Skip to main content

Directional Seating

​​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.

2
199
1
to
22
193
7
200
200
200
131
19
2
199
1
52
133
19
9
47
48
26
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
94
82
7
12
1
11
3
1
1
176
95
88
43
36
183
178
167
1,344
1,168
1,139
1,083
Creator: Directional
Directional Red Upholstered Large Modern Charles Bench Seat Ottoman
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Red upholstered 56" large modern "Charles Bench" seat ottoman by Directional. Item includes a solid wood frame, upholstered seat, original label, clean modernist lines, quality Ameri...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Directional Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Directional Cloud Sofa on Chrome Base
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional furniture cloud sofa. Blue-grey mohair upholstery with chrome base.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Seating

Materials

Chrome

Swiveling Sculptural "Cork Screw Chair" by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Swiveling sculptural "Cork Screw Chair" by Vladimir Kagan, American, 1992 (retains original "Directional" label).
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Directional Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Foam, Wood

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...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Larry Laslo for Directional Purple Modern Italian Bauhaus Style Chrome Leg Sofa
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Larry Laslo for Directional purple modern Italian Bauhaus style chrome leg sofa. Listing includes 6 chrome metal legs, purple microfiber upholstery, or...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Directional Seating

Materials

Metal

Newly Upholstered Wingback Sofa 1307 by Paul McCobb for Directional, US, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Berlin, DE
Paul McCobb sofa model 1307 for Directional features a slight winged back resting on a maple frame that gives the sofa a floating look with loose cushions on seat and back. Newly reu...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Seating

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Maple

Sculptural Swivel Upholster Lounge, Side Chairs by Michael Wolk for Directional
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...
Category

1990s American Modern Directional Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

Elegant Restored Pair of Walnut Cane Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and installation ready. Expert custom...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Seating

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Larry Laslo for Directional Red Modern Italian Bauhaus Style Chrome Leg Sofa
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Larry Laslo for Directional red modern Italian Bauhaus style chrome leg sofa. Listing includes 6 chrome metal legs, red microfiber upholstery, original...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Directional Seating

Materials

Metal

Set of Four Chrome Cityscape Chairs by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
A stunning and rare set of 4 chrome cityscape chairs by Paul Evans for Directional. This matched set of PE-241 arm chairs are upholstered in a supple black matte ultrasuede and feature Evans' signature chrome patchwork design. These gorgeous Paul Evans Cityscape chairs...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Seating

Materials

Chrome

Magnificent Directional Biscuit Tufted Party Loveseat Sofa Modern
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Milo Baughman style Directional biscuit tufted party loveseat sofa. This sofa was re-upholstered about 15 years ago and would be best redone again-light wear to seat and ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of Slipper Lounge Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional 1960s
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Slipper Lounge Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional 1960s Newly upholstered in slate gray / dark indigo cotton fabric with fiv...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Set of Four Irwin Collection Dining Chairs by Paul McCobb for Directional
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Belmont, MA
Four caned back chairs designed by Paul McCobb for Directional with new red wool high-quality upholstery.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Seating

Materials

Brass

Kipp Stewart Modern Lounge Chairs by Directional
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern "Arc" lounge chairs features heavy chrome frames and sleek Kipp Stewart design. Quality vintage craftsmanship by Directional furniture, this p...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Seating

Materials

Chrome

Magnificent Directional Biscuit Tufted Party Sofa Midcentury
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Milo Baughman style Directional biscuit tufted party sofa. This sofa was re-upholstered about 15 years ago and would be best-redone again-few pulls to the front of the ar...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Seating

Materials

Upholstery

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....
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Seating

Materials

Walnut

Channel Back Swivel Chairs on Dark Walnut Supports, Directional, C. 1970s
By Directional
Located in Westport, CT
Enhance your space with this exquisite set of Mid-Century Modern swivel chairs by Directional, crafted circa 1970-1979. Meticulously restored, each chair features a new cushion and i...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Seating

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Directional Furniture, Sectional Sofa, Bamboo, Velvet, USA, 1970s
By Directional
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo and green velvet sectional sofa designed and produced by Directional Furniture, USA, 1970s. Seat height 18”.
Category

1970s American Vintage Directional Seating

Materials

Velvet, Bamboo

Set of Organic Sofas by Directional in Teddy Bouclé, C. 1970s
By Directional
Located in Westport, CT
Indulge in mid-century luxury with this stunning set of Directional sofas, a true vintage find from the 1970s, meticulously restored to their original splendor by our skilled craftsm...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Seating

Materials

Bouclé

Pair of Vladimir Kagan Swivel Lounge Chairs in Ivory Bouclé
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
A sculptural pair of swivel lounge chairs by by the legendary furniture designer for Directional, circa 1980s. Glamorous at every turn! Kagan's post-modern style-that is over-the-top...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Seating

Materials

Wood, Bouclé

Pair of Pink Bouclé Post-Modern Swivel Club Chairs by Directional, 1980s, Signed
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous and very unique pair of swiveling club chairs have been newly reupholstered in a soft and nubby pink bouclé fabric, both chairs signed with Directional labels and produ...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Seating

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa, Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Raleigh, NC
Expertly restored with new mohair upholstery on this iconic sofa. A classic designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional.
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofa in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofa was produced by Directional Furniture in the 1980s and was just newly reupholstered in a gorgeous nubby bouclé fabric, and is signed underneath with Directional label and has the lucite center support leg. The color of the bouclé is a very light oatmeal color - close to ivory and off-white. In brighter light settings it appears to be white but in darker or regular room settings you can see the slight tan color it possesses. We've searched for years for the best bouclé fabric and this one is quite exquisite, with bigger and softer pile and thicker backing than all the others we have found. *NOTE, the Philip & Kelvin LaVerne 'Chan' cocktail table shown in the photos is not priced in this set however is available for purchase in another listing. In addition, we have a matching ottomans on casters, three 'Corkscrew' swivel club chairs and other configurations of the 'Cloud' sofas, contact with questions and for more details. Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and classic always-in-demand 'Cloud' sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. This pair of sofas feature the pouf / ottoman on the right side (if you are sitting on the sofas) which allow you to face the sofas towards each other in a Yin / Yang formation. Also both sofas are the style with the more in-demand 'center back' vs the style which has the 'wrap around arm'. This particular style is more rare and desirable so having both sofas with this style is difficult to achieve as they are harder to find. If you need a different configuration contact us as we have other Cloud sofas in stock that are ready to be reupholstered. Collectors and designers, it's hard to find a matching pair together - here's your opportunity, but hurry - this design is hot and sell fast as they are a staple for interior designers looking to create a magazine cover interior. This Vladimir Kagan cloud sofa is so popular today with interior designers and collectors - the demand for Kagan's designs keep growing year after year. There is something timeless about the shape and silhouette of this couch and the comfort level is through the roof. Combine this was the on-trend off-white / oatmeal boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness. This Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved Cloud sofa...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Directional Seating

Materials

Bouclé, Lucite

Paul McCobb Lounge Chair Model 302 and Matching Ottoman by Directional
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1960s Paul McCobb Lounge Chair Model 302 and ottoman by Directional. Chair is a nice, larger scale and clean lined though with nice detail. The back is rounded and the legs are tapered and long. The ottoman is full sized. Chair was reupholstered at some...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Seating

Materials

Linen, Hardwood

Vladimir Kagan Corkscrew Swivel Chairs for Directional in Bouclé, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly reupholstered in a soft and nubby light beige bouclé, these 'Corkscrew' swivel chairs, also often referred to as 'Nautilus', by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980s / 90s are signed with Directional labels underneath. These classic Post-Modern club chairs swivel...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Seating

Materials

Wood, Bouclé

Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofas in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular pair of Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofas were produced by Directional in circa 1980 and were newly reupholstered in a gorgeous white nubby bouclé fabric, both sofas signed underneath with Directional labels. Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and classic always-in-demand 'Cloud' sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. Each sofa has a different back style, one which wraps around one side and the other centralized. Having both styles together in the same room was the signature look that Kagan made popular - a beautiful way to creatively signify how two separate individuals, while different, can live harmoniously together. You can have the sofas face each other or place them side by side as you can see in the photos. Collectors and designers, it's hard to find a matching pair together - here's your opportunity, but hurry - these matched pairs sell fast as they are a staple for interior designers looking to create a magazine cover interior. *This listing is priced for the pair of sofas, if you wish to only purchase a single see our other listings for these sofas individually priced or contact us. These Vladimir Kagan cloud sofas are so popular today with interior designers and collectors - the demand for Kagan's designs keep growing year after year. There is something timeless about the shape and silhouette of this couch and the comfort level is through the roof. Combine this was the on-trend white boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness. These Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved Cloud sofas...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Directional Seating

Materials

Lucite, Bouclé

Directional seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Directional seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Directional seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by Directional were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Craft Associates, Harvey Probber, and Jens Risom. Prices for Directional seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $750 and can go as high as $48,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,400.
Questions About Directional Seating
  • 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.

Recently Viewed

View All