Skip to main content

Directional Lighting

​​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.

to
2
1
3
Height
to
Width
to
3
2
3
1
2
1
2
3
3
1
1
3
3
3
3
3
160
1,456
1,110
1,071
1,067
Creator: Directional
Mid-Century Model E-11 Floor Lamp by Paul McCobb for Directional, USA, c. 1950's
Mid-Century Model E-11 Floor Lamp by Paul McCobb for Directional, USA, c. 1950's

Mid-Century Model E-11 Floor Lamp by Paul McCobb for Directional, USA, c. 1950's

By Directional, Paul McCobb

Located in Deland, FL

Introducing a one-of-a-kind, luxury piece of authentic twentieth century furniture - a rare model E-11 floor lamp designed by Paul McCobb for Directional. This architecturally stunn...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

Paul Evans Directional 'Cityscape' Floor Lamp in Chrome-plated Steel and Brass
Paul Evans Directional 'Cityscape' Floor Lamp in Chrome-plated Steel and Brass

Paul Evans Directional 'Cityscape' Floor Lamp in Chrome-plated Steel and Brass

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 Lighting

Materials

Brass

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 Paul Evans, Directional

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 Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel, Chrome

Related Items
'Cityscape' Series Lamp by Paul Evans
'Cityscape' Series Lamp by Paul Evans

'Cityscape' Series Lamp by Paul Evans

$950

H 30.25 in W 18 in D 18 in

'Cityscape' Series Lamp by Paul Evans

By Paul Evans

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-century modern table lamp by Paul Evans. Features his famous 'cityscape' patchwork design, with brass and chrome blocks. Please confirm location NY or NJ

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Directional Lighting

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Multi-Directional Chrome Floor Lamp by Casella Lighting
Multi-Directional Chrome Floor Lamp by Casella Lighting

Multi-Directional Chrome Floor Lamp by Casella Lighting

$796Sale Price|20% Off

H 48 in W 6 in D 19 in

Multi-Directional Chrome Floor Lamp by Casella Lighting

By Casella Lighting

Located in San Diego, CA

Elegant multi-Directional floor lamp by Casella Lighting of San Francisco. The main lamp pole moves up and down and rotates 360 degrees; the tubular shade also moves from side to side. The lamp, which has a dimmer switch...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Lighting

Materials

Chrome

Tall 1970s Romeo Rega Brass and Chrome Floor Lamp
Tall 1970s Romeo Rega Brass and Chrome Floor Lamp

Tall 1970s Romeo Rega Brass and Chrome Floor Lamp

$2,517

H 74.41 in W 17.72 in D 8.27 in

Tall 1970s Romeo Rega Brass and Chrome Floor Lamp

By Romeo Rega

Located in Florence, Tuscany

An beautiful Romeo Rega floor lamp found in a private home in Narni. The lamp stand and base are made with Rega's signature brass, chrome. We have restored the lampshade in Florence ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Directional Lighting

Materials

Brass

Vintage Space Age Floor Lamp in Steel and Chrome , 1970's Italian Floor lamp
Vintage Space Age Floor Lamp in Steel and Chrome , 1970's Italian Floor lamp

Vintage Space Age Floor Lamp in Steel and Chrome , 1970's Italian Floor lamp

Located in Milano, IT

Vintage Lighting , Italian Designer Lamp , Made in Italy 1970's Offered for sale is a stunning and original floor lamp from the Space Age era, m...

Category

1960s Italian Space Age Vintage Directional Lighting

Materials

Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel, Chrome

Vintage 1970s Paul Evans Large Cityscape Lamp in Chrome and Burl Wood w/ Shade
Vintage 1970s Paul Evans Large Cityscape Lamp in Chrome and Burl Wood w/ Shade

Vintage 1970s Paul Evans Large Cityscape Lamp in Chrome and Burl Wood w/ Shade

By Paul Evans

Located in Palm Springs, CA

This lamp came from a Palm Springs celebrity estate. Original vintage Paul Evans "cityscape" table lamp. Made is chrome and maple byurlwood. The lamp came in various sizes, and this ...

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Directional Lighting

Materials

Chrome

Midcentury Chrome Floor Lamp, Germany, 1970s
Midcentury Chrome Floor Lamp, Germany, 1970s

Midcentury Chrome Floor Lamp, Germany, 1970s

$1,140

H 55.12 in W 17.72 in D 9.85 in

Midcentury Chrome Floor Lamp, Germany, 1970s

Located in Hagenbach, DE

This striking chrome steel lamp from 1970s Germany embodies the bold, futuristic aesthetic of the Space Age design era. Crafted entirely from chrome, it features two adjustable arms,...

Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Lighting

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Brazilian Mid-century floor lamp, 1950s.
Brazilian Mid-century floor lamp, 1950s.

Brazilian Mid-century floor lamp, 1950s.

$1,702

H 74.81 in W 13.39 in D 13.39 in

Brazilian Mid-century floor lamp, 1950s.

Located in Barcelona, ES

Mid-century floor lamp, manufactured in Brazil, unknown designer, 1950s. This lamp has a solid circular iron base in black varnish, a white iron stem supports a swivel and height ad...

Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Iron

Mid Century Floor Lamp by Stilnovo, 1950s
Mid Century Floor Lamp by Stilnovo, 1950s

Mid Century Floor Lamp by Stilnovo, 1950s

$719

H 66.15 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in

Mid Century Floor Lamp by Stilnovo, 1950s

By Stilnovo

Located in Conversano, IT

tunning three-arm floor lamp designed and produced by the renowned Italian company Stilnovo in the mid-1950s. The lamp is in excellent condition, standing on three iron legs enriched...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Directional Lighting

Materials

Brass, Iron

Sonneman Chrome Brass Eyeball Floor Lamp
Sonneman Chrome Brass Eyeball Floor Lamp

Sonneman Chrome Brass Eyeball Floor Lamp

$1,650

H 43.5 in W 6 in D 11 in

Sonneman Chrome Brass Eyeball Floor Lamp

By Robert Sonneman, George Kovacs

Located in New York, NY

A chrome and brass eyeball floor reading lamp by designer Robert Sonneman for marker George Kovacs, late Midcentury Modern to early Postmodern design periods, circa early late-20th c...

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Directional Lighting

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Mid-Century Floor Lamp Model 2076 "Dornstab" by J.T Kalmar, Austria, 1950s
Mid-Century Floor Lamp Model 2076 "Dornstab" by J.T Kalmar, Austria, 1950s

Mid-Century Floor Lamp Model 2076 "Dornstab" by J.T Kalmar, Austria, 1950s

By J.T. Kalmar

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Floor Lamp Model 2076 "Dornstab" by J.T Kalmar, Austria, 1950s

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Directional Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

1950s Gerald Thurston Triennale Floor Lamp for Lightolier, USA
1950s Gerald Thurston Triennale Floor Lamp for Lightolier, USA

1950s Gerald Thurston Triennale Floor Lamp for Lightolier, USA

By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier

Located in London, GB

Gerald Thurston Triennale floor lamp for Lightolier. Original dusky pink enameled frame and base with brass detailing. In good vintage condition showing expected signs of wear comme...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Lighting

Materials

Metal

1970s Vintage Italian Chrome Floor Lamp
1970s Vintage Italian Chrome Floor Lamp

1970s Vintage Italian Chrome Floor Lamp

$925

H 57.88 in Dm 14.97 in

1970s Vintage Italian Chrome Floor Lamp

Located in London, GB

A stylish and very well made 1970’s vintage Italian chrome floor lamp. The chrome frame is of amazing quality, with three bulb holde...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Lighting

Materials

Chrome

Previously Available Items
Rare 1954 Paul McCobb E-11 Floor Lamp for Directional
Rare 1954 Paul McCobb E-11 Floor Lamp for Directional

Rare 1954 Paul McCobb E-11 Floor Lamp for Directional

By Paul McCobb, Excelsior Art Studios, Directional

Located in Glendale, CA

Rare 1954 Paul McCobb floor lamp for Directional. This exceptional early floor lamp was designed by the legendary McCobb and produced by Excelsior Art Studios. A highly refined and i...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Lighting

Materials

Brass, Aluminum

Paul Evans Directional Cityscape Table Lamp
Paul Evans Directional Cityscape Table Lamp

Paul Evans Directional Cityscape Table Lamp

By Directional, Paul Evans

Located in Stamford, CT

1970s brass and chrome patchwork lamp by Paul Evans for Directional. Patchwork chrome-plated steel and brass construction. Newly rewired with double socket. Takes two standard bulbs....

Category

1970s American Brutalist Vintage Directional Lighting

Materials

Brass, Chrome, Steel

Fabulous Chrome and Burl Cityscape Lamps by Paul Evans for Directional, 1970s
Fabulous Chrome and Burl Cityscape Lamps by Paul Evans for Directional, 1970s

Fabulous Chrome and Burl Cityscape Lamps by Paul Evans for Directional, 1970s

By Directional, Paul Evans

Located in New York, NY

Fabulous Chrome and burl cityscape brutalist lamps by Paul Evans for Directional, 1970s. Lamps are in good vintage condition with normal wear less one corner that has been dented. ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Lighting

Materials

Chrome

rare Paul McCobb for Directional Table Lamp
rare Paul McCobb for Directional Table Lamp

rare Paul McCobb for Directional Table Lamp

By Paul McCobb, Directional

Located in Bainbridge, NY

scarce Mid Century Paul McCobb for Directional Birch and Brass Lamp. With Pecan finish, hour glass shape, round brass base standard McCobb socket and brass detail. Nice accent ligh...

Category

1950s American Vintage Directional Lighting

Materials

Brass

Paul Evans Cityscape Lamp
Paul Evans Cityscape Lamp

Paul Evans Cityscape Lamp

Sold

H 27.75 in W 19 in D 19 in

Paul Evans Cityscape Lamp

By Directional, Paul Evans

Located in New York, NY

Patchwork lamp designed by Paul Evans as part of his "Cityscape" series for Directional, c.1960's. NIce mix of burled wood veneer, chrome-plated metal, and brass.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Lighting

Materials

Chrome, Brass

Directional lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Directional lighting are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original lighting by Directional were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider lighting by Luminaire, Edward Wormley, and Paul McCobb. Prices for Directional lighting can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $8,750 and can go as high as $13,995, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $9,450.
Questions About Directional Lighting
  • 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.