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 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
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
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
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
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
Directional c1970s Mid Century Modern Side End 20x30 Rectangle Burl End Table
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Directional c1970s Mid Century Modern Side End 20x30 Rectangle Burl End Table MINT
Burl
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 We take our photos in a controll...
Chrome
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Mid Century Modern Striped Side Tables by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
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
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
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
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
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.
Brass, Copper, Pewter
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
$6,750 / set
H 8 in W 3 in D 12 in
Set Paul Evans for Directional Chrome Brass Cityscape Shelf Brackets Console
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning set signed Paul Evans for Directional shelf brackets or console tables. The glass is not pictured but is included and is 12" w x 48" l and is brand new. This set is truly fa...
Brass, Chrome
$3,500 / set
H 15.25 in W 20.5 in D 20.5 in
Paul McCobb Leather Top Side Tables w/ Cane Shelves for Calvin Furniture
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut Wood, Original Cane Shelves, Original Leather Tops, Brass Accent Trims ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture...
Brass
$2,056 / set
H 22.05 in W 22.05 in D 13 in
Pair of Italian Art Deco Burl Veneer Wood Marble Top Night Stands Bedside Tables
By Gio Ponti, Melchiorre Bega, Dassi, Ico & Luisa Parisi
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Art Deco Mid-Century Modern pair of night stands bed side tables with great decorated wooden structure and two front doors completed by the whi...
Marble, 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
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
$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
$364
H 23.63 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Vintage Chrome & Glass Side Table, Germany 1970s, Mid Century Modern Round End T
Located in Hannover, DE
Side table from the 1970s made of chromed metal and glass. German manufacturer. Only 1 available. Good vintage condition. Stable chrome-plated metal frame with no wobbling. The glas...
Metal
Milo Baughman for Directional Ash Burl Drum Form End / Side Table
By Milo Baughman
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century drum form end / side table with an ash burl wood veneer. (MILO BAUGHMAN FOR DIRECTIONAL FURNITURE COMPANY)
Wood, Ash, Burl
Sold
H 24.5 in W 20 in D 20.5 in
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 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 Directional, Paul Evans
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 Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture, 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 Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
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 Directional, Paul McCobb
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 Directional, Paul McCobb
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 Milo Baughman, Directional
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