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.
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
Steel
Hollywood Regency Godinger Box Safe Keep Tin Faux Bamboo
By Godinger
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Hollywood Regency Godinger box or safe keep tin.Faux bamboo. Silver plated. Stamped from the maker present. Dimensions: 4.88" H x 5. 14" W x 4.25"...
Silver Plate
Iron strong box or safe. 19th century
Located in Madrid, ES
Safe box. Iron. XIX century. Rectangular safe made of iron, with a rectangular base, two handles on the sides and classicist-influenced molding decorations on the fronts and top. It...
Other, Iron
Agresti Privato Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
"Agresti 'Privato' safe for jewelry, available in three finishing options. See information below for details of finishing variations. Copper: Jewelry case in hammered copper finish s...
Steel
Jewelry Safe Brushed Gold Brass
Located in Paris, FR
Jewelry safe vintage golded distinguishes itself following a new hyperluxury trend. Special compartments for jewelry and precious liquors, watch winde...
Gold Plate, Brass
French Cast Iron Safe Strong Box by Bauche
By Bauche
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Cast Iron French Safe or Strong Box From our Boxes collection, we are pleased to offer this French Safe Cast Iron Strong Box by Bauche. The Safe of rectangular form made from cast iron with extensive riveting and twin loop handles. The safe has two escutcheon covers to the front, the left is the genuine lock which turns to reveal the keyhole and the right is a dummy for symmetry. The top of the box is fitted with a plaque that reads in French Incombustible Systeme Bauche Brevete S.G.D.G usine A Gueux Marne (Incombustible System Bauche Patented S.G.D.G factory A Gueux Marne). The interior of the safe has been lined in a gunmetal grey cushioned velvet to give cushioning to your most treasured objects. Has Key and fully working lock. The French Safe dates to the second half of the 19th century during the reign of Napoleon III circa 1865. Henry Bauche Bauche Safes...
Iron
$5,760Sale Price|20% Off
H 15.5 in Dm 38 in
Paul Evans Brutalist Cocktail Table in Patinated Steel and Bronze, c. 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptional Brutalist coffee table by Paul Evans, created as part of his celebrated Sculptured Metal Collection for Directional, exemplifies the raw artistry and architectural p...
Bronze, Steel
$1,250
H 1.5 in W 4 in D 2.5 in
Paul Evans, Phillip Lloyd Powell Style Petite Rosewood Box with Brass Inlay
By Paul Evans, Phillip Lloyd Powell
Located in Bainbridge, NY
American mid century rosewood and brass inlay small oval accessory box in the style of Paul Evans and Phillip Lloyd, circa 1960. Featuring a handcrafted clam shaped 2-piece smooth da...
Brass
$6,471
H 24.02 in W 24.02 in D 12.21 in
18th Century Wrought Iron Italian Antique Hobnail Safe Strong Box Bar Cabinet
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful and rare example of late 18th century Italian master blacksmith craftsmanship, this antique studded safe with typical all-around hobnails and great wrought iron details, pr...
Metal, Wrought Iron
Paul Evans Style Cityscape Mixed Metal Patchwork Chest
By Maitland Smith, Paul Evans
Located in Houston, TX
Paul Evans style cityscape mixed metal patchwork chest. Handsome Paul Evans style cityscape mixed metal patchwork chest, box, coffer or document box. ...
Metal
Mid-Century Patchwork Cityscape Brass/Chrome Gentlemen's Jewelry Box
By Paul Evans
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Circa 1960's patchwork brass and chrome metal gentlemen's jewelry box. In the style of designer Paul Evans showing fine craftsmanship and detail. Felt lined as well as bottom. Small ...
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans Mixed Metal Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Paul Evans Mixed Metal Riveted Box Good original Surface Useful Size
Metal
$260,000
H 6.75 in W 17.5 in D 12.25 in
19th C. Gold, Damascene, Etched Steel Casket Box/Safe with Noble Coat of Arms
Located in New York, NY
An Incredible 19th Century Royal Casket Box/Safe with Coat of Arms, Made of Gold, Damascene, and Etched Steel. Charles Le Hon, a Belgian politician, lawyer and industrialist, served...
Gold, Steel
