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
$2,695 / set
1980's Directional Waterfall Ottoman Set
By Directional
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of waterfall ottomans by Directional 1980's production fully restored in plush Auburn brown velvet.
Velvet, Wood
Kagan for Directional Midcentury Lounge Chairs with Ottoman, Pair
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Directional midcentury lounge chairs with ottoman - pair Each chair measures: 35.25 wide x 35.25 deep x 28....
Metal
Post Modern Directional Pouf Ottoman in Teddy Bear Camel Bouclé
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timelessly sexy and oh so versatile pouf ottoman by Directional professionally reupholstered in super soft camel color teddy bear bouclé with a high durability rating (over 50k doubl...
Bouclé, Upholstery
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
$6,400Sale Price / set|46% Off
Pair of Vladimir Attributed Lounge Chairs and Ottomans
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Vladimir attributed lounge chairs and ottomans, reupholstered with Italian Boucle. Preview Label on underside Measures: Ottoman H 17" W 24.75" D 22.5".
Bouclé, Upholstery
Milo Baughman Upside Down U Ottoman
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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
Post Modern Directional Pouf Ottoman in Ivory White Boucle
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timelessly sexy and oh so versatile pouf ottoman by Directional professionally reupholstered in soft ivory white boucle with a high durability rating (over 50k double rubs). Plush and comfortable, the poufs can be easily incorporated as ottomans with other designer pieces or stand on their own for that extra seat. Pair available. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Photographed with and also currently available in our shop- Pair of Preview Tri Leg Post Modern Armchairs...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Pair of Large Blue Velvet Ottomans by Directional
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large blue velvet ottomans by Directional.
Velvet
$2,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Stylish Pair of Waterfall Ottoman Benches by Directional, 1980s
By Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Sculptural pair of Directional waterfall ottomans. This pair will need to be reupholstered original fabric is worn and dated. They measure 17.5"t x 27"l x 17.5"d.
Upholstery
$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
$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
$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
Large Boucle Ottoman Pouf - Shearling sheepskin
By Emily Barbara
Located in Dural, AU
Get ready to get comfy and submerge into this luxurious and extra, extra large sheepskin ottoman or bean bag. Its impressive 180cm diameter siz...
Sheepskin
ONIX Organic Modern Set of 2 Poufs Ottomans in Dry Green Bouclé
Located in Viseu, PT
Like a talisman for the home, Onix pouf exudes quiet luxury and natural beauty. Onix is upholstered with a soft, textured bouclé from Fischbacher 1819, a Swiss family-owned company ...
Bouclé
$1,825Sale 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
$2,195 / set
H 20.5 in W 24.25 in D 16.5 in
Vintage Modern Waterfall Black Ottomans Kelly Wearstler Lee Jofa Fabric - a Set
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a striking pair of modern waterfall ottomans reupholstered in Kelly Wearstler’s Lee Jofa Modern Coquette fabric in Alabaster and Black. The sculptural ba...
Fabric, Hardwood
Vladimir Kagan for Directional "Hurricane" Lounge Chair
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vladimir Kagan for Directional "Hurricane" Lounge Chair. Outlandish and crazy! This one makes a statement! In it's original fleshy pink Boucle Fabric!
Upholstery
$5,901 / set
H 33.47 in W 25.99 in D 38.98 in
Rare Pair of Model 2254 Lounge Chairs by Børge Mogensen with Ottomans 1950s Wool
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Rare pair of Model 2254. ''Slaedestolen'' lounge chairs with matching pair of Model 2248. ottomans. Designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia in the 1950s. The Model 2254. lounge cha...
Leather, Wool, Oak
$10,500 / set
H 30 in W 28 in D 30 in
Gio Ponti Style Sculptural Pair of Mid Century Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
Located in Bernville, PA
Luxurious pair of midcentury lounge chairs and ottoman in the style of Selig Furniture Company. Professionally restored in a gloss finish and perfectly complimented with soft, cream ...
Leather, Walnut
$3,450 / set
H 36 in W 30.75 in D 31 in
Danish Modern Teak Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Denmark, circa 1970
By Maurice Villency, Arne Vodder
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful highback lounge chair with ottoman probably made around 1970 or early in that decade. It is Danish but we are unsure of the Designer and maker as it is unmarked. However, i...
Wool, Teak
GEMMA Striped Organic Modern Pouf Ottoman in Brick & Camel Velvet
Located in Viseu, PT
Like a talisman for the home, GEMMA velvet ottoman embodies elegance and modern sophistication. Its bold yet refined striped design is meticulously stitched by portuguese artisans, s...
Cotton, Velvet
Sold
H 18 in W 27.5 in D 17.25 in
A pair of directional "Waterfall" Upholstered Bench Ottomans after Springer
By Directional, Karl Springer
Located in Charleston, SC
Excellent curved waterfall benches Waterfall benches designed in the manner of Vladimir Kagan for Directional. These benches are not marked but the parsons style pillow top, was on...
Upholstery, Wood
Nautilus Ottomans by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. We also have two more available ready for reupholstery, as well as four Nautilus chairs by Directi...
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Style Apostrophe Ottomans by Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Manufactured by Directional in North Carolina. Vladimir Kagan style, upholstered in a nubby white boucle. Price is for the set. Contact us if you'd like to purchase a single item.
Bouclé
Sold
H 16.25 in W 28.5 in D 20 in
Pair of 'Corkscrew' Ottomans by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 'Corkscrew' ottomans by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980s / 90s signed with a Directional labels underneath. MEASUREMENTS: H 16.25" x W 28.5" x D 20"
Wood, Ultrasuede
Kipp Stewart Rosewood and Walnut Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
This is a beautiful and rare lounge chair and ottoman pairing designed by Kipp Stewart for Directional in 1960. Superb form and beautiful woods combine in this walnut frame chair wit...
Rosewood, Walnut
Sold
H 32 in W 28 in D 35 in
Kipp Stewart Directional Original Leather Stainless Steel Lounge Chair Ottoman
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Wow, original and buttery soft, off-white leather! On a polished and hefty stainless steel base. This super cool "Arc" lounge chair and ottoman, a complete and original matching set,...
Stainless Steel
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 Swivel Poufs Ottomans, 1970s
By Directional
Located in Westport, CT
Timelessly and organic set of poufs ottomans by Directional professionally reupholstered in high-end soft faux fur. Plush and comfortable, the poufs featu...
Faux Fur
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
Pair of Waterfall Benches in Ivory Bouclé by Directional, circa 1970s
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sculptural and modern 1970s Directional waterfall benches professionally reupholstered in soft ivory bouclé fabric and photographed with a pair o...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Pair of Waterfall Benches in Ivory Bouclé by Directional, circa 1970s
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sculptural and modern 1970s Directional waterfall benches professionally reupholstered in soft ivory bouclé fabric and photographed with a pair o...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Sold
H 28 in W 108 in D 78 in
Milo Baughman Style Directional Sectional Sofa, Chaise & Pouf Having Piled Base
By Directional
Located in Southampton, NJ
From a custom 1986 Hatteras Yacht installation, this one of a kind Directional design stands out amongst the rest. Having original cream leather throughout in wonderful condition. Pr...
Leather, Wood