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.
Paul Evans for Directional Large-Scaled 'PE 122' Bar Cabinet in Sculpted Bronze
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, Paul Evans Studio for Directional, largely sized wall-mounted bar cabinet, model 'PE 122' epoxy bronzed resin over laminate, painted wood, wood wrapped in leather, United...
Bronze
$74,900Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Sculptural Art Metal Cabinet Model 'PE-40A', Signed & Dated 1974
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptional and monumental cabinet, model PE-40A, designed by American sculptor and furniture master Paul Evans for Directional, signed and dated 1974. This important example repr...
Slate, Steel
$108,000Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Monumental Three-Slate PE-42 Deep Relief Cabinet, Signed & Dated 1968
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptional and rare PE-42 'Deep Relief' cabinet by Paul Evans, executed in 1968, represents one of the most sculptural and architecturally significant forms produced by the Pau...
Slate, Steel
Paul Evans 'PE-32' Patchwork Copper Cabinet with Slate Top for Directional, 1968
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 'PE-32' copper clad bar cabinet on casters by Paul Evans for Directional, produced in 1968 per original receipt which we have a copy of...
Brass, Copper, Pewter
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Two Door Cabinet with Brass Leg Posts
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb for Directional #7026 Black Two door Cabinet with Drawer. Featuring newly restored and re-enameled rectangular black enameled hinged two door swing door Cabinet, top draw...
Brass
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...
Walnut
Hanging Two Drawer Cabinet by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Oakland, CA
Hanging cabinet attributed to Milo Baughman for Directional furniture, Crafted out of Philippine Mahogany with a dark rosewood finish. The cabinet has two drawers with brass pulls an...
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 ...
Chrome
$1,800 / item
Small Mid-Century Cabinet by Directional
By Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish end table cabinet features a truly innovative design, combining a vintage tortoise finish with brass trim and several unique storage options. Standard cabinet storage me...
Lacquer
Lane Staccato Brutalist 9-Drawer Credenza, Paul Evans Inspired
By Paul Evans, Lane Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nine-drawer credenza from Lane Furniture's Staccato series, featuring the bold geometric block patchwork facade associated with Paul Evans's Brutalist aesthetic. The entire front fac...
Oak
Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin "Less is More II" Modular Cabinets (7)
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Hanover, MA
"The Less Is More Il modular casegood system, designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, Inc. 1981. Stack them on top of each other or place them end to end. There's no limit to th...
Wood
Milo Baughman Walnut Tambour Door Cabinet for Glenn of CA
By Milo Baughman, Glenn of California
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Walnut
$5,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 71 in W 54 in D 20 in
Rare Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Burl Chrome Armoire Wardrobe Mid-Century
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Rare Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin burl and chrome armoire/wardrobe. This piece is very rare and hard to find, this is the 1st time we have ever had one. It is in wonderful vintage...
Chrome
Sold|$4,999
H 27 in W 64 in D 18 in
Pair of Vintage Mid Century Zebrawood and Chrome Cabinets by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a rare pair of vintage zebrawood and chrome cabinets by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, circa 1970s. This stunning set could be placed side by side or flanking a room. The...
Chrome
$4,245
H 66.5 in W 36 in D 18 in
Vintage Modern Rosewood & Brass Plate Wardrobe Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Topeka, KS
Phenomenal vintage modern rosewood & brass plate wardrobe or chifforobe by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Comprised of gorgeous rosewood veneer and brass plated steel bands. Be...
Steel, Brass
Deep Relief Steel Front Sideboard Cabinet PE-42 by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large and stunning sculpted-front cabinet by Paul Evans (1931-1987), model PE-42, made in 1970 in his studio for Directional. The model was one of the largest case pieces made by P...
Slate, Steel
$3,200
H 32.75 in W 32.75 in D 17.88 in
Vintage Milo Baughman Walnut Tambour Door Cabinet for Glenn of California
By Glenn of California, Milo Baughman
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern cabinet console chest in walnut designed by Milo Baughman for Glenn of California, circa 1950's. This case piece features sliding tambour doors that offer plenty o...
Walnut
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 64.75 in D 17.75 in
Milo Baughman Sideboard for Glenn of California c. 1955
By Glenn of California, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman Sideboard for Glenn of California, 1955 Model 1632 Restored walnut sideboard featuring a long drawer beneath a tambour-style garage door that opens and hides for maximu...
Grasscloth, Walnut
Milo Baughman Style Burl Cabinet or Dry Bar
By Milo Baughman
Located in San Francisco, CA
Milo Baughman style two door cabinet or dry bar featuring burl olive wood doors supported by a cast aluminum floating base and a stained walnut case. Fitted interior consists of a si...
Aluminum
Paul Evans Sculptural Metal Cabinet Model PE-40, Signed & Dated 1969
By Paul Evans
Located in Roanoke, VA
An exceptional and monumental cabinet, model PE-40, designed by American sculptor and furniture designer Paul Evans for Directional, dated 1969. A compelling example of Evans’ celebr...
Metal
$4,050
H 30.25 in W 40 in D 20 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Flip Top Server Bar Cart, Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Directional, 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...
Brass
1969 Paul Evans Floating Cabinet for Directional "Goop" Resin and Slate
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Rare Paul Evans for Directional floating credenza cabinet, dated 1969. Finished on all sides in a heavily textured and painted resin, known affectionately as the Goop finish. This ca...
Slate
Sold
H 17.25 in W 48.5 in D 16.5 in
Paul Evans 'PE-19' Deep Relief Floating Wall Cabinet with Slate Top, 1964
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 'PE-19' Deep Relief floating wall cabinet by Paul Evans for Directional, produced in 1964, signed and dated 'PE 64'. This incredible collectors piece is fabricated from patinated segments of enameled steel which have been welded with applied textures and patterns with a slate top and two cabinet doors which open to reveal a stained red wood interior with adjustable shelf. The fusion of these exterior materials formulates an exemplary piece which would be a welcome addition to any design connoisseurs collection. We also carry other Paul Evans designs, including Cityscape, Patchwork Copper and Sculpted Metal Collections. Contact us for more information or see our other listings for more details. This Paul Evans PE19...
Slate, Steel
Sold
H 83.5 in W 71.25 in D 19.13 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Credenza by Calvin
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
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...
Brass
Sold
H 60.5 in W 72.38 in D 13 in
Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut Triple Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, 1960s
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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 ...
Steel
Sold
H 60.5 in W 72 in D 12.75 in
Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut and Ebonized Bookcase on Hairpin Legs
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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 legs. ...
Steel
Milo Baughman for Directional Credenza
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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...
Walnut
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...
Brass, Bronze, Copper, Pewter
Sold
H 36.25 in W 36 in D 19.25 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquer and Brass Sideboard or Bar Cabinet
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard server or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture USA, 1950s Black lacquered mahogany...
Brass
Sold
H 21 in W 72 in D 24 in
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze and Resin Wall Mounted Credenza, Signed and Dated '71
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Culver City, CA
One of the most recognizable and important names in the American studio craft movement of the 1960's and 70's, Paul Evans was a groundbreaking pioneer in brutalism. Collaborating as ...
Bronze
Milo Baughman Walnut Armoire for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walnut and burl wood armoire by Milo Baughman for Directional, c.1960s, USA, features eight drawers down the middle of the interior of the cabinet, three upper shelves, two with divi...
Brass
Milo Baughman Expandable Table, c.1960
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in San Francisco, CA
About An original Milo Baughman Parsons dining table by Directional Furniture with a striped veneer top of Rosewood, Teak and Walnut o...
Walnut
Milo Baughman for Directional Miniature Jewelry Chest
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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 ...
Brass