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.
Pair of Postmodern Sofas by Directional Furniture, 1980
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional furniture model 4760L & 4760R sofas. Opposite swooping backs with big chunky bases. Newly upholstered.
Upholstery
Pair Navy Blue Mohair Vladimir Kagan Nautilus "Corkscrew" Chairs
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Vladimir Kagan's work commands the eye with its freshness, energy, sensuality, and wit. Classic pair of swiveling "Nautilus" lounge chairs with ottoman by the legendary furniture designer Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1990s. Features a sloping asymmetrical back on a swiveling base. The chairs are comfortable and swivel smoothly. They have been reupholstered in a navy blue mohair. They will match perfectly with any style of interior from Mid-Century Modern to contemporary. Literature: Vladimir Kagan for Directional CORK SCREW CHAIR - 1992 the permanent collection of the Brooklyn Museum of Art. Vladimir Kagan was an illustrious American furniture designer whose historic career spanned nearly 65 years. His style, inspired by everything from antiques and nature to the Bauhaus, emphasizes comfort and functionality. The sensuous, organic forms take on human-like characteristics through exaggerated, curved lines. A highly honored designer, he was elected president of the American Society of Interior Designers New York...
Mohair, Wood
$1,680Sale Price / set|25% Off
Linen Dining Chairs by Directional Furniture Co, Set of 6
By Directional
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A 1991 Set of 6 Linen...
Linen
$2,000 / set
Mid-Century Lounge Chair by Directional
By Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Funky bubble chair made by Directional. Tufted orange Naugahyde cushions on polished tubular frame. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Chrome
Milo Baughman Swivel Chairs for Directional, 1980
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman Swivel Chairs for Directional, 1980. Original pink and grey post modern upholstery with upholstered plinth base.
Upholstery
$4,900Sale Price|50% Off
Paul McCobb for Directional Off-White Velvet Sofa, 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Miami, FL
Reupholstered Mid-Century Modern model 1307 light cream velvet sofa by Paul McCobb for Directional. The couch has been recovered in a gorgeous neutra...
Velvet, Mahogany
MCM Nautilus Asymmetrical Swivel Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Nautilus Asymmetrical Swivel Lounge Chairs by Directional in Ice-Blu Suede - Pair Experience the elegance of mid-century modern design with this pair of Directional Nautilus...
Suede
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Handsome Milo Baughman Directional Cube Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Milo Baughman for Directional even arm cube lounge chair. This chair was re-upholstered about 15 years ago in a stylish turquoise blue cotton ve...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Directional Swivel Lounge Chairs on Stainless Steel Base
By Directional
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Directional Swivel Lounge Chairs on Polished Stainless Bases, 1990 A documented pair of Directional swivel lounge chairs, retaining original directional production tags date...
Steel
Vladimir Kagan "Nautilus" Swivel Chairs for Directional, 1990s
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Coronado, CA
These Vladimir Kagan "Nautilus" swivel chairs are sculptural, comfortable and elegant. They have been fully restored in a luxurious, nubby gray fabric by Holly Hunt which enhances th...
Bouclé
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
Paul McCobb 312 Armchair, Upholstered Mid-Century Modern, 1960s USA
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Perfect slipper chair by Paul McCobb 312 Armchair for Directional in Maharam Mode: Saltwater. We have reupholstered in fresh, new fabric and foam. Great chair with clean understated...
Upholstery
Pr. Directional Sedgefield Lounge Chairs att. to Milo Baughman c. 1970's
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional pair of oversized lounge chairs, made by Sedgefield for Directional, design attributed to Milo Baughman, circa 1970's. The chairs feature exaggerated scoop form arms wi...
Upholstery
Milo Baughman Style Directional Deep Red Velvet & Ebony Mahogany Club Chairs
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of Mid-Century modern club chairs on casters by Directional in the manner of Milo Baughman having fresh deep red velvet upholstery with fresh cushioning throughout and black l...
Brass
Paul McCobb X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stools or Ottomans, Newly Restored
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern stools, benches, or ottomans By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Brass legs and stretchers, freshly reupholstered with Herman ...
Brass
1980s Directional Kagan Black Microsuede and Leather Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, chairs you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it be...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
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".
Bouclé, Upholstery
$16,907Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare New Upholstered Beige Paul McCobb Set for Directional, USA - 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Early 1950s Paul McCobb Set for Directional, newly upholstered in Dedar Fabric. The measurements given apply to the sofa. The Lounge Chair measures: D9...
Fabric, Wood
Paul Evans Mohair and Chrome Dining Chairs for Directional, 1970s
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Coronado, CA
A set of 6 cantilevered dining chairs designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional in the 1970s. The chairs feature a cantilevered chrome frame and newly upholstered emerald gr...
Steel, Chrome
Sculptural Swivel Lounge Chairs by Michael Wolk for Directional 1997
By Directional
Located in North Miami, FL
These amazing fully restored pair of Michael Wolk sculptural swivel side or lounge chairs are stunning. These were designs by Michael Work for Directional in 1997. They have been new...
Stainless Steel
Set of Swivel Poufs Ottomans by Directional, 1970s
By Directional
Located in Westport, CT
A striking pair of 1970s swiveling poufs by Directional Furniture, fully restored and reimagined for modern interiors. Upholstered in plush vegan fur, their soft, sculptural forms ad...
Faux Fur
Paul Evans for Directional Modern Parsons Upholstered Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Modern or Postmodern Parsons blue upholstered dining chairs By Paul Evans for Directional USA, Circa 1970s Measures: 19.5"W x 27"D x 40"H. Seat height: 20". ...
Upholstery, Wood
Set of 8 Vladimir Kagan Dining Chairs for Directional in Mocha Brown Bouclé
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
This set of 8 Vladimir Kagan dining chairs made by Directional is the only set of its kind available globally so act fast. Interior designers and private buyers routinely approach ou...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mahogany and Brass Armchairs, Pair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs or dining captain chairs By Paul McCobb for Directional, "Connoisseur Collection" USA, 1950s Elegant black lacquered sculpted m...
Brass
Pair of Directional Petrified Needlepoint Cotton Felt Upholstered Lounge Chairs
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
Located in Germantown, MD
Rare Pair of Directional Furniture designed Kipp Stewart, Needlepoint Cotton Felt Upholstered and Tufted Rolling Lounge Chairs. Petrified Needlework throughout. Measures 27" in wid...
Upholstery
Set 6 Paul Evans for Directional Chrome Cantilever Dining Chairs, 1960
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
6 Paul Evans for Directional Chrome Cantilever Dining Chairs, 1960. 2 captain chairs and 4 side chairs. Original upholstery in good vintage condition. You can send your own COM pl...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCob Walnut Lounge Chair for Directional Mint
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCob Walnut Lounge Chair for Directional Mint!
Upholstery, Walnut
1960s Directional Petrified Needlepoint Cotton Felt Upholstered Lounge Chair
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
Located in Germantown, MD
Rare 1960s Directional Furniture designed by Kipp Stewart, Needlepoint Cotton Felt Upholstered and Tufted Rolling Lounge Chair. Petrified Needlework throughout. Measures 27" in widt...
Upholstery
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Woven Leather Armchairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern club chairs or dining armchairs By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s ...
Leather, Mahogany
Space Age Style Off-White Club Chair By Larry Laslo For Directional
By Larry Laslo, Directional
Located in Southampton, NJ
A beautiful and incredibly comfortable club chair having raised armrests and plush cotton/poly upholstery over gold space age style turned legs designed by Larry Laslo for DIRECTIONA...
Steel
Large Scale Directional Post Modern Swivel Chairs & Ottoman in Mocha Fabric
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Stretch out and then some in these luxurious extra large Post Modern Directional Swivel Chairs newly professionally reupholstered in glimmering Mocha textured fabric. That side profi...
Fabric, Upholstery
Directional Mid Century Swivel Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Directional Mid Century Swivel Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 32 wide x 35 deep x 29.5 high, with a seat height of 17 inches Chairs have Holes in Fabric. Ready for Reuph...
Upholstery
Paul McCobb Lounge Armchair, Walnut Frame with Geometric Fabric
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Queens, 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...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
American Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Paul McCobb
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Fabulous vintage armchair designed by Paul McCobb. Walnut legs and details. Re upholstery recommended. Please inquire about upholstery options....
Walnut
Milo Baughman Upside Down U Ottoman
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman Upside Down U Ottoman with solid brass foot supports, Reupholstered with Knoll Aegean Boucle.
Brass
Paul McCobb for Directional Model 302 Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Model 302 Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 28 wide x 32 deep x 31.25 high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height/chair clea...
Upholstery, Walnut
1980s Weiman Curved Serpentine Sofa and Swivel Chairs, 3 Pieces
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Original rare set of 3, 1980s Iconic serpentine cloud sofa and swivel chairs are packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout the monumental form. The Vintage complete set are beyond stunning. Beautiful colors in ultra suede light...
Upholstery, Wood
Directional Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Asymmetric swivel set Lounge chair and ottoman on casters. Upholstered in a light purple ultra suede. Sound structural condition. Minor signs of sc...
Ultrasuede
Oversized Postmodern Directional Lounge Chairs, a Pair
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
These are awesome!!! Oversized and so comfy. I don’t know exactly how old they are but they are very well made and great statement chairs! Dimensions: 37"W...
Textile
$3,847 / set
Directional Mid Century Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Directional Mid Century Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 18 wide x 19.25 deep x 44.25 high, with a seat height of 18 inches Each captains chair measures: 22 wid...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
Kipp Stewart for Directional Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kipp Stewart for Directional Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 18.5 wide x 22 deep x 37 high, with a seat height of 18 inches Each captains ch...
Upholstery, Walnut
1980s Directional Cream Polka Dots Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, swivel chairs set you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beaut...
Upholstery, Wood
Directional Mid Century Barrel Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Directional mid century barrel swivel lounge chairs These chairs measure: 28 wide x 33 deep x 26 inches high, with a seat height of 19 inches We take our photos in a controlled lig...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Stylish Pair of Waterfall Ottoman Benches by Directional, 1980s
By Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Sculptural pair of Directional waterfall ottomans. This pair will need to be reupholstered original fabric is worn and dated. They measure 17.5"t x 27"l x 17.5"d.
Upholstery
Paul McCobb for Directional MCM Bleached Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs - 4
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Bleached Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 4 Each armless chair measures: 17.75 wide x 21 deep x 36 inches high, with a seat height/ch...
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1990s. USA. Reupholstered in white boucle fabric.
Bouclé
Mid-Century Armchairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional, Walnut & Cane
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
Located in Queens, 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...
Wood, Leather, Upholstery, Walnut
Post Modern Directional Open Arm Lounge Chairs, 1980
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Post Modern Directional Open Arm Lounge Chairs, 1980’s. Original upholstery in great condition. Measure 29” tall 32” wide 27” deep seat height 18.5” seat seat depth 20.5”
Upholstery
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century rectangular ottoman with a black vinyl upholstered top resting on a walnut base with tapered legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR DIRECTIONAL)
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
$3,600Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Slipper Lounge Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional, USA, 1960s
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Slipper Lounge Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional, USA, 1960s Newly upholstered in slate gray / dark indigo cotton fabric wi...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Large Blue Velvet Ottomans by Directional
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large blue velvet ottomans by Directional.
Velvet
Set of Eight Chrome Cityscape Dining Chairs by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Atlanta, GA
A nice set of eight cityscape dining chairs by Paul Evans for Directional, circa 1974. The set consists of two armchairs model PE-241 and six side chairs model PE-240. Chromed steel ...
Steel, Chrome
$14,750 / set
Pair of Large Swiveling Lounge Chairs by Directional
By Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Thoughtfully curated pair of vintage swivel chairs by Directional, circa 1980's. Acquire leisure time with artful ease. Luxuriant and enveloping, featuring a classic yet minimalist d...
Upholstery, Wood
Post Modern High Arm Bench by Directional, 1970
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Post Modern high arm bench by Directional, 1970. Original upholstery.
Upholstery
Larry Laslo for Directional Art Deco Oval Beige Bouclé Sofa Golden Diamond Legs
By Larry Laslo, Directional
Located in Miami, FL
Modern daybed, round sofa, oversized ottoman designed by Larry Laslo for Directional in the 1990s. Upholstery is a high-quality beige and gold or taupe color bouclé fabric. Elegant g...
Fabric, Bouclé, Foam, Wood
Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs by Directional for Reupholstery - Set of 12
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs by Directional for Reupholstery - Set of 12 Elevate your dining experience with this set of 12 Mid Century Modern High Back Dining Chairs by Directi...
Fabric, Wood
Directional Mid Century Lounge Chair with Casters
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Directional mid century lounge chair with casters. These chairs measure: 26 wide x 34 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and...
Metal
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquered Mahogany and Brass Armchairs
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs By Paul McCobb for Directional, "Connoisseur Collection" USA, 1950s Elegant black lacquered sculpted mahogany frames, with upho...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Swivel Lounge Chairs by Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Experience the timeless allure of mid-century design with this striking pair of vintage brass swivel lounge chairs, crafted by Directional in the United States during the iconic 1970...
Brass
Channeled Postmodern Lounge Chair by Kipp Stewart for Directional
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Brass base with new nubby wool upholstery. Designed by Kipp Stewart for Directional.
Wool
Mid-Century Modern Channel Back Swivel Lounge Chairs by Directional, 1970s
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century modern walnut swivel chairs manufactured by Directional during the 1970s. Beautifully restored, these sculptural lounge chairs showcase the bold yet inviting design langu...
Fabric, Walnut