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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
Dealer: Automaton
Paul Evans 'PE-19' Deep Relief Floating Wall Cabinet with Slate Top, 1964
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 'PE-19' Deep Relief floating wall cabinet by Paul Evans for Directional, produced in 1964, signed and dated 'PE 64'. This incredible collectors piece is fabricated from patinated segments of enameled steel which have been welded with applied textures and patterns with a slate top and two cabinet doors which open to reveal a stained red wood interior with adjustable shelf. The fusion of these exterior materials formulates an exemplary piece which would be a welcome addition to any design connoisseurs collection. We also carry other Paul Evans designs, including Cityscape, Patchwork Copper and Sculpted Metal Collections. Contact us for more information or see our other listings for more details. This Paul Evans PE19...
Category

1960s American Brutalist Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Slate, Steel

Paul Evans 'PE-32' Patchwork Copper Cabinet with Slate Top for Directional, 1968
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 'PE-32' copper clad bar cabinet on casters by Paul Evans for Directional, produced in 1968 per original receipt which we have a copy of...
Category

1960s American Brutalist Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Brass, Copper, Pewter

Paul Evans Patchwork Copper Large and Small Humidors w Cigar Ashtray, c 1970s
By Paul Evans, C.C., Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fantastic set of Paul Evans 'Patchwork Copper' smoking accessories, manufactured by C.C. Design Inc and retailed by Directional in the 1970s, with beautiful light patina and age, p...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Copper, Pewter

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

Paul Evans Patchwork Steel Coffee Table for Directional, Signed & Dated 1978
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning coffee table by Paul Evans for Directional, produced in 1978, signed and dated PE 78. The cube shaped form is fabricated from patinated pieces of painted steel which have be...
Category

1970s American Brutalist Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Steel

Exotic Mixed Woods Dining Table by Milo Baughman for Directional, 1960s
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautifully refinished exotic wood inlay 1960's California Modern dining table by Milo Baughman for Directional features highly grained exotic woods creating contrasting lines s...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Wood

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Paul Evans for Directional Model PE-102 'Stalagmite' Dining Table Signed PE72
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Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze PE 128 "Stalagmite" Coffee Table 1971 (Signed)
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Danish Extendable Dining Table in Oak
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Fontana Arte 1950s Modernist Glass Pen Holder or Stand and Ashtray Desk Set
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
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Previously Available Items
Paul Evans 'PE-31' Patchwork Copper Table with Slate Top for Directional, c 1967
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 'PE-31' patchwork copper table by Paul Evans for Directional, produced in circa 1967. The cube shaped form is fabricated from patinated pieces of copper, bronze, and pewter which have been welded and nailed in a patchwork style pattern resting on top of a patinated steel plinth base. The top has been fitted with an inset slate stone. The fusion of these exterior materials formulates an exemplary piece which would be a welcome addition to any connoisseur's collection or high-end interior designer project. We have the matching PE-32 bar cabinet and PE-17 floating wall console with PE-18 mirror if you would like to create a matching set. We also carry other Paul Evans designs, including Cityscape, Deep-Relief, and Sculptured Metal Collections. Contact us for more information or see our other listings for more details. This Paul Evans patchwork copper cube table...
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1960s American Brutalist Vintage Directional Furniture

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Vladimir Kagan Pair of Corkscrew Swivel Chairs for Directional in Bouclé, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofa in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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Caned Sideboard Cabinet by Paul McCobb for Directional Furniture c 1958, Signed
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Located in Los Angeles, CA
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Pair of 'Corkscrew' Ottomans by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 'Corkscrew' ottomans by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980s / 90s signed with a Directional labels underneath. MEASUREMENTS: H 16.25" x W 28.5" x D 20"
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1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

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Paul Evans Pe-14 'Four Pyramid' Cocktail Table in Oxidized Steel & Bronze C 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning Paul Evans model PE-14-42 'Four-Pyramid' cocktail table which was part of the "Sculptured Metal Collection" for Directional. This dramatic petal shaped cocktail table is c...
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Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofa in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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...
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1980s American Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

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Bouclé, Lucite

'Corkscrew' Chair & Ottoman by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in Bouclé, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly reupholstered in a soft and nubby light beige bouclé, this 'Corkscrew' swivel chair with ottoman by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980s /...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

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Bouclé, Wood

Paul Evans Monumental Patchwork Burl Expandable Dining Table, c 1974, Signed
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This monumental 'Cityscape II' expandable dining table with two leaves by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture, circa 1974, featuring a mesmerizing array of patchwork walnut burl and olive burl, was just refinished in a beautiful French Polish and is signed on one leg as can be seen in the photos. The sophisticated and classy Parsons style is accented with a mesmerizing array of patchwork burlwood (Walnut Burl and Olive Burl in different slightly contrasting stain colors) hand-applied across a lengthy platform of over 129", supported by 4 thick outer legs and 2 center legs which support it's monumental size. Hidden adjustable feet are underneath each leg including the two center supports so that you can adjust the height as needed to accommodate uneven floors. Heavy duty table extenders allow for this monumental size when using one or two of the included leaves. Similarly constructed as the 'Patchwork Copper' series, but this table falls under the Cityscape collection started in 1970 and launched by Directional Furniture in 1971, which options of tiles included chromed steel, brass, and then in 1974 included different wood veneers including burled Walnut and Olive woods. This particular example was marvelously patterned with different burl grain veneers assembled in a patchwork manner and meticulously constructed. We just completed restoration by refinishing it in a beautiful French Polish, which is the most expensive and laborious process of hand applied coats to create a hard and thick protective surface which also accentuates the vivid burl...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Burl

Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofas in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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 nubby bouclé fabric, both sofas signed underneath with Directional labels and have lucite center support legs. 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 ottoman 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 - 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 off-white / oatmeal boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness. These Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Lucite

'Corkscrew' Chair & Ottoman by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in Bouclé, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly reupholstered in a soft and nubby light beige bouclé, this 'Corkscrew' swivel chair with ottoman by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980s /...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

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

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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