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
Kipp Stewart for Directional Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kipp Stewart for Directional Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
Each armless chair measures: 18.5 wide x 22 deep x 37 high, with a seat height of 18 inches
Each captains ch...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul Evans Cityscape Keep Safe Box
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Cityscape Keep Safe Box, not many of these were produced, interior plastic laminite.
Dimensions:
5" wide
5" deep
3" high
Category
1970s American Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Steel
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
Post Modern Directional Style Swivel Lounge Chair
By Directional
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
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
Milo Baughman for Directional Geometric Bronze Glass Coffee Table
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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
$6,000 Sale Price
20% Off
1970s Paul Evans Iconic Cityscape Dining Table, Signed
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Hartville, OH
Iconic Paul Evans Burled Patchwork and Chrome Dining Table from his Cityscape Collection. Signed. Two leaves.
Condition Disclosure:
Please understand nearly all of our inventory is ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
$15,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Paul Evans Ice Bucket, Cityscape, Brass, Chrome, Glass
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Paul Evans ice bucket, Cityscape brass, chrome, glass. Chunky brass and chrome patchwork ice bucket with hinged lid from Evans' Cityscape series ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass, Chrome
$3,360 Sale Price
20% Off
Paul McCobb for Directional Floral Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Queens, 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
Pair of Directional White Laminate and Chrome Bedside Tables / Commodes
By Directional
Located in Queens, 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
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...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
Large Lacquered Square Coffee Table w/ Chrome Plinth Base By Directional 1970s
By Directional
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Mid Century Modern plinth base modern white lacquered coffee table with chrome plinth base and glass top. This piece is by Directional and attributed to Paul Evans circa 1970. This beautiful mid-century cocktail table is a statement piece for any living room.
In form, this piece is square, and tapers down to its chrome plinth base. Painted in a white / creamy hue, on the outside and top, it also features inset glass. A great option for use during cocktails or drinks. Glass is insert to about 2” – 3” from the edge of the top.
We've seen similar coffee tables featured in Elle Decor and House Beautiful. A wonderful piece that can stand the test of time. Directional furniture is extremely well made and will be a purchase that can stand the test of time.
The overall color of this coffee table/cocktail table is a creamy white color. A great staple piece for any living room. Should colors change in a design plan, this piece can hold its own and always be a classic incorporated with other colors.
Wonderful vintage condition with some chips to lacquer around the sides, as well as under the glass top. Some signs of wear to the chrome plinth base such as light scratching and discoloration.
How We Would Style It:
We think this piece deserves to be placed on a brightly colored rug...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Lacquer
$1,275 Sale Price
71% Off
Leather/Chrome Sled Settee by Arthur Umanoff for Directional
By Arthur Umanoff, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Reupholstered/refoamed in tan leather
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Larry Laslo for Directional Art Deco Oval Beige Bouclé Sofa Golden Diamond Legs
By Directional, Larry Laslo
Located in Miami, FL
Modern daybed, round sofa, oversized ottoman designed by Larry Laslo for Directional in the 1990s.
Upholstery is a high-quality beige and gold or taupe color bouclé fabric.
Elegant g...
Category
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Directional Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Foam, Wood
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
Paul McCobb for Directional Midcentury Slipper Chair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for directional midcentury slipper chair.
This chair measures: 25 wide x 25.75 deep x 31.5 high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height/chair clearance 24.5 inches
...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Angle Arm Sofa
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Angle Arm Sofa
This sofa measures:76.5 wide x 33 deep x 33.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16.5 and arm he...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, 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
Chrome Settee by Arthur Umanoff for Directional
By Arthur Umanoff, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Reupholstered in checkered navy fabric. Chrome frame.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Large Scale Directional Post Modern Swivel Chairs & Ottoman in Mocha Fabric
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Stretch out and then some in these luxurious extra large Post Modern Directional Swivel Chairs newly professionally reupholstered in glimmering Mocha textured fabric. That side profi...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery
Post Modern Directional Pouf Ottoman in Ivory White Boucle
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timelessly sexy and oh so versatile pouf ottoman by Directional professionally reupholstered in soft ivory white boucle with a high durability rating (over 50k double rubs). Plush and comfortable, the poufs can be easily incorporated as ottomans with other designer pieces or stand on their own for that extra seat. Pair available. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory.
Photographed with and also currently available in our shop-
Pair of Preview Tri Leg Post Modern Armchairs...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
Paul McCobb for Directional Striped Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Queens, 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
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCob Walnut Lounge Chair for Directional Mint
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage Walnut Swivel Lounge Chairs by Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful vintage walnut swivel lounge chairs by Directional from the United States, circa 1970s. Crafted with utmost care and attention to detail, these chairs epitomize the perfect...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Geometric Bronze Coffee Table by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early 1970s geometric coffee table by Milo Baughman for Directional. Bronze-finished base with original, octagonal glass top, rare in its complete presentation. Dense, glass is 3/4" ...
Category
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Paul McCobb for Directional MCM Bleached Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs - 4
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Bleached Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 4
Each armless chair measures: 17.75 wide x 21 deep x 36 inches high, with a seat height/ch...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
Directional Mid Century Lounge Chair with Casters
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, 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
Stylish Pair of Waterfall Ottoman Benches by Directional, 1980s
By Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Sculptural pair of Directional waterfall ottomans. This pair will need to be reupholstered original fabric is worn and dated. They measure 17.5"t x 27"l x 17.5"d.
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
$2,280 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Milo Baughman for Directional MCM Geometric Bronze and Glass Coffee Table
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Geometric Bronze and Glass Coffee Table
This coffee table measures: 48 wide x 48 deep x 16.75 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be h...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Linen Dining Chairs by Directional Furniture Co, Set of 6
By Directional
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below.
Shipping Quote Information
The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code.
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A
1991 Set of 6 Linen...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Linen
$1,996 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Milo Baughman for Directional Midcentury Coffee Table
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional midcentury coffee table
This coffee table measures: 48 wide x 48 deep x 16.5 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restor...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Metal
1970's Paul Evans Cityscape Floor Lamp Light Brass Chrome Gold Silver Colour
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Milano, IT
Cityscape floor lamp, model no. PE-4010, from the PE200 series, circa 1975.
American furniture designer, sculptor, and artist, Paul Evans is one of the most recognizable and versati...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel, Chrome
Pair of Slipper Lounge Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional, USA, 1960s
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Slipper Lounge Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional, USA, 1960s
Newly upholstered in slate gray / dark indigo cotton fabric wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$3,600 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Vladimir Kagan “Arc” Sofa for Directional, 1990s
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan “Arc” Sofa for Directional, 1990s, fully restored in a wool velvet. Very good condition
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Directional Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Nightstand
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Directional Mid Century Walnut and chrome nightstand
This nightstand measures: 24 wide x 18 deep x 21 inches high
All pieces of furniture can ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Directional Mid Century Barrel Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, 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
MCM 3 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa By Directional In Original Fabric
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern 3 Peace Modular Living Room Set by Directional in Original Fabric
The Mid Century Modern 3 Piece Modular Living Room Set by Directional showcases a timeless desig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Magnificent Directional Biscuit Tufted Party Loveseat Sofa Modern
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Milo Baughman style Directional biscuit tufted party loveseat sofa. This sofa was re-upholstered about 15 years ago and would be best redone again-light wear to seat and ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
$4,680 Sale Price
20% Off
Directional Custom Collection Vintage Modern Inlaid Dining Table
By Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique inlaid metal and wood dining table from the Directional Custom Collection. Tabletop is banded with alternating wood grain patterns...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
$2,765 Sale Price
30% Off
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
Pair of Large Blue Velvet Ottomans by Directional
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large blue velvet ottomans by Directional.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa by Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Raleigh, NC
A classic cloud or serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan. Newly upholstered in a very light oatmeal or linen colored tweed, sturdy yet soft.
Manufactured by Directional in the 1990s
...
Category
1990s Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Directional furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Directional furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Directional furniture, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Directional were created in the modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Thayer Coggin, Harvey Probber, and Jens Risom. Prices for Directional furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $5,800 and can go as high as $47,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $17,300.
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.