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.
Milo Baughman for Directional Dining Table in Walnut, Rosewood, Ash w/ 2 Leaves
By Johnson Furniture Company, Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made in the Unites States in the 1960s, this piece was manufactured by Johnson Furniture Co. and sold by Directional, who consistently sold smash hits from the likes of Paul Evans an...
Hardwood, Ash, Rosewood, Walnut
Paul Evans Brutalist Mixed Metal Coffee Table for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Evans Brutalist mixed metal coffee table for directional.
Brass, Copper, Pewter
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf or Console Table Chrome & Brass
By Paul Evans, Directional
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 & chrome clad patchwork design. Includes two L ...
Brass, Chrome
Pair of Paul Evans Cityscape Nightstands - Chrome Patchwork by Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Raleigh, NC
Pair of Paul Evans Cityscape nightstands in chrome patchwork, produced by Directional. Each features a two-tiered C-shaped design with integrated drawer, creating both open and enc...
Chrome
Paul Evans Brutalist Cocktail Table in Patinated Steel and Bronze, c. 1970
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptional Brutalist coffee table by Paul Evans, created as part of his celebrated Sculptured Metal Collection for Directional, exemplifies the raw artistry and architectural p...
Bronze, Steel
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquer and Brass End Tables or Nightstands
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern end tables, side tables, or nightstands By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s ...
Brass
Paul Evans PE-509 Cityscape Dining Table by Directional, 1970s
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Raleigh, NC
Paul Evans PE-509 dining table from the Cityscape series, executed entirely in chrome patchwork. Geometric metal panels in varied rectangular shapes create the signature skyline-ins...
Chrome
Paul Evans Dining Table Cityscape Burl & Brass
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Hanover, MA
Paul Evans Cityscape dining table base with burl veneer and brass plated stainless steel tiles. Base alone dimensions 28.5 x 49 x 19 Glass shown in photos for scale 72" x 40"
Brass
Modernist Patchwork Burl Executive Desk By Paul Evans Cityscape For Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This impressive modernist executive desk, model number PE 400, designed by Paul Evans circa 1975, showcases the brilliant burl wood patchwork design of the designers last series City...
Steel
Dining Table by Paul Evans Sculpted Stalagmite, Directional, USA 1971 Signed
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Dining Table by Paul Evans Sculpted Stalagmite, Directional, USA 1971 Signed Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Stalagmite Dining Table for Directional Furniture, dated 1971 Sculptured "St...
Bronze, Metal
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Round Dining Table or Game Table
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern round dining, table, game table, or center table By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950...
Brass
Milo Baughman Dining Table for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Esperance, NY
Up for sale is a stunning vintage table designed by Milo Baughman for Directional. The first three photos showcase the table with its leaves in place, while the fourth photo displays...
Rosewood, Walnut
Directional Dining Table designed by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping to your location. Directional Dining Table designed by Milo Baughman. The table measures 72" by 39" by 29.5" tall with two leave...
Rosewood, Teak, Walnut
Paul McCobb Brass and Vitrolite Console Table, Mid-Century Modern
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Round Top, TX
Iconic Paul McCobb brass and Vitrolite console table. Perfect age and oxidation to brass in the coveted longer six foot length. A rare example of Mr. McCobb's elegant, streamlined,...
Brass
Pair Paul Evans Cityscape Night Stands, Burl and Brass with Drawers, Signed
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare and fine pair of burl and brass Cityscape night stands / nightstands designed by Paul Evans for Directional, 1970s. Both have two drawers that function perfectly. Clusters of li...
Brass
Paul Evans Brutalist Patchwork of Metals Slate Top Coffee Table c. 1970s
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Silver golden and copper hues glow throughout this Paul Evans coffee table in a patchwork of hammered metals. Artful celebration of metals represented in brass iron steel and bronze ...
Metal
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...
Brass
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
Paul Evans, "Cityscape" Dining Table, Mirror, Wood, Directional, USA, c. 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and mirror "Cityscape" dining table designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional, circa 1970.
Mirror, Wood
$9,500 / set
Paul McCobb for Calvin Dining Set
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Dining Set, Features Six Dining Chairs, Two Arm Chairs, and Four Side Chairs, a Rectangular Table in mahogany veneer original medium tone with a solid brass st...
Brass
Mid Century Walnut Dining Table by Milo Baughman
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Stunning Mid century dining table by Milo Baughman for Directional. Beautiful walnut top and matching walnut base. The perfect minimalist dining table. Lines don't get much cleaner. ...
Walnut
Brass and marble coffee table, by Paul McCobb, USA circa 1955 / 1960
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Paris, FR
Large coffee table by American designer Paul McCobb, Directional edition. Structure in square brass tubes. Top in white Carrara marble. The four legs are fitted with small adjustable...
Carrara Marble, Brass
Paul McCobb "Plateau" Double-Sided Cocktail Table
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb "Plateau" Double-Sided Cocktail Table, features refinished black lacquer over mahogany wood with an original leather top with aluminum edge single drawer and shelf on eac...
Aluminum
Midcentury Dining Table by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning vintage dining table by Paul Evans for Directional. Beautiful patchwork burl wood design that sits on a pedestal base with chrom...
Chrome
$1,800Sale Price|26% Off
Milo Baughman Model 5009 Revolving Book Table for Directional Custom Collection
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Littleton, CO
An exceptional side table designed by Milo Baughman for Directional's "Custom Collection" executed in Southeast Asian paldao with 5 drawers and book storage in a handsome cabinet tha...
Hardwood
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze PE 128 "Stalagmite" Coffee Table 1971 (Signed)
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
The work of Paul Evans is characterized by its seamless joining of art with functionality, the designers craftsmanship and his bold aesthetic. No where is this more evident than in t...
Bronze, Sheet Metal
1970s Signed Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape Chrome Cube Side Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a striking example of Paul Evans’ iconic Cityscape collection for Directional, this chrome-plated steel cube table embodies the bold, architectural elega...
Chrome
Paul Evans Glass Chrome Cityscape Coffee Table for Directional 1970s
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Paul Evans Glass Chrome Cityscape Coffee Table for Directional 1970s 1970's Cityscape for Directional Furniture table by Paul Evans. Patchwork of chrome an...
Chrome
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquer and Brass Extension Dining Table
By Directional, Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture USA, 1950s Black lacquered mahogany, with brass stretchers...
Brass
Milo Baughman for Directional Rosewood, Walnut, Ash Dining Table with 2 Leaves
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Rosewood, Walnut and Ash Expanding Dining Table with 2 Leaves This table measures: 60 wide x 38 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a chair clear...
Ash, Rosewood, Walnut
Directional Mid-Century Modern Cherry and Burl Wood Dining Table, Refinished
By Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Directional USA, Circa 1960s Gorgeous figural cherry wood, with burl wood banding. Measures: 72"W x 44.25"D x 38.75"H....
Cherry, Burl
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Paul Evans "Cityscape" Chrome and Glass Coffee Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
Vintage Cityscape coffee table with original glass by Paul Evans for Directional. The coffee table is in good vintage condition, regular scuffs and scratches on the chrome and glass....
Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Game, Side Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Nice signed example from the Cityscape series by Paul Evans for Directional. Hard to find form, usable as a game, side, or occasional table. This table is in good, original condition...
Brass, Chrome
$4,850Sale Price|25% Off
Exotic Mixed Woods Dining Table by Milo Baughman for Directional, 1960s
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautifully refinished exotic wood inlay 1960's California Modern dining table by Milo Baughman for Directional features highly grained exotic woods creating contrasting lines s...
Wood
Paul Evans "Cityscape" Dining / Console Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Denton, TX
Paul Evans cityscape for Directional dining / console table with chrome-plated steel and burled wood base. Glass not included Base dimensions: 63 L x 19 D x 28.38 Glass: 71 3/...
Steel, Chrome
Paul McCobb for Directional Brass and Vitrolite Cocktail Table, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern coffee or cocktail table By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Brass base, with white vitrolite top. Measures: 48"W x 18"D x 22"H. Ver...
Brass
Paul Evans Console for Directional Brutalist Sculpted Bronze & Glass Wall Mount
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
1960s sculpted bronze wall mount console designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional. New glass top. Original wall mount brackets.
Steel
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Wall Mirror & Console Table Shelf in 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 chrome clad patchwork design. ...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bar Cart / Cabinet on Casters by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This walnut bar cabinet was manufactured by Directional in the 1960s and attributed to both Milo Baughman and Kipp Stewart due to stylistic attributes associated with both designers,...
Brass
Paul Evans Cityscape Expandable Dining Table. Burl Wood and Chrome. Signed.
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Kansas City, MO
Stunning extension dining table designed by Paul Evans for his Cityscape series and manufactured by Directional. Patchwork burl top and chrome base. Without leaves it is a 47 inch ...
Burl
Paul Evans Studio for Directional Argente Unique Dining Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Studio for Directional Argente Unique Dining Table Welded and patinated aluminum with 3/4" glass Welded signature and date to base ‘Paul Evans 73’. Sold with a digital cop...
Aluminum
Paul Evans PE-509 Dining Table by Directional Furniture in Walnut Burl
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Raleigh, NC
This striking Paul Evans PE-509 dining table by Directional Furniture showcases the designer's masterful patchwork walnut burl construction. The table features Evans' signature tech...
Walnut
Paul Evans for Directional PE-102 Mid Century Stalagmite Bronze Dining Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional PE-102 Mid Century Stalagmite Bronze Dining Table This dining table measures: 90 wide x 47.75 deep x 28.75 inches high, with a chair clearance of 28 inche...
Bronze
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Patchwork Steel Coffee Table for Directional, Signed & Dated 1978
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning coffee table by Paul Evans for Directional, produced in 1978, signed and dated PE 78. The cube shaped form is fabricated from patinated pieces of painted steel which have be...
Steel
Paul Evans Cityscape Patchwork Burlwood Console or Dining Table Base
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Houston, TX
Paul Evans for Directional cityscape patchwork burlwood console table, center table or dining table base. This stunning Mid-Century Modern Evans att...
Burl
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquer and Brass Dining Table, Refinished
By Directional, Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture USA, 1950s Black lacquered mahogany, with brass stretchers...
Brass
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Multi-Wood Dining Table
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional mid century multi-wood dining table This table measures: 60 wide x 38 deep x 28.75 high, with a chair clearance of 25.75 inches, each leaf measures 2...
Wood
Milo Baughman Black Lacquer Parsons Style Dining Table
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
An iconic dining table by Milo Baughman for Directional. Table is well constructed and comes with two leaves each of which is 20"W. Without leaves table is 66"W. Black lacquer.
Wood, Lacquer
Paul Evans for Directional Model PE-14 Coffee Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Paul Evans for Directional Model PE-14 42" Coffee Table. Beautiful Pyramid Design Cocktail Table from the "Sculptured Metal Collection" for Directional. Comprised of 4 pyramids th...
Metal
Paul Evans PE400 Faceted Dining Table in Walnut Burl & Chrome Plated Steel 1970s
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
The Cityscape collection designed by Paul Evans was produced by Directional Furniture from 1970 until 1981. The collection drew inspiration from urban environments and architectural ...
Steel, Chrome
$9,240 / set
Pair of Paul McCobb of Consoles
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional. Pair of model 8704 console tables. Square tubular brass frames with travertine top. Patina on brass consistent with age and use. Stool sold separately.
Travertine, Brass
Paul Evans for Directional Mid Century Chrome Cityscape Dining Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional Mid Century Chrome Cityscape Dining Table This dining table measures: 90 wide x 47.75 deep x 29 inches high, with a chair clearance of 28.25 inches All p...
Chrome
Paul Evans Patchwork Coffee Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Wonderful patchwork coffee table by the iconic Paul Evans. This table is comprised of welded copper, bronze and steel. Evans designed this table for Directional in the 1970's. This t...
Bronze, Copper, Steel
Modernist Walnut Bar Cart / Cabinet on Casters by Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Buffalo, NY
This walnut bar cabinet was manufactured by Directional in the 1960s and attributed to both Milo Baughman and Kipp Stewart due to stylistic attributes associated with both designers,...
Brass, Steel
$2,295 / set
Midcentury Burled Nesting Tables by Directional
By Directional
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Mid Century Parsons style nesting tables made by Directional in thick burl veneer over solid wood cores. Very well crafted and solid feeling with corner blocking. The tops ma...
Burl
Milo Baughman Dining Table by Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Highland, IN
This classic mid-century dining table designed by Milo Baughman for Directional takes a simple, rectilinear form and dresses it up with bands of mixed wood veneers. The 72" long tabl...
Wood
$7,392Sale Price / set|20% Off
Paul McCobb Travertine Consoles and or Sofa Tables
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Travertine Consoles and or Sofa Tables, model 8704 for Directional. Square tubular brass with 3/4" travertine.
Travertine, Brass
Vintage Multi-Wood Expanding Dining Table by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Magnificent vintage expanding dining table designed by Milo Baughman for Directional in the United States, circa 1960s. This spectacular and organic design features a mix of quality ...
Ebony, Oak, Rosewood, Walnut
Paul Evans Studio Coffee Table for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Welded and patinated steel coffee table by Paul Evans Studio for Directional. Table is in excellent condition.
Cut Steel
Paul Evans for Directional 'Cityscape' PE200 Side Table in Chrome and Brass
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, 'Cityscape' side table, from the PE200 series, chrome-plated steel, brass, United States, circa 1975 This side table from the 'Cityscape' (PE 200) line ...
Brass, Steel, Chrome