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 Mccobb Calvin Group Mahogany and Brass Nightstands for Directional
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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
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
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
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
Paul McCobb for Directional Brass Tripod Table with Circular Glass Top
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Astoria, NY
Paul McCobb (American, 1917-1969) for Directional Brass Tripod Side Table, with circular white glass top. 22.25" H x 20.5" Diameter. Provenance: From a 35 Sutton Place Estate.
Brass
Milo Baughman, Side Table, Wood, Metal, USA, 1960s
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered metal, rosewood, walnut and butternut side table designed by Milo Baughman and produced by Directional, USA, c. 1960s. Patina and dramatic fading to top as illustr...
Metal
Directional Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood Parsons Side Table, 1960s
By Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern Parsons side table in gorgeous book-matched burl wood By Directional USA, 1960s Measures: 25"W x 20"D x 17.75"H. Very good original vinta...
Burl
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
$995
H 18.5 in W 21 in D 21.01 in
Milo Baughman Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Drum Side Table, Newly Refinished
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern white lacquered drum side table By Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin USA, Circa 1970s Measures: 21"W x 21"D x 18.5"H. Professionally refinis...
Wood, Lacquer
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
Paul McCobb Side Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in East Hampton, NY
Newly refinished Paul McCobb side table by Winchendon.
Wood
$9,095
H 15.75 in W 60 in D 25 in
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
$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
Milo Baughman Post Modern Chrome & Smoke Glass Side Tables
By Design Institute America, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Glass Top Materials: Chrome Metal, Original Smoke Glass Top Product Description This striking pair of postmodern side tables by Milo Baughman for the Design Inst...
Chrome
Milo Baughman Polished Stainless Steel Chrome Drum Side Table
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Oakland, CA
Polished Stainless Steel Drum Table designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. #1 Diameter 22 H 24 inches
Chrome
1960s Paul McCobb Linear Side Table for Calvin Walnut & Aluminum
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a vintage Side End table Designed by Paul McCobb Linear for Calvin Furniture Co. Linear designs with drawer Walnut and aluminum label present 24 h x 21 x 21...
Aluminum
Milo Baughman Polished Stainless Steel Chrome Drum Side Table, 17"h
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Oakland, CA
Polished Stainless Steel Drum Table designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin. Diameter 24 H 17 inches
Steel, Chrome
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
Classic Paul McCobb Calvin End Tables
By Paul McCobb
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Paul McCobb for Calvin end tables-could also be night stands, with pull out tray. Very nice restored condition. Both signed underneath.
Mahogany, Walnut
Sold
H 24.5 in W 20 in D 20.5 in
Pair of Paul Evans Cityscape Nightstands - Chrome Patchwork by Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
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 Paul Evans, Directional
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, Directional, Paul McCobb
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 Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
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 Calvin Furniture, Directional, 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 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