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.
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 for Directional Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Parsons Side Table, 1960
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern Parsons side table in gorgeous book-matched burl wood By Paul Evans for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture USA, 1960s Measures: 25...
Burl
$1,800Sale Price|26% Off
Milo Baughman Model 5009 Revolving Book Table for Directional Custom Collection
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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
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
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
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 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
Directional Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Nightstand
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Directional Mid Century Walnut and chrome nightstand This nightstand measures: 24 wide x 18 deep x 21 inches high All pieces of furniture can ...
Chrome
Paul Evans for Directional Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Parsons Side Table, 1960
By Paul Evans, Directional
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
Paul Evans Cityscape Brass and Wood Side Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
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...
Brass
Pair of Mid Century Modern Striped Side Tables by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in San Diego, CA
Restored beautiful striped wood end tables by Milo Baughman for Directioal. These are absolutely stunning in person. These tables are made of alternating rosewood, oak, and walnut. T...
Oak, Rosewood, Walnut
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 Modern Danish Teak Side or End Table
By Vejle Stole & Møbelfabrik
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Danish teak end or side table. Well constructed and nice and sturdy. Stamped made in Denmark. Legs will disassemble for shipping.
Teak
$696Sale Price|52% Off
H 21.8 in W 24.5 in D 16 in
Vintage Mid-Modern Century Lucite Z Shaped End Side Table
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Mid-Modern Century Lucite Z shaped end side table.
Lucite
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
Pair of Parchment Night Stands with Brass Accents by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The pair of Dandy round bedside table by Kifu Paris...
Brass
1970s Olivewood Burl Side Table Milo Baughman for Lane Altavista
By Lane Furniture, Milo Baughman
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Olivewood Burl Side Table attributed to Milo Baughman for Lane Altavista Virginia 27w x 22d x 20h Preowned good condition remains as unrestored vintage Nic...
Composition
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
Pair of Shagreen Night Stands with Brass Accents by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Brass
$12,510 / set
H 24.69 in W 17.72 in D 19.69 in
Pair of Parchment Night Stands with Brass Accents by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The pair of Dandy square bedside table...
Brass
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
H 22.5 in W 28 in D 24 in
Milo Baughman Style Burl Walnut Parson Side End Table
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Mid-century modernist burl wood Parsons side/end table in the style of Milo Baughman. The table features a squared-off look with a beautiful deep walnut burl wood veneer. We love usi...
Burl
$1,898 / set
H 31.5 in W 16.54 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Italian Art Deco Night Stands Bed Side Tables in Burl Walnut
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined pair of Italian 1940s Art Deco bedside tables with great design shape and decors in veneer burl walnut briar wood with front door and inside drawer. This nig...
Brass
Shagreen Night Stand with Brass Accents by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Dandy Square Bedside Table...
Brass
$12,000
H 29.5 in W 84 in D 40 in
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
Paul Evans Side Table, Copper, Bronze, Pewter, Patchwork, Slate
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Paul Evans Side Table, Copper, Bronze, Pewter, Patchwork, Slate. Chunky cube side with copper, bronze, and pewter (CBP) patchwork finish in a custom ordered size. According to Direct...
Slate, Bronze, Copper, Steel, Pewter
Expertly Restored - Milo Baughman Rosewood Side Table for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Rosewood
Paul Evans City Scape for Directional Hexagon Side or Game Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Ferndale, MI
Paul Evans designed Hexagonal table. Assorted geometric shapes of polished brass and brushed stainless steel applied to hexagonal column. Sparkling je...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 16.25 in W 66 in D 32 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Travertine Coffee Table by Calvin
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Miami, FL
Large all original Paul McCobb mahogany and brass plateau table model 8705-L with travertine marble top from the Irwin Collection by Calvin Furniture. The Mid-Century Modern cocktail table features: rectangular Italian travertine top; three drawers with brass pulls; brass frame; label. 100% original finish and condition. The perfect vintage table to accent any decor. We have all the pieces (other coffee table and sectional sofa with loveseat...
Travertine, Brass
Sold
H 19.13 in W 20 in D 24 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquer, Brass, and Cane Side Table
By Calvin Furniture, Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern three-tier side table or nightstand By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Black lacque...
Brass
Paul McCobb Cigarette Table for Directional
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul McCobb brass and white vitrolite glass cigarette table for Directional, c. 1950s, USA. This table was only produced for a short period of time which makes it a rarer find. A rou...
Brass
Sold
H 22.38 in W 24 in D 30 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Nightstand or Side Table, 1950s
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern bedside table or occasional side table By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Mahog...
Brass
Travertine and Brass Side Table by Paul McCobb for Directional, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Miami, FL
A fine Mid-Century Modern brass and travertine limestone model 8732 end table designed by Paul McCobb for the Directional Collection, d...
Travertine, Brass
Paul McCobb for Directional Brass and Vitrolite “Cigarette” Table, 1954
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Round Rock, TX
Please note one table has sold. Offered is a rare design from Paul McCobb that doesn’t come to market often. Commonly referred to as the “cigarette” table, model no. 1094 from Dire...
Brass
Milo Baughman for Directional Gentleman's Nightstand circa 1960
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in San Francisco, CA
About Mid-century nightstand designed by Milo Baughman for Directional. Walnut with dramatic contrasting black framing. Creator Milo Baughman for Directional. Date of Manufa...
Walnut
Paul Evans Signed Cityscape Burlwood & Mixed Metal Cube Table, 1975
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A lovely example of Paul Evans' influential 'cityscape' for directional cube table in olive ash burlwood and mixed metal patchwork panels--signature present. Great patination and war...
Metal
Sold
H 24.25 in W 22 in D 20.25 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Ebonized Mahogany and Brass Nightstand, 1950s
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern bedside table or end table By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture USA, 1950s Ebonized mahogany, with inlaid brass trim...
Brass