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.
Sculptural Swivel Lounge Chairs by Michael Wolk for Directional 1997
By Directional
Located in North Miami, FL
These amazing fully restored pair of Michael Wolk sculptural swivel side or lounge chairs are stunning. These were designs by Michael Work for Directional in 1997. They have been new...
Stainless Steel
$6,790 / item
H 33 in W 24 in D 34 in
Midcentury, Line Lounge Chair by Michael van Beuren, Walnut & Velvet, by LUTECA
By Michael van Beuren, Luteca Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Line lounge chair was designed in circa 1945 by Michael van Beuren, an American who trained at Germany's prestigious Bauhaus school and then immigrated to Mexico to become one of the most successful and sought after furniture designers of the 20th century. The Line chair has a distinctly Latin American flavor with its curved legs whilst honoring the international style...
Velvet, Walnut
Pair of Michael Wolk for Directional Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Michael Wolk
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Michael Wolk for Directional Swivel Lounge Chairs
Upholstery
Milo Baughman Swivel Chairs for Directional, 1980
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman Swivel Chairs for Directional, 1980. Original pink and grey post modern upholstery with upholstered plinth base.
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan For Directional Swivel Lounge Chairs In Velvet
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in New York, NY
Amazing pair of 1980's Vladimir Kagan design for Directional swivel lounge chairs, the chairs were purchased from the original owner who got them from the Vladimir Kagan showroom in ...
Velvet
1970s Directional Pair of Swivel Lounge Chairs in Ivory Velvet
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
1970s Directional pair of ivory velvet swivel lounge chairs with slightly curved backs and seats which tilt back and forth and swivel on upholstered round base. These chic swivel lou...
Velvet, Wood
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair This chair measures: 26 wide x 27 deep x 31 high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height/chair clearance of 22.5 inches ...
Upholstery, Walnut
$4,105 / item
H 32.5 in W 30 in D 34.25 in
Modernist Mexican San Miguel Lounge Chair by Michael van Beuren from Luteca
By Michael van Beuren, Luteca Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The San Miguel lounge chair is a timeless mid-century Mexican piece inspired by the classic Latin American Butaque chair famed by the likes of 20th Century Mexican architect Luis Barragan and Industrial Designer Clara Porset. Michael van Beuren, an American born designer trained at Germany's famous Bauhuas school, produced this award winning piece in 1941 for the MoMA's Organic Design Exhibition in New York along with it's sister-design, the Alacran Chaise...
Teak
Michael Wolk "Miami" Swivel Loung Chair on Casters
By Michael Wolk
Located in Miami, FL
Iconic Michael Wolk designed Miami lounge chair. The chair sits on five casters and maintains its original Eggplant upholstery which is in excellent condition for age and use. Whi...
Fabric
$3,040Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30 in W 35 in D 36 in
Lovely Pair of Directional Croissant Swivel Lounge Chair Mid-Century
By Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Lovely pair of Directional croissant barrel back swivel chairs. This pair will need to be reupholstered as the original fabric is worn and dated. They measure 30"T x 35"W x 36"D with...
Upholstery
Pair Of Michael Wolk Style Swivel Chairs
By Michael Wolk
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Michael Wolk Style Swivel Chairs. This stunning pair of swivel chairs, lounge chairs, club chairs, or tub chairs inspired by the Michael Wolk Miami design are most comfortabl...
Wood
$5,450 / set
H 32 in W 30 in D 32 in
1990s Post Modern Muave Swivel Chairs by Michael Wolk for Directional, Set of 2
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most iconic swivel chairs you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful chairs are statement piece and very comfortable. The award-winning Miami Swivel...
Upholstery, Wood
$11,250 / set
H 33 in W 34.5 in D 31 in
Re-Upholstered Michael Wolk for Directional Swivel Chairs, A Pair, Post-Modern
By Directional, Michael Wolk
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of Michael Wolk-designed "Miami" chairs. This beautiful set of swivel chairs were designed by Miami-based New York designer Michael Wolk. Th...
Textile, Wood
Pair of Kipp Stewart for Directional Lounge Chairs
By Directional, Kipp Stewart
Located in Norwalk, CT
Great modern lines on this pair of lounge chairs designed by the notable designer, Kipp Stewart, for Directional. An outstanding partnership that combined elegant design with fine qu...
Upholstery
Paul Evans Pair of Upholstered Cantilevered Side Chairs, 1977
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of side chairs, cantilevered with polished chrome bases and upholstered seats and backs, by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture, Collection 77, American, 1977. Newly reupholste...
Chrome
Sold
H 27 in W 29 in D 29 in
MCM Arthur Umanoff for Directional Chrome Sled Lounge Chair Newly Upholstered
By Directional, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff for directional chrome base sled lounge chair newly upholstered in designer “ice-gold” metallic leathe...
Chrome
1980s Luxe Modern Ultrasuede Dining Chairs by Directional
By Directional
Located in Miami, FL
REDUCED FROM $4,850...Set of four 1980s sculptural dining chairs by Directional with original bone ultra suede upholstery. Elegant and plush. Tagged directional custom collection and...
Ultrasuede
Sold
H 33.86 in W 20.87 in D 25.99 in
Paul Evans, "Cityscape" Group of Eight Dining Chairs, White Fabric, circa 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in High Point, NC
A set of eight "Cityscape" dining chairs in mirror sheet metal and fabric. The group consists of two armchairs and six regular chairs, all mounted on castors. This set of dining chai...
Mirror, Wood, Fabric
Set of Six Rare Cantilevered Chairs with Chrome Bases by Paul Evans
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of six dining chairs, cantilevered with polished chrome bases and upholstered seats, by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture, Collection 77, American, 1977, (original label on bo...
1980s Vladimir Kagan Modern Dining Chairs for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Miami, FL
Reduced from $4800. Set of four 1980s sculptural dining chairs by Vladimir Kagan, designed for Directional with original bone ultra suede upholstery. Elegant and plush. Tagged Direc...
Upholstery
Paul McCobb Occasional Lounge Chairs
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant modernist pair of occasional armchairs or side chairs with cane backs designed by Paul McCobb. This pair is larger than the similar "captain" dining chair. Restored.
A Set of Eleven Chairs by Paul Evans
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
A set of eleven chairs by Paul Evans for Directional with original leather and loose seat cushion and walnut frame. * Can be sold separately or as a set. Pricing reflects one chair.
Leather, Walnut