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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
Recognized Seller Listings
Vladimir Kagan Pair of Corkscrew Swivel Chairs for Directional in Bouclé, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly reupholstered in a soft and nubby white bouclé, this pair of 'Corkscrew' swivel chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980 are signed with a Directional labels undern...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé

Paul Evans, Table, Steel, Glass, USA, 1971
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in High Point, NC
A welded and painted steel and glass table designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional, USA, c. 1971.
Category

1970s American Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Steel

Paul Evans, "Cityscape" Dining Table, Mirror, Wood, Directional, USA, c. 1970
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and mirror "Cityscape" dining table designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional, circa 1970.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Caned Sideboard Cabinet by Paul McCobb for Directional Furniture c 1958, Signed
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautifully refinished cabinet with hutch was designed by Paul Mccobb for Directional Furniture and part of their 'Custom Collection' line produced in circa late 1950s and featu...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul Evans for Directional 'Cityscape' PE200 Side Table in Steel and Brass
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, 'Cityscape' side table, from the PE200 series, chrome-plated steel, brass, glass, United States, circa 1975 This unique side table from the 'Cityscape' ...
Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel, Chrome

Paul Evans for Directional 'Cityscape' Floor Lamp
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, 'Cityscape' floor lamp from the PE200 series, chrome-plated steel, brass, United States, 1970s This unique floor lamp from the 'Cityscape' (PE 200) line...
Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel, Chrome

Paul Evans Cityscape Stool Bench 1973
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Cityscape Stool Bench 1973, Chrome plated steel with newly upholstered button-tufted mohair. Label underside Paul Evans Inc. 1973
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Steel

Paul Evans for Directional ‘Cityscape' PE280 Sideboard in Steel and Brass
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, 'Cityscape PE280' sideboard, from the PE200 series, chrome-plated steel, brass, United States, circa 1975 This sideboard from the 'Cityscape' (PE 200) l...
Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair of Milo Baughman for Directional American Polished Upholstered Armchairs
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century armchairs with polished chrome flat bar frames, upholstered in a textured tan fabric with removable seat cushions. (MILO BAUGHMAN FOR DIRECTIONAL)(PRICED...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Paul Evans Custom Faceted Dining Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Custom Faceted Dining Table, Larger base with lacquered wood and brass cladding over wood. 3/4" top measures 96" in length and 47.50" in depth Seats 10 to 12
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vladimir Kagan Sectional for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan Sectional for Directional, with Great Plains boucle, new hand-cut foam, and wood legs. Depth 37" Back Height 30" Seat...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Blue Leather and Walnut Ottoman
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular ottoman with a blue leather upholstered seat resting on a walnut frame with tapered legs. (Paul Mccobb for Directional).      
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Wood, Leather, Walnut, Upholstery

Paul Evans Patchwork Copper 106" Extendable Dining Table for Directional, c 1967
By Directional, Paul Evans
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

Pair of Pink Bouclé Post-Modern Swivel Club Chairs by Directional, 1980s, Signed
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous and very unique pair of swiveling club chairs have been newly reupholstered in a soft and nubby pink bouclé fabric, both chairs signed with Directional labels and produ...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Paul McCobb Travertine Consoles and or Sofa Tables
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Travertine Consoles and or Sofa Tables, model 8704 for Directional. Square tubular brass with 3/4" travertine.      
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Travertine, Brass

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

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 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

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

Paul McCobb for Directional Striped 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 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 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

Paul McCobb for Directional Yellow Patterned Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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

Rare Cocktail Table by Paul Evans for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
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

Pair of Vladimir Attributed Lounge Chairs and Ottomans
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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

Paul Evans King Size Bedframe with Brass Tiles
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans king size bedframe with brass tiles, cladded squared tiles in brass make the structure exterior finish. The top horizontal soffit has 3 dimmable reading lights. Vertical columns have bifold...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass

1950s Brass Low Table by Paul McCobb for Directional
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant low coffee or cocktail table on a rectilinear brass base with a milk glass top.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swiveling Sculptural "Cork Screw Chair" by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Swiveling sculptural "Cork Screw Chair" by Vladimir Kagan, American, 1992 (retains original "Directional" label).
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Foam, Wood

Milo Baughman Dining Table for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman Dining Table for Directional, Striped multi-wood table top: rosewood, walnut, and ash. Two additional matching leaves. The Table extends from 72" to 108" fully extended...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut, Ash

Pair of Paul McCobb of Consoles
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional. Pair of model 8704 console tables. Square tubular brass frames with travertine top. Patina on brass consistent with age and use. Stool sold separately.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Directional Furniture, Sectional Sofa, Bamboo, Velvet, USA, 1970s
By Directional
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo and green velvet sectional sofa designed and produced by Directional Furniture, USA, 1970s. Seat height 18”.
Category

1970s American Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Bamboo

Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofa in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofa was produced by Directional Furniture in the 1980s and was just newly reupholstered in a gorgeous nubby bouclé fabric, and is signed underneath with Directional label and has the lucite center support leg. The color of the bouclé is a very light oatmeal color - close to ivory and off-white. In brighter light settings it appears to be white but in darker or regular room settings you can see the slight tan color it possesses. We've searched for years for the best bouclé fabric and this one is quite exquisite, with bigger and softer pile and thicker backing than all the others we have found. *NOTE, the Philip & Kelvin LaVerne 'Chan' cocktail table shown in the photos is not priced in this set however is available for purchase in another listing. In addition, we have a matching ottomans on casters, three 'Corkscrew' swivel club chairs and other configurations of the 'Cloud' sofas, contact with questions and for more details. Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and classic always-in-demand 'Cloud' sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. This pair of sofas feature the pouf / ottoman on the right side (if you are sitting on the sofas) which allow you to face the sofas towards each other in a Yin / Yang formation. Also both sofas are the style with the more in-demand 'center back' vs the style which has the 'wrap around arm'. This particular style is more rare and desirable so having both sofas with this style is difficult to achieve as they are harder to find. If you need a different configuration contact us as we have other Cloud sofas in stock that are ready to be reupholstered. Collectors and designers, it's hard to find a matching pair together - here's your opportunity, but hurry - this design is hot and sell fast as they are a staple for interior designers looking to create a magazine cover interior. This Vladimir Kagan cloud sofa is so popular today with interior designers and collectors - the demand for Kagan's designs keep growing year after year. There is something timeless about the shape and silhouette of this couch and the comfort level is through the roof. Combine this was the on-trend off-white / oatmeal boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness. This Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved Cloud sofa...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Lucite

Vladimir Kagan Corkscrew Swivel Chairs for Directional in Bouclé, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly reupholstered in a soft and nubby light beige bouclé, these 'Corkscrew' swivel chairs, also often referred to as 'Nautilus', by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980s / 90s are signed with Directional labels underneath. These classic Post-Modern club chairs swivel...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Wood, Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofas in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular pair of Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofas were produced by Directional in circa 1980 and were newly reupholstered in a gorgeous white nubby bouclé fabric, both sofas signed underneath with Directional labels. Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and classic always-in-demand 'Cloud' sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. Each sofa has a different back style, one which wraps around one side and the other centralized. Having both styles together in the same room was the signature look that Kagan made popular - a beautiful way to creatively signify how two separate individuals, while different, can live harmoniously together. You can have the sofas face each other or place them side by side as you can see in the photos. Collectors and designers, it's hard to find a matching pair together - here's your opportunity, but hurry - these matched pairs sell fast as they are a staple for interior designers looking to create a magazine cover interior. *This listing is priced for the pair of sofas, if you wish to only purchase a single see our other listings for these sofas individually priced or contact us. These Vladimir Kagan cloud sofas are so popular today with interior designers and collectors - the demand for Kagan's designs keep growing year after year. There is something timeless about the shape and silhouette of this couch and the comfort level is through the roof. Combine this was the on-trend white boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness. These Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved Cloud sofas...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Lucite, Bouclé

Paul Evans Sculptured Metal Dining Table, 1969
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Sculptured metal dining table model no. PE 102 in bronze composite with thick glass top by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture, American 1969. Signed and dated “P.E. 69” near the bo...
Category

1960s American Brutalist Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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.

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