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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Creator: Directional
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
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
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
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
Directional Mid Century Lounge Chair with Casters
By Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Directional mid century lounge chair with casters.
These chairs measure: 26 wide x 34 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Metal
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...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Wood
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, First Year of Production
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
Paul Evans 'Sculpted Bronze Series' wall unit acquired from the original owner who acquired it from the Directional showroom in NYC. This unit is signed PE and is dated from the very first year of production, 1969. It is in very good original condition with bronze glass shelves...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Directional Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Credenza for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage modern cabinet features the iconic patchwork design by Paul Evans. The cityscape burl wood and chrome design is sure to co...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
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
1970s, Paul Evans Studio for Directional Cityscape Executive Desk
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1970s Paul Evans Studio for Directional, Cityscape executive desk in maple burl veneer, chrome plated steel and a rare bullno...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Four Sculptural Dining Chairs by Directional
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
Set of four dining chairs by Directional. The chairs have the original upholstery and a nice sculptural design.
Category
1980s Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
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...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb for Directional 314 Model High Back Lounge Chair in Grey Velvet
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Marilyn Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
Milo Baughman for Directional Miniature Jewelry Chest
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in San Diego, CA
Milo Baughman for Directional miniature jewelry chest or silver cabinet. Original chocolate colored finish with brass pulls. Retains original paper label on the back and metal label ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Paul McCobb Calvin Directional Dining Table with 3 Leaves
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular oversized dining, conference table designed by Paul McCobb as part of the Calvin series for Directional. The table comes with three leaves ( each 21 in. W ) making it open to banquet scale, or it can double as a conference or large work table...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Ebony, Walnut
Midcentury Burled Nesting Tables by Directional
By Directional
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic midcentury Parsons style nesting tables made by Directional in thick burl veneer over solid wood cores. Very well crafted and solid feeling with corner blocking. The tops mad...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Burl
Beige Offwhite Alcantara Suede Corkscrew Nautilus Swivel Chairs Directional Mint
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Beige off white alcantara suede corkscrew nautilus swivel chairs directional mint.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Ultrasuede
Milo Baughman Black Lacquer Parsons Style Dining Table
By Milo Baughman, Directional
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
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
Paul McCobb for Directional Mahogany Bowtie Dining Chairs, Fully Restored
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional set of six Mid-Century Modern bowtie dining chairs
By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furnitiure,
...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut Boat-Shaped Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century modern boat-shaped extension dining table
By Milo Baughman for Directional
USA, 1960s
Gorgeous book-matched walnut, with ebonized legs.
Measure...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
Oversized Postmodern Directional Lounge Chairs, a Pair
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
These are awesome!!! Oversized and so comfy. I don’t know exactly how old they are but they are very well made and great statement chairs!
Dimensions: 37"W...
Category
20th Century American Post-Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Textile
20th Century White American Directional Sofa, Curved Settee by Vladimir Kagan
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Wood
Midcentury Paul Evans Brutalist Sideboard for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
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
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 A-Symmetric Settee in Ivory Bouclé by Directional, c. 1991
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Asymmetrical and chic Directional Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Settee professionally reupholstered in soft ivory white bouclé. All new cushioning and u...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Wall Mirror & Console Table Shelf in Brass
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 brass clad patchwork design. I...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul Evans CityScape Sideboard for Directional Brass Tiles & Burl Wood Doors
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare 1970s Paul Evans Cityscape sideboard with waterfall ends for Directional with brass tiles and book matched Burl wood doors. Interior laminated in black...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass
Directional Mid Century Barrel Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Directional mid century barrel swivel lounge chairs
These chairs measure: 28 wide x 33 deep x 26 inches high, with a seat height of 19 inches
Ready for new upholstery. This ser...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa Blue Microfiber by Directional Furniture
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Miami, FL
Original Vintage Vladimir Kagan Cloud Serpentine sofa in blue microfiber by Directional Furniture Company.
Original label underneath, Directional, Made in USA.
Note: The sofa needs n...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Lucite, Wood, Ultrasuede
Rare New Upholstered Beige Paul McCobb Set for Directional, USA - 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Early 1950s Paul McCobb Set for Directional, newly upholstered in Dedar Fabric. The measurements given apply to the sofa. The Lounge Chair measures: D9...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Mom & Pop Pair Vladimir Kagan Wingback Swivel Chairs & Ottomans in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
If you want to be the envy of your friends and fellow designers, here's how you do it. Our shop is very excited to offer a rare pair of Mom & Pop Vladimir Kagan swivel wingback chairs...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Bouclé
Paul Evans Cityscape Patchwork Burlwood Credenza
By Directional, Milo Baughman, Paul Evans
Located in Houston, TX
Paul Evans Cityscape patchwork burlwood credenza. This stunning long mid-century Paul Evans for Directional credenza or chest is comprised of cabine...
Category
1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
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
Paul Evans Cityscape Bar Cart Pe 200 Series for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful signed Mid-Century Modern bar cabinet by Paul Evans for Directional. A wonderful patchwork design with a flip top and two cabinet doors below. Sleek case piece that looks g...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Paul McCobb for Directional Model 1322 Black Rim Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
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/...
Category
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Large Paul Evans Ten Segment Chrome Coffee Table, for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Paul Evans ten segment chrome coffee table, for Directional. This iconic Mid-Century Modern example is in near mint condition, with numerous two-tone polished and satin chrome ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Wall Mirror & Console Table Shelf in Chrome
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design combination, a cityscape wall shelf and mirror designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's. The set features fine heavy construction with chrome clad patchwork design. ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Paul Evans Monumental Burl Wood Parsons Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional custom monumental Mid-Century Modern Parsons extension dining table or conference table
By Paul Evans for Directional, "Cityscape" Collection
USA, 1970s
...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Burl
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Swivel Chairs, 1980
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan for directional Swivel lounge chairs, 1980. Original fabric.
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Mid-Century Campaign Style Long Chest or Cabinet
By Directional
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic mid-century chest or cabinet crafted in mahogany featuring multiple components including brass campaign style hardware including three drawers and three doors. Plenty of storage...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Campaign Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Hot Pink Vladimir Kagan Sculptural Hurricane Lounge/Club Chairs
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Midcentury Expandable Milo Baughman Dining Table for Directional
By Directional
Located in Baltimore, MD
An exceptional Milo Baughman Parsons dining table circa 1960s, by Directional Furniture. This extraordinary table features a striped...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Teak, Walnut, Lacquer
Paul Evans Cityscape Patchwork Burlwood Console or Dining Table Base
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Houston, TX
Paul Evans for Directional cityscape patchwork burlwood console table, center table or dining table base. This stunning Mid-Century Modern Evans att...
Category
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Burl
Modern Brutalist Sculptural Welded Steel & Bronze Dining Table Paul Evans 1970s
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a stupendous and iconic, glass topped dining table, on sculpturally welded steel and bronze bases, by Paul evans for Directional, circa the 1970s. In excell...
Category
1970s Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Steel
Paul Evans Cityscape Game, Side Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Nice signed example from the Cityscape series by Paul Evans for Directional. Hard to find form, usable as a game, side, or occasional table. This table is in good, original condition...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Milo Baughman Upside Down U Ottoman
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman Upside Down U Ottoman with solid brass foot supports, Reupholstered with Knoll Aegean Boucle.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass
Directional White Bouclé Channel Tufted Chaise Lounge
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional white boucle channel tufted chaise lounge. Completely restored and reupholstered.
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Bouclé
Directional Swivel Beige Leather Club Lounge Pair Armchairs, style of Baughman
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Directional swivel beige leather modern club lounge arm chairs - a pair, in the style of Milo Baughman. Item features large swivel and return frames, beige high quality leather uphol...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Leather
Paul Evans Console for Directional Brutalist Sculpted Bronze & Glass Wall Mount
By Directional, Paul Evans
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
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
1970s Directional Pair of Swivel Lounge Chairs in Ivory Velvet
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
1970s Directional pair of ivory velvet swivel lounge chairs with slightly curved backs and seats which tilt back and forth and swivel on upholstered round base. These chic swivel lou...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Wood
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.