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.
2
341
1
to
36
331
11
342
342
342
252
24
2
1
341
1
133
189
51
40
104
46
26
180
174
144
95
70
315
303
1
164
5,225
3,993
2,434
2,233
Creator: Directional
Reupholstered Swivel / Tilt Chair by Directional
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
We used the highest quality, Italian full-grain leather by Spinneybeck when we redesigned and reupholstered this vintage swivel / tilt chair by Directiona...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Leather
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul Evans Patchwork Coffee Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Wonderful patchwork coffee table by the iconic Paul Evans. This table is comprised of welded copper, bronze and steel. Evans designed this table for Directional in the 1970's. This t...
Category
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Copper, Steel
Paul Evans Directional Patchwork Credenza, c 1970's
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular Post Modern, Brutalist school credenza, designed by Paul Evans for Directional c. 1970's. The sideboard features a large rectangular cabinet with patchwork burl veneer, w...
Category
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
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 ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century American Lucite Four Seater Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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 Irwin Collection Black Lacquer, Brass, and Cane Side Table
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern three-tier side table or nightstand
By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection"
USA, 1950s
Black lacque...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCob Walnut Lounge Chair for Directional Mint
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCob Walnut Lounge Chair for Directional Mint!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Paul Evans Patchwork Copper 106" Extendable Dining Table for Directional, c 1967
By Paul Evans, Directional
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
Directional Mid Century Sectional Sofa
By Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Directional midcentury sectional sofa.
This sofa measures: 125 wide x 90 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
All original Paul McCobb mahogany cabinet or sideboard from The Calvin Group (earlier Irwin Collection) by Calvin Furniture, which is part of the work the designer created for Directional (model 1066). The mid-century modern credenza features: three drawers with brass knobs; two sliding leather doors with brass pulls and brass edges; interior fitted with two shelves, each adjustable to four different positions; brass X stretchers; label. 100% original finish and condition. The perfect vintage piece to use as a bar cabinet, a media console or a server buffet. Part of a one owner collection of McCobb furniture exclusively presented by Select Modern; a truly rare time capsule find! There are more pieces from this collection available in our storefront. A copy of the original 1956 purchase receipt for all the pieces from this collection is available. Works well in many different decors, from eclectic modern...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table, Refinished
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table
By Milo Baughman
USA, 1960s
Walnut, with ebonized trim and legs.
Measures: 38"W x 38"D x 29"H. Extends up to 98"W...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Kipp Stewart for Directional Walnut, Cane, and Blue Leather Chairs
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century pull up chairs with rounded back walnut frames with caned backs and sides and blue leather seat cushions, resting o...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Wood, Leather, Upholstery, Walnut
Milo Baughman Swivel Chairs for Directional, 1980
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman Swivel Chairs for Directional, 1980. Original pink and grey post modern upholstery with upholstered plinth base.
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of Directional White Laminate and Chrome Bedside Tables / Commodes
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century white laminate bedside tables / commodes with one large cabinet and two adjacent drawers, each with a square chrome...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Paul Mccobb Room Divider for Calvin Furniture Company
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Room Divider for Calvin Furniture Company, Features Mahogany, solid brass and glass shelves.
Lower section has Five Drawers with brass...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass
Kipp Stewart Black Leather and Chrome Arc Lounge Chairs for Directional - a Pair
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of black leather and chrome Arc lounge chairs designed by Kipp Stewart and manufactured by Directional.
The leather backrest and leather cove...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Paul McCobb for Directional Floral Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century lounge / armchair with a walnut frame with a scooped back rail and blue, orange, and brown floral patterned fabric upholstery, resting on four tapered dowel legs...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Post Modern High Arm Bench by Directional, 1970
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Post Modern high arm bench by Directional, 1970. Original upholstery.
Category
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
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...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul Evans PE-20 Cube Side Tables, Inset Slate, Oxidized Steel, Bronze, Signed
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Paul Evans PE-20 cube side tables, inset slate, oxidized steel, bronze, signed. Pair of polychromed Paul Evans PE-20 cube tables with inset slate tops, in oxidized steel and bronze, ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Slate, Bronze, Steel
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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
1980s Weiman Curved Serpentine Sofa and Swivel Chairs, 3 Pieces
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Original rare set of 3, 1980s Iconic serpentine cloud sofa and swivel chairs are packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout the monumental form. The Vintage complete set are beyond stunning. Beautiful colors in ultra suede light...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb for Directional Striped Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century lounge / armchair with a walnut frame with a scooped back rail and multi-colored geometric patterned and striped fabric upholstery, resting on four tapered dowel...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Pair of White Boucle Lounge Chairs and Ottomans by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1990’s Pair of ‘Corkscrew’ lounge chairs and ottomans designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional.
Newly recovered in a soft white boucle fabric....
Category
1990s American Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Paul McCobb for Directional Yellow Patterned Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century lounge / armchair with a stained walnut frame with a scooped back rail and yellow fabric upholstery with a small pattern of orange and brown autumn leaves and wh...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
Paul Evans for Directional 'Cityscape' Floor Lamps
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, 'Cityscape' floor lamps, model PE-4010 from the PE200 series, chrome-plated steel, brass, United States, circa 1975
This unique pair of floor lamps from...
Category
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome, Brass, Steel
Paul McCobb Tuxedo Sofa in White Boucle, Directional, 1960's
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is mid-century design at its finest. Designed by Paul McCobb for famed modernism manufacturer Directional Furniture, this tuxedo sofa is timelessly chic. Upholstered in a fine Belgian boucle...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Bouclé
Paul Evans Chrome and Suede Cityscape Lounge Chairs for Directional, 1970
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare pair of Paul Evans Cityscape Patchwork Lounge Chairs, 1970. Upholstery is blue suede all original. Patchwork is constructed of steel plate frames with contrast of polished chr...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Steel, Chrome
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
Vintage Patchwork Fliptop Bar Cabinet by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage patchwork fliptop bar cabinet designed by iconic designer Paul Evans for Directional in the United States, circa 1970s. This elegant piece looks more like a graceful sculpture due to its Minimalist design and superior metal craftsmanship. The cabinet has been crafted by hand and features a rectangular structure inlaid with patinated bronze, copper, brass, and pewter pieces, which have been delicately placed and arranged in a mosaic-like style. On the front face, it has two thick doors...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Copper, Pewter
Midcentury Burl Wood and Black Lacquered Credenza by Directional
By Directional
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful midcentury burl wood and black lacquered credenza attributed to Milo Baughman for Directional in the United States, circa 1970s. This credenza perfectly exemplifies the modern and daring ideas of Milo Baughman, which not only could exceptionally mix different materials but also turned out to be highly functional and seductive to the eye of the beholder. It features a black polished lacquered case, which seems to shine at all times due to its finish. On the front face, it has four burl wood doors with smooth faces and no handles...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Burl, Lacquer
Milo Baughman Expandable Table, c.1960
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
An original Milo Baughman Parsons dining table by Directional Furniture with a striped veneer top of Rosewood, Teak and Walnut o...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Vintage Exotic Wood Sideboard Cabinet by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
A Vintage Exotic wood sideboard cabinet by Milo Baughman for Directional.
One of the doors needs an adjustment to properly close and open.
so...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Wood
Paul Evans for Directional "Cityscape" Chrome and Brass Ice Bucket, 1970's
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul Evans for Directional Furniture Cityscape Series gold and chrome mirror ice bucket with thermos liner. Featuring a square hinged brass and chrom...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans Collection 77 Chrome Cantilevered Arm Chair for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Miami, FL
Single Paul Evans chrome and ultra suede cantilevered office, dining or side chair with arms for Directional. Designed for the Collection 77 serie...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Paul McCobb for Directional Sculpted Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Mid-Century Modern dining chairs
By Paul McCobb for Directional
USA, 1950s
Elegant sculpted walnut frames, with upholstered seats and backs and brass a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass
Kipp Stewart Rosewood and Walnut Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
This is a beautiful and rare lounge chair and ottoman pairing designed by Kipp Stewart for Directional in 1960. Superb form and beautiful woods combine in this walnut frame chair wit...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut
Kipp Stewart for Directional Lounge Chairs in Jack Lenor Larsen Velvet
By Dunbar Furniture, Kipp Stewart, Harvey Probber, Directional, Edward Wormley
Located in Decatur, GA
Exceptional and rare pair of barrel back lounge chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional with all original Jack Lenor Larsen velvet. Solid dark mahogany bases with brass casters. An el...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Paul Evans for Directional Set of Eight Dining Chairs
By Paul Evans, Directional
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
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
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
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Scallop Chaise Lounge in Soft Ivory White Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
All enveloping luxurious comfort best describes this sexy Post Modern Chaise Lounge designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional newly professionally upholstered in highly durable super soft ivory white bouclé. Famous for his use of curves and amorphous shapes in furnishings, this Vladimir Kagan scallop form chaise lounge has an inviting profile and shape that beckons. The inner walls of the chaise provide all enveloping comfort with wide upholstered channels angled down towards the foot of the chaise. The channels - along with the texture of the ivory white bouclé - ventilate naturally keeping you cozy in winter and cool in summer. Unlike traditional chaise lounges that allow one to recline but are not typically plush, this Vladimir Kagan chaise is the antithesis. Super comfortable seat back, tall upholstered arm rests, thick cushioned seat, and angled upholstered side. Chic, sexy and luxurious. Works for all activities - naughty or nice - at all hours of the day. Enjoy your morning cup of tea or coffee while catching up on emails or reading the latest headlines. Take an afternoon nap. Cozy up with a good book and a glass of wine, phone a friend and catch up or work on your laptop. Activities will be enjoyed all the more reclined atop this Vladimir Kagan Scallop Chaise Lounge...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
Rare Slipper Chairs by Paul McCobb for Directional
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional and rare pair of Paul McCobb slipper chairs, model 1320, for Directional. Newly restored and upholstered. Price is for the pair.
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Set of Eight Chrome Cityscape Dining Chairs by Paul Evans for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A nice set of eight cityscape dining chairs by Paul Evans for Directional, circa 1974. The set consists of two armchairs model PE-241 and six side chairs model PE-240. Chromed steel ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Pair of Light Gray Milo Baughman Lounge or Arm Chairs for Directional USA
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Milo Baughman lounge or arm chairs for Directional 1950s, USA
They are out of the Country Villa Collection.
Walnut Frame. The chairs are fully restored.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Milo Baughman for Directional MCM Walnut and Cane Back Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Countryside, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Back Dining Chairs - Set of 6
Each armless chair measures: 18 wide x 25 de...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Rare Swivel Lounge Chairs for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Offered is a beautiful pair of rare Nautilus style swivel chairs born from the ingenuity of the celebrated Mid-Century Modern Icon Vladimir Kagan. Modern, warm and inviting this is a revolutionary model in comfort and style. Three quarter moon back arm support. The oval shaped bottom centrally swivels atop a circular upholstered disk. The chair's swivel feature lets you follow the action without leaving your seat. The curvilinear form and detailing is the perfect blend of masculine and feminine styles. The chairs have a welcoming presence that exudes high quality craftsmanship and a style that is very characteristic of Kagan. Newly upholstered in a rich rust colored velvet fabric. What better way is there to inject a touch of fun than with these bold and unique accent chairs...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Midcentury Brass Swivel Lounge Chairs by Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage brass swivel lounge chairs designed and manufactured by Directional in the United States, circa 1970s. These chairs represent the style of Milo Baughman’s modern and...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Large Swiveling Lounge Chairs by Directional
By Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Thoughtfully curated pair of vintage swivel chairs by Directional, circa 1980's. Acquire leisure time with artful ease. Luxuriant and enveloping, featuring a classic yet minimalist d...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Early Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Throne Chair, Signed and Dated, 1969
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Culver City, CA
One of the most recognizable and important names in the American studio craft movement of the 1960's and 70's, Paul Evans was a groundbreaking pioneer in brutalism. Collaborating as well as sharing a showroom with Phillip Lloyd Powell until 1964 when Evans met the owner of Directional Furniture and created a line of 6 coffee tables to go into the Directional High Point, NC booth for the spring Market. As the story has been recounted by Dorsey Reading, the tables never even made it to the showroom floor. Evans soon found out the tables never even had the opportunity to be sold; obviously disappointed, owner of Directional, BG agreed to put the tables out on the showroom floor in New York City to placate Paul Evans. What happened can probably best be compared today with "going viral."
The coffee tables started flying off the floor, and the orders came rolling in. This fervor led to Evans creating eventually over 800 designs with Directional-- with the very first series being the "Sculptured Metal" Collection which was publicized in 1968.
This piece specifically is a throne chair that also swivels. Upholstered in black leather, this throne chair is a wonderful example of Paul Evans Sculpted bronze technique, which involves hand sculpting using an epoxy resin and coating in an atomized cold cast bronze. This piece is signed and dated "PE 69" making it an early example of his goopy cast bronze series and line of furniture for Directional.
It's extremely important to note: Directional Furniture showrooms in New York City and Chicago were private to-the-trade only showrooms, so only interior designers and their clients were able to custom order these pieces through the showroom. There was never any "inventory" of furniture. Each and every piece was a custom, hand crafted work of art, created to order. No two of any piece were ever alike.
Evans eventually went on to employ a team of nearly 90 people, working two shifts-- helping to hand-craft his designs. This could easily explain why not every piece is hand signed, therefore making an early, had-signed pieces like this even more desirable for a collector.
This piece has a wonderful patina, with vibrant colors and while still brutalist in nature, it's a bit more subdued and could effortlessly be blended into any contemporary environment. We currently have this piece in the gallery paired with a Vladimir Kagan serpentine cloud sofa, and a Karl Springer goatskin...
Category
1960s American Brutalist Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Paul Evans Brutalist Mixed Metal Coffee Table for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Evans Brutalist mixed metal coffee table for directional.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass, Copper, Pewter
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chair by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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
Pair Paul Evans Cityscape Night Stands, Burl and Brass with Drawers, Signed
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare and fine pair of burl and brass Cityscape night stands / nightstands designed by Paul Evans for Directional, 1970s. Both have two drawers that function perfectly. Clusters of li...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass
Directional Mid Century 6 Drawer Highboy
By Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Directional mid century 6 drawer highboy
This dresser measures: 36 wide x 18 deep x 49.75 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in w...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Multi-Wood Dining Table
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional mid century multi-wood dining table
This table measures: 60 wide x 38 deep x 28.75 high, with a chair clearance of 25.75 inches, each leaf measures 2...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Wood
Directional Mid Century 10 Drawer Lowboy
By Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Directional Mid Century 10 drawer lowboy
This lowboy measures: 72 wide x 18 deep x 33.25 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage conditi...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape Style Mid Century Patchwork Burlwood Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape style mid century patchwork burlwood table
The table measures: 39 wide x 39 deep x 29.25 high, with a chair...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Burl
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.
Creators Similar to Directional
Questions About Directional Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021While 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.