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.
Paul Mccobb for Directional Walnut Slipper Chairs Model #1320
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Lynn, MA
Rare pair of Paul McCobb designed Model #1320 slipper chairs for Directional. Solid walnut frames with high quality performance treated boucle ( spill, stain and moisture resistant)...
Walnut
$7,000
H 41.5 in W 30 in D 32 in
Paul McCobb for Directional 314 Model High Back Lounge Chair in Grey Velvet
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have this absolutely gorgeous Paul McCobb for Directional, model 314 wingback lounge chair. This lounge chair is stunning-- very large in scale, and clad in fine cotton velvet that has a slight sheen. This gorgeous wingback was designed in the 1950's by Paul McCobb for Directional furniture, which is known for its high quality manufacturing. Many famed designers such as Milo Baughman, Paul Evans and even Vladimir Kagan have designed for Directional furniture, as it's truly a furniture dynasty producer of legacy furniture...
Velvet, Walnut
$2,847
H 31.5 in W 24.25 in D 26.5 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Lounge Chair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Lounge Chair This lounge chair measures: 24.25 wide x 26.5 deep x 31.5 high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height/chair cl...
Cane, Walnut
$10,049 / set
H 30.32 in W 28.35 in D 31.11 in
Pair of Mid-Century Lounge Chairs by Paul McCobb for Directional, 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Very comfortable and attractive pair of lounge chairs from the 1950s by Paul McCobb. The armchairs are newly upholstered and covered with a high-quality, off-white wool fabric. Mode...
Wool, Wood
$4,900Sale Price|50% Off
H 31.5 in W 81 in D 30 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Off-White Velvet Sofa, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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
Paul McCobb for Directional Slipper Chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A wonderful slipper chair designed by Paul McCobb for Directional circa 1960s. Great minimalist form and silhouette. Features tapered feed and slightly winged back.
Wrought Iron
$6,495 / set
H 36 in W 23 in D 20 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century walnut and cane dining chairs - set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 16.5 wide x 16.5 deep x 34.5 high, with a seat height of 17.25 inches...
Cane, Walnut
Paul McCobb Dining Chairs for Directional Set of Six
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Dining Chairs for Directional Set of Six, Four model-1080 Armless and Two model-1082 Arm Chairs, Solid Mahogany wood with Bow-Tie Backs, upholstered seats. Table and Cabi...
Mahogany
$3,000
H 34 in W 28 in D 31 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Model 1321 Lounge Chair in Walnut & Light Upholstery
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Paul McCobb, this chair was manufactured by Directional, who was one of many partners that McCobb worked with. A prolific designer, this chair is one of the best models o...
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional #1322 Upholstered Black Rim Lounge Chair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb for Directional Furniture 1322 lounge chair, loose seat cushion. Circa 1950s. Featuring a Black ebonized Walnut frame, tapered legs and comfortable curved and cushioned b...
Fabric, Walnut
$10,500 / set
H 33.5 in W 28.75 in D 34 in
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb Model-1321 Wing Lounge Chairs for Directional
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
$3,895 / set
H 30.5 in W 25 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Mid Century Modern Slipper Chairs by Paul McCobb Planner Group Restored
By Paul McCobb
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Mid Century Modern Sculptural Slipper Chairs by Paul McCobb Planner Group. Recovered in two contrasting but compatible fabrics. Totally rebuilt with refinished maple...
Fabric, Maple
Paul McCobb 312 Armchair for Directional
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Perfect slipper chair by Paul McCobb 312 Armchair for Directional in Maharam Mode: Saltwater. Reupholster in new fabric and foam. Great chair with clean understated lines. These c...
Upholstery
Sold
H 27.5 in W 29 in L 27.5 in
Arthur Umanoff Chrome Lounge/ Slipper Chairs and Ottoman for Directional, 1971
By Milo Baughman, Directional, Arthur Umanoff
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Unusual chrome frame slipper chairs and ottoman by Arthur Umanoff for Directional, 1971. Chrome tube sled base with cantilevered design. Very...
Chrome
Sold
H 28 in W 27.5 in D 35 in
Milo Baughman style Directional Leather Slipper Lounge Chairs 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. ...
Leather, Wood
Wanut Frame Slipper Chairs by Paul McCobb for Directional
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Westport, CT
Exceptional pair of chairs designed by Paul McCobb for Directional, circa 1950s. Newly upholstered in taupe velvet, walnut framed fully restored.
Velvet, Walnut
Stunning Pair of Paul McCobb Slipper Lounge Chairs with Walnut Trim
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Hudson, NY
Sleek and streamlined pair of Paul McCobb chairs. Epitome of 1950s modern design. Model 1322 slipper chair. Walnut detail and legs with a lo...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Paul McCobb Slipper Chairs in Grey Mohair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of slipper chairs by Paul McCobb for Directional, circa 1950s. Newly upholstered in grey mohair, walnut bases fully restored.
Mohair, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional Walnut Frame Slipper Chairs, Model 1320
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Westport, CT
Paul McCobb's most iconic design, model 1320 slipper chairs, circa 1950s. Walnut frames completely restored, newly upholstered in a off-white Maharam/Kvadrat Coda...
Twill, Walnut
Pair of Paul McCobb for Directional 1320 Slipper Chairs
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite pair of Mid-Century Modern slipper lounge chairs from the highly esteemed Directional collection, dating from the 1950s. The refinished chairs have been recovered in stunning soft champagne Kravet upholstery. The beautifully sculpted walnut wood frame has amazing lines and splayed back legs. The chairs are extremely comfortable. These are truly to die for pieces of American modern design. Throughout the years and many collaborations with different manufacturers that brought to life all his design endeavors, Directional is by far the highest quality manufacturer Paul McCobb collaborated with, producing furniture of the finest quality. In 1949, Directional furniture began as a line of upholstered chairs to complement Martin Feinman...
Fabric, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional Walnut Framed Slipper Chairs, Model 1320
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of chairs designed by Paul McCobb for Directional, circa 1950s. Walnut completely restored, newly re-upholstered in beige chenille.
Chenille, Walnut
Paul McCobb Chairs for Directional
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of slipper lounge chairs with slightly curved wingback form and tapered legs designed by Paul McCobb. Upholstered in a soft pale olive green mohair velvet with loose cushions.
Pair of Kipp Stewart White Leather Chairs and Ottoman
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
Located in North Miami, FL
Newly upholstered white leather on stainless steel frame. The two chairs and single ottoman are covered in leather, very comfortable and sturdy. Rare to come by a complete set. Otto...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Paul Mccobb for Directional
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Pair of slipper chairs by Paul McCobb for Directional.
Fabric