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 Directional Post Modern Poufs Ottomans in Curly Camel Teddy Bear Fabric
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timelessly sexy pair of poufs ottomans by Directional professionally reupholstered in soft camel teddy bear fabric rated highly durable. Upholstered pouf rests atop a channeled upholstered...
Upholstery, Faux Fur
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century rectangular ottoman with a black vinyl upholstered top resting on a walnut base with tapered legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR DIRECTIONAL)
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Pair of Large Blue Velvet Ottomans by Directional
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large blue velvet ottomans by Directional.
Velvet
Milo Baughman Upside Down U Ottoman
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman Upside Down U Ottoman with solid brass foot supports, Reupholstered with Knoll Aegean Boucle.
Brass
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Blue Leather and Walnut Ottoman
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular ottoman with a blue leather upholstered seat resting on a walnut frame with tapered legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR DIRECTIONAL) Leather is cracking.
Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
$387Sale Price|50% Off
H 18 in W 26.5 in D 27.5 in
Pair Staple Ottoman Footstools in the style of Milo Baughman
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Fraser, MI
Pair 1970's ottoman footstools in the style of Directional. Original fabric.
Fabric
$22,000 / set
H 17 in Dm 39.375 in
Franck Evennou, Pouf Trèfle, Set of 3 Ottomans, Bronze, France, 2020
By Franck Evennou
Located in New York, NY
Franck Evennou has a poetic language inspired by nature, and by all subjects that carry the residue of their pasts. His works, particularly in bronze, possess a powerful nostalgic quality, capturing in sculptural permanence the ephemeral beauty of a faint memory or a story half-forgotten. An aesthetic bridge between Evennou's earlier work and his newer pieces in bronze, this set of three conjoining ottomans, set upon triangular feet...
Alabaster, Bronze
Modern Leather Arch Base Ottoman
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern leather arch base ottoman. Crafted in rich brown leather, this ottoman is accented with small brass nailhead trim. The unique open decorative arched base makes this small st...
Leather
$1,188 / item
H 15.95 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Contemporary Sculptural Pouf by WOO - Ottoman DROVA 4 - Wool fabric
By Dmitriy Kozinenko
Located in Kyiv, UA
Ottoman pouf Drova 4, a versatile and stylish addition to your living space. Handcrafted with precision in Ukraine, this cube pouf embodies the perfect fusio...
Steel
De Sede Deep Tan Leather Patchwork Ottoman, 1970s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous deep tan-colored leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork. Handmade with wonderful faded patina. Gorgeous accent piece. Good vintage condition. W...
Leather
Taylor King MCM Ottoman Footstool
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 MCM Upholstered...
Cotton
$1,250 / set
H 16.5 in W 19.25 in D 13.5 in
Pair of Italian Mid Century Modern Zebra Hide Stool Ottomans
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
A stylish pair of vintage 1970's ottomans featuring dark-finished tapered legs and authentic zebra hide upholstery. These sculptural pieces are ideal as footstools or as flexible "ta...
Animal Skin, Wood
$1,188 / item
H 16.15 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Ottoman pouf DROVA 4 - Choose your fabric, Soft Sculptural Seat, Artful style
By Dmitriy Kozinenko
Located in Kyiv, UA
Ottoman Pouf Drova 4 – A Stylish and Functional Accent for Modern Interiors The Ottoman Pouf Drova 4 is a versatile and stylish addition to any living sp...
Fabric, Plywood, Foam
$1,806Sale Price / item|25% Off
H 15 in W 25.5 in D 15 in
Contemporary Repose Ottoman Footstool Black Smoke Steel & Natural Leather
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Repose contemporary ottoman and footstool belongs to a collection of minimalist and serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as the hand-turn...
Brass, Steel
Pair of Dunbar Style Ottomans with Brass Legs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic midcentury ottomans or foot stools. Very heavy and thick brass legs, in the style of Dunbar.
Brass
$6,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 16 in W 25.5 in D 25.5 in
Pair of Karl Springer Soufflé Ottomans or Poufs
By Karl Springer
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Karl Springer Soufflé ottomans or poufs Note: Polished steel bases on castors - showing reflection of floor on bases.
Upholstery
De Sede Black Leather Patchwork Ottoman, 1960s Switzerland
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sophisticated black leather pouf/ottoman by Swiss designer De Sede with square patchwork. Handmade with wonderful faded patina. Gorgeous accent pie...
Leather
Pair of Directional Waterfall Stools, 1990
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Waterfall Stools by Directional, 1990s. Original upholstery in great condition.
Upholstery
Pair of Poufs by Directional
By Directional
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of 1980’s ottoman poufs designed by Directional. Newly recovered in a jersey fabric. Measurements: 24” Diameter, 18” High.
Fabric, Foam
Pair of Directional Poufs Ottomans in Ivory White Bouclé
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timelessly sexy pair of poufs ottomans by Directional professionally reupholstered in soft ivory white bouclé with high durability rating. Plush and comfortable, the poufs can be eas...
Bouclé