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 Brutalist Cocktail Table in Patinated Steel and Bronze, c. 1970
By Paul Evans, Directional
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
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Jewelry Chest, Newly Refinished
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern dresser top two-drawer jewelry chest By Paul McCobb for Directional Furniture USA, 1950s Black lacquered mahogany, with original brass drawer pul...
Brass
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...
Bronze, Copper, Pewter
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Cityscape Keep Safe Box
By Paul Evans, Directional
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
$8,000
H 16 in W 54 in D 42 in
Brutalist Patinated Patchwork Coffee Table with Slate Top, ATTR Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Queens, NY
Brutalist American Modern 1970s patinated patchwork metal coffee table with riveted copper, brass, and pewter sheeting with slate top (attr: P...
Slate, Copper, Pewter
Paul Evans Brutalist Mixed Metal Coffee Table for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Evans Brutalist mixed metal coffee table for directional.
Brass, Copper, Pewter
Large Vintage Porcelain Cigar Ashtray 1980's
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large vintage square ceramic porcelain cigar ashtray. Large collectible cigar ashtray in yellow and black and white check with gilt borders that break at cigar rests at either side. Gold lettering in the center reads “Cigar”. and there is a knight on horse...
Porcelain
50th Anniversary Cigar Ashtray
By J.R.
Located in Charleston, SC
This Cigar Ashtray is a must-have for any collector or enthusiast. It is preowned and in excellent condition, no chips, cracks or smudges. I don’t think it has ever been used. With i...
Porcelain
$5,775
H 36 in W 80 in D 3 in
Paul Evans King Headboard Burl Wood and Brass 'Cityscape' for Directional 1970's
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Paul Evans King Headboard Burl Wood and Brass 'Cityscape' for Directional 1970's Slab form, brass and burl wood patchwork tiles. King size, wall mountable using bias cut mounting boa...
Brass
Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Lockable jewelry chest with 5 drawers, two pullout / pull-out necklace bars, and lined in ultra-suede. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass...
Brass
$2,144Sale Price|27% Off
H 12 in W 9.75 in D 10 in
R&Y Augousti, Paris Shagreen and Lacquered Jewelry Box
By R & Y Augousti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
R&Y Augousti, Paris Shagreen, and Lacquered Jewelry Box Paris, circa 1990s This exquisite R&Y Augousti Shagreen and Lacquered Jewelry Box, made in Paris circa the 1990s, is a stunning example of sophisticated modern design and superb craftsmanship. Standing 12 inches high, 9.75 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, this table box features a luxurious shagreen exterior complemented by a sleek lacquered finish. The twin doors open to reveal a meticulously designed interior with concealed compartments...
Shagreen, Wood, Lacquer
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
Jewelry Box Brass Swan Bird Red Lacquer
Located in New York, NY
A '70 modern red lacquer or high-gloss 'demi-lune' box with inlayed brass swan bird design, circa 1970s. A chic decorative box for jewelry (as demonstrated)...
Brass
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Skyline Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Paul Evans sculpted bronze brutalist skyline coffee table, signed PE71 Glass top is 3/4" thick, 28" deep and 55" wide. Base is 15" high, 28" deep...
Bronze
$2,240 / item
H 12 in W 7 in D 11 in
Talisa Jewelry Chest in Cream Shagreen, Black Pen Shell & Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. Talisa jewelry chest in cream shagreen, black pen shell and brass by R&Y Augousti is a stunning piece to store your personal items. This piece has 2 doors that open to 4 drawer compartments that have black velvet trays...
Brass
Rare Small Cabinet / Jewelry Box by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Oakland, CA
Small cabinet or jewelry box by American designer Milo Baughman for Directional furniture. Four drawers in different sizes to hold small objects such as rings, watches, bracelets and...
Brass
Sold
H 15.5 in W 30 in D 30 in
Paul Evans Pe-14 'Four Pyramid' Cocktail Table in Oxidized Steel & Bronze C 1970
By Paul Evans, Directional
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...
Bronze, Steel
Paul Evans Brutalist Cocktail Table in Oxidized Steel and Bronze, c. 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning Paul Evans brutalist Cocktail table which was part of the "Sculptured Metal Collection" for Directional. This dramatic cocktail table is comprised of a dark patinated bron...
Bronze, Steel
Sold
H 37 in W 12 in D 12 in
Signed Paul Evans Studio Midcentury Brutalist Modern Pedestal or Plant Stand
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning made studio pedestal or planter made by Paul Evans in New Hope PA. Its constructed of glazed patinated welded sheet metal with a black slate top. This piece doubles as a p...
Slate, Cut Steel
Sold
H 15 in W 39 in D 15 in
Paul Evans PE-13 Double-Pyramid Cocktail Table in Steel, Pewter & Bronze c. 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning Paul Evans model PE-13 Double-Pyramid Cocktail table which was part of the "Sculptured Metal Collection" for Directional. This dramatic bow-tie shaped cocktail table is co...
Bronze, Pewter, Steel
Sold
H 15.5 in W 37.25 in D 15.5 in
Paul Evans PE-11 Angle Cocktail Table in Oxidized Steel and Bronze, c. 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning Paul Evans model PE-11 Angle Cocktail table which was part of the "Sculptured Metal Collection" for Directional. This dramatic zig-zag shaped cocktail table is comprised o...
Bronze, Steel
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Stalagmite Coffee Table, Signed and Dated 1972
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning Paul Evans 'Stalagmite' Model PE-128 coffee table which was part of the "Sculptured Metal Collection" for Directional. This dramatic Stalagmite cocktail table is comprised...
Bronze, Steel
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Stalagmite Coffee Table, Signed and Dated 1979
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning brutalist Paul Evans PE-128 coffee table which was part of the "Sculptured Metal Collection" for Directional. This dramatic cocktail table ...
Bronze, Steel
Sold
H 2.5 in W 5 in D 7 in
Paul Evans for Directional Brass and Chrome Cityscape Desk Elements, circa 1970s
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fantastic pair of Paul Evans 'Cityscape' desk accessories, retailed by Directional in the 1970s, in excellent bright and clean chrome and brass with a mirrored like surface, perfec...
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans Patchwork Metal Vide Poche
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
A Brutalist mixed metal vide-poche tray from the Patchwork line by the legendary designer and sculptor Paul Evans for Directional, dating from the 1970s. The tray features bronze, co...
Bronze, Copper, Steel, Pewter
