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 Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Chairs And Ottomans
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Chairs And Ottomans. Offered is an iconic opposing pair of mid-century modern swivel lounge nautilus chairs and ma...
Velvet, Wood
$142,000 / set
Paul Evans for Directional Sculpted Bronze Dining Chairs
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, dining chairs, model PE-106, epoxy bronzed resin over steel, fabric, United States, circa 1970 These dining chairs are designed by Paul Evans for Directi...
Bronze, Steel
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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
Nautilus Chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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 8 Vladimir Kagan Dining Chairs for Directional in Mocha Brown Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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 for Directional Midcentury Occasional Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional midcentury occasional lounge chairs - pair. Each chair measures: 24.75 wide x 21 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height/chair...
Upholstery, Wood
Post Modern Directional Style Swivel Lounge Chair
By Directional
Located in Houston, TX
Post Modern Vladimir Kagan for Directional swivel lounge chair. This unusual iconic Kagan swivel chair has a high b...
Bouclé
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
Pair of Vladimir Attributed Lounge Chairs and Ottomans
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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
$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
$2,230 / set
H 29.5 in W 17 in D 19 in
1950s Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner for Group Dining Chairs
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Charleston, SC
A set of four dining chairs Designed by Paul McCobb's iconic for Winchendon Furniture Planner Group series, manufactured from 1950-1964. These chairs have been professionally resto...
Maple
$7,800
H 30 in W 96 in D 42 in
Vintage Curved Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1980s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional in the 1980s. Great flowing lines with signature disc bases and thick lucite center support. Fabric is origi...
Fabric, Wood
$178,000 / set
H 31.5 in W 21 in D 22 in
Paul Evans Set of Twelve Brutalist Sculpted Bronze Dining Chairs, USA 1970
By Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
Paul Evans set of twelve brutalist sculpted bronze dining chairs, USA 1970 This extremely rare to find set is comprised of two armchairs (Model PE 105) and ten side chairs (Model PE ...
Metal, Bronze
$9,975 / set
H 28 in W 35.5 in D 37.5 in
Pair of Powder Blue Mohair Velvet Swiveling "Nautilus" Chairs by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
This pair of swiveling "Nautilus" chairs by Vladimir Kagan, crafted in America circa 1970, is a quintessential example of Kagan’s visionary design. Renowned for his sculptural approa...
Mohair, Velvet
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
$3,900 / set
H 40 in W 19 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Chairs after Paul McCobb or Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti, Paul McCobb, Ico Parisi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautiful and interesting set of dining chairs made by Heywood Wakefield. A very nice minimalistic look created out of solid walnut. Armchairs measure H 40 W 23 D 19. In the sty...
Velvet, Wood
$4,995 / set
H 35.25 in W 21 in D 19.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Dining Chairs Paul McCobb for Winchendon Set 5
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous set of five Mid-Century Modern Planner Group style #1534 dining chairs by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. Comprised of a dark walnut finished maple. They have been newly upholstered at some point in their recent past in a brown background fabric with chenille squiggly undulating lines in gold and turquoise or teal. Beautiful condition with age-appropriate wear as you would expect with vintage pieces. Two of the chair backs do have small nicks. One has been repaired. All chairs have been re-glued. We have used restore-a-finish on the original finish to bring back its original shine. Please see photos. Circa 1949-1964. Simply Amazing!! What a fabulous set of five Mid-Century Modern dining chairs! They are part of the Planner Group for Winchendon designed by internationally known and revered designer Paul McCobb. They are style number 1534, and they are comprised of a beautiful maple frame with a dark walnut finish. The foam seats are covered in a brown chenille fabric with raised fiber squiggly undulating lines in colors of gold and turquoise or maybe its teal. The fabric is so awesome it reminds us of a comfy chenille bedspread...
Fabric, Maple
$12,600Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 37 in W 20.5 in D 37 in
Paul Evans for Directional Set of Eight Dining Chairs
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of eight dining chairs designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional. Two armchairs and six side chairs, all expertly reupholstered a grey Maharam fabric. Great style and co...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$12,000 / set
H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in cozy Ivory Boucle. Corkscrew shape with sloped back and scrolled arm. The Nautilus chairs swivel making them a good choice for open floor plans - you may align your sight with any person or object in the room simply with a gentle swivel. Matching contoured Ottoman is on casters and seamlessly rolls into place like a puzzle piece inviting you to relax and put your feet up with a good book or a glass of your favorite vino. Fabric is highly durable; it's texture provides for ventilation to keep warm in winter and cool in summer. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Nautilus Swivel Chairs: 36” W x 33” D x 29” H (Seat Height 17”) Ottoman: 33” W x 21” D x 17” H Photographed along with and also currently available in our shop: Post Modern Karl Springer Style ottoman...
Bouclé
$1,792Sale Price / set|28% Off
H 37.5 in W 24 in D 25 in
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
$12,000 / set
H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in cozy Ivory...
Bouclé
$1,800 / set
H 35 in W 23 in D 19.5 in
Pair of Paul Mccobb Dining Room Armchairs for Calvin Mid Century
By Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant pair of mid-century modern armchairs designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture. Crafted from warm mahogany, these chairs feature McCobb’s signature clean lines, gently cur...
Mahogany
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 blue/green/grey wool from Fishman's Fabrics. Tagged Directional. Original example...
Wool
Paul McCobb Cane back armchair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
A rare walnut framed armchair with cane back designed by Paul McCobb and made by Directional Furniture in the late 1950s. A very interesting chair with both Danish and Shaker charact...
Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 35 in W 33 in D 34 in
Directional Black and Chrome Leather Chair and Ottoman Mid Century Modern
By Directional
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Luxurious and timeless, this Directional Black and Chrome Leather Chair and Ottoman set embodies the essence of Mid-Century Modern design. The sum...
Chrome
Sold
H 36 in W 23.5 in D 25 in
MCM Model 7001 Chair in Walnut by Paul McCobb for Directional, USA, c. 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a one-of-a-kind, luxury piece of authentic twentieth century furniture - a rare model 7009 armchair designed by Paul McCobb for Directional Furniture. This chair is truly...
Brass
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Hurricane Chair
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Houston, TX
Vladimir Kagan for Directional hurricane chair. Offered is a classic post modern sculptural hurricane chair designed by Vladimir Kagan for Direct...
Leather
Vladimir Kagan Navy Blue Velvet Nautilus "Corkscrew" Chairs
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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 velvet. They will match perfectly with any style of interior from Mid-Century Modern to contemporary. Literature: Vladimir Kagan for Directional CORK SCREW CHAIR...
Upholstery
Pair of White Boucle Lounge Chairs and Ottomans by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1990’s Pair of ‘Corkscrew’ lounge chairs and ottomans designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Newly recovered in a soft white boucle fabric....
Fabric
1980s Directional Furniture Designer Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Miami, FL
1980s Postmodern designer swivel chairs, by Directional Furniture. The chairs have been reupholstered in Kirkby Design Noir fabric, to give them ...
Chenille
Pair of Paul Evans for Directional Dining Chairs in Edelman Leather
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Completely restored with Edelman leather this incredible pair of Paul Evans for Directional dining chairs are exquisite. Condition: Excellent restored condition with new Edelman...
Steel, Chrome
Paul McCobb Lounge Chairs for Directional, circa 1955
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Paul McCobb lounge chairs for Directional, circa 1955. This pair has been professionally restored.
Fabric, Mahogany
Pair of White Boucle Lounge Chairs and Ottomans by Vladimir Kagan
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1990’s Pair of ‘Corkscrew’ lounge chairs and ottomans designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional. Newly recovered in a soft boucle fabric. The chairs rotate 180 and return to origin...
Brass
Pair of Vladimir Kagan for Directional Nautilus Swivel Chairs
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Houston, TX
Outstanding pair of Vladimir Kagan for Directional Nautilus swivel chairs. This stunning true opposing pair of Kagan Postmodern Nautilus swivel ch...
Bouclé