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 'PE 300' Faceted Sideboard in Chrome and Burlwood
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, Paul Evans Studio for Directional, ‘Faceted Cityscape II’ (PE 300 series), maple burl, chrome-plated steel, lacquered wood, United States, circa 1973 This sideboard from...
Steel, Chrome
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...
Brass
Paul Evans Brass Cityscape Wall Mounted Cabinet
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Hanover, MA
Paul Evans brass Cityscape wall-mounted sideboard cabinet with two pair of double doors which open to reveal a black laminate internal storage space divided by a horizontal shelf. S...
Brass
Beautiful 1960s MCM Book Matched Rosewood Sideboard by Directional - Restored
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in St. Louis, MO
Beautiful minimalist Mid-Century Modern Rosewood three door sideboard by Directional, circa 1960s, fully refinished. Incredible book matched rosewood veneer cabinet doors with curved...
Rosewood
Paul Evans for Directional Faceted 'PE 300' Cabinet in Steel
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, Paul Evans Studio for Directional, ‘Faceted Cityscape II’ (PE 300 series), chrome-plated steel, brushed steel, High Pressure Laminate, United States, circa 1970 This sid...
Steel, Chrome
Mid-Century 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...
Burl, Lacquer
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 by Milo Baughman for Directional. One of the doors needs an adjustment to properly close and open. so...
Wood
Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Sideboard, 1960s
By Arne Vodder, Sibast
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern Low Rosewood sideboard, 1960s Beautiful Danish Modern low sideboard in minimalistic style attributed to Danish designer Arne Vodder for Sibast. Front with...
Rosewood
$3,900 / set
H 40 in W 48 in D 12 in
Mid Century Paul Evans Wall Mirror & Console Table Shelf in Brass & Chrome
By Paul Evans, Directional
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 & chrome clad patchwork ...
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans Flip Top Cityscape Bar Cabinet
By Paul Evans
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step back in time with this authentic, vintage Paul Evans Cityscape bar cabinet from the 1970s. This striking piece combines the distinct aesthetic of Paul Evans with the practicalit...
Burl
Paul Evans 'Deep Relief' Free-Standing Sideboard
By Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, Paul Evans Studio for Directional, 'Deep Relief' sideboard, model 'PE-42', welded steel, enameled patchwork steel, painted oak, cleft slate, United States, 1968 An excep...
Slate, Steel
Danish Midcentury Sideboard in Rosewood, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking sideboard in rosewood designed and made in Denmark, 1960s. Great original condition.
Rosewood
$7,500 / set
H 24 in W 24 in D 17 in
Pair of Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Night Stands for Directional, USA 1970s
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Night Stands for Directional, USA 1970s Brass and chrome tiles over wood with wood veneer face on pulls, both signed, one on bottom, one on side...
Brass, Chrome
Paul McCobb Sideboard for Calvin
By Paul McCobb, Irwin Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Sideboard for Calvin-"Irwin Collection" walnut case with solid tapered legs connecting cross stretchers, finished on backside, travertine marble top, accordion folding do...
Travertine
$12,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 33 in W 84.5 in D 20.25 in
Modern Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza with Faux Parchment Fronts
Located in North York, ON
Modern black Lacquered sideboard credenza with Faux Parchment fronts. Featuring unique shaped design with ample storage options. Completed with a beautiful black lacquered finish and...
Wood
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
Large Mid-Century Modern Credenza
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern style credenza offers plenty of storage behind sliding doors, with multiple shelves and slide out trays. A rich woodgrain complements the credenza's minimal d...
Wood, Teak
Paul Evans Cityscape Brass and Glass Wall Mount Shelf
By Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Evans Cityscape shelf with brass supports and glass shelf. In original condition with visible wear, consistent with age and use.
Brass
$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
Sold
H 31.89 in W 72.05 in D 20.87 in
Postmodern lacquer sideboard, F Hayman Chaffey for Directional , USA 1980s
By Directional
Located in Hastings, GB
A rare postmodern metallic lacquer sideboard, coated with thick acrylic: a collaboration between high-end manufacturer Directional and the artist/designer Frederick Hayman Chaffey. S...
Acrylic, Lacquer
Milo Baughman for Directional Burled Walnut Sideboard or Credenza
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Skokie, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional Burled Walnut Sideboard or Credenza A beautiful burled walnut sideboard or credenza by American designer Milo Baughman (1923-2003) for Directional Furn...
Brass
Sold
H 76.5 in W 60 in D 18 in
Caned Sideboard Cabinet by Paul McCobb for Directional Furniture c 1958, Signed
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautifully refinished cabinet with hutch was designed by Paul Mccobb for Directional Furniture and part of their 'Custom Collection' line produced in circa late 1950s and featu...
Brass
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 Paul Evans, Directional
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
Sold
H 30.5 in W 72.5 in D 18 in
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 ...
Walnut
Sold
H 30.25 in W 72 in D 18 in
Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut and Ebonized Sideboard Credenza, 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 legs and accent...
Walnut
Paul Evans Directional Patchwork Credenza, c 1970's
By Paul Evans, Directional
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...
Chrome
Paul Evans Iconic Artisan 4 Door Credenza 1968
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Stunning 4 door credenza model PE-40A in hand-welded steel with hand-painted polychrome enamels and gilding featuring bi-fold doors with red colored interior and cleft slate tops by ...
Slate, Enamel, Steel, Gold
Sold
H 34.5 in W 48.13 in D 19.13 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquered Sideboard or Bar Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture, 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 Black la...
Brass
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 Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture, Directional
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 33 in W 71.25 in D 19.25 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany, Leather, and Brass Credenza, 1950s
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s ...
Brass
Sold
H 30.25 in W 54 in D 18 in
Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut and Ebonized Sideboard Credenza, 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 legs and accent...
Walnut