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.
Mid Century Sideboard Credenza by Milo Baughman for Directional. Circa 1960s
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Miami, FL
Recently Refinished Mid Century Modern Sideboard Credenza by Milo Baughman for Directional Furniture. Circa 1960s Features a sleek Mid Century Modern Design with a beautiful walnut w...
Walnut
$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
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
$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 Open Back Cityscape Console Bar Cabinet In Burlwood And Chrome
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Southampton, NJ
A stunning and exceptionally rare console bar cabinet in Olive Burlwood and patchwork chromed steel designed by Paul Evans for Directional. This console features an open back with ad...
Chrome
Paul Evans Attributed Cityscape Patchwork Burlwood Credenza
By Paul Evans, Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Houston, TX
Paul Evans Attributed Cityscape patchwork burlwood credenza. This stunning long mid-century Paul Evans for Directional attributed credenza or chest ...
Wood
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...
Walnut
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
Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood and Black Lacquered Credenza by Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elevate your interior with this stunning mid-century credenza, attributed to the legendary Milo Baughman and crafted by Directional in the United States during the 1970s. This except...
Burl, Lacquer
Directional Credenza with Marble Top
By Directional
Located in Highland, IN
A beautiful, understated design by Directional, this credenza has two doors with D-shaped pulls that conceal two compartments, one with two adjustable shelves (one with a tall item c...
Marble
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Credenza with Brass Accents and Leather Doors
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
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...
Brass
Paul Evans for Directional Copper Pewter Bronze Patchwork Credenza Cabinet
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional Mid Century Copper Pewter Bronze Patchwork Credenza Cabinet This credenza measures: 40 wide x 24 deep x 24.5 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We...
Bronze, Copper, Pewter
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...
Brass
Vintage Exotic Wood Sideboard Cabinet by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
A Vintage Exotic wood sideboard cabinet attributed to Milo Baughman for Directional. One of the doors needs an adjustment to properly close and ...
Wood
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
Rare Brutalist "Sculpted Bronze" Cabinet by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Montreal, QC
"Sculpted bronze" buffet by Paul Evans for Directional the front fitted with four panel doors and the top fitted typical slate slabs, the inside featuring adjustable shelves. Signed:...
Bronze, Metal
$5,900
H 33.5 in W 66 in D 17.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Burl Wood Credenza for Thayer Coggin
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Toledo, OH
Beautiful Milo Baughman credenza for Thayer Coggin with burl wood patchwork square tiles design. This 3-door cabinet features 4 drawers, an adjustable shelf, and sits on a chrome fin...
Chrome
Paul Evans Deep Relief Cabinet
By Paul Evans
Located in Highland, IN
A sublime piece of functional sculpture by Paul Evans, this 1968 Deep Relief cabinet features a wall-mounted case with torch-cut, welded, polychromed and patinated steel doors concea...
Slate, Steel
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
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
1973 Paul Evans Floating Cabinet
By Paul Evans
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
A stunning Paul Evans cabinet or credenza adorned in figural burl veneer and mirrored chrome tiles at the back. The cabinet is lifted from the ground on a well proportioned platform ...
Wood, Burl
$49,975
H 17 in W 48.5 in D 16.5 in
Mid-Century Brutalist Wall Mounted Patchwork Cabinet Signed Paul Evans 68
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
An iconic design by legendary American studio craftsman Paul Evans, this mid-century Brutalist wall-mounted cabinet exemplifies his innovative artistry and bold industrial aesthetics...
Slate, Metal
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze 2-Door Cabinet
By Paul Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Paul Evans sculpted bronze cabinet Incised signature and date Original surface, grain painted interior and shelf.
Resin
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 32 in W 77 in D 21 in
Wonderful Paul Evans Cityscape Mid-Century Chrome Sideboard Buffet Credenza
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Scrumptious signed Paul Evans cityscape credenza. This piece is quite unique with the puzzle door hinges and the chocolate brown fibreglass top and plinth bottom. There is a signatur...
Chrome
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Wall Hung PE-40 Cabinet
By Paul Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fine Paul Evans sculpted bronze cabinet. Hand sculpted Resin over wood with an atomized bronze coating. Original Hand- Cleft Slate tops. O...
Bronze
$6,750 / set
H 8 in W 3 in D 12 in
Set Paul Evans for Directional Chrome Brass Cityscape Shelf Brackets Console
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning set signed Paul Evans for Directional shelf brackets or console tables. The glass is not pictured but is included and is 12" w x 48" l and is brand new. This set is truly fa...
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Wall Hung Cabinets Set of Three
By Paul Evans
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early set of three cabinets with finished interiors. All shelves and mounting cleats are present. Signed Paul Evans.
Chrome
Rare "Sculpted -Bronze" 'Disc Bar' by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare "sculpted -bronze" 'Disc Bar,' Model PE-122, by Paul Evans for Directional. Signed on top right corner of back, "PE 71," as shown. This piece is an original iconic Paul Evans cr...
Composition
Important Welded Steel Deep Relief Sculpted Credenza by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Montreal, QC
Important welded steel 4 door "Deep Relief Sculpted Credenza" with hand-painted enamels on doors inset with two slate tops The interior red painted w...
Steel
Sold
H 32.49 in W 90.01 in D 21.97 in
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...
Brass, Steel
Paul Evans for Directional "Cityscape II" Sideboard in Chrome and Brass
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, 'Cityscape II' sideboard, chromed steel, brass, glass, United States, 1975 A striking sideboard from the “Cityscape II” line, designed by Paul Evans fo...
Brass, Chrome
Sold
H 31.75 in W 84.13 in D 18.13 in
Directional Renzo Rutili Credenza with Mahogany and Inlay by Johnson Bros.
By Directional
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A special-order ebony toned mahogany midcentury credenza having lighter book matched grained double tri fold doors. Surrounding each doors edge is a stunning intricate marquetry inla...
Wood, Mahogany
Sold
H 31.75 in W 84.13 in D 18.13 in
Directional Renzo Rutili Credenza with Mahogany and Inlay by Johnson Bros.
By Directional
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A special-order ebony toned mahogany midcentury credenza having lighter book matched grained double tri fold doors. Surrounding each doors edge is a stunning intricate marquetry inla...
Wood, Mahogany
Sold
H 32.5 in W 84 in D 20.88 in
Directional Postmodern Blue & White Lacquered Sideboard Credenza or Bar Cabinet
By Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Postmodern lacquered sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Frederick Hayman-Chaffey for Directional USA, 1980s Measures: 84"W x 20.88"D x 32.5"H. Very goo...
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 31.25 in W 80 in D 18 in
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid-Century Modern Rosewood and Walnut Sideboard
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Milo Baughman for Directional, "Custom Collection" USA, Circa 1960s Gorgeous book-matched Brazilian r...
Brass
Sold
H 38.5 in W 60 in D 14 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Bookcases or Bar Cabinets
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern bookcases, credenzas, or bar cabinets By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Gorg...
Brass
Sold
H 38.5 in W 60 in D 14 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Bookcase or Bar Cabinet
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern bookcase, credenza, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Gorgeous Hondur...
Brass
Sold
H 34.5 in W 60.38 in D 18.13 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany & Brass Sideboard Credenza or Bar Cabinet
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Gorgeous Hondu...
Brass
Sold
H 30.5 in W 54.13 in D 18.25 in
Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut and Ebonized Sideboard Credenza, 1960s
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 legs and accents and ...
Walnut
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
Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut Burl Credenza, C. 1960s
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Westport, CT
A rare gem from the Mid-Century Modern era – a captivating, fully restored credenza or dresser meticulously crafted by Milo Baughman for his esteemed Country Villa collection for Dir...
Brass
1970s Directional Milo Baughman Burl Credenza with Carrara Marble Top
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Bensalem, PA
Rare burl credenza buffet cabinet by Directional for Milo Baughman very high quality comes with original customized marble top from the manufacturer
Carrara Marble
Sold
H 34.5 in W 71.25 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Dresser or Credenza, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern dresser, credenza, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Gorgeous Hondura...
Brass
Sold
H 36 in W 66 in D 19.25 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Mahogany, Brass, and Leather Credenza, Refinished
By Directional, Paul McCobb, 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 brass ...
Brass