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.
Larry Laslo for Directional Art Deco Oval Beige Bouclé Sofa Golden Diamond Legs
By Larry Laslo, Directional
Located in Miami, FL
Modern daybed, round sofa, oversized ottoman designed by Larry Laslo for Directional in the 1990s. Upholstery is a high-quality beige and gold or taupe color bouclé fabric. Elegant g...
Fabric, Bouclé, Foam, Wood
$2,126Sale Price|64% Off
H 24.81 in W 94.49 in D 36.62 in
Art Deco Black Wood and Leather Day Bed Sofa
Located in IT
Art Deco black wood and leather daybed sofa. Art Deco daybed sofa, from France, from 1930s Art Deco period. Black wood frame and leather upholstery. Conservative restoration of woode...
Leather, Wood
$2,199
H 22 in W 26.5 in D 73 in
Art Deco Daybed, KEM Weber for Lloyd, 1930s Streamline Industrial Design
By Kem Weber
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Art Deco Daybed, KEM Weber for Lloyd, 1930s Streamline Industrial Design Original "steamer" chaise lounge or daybed by Lloyd Manufacturing Co, features stunning tubular bent chrome l...
Steel
$4,500
H 31 in W 90 in D 34 in
Mid-Century Modern Floating 3-Seat Sofa with Steel Barcelona Style Legs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The great design lines of this sofa make it a blank canvas for your fabric of your choice. Fabric is original & needs recovering. The design lines and floating appearance are modern ...
Steel
Art Deco Daybed, circa 1930's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Fabric,Wood The Fabric shows signs of use Original condition.
Fabric, Wood
$11,220 / item
H 23.63 in W 88.59 in D 37.41 in
Mid-Century Modern Conchula Daybed, Beige Boucle, Handmade by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Conchula Daybed, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Conchula daybed is a room-defining furniture piece, distinguished by its eye-catching silhouette. Designed to provide ultimate comfort for moments of relaxation, Conchula seamlessly combines timeless craftsmanship with modern sophistication. Whether paired with the Conchula curved sofa or lounge chair, this daybed enhances any contemporary interior, elevating the space with its refined presence. Designed by Rute Martins, Greenapple's Creative Director. The Conchula Daybed can be customized in terms of dimensions, materials and finishes. The Conchula Daybed was featured in Greenapple’s interior projects, including a Mountain Chalet in Le Grand-Bornand, France, and a Private Villa in Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal. For U.S. clients, we can handle all customs clearance, cover duties, and offer white-glove service as well upon request. The Conchula chaise...
Brass
Post Modern Chaise Lounge Newly Upholstered in Ivory White Bouclé
By Weiman Preview Furniture, Preview, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Float away from the worries of the day in this luxurious post modern chaise lounge newly professionally upholstered in super soft ivory white bouclé. Sculptural form exudes a sophisticated look that's gentle and inviting. Ivory white bouclé fabric's texture is breathable and ventilates well. Cozy in winter and cool in summer. Enveloping padded comfort with a thick seat cushion layered over a descending pedestal base. So sexy from all sides, this chaise lounge is beautiful enough to float in a room. Modern. Fresh. Reminiscent of Vladimir Kagan, Milo Baughman and Adrian Pearsall's iconic amorphous designs. Nestle in with your favorite blanket and read for hours, nap, binge watch your favorite series, or shop 1stDibs on your electronic device...
Bouclé, Upholstery
$4,730
H 33.08 in W 76.38 in D 31.5 in
Scandinavian Art Deco Style Three-Seater Sofa, Beige Bouclé, 1950s
Located in Rødding, DK
A refined Scandinavian three-seater sofa from the 1950s, executed in an elegant Art Deco–inspired style that balances soft, organic curves with classic proportions. The piece embodie...
Bouclé, Oak
Pietro Arosio Sliding Bed Sofa for Taccini
By Tacchini, Pietro Arosio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Freshly reubholsted in butter yellow mohair, practical design, convertable sofa. This sofa transforms to a comfortable daybed by lowering the backrest. The sculptural base comprised ...
Aluminum
Art Deco Tubular Steel Sofa from Hynek Gottwald, 1930s
By Hynek Gottwald
Located in Brussels, BE
Art Deco Tubular Steel Sofa from Hynek Gottwald, 1930s
Metal
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 29 in W 96 in D 48 in
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Heavy Boucle
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Step into the realm of luxury and design with this iconic Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa! Crafted with the finesse of a sculptor, this masterpiece is not just a piece of furniture; it's a...
Mohair
Ralph Lauren Beige Leather sofa
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This fabulous Ralph Lauren distressed leather and upholstered chaise features a plaid upholstery, creating a vintage look. The ultra rare chaise exudes an air of luxury and refinemen...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
Fine Art Deco Daybed
Located in New York, NY
A fine Art Deco daybed. Mahogany with fluted leg details and fruitwood inlay details around the base.
Mahogany
Directional Chaise Lounge
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional chaise lounge, reupholstered with great plains cotton velvet. [Label on underside Directional] Measures: Seat depth 55".
Upholstery