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.
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
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Corkscrew Swivel Chairs - Pair
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Corkscrew Swivel Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 35 wide x 32 deep x 29 high, with a seat height o...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Channel Back Swivel Lounge Chairs by Directional, 1970s
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century modern walnut swivel chairs manufactured by Directional during the 1970s. Beautifully restored, these sculptural lounge chairs showcase the bold yet inviting design langu...
Fabric, Walnut
1980s Directional Kagan Black Microsuede and Leather Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, chairs you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it be...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
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
Pair Mid-Century Modern Jack Larsen Style Directional Sedgefield Swivel Chairs
By Directional, Sedgefield
Located in Wayne, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Eye-catching 360 Swivel Lounge Chairs By Directional Design for Sedgefield with a Paisley Jack Lenor Larsen Style Fabric .
Upholstery
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in cozy Ivory Boucle. Corkscrew shape with sloped back and scrolled arm. The Nautilus chairs swivel making them a good choice for open floor plans - you may align your sight with any person or object in the room simply with a gentle swivel. Matching contoured Ottoman is on casters and seamlessly rolls into place like a puzzle piece inviting you to relax and put your feet up with a good book or a glass of your favorite vino. Fabric is highly durable; it's texture provides for ventilation to keep warm in winter and cool in summer. 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. Nautilus Swivel Chairs: 36” W x 33” D x 29” H (Seat Height 17”) Ottoman: 33” W x 21” D x 17” H Photographed along with and also currently available in our shop: Post Modern Karl Springer Style ottoman...
Bouclé
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Ivory Bouclé Swivel Chairs & Ottoman for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post modern pair of Vladimir Kagan tilt and swivel chairs for directional with custom en suite ottoman newly reupholstered in soft luxurious ivory white bouclé. Modern. Plush. Sexy. Uber comfy. These are large statement piece swivel chairs. Come to Momma. Take the weight of the world off in uber luxurious modern comfort. Curvy plush over sized arm rests envelop you like a mink stole. Tilt back and take a deep breath or sit side saddle and recline your legs. Swivel about with your best scotch. Super soft ivory bouclé fabric ventilates well - cozy in winter and cool in summer. These Vladimir Kagan swivel lounge chairs are perfect for a Malibu beach...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Directional Mid Century Barrel Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Directional mid century barrel swivel lounge chairs These chairs measure: 28 wide x 33 deep x 26 inches high, with a seat height of 19 inches We take our photos in a controlled lig...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Directional Post Modern Swivel Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Stylish, sculptural and incredibly comfortable pair of tilt and swivel wide seat lounge chairs by Directional. Our shop has carried several Directional and Vladimir Kagan style lounge chairs...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Directional Mid Century Swivel Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Directional Mid Century Swivel Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 32 wide x 35 deep x 29.5 high, with a seat height of 17 inches Chairs have Holes in Fabric. Ready for Reuph...
Upholstery
MCM Nautilus Asymmetrical Swivel Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Nautilus Asymmetrical Swivel Lounge Chairs by Directional in Ice-Blu Suede - Pair Experience the elegance of mid-century modern design with this pair of Directional Nautilus...
Suede
Large Scale Directional Post Modern Swivel Chairs & Ottoman in Mocha Fabric
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Stretch out and then some in these luxurious extra large Post Modern Directional Swivel Chairs newly professionally reupholstered in glimmering Mocha textured fabric. That side profi...
Fabric, Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Brass Swivel Lounge Chairs by Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Experience the timeless allure of mid-century design with this striking pair of vintage brass swivel lounge chairs, crafted by Directional in the United States during the iconic 1970...
Brass
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
Vladimir Kagan "Classic Club Chair" Channel Back Swivel Chairs, 1990s
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Matching pair of stylish and very comfortable lounge chairs by Vladimir Kagan design for Directional Inc., 1990s. Each professionally custom upholstered swivel chair, barrel back sty...
Upholstery, Wood
$14,750 / set
Pair of Large Swiveling Lounge Chairs by Directional
By Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Thoughtfully curated pair of vintage swivel chairs by Directional, circa 1980's. Acquire leisure time with artful ease. Luxuriant and enveloping, featuring a classic yet minimalist d...
Upholstery, Wood
1980's Directional Swivel Lounge Chairs in Navy Blue with Brass Base
By Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning, highly sculptural lounge chairs designed by Directional Design. Amazingly comfortable expertly restored, recovered in a gorgeous navy blue velvet. They swivel, tilt and roc...
Brass
Pair of Directional Swivel Lounge Chairs on Stainless Steel Base
By Directional
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Directional Swivel Lounge Chairs on Polished Stainless Bases, 1990 A documented pair of Directional swivel lounge chairs, retaining original directional production tags date...
Steel
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
Post Modern Directional Style Swivel Lounge Chair
By Directional
Located in Houston, TX
Post Modern Vladimir Kagan for Directional swivel lounge chair. This unusual iconic Post-Modern swivel chair has a ...
Bouclé
1980s Directional Cream Polka Dots Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, swivel chairs set you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beaut...
Upholstery, Wood
$12,000 / set
H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in cozy Ivory...
Bouclé
$24,800 / set
H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Chairs & Ottomans in Butterscotch Shearling
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular of his designs, here is a knockout set of sculptural Vladimir Kagan Nautilus swivel lounge chairs and ottomans freshly upholstered in hand sewn butterscotch ...
Upholstery, Hide
$12,000 / set
H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in cozy Ivory Boucle. Corkscrew shape with sloped back and scrolled arm. The Nautilus chairs swivel making them a good choice for open floor plans - you may align your sight with any person or object in the room simply with a gentle swivel. Matching contoured Ottoman is on casters and seamlessly rolls into place like a puzzle piece inviting you to relax and put your feet up with a good book or a glass of your favorite vino. Fabric is highly durable; it's texture provides for ventilation to keep warm in winter and cool in summer. 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. Nautilus Swivel Chairs: 36” W x 33” D x 29” H (Seat Height 17”) Ottoman: 33” W x 21” D x 17” H Photographed along with and also currently available in our shop: Post Modern Karl Springer Style ottoman...
Bouclé
Mid-Century Milo Baughman Swivel Chair With Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric
By Milo Baughman, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Southampton, NJ
A superb 1970s swivel barrel chair by to Milo Baughman in custom Jack Lenor Larsen Black and White Chevron woven upholstery. Excellent vintag...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Comfortable Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Comfortable and stylish pair of mid-century modern swivel chairs featuring clean lines and fully upholstered frames. Their smooth swivel base and inviting design make them perfect fo...
Fabric
1980s Post-Modern Upholstered Swivel Chairs by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Redding, CT
1980s Post-Modern Upholstered Swivel Chairs by Milo Baughman. Colorful pair with busy abstract pastel patterns. These chairs would be a fabulous focal piece for any room. Solid cons...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Swivel Chair
By Milo Baughman
Located in Houston, TX
Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman style swivel chair. This shapely midcentury swivel chair has been recently upholstered in a beautiful steel blue mohair fabric. Comfortable and stunn...
Chrome
$12,000 / set
H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Curly Camel
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in super soft...
Bouclé, Upholstery
$2,319Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31 in W 31 in D 30 in
1970's Mid-Century Modern Swivel Lounge Chairs - a Pair
By Selig, H.W. Klein, Ib Madsen
Located in Burbank, CA
Mid-century Modern lounge chairs for sale. They have been completely restored, and look incredible once again. They have a star atomic base that has been professionally sandblasted a...
Metal
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 25.5 in W 30 in D 30 in
Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Tufted Barrel Back Swivel Lounge Chair Mid Century
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Wayne, NJ
Mid-Century Modern swiveling 360 and reclining rocker club chair. It has a shiny brown upholstery, so is showing some white glare in the photos
Upholstery, Wood
Swivel Wing Chair in Red, 1980s
Located in Praha, CZ
Very good original condition Very sturdy construction. Two items available. Czechoslovakia, 1980s Price for one item.
Steel
Pair of Michael Wolk Swivel Lounge Chairs in Ivory Bouclé
By Michael Wolk
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Sexy pair of Michael Wolk Miami chairs with swivel bases professionally reupholstered in luxurious ivory bouclé. Frequently mistaken as designed by Vladimir...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Pair of Post Modern Swivel Chairs by Preview
By Preview
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A nice pair of all original Post Modern swivel chairs by Preview Furniture. The chairs are all original, left as found. The chairs are structurally sound and the fabric is in good ...
Fabric
Mid-Century Milo Baughman Swivel Chair With Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Milo Baughman
Located in Southampton, NJ
Gorgeous vintage 1970s swivel barrel chair attributed to Milo Baughman. Custom Jack Lenor Larsen Chevron woven upholstery is in excellent vin...
Upholstery, Wood
$10,900 / set
H 30 in W 30 in D 30 in
Vladimir Kagan Mid-Century Modern Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs, 1975
By Vladimir Kagan, Preview
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern American pair of 360 degrees Nautilus swivel lounge chairs designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Preview in good condition. The seat backrest of the...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
Pair Navy Blue Mohair Vladimir Kagan Nautilus "Corkscrew" Chairs
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Dallas, TX
Vladimir Kagan's work commands the eye with its freshness, energy, sensuality, and wit. Classic pair of swiveling "Nautilus" lounge chairs with ottoman by the legendary furniture designer Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1990s. Features a sloping asymmetrical back on a swiveling base. The chairs are comfortable and swivel smoothly. They have been reupholstered in a navy blue mohair. They will match perfectly with any style of interior from Mid-Century Modern to contemporary. Literature: Vladimir Kagan for Directional CORK SCREW CHAIR - 1992 the permanent collection of the Brooklyn Museum of Art. Vladimir Kagan was an illustrious American furniture designer whose historic career spanned nearly 65 years. His style, inspired by everything from antiques and nature to the Bauhaus, emphasizes comfort and functionality. The sensuous, organic forms take on human-like characteristics through exaggerated, curved lines. A highly honored designer, he was elected president of the American Society of Interior Designers New York...
Mohair, Wood
Sold
H 26 in W 35 in D 31 in L 26 in
Milo Baughman Upholstered Swivel Chairs for Directional, A Pair, 1977
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in New Windsor, NY
A fine pair of upholstered Milo Baughman designed swivel chairs by Directional of North Carolina. Purchased circa 1977. Upholstered in an original handprinted fabric called "Greenery...
Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan “Nautilus” Chairs, a pair
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1990s for Directional. These are in excellent, restored condition
Fabric
Pair of Swivel "Corkscrew” Lounge Chairs by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous 1990’s pair of newly reupholster swivel "Corkscrew” lounge chairs designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional. These gorgeous chairs are newly reupholstered in beautiful ...
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan “Nautilus” Chairs, a pair
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s for Directional, signed. Both chairs are in excellent, restored condition and have been fully reupholstered in Holly Hunt boucle
Bouclé
Vladimir Kagan Wingback Swivel Chair & Ottoman in Curly Latte Fabric
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Vladimir Kagan Swivel Wingback Chair for Directional with custom ottoman freshly and expertly upholstered in curly latte fabric. Sculptural classic Kagan design. Incredibly comfortab...
Fabric, Upholstery
Sold
H 29 in W 35 in D 36 in
Vladimir Kagan, Directional, Mid-Century, Nautilus Swivel Chairs, Camel Velvet
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Stamford, CT
Vladimir Kagan, Directional, Mid-Century Modern, Nautilus Swivel Chairs, Camel Velvet, USA, 1980s A pair of organic modern Nautilus swivel chairs, designed by Vladimir Kagan and pro...
Velvet
Nautilus Chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Reupholstered in nubby chenille from Fishman's Fabrics. Tagged Directional. Original example desig...
Chenille
Sold
H 29 in W 36 in D 34 in
Vladimir Kagan Pair of Corkscrew Swivel Chairs for Directional in Bouclé, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly reupholstered in a soft and nubby white bouclé, this pair of 'Corkscrew' swivel chairs by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980 are signed with a Directional labels undern...
Bouclé
Sold
H 26 in W 31 in D 33 in
Channel Back Swivel Chairs on Dark Walnut Supports, Directional, C. 1970s
By Directional
Located in Westport, CT
Enhance your space with this exquisite set of Mid-Century Modern swivel chairs by Directional, crafted circa 1970-1979. Meticulously restored, each chair features a new cushion and i...
Bouclé, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan for Directional High-Back Swivel Lounge Chair
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vladimir Kagan for Directional High-Back Swivel Lounge Chair in a Charcoal Dark Blue Mohair. One of Kagan's Signature Designs, known as the 100A Series. Kagan reinvented the design...
Mohair, Upholstery
Sold
H 40 in W 32 in D 30 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Wingback Swivel Chairs & Ottomans in Curly Latte Fabric
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
If you want to be the envy of your friends and fellow designers, here's how you do it. Rare pair of Vladimir Kagan Swivel Wingback Chairs for Directional with custom ottomans freshly...
Fabric, Upholstery
Directional Swivels/Tilts with Ottoman
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s reupholstered in Bernhardt mohair, excellent condition. The ottoman is on castors Ottoman - 29”W 22”D 16”H
Mohair
1980s Directional Swivel / Tilt Chair
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Tagged. Freshly reupholstered in a gray velvet - shows some minor signs of use from clients sitting on it at our showroom but overall great condition.
Velvet
Midcentury Walnut "Barrel" Swivel Lounge Chairs by Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful midcentury walnut “Barrel” swivel lounge chairs designed by Directional and manufactured in the United States, circa 1960s. Transform your living space with these stunning ...
Fabric, Walnut