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.
$4,680Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Directional Biscuit Tufted Party Loveseat Sofa Modern
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Milo Baughman style Directional biscuit tufted party loveseat sofa. This sofa was re-upholstered about 15 years ago and would be best redone again-light wear to seat and ...
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Newly and professionally reupholstered Post Modern Nautilus sofa in ivory white bouclé by acclaimed designer Vladimir Kagan and made by Directional circa 1990. Known for his love of ...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Marilyn Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post modern Vladimir Kagan Marilyn Sofa by Directional for Vladimir Kagan in new ivory white bouclé upholstery. Whimsical and happy, Kagan's Marilyn line...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid-Century Modern Sofa with Brass Cross Stretcher
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
1950s Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Directional sofa on tapered legs with round brass stretcher from front to back and side to side. Drop arm detail, older floral upholstery ne...
Upholstery, Wood
$7,400Sale Price|20% Off
Blush Pink Boucle Sculptural Sofa by Directional, circa 1980
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
One look at this sofa, and you're hooked. The perfect pink blush-tone bouclé fabric and the soft, inviting curves are so seductive. It evokes a warm, loving feeling that is soothing, welcoming and inviting - like a blush rose. You can't help but to cheer up...
Bouclé
Vintage Postmodern Teal Leather Loveseat by Directional Furniture. Circa 1980s.
By Directional
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Postmodern Teal Leather Loveseat by Directional Furniture. Circa 1980s. Features a quintessential 1980s postmodern lines design, upholstered in the original pastel teal prem...
Leather
$4,851Sale Price|50% Off
H 31.5 in W 81 in D 30 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Off-White Velvet Sofa, 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Miami, FL
Reupholstered Mid-Century Modern model 1307 light cream velvet sofa by Paul McCobb for Directional. The couch has been recovered in a gorgeous neutra...
Velvet, Mahogany
Vladimir Kagan Swan Back Sofa
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vladimir Kagan Swan back Sofa faux leather and steel
Upholstery
$10,852 / item
H 28.35 in W 86.62 in D 44.1 in
Twins Curved Sofa by Rute Martins for Greenapple, White Bouclé and Oak
By Rute Martins, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
The Twins curved sofa by Rute Martins for Greenapple, in white bouclé on a plinth of natural American oak, satin. Handcrafted in Portugal. W 220 x D 112 x H 72 cm (86.6 x 44.1 x 28.3...
Bouclé, Wood, Upholstery, Oak
$16,449Sale Price|20% Off
H 25.99 in W 143.71 in D 34.65 in
Heide Rolf Elegant Vintage Wood and Bouclé Sofa for ICF
By ICF Milano 1
Located in Milano, IT
Rare and beautiful 7-seater sofa designed in the 1960s by Heide Rolf for the fine ICF production. The sofa consists of 7 seats in total and a coffee table. The frame is entirely ma...
Bouclé, Wood
$16,404Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 78.75 in D 35.44 in
Rare New Upholstered Beige Paul McCobb Set for Directional, USA - 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Berlin, DE
Early 1950s Paul McCobb Set for Directional, newly upholstered in Dedar Fabric. The measurements given apply to the sofa. The Lounge Chair measures: D9...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Paul McCobb Pagoda Blue Fabric Mid Century Modern Sofa
By Paul McCobb
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A vintage Paul McCobb "Pagoda" sofa. This is a very beautiful example of a mid century modern sofa featuring a gorgeous textured blue fabric upholstery, and a classic wood frame with...
Fabric, Wood
Vladimir Kagan "Zoe" Sofa, 2000s
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning and sophisticated serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan for American Leather circa 2000s. This piece has been masterfully reupholstered: the front back and the bottom band fea...
Fabric
$28,500
H 29 in W 138 in D 50 in
Vladimir Kagan 11.5 Ft Iconic Serpentine Sofa Manufactured by Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An extraordinary 11½-foot Serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional, representing one of the most iconic and recognizable designs in American Mid-Cen...
Fabric, Lucite, Wood
$9,500
H 29 in W 95 in D 45 in
Vintage Curved Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1980s
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional in the 1980s. Great flowing lines with signature disc bases and thick lucite center support. Fabric is origi...
Fabric, Wood
$2,995 / set
H 35.75 in W 23 in D 24 in
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
$1,542Sale Price|50% Off
H 34.65 in W 57.88 in D 31.5 in
Mid-century Modern Italian Curved Small Sofa 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Curved sofa from the 1950s, Italian production. Original upholstery of the time, we recommend replacing the fabric.
Velvet, Beech
$5,995 / set
H 34 in W 68 in D 41 in
Baker Furniture Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Tufted Sofas or Loveseats, Pair
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A pair of gorgeous and very comfortable Mid-Century Hollywood Regency tufted sofas or loveseats By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Me...
Upholstery, Wood
1980s Italian Leather Loveseat by Nicoletti Salotti
By Nicoletti Salotti
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
A sculptural Italian leather loveseat by Nicoletti Salotti, showcasing the relaxed, oversized proportions and soft architectural lines associated with European postmodern seating of ...
Leather
$6,768Sale Price|38% Off
H 31.25 in W 92 in D 48 in
Vladimir Kagan for American Leather 'Zoe' Sofa in Grey Alcantara, Signed
By American Leather, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular example of Vladimir Kagan design was produced by American Leather in 2012, in its original Alcantara (ultrasuede) in a medium grey color called 'Otter', signed under...
Ultrasuede
Swedish Gustavian Loveseat Sofa
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian loveseat sofa. it has been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" All new cushion and Muslin added.
Birch
Sold
H 29 in W 82 in D 37 in
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Newly and professionally reupholstered Post Modern Nautilus sofa in ivory white bouclé by acclaimed designer Vladimir Kagan and made by Directional circa 1980. Known for his love of ...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Sold
H 29 in W 94 in D 48 in
Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofa in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofa was produced by Directional Furniture in the 1980s and was just newly reupholstered in a gorgeous nubby bouclé fabric, and is signed unde...
Bouclé, Lucite
Sold
H 29 in W 82 in D 37 in
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Newly and professionally reupholstered Post Modern Nautilus sofa in ivory white bouclé by acclaimed designer Vladimir Kagan and made by Directional circa 1980. Known for his love of ...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Loveseats by Larry Laslo for Directional, Pair
By Larry Laslo, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century Modern Channel back loveseat by Larry Laslo for directional newly reupholstered in a burnt orange mohair - pair A stunning and un...
Mohair
Sold
H 29 in W 94 in D 48 in
Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofa in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofa was produced by Directional Furniture in the 1980s and was just newly reupholstered in a gorgeous nubby bouclé fabric, and is signed underneath with Directional label and has the lucite center support leg. The color of the bouclé is a very light oatmeal color - close to ivory and off-white. In brighter light settings it appears to be white but in darker or regular room settings you can see the slight tan color it possesses. We've searched for years for the best bouclé fabric and this one is quite exquisite, with bigger and softer pile and thicker backing than all the others we have found. *NOTE, the Philip & Kelvin LaVerne 'Chan' cocktail table shown in the photos is not priced in this set however is available for purchase in another listing. In addition, we have a matching ottomans on casters, three 'Corkscrew' swivel club chairs and other configurations of the 'Cloud' sofas, contact with questions and for more details. Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and classic always-in-demand 'Cloud' sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. This pair of sofas feature the pouf / ottoman on the right side (if you are sitting on the sofas) which allow you to face the sofas towards each other in a Yin / Yang formation. Also both sofas are the style with the more in-demand 'center back' vs the style which has the 'wrap around arm'. This particular style is more rare and desirable so having both sofas with this style is difficult to achieve as they are harder to find. If you need a different configuration contact us as we have other Cloud sofas in stock that are ready to be reupholstered. Collectors and designers, it's hard to find a matching pair together - here's your opportunity, but hurry - this design is hot and sell fast as they are a staple for interior designers looking to create a magazine cover interior. This Vladimir Kagan cloud sofa is so popular today with interior designers and collectors - the demand for Kagan's designs keep growing year after year. There is something timeless about the shape and silhouette of this couch and the comfort level is through the roof. Combine this was the on-trend off-white / oatmeal boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness. This Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved Cloud sofa...
Bouclé, Lucite
Directional Post Modern Sofa with Rounded Arms
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Love this shape. In excellent condition but I recommend a deep cleaning or new upholstery. The cushions are still nice and firm. I think this was made by Directional based on the de...
Textile
Sold
H 29 in W 94 in D 48 in
Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofas in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular pair of Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofas were produced by Directional in circa 1980 and were newly reupholstered in a gorgeous nubby bouclé fabric, both sofas signed underneath with Directional labels and have lucite center support legs. The color of the bouclé is a very light oatmeal color - close to ivory and off-white. In brighter light settings it appears to be white but in darker or regular room settings you can see the slight tan color it possesses. We've searched for years for the best bouclé fabric and this one is quite exquisite, with bigger and softer pile and thicker backing than all the others we have found. *NOTE, the Philip & Kelvin LaVerne 'Chan' cocktail table shown in the photos is not priced in this set however is available for purchase in another listing. Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and classic always-in-demand 'Cloud' sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. This pair of sofas feature the pouf / ottoman on the right side (if you are sitting on the sofas) which allow you to face the sofas towards each other in a Yin / Yang formation. Also both sofas are the style with the more in-demand 'center back' vs the style which has the 'wrap around arm'. This particular style is more rare and desirable so having both sofas with this style is difficult to achieve as they are harder to find. If you need a different configuration contact us as we have other Cloud sofas in stock that are ready to be reupholstered. Collectors and designers, it's hard to find a matching pair together - here's your opportunity, but hurry - these matched pairs sell fast as they are a staple for interior designers looking to create a magazine cover interior. *This listing is priced for the pair of sofas, if you wish to only purchase a single see our other listings for these sofas individually priced or contact us. These Vladimir Kagan cloud sofas are so popular today with interior designers and collectors - the demand for Kagan's designs keep growing year after year. There is something timeless about the shape and silhouette of this couch and the comfort level is through the roof. Combine this was the on-trend off-white / oatmeal boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness. These Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved Cloud sofas...
Bouclé, Lucite
Sold
H 29 in W 82 in D 37 in
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Newly and professionally reupholstered Post Modern Nautilus sofa in ivory white bouclé by acclaimed designer Vladimir Kagan and made by Directional circa...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Sold
H 29 in W 97 in D 48 in
Vladimir Kagan for Directional 'Cloud' Sofas in New Nubby Bouclé, c 1980, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular pair of Vladimir Kagan 'Cloud' sofas were produced by Directional in circa 1980 and were newly reupholstered in a gorgeous nubby bouclé fabric, both sofas signed underneath with Directional labels and have lucite center support legs. *NOTE, the Philip & Kelvin LaVerne 'Chan' cocktail table shown in the photos is not priced in this set however is available for purchase in another listing. The color of the bouclé is a very light oatmeal color - close to ivory and off-white. In brighter light settings it appears to be white but in darker or regular room settings you can see the slight tan color it possesses. We've searched for years for the best bouclé fabric and this one is quite exquisite, with bigger and softer pile and thicker backing than all the others we have found. Kagan, inspired by his early 1950s Kagan-Dreyfuss 'Serpentine' sofa and his later 'Shorty' sofa, designed his popular and classic always-in-demand 'Cloud' sofa for Directional Furniture with all of its sensuous Post-Modern curves and signature lucite bar fitted between two cylindrical bases. Each sofa has a different back style, one which wraps around one side and the other centralized. Having both styles together in the same room was the signature look that Kagan made popular - a beautiful way to creatively signify how two separate individuals, while different, can live harmoniously together. If you need a different configuration contact us as we have other Cloud sofas in stock that are ready to be reupholstered. Collectors and designers, it's hard to find a matching pair together - here's your opportunity, but hurry - these matched pairs sell fast as they are a staple for interior designers looking to create a magazine cover interior. *This listing is priced for the pair of sofas, if you wish to only purchase a single see our other listings for these sofas individually priced or contact us. These Vladimir Kagan cloud sofas are so popular today with interior designers and collectors - the demand for Kagan's designs keep growing year after year. There is something timeless about the shape and silhouette of this couch and the comfort level is through the roof. Combine this was the on-trend off-white / oatmeal boucle fabric - and this sofa is a recipe for exquisiteness. These Vladimir Kagan for Directional curved...
Bouclé, Lucite
Sold
H 29 in W 82 in D 37 in
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Newly and professionally reupholstered Post Modern Nautilus sofa in ivory white bouclé by acclaimed designer Vladimir Kagan and made by Directional circa...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Directional Serpentine Brown Sofa
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Wayne, NJ
Vladimir Kagan Directional brown sofa.
Fabric
Sold
H 27.5 in W 58 in D 29 in
Directional Furniture Arthur Umanoff Midcentury Chrome Loveseat Settee Sofa
By Directional, Arthur Umanoff
Located in West Hartford, CT
Designed by Arthur Umanoff for Directional Furniture in 1971, this loveseat features tubular chrome steel for its frame with the floatin...
Metal, Steel
Sold
H 30 in W 70 in D 35 in
Mid-Century Modern White Channel Seat Chaise Lounge in White by Directional
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning chaise lounge or loveseat with incredible design lines. This well built chaise is by Directional furniture, circa 1970s. It features a ribbed channel seating area with fin...
Fabric, Wood
Paul McCobb for Directional Settee in Maple and Mohair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Luxurious Paul McCobb settee with maple tapered legs in two-tone mohair upholstery (frame is a blue gray mohair with a subtle green undertone and cushions are a light charcoal mohair...
Mohair, Maple
Paul McCobb for Directional Loveseat
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Rare loveseat designed by Paul McCobb for Directional, circa 1950s. Newly upholstered in taupe linen, base fully restored to its original e...
Linen, Walnut