Directional End Tables
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.
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Creator: Directional
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquer and Brass End Tables or Nightstands
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
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
...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional End Tables
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
1970s American Brutalist Vintage Directional End Tables
Materials
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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...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional End Tables
Materials
Burl
Paul Evans Cityscape Brass and Wood Side Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
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Rare and unusual Cityscape side table signed Paul Evans with brass and wood panels. This stunning combination is not often seen, this example is in very good, original condition, sho...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional End Tables
Materials
Brass
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________________________________________
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Directional end tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Directional end tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Directional end tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original end tables by Directional were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider end tables by Johnson Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger, and Kittinger. Prices for Directional end tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,695 and can go as high as $13,900, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,000.
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Questions About Directional End Tables
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021While a pear-shaped ring can be worn either way, most commonly it is worn with the tip of the diamond facing upwards to look like a falling teardrop when the hand is raised. This also helps create the impression of longer fingers.
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