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 PE70 Mid Century Signed Resin Coffee Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional PE70 Mid Century Signed Resin Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 60 wide x 25 deep x 15.75 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We take our ph...
Glass, Resin
Paul Evans for Directional 8-Layer Cityscape Coffee Table in Chrome & Burl
By Paul Evans, Directional
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 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
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
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
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
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
$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 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 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
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
Paul McCobb for Directional Brass and Vitrolite Cocktail Table, 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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
$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
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 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 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
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Paul Evans, Polychrome Steel, 1960s
By Directional, Paul Evans
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 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
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
$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
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
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
$4,995
H 15.5 in W 42.5 in D 42.5 in
1970s Modern Patchwork Burl Floating Coffee Table Manner Of Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fabulous patchwork burl modern floating coffee table attributed to the famous furniture designer, Paul Evans. Paul Evans is regarded as one of the founders of the brutalist...
Burl
$7,500
H 16 in W 41 in D 34 in
Vintage “Cityscape” Burl and Gunmetal Coffee Table by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Introducing the exquisite vintage "Cityscape" coffee table, an iconic piece designed by the renowned Paul Evans for Directional, a celebrated figure in the world of mid-century moder...
Metal
$5,600
H 15.5 in W 42 in D 42 in
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Brass, Chrome and Glass Square Cocktail Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning Cityscape design coffee table by Paul Evans for Directional. It features a chrome & brass patchwork design base with a heavy glass top. In very good vintage condition.
Chrome, Brass
$9,995
H 16 in W 42 in D 20 in
Paul Evans Brutalist Studio Work Modern Glass Top Coffee Table C. 1960's
By Paul Evans
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 16 in W: 42 in D: 20 in Few furniture designers captured the bold spirit of the American Studio Craft movement quite like Paul Evans, whose sculptural creations hav...
Metal
Paul Evans Signed Cityscape Cocktail Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
A Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape style cocktail/coffee table. This gorgeous midcentury modern coffee table is part of the legendary Paul Evans Cityscape series of furniture. Th...
Chrome
$5,997
H 17 in W 58.75 in D 22.8 in
Paul Evans brutalist welded metal patchwork PE-11 zig zag coffee table
By Paul Evans
Located in Liberty, NY
Beautiful 1960's Paul Evans brutalist zig zag design coffee table with glass top, created as part of his "Sculptured Metal" collection for Directional. Fabricated with artisan welde...
Metal
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Skyline Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Paul Evans sculpted bronze brutalist skyline coffee table, signed PE71 Glass top is 3/4" thick, 28" deep and 55" wide. Base is 15" high, 28" deep...
Bronze
$4,850
H 16 in W 42 in D 42 in L 16 in
Paul Evans Signed Cityscape Coffee Table Chrome & Burl Mid Century Modern 1960s
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
Glamorous Cityscape Coffee Table, made by Paul Evans, signed, American, circa 1960s. The table with glass measures 42" x 42" x 16" height. The coffee table base itself measures 15.25...
Metal
Paul Evans Brutalist Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Savannah, GA
Paul Evans (American, 1931-1987) Brutalist mixed metal patchwork coffee table with original slate top, circa 1970. 42 inches wide and deep by 16 ½ ...
Slate, Copper
H. A. Larson Brutalist Patchwork Coffee Table with Slate Top
By H.A. Larson
Located in Chicago, IL
Studio made coffee table with patchwork copper and brass clad surface. The metal pieces are patinated and enameled with applied, torch cut, and ground down textures in the finish. Th...
Brass
Brutalist 1970s Round Coffee Table with a Brown/Green Slate Top
Located in Echt, NL
Rustic modern coffee table in very good condition. The table has a natural slate top with a beautiful brown/green color. The heavy base is made from lacquered metal and has three a...
Stone, Slate, Metal
Paul Evans Brutalist Coffee Table with Slate Top and Metal Base
By Paul Evans
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-century Brutalist-style slate-top coffee table with mixed metal patch work base. (Attributed PAUL EVANS).
Metal
Paul Evans Brutalist Mixed Metal Coffee Table for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Evans Brutalist mixed metal coffee table for directional. Materials: Copper, Brass, Pewter, Original Glass Top
Brass, Copper, Pewter
Sold
H 16 in W 60 in D 24 in
Paul Evans PE-11 Sculptured Metal Cocktail Table for Directional Furniture
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Stamford, CT
The featured PE-11 Angle Zig-Zag motif cocktail table, part of the Sculptured Metal collection, is a striking composition of steel and bronze. Its expressive weldwork, rich oxidation...
Bronze, Steel
Sold
H 20.27 in W 32 in D 32.02 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany, Leather Top Coffee Table, 1950s
By Calvin Furniture, Directional, Paul McCobb
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
Sold
H 25.25 in W 29.75 in D 29.75 in
Paul Evans 'PE-31' Patchwork Copper 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. The top has been fitted with mirrored glass. 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...
Bronze, Copper, Pewter
Sold
H 15.75 in W 51.19 in D 27.56 in
Brass and marble coffee table, by Paul McCobb, USA circa 1955 / 1960
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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
Sculptural Brutalist Coffee Table by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Las Vegas, NV
From a one owner estate, comes the opportunity to own an authentic PE-13, coffee table base by Paul Evans for Directional. Table is signed PE 74. A great brutalist piece comprised ...
Bronze
Mid Century Paul Evans "Cityscape" Coffee Table by Directional, c1970s
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is a stunning mid-century coffee table designed by the renowned Paul Evans for Directional, dating back to the 1970s. This exquisite piece is part of the sought-after PE200 ...
Brass, Chrome
Sold
H 15 in W 41.88 in D 41.88 in
Paul Evans Patchwork Coffee Table for Directional, USA, 20th Century
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Hamburg, PA
A stunning patchwork coffee or cocktail table designed by Paul Evans for Directional. This incredible table is made of fabricated and patinated copper, brass, and pewter which have b...
Brass, Copper, Pewter
Paul Evans Patchwork Metal Rectangle Coffee Table Base
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul Evans for Directional Metal Patchwork Table Base Welded Steel, Bronze & Copper 1970s Glass Top Measurements Length : 48 in Depth : 24 in Thickn...
Bronze, Copper, Steel
Sold
H 16.5 in W 59.5 in D 24 in
Paul Evans for Directional Brutalist Glass and Resin Coffee Table signed PE70
By Paul Evans, Directional
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 for Calvin Brass, Walnut and Travertine Marble Slab-Top
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Brass, Walnut and Travertine Marble Slab-Top, Irwin Collection Features: One-inch thick marble, Two Drawers with cut-out pulls and inner shelf space, label on ...
Travertine, Brass
Sold
H 21.25 in W 29.75 in D 29.75 in
Paul Evans 'PE-31' Patchwork Copper Table with Slate Top for Directional, c 1967
By Paul Evans, Directional
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. The top has been fitted with an inset slate stone. 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 if you would like to create a matching set. We also carry other Paul Evans designs, including Cityscape, Deep-Relief, and Sculptured Metal Collections. Contact us for more information or see our other listings for more details. This Paul Evans patchwork copper cube table...
Copper, Pewter, Bronze