Directional Armchairs
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.
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Creator: Directional
Paul McCobb, Armchairs, Walnut, Velvet, Cane, USA, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut, green velvet and cane armchairs designed by Paul McCobb and produced by Directional, USA, c. 1950s.
Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.625"H x 24.125"W x 26.125"D
...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Cane, Walnut
Early Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Throne Chair, Signed and Dated, 1969
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
One of the most recognizable and important names in the American studio craft movement of the 1960's and 70's, Paul Evans was a groundbreaking pioneer in brutalism. Collaborating as well as sharing a showroom with Phillip Lloyd Powell until 1964 when Evans met the owner of Directional Furniture and created a line of 6 coffee tables to go into the Directional High Point, NC booth for the spring Market. As the story has been recounted by Dorsey Reading, the tables never even made it to the showroom floor. Evans soon found out the tables never even had the opportunity to be sold; obviously disappointed, owner of Directional, BG agreed to put the tables out on the showroom floor in New York City to placate Paul Evans. What happened can probably best be compared today with "going viral."
The coffee tables started flying off the floor, and the orders came rolling in. This fervor led to Evans creating eventually over 800 designs with Directional-- with the very first series being the "Sculptured Metal" Collection which was publicized in 1968.
This piece specifically is a throne chair that also swivels. Upholstered in black leather, this throne chair is a wonderful example of Paul Evans Sculpted bronze technique, which involves hand sculpting using an epoxy resin and coating in an atomized cold cast bronze. This piece is signed and dated "PE 69" making it an early example of his goopy cast bronze series and line of furniture for Directional.
It's extremely important to note: Directional Furniture showrooms in New York City and Chicago were private to-the-trade only showrooms, so only interior designers and their clients were able to custom order these pieces through the showroom. There was never any "inventory" of furniture. Each and every piece was a custom, hand crafted work of art, created to order. No two of any piece were ever alike.
Evans eventually went on to employ a team of nearly 90 people, working two shifts-- helping to hand-craft his designs. This could easily explain why not every piece is hand signed, therefore making an early, had-signed pieces like this even more desirable for a collector.
This piece has a wonderful patina, with vibrant colors and while still brutalist in nature, it's a bit more subdued and could effortlessly be blended into any contemporary environment. We currently have this piece in the gallery paired with a Vladimir Kagan serpentine cloud sofa, and a Karl Springer goatskin...
Category
1960s American Brutalist Vintage Directional Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Paul McCobb 312 Armchair for Directional
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Perfect slipper chair by Paul McCobb 312 Armchair for Directional in Maharam Mode: Saltwater. Reupholster in new fabric and foam. Great chair with clean understated lines.
These c...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chair by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning dramatic form lounge chair designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the 1980's. Its retains the original upholstery which needs to be recovered. Padding a...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Larry Laslo Designed Chairs for Directional
By Directional, Larry Laslo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modern style arm chair by Larry Laslo for Directional. Great design with crescent shaped body and low profile back.
Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Directional Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Pair of Light Gray Milo Baughman Lounge or Arm Chairs for Directional USA
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Milo Baughman lounge or arm chairs for Directional 1950s, USA
They are out of the Country Villa Collection.
Walnut Frame. The chairs are fully restored.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb For Directional Highback Lounge Chairs Model No. 409
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning pair of mid-century modern, model no. 409, highback lounge chairs designed by American designer, Paul McCobb, for Directional circa 1950s. The chairs feature contoured walnu...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional Floral Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Pair of Kipp Stewart for Directional Walnut, Cane, and Blue Leather Chairs
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...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Leather, Upholstery, Walnut
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair in Original Turquoise Upholstery and Walnut
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul McCobb for Directional Designs, lounge chair, model 1322, walnut, fabric, 1950s.
A design Paul McCobb model 1322 dating back to the 1950s. The quintessential design features o...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, 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
...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Paul McCobb 312 Armchair for Directional
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of Milo Baughman for Directional American Polished Upholstered Armchairs
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of American Mid-Century armchairs with polished chrome flat bar frames, upholstered in a textured tan fabric with removable seat cushions. (MILO BAUGHMAN FOR DIRECTIONAL)(PRICED...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Armchairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Directional Striped 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 multi-colored geometric patterned and striped fabric upholstery, resting on four tapered dowel...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
American Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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 Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Four Sculptural Dining Chairs by Directional
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
Set of four dining chairs by Directional. The chairs have the original upholstery and a nice sculptural design.
Category
1980s Modern Vintage Directional Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
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!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
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Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Flatbar Lounge Chairs, 1970
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Literature: Paul McCobb, Directional Designs, p. 87.
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Directional armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Directional armchairs 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 armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs 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 armchairs by Harvey Probber, Harry Bertoia, and Ward Bennett. Prices for Directional armchairs 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 $6,000.
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Questions About Directional Armchairs
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021While 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.