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.
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Sofa, 1970s Modernist Design, USA 1970
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage large serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in the 1970s. This sculptural piece epitomizes Kagan’s mastery of organic, flowing forms, featuring a bold ki...
Fabric, Wood
$4,000Sale Price / set|50% Off
Mid Century Modern woven nubby cotton linen modular sectional sofa Directional
By Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern woven nubby cotton linen modular sectional sofa by Directional. Amazing upholstery on this sofa great for the beach house or house upstate. Large modular 9 section...
Cotton, Linen, Upholstery
Mid-Century Post Modern Curved L Shaped Cloud Sectional Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek & stunning L shaped sectional sofa with incredible design lines. This well built sofa is by Directional furniture, circa 1980s. It features the original fabric in a 3 separat...
Fabric
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 Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic Mid Century Modern Vladimir Kagan serpentine cloud sofa for Directional, USA circa 1970's. This highly collectable and des...
Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood
2 Piece Directional Sofa Designed by Paul Mccobb
By Paul McCobb, Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Bensalem, PA
Two piece directional sofa designed by Paul Mccobb smaller section is 62 inches feel free to reach out with any questions
Brass
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Cloud Sofa, 2000
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Clound Sofa, 2000’s. Sofa is original white micro suede. Has 2 round plinth bases and 1 lucite leg in middle. There are a couple stains on...
Upholstery
Cloud Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in Mohair
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Reupholstered in green mohair. Lucite leg on bottom in the middle. Tagged. A classic of postmodern design.
Mohair
Serpentine Style Sofa with Chrome Feet by Directional Furniture
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
Iconic, curved "Serpentine" style sofa by Directional Furniture. This left arm facing sofa with polished chrome feet, has been reupholstered by Venfield in a white Holly Hunt, indoo...
Chrome
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa & Pouf in Boucle and Brass, Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
Cue the spotlight and the swoon — because this signed Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa is not just iconic, it’s got range. From sultry curves to that double polished brass disc base, this D...
Brass
$6,280Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Directional Even Arm Sofa Jack Lenor Larsen Mid Century Modern
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Directional even arm sofa with Jack Lenor Larsen cut velvet fabric. This sofa is in very nice vintage condition with only light signs of wear. The original fabric is a ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Heavy Boucle
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
Step into the realm of luxury and design with this iconic Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa! Crafted with the finesse of a sculptor, this masterpiece is not just a piece of furniture; it's a...
Mohair
Luxurious 1980s Channel Tufted Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Raleigh, NC
Directional channel tufted sofa from the 1980s featuring asymmetric design with curved arm on one end and open chaise extension on the opposite end. Vertical channel tufting runs ac...
Velvet, Hardwood
Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofa in velvet for Directional USA 1999
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofa in velvet for Directional USA 1999 Incredible sculptural lounge sofa, designed by renowned designer Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the U...
Chrome
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
1980s Curved Post Modern Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning near mint condition 1980's Biomorphic Kidney Bean sofa by Directional. Comes in it's original upholstery, purchased from the original owner ...
Upholstery, Wood, Bentwood
Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, United States, 1980s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Antwerp, BE
A masterpiece of mid-century modern design, the Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa embodies the fluid elegance that defines his work. Its sweeping, organic silhouette invites both comfor...
Velvet
1980s Directional Five-Piece Chrome Frame Modular Sofa in Élitis Cotton Velvet
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning 1980s five-piece modular designer sofa by Directional, newly restored from the inside out. Each module is encased in polished chrome that defines the piece’s bold silhouet...
Chrome
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Marilyn Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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
Vladimir Kagan, Directional, Mid-Century Modern, Serpentine Cloud Sofa, Velvet
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Stamford, CT
Vladimir Kagan, Directional, Mid-Century Modern, Curved Cloud Sofa, Beige Velvet, Lucite, USA, 1980s The Cloud Sofa, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the 19...
Velvet, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan “Arc” Sofa for Directional, 1990s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan “Arc” Sofa for Directional, 1990s, fully restored in a wool velvet. Very good condition
Velvet
$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
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa, Directional, in Chinoiserie Tiger Velvet
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
This Vladimir Kagan Cloud sofa is divine! This is not just any sofa; it's a fantastical journey into the world of design where comfort meets chic in the most delightful way possible...
Velvet
$6,280Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Directional Biscuit Tufted Party Sofa Midcentury
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Milo Baughman style Directional biscuit tufted party sofa. This sofa was re-upholstered about 15 years ago and would be best-redone again-few pulls to the front of the ar...
Upholstery
Pair of Taupe Linen Modern Sofas from a Steve Chase Residence Illuminated Base
By Directional, Steve Chase
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Yes… they are amazing. The provenance doesn't get any better than this: A all-original penthouse in Rancho Mirage designed by the late design icon, Steve Chase. We spent over $4000 on new, high end European linen blend fabric and reupholstering these the way they deserved to be. The taupe tanish/silver linen fabric has a high end almost metallic sheen to it. The left and right pair of sofas were designed and made by Directional in the 1980s. . They look very much in the style of Kagan or Springer. The part that makes them so chic is the end with a curved chaise...
Linen
20th Century American Directional Sofa - Vintage Curved Settee by Vladimir Kagan
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A half-round, vintage Mid-Century Modern American three seater sofa or settee with four pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat back rest of the divano is curved with a wide armrest, supported by two round wooden bases. Newly upholstered in a white cotton fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1950 - 1970, United States. The sofa belong to the Broadway theatre...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Wood
$4,900Sale Price|50% Off
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 Mid Century Angle Arm Sofa
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Angle Arm Sofa This sofa measures:76.5 wide x 33 deep x 33.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16.5 and arm he...
Upholstery, Wood
Curvy Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa with Lucite Base
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Bensalem, PA
Original Vladimir Kagan serpentine sofa with original Directional tags please feel free to reach out with any questions
Upholstery
Pair of Postmodern Sofas by Directional Furniture, 1980
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional furniture model 4760L & 4760R sofas. Opposite swooping backs with big chunky bases. Newly upholstered.
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan “Cloud” Sofa Reupholstered in 100% Alpaca
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s in excellent, restored condition
Alpaca
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Curved Walnut Four Seat Sofa, From Calvin Group mid 50s.
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Dublin 8, IE
This is a very rare and early piece from the Paul McCobb range and not only that but it's also extremely elegant with wonderful yet simple lines and flourishes throughout. The walnut...
Textile, Walnut
$7,912Sale Price|20% Off
Newly Upholstered Wingback Sofa 1307 by Paul McCobb for Directional, US, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Berlin, DE
Paul McCobb sofa model 1307 for Directional features a slight winged back resting on a maple frame that gives the sofa a floating look with loose cushions on seat and back. Newly reu...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Maple
$12,000 / item
Larry Laslo for Directional Down Sofa, Pair Available
By Directional, Larry Laslo
Located in New York, NY
Modernist sofa designed by Larry Laslo for Directional featuring new Italian Ivory Boucle fabric. Back and seat feature cushions which are ...
Upholstery, Wood, Down
Channeled Art Deco Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Extremely rare piece by Directional. Reupholstered in blue Maharam Gemma wool.
Wool
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid-Century Modern Sofa with Brass Cross Stretcher
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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
$16,901Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
20th Century American Lucite Four Seater Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern American four seater Serpentine sofa with two pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat backrest of the...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Lucite
1980s Weiman Curved Serpentine Sofa and Swivel Chairs, 3 Pieces
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Original rare set of 3, 1980s Iconic serpentine cloud sofa and swivel chairs are packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout the monumental form. The Vintage complete set are beyond stunning. Beautiful colors in ultra suede light...
Upholstery, Wood
Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Hurricane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional c. 1990s. USA. Reupholstered in white boucle fabric.
Bouclé
Silver Grey Metallic Leopard Modern Sculptural Sofa
By Directional
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We took an amazing 1980s sofa by Directional and found a spectacular metallic silver gray leopard velvet fabric to redo it in. The result is a sp...
Fabric
Vintage Cloud Sofa in the manner of Directional Furniture, 1990s Cool Fabric
By Directional
Located in Hamburg, PA
This vintage 1990s Serpentine Cloud Sofa offers a timeless design with its supple, soft fabric, ready to enhance any living space. Inspired by the iconic st...
Ultrasuede