional, Michael Wolk
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of Michael Wolk-designed "Miami" chairs. This beautiful set of swivel chairs were designed by Miami-based New York designer Michael Wolk. Th...
Textile, Wood
$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
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Burlwood Parsons Coffee Table
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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
Vladimir Kagan, Directional, Mid-Century Modern, Serpentine Cloud Sofa, Velvet
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Stamford, CT
Vladimir Kagan, Directional, Mid-Century Modern, Curved Cloud Sofa, Beige Velvet, Lucite, USA, 1980s The Cloud Sofa, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the 19...
Velvet, Lucite
Paul Evans, "Cityscape" Dining Table, Mirror, Wood, Directional, USA, c. 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and mirror "Cityscape" dining table designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional, circa 1970.
Mirror, Wood
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Multi-Wood Dining Table with 2 Leaves
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Multi-Wood Dining Table with 2 Leaves This table measures: 60 wide x 38 deep x 28.75 high, with a chair clearance of 25.75 inches; each lea...
Wood
Paul Evans for Directional PE-105/106 MCM Bronze Stalagmite Chairs - Set of 6
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional PE-105/106 Mid Century Bronze Stalagmite Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 21 wide x 23 deep x 32.5 high, with a seat height of 18 inches Eac...
Bronze
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Hurricane Lounge Chairs in New Chocolate Brown Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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
2 Piece Directional Sofa Designed by Paul Mccobb
By Milo Baughman, Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Bensalem, PA
Two piece directional sofa designed by Paul Mccobb smaller section is 62 inches feel free to reach out with any questions
Brass
Pair of Hot Pink Vladimir Kagan Sculptural Hurricane Lounge/Club Chairs
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning pair of "Hurricane" chairs designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional Inc. Very comfortable, sculptural form of rarely seen Ka...
Upholstery
Paul Evans Attributed Cityscape Patchwork Burlwood Credenza
By Paul Evans, Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Houston, TX
Paul Evans Attributed Cityscape patchwork burlwood credenza. This stunning long mid-century Paul Evans for Directional attributed credenza or chest ...
Wood
Nautilus Chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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
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
$7,400Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Bouclé
Umbo Modular Shelving Unit by Kay LeRoy Ruggles for Directional
By Kay Leroy Ruggles, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Modular shelving unit with gorgeous sun fading.
Plastic
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquer and Brass Dining Table, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture USA, 1950s Black lacquered mahogany, with brass stretchers...
Brass
Post Modern Directional Pouf Ottoman in Teddy Bear Camel Bouclé
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timelessly sexy and oh so versatile pouf ottoman by Directional professionally reupholstered in super soft camel color teddy bear bouclé with a high durability rating (over 50k doubl...
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
Mid Century Kipp Stewart “Arc Lounge Chairs” for Directional
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
Located in Baltimore, MD
A stunning pair of mid-century modern 1960s “Arc” lounge chairs designed by Kipp Stewart for Directional furniture. An exceptional pair, both for their form and quality. The pair emb...
Chrome
$6,280Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Directional Biscuit Tufted Party Sofa Midcentury
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Milo Baughman style Directional biscuit tufted party sofa. This sofa was re-upholstered about 15 years ago and would be best-redone again-few pulls to the front of the ar...
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan for Directional "Marilyn" Chaise Lounge, Circa Early 1990s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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
Milo Baughman - Directional Striped Exotic Mix Wood Dining Table - 2b Refinished
By Milo Baughman, Directional, Johnson Furniture Company
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dining table designed by Milo Baughman for Directional and manufactured by Johnson Furniture Company. Know as the 322 Striped Dining Table...
Rosewood, Walnut
Paul Evans 'PE-31' Patchwork Copper and Slate Cube Table for Directional, c 1967
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 'PE-31' patchwork copper table by Paul Evans for Directional, produced in circa 1967. The cube shaped form is fabricated from patinated pieces of copper, bronze, and pewter which have been welded and nailed in a patchwork style pattern resting on top of a patinated steel plinth base with casters. Works fantastic as a coffee or cocktail table, or as a large end or side table. The table sits on top of casters which makes it easy to move around and relocate. The top has been fitted with slate. The fusion of these exterior materials formulates an exemplary piece which would be a welcome addition to any connoisseur's collection or high-end interior designer project. We have the matching PE-32 bar cabinet and PE-17 floating wall console with PE-18 mirror (all with Patchwork Copper) if you would like to create a matching set. We also carry other Paul Evans designs, including Cityscape, Deep-Relief, Artisan, and Sculptured Metal Collections. Contact us for more information or see our other listings for more details. This Paul Evans patchwork copper cube table...
Slate, Bronze, Copper, Pewter
Paul Evans for Directional Modern Parsons Upholstered Armchairs, Pair
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Modern or Postmodern Parsons blue upholstered armchairs or dining captain chairs By Paul Evans for Directional USA, Circa 1970s Measures: 22.25"W x 27.25"D x 40...
Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Vintage Mid Century Modern 3 Piece Cloud Serpentine Sectional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf Chrome, Brass and Glass
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design, a cityscape wall shelf designed in the style of Paul Evans. The set features Fine heavy construction with brass & chrome clad patchwork design. Includes two L s...
Brass, Chrome
Directional Milo Baughman Swivel Beige Leather Club Lounge Arm Chairs - a Pair
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Milo Baughman for Directional Swivel Beige Leather Club Lounge Arm Chairs - a Pair. Item features large swivel and return frames, beige high quality leather upholstery, original labe...
Leather
Paul Evans PE-509 Cityscape Dining Table by Directional, 1970s
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Raleigh, NC
Paul Evans PE-509 dining table from the Cityscape series, executed entirely in chrome patchwork. Geometric metal panels in varied rectangular shapes create the signature skyline-ins...
Chrome
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Walnut Bar Console Credenza
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Walnut Bar Console Credenza This credenza measures: 40 wide x 15 deep x 30.5 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Small Areas of Wear on B...
Walnut
20th Century American Directional Sofa - Vintage Curved Settee by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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
$5,600Sale Price|22% Off
Paul Evans Brutalist Cocktail Table in Patinated Steel and Bronze, c. 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptional Brutalist coffee table by Paul Evans, created as part of his celebrated Sculptured Metal Collection for Directional, exemplifies the raw artistry and architectural p...
Bronze, 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.
Wood, Lacquer
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
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Eight Drawer Chest with Brass Leg Posts
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb for Directional #7025 black Chest of Drawers. Featuring newly restored and re-enameled rectangular black enameled eight drawer Chest, Dresser, detailed with reflective Br...
Brass
$9,500 / set
Paul McCobb for Calvin Dining Set
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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
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...
Brass
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Walnut Nightstands - Pair
By Milo Baughman, Directional
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
$12,000 / item
Larry Laslo for Directional Down Sofa, Pair Available
By Directional, Larry Laslo
Located in New York, NY
Modernist sofa designed by Larry Laslo for Directional featuring new Italian Ivory Boucle fabric. Back and seat feature cushions which are ...
Upholstery, Wood, Down
Set of Six Mid Century Dining Chairs Milo Baughman for Directional Model 332/333
By Milo Baughman, Directional
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
Art Deco Revival Black Lounge Chairs With Steel Arms by Directional - a Pair
By Directional
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of exceptional Art Deco Revival black fabric lounge chairs with curved steel arms by Directional Furniture circa 1980s. The fabric is original and in near perfect condition.
Metal
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Marilyn Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post modern Vladimir Kagan Marilyn Sofa by Directional for Vladimir Kagan in new ivory white bouclé upholstery. Whimsical and happy, Kagan's Marilyn line...
Bouclé, Upholstery
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
Paul Evans "Cityscape" Dining / Console Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Denton, TX
Paul Evans cityscape for Directional dining / console table with chrome-plated steel and burled wood base. Glass not included Base dimensions: 63 L x 19 D x 28.38 Glass: 71 3/...
Steel, Chrome
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
Paul McCobb for Directional #1322 Upholstered Black Rim Lounge Chair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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
1970s Signed Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape Chrome Cube Side Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a striking example of Paul Evans’ iconic Cityscape collection for Directional, this chrome-plated steel cube table embodies the bold, architectural elega...
Chrome
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
Milo Baughman Dining Table by Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Highland, IN
This classic mid-century dining table designed by Milo Baughman for Directional takes a simple, rectilinear form and dresses it up with bands of mixed wood veneers. The 72" long tabl...
Wood
Pair Original Paul McCobb Custom Craft Directional Lounge Chairs in Mahogany
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Custom Craft Inc.
Located in Troy, MI
Pair of rare angular lounge chairs designed by Paul McCobb Manufactured by Custom Craft Inc for Directional circa 1950 Architectural low profile design with dark stained mahogany fr...
Leather, Mohair, Mahogany