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.
1980s Directional Kagan Black Microsuede and Leather Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, chairs you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it be...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Paul Evans, Polychrome Steel, 1960s
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century Brutalist torch cut, welded polychrome steel double pyramid coffee table base by Paul Evans. Mint original condition. Sold without glass for cost effective shipping. Fre...
Steel
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.
Steel
$3,847 / set
Directional Mid Century Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Directional Mid Century Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 18 wide x 19.25 deep x 44.25 high, with a seat height of 18 inches Each captains chair measures: 22 wid...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape Style Mid Century Patchwork Burlwood Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Franklin Park, 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...
Burl
Silver Grey Metallic Leopard Modern Sculptural Sofa
By Directional
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We took an amazing 1980s sofa by Directional and found a spectacular metallic silver gray leopard velvet fabric to redo it in. The result is a sp...
Fabric
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!
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
Milo Baughman Upside Down U Ottoman
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman Upside Down U Ottoman with solid brass foot supports, Reupholstered with Knoll Aegean Boucle.
Brass
Paul McCobb x Directional Walnut Chest of Drawers
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Astoria, NY
Paul McCobb for Directional Walnut Chest of Drawers, the four drawers with brass pulls, "Directional" plaque to interior top drawer. 26" H x 32" W x 18" D. Provenance: From a West ...
Walnut
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...
Upholstery, Walnut
$17,082Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare New Upholstered Beige Paul McCobb Set for Directional, USA - 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs by Directional for Reupholstery - Set of 12
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs by Directional for Reupholstery - Set of 12 Elevate your dining experience with this set of 12 Mid Century Modern High Back Dining Chairs by Directi...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Cloud Sofa in the manner of Directional Furniture, 1990s Cool Fabric
By Directional
Located in Hamburg, PA
This vintage 1990s Serpentine Cloud Sofa offers a timeless design with its supple, soft fabric, ready to enhance any living space. Inspired by the iconic st...
Ultrasuede
$2,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
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.
Upholstery
$14,750 / set
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...
Upholstery, Wood
Kagan for Directional Midcentury Lounge Chairs with Ottoman, Pair
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Directional midcentury lounge chairs with ottoman - pair Each chair measures: 35.25 wide x 35.25 deep x 28....
Metal
Milo Baughman Dining Table by Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
Paul McCobb 312 Armchair for Directional
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Perfect slipper chair by Paul McCobb 312 Armchair for Directional in Maharam Mode: Saltwater. We have reupholstered in fresh, new fabric and foam. Great chair with clean understated...
Upholstery
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...
Fabric, Upholstery
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" ...
Bronze
Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1990s. USA. Reupholstered in white boucle fabric.
Bouclé
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...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Larry Laslo for Directional Art Deco Oval Beige Bouclé Sofa Golden Diamond Legs
By Larry Laslo, Directional
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...
Fabric, Bouclé, Foam, 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)
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
American Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Fabulous vintage armchair designed by Paul McCobb. Walnut legs and details. Re upholstery recommended. Please inquire about upholstery options....
Walnut
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...
Bouclé, Upholstery
$3,600Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Slipper Lounge Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional, USA, 1960s
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
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...
Upholstery, Wood
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...
Bronze
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...
Metal
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...
Metal
$22,000 / set
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.
Upholstery
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Metal
Pair of Large Blue Velvet Ottomans by Directional
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large blue velvet ottomans by Directional.
Velvet
1980's Directional Swivel Lounge Chairs in Navy Blue with Brass Base
By Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning, highly sculptural lounge chairs designed by Directional Design. Amazingly comfortable expertly restored, recovered in a gorgeous navy blue velvet. They swivel, tilt and roc...
Brass
$1,800 / item
Small Mid-Century Cabinet by Directional
By Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish end table cabinet features a truly innovative design, combining a vintage tortoise finish with brass trim and several unique storage options. Standard cabinet storage me...
Lacquer
Monumental Black Lacquered Low Table by Directional
By Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous black gloss lacquered pillow freeform low table by Directional. Monolithic and minimal in design. The large square shape with molded convex sides appears to float above the ...
Chrome
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...
Brass, Steel, Chrome