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Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

​​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.

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Creator: Directional
Paul Evans for Directional ‘Cityscape' PE280 Sideboard in Steel and Brass
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, 'Cityscape PE280' sideboard, from the PE200 series, chrome-plated steel, brass, United States, circa 1975 This sideboard from the 'Cityscape' (PE 200) l...
Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass, Steel

Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Walnut Credenza Bar
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Countryside, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Walnut Credenza Bar This credenza measures: 40 wide x 15 deep x 30.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restor...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

UMBO Modular Bookcase by Kay Leroy Ruggles for Directional
By Directional
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Fun and functionality coalesce with this customizable, space-age design. Perfectly suitable for your 12" vinyl collection. 1970's white and ivory, molded ABS plastic, modular "U...
Category

1970s American Space Age Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Plastic

Bedroom Set, Gentlemen's Chest & Dresser by Milo Baughman for Directional, 1960s
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Deland, FL
As rare as it is architecturally alluring this extraordinary bedroom set consisting of a nine-drawer dresser with matching gentlemen's dresser, designed by the prolific Milo Baughman...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Nine-Drawer Dresser in Walnut by Milo Baughman for Dircetional, USA, c. 1960s
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Deland, FL
As rare as it is architecturally alluring this extraordinary nine-drawer dresser, designed by the prolific Milo Baughman for the Directional Furniture Co., is a true Mid-Century Mode...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Milo Baughman Style Directional Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Milo Baughman Style Directional Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk This desk measures: 72.75 wide x 32 deep x 28.75 high, with a chair clearance of 27.25 inches All pieces of furnit...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut and Ebonized Sideboard, Newly Refinished
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Milo Baughman for Directional USA, 1960s Gorgeous book-matched walnut, with ebonized accents and original ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Paul Evans Cityscape Bar Cart Pe 200 Series for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-century Paul Evans Cityscape Bar Cart Pe 200 Series for Directional. The iconic and sought-after rolling bar cart is everything you need a...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Milo Baughman Designed Sideboard for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern sideboard with bi-fold doors, matte black base, and matching black exposed hinges. Designed for Directional by Milo Baughman, and manufactured by Johnson Furniture...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Milo Baughman for Directional Credenza
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
A wonderful cabinet / credenza designed by Milo Baughman for Directional Furniture. This low walnut credenza has bifold doors and sits on an eboniz...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Walnut Gentleman's Chest, Newly Refinished
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern gentleman's chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Gorgeous book-matched...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Credenza by Calvin
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Miami, FL
All original Paul McCobb mahogany and brass cabinet model C8506 with breakfront top model C8006, from the Irwin Collection by Calvin Furniture, which is part of the work the designer created for Directional. The two piece mid-century modern credenza with hutch features: a bottom sideboard (which can be used as a stand alone case piece) with five drawers; brass knobs; a folding door opening to an interior fitted with one shelf; brass base and stretchers; and a top etagere with four drawers with brass pulls; two glass shelves; brass dividers; two cabinet doors opening to an interior with a shelf; label. 100% original finish and condition. The perfect vintage piece to used as a bar cabinet, bookcase or as a server buffet. Part of a one owner collection of McCobb furniture exclusively presented by Select Modern; a truly rare time capsule! There are more pieces from this collection available in our storefront. A copy of the original 1956 purchase receipt for all the pieces from this collection is available. Works well in many different decors, from eclectic modern to more elegant or traditional ones. Sideboard: 71.25 in (180.98 cm) W x 19.13 in (48.6 cm) D x 34.07 in (86.54 com) H Hutch: 71.25" (180.98 cm) W x 14 in (35.56 cm) D x 49 in (124.46 cm) H Literature: Fifties Furniture...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Walnut Highboy Cabinet by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Milo Baughman for the Directional Furniture Company, this handsome walnut mid-century cabinet would work as well for an office as for a bedroom. The lower case has tw...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut Triple Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, 1960s
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern display cabinet, bar cabinet, or bookcase By Milo Baughman for Directional USA, 1960s Walnut, with ebonized accents and steel hairpin ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Miami, FL
All original Paul McCobb mahogany cabinet or sideboard from The Calvin Group (earlier Irwin Collection) by Calvin Furniture, which is part of the work the designer created for Directional (model 1066). The mid-century modern credenza features: three drawers with brass knobs; two sliding leather doors with brass pulls and brass edges; interior fitted with two shelves, each adjustable to four different positions; brass X stretchers; label. 100% original finish and condition. The perfect vintage piece to use as a bar cabinet, a media console or a server buffet. Part of a one owner collection of McCobb furniture exclusively presented by Select Modern; a truly rare time capsule find! There are more pieces from this collection available in our storefront. A copy of the original 1956 purchase receipt for all the pieces from this collection is available. Works well in many different decors, from eclectic modern...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Dresser or Credenza, Refinished
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern eight-drawer dresser or credenza By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Gorgeous Ho...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Paul Mccobb Room Divider for Calvin Furniture Company
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Room Divider for Calvin Furniture Company, Features Mahogany, solid brass and glass shelves. Lower section has Five Drawers with brass...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquered Gentleman's Chest, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern gentleman's chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Black lacquered...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany, Lacquer

Milo Baughman for Directional Cherry and Brass Double Dresser, Newly Refinished
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern double dresser or credenza. By Milo Baughman for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture. USA, 1960s Gorgeous book-matched che...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Flip Top Server Bar Cart, Refinished
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern flip top extension rolling bar cart server By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Calvin Group" USA, 1950s Black lacqu...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Paul Evans Directional Patchwork Credenza, c 1970's
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular Post Modern, Brutalist school credenza, designed by Paul Evans for Directional c. 1970's. The sideboard features a large rectangular cabinet with patchwork burl veneer, w...
Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Patchwork Fliptop Bar Cabinet by Paul Evans for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning vintage patchwork fliptop bar cabinet designed by iconic designer Paul Evans for Directional in the United States, circa 1970s. This elegant piece looks more like a graceful sculpture due to its Minimalist design and superior metal craftsmanship. The cabinet has been crafted by hand and features a rectangular structure inlaid with patinated bronze, copper, brass, and pewter pieces, which have been delicately placed and arranged in a mosaic-like style. On the front face, it has two thick doors...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Copper, Pewter, Brass, Bronze

Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, First Year of Production
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
Paul Evans 'Sculpted Bronze Series' wall unit acquired from the original owner who acquired it from the Directional showroom in NYC. This unit is signed PE and is dated from the very first year of production, 1969. It is in very good original condition with bronze glass shelves...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Exotic Wood Sideboard Cabinet by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
A Vintage Exotic wood sideboard cabinet by Milo Baughman for Directional. One of the doors needs an adjustment to properly close and open. so...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Burl Wood and Black Lacquered Credenza by Directional
By Directional
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful midcentury burl wood and black lacquered credenza attributed to Milo Baughman for Directional in the United States, circa 1970s. This credenza perfectly exemplifies the modern and daring ideas of Milo Baughman, which not only could exceptionally mix different materials but also turned out to be highly functional and seductive to the eye of the beholder. It features a black polished lacquered case, which seems to shine at all times due to its finish. On the front face, it has four burl wood doors with smooth faces and no handles...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Burl, Lacquer

Pair of Directional White Laminate and Chrome Bedside Tables / Commodes
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century white laminate bedside tables / commodes with one large cabinet and two adjacent drawers, each with a square chrome...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Milo Baughman Style Lowboy Dresser / Credenza for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Medina, OH
A Modern tallboy dresser designed by Milo Baughman for Directional from the Gallery I Collection, circa 1963 has been partially refinished to show off its beautiful walnut wood and n...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut, Lacquer

Directional Mid Century 10 Drawer Lowboy
By Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Directional Mid Century 10 drawer lowboy This lowboy measures: 72 wide x 18 deep x 33.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage conditi...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Paul Evans Cityscape Patchwork Burlwood Credenza
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Houston, TX
Paul Evans Cityscape patchwork burlwood credenza. This stunning long mid-century credenza or chest is comprised of cabinets on either side each with...
Category

1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf or Console Table Glass & Brass
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design, a cityscape wall shelf designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's. The set features fine heavy construction with brass clad patchwork design. Includes two L shaped wa...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Directional Mahogany, Brass, and Leather Credenza, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sliding door sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture USA, 1950s Mahogany, with ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Directional Mid Century 6 Drawer Highboy
By Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Directional mid century 6 drawer highboy This dresser measures: 36 wide x 18 deep x 49.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in w...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Milo Baughman for Directional Miniature Jewelry Chest
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in San Diego, CA
Milo Baughman for Directional miniature jewelry chest or silver cabinet. Original chocolate colored finish with brass pulls. Retains original paper label on the back and metal label ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Directional 6000 Series Mahogany and Brass Dresser Chest, Newly
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional mid-century modern chest of drawers designed by Paul McCobb for the 6000 Series for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture. The dresser features gorgeous...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Mixed Wood Milo Baughman Expandable Dining Table, c.1960
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in San Francisco, CA
About Contact us for more shipping options: S16 Home San Francisco. An original Milo Baughman Parsons dining table by Directional Furniture...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Paul Evans Cityscape Bar Cart Pe 200 Series for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful signed Mid-Century Modern bar cabinet by Paul Evans for Directional. A wonderful patchwork design with a flip top and two cabinet doors below. Sleek case piece that looks g...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Wall Mirror & Console Table Shelf in Brass
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design combination, a cityscape wall shelf and mirror designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's. The set features fine heavy construction with brass clad patchwork design. I...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Set of Walnut Cabinets by Kipp Stewart, 1950s
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
Located in Stamford, CT
Walnut cabinets, designed by Kipp Stewart for Drexel, circa 1950-1959. Doors with push-to-open mechanisms open up to reveal shelving. Excellent grain to contrast their minimalist des...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Paul Evans CityScape Sideboard for Directional Brass Tiles & Burl Wood Doors
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare 1970s Paul Evans Cityscape sideboard with waterfall ends for Directional with brass tiles and book matched Burl wood doors. Interior laminated in black...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Credenza for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage modern cabinet features the iconic patchwork design by Paul Evans. The cityscape burl wood and chrome design is sure to co...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Campaign Style Long Chest or Cabinet
By Directional
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic mid-century chest or cabinet crafted in mahogany featuring multiple components including brass campaign style hardware including three drawers and three doors. Plenty of storage...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Campaign Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Paul Evans Brutalist Sideboard for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An iconic vintage modern design by Paul Evans with an elaborate chrome patchwork design. This stylish case piece boasts a spacious black interior hidden behind four cabinet doors. A ...
Category

1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Paul Evans Cityscape Console in Burl Wood and Chrome
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
1975 Paul Evans Cityscape console in burl wood and chrome. Beautiful console featured in Paul Evans book.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Gentlemen's Chest / Dresser in Walnut by Milo Baughman for Directional, c. 1960s
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Deland, FL
As rare as it is architecturally alluring this extraordinary tall-boy dresser, designed by the prolific Milo Baughman for the Directional Furniture Co., is a true Mid-Century Modern ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Walnut

1960s, Milo Baughman Style Highboy Dresser for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Medina, OH
A Modern tallboy dresser designed by Milo Baughman for Directional from the Gallery I Collection, circa 1963 has been partially refinished to show off its beautiful walnut wood and n...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Walnut, Lacquer

Milo Baughman for Directional, Miniature Cabinet/Jewelry Chest
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fantastic miniature cabinet. Useful as either a jewelry or silver cabinet. Or a side table.
Category

1960s American Vintage Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Directional storage furniture and cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

Directional storage furniture and cabinets are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Directional storage furniture and cabinets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original storage furniture and cabinets 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 storage furniture and cabinets by Pace Collection, Renzo Rutili, and Broyhill. Prices for Directional storage furniture and cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at £1,442 and can go as high as £60,094, while a piece like these, on average, fetch £4,707.
Questions About Directional Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    While 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.

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