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 Oval Burl Wood Dining Table with Three Leaves
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Milo Baughman for Directional Oval Burl Wood Dining Table with Three Leaves Exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table by Directional Furniture, USA, circa 1970s. Crafted ...
Walnut, Burl
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Flip Top Server Bar Cart, Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
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
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf or Console Table Glass & 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 clad patchwork design. Includes two L shaped wa...
Brass
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf Chrome, Brass and Glass
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design, a cityscape wall shelf designed in the style of Paul Evans. The set features Fine heavy construction with brass & chrome clad patchwork design. Includes two L s...
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans for Directional 8-Layer Cityscape Coffee Table in Chrome & Burl
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the 1970s, the cityscape line brought the innovation and class highly sought after by top patrons to the masses with a mass-production run by Directional. There ...
Chrome
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 Stalagmite Coffee Table, Signed PE 72
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Paul Evans Stalagmite Coffee Table, Signed PE 72. Bronzed Resin Over Steel. This piece is located at our Pasadena, California location. Dimensions: Including The Glass: 41.75" Dia...
Bronze
Paul Evans 'PE-31' Patchwork Copper and Slate Cube Table for Directional, c 1967
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 'PE-31' patchwork copper table by Paul Evans for Directional, produced in circa 1967. The cube shaped form is fabricated from patinated pieces of copper, bronze, and pewter which have been welded and nailed in a patchwork style pattern resting on top of a patinated steel plinth base with casters. Works fantastic as a coffee or cocktail table, or as a large end or side table. The table sits on top of casters which makes it easy to move around and relocate. The top has been fitted with slate. The fusion of these exterior materials formulates an exemplary piece which would be a welcome addition to any connoisseur's collection or high-end interior designer project. We have the matching PE-32 bar cabinet and PE-17 floating wall console with PE-18 mirror (all with Patchwork Copper) if you would like to create a matching set. We also carry other Paul Evans designs, including Cityscape, Deep-Relief, Artisan, and Sculptured Metal Collections. Contact us for more information or see our other listings for more details. This Paul Evans patchwork copper cube table...
Slate, Bronze, Copper, Pewter
$5,144Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans for Directional Brutalist Glass and Resin Coffee Table signed PE70
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Brutalist coffee table designed by Paul Evans for Directional, signed PE 70 ( model 132 ). The table features a zig zag form base constructed of tinted sculpted resin ov...
Glass, Epoxy Resin
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Round Dining Table or Game Table
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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
Directional Dining Table designed by Milo Baughman
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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
72" Paul McCobb Brass and Vitrolite Console Table, Mid-Century Modern
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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
Paul Evans Cityscape Dining Table Base, Burl & Brass, 1975
By Directional, Paul Evans
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" Beautif...
Brass
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 Cityscape Game, Side Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
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
SOLD 03/24/26 Paul Evans for Directional PE-102 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
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze PE 128 "Stalagmite" Coffee Table 1971 (Signed)
By Directional, Paul Evans
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
Milo Baughman for Directional Dining Table in Walnut, Rosewood, Ash w/ 2 Leaves
By Directional, Johnson Furniture Company, Milo Baughman
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
$6,552Sale Price|20% Off
Milo Baughman Dining Table for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman Dining Table for Directional, Striped multi-wood table top: rosewood, walnut, and ash. Two additional matching leaves. The Table extends from 72" to 108" fully extended...
Ash, Rosewood, Walnut
$5,600Sale Price|22% Off
Paul Evans Brutalist Cocktail Table in Patinated Steel and Bronze, c. 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
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 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
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 Sculpted Bronze Stalagmite Coffee Table, Signed PE 69
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Paul Evans and signed 'PE 69,' this coffee table belongs to his celebrated Stalagmite series. The welded bronze base features two concave demilune arches flanked by taper...
Bronze
Milo Baughman - Directional Striped Exotic Mix Wood Dining Table - 2b Refinished
By Directional, Johnson Furniture Company, Milo Baughman
Located in St. Louis, MO
Classic 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dining table designed by Milo Baughman for Directional and manufactured by Johnson Furniture Company. Know as the 322 Striped Dining Table...
Rosewood, Walnut
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
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Multi-Wood Dining Table with 2 Leaves
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Multi-Wood Dining Table with 2 Leaves This table measures: 60 wide x 38 deep x 28.75 high, with a chair clearance of 25.75 inches; each lea...
Wood
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquer and Brass Dining Table, Refinished
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
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
Paul Evans Cityscape Dining Suite / Eight Chairs w Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
This listing is for a Dining Suite in desirable chrome cityscape and white leather. Includes a dining table (not pictured at this moment) with two armchairs and six side chairs. Dini...
Metal
Paul Evans Brutalist Patchwork of Metals Slate Top Coffee Table c. 1970s
By Directional, Paul Evans
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
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
1970s Signed Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape Chrome Cube Side Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
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
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
$7,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape Mid Century Chrome Dining Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape Mid Century Chrome Dining Table This dining table measures: 96 wide x 48 deep x 29.25 inches high, with a chair clearance of 28.5 inches Excell...
Chrome
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
Pair of Paul Mccobb Calvin Group Mahogany and Brass Nightstands for Directional
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul Mccobb Calvin Group Model 1047 two-tier nightstands/side tables for Directional (ca. 1954, USA). Composed of a stained mahogany frame with extendable lower shelf with nickel pul...
Brass, Nickel
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
Paul Evans, Zigzag Coffee Table, model PE11, by Directional, USA 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Paul Evans (American 1931-1987) Zigzag Coffee Table model PE11 conceived 1970 and made by Directional, USA The zigzag base in welded, polychromed and patinated steel, with rectangul...
Steel
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
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquer and Brass Extension Dining Table
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
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
Midcentury Dining Table by Paul Evans for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
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
Paul Evans "Cityscape" Dining / Console Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
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
$62,400Sale Price|20% Off
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 McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany, Brass, and Cane Coffee Table, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern two-tier coffee table or cocktail table By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Mahogany, ...
Brass
$7,392Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Paul McCobb of Consoles
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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 PE400 Faceted Dining Table in Walnut Burl & Chrome Plated Steel 1970s
By Paul Evans, Directional
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
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Burlwood Parsons Coffee Table
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Burlwood Parsons Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 60 wide x 20 deep x 19.25 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Table is in Great...
Burl
Paul Evans Mid-century Sculpted Bronze Stalagmite Round Coffee Table w/Glass
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Mid-century Sculpted Bronze Stalagmite Round Coffee Table Comes with a round Glass Top not shown
Metal
1970s Signed Paul Evans Directional Cityscape Stacked Chrome Square Coffee Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in St. Louis, MO
An iconic masterpiece of late 20th-century American brutalist and post-modern design: a "Cityscape" Square Coffee Table (from the celebrated PE 40 series), designed by the legendary ...
Metal, 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
Directional c1970s Mid Century Modern Side End 20x30 Rectangle Burl End Table
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Directional c1970s Mid Century Modern Side End 20x30 Rectangle Burl End Table MINT
Burl
Milo Baughman, Side Table, Wood, Metal, USA, 1960s
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered metal, rosewood, walnut and butternut side table designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Directional, USA, c. 1960s. Patina and dramatic fading to top as illustr...
Metal
Milo Baughman Dining Table by Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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
Directional Custom Collection Vintage Modern Inlaid Dining Table
By Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique inlaid metal and wood dining table from the Directional Custom Collection. Tabletop is banded with alternating wood grain patterns...
Chrome
Chrome and Glass Coffee Table by Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Highland, IN
This large scale coffee table by Directional has a very strong architectural quality with a pair of chrome steel bases which support a hexagonal glass top that echos the angular shap...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Milo Baughman for Directional Dimond Teak & Walnut Dining Table Gate Legs Base
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman dining table with two 14" extension boards. Ebonized gate leg base, teak and walnut diamond pattern top.
Teak, Walnut
Vintage “Cityscape” Chrome Dining Table by Paul Evans for Directional, 1970s
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Step into a world where art and function merge with this remarkable mid-century dining table, designed by the legendary Paul Evans for Directional in the 1970s. A true icon from the ...
Chrome
Paul Evans for Directional Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Parsons Side Table, 1960
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern Parsons side table By Paul Evans for Directional USA, 1960s Measures: 20"W x 20"D x 15.25"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Burl
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Milo Baughman for Directional Geometric Bronze Glass Coffee Table
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Baltimore, MD
An extraordinary Geometric, glass, midcentury, Bronze-finish base coffee table by Milo Baughman for Directional, circa 1970s. Features original, octagonal, 3/4" thick glass resting o...
Metal
Directional Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Parsons Side Table, 1960s
By Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern Parsons side table in gorgeous book-matched burl wood By Directional USA, 1960s Measures: 25"W x 20"D x 17.75"H. Very good original vinta...
Burl