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Directional Footstools

​​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.

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Creator: Directional
Pair of Directional Post Modern Poufs Ottomans in Curly Camel Teddy Bear Fabric
Pair of Directional Post Modern Poufs Ottomans in Curly Camel Teddy Bear Fabric

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...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Footstools

Materials

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Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman

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)

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Footstools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Blue Leather and Walnut Ottoman
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Blue Leather and Walnut Ottoman

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.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Footstools

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

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Previously Available Items
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Directional footstools for sale on 1stDibs.

Directional footstools are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Directional footstools, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original footstools by Directional were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider footstools by Knoll, Thayer Coggin, and Paul McCobb. Prices for Directional footstools can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,800 and can go as high as $7,600, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,800.
Questions About Directional Footstools
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    While a pear-shaped ring can be worn either way, most commonly it is worn with the tip of the diamond facing upwards to look like a falling teardrop when the hand is raised. This also helps create the impression of longer fingers.