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 for Directional #1322 Upholstered Black Rim Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb for Directional Furniture 1322 lounge chair, loose seat cushion. Circa 1950s. Featuring a Black ebonized Walnut frame, tapered legs and comfortable curved and cushioned b...
Fabric, Walnut
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
Pair of Hot Pink Vladimir Kagan Sculptural Hurricane Lounge/Club Chairs
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning pair of "Hurricane" chairs designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional Inc. Very comfortable, sculptural form of rarely seen Ka...
Upholstery
Directional Milo Baughman Swivel Beige Leather Club Lounge Arm Chairs - a Pair
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Milo Baughman for Directional Swivel Beige Leather Club Lounge Arm Chairs - a Pair. Item features large swivel and return frames, beige high quality leather upholstery, original labe...
Leather
Milo Baughman Style Directional Deep Red Velvet & Ebony Mahogany Club Chairs
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of Mid-Century modern club chairs on casters by Directional in the manner of Milo Baughman having fresh deep red velvet upholstery with fresh cushioning throughout and black l...
Brass
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
$2,000
H 26 in W 30 in D 28 in
Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Parsons Style Pink Mohair Lounge Club Armchair
By Milo Baughman
Located in Dayton, OH
An eye catching Parsons style chair attributed to Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggins, circa 1970s. Features a cubed frame upholstered in a posh pink...
Mohair, Hardwood
French Art Deco Club Chair, Leather Upholstery, Wood Frame, 1940
Located in Austin, TX
Club chair from Art Deco period France. This chair has the original leather with some wear consistent with age and use. The frame of the chair is wood, with curved arms often found w...
Leather, Wood
$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 Directional, 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
$3,000
H 34 in W 28 in D 31 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Model 1321 Lounge Chair in Walnut & Light Upholstery
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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
$3,495
H 28 in W 31 in D 32 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Swivel Rocker Club Chairs
By Milo Baughman
Located in Wilmington, DE
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman style swivel rocker club chairs. Offered is a pair of Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman style swiv...
Suede
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Swivel Club Chairs
By Milo Baughman
Located in Wilmington, DE
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman style swivel club chairs Offered is a pair of Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman sty...
Suede
Art Deco Pair Danish Lounge or Club Chair, 1940s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superbly stylish oversized club chairs made around 1950. The style is very a bit English and not we we normally connect with mid-century Danish butthis style was quite popular in Den...
Elm, Mahogany
Danish 1940's Easy Lounge or Club Chair with Cuban Mahogany Frame
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant easy chair from the 1940s very unique design. We are unaware of the Designer and Maker of this chair but it carries many design cues from the era. These type of 1940s chair...
Wool, Oak
$3,000Sale Price|40% Off
H 41.5 in W 29 in D 31 in
Paul McCobb Directional Nº 314 Wingback Lounge Chair Ottoman Mid-Century Retro
By Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Re-Upholstery required. Not usable as-is. Please ship directly to your Upholsterer, reupholstery is necessary. No woodworking necessary, the framing on chair and ottoman are tight, ...
Birch
$3,950 / set
H 26 in W 32.5 in D 31 in
Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman Chrome Barrel Back Club Lounge Chairs - a Pair
By Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman attributed Chrome Barrel Back Club Lounge Chairs. Item features low sleek forms, chrome frames with chrome support down the rear, rolled back...
Chrome
Midcentury Milo Baughman Style Walnut Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman
Located in Houston, TX
Midcentury Milo Baughman style walnut lounge chair. This handsome midcentury club chair or lounge chair has been professionally upholste...
Bouclé, Walnut
Pair of Vintage Vladimir Kagan Swivel Chairs
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A lovely pair of vintage Vladimir Kagan swivel chairs on castors. These chairs feature chrome wrapped bases. One of the chairs retains it's original t...
Fabric
Pair of Swivel "Corkscrew” Lounge Chairs by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous 1990’s pair of newly reupholster swivel "Corkscrew” lounge chairs designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional. These gorgeous chairs are newly reupholstered in beautiful ...
Fabric
Sold
H 29 in W 36 in D 34 in
Vladimir Kagan Pair of Corkscrew Swivel Chairs for Directional in Bouclé, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly reupholstered in a soft and nubby white bouclé, this pair of 'Corkscrew' swivel chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980 are signed with a Directional labels undern...
Bouclé
Vintage Boho Directional Leather Club Chair - a Pair
By Directional
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional pair of vintage Boho Club chairs. Made by the iconic Directional group and tagged below the seat. Incredible Cognac leather on a clean and modern shape. Two pairs avai...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 29 in W 37 in D 37 in
'Corkscrew' Chair & Ottoman by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in Bouclé, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly reupholstered in a soft and nubby light beige bouclé, this 'Corkscrew' swivel chair with ottoman by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980s /...
Bouclé, Wood
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Rare Swivel Lounge Chairs for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Offered is a beautiful pair of rare Nautilus style swivel chairs born from the ingenuity of the celebrated Mid-Century Modern Icon Vladimir Kagan. Modern, warm and inviting this is a revolutionary model in comfort and style. Three quarter moon back arm support. The oval shaped bottom centrally swivels atop a circular upholstered disk. The chair's swivel feature lets you follow the action without leaving your seat. The curvilinear form and detailing is the perfect blend of masculine and feminine styles. The chairs have a welcoming presence that exudes high quality craftsmanship and a style that is very characteristic of Kagan. Newly upholstered in a rich rust colored velvet fabric. What better way is there to inject a touch of fun than with these bold and unique accent chairs...
Velvet
Sold
H 35.63 in W 22.5 in D 23 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Sculpted Walnut Cane Back Armchairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern club chairs or dining armchairs By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Sculpted walnut frames, with caned backs and upholstered seat...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 29 in W 37 in D 37 in
'Corkscrew' Chair & Ottoman by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in Bouclé, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly reupholstered in a soft and nubby light beige bouclé, this 'Corkscrew' swivel chair with ottoman by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980s /...
Bouclé, Wood
Sold
H 29 in W 29 in D 29 in
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...
Bouclé, Wood
Sold
H 26 in W 28 in D 28 in
Kipp Stewart for Directional Barrel Back Club Chairs on Casters in Black Velvet
By Directional, Kipp Stewart, Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture, Harvey Probber
Located in Decatur, GA
Exceptional barrel back lounge chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional with all original tufted black velvet. Solid dark mahogany bases with chrome casters. An elegant and modern silh...
Velvet
Sold
H 29 in W 36 in D 34 in
Vladimir Kagan Pair of Corkscrew Swivel Chairs for Directional in Bouclé, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly reupholstered in a soft and nubby beige bouclé, this pair of 'Corkscrew' swivel chairs, also often referred to as 'Nautilus', by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980 is signed with a Directional label underneath. These classic club chairs swivels...
Bouclé
Kipp Stewart for Directional Lounge Chairs in Jack Lenor Larsen Velvet
By Dunbar Furniture, Harvey Probber, Kipp Stewart, Directional, Edward Wormley
Located in Decatur, GA
Exceptional and rare pair of barrel back lounge chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional with all original Jack Lenor Larsen velvet. Solid dark mahogany bases with brass casters. An el...
Velvet
Sold
H 28 in W 28.5 in D 28 in
Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Velvet Cube/Club Chairs by Dire
By Directional
Located in Wilmington, DE
Pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman velvet cube/club chairs by Directional Offered is a Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman velvet cube/club chairs by D...
Upholstery