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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
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman

Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman

By Paul McCobb, Directional

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

Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Scallop Chaise Lounge in Soft Ivory White Bouclé
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Scallop Chaise Lounge in Soft Ivory White Bouclé

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

Pair of Vladimir Attributed Lounge Chairs and Ottomans
Pair of Vladimir Attributed Lounge Chairs and Ottomans

Pair of Vladimir Attributed Lounge Chairs and Ottomans

By Vladimir Kagan, Directional

Located in Chicago, IL

Pair of Vladimir attributed lounge chairs and ottomans, reupholstered with Italian Boucle. Preview Label on underside Measures: Ottoman H 17" W 24.75" D 22.5".

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery

Large Scale Directional Post Modern Swivel Chairs & Ottoman in Mocha Fabric
Large Scale Directional Post Modern Swivel Chairs & Ottoman in Mocha Fabric

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

1970's Paul Evans Cityscape Floor Lamp Light Brass Chrome Gold Silver Colour
1970's Paul Evans Cityscape Floor Lamp Light Brass Chrome Gold Silver Colour

1970's Paul Evans Cityscape Floor Lamp Light Brass Chrome Gold Silver Colour

By Directional, Paul Evans

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

Rare New Upholstered Beige Paul McCobb Set for Directional, USA - 1950s
Rare New Upholstered Beige Paul McCobb Set for Directional, USA - 1950s

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Post Modern Directional Open Arm Lounge Chairs, 1980
Post Modern Directional Open Arm Lounge Chairs, 1980

Post Modern Directional Open Arm Lounge Chairs, 1980

By Directional

Located in Chicago, IL

Post Modern Directional Open Arm Lounge Chairs, 1980’s. Original upholstery in great condition. Measure 29” tall 32” wide 27” deep seat height 18.5” seat seat depth 20.5”

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of Paul Mccobb Calvin Group Mahogany and Brass Nightstands for Directional
Pair of Paul Mccobb Calvin Group Mahogany and Brass Nightstands for Directional

Pair of Paul Mccobb Calvin Group Mahogany and Brass Nightstands for Directional

By Paul McCobb, Directional

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Paul Mccobb Calvin Group Model 1047 two-tier nightstands/side tables for Directional (ca. 1954, USA). Composed of a stained mahogany frame with extendable lower shelf with nickel pul...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Directional Mid Century Barrel Swivel Lounge Chairs
Directional Mid Century Barrel Swivel Lounge Chairs

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

1980s Light Beige Directional Nautilus Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
1980s Light Beige Directional Nautilus Swivel Chairs, Set of 2

1980s Light Beige Directional Nautilus Swivel Chairs, Set of 2

By Directional

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

These Iconic swivel chairs are packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout the monumental form. Post modern designed by Vl...

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Geometric Bronze Coffee Table by Milo Baughman for Directional
Geometric Bronze Coffee Table by Milo Baughman for Directional

Geometric Bronze Coffee Table by Milo Baughman for Directional

By Directional, Milo Baughman

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 Floral Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair
Paul McCobb for Directional Floral Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair

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

Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Blue Leather and Walnut Ottoman
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Blue Leather and Walnut Ottoman

Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Blue Leather and Walnut Ottoman

By Directional, Paul McCobb

Located in Queens, NY

American Mid-Century rectangular ottoman with a blue leather upholstered seat resting on a walnut frame with tapered legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR DIRECTIONAL) Leather is cracking.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

1980s Directional Cream Polka Dots Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
1980s Directional Cream Polka Dots Swivel Chairs, Set of 2

1980s Directional Cream Polka Dots Swivel Chairs, Set of 2

By Directional

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, swivel chairs set you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beaut...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

1980s Directional Kagan Black Microsuede and Leather Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
1980s Directional Kagan Black Microsuede and Leather Swivel Chairs, Set of 2

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...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Wood

Larry Laslo for Directional Art Deco Oval Beige Bouclé Sofa Golden Diamond Legs
Larry Laslo for Directional Art Deco Oval Beige Bouclé Sofa Golden Diamond Legs

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...

Category

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Directional Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Foam, Wood

Directional Mid Century Lounge Chair with Casters
Directional Mid Century Lounge Chair with Casters

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

Paul McCobb for Directional Striped Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair
Paul McCobb for Directional Striped Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair

Paul McCobb for Directional Striped Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair

By Directional, Paul McCobb

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

Post Modern Directional Pouf Ottoman in Ivory White Boucle
Post Modern Directional Pouf Ottoman in Ivory White Boucle

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

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCob Walnut Lounge Chair for Directional Mint
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCob Walnut Lounge Chair for Directional Mint

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

Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional

Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional

By Vladimir Kagan, Directional

Located in Chicago, IL

Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1990s. USA. Reupholstered in white boucle fabric.

Category

1990s American Post-Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Linen Dining Chairs by Directional Furniture Co, Set of 6
Linen Dining Chairs by Directional Furniture Co, Set of 6

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

Stylish Pair of Waterfall Ottoman Benches by Directional, 1980s
Stylish Pair of Waterfall Ottoman Benches by Directional, 1980s

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

Vintage Walnut Swivel Lounge Chairs by Directional
Vintage Walnut Swivel Lounge Chairs by Directional

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

Milo Baughman for Directional Midcentury Coffee Table
Milo Baughman for Directional Midcentury Coffee Table

Milo Baughman for Directional Midcentury Coffee Table

By Directional, Milo Baughman

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

Milo Baughman for Directional Geometric Bronze Glass Coffee Table
Milo Baughman for Directional Geometric Bronze Glass Coffee Table

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

Four Sculptural Dining Chairs by Directional
Four Sculptural Dining Chairs by Directional

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

1970s Emerald Green Upholstered Settee by Paul Evans for Directional
1970s Emerald Green Upholstered Settee by Paul Evans for Directional

1970s Emerald Green Upholstered Settee by Paul Evans for Directional

By Directional, Paul Evans

Located in North Canton, OH

This beauty by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture just finished up at upholstery masters @copleypholstery. Wrapped in a decadent GP&J Baker Lee Jofa Velvet. Extraordinary to the to...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Monumental Black Lacquered Low Table by Directional
Monumental Black Lacquered Low Table by Directional

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 ...

Category

1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Chrome

MCM 3 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa By Directional In Original Fabric
MCM 3 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa By Directional In Original Fabric

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

Chrome and Glass Coffee Table by Directional
Chrome and Glass Coffee Table by Directional

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

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.
Questions About Directional Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    While 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.