Directional Buffets

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.

Creator: Directional

Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Flip Top Server Bar Cart, Refinished

$4,050

Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Flip Top Server Bar Cart, Refinished

By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture

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 Buffets

Materials

Brass

Milo Baughman Walnut Buffet for Directional

$5,200

Milo Baughman Walnut Buffet for Directional

By Milo Baughman, Directional

Located in Esperance, NY

Available for sale is this excellent mid-century walnut buffet. The top is removable, this stunning piece retains its original label,

Category

1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Directional for Johnson Furniture Carved Mahogany Credenza, USA 1960s

$6,000

Directional for Johnson Furniture Carved Mahogany Credenza, USA 1960s

By Johnson Furniture Co., Directional

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Directional for Johnson Furniture Carved Mahogany Credenza, USA 1960s Mid Century Modern Buffet or Credenza by Johnson Furniture for Directional. The cabinet features four doors wit...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

Materials

Brass

Stellar Bamboo Buffet or Credenza in the Style of Milo Baughman

$18,500

H 32.75 in W 72 in D 18 in

Stellar Bamboo Buffet or Credenza in the Style of Milo Baughman

Located in Atlanta, GA

This magnificent chest is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Completely installation ready. A fabulous meticulously restored four-door ca...

Category

1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

Materials

Bamboo, Hardwood

Regency Mahogany Credenza

$20,127 / item

H 36.5 in W 89.5 in D 22 in

Regency Mahogany Credenza

Located in Westwood, NJ

A fine Regency style mahogany veneered and yew burl banded buffet, the break bowfront top with an ebony and brass inlaid edge, above an arrangement of four frieze drawers above centr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Regency Directional Buffets

Materials

Wood

Vintage Baker Furniture Sheraton Style Mahogany Banded Server C. 1960's

$2,475

H 33.5 in W 48 in D 20 in

Vintage Baker Furniture Sheraton Style Mahogany Banded Server C. 1960's

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Dimensions - H: 33 1/2 in W: 48 in D: 20 in Bring timeless American craftsmanship and refined Federal elegance into your home with this exceptional Vintage Baker Furniture Sheraton Style Mahogany Banded Server, crafted during the 1960s by one of America's most respected luxury furniture manufacturers. Showcasing Baker Furniture's renowned attention to detail, this elegant sideboard combines graceful Sheraton-inspired lines with beautifully figured mahogany veneers, satinwood style banding, and handcrafted construction that has made Baker pieces highly sought after by collectors, designers, and discerning homeowners alike. The server features a sophisticated serpentine front highlighted by dramatic bookmatched figured mahogany veneers displaying rich ribbon grain, warm amber undertones, and beautiful natural movement throughout. Delicate contrasting banding elegantly frames each drawer and door panel, emphasizing the clean architectural lines associated with the Sheraton style while adding depth and refinement to the overall design. Across the top, the rich mahogany surface offers generous display space for fine china, decorative objects, lamps, or serving pieces. Its clean profile and understated elegance make it equally suited for use as a dining room server, foyer cabinet, living room sideboard, or sophisticated accent piece in a library or office. The upper case features one handcrafted dovetailed center drawer, demonstrating Baker Furniture's commitment to traditional cabinetmaking techniques. The drawer is fitted with elegant solid metal hardware, providing convenient storage for flatware, linens, or household essentials while maintaining the cabinet's refined appearance. The handcrafted dovetail joinery reflects the superior quality and longevity expected from premium American furniture makers. Beneath the drawer, a large gracefully curved cabinet door opens to reveal a spacious storage compartment fitted with one interior shelf, providing practical concealed storage for serving pieces, dinnerware, collectibles, books, or bar accessories. The curved door follows the flowing serpentine front, creating a harmonious design that is both visually striking and highly functional. Flanking the central cabinet are beautifully paneled side sections featuring additional figured mahogany veneers framed by delicate inlaid banding. The cabinet stands on elegant tapered Sheraton-inspired legs that lend a sense of lightness while reinforcing the sophisticated Federal styling. Every element has been carefully proportioned to create a piece that is both graceful and exceptionally versatile. Founded in 1890, Baker Furniture has long been recognized as one of America's premier luxury furniture manufacturers, producing heirloom-quality pieces known for exceptional craftsmanship, timeless styling, and investment-worthy construction. Their Sheraton-inspired collections continue to be prized by interior designers and collectors for blending classical European influence with outstanding American cabinetmaking. Whether placed in a formal dining room, elegant entry hall, living room, or executive office, this vintage Baker server...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Sheraton Directional Buffets

Materials

Metal

Milo Baughman Designed Sideboard for Directional

$1,800

H 30 in W 54 in D 18 in

Milo Baughman Designed Sideboard for Directional

By Directional, Milo Baughman

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 Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Midcentury Danish Modern Teak extension Bar Cart Server

$1,296Sale Price|28% Off

H 25 in W 31 in D 18 in

Midcentury Danish Modern Teak extension Bar Cart Server

By Arne Vodder

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Simple mid century Danish modern teak bar cart server with two drawers and a lower shelf on casters. Solid teak wood construction top extends to reveal a black laminate center top. O...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Three Drawer Bachelors Chest att. to Baughman for Directional

$1,400

H 30 in W 36 in D 18 in

Mid Century Three Drawer Bachelors Chest att. to Baughman for Directional

By Milo Baughman, Directional

Located in New York, NY

Rare Mid Century bachelors chest, design attributed to Milo Baughman for Directional Furniture, circa 1950/60's. The three drawer che...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Kent-Coffey "Perspecta" Walnut Buffet

$3,250

H 30 in W 66 in D 20 in

Vintage Kent-Coffey "Perspecta" Walnut Buffet

By Kent-Coffey

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful mid-century modern walnut buffet from the “Perspecta” line by Kent Coffey. Features the collection’s signature sculpted rosewood arch pulls and clean architectural lines, o...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Credenza in Solid Caviúna Hardwood by Forma, Brazilian Modern, Brazil, 1960s

$26,000

H 31 in W 99 in D 19 in

Credenza in Solid Caviúna Hardwood by Forma, Brazilian Modern, Brazil, 1960s

By Forma Brazil

Located in New York, NY

Produced by Forma during the golden era of Brazilian Modernism in the 1960s, this exceptional credenza embodies the movement's commitment to sculptural simplicity, uncompromising cra...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Six Drawer Dresser att. to Baughman for Directional

$2,800

H 48 in W 27 in D 18 in

Mid Century Six Drawer Dresser att. to Baughman for Directional

By Milo Baughman, Directional

Located in New York, NY

Exceptional mid century six drawer dresser, design attributed to Milo Baughman, for Directional. This chic, sophisticated chest features a vibrant walnut case, with ebonized inset ha...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mahogany and Cork Sideboard

$5,500

H 30 in W 72 in D 21.25 in

Art Deco Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mahogany and Cork Sideboard

By Paul Frankl, Johnson Furniture Co.

Located in Chicago, IL

Art Deco Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture Mahogany and Cork sideboard An exquisite, iconic and truly timeless and unparalleled classic sideboard by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furnitur...

Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Directional Buffets

Materials

Brass

Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Walnut Bar Console Credenza

$3,395

H 30.5 in W 40 in D 15 in

Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Walnut Bar Console Credenza

By Directional, Milo Baughman

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Walnut Bar Console Credenza This credenza measures: 40 wide x 15 deep x 30.5 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Small Areas of Wear on B...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Paul Frankl Cork Dresser for Johnson Furniture Co.

$18,000

H 32.5 in W 21 in D 72 in

Paul Frankl Cork Dresser for Johnson Furniture Co.

By Johnson Furniture Co., Paul Frankl

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Paul Frankl’s cork furniture pieces are among his longest-lasting contributions to American modernism and are highly sought after to this day. This example, a cork top waterfall edge...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items

Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut and Ebonized Sideboard Credenza

Sold

H 30.25 in W 72 in D 17 in

Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut and Ebonized Sideboard Credenza

By Milo Baughman, Directional

Located in Chino Hills, CA

Just in, a stunning mid century walnut buffet/credenza by Milo Baughman for Directional. Overall in solid and good original condition for its age. Drawers had liners its entire life ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Sideboard Credenza Buffet and Hutch

Sold

H 75 in W 54.25 in D 18.25 in

Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Sideboard Credenza Buffet and Hutch

By Milo Baughman, Directional

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Milo Baughman for Directional mid century sideboard credenza buffet and hutch The credenza measures: 54.25 wide x 18.25 deep x 30 inches high The hutch measures: 54.25 wide x 13 ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

Materials

Glass, Wood

Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut and Ebonized Buffet Server or Bar Cabinet

Sold

H 32 in W 42 in D 20 in

Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut and Ebonized Buffet Server or Bar Cabinet

By Milo Baughman, Directional

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, buffet server, or bar cabinet By Milo Baughman for Directional USA, 1960s Gorgeous book-matched walnut, with ebonized plinth bas...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

Materials

Walnut

High Cabinet by Paul McCobb for Directional / WK Möbel

Sold

H 81.11 in W 35.44 in D 18.9 in

High Cabinet by Paul McCobb for Directional / WK Möbel

By Paul McCobb, Directional

Located in Berlin, DE

Towering high cabinet or board designed by Paul McCobb for Directional / WK Möbel. Walnut with original polished metal pulls. The cabinet exists of a chest with four drawer and a cab...

Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

Materials

Wood

Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Brutalist Sideboard, USA, 1972

Sold

H 32 in W 96 in D 22 in

Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Brutalist Sideboard, USA, 1972

By Paul Evans, Directional

Located in Miami, FL

Paul Evans studio for Directional, Sculpted-bronze series cabinet Exceptional abstract forms, solid volumes and powerful brutal shapes, Four doors concealing storage with adjustable ...

Category

1970s North American Brutalist Vintage Directional Buffets

Materials

Slate, Bronze

Milo Baughman for Directional Buffet Sideboard or 3/4 Credenza Chest

Sold

H 30.5 in W 54 in D 18 in

Milo Baughman for Directional Buffet Sideboard or 3/4 Credenza Chest

By Milo Baughman, Directional

Located in Hudson, NY

Really great walnut sideboard. Still looks like new. Black iron hardware on stunning tri-fold doors. Interior houses much shelf space and three drawers including a silverware storage...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

Materials

Walnut

Paul Evans Burl and Brass Breakfront Sideboard for Directional

Sold

H 84.5 in W 90 in D 18 in

Paul Evans Burl and Brass Breakfront Sideboard for Directional

By Paul Evans, Directional

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This beautiful three-piece vintage breakfront features backlit display cases with glass shelves paired with a spacious centre cabinet for concealed ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

Milo Baughman for Directional Credenza

Sold

H 30.5 in W 72 in D 18 in

Milo Baughman for Directional Credenza

By Milo Baughman, Directional

Located in Southampton, NJ

Rare and incredible walnut buffet or credenza by Milo Baughman for Directional, 1960s. Features four center drawers and two cabinets with bi-f...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

Materials

Walnut, Wood

Paul Evans Signed Cityscape Credenza

Sold

Paul Evans Signed Cityscape Credenza

By Paul Evans, Directional

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Paul Evans Studio for Directional Cityscape credenza. Signed. 1970's.

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

Directional buffets for sale on 1stDibs.

Directional buffets are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original buffets by Directional were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 1950s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider buffets by Paul McCobb, Kipp Stewart, and Dunbar. Prices for Directional buffets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,500 and can go as high as $4,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,500.

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Baker Furniture Company

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Questions About Directional Buffets

Which direction do you wear a pear shaped ring?
1 Answer
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.

Directional Buffets

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Regency Directional Buffets

Mid-20th Century American Sheraton Directional Buffets

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Directional Buffets

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

1970s North American Brutalist Vintage Directional Buffets

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Buffets

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Buffets

Directional buffets for sale on 1stDibs.

Creators Similar to Directional

Questions About Directional Buffets

Which direction do you wear a pear shaped ring?