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.
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 S...
Velvet, Cane, Walnut
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. We have reupholstered in fresh, new fabric and foam. Great chair with clean understated...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chair by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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...
Fabric
Paul McCobb for Directional model 1323 Loose Cushion 1956
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Model 1323 Loose-Cushion Lounge Chair, 1956 A classic mid-century lounge chair designed by Paul McCobb for Directional in 1956. The sculptural walnut bas...
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul McCobb For Directional Highback Lounge Chairs Model No. 409
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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...
Upholstery, Walnut
$9,597Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Light Gray Milo Baughman Lounge or Arm Chairs for Directional USA
By Milo Baughman, Directional
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.
Upholstery, Wood
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...
Wood, Leather, Upholstery, 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...
Bronze
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
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. Reupholster in new fabric and foam. Great chair with clean understated lines. These c...
Upholstery
Larry Laslo Designed Chairs for Directional
By Larry Laslo, Directional
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
Fabric
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
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair in Original Turquoise Upholstery and Walnut
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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...
Fabric, Walnut
$22,000 / set
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.
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
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
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquered Mahogany and Brass Armchairs
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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 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
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
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...
Metal, Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCob Walnut Lounge Chair for Directional Mint
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCob Walnut Lounge Chair for Directional Mint!
Upholstery, Walnut
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...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
$5,390Sale Price|44% Off
H 31.5 in W 81 in D 30 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Off-White Velvet Sofa, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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
$4,995 / set
H 28.5 in W 28.5 in D 30.5 in
Milo Baughman For Thayer Coggin 951 Flat Bar Chrome Lounge Chairs in Grey Tweed
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Restored, vintage flat bar chrome lounge chairs set designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. These lounge chairs have recently been updated with period appropriate grey tweed wool fabric. The texture and tone plays beautifully against the chrome frame. The original Thayer Coggin tags were preserved, and sewn into the seats. The chairs have a sleek pitched back gangster lean that cradles you into a comfy nook. Upholstered arm rests add even more comfort without giving the chair a bulky overstuffed look. Two metal clips on each chair hold in the otherwise loose seat cushions. A superb pair of Milo Baughman’s legendary 951 flat-bar lounge chairs for Thayer Coggin, these pieces stand as paragons of mid-century modern elegance. These chairs embody the intersection of artistry and engineering. Their flat-bar steel frames, rendered in a sleek chrome finish, form luminous architectural lines; the upholstery—now restored in a refined gray tone—is wrapped over down-blended cushions that appear to float above the frame, giving silhouette and comfort equal weight. The arms are gracefully padded and wrapped, softening the assertive metal while maintaining Milo Baughman’s signature aesthetic: restraint plus comfort. Condition is excellent. Minor surface marks along the chrome reveal age but not weakness—the kind of truthful signs that confirm authenticity rather than distract. The cushions have been re-fluffed, the upholstery taut, the joints solid and quietly confident. This pair feels as settled in now as they will years hence. Provenance and pedigree matter: the 951 is among Baughman’s most celebrated designs (originally dating from 1966), produced by Thayer Coggin, an atelier with enduring reputation. Pieces like these appear in museum collections, high-end design archives, and notable collector inventories. These chairs are especially suited for interiors that prize both form and function. They could frame a minimalist coffee table, anchor a reading corner, or stand solo in a gallery-like space. In lighter neutrals or with accent cushions, the gray upholstery complements both warm woods and cooler metals; under ambient lighting, the chrome casts subtle highlights that shift with daylight. Owning this pair is not just acquiring seating—it is securing mid-century modern heritage, style that remains deeply relevant and visually compelling. 951 Design Classic Chair: Originally designed in 1966, the 951 lounge chair...
Chrome
$4,000 / set
H 33 in W 36 in D 33 in
Pair of "Danhasuer" Scroll Arm Lounge Chairs by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This pair of chairs was designed by Milo Baughman in the 1980s for production by Thayer Coggin. Dubbed the "Danhauser" chair, they feature an scroll arm lounge design and take inspir...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$6,067 / set
H 25.6 in W 24.41 in D 24.81 in
Pair of Milo Baughman Cube T-Back Lounge Chairs, Thayer Coggin, USA, 1970s
By Milo Baughman
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A very nice pair of original Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin cube T-back lounge chairs, made in USA in the 1970s. Very good original condition, chrome is good with only minor signs o...
Chrome
Vladimir Kagan for Directional "Hurricane" Lounge Chair
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vladimir Kagan for Directional "Hurricane" Lounge Chair. Outlandish and crazy! This one makes a statement! In it's original fleshy pink Boucle Fabric!
Upholstery
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Dallas, TX
This comfortable pair of midcentury lounge chairs designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Professionally upholstered with orange/yellow colored velvet fabric with solid wood feet.
Upholstery
$5,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 41.5 in W 30 in D 32 in
Paul McCobb for Directional 314 Model High Back Lounge Chair in Grey Velvet
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have this absolutely gorgeous Paul McCobb for Directional, model 314 wingback lounge chair. This lounge chair is stunning-- very large in scale, and clad in fine cotton velvet that has a slight sheen. This gorgeous wingback was designed in the 1950's by Paul McCobb for Directional furniture, which is known for its high quality manufacturing. Many famed designers such as Milo Baughman, Paul Evans and even Vladimir Kagan have designed for Directional furniture, as it's truly a furniture dynasty producer of legacy furniture...
Velvet, Walnut
$6,495 / set
H 36 in W 23 in D 20 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century walnut and cane dining chairs - set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 16.5 wide x 16.5 deep x 34.5 high, with a seat height of 17.25 inches...
Cane, Walnut
$3,000
H 34 in W 28 in D 31 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Model 1321 Lounge Chair in Walnut & Light Upholstery
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Paul McCobb, this chair was manufactured by Directional, who was one of many partners that McCobb worked with. A prolific designer, this chair is one of the best models o...
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
H 25 in W 32.5 in D 33 in
Handsome Milo Baughman Directional Cube Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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
$6,495 / set
H 31 in W 25 in D 28 in
Vintage Stainless Steel "Z" Lounge Chairs by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A stunning pair of vintage lounge chairs designed by legendary modernist Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin in the 1970s. These iconic pieces exemplify Baughman’s innovative approach to...
Chrome, Stainless Steel
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Flatbar Lounge Chairs, 1970
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Flatbar Lounge Chairs, 1970’s. Original upholstery, shows some sun fading on back. There was a small tear on side of one arm.
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 31 in W 23.5 in D 26 in
Pair of Kipp Stewart for Directional Walnut, Cane Upholstered Lounge Chairs
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century lounge armchairs / bergeres with walnut frames, caned sides and backs, and seat and back cushions upholstered with a beige fabric with a light stripe pat...
Fabric
Paul Mccobb Armchair for Directional
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a rarely seen Paul McCobb Armchair for Directional. This elegant chair features a solid walnut frame with the most elegant curved backrest, curved fronts legs, and arms. It i...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 35.38 in W 22.5 in D 24 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Irwin Collection Mahogany and Woven Leather Armchair
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern club chair or dining armchair By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Elegant s...
Leather, Mahogany
Paul McCobb White Linen Lounge Chairs for Directional, 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite pair of Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern model 1322 armchairs from the coveted Directional collection, dating from the 1950s. The refinished chairs have been recovered in an off-white Belgian linen. The beautifully sculpted walnut frames have amazing lines and splayed back legs that create a striking contrast with the light cream / chalk / marshmallow color of the fabric. The vintage club chairs are extremely comfortable, infinitely elegant and ready to be enjoyed. These are truly to die for pieces of American design. Literature: Paul McCobb, Directional Designs, p. 87. Throughout the years and many collaborations with different manufacturers that brought to life all his design endeavors, Directional is by far the highest quality manufacturer Paul McCobb collaborated with, producing furniture of the finest quality. In 1949, Directional Furniture began as a line of upholstered chairs to complement Martin...
Fabric, Walnut, Linen
Sold
H 34 in W 27 in D 22 in
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Armchair by Milo Baughman for Directional, Single
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Manhasset, NY
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Armchair by Milo Baughman for Directional, Single Single modernist armchair designed by Milo Baughman for Directional Inc. Chrome, Fabric United States...
Chrome
Sold
H 29 in W 24 in D 31 in
Paul Evans Chrome and Suede Cityscape Lounge Chairs for Directional, 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare pair of Paul Evans Cityscape Patchwork Lounge Chairs, 1970. Upholstery is blue suede all original. Patchwork is constructed of steel plate frames with contrast of polished chr...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 32 in W 31 in D 29 in
Signed Directional Sculptural Cubist Style Pair Lounge Chairs Vintage & Original
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These super stylish cubist form club or lounge chairs retain their original patterned upholstery! But that's not the best part. Light weight, medium scale, super comfortable, you'll ...
Upholstery
Pair of Paul McCobb White Lounge Chairs for Directional, 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite pair of Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern model 1322 armchairs from the coveted Directional collection, dating from the 1950s. The refinished chairs have been recovered in an off-white and beige textured dobby fabric. The beautifully sculpted walnut frames have amazing lines and splayed back legs that create a striking contrast with the light cream color of the fabric. The club chairs are extremely comfortable, infinitely elegant and ready to be enjoyed. These are truly to die for pieces of American modern design. Throughout the years and many collaborations with different manufacturers that brought to life all his design endeavors, Directional is by far the highest quality manufacturer Paul McCobb collaborated with, producing furniture of the finest quality. In 1949, Directional Furniture began as a line of upholstered chairs to complement Martin Feinman...
Walnut, Fabric
Sold
H 31.89 in W 22.05 in D 23.23 in
Paul Evans Set of Four Dining Chairs ‘PE-105/106’ in Sculpted Bronze and Fabric
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, dining chairs from the series PE-105/106, sculpted bronze, steel, fabric, United States, circa 1965 Stunning example of Paul Evans designs for Direct...
Bronze, Steel
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Armchairs, Newly Refinished
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern club chairs or dining armchairs By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture USA, 1950s Black lacquered sculpted wal...
Upholstery, Walnut, Lacquer
Paul Evans for Directional Club Chairs in Velvet, Pair
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern club chairs or dining armchairs By Paul Evans for Directional USA, 1960s Tufted gray velvet upholstery, with walnut legs and stretchers...
Velvet, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional Lounge Chairs, circa 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Westport, CT
Set of iconic lounge chairs model # 302 designed by Paul McCobb for Directional, circa 1950s. Newly upholstered in great plains off-white tweed by Holly Hunt, maple legs fully res...
Cotton, Maple