Directional Swivel Chairs
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.
34
to
1
34
34
34
34
17
1
34
1
32
7
18
4
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
8
22
4
2
2
1
33
16
15
10
3
32
31
163
65
63
62
47
Creator: Directional
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...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Chenille
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...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Bouclé
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...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
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...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Mohair, Upholstery
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Wingback Swivel Chairs & Ottomans in Curly Latte Fabric
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery
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...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
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
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Mohair
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...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
Pair Navy Blue Mohair Vladimir Kagan Nautilus "Corkscrew" Chairs
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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 des...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Mohair, Wood
Midcentury Walnut "Barrel" Swivel Lounge Chairs by Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
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 ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Walnut Swivel Lounge Chairs by Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful vintage walnut swivel lounge chairs by Directional from the United States, circa 1970s. Crafted with utmost care and attention to detail, these chairs epitomize the perfect...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
1980s Light Beige Directional Nautilus Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
These Iconic swivel chairs are packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout the monumental form. Post modern designed by Vl...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Kipp Stewart for Directional Lounge Chairs
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
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...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
Swivel Chair and Ottoman by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Denton, TX
Swivel chair and Ottoman by Milo Baughman for Directional. Swivel and rocking chair with a ottoman on castors. Original label attached. Ottoman meas...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Modern Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Wood, Fabric
Pair of Pink Bouclé Post-Modern Swivel Club Chairs by Directional, 1980s, Signed
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous and very unique pair of swiveling club chairs have been newly reupholstered in a soft and nubby pink bouclé fabric, both chairs signed with Directional labels and produ...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, 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...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Ivory Bouclé Swivel Chairs & Ottoman for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
Reupholstered Swivel / Tilt Chair by Directional
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
We used the highest quality, Italian full-grain leather by Spinneybeck when we redesigned and reupholstered this vintage swivel / tilt chair by Directiona...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Leather
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Rare Swivel Lounge Chairs for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Offered is a beautiful pair of rare Nautilus style swivel chairs born from the ingenuity of the celebrated Mid-Century Modern Icon Vladimir Kagan. Modern, warm and inviting this is a revolutionary model in comfort and style. Three quarter moon back arm support. The oval shaped bottom centrally swivels atop a circular upholstered disk. The chair's swivel feature lets you follow the action without leaving your seat. The curvilinear form and detailing is the perfect blend of masculine and feminine styles. The chairs have a welcoming presence that exudes high quality craftsmanship and a style that is very characteristic of Kagan. Newly upholstered in a rich rust colored velvet fabric. What better way is there to inject a touch of fun than with these bold and unique accent chairs...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Velvet
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.
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
1980s Directional Furniture Designer Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Miami, FL
1980s Postmodern designer swivel chairs, by Directional Furniture. The chairs have been reupholstered in Kirkby Design Noir fabric, to give them ...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Chenille
Midcentury Brass Swivel Lounge Chairs by Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage brass swivel lounge chairs designed and manufactured by Directional in the United States, circa 1970s. These chairs represent the style of Milo Baughman’s modern and...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Post Modern Vladimir Kagan for Directional Style Swivel Lounge Chair
By Milo Baughman, Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Houston, TX
Post Modern Vladimir Kagan for Directional swivel lounge chair. This unusual iconic Kagan swivel chair has a high b...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Bouclé
Vladimir Kagan Wingback Swivel Chair and Ottoman
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Iconic Vladimir Kagan for Directional wingback tilt and swivel lounge chair with matching ottoman. Both the chair and ottoman are newly reupholstered in gray bouclé fabric. The chair...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Bouclé
Directional Mid Century Barrel Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Directional
Located in Countryside, 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
Ready for new upholstery. This ser...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Mom & Pop Pair Vladimir Kagan Wingback Swivel Chairs & Ottomans in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
If you want to be the envy of your friends and fellow designers, here's how you do it. Our shop is very excited to offer a rare pair of Mom & Pop Vladimir Kagan swivel wingback chairs...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Bouclé
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Swivel Chairs, 1980
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan for directional Swivel lounge chairs, 1980. Original fabric.
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
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...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Orange Vladimir Kagan Design Channel Back Swivel Chairs
By Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Matching pair of stylish and very comfortable lounge chairs by Vladimir Kagan design for Directional Inc. from the early 1980s. Each professiona...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
Swiveling Sculptural "Cork Screw Chair" by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Swiveling sculptural "Cork Screw Chair" by Vladimir Kagan, American, 1992
(retains original "Directional" label).
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Foam, Wood
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Swivel Lounge Chairs in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
A sculptural pair of swivel lounge chairs by by the legendary furniture designer for Directional, circa 1980s. Glamorous at every turn! Kagan's post-modern style-that is over-the-top...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Wood, Bouclé
Vladimir Kagan Corkscrew Swivel Chairs for Directional in Bouclé, Signed
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly reupholstered in a soft and nubby light beige bouclé, these 'Corkscrew' swivel chairs, also often referred to as 'Nautilus', by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, circa 1980s / 90s are signed with Directional labels underneath. These classic Post-Modern club chairs swivel...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Swivel Chairs
Materials
Wood, Bouclé
Directional swivel chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Directional swivel chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Directional swivel chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original swivel chairs by Directional were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider swivel chairs by Vladimir Kagan, Michael Wolk, and Preview. Prices for Directional swivel chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,960 and can go as high as $34,200, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,200.
Creators Similar to Directional
Questions About Directional Swivel Chairs
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021While a pear-shaped ring can be worn either way, most commonly it is worn with the tip of the diamond facing upwards to look like a falling teardrop when the hand is raised. This also helps create the impression of longer fingers.