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 McCobb for Directional Mahogany & Brass Extension Dining Table, Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
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 Gorgeous Honduran mahogany, with brass stretche...
Brass
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
Milo Baughman for Directional Rosewood, Walnut, Ash Dining Table with 2 Leaves
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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 Evans for Directional PE13 Mid Century Bronzed Steel and Glass Coffee Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional PE13 Mid Century Bronzed Steel and Glass Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 60 wide x 25 deep x 15.75 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We ...
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
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid-Century Mixed Wood Expanding Leaf Dining Table
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant and versatile mid-century modern dining table designed by Milo Baughman for Directional. This sophisticated piece features a striking combination of rosewood, walnut, and ash...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Paul Evans, Polychrome Steel, 1960s
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century Brutalist torch cut, welded polychrome steel double pyramid coffee table base by Paul Evans. Mint original condition. Sold without glass for cost effective shipping. Fre...
Steel
Paul McCobb Carrara Top Game Table From the Linear Group for Directional 1957
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
Uncommonly seen Carrara top game table from the Linear Group designed by Paul McCobb for Directional in 1957. The McCobb Linear Group was selected as part of the Alcoa Forecast...
Carrara Marble, Aluminum
Paul Evans Custom Faceted Dining Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Custom Faceted Dining Table, Larger base with lacquered wood and brass cladding over wood. 3/4" top measures 96" in length and 47.50" in depth Seats 10 to 12
Brass
Geometric Bronze Coffee Table by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early 1970s geometric coffee table by Milo Baughman for Directional. Bronze-finished base with original, octagonal glass top, rare in its complete presentation. Dense, glass is 3/4" ...
Bronze
Paul McCobb Travertine Consoles and or Sofa Tables
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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
$4,500Sale Price|30% 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 for Directional Cityscape Style Mid Century Patchwork Burlwood Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape style mid century patchwork burlwood table The table measures: 39 wide x 39 deep x 29.25 high, with a chair...
Burl
Large Lacquered Square Coffee Table w/ Chrome Plinth Base By Directional 1970s
By Directional
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Mid Century Modern plinth base modern white lacquered coffee table with chrome plinth base and glass top. This piece is by Directional and attributed to Paul Evans circa 1970. This beautiful mid-century cocktail table is a statement piece for any living room. In form, this piece is square, and tapers down to its chrome plinth base. Painted in a white / creamy hue, on the outside and top, it also features inset glass. A great option for use during cocktails or drinks. Glass is insert to about 2” – 3” from the edge of the top. We've seen similar coffee tables featured in Elle Decor and House Beautiful. A wonderful piece that can stand the test of time. Directional furniture is extremely well made and will be a purchase that can stand the test of time. The overall color of this coffee table/cocktail table is a creamy white color. A great staple piece for any living room. Should colors change in a design plan, this piece can hold its own and always be a classic incorporated with other colors. Wonderful vintage condition with some chips to lacquer around the sides, as well as under the glass top. Some signs of wear to the chrome plinth base such as light scratching and discoloration. How We Would Style It: We think this piece deserves to be placed on a brightly colored rug...
Glass, Wood, Lacquer
Paul McCobb "Plateau" Double-Sided Cocktail Table
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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
$6,700Sale Price|21% Off
Paul Evans Patchwork Steel Coffee Table for Directional, Signed & Dated 1978
By Directional, Paul Evans
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
1970s Paul Evans Iconic Cityscape Dining Table, Signed
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in North Canton, OH
Iconic Paul Evans Burled Patchwork and Chrome Dining Table from his Cityscape Collection. Signed. Two leaves. Condition Disclosure: Please understand nearly all of our inventory is ...
Chrome
$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 for Directional MCM Geometric Bronze and Glass Coffee Table
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Geometric Bronze and Glass Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 48 wide x 48 deep x 16.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be h...
Bronze
Milo Baughman for Directional Midcentury Coffee Table
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional midcentury coffee table This coffee table measures: 48 wide x 48 deep x 16.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restor...
Metal
Monumental Black Lacquered Low Table by Directional
By Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous black gloss lacquered pillow freeform low table by Directional. Monolithic and minimal in design. The large square shape with molded convex sides appears to float above the ...
Chrome