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 Irwin Collection Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cane Back Armchairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs or dining captain chairs By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Sculpted wa...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid-Century Modern 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 vinyl upholstered seat...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cane Back Armchair
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern armchair or dining captain chair By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Sculpted walnut frame...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
$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
$2,000Sale Price / set|23% Off
Set of 6 Modern Parson Dining Chairs for Directional, puffy off-white
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 6 Modern Parson Dining Chairs made by Directional. Off-white in color Fully upholstered 4 arm-less chairs and 2 with arms. Armchairs: 22"w x 23"d x 37"h Regular chairs: 20"w x 23"d x 37"h Vladimir Kagan designed a number of pieces for the furniture company Directional, although we couldn't find more information if he designed these or not. These could very well be a set of one-off chairs. Manufacturer labels attached to the bottom "Directional Custom...
Upholstery
Set of Six Mid Century Dining Chairs Milo Baughman for Directional Model 332/333
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Set of six mid century dining chairs, designed by Milo Baughman for the Directional Furniture Company, circa 1950/70's. The set consists of four side, and two arm chairs, constructed...
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul Evans for Directional Mid Century Chrome Cantilever Dining Chair - Set of 6
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional Mid Century Chrome Cantilever Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 19.5 wide x 23 deep x 35 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 20...
Chrome
$3,847 / set
Directional Mid Century Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Directional Mid Century Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 18 wide x 19.25 deep x 44.25 high, with a seat height of 18 inches Each captains chair measures: 22 wid...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
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
Paul Evans for Directional PE-105/106 MCM Bronze Stalagmite Chairs - Set of 6
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional PE-105/106 Mid Century Bronze Stalagmite Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 21 wide x 23 deep x 32.5 high, with a seat height of 18 inches Eac...
Bronze
Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Dining Chairs with Caned Backs Directional , S/6
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1950s Set of Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Dining Chairs with Caned Backs. Set includes two armchairs and four side chairs, all with their original fabric seats in a dimensional...
Brass
$12,600Sale Price / set|30% Off
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
Paul McCobb Dining Chairs for Directional Set of Six
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Dining Chairs for Directional Set of Six, Four model-1080 Armless and Two model-1082 Arm Chairs, Solid Mahogany wood with Bow-Tie Backs, upholstered seats. Table and Cabi...
Mahogany
$1,568Sale Price / set|30% 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
Paul Evans for Directional Modern Parsons Upholstered Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of six Modern or Postmodern Parsons blue upholstered dining chairs By Paul Evans for Directional USA, Circa 1970s Measures: 19.5"W x 27"D x 40"H. Seat height: 20". ...
Upholstery, Wood
Paul Evans Mohair and Chrome Dining Chairs for Directional, 1970s
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Coronado, CA
A set of 6 cantilevered dining chairs designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional in the 1970s. The chairs feature a cantilevered chrome frame and newly upholstered emerald gr...
Steel, Chrome
Set of Eight Chrome Cityscape Dining Chairs by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Atlanta, GA
A nice set of eight cityscape dining chairs by Paul Evans for Directional, circa 1974. The set consists of two armchairs model PE-241 and six side chairs model PE-240. Chromed steel ...
Steel, Chrome
Paul Evans for Directional Modern Parsons Upholstered Side Chairs or Dining Chai
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Modern or Postmodern Parsons blue upholstered dining chairs By Paul Evans for Directional USA, Circa 1970s Measures: 19.5"W x 27"D x 40"H. Seat height: 20". Ve...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Set 6 Paul Evans for Directional Chrome Cantilever Dining Chairs, 1960
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
6 Paul Evans for Directional Chrome Cantilever Dining Chairs, 1960. 2 captain chairs and 4 side chairs. Original upholstery in good vintage condition. You can send your own COM pl...
Chrome
$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
Kipp Stewart for Directional Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kipp Stewart for Directional Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 18.5 wide x 22 deep x 37 high, with a seat height of 18 inches Each captains ch...
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional MCM Bleached Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs - 4
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Bleached Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 4 Each armless chair measures: 17.75 wide x 21 deep x 36 inches high, with a seat height/ch...
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs by Directional for Reupholstery - Set of 12
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs by Directional for Reupholstery - Set of 12 Elevate your dining experience with this set of 12 Mid Century Modern High Back Dining Chairs by Directi...
Fabric, Wood
$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 Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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
$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 Ico Parisi, Gio Ponti, Paul McCobb
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
$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
$5,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30 in W 23 in D 23 in
Outstanding Set of Six Milo Baughman Chrome Dining Chairs, Mid-Century Modern
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Outstanding set of six Milo Baughman chrome dining chairs. This set includes two armchairs with four of the more rare side chairs. They were reupholstered in the 1980s and still look...
Chrome, Steel
$1,568Sale Price / set|30% 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
$2,795 / set
H 31.5 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Spindle Back Dining Chairs, 4/Set
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Southampton, NJ
An exceptional set of iconic Mid-Century Modern solid Maple spindle back dining chairs by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s. Dimensions: 19.5"W x 19.5...
Maple
$4,347 / set
H 34.25 in W 16.5 in D 20.75 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 16.5 wide x 20.75 deep x 34.25 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 17.5 inches ...
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
$6,495 / set
H 36 in W 22.75 in D 25 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin's Irwin Collection Leather Dining Chairs - Set of 8
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin's Irwin Collection Mid Century Leather Dining Chairs - Set of 8 Each armless chair measures: 16.75 wide...
Leather, Wood
Milo Baughman Set of 8 Dining Chairs, c. 1986
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Dallas, TX
Super sleek and sexy set of eight dining arm chairs model #1277 by the iconic Mid-Century Modern designer Milo Baughman and produced by Thayer-Coggin, circa 1980s, handcrafted in Hig...
Upholstery, Wood
$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 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
Set of Six Milo Baughman Chrome Dining Chairs
By Milo Baughman
Located in Miami, FL
Set of six Milo Baughman chrome dining chairs.
Chrome
$5,400 / set
H 33 in W 22 in D 26 in
Set of Six Chrome Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs with Arm Milo Baughman Style
By Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of six Mid-Century Modern chrome dining chairs with ultra suede upholstery.
Chrome
Sold
H 44.25 in W 17.5 in D 16.75 in
Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut and Cane Back Dining Chairs - Set of 8
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale is this nice lot of 8 vintage chairs made by Milo Baughman for Directional
Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional Sculpted Walnut Armchairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs or dining captain chairs By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Elegant sculpted walnut frames, with upholstered seats and back...
Brass
Sold
H 34.25 in W 17 in D 20 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Sculpted Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful pair of Mid-Century Modern dining chairs or side chairs By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Elegant sculpted mahogany frames, with cane backs, and upholstered se...
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
Milo Baughman Set of Eight Dining Chairs for Directional, 1960s
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Hamburg, PA
A fabulous set of eight walnut dining chairs with cane-back accents. This set is in the original walnut finish and has not been refinished. The matching table made of teak, walnut, a...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 44.5 in W 18 in D 17 in
Set of Six Cane Back Dining Chairs by Milo Baughman for Directional c. 1970’s
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Classic 1970’s design dining chairs by Milo Baughman for Directional. This set includes two arm, and four side chairs, each with a dramatic dome top caned backrest, black vinyl seat ...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 34.25 in W 17 in D 20 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Sculpted Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful set of six Mid-Century Modern dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Elegant sculpted mahogany frames, with cane backs, and upholstered seats. ...
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
Sold
H 36 in W 18.5 in D 22 in
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mahogany and Brass Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful set of six Mid-Century Modern dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Directional, "Connoisseur Collection" USA, 1950s Elegant sculpted mahogany frames, with upholstere...
Brass
Sold
H 35.38 in W 22.5 in D 24 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Irwin Collection Mahogany and Woven Leather Armchair
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
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
Sold
H 34.5 in W 16.5 in D 20 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Sculpted Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A stunning set of six Mid-Century Modern dining chairs. By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Elegant sculpted solid...
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
Sold
H 35 in W 17.5 in D 20.5 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Bow Tie Dining Chairs, Set of Twelve
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of twelve Mid-Century Modern bow tie dining chairs. By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture. USA...
Upholstery, Walnut, Lacquer
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 35.25 in W 18.5 in D 21.75 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquered Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Ten
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of ten Mid-Century Modern dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Elegant sculpted bl...
Brass