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.
$4,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Stunning Pair of Directional Croissant Swivel Lounge Chair Mid-Century
By Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning pair of Directional crescent roll tufted swivel lounge chairs. These wonderful chairs are oversized and very comfortable. The original fabric is not...
Upholstery
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Angle Arm Sofa
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Angle Arm Sofa This sofa measures:76.5 wide x 33 deep x 33.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16.5 and arm he...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Luxurious 1980s Channel Tufted Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Raleigh, NC
Directional channel tufted sofa from the 1980s featuring asymmetric design with curved arm on one end and open chaise extension on the opposite end. Vertical channel tufting runs ac...
Velvet, Hardwood
Paul Evans for Directional Modern Parsons Upholstered Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By Directional, Paul Evans
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
Nautilus Chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Reupholstered in Jiun Ho velvet. Tagged Directional. Original example designed by Vladimir Kagan...
Velvet
Set of Eight Chrome Cityscape Dining Chairs by Paul Evans for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
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
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
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
Channeled Art Deco Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Extremely rare piece by Vladimir Kagan. Reupholstered in blue Maharam Gemma wool.
Wool
Larry Laslo for Directional Zebra Pattern Wood Frame Lounge Club Chairs, a Pair
By Larry Laslo, Directional
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Stunning pair of armchairs, upholstered in a lux woven zebra pattern upholstery.
Upholstery, Wood
1970s Emerald Green Upholstered Settee by Paul Evans for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in North Canton, OH
This beauty by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture just finished up at upholstery masters @copleypholstery. Wrapped in a decadent GP&J Baker Lee Jofa Velvet. Extraordinary to the to...
Upholstery
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
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Swivel Lounge Chair
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Swivel Lounge Chair This chair measures: 32 wide x 35 deep x 32 high, with a seat height of 18 inches Good Vintage Condition. We take ou...
Upholstery
1980's Directional Swivel Lounge Chairs in Navy Blue with Brass Base
By Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning, highly sculptural lounge chairs designed by Directional Design. Amazingly comfortable expertly restored, recovered in a gorgeous navy blue velvet. They swivel, tilt and roc...
Brass
Pair of Chairs Designed by Larry Laslo for Directional
By Larry Laslo, Directional
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Chairs Designed by Larry Laslo for Directional, wooden legs have a faux burl wood finish and stainless steel tips. Original fabric is in not perfect condition and has some so...
Stainless Steel
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mahogany and Brass Armchairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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
Paul Evans for Directional Modern Parsons Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of eight Modern or Postmodern Parsons blue upholstered dining chairs By Paul Evans for Directional USA, Circa 1970s Measures: Side chairs - 19.5"W x 27"D x 40"H. S...
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb for Directional X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stool or Ottoman, 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern stool, bench, or ottoman By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Brass legs and stretchers, with original turquoise vinyl upholstery...
Brass
Paul Evans for Directional Modern Parsons Upholstered Armchairs, Pair
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Modern or Postmodern Parsons blue upholstered armchairs or dining captain chairs By Paul Evans for Directional USA, Circa 1970s Measures: 22.25"W x 27.25"D x 40...
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century American Lucite Four Seater Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern American four seater Serpentine sofa with two pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat backrest of the...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Lucite
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair Ottoman Set By Kipp Stewart For Directional
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning and rare mid-century modern lounge chair and ottoman set was designed by American designer Kipp Stewart for Directional Industries circa the 1960s. The armchair and ott...
Rosewood, Walnut, Velvet
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Directional Nautilus Corkscrew Swivel Chairs Black & Blue
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Vladimir Kagan for prestigious manufacturer Directional, this symmetrical (left and right) pair of chairs are rare and exclusive. Their distinct and organic design featur...
Upholstery, Wood
1960s Directional Petrified Needlepoint Cotton Felt Upholstered Lounge Chair
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
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
20th Century, American Nautilus Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage single Mid-Century Modern American Nautilus lounge chair with a sculptural, half round moon shape ottoman, designed by Vladimir Kagan a...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
Kipp Stewart for Directional Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
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
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Woven Leather Armchairs, Pair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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
Comfortable Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Comfortable lounge chair and ottoman by Milo Baughman for Directional. Labeled with original tag. Measurements listed are for the armchair. The ottoman is 32 in. wide x 25 in. deep...
Upholstery
$6,375Sale Price / set|25% Off
McCobb Walnut and Brass Burnt Orange Sectional Sofa
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Miami, FL
All original Paul McCobb walnut and brass two piece sectional sofa from the designer's coveted Directional collection. The rare Mid-Century Modern set features: a model 5006-L left arm sofa; a model 5004-R right arm loveseat; set-in arm detail; original burnt orange wool fabric; walnut legs; brass stretchers. 100% original condition. The perfect seating arrangement to accent any decor! The couch measures approximately 77.5 in (196.85 cm) W x 34.5 in (87.63 cm) D x 32.5 in (82.55 cm) H. The settee measures approximately 51.5 in (130.81 cm) W x 34.5 in (87.63 cm) D x 32.5 in (82.55 cm) H. The two pieces can also be used together to create one long sofa measuring 129.75 inches (329.56 cm). The dimensions listed under Item Details are if the two pieces are used as a sectional with a square corner table...
Brass
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 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
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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
Pair of High Back Directional Armchairs in Café Bouclé with Bleached Wood Arms
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
These Directional arm chairs with their tall curved backs and plush seats are the Post Modern incarnation of the classic wing back chair. Unlike traditional wingback chairs with a he...
Bouclé, Bentwood
Mid Century Kipp Stewart “Arc Lounge Chairs” for Directional
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
Located in Baltimore, MD
A stunning pair of mid-century modern 1960s “Arc” lounge chairs designed by Kipp Stewart for Directional furniture. An exceptional pair, both for their form and quality. The pair emb...
Chrome
Paul McCobb for Directional X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stool or Ottoman, 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern stool, bench, or ottoman By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Brass legs and stretchers, with original turquoise vinyl upholstery...
Brass
Large Three Piece Sectional Sofa by Directional. Black/White Fabric. Signed.
By Directional
Located in Kansas City, MO
L shaped sectional sofa by Directional in a beautiful black and white patterned fabric with a snakeskin like appearance. This is from the original owner and was placed in a large, rarely used living...
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 Ready for new upholstery. This ser...
Upholstery, Wood
Space Age Style Off-White Club Chair By Larry Laslo For Directional
By Directional, Larry Laslo
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
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Scallop Chaise Lounge in Soft Ivory White Bouclé
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
All enveloping luxurious comfort best describes this sexy Post Modern Chaise Lounge designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional newly professionally upholstered in highly durable super soft ivory white bouclé. Famous for his use of curves and amorphous shapes in furnishings, this Vladimir Kagan scallop form chaise lounge has an inviting profile and shape that beckons. The inner walls of the chaise provide all enveloping comfort with wide upholstered channels angled down towards the foot of the chaise. The channels - along with the texture of the ivory white bouclé - ventilate naturally keeping you cozy in winter and cool in summer. Unlike traditional chaise lounges that allow one to recline but are not typically plush, this Vladimir Kagan chaise is the antithesis. Super comfortable seat back, tall upholstered arm rests, thick cushioned seat, and angled upholstered side. Chic, sexy and luxurious. Works for all activities - naughty or nice - at all hours of the day. Enjoy your morning cup of tea or coffee while catching up on emails or reading the latest headlines. Take an afternoon nap. Cozy up with a good book and a glass of wine, phone a friend and catch up or work on your laptop. Activities will be enjoyed all the more reclined atop this Vladimir Kagan Scallop Chaise Lounge...
Bouclé, Upholstery
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
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Marilyn Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post modern Vladimir Kagan Marilyn Sofa by Directional for Vladimir Kagan in new ivory white bouclé upholstery. Whimsical and happy, Kagan's Marilyn line...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Post Modern Directional Pouf Ottoman in Teddy Bear Camel Bouclé
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timelessly sexy and oh so versatile pouf ottoman by Directional professionally reupholstered in super soft camel color teddy bear bouclé with a high durability rating (over 50k doubl...
Bouclé, Upholstery
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
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
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 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
Pr. Directional Sedgefield Lounge Chairs att. to Milo Baughman c. 1970's
By Milo Baughman, Directional
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
Vintage Cloud Sofa in the manner of Directional Furniture, 1990s Cool Fabric
By Directional
Located in Hamburg, PA
This vintage 1990s Serpentine Cloud Sofa offers a timeless design with its supple, soft fabric, ready to enhance any living space. Inspired by the iconic st...
Ultrasuede
Vladimir Kagan "Classic Club Chair" Channel Back Swivel Chairs, 1990s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Matching pair of stylish and very comfortable lounge chairs by Vladimir Kagan design for Directional Inc., 1990s. Each professionally custom upholstered swivel chair, barrel back sty...
Upholstery, Wood
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
$16,869Sale 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
1980s Light Beige Directional Nautilus Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
These Iconic swivel chairs are packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout the monumental form. Post modern designed by Vl...
Upholstery, Wood
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
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
Paul McCobb for Directional Floral Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century lounge / armchair with a walnut frame with a scooped back rail and blue, orange, and brown floral patterned fabric upholstery, resting on four tapered dowel legs...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Blue Leather and Walnut Ottoman
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular ottoman with a blue leather upholstered seat resting on a walnut frame with tapered legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR DIRECTIONAL) Leather is cracking.
Leather, Upholstery, Wood, 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
$1,792Sale Price / set|28% 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
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
$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