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.
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Curved Sofas for Directional, Signed Pair
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic pair of Mid-Century Modern Vladimir Kagan serpentine curvy cloud sofas for Directional, circa 1970's. These highly collectible and desirable sculptural modern designer sofas f...
Upholstery, Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood
Paul Evans for Directional Rare 'Cityscape' 'Steel Hinged' Sideboard in Chrome
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, Paul Evans Studio for Directional, 'Cityscape' or 'Steel Hinged' cabinet, mirrored glass, chrome-plated steel, lacquered High Pressure Laminate, United States, 1970s Thi...
Steel, Chrome
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Cloud Sculpted Sofa
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Mid Century Cloud Sculpted Sofa This sofa measures: 94 wide x 40 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 inches Excellent Vintage Condition...
Upholstery
Milo Baughman for Directional American Mid-Century Ash Burl Game Table
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Southampton, NJ
An impressive Mid-Century Modern Burl Ash game table by Milo Baughman for Directional. Substantial construction of generous proportions makes this table suitable for various uses. D...
Ash, Burl
Milo Baughman Upholstered Swivel Chairs for Directional, A Pair, 1977
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in New Windsor, NY
A fine pair of upholstered Milo Baughman designed swivel chairs by Directional of North Carolina. Purchased circa 1977. Upholstered in an original handprinted fabric called "Greenery...
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cane Back Armchairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern club chairs or dining armchairs By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Sculpted walnut frames, with caned backs and vinyl upholstered seat...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
$142,000 / set
Paul Evans for Directional Sculpted Bronze Dining Chairs
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, dining chairs, model PE-106, epoxy bronzed resin over steel, fabric, United States, circa 1970 These dining chairs are designed by Paul Evans for Directi...
Bronze, Steel
Paul Evans for Directional 'Cityscape' Floor Lamp
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, 'Cityscape' floor lamp, model PE-4010 from the PE200 series, chrome-plated steel, brass, United States, circa 1975 This distinctive floor lamp from the ...
Brass, Steel, Chrome
Paul Evans for Directional 'PE 300' Faceted Sideboard in Chrome and Burlwood
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans, Paul Evans Studio for Directional, ‘Faceted Cityscape II’ (PE 300 series), maple burl, chrome-plated steel, lacquered wood, United States, circa 1973 This sideboard from...
Steel, Chrome
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Sofa, 1970s Modernist Design, USA 1970
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage large serpentine sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in the 1970s. This sculptural piece epitomizes Kagan’s mastery of organic, flowing forms, featuring a bold ki...
Fabric, Wood
Paul Evans Directional 'Cityscape' Floor Lamp in Chrome-plated Steel and Brass
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul Evans for Directional, 'Cityscape' floor lamp from the PE200 series, chrome-plated steel, brass, United States, 1970s This unique floor lamp from the 'Cityscape' (PE 200) line...
Brass
$4,000Sale Price / set|50% Off
Mid Century Modern woven nubby cotton linen modular sectional sofa Directional
By Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern woven nubby cotton linen modular sectional sofa by Directional. Amazing upholstery on this sofa great for the beach house or house upstate. Large modular 9 section...
Cotton, Linen, Upholstery
Milo Baughman for Directional Oval Burl Wood Dining Table with Three Leaves
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Milo Baughman for Directional Oval Burl Wood Dining Table with Three Leaves Exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table by Directional Furniture, USA, circa 1970s. Crafted ...
Walnut, Burl
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Curved Sofa for Directional, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic Mid Century Modern Vladimir Kagan serpentine cloud sofa for Directional, USA circa 1970's. This highly collectible and des...
Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood
Channel Tufted Chaise Lounge by Vladimir Kagan, 1980
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional white boucle channel tufted chaise lounge. Completely restored and reupholstered.
Bouclé
Paul Evans 'PE-31' Patchwork Copper and Slate Cube Table 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 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
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf or Console Table Chrome & Brass
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design, a cityscape wall shelf designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's. The set features Fine heavy construction with brass & chrome clad patchwork design. Includes two L ...
Brass, Chrome
Pair Original Paul McCobb Custom Craft Directional Lounge Chairs in Mahogany
By Directional, Custom Craft Inc., Paul McCobb
Located in Troy, MI
Pair of rare angular lounge chairs designed by Paul McCobb Manufactured by Custom Craft Inc for Directional circa 1950 Architectural low profile design with dark stained mahogany fr...
Leather, Mohair, Mahogany
Mid-Century Post Modern Curved L Shaped Cloud Sectional Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek & stunning L shaped sectional sofa with incredible design lines. This well built sofa is by Directional furniture, circa 1980s. It features the original fabric in a 3 separat...
Fabric
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Eight Drawer Chest with Brass Leg Posts
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb for Directional #7025 black Chest of Drawers. Featuring newly restored and re-enameled rectangular black enameled eight drawer Chest, Dresser, detailed with reflective Br...
Brass
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
$74,900Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Sculptural Art Metal Cabinet Model 'PE-40A', Signed & Dated 1974
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptional and monumental cabinet, model PE-40A, designed by American sculptor and furniture master Paul Evans for Directional, signed and dated 1974. This important example repr...
Slate, Steel
Paul Evans for Directional Mid Century Copper Pewter Bronze Patchwork Credenza
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional Mid Century Copper, Pewter and Bronze Patchwork Credenza This credenza measures: 72.25 wide x 18.25 deep x 32.25 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition....
Bronze, Copper, Pewter
Mid Century Paul Evans Wall Mirror & Console Table Shelf in Brass & Chrome
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design combination, a cityscape wall shelf and mirror designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's. The set features fine heavy construction with brass & chrome clad patchwork ...
Brass, Chrome
2 Piece Directional Sofa Designed by Paul Mccobb
By Milo Baughman, Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Bensalem, PA
Two piece directional sofa designed by Paul Mccobb smaller section is 62 inches feel free to reach out with any questions
Brass
Directional Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Armoire Dresser
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Directional Mid Century Walnut and Chrome Armoire Dresser This armoire measures: 27 wide x 18.25 deep x 71 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Small Scratch on Front Left Door. Sm...
Chrome
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Flip Top Server Bar Cart, Refinished
By Directional, Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern flip top extension rolling bar cart server By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Calvin Group" USA, 1950s Black lacqu...
Brass
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
1980s Curved Post Modern Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning near mint condition 1980's Biomorphic Kidney Bean sofa by Directional. Comes in it's original upholstery, purchased from the original owner ...
Upholstery, Wood, Bentwood
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf or Console Table Glass & Brass
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design, a cityscape wall shelf designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's. The set features fine heavy construction with brass clad patchwork design. Includes two L shaped wa...
Brass
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Walnut Nightstands - Pair
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Walnut Nightstands - Pair Each nightstand measures: 24 wide x 18 deep x 22.75 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Stain Wear and Minor Sc...
Walnut
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Cloud Sofa, 2000
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Clound Sofa, 2000’s. Sofa is original white micro suede. Has 2 round plinth bases and 1 lucite leg in middle. There are a couple stains on...
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Newly and professionally reupholstered Post Modern Nautilus sofa in ivory white bouclé by acclaimed designer Vladimir Kagan and made by Directional circa 1990. Known for his love of ...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Paul McCobb for Directional Model 1321 Lounge Chair in Walnut & Light Upholstery
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Paul McCobb, this chair was manufactured by Directional, who was one of many partners that McCobb worked with. A prolific designer, this chair is one of the best models o...
Upholstery, Walnut
Cloud Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in Mohair
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. USA. Reupholstered in green mohair. Lucite leg on bottom in the middle. Tagged. A classic of postmodern design.
Mohair
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa, Directional, in Chinoiserie Tiger Velvet
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
This Vladimir Kagan Cloud sofa is divine! This is not just any sofa; it's a fantastical journey into the world of design where comfort meets chic in the most delightful way possible...
Velvet
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Heavy Boucle
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Step into the realm of luxury and design with this iconic Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa! Crafted with the finesse of a sculptor, this masterpiece is not just a piece of furniture; it's a...
Mohair
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Model 100A Mid Century Swivel Lounge Chair - Pair
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Model 100A Mid Century Swivel Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 35 wide x 34 deep x 34.5 high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm height/chair...
Upholstery
Paul Evans Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirror in Sculpted Bronze, Signed, 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Paul Evans Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirror in Sculpted Bronze, Signed, 1970. Large individually crafted bronze resin over wood wall mirror, decorated with a variety of abstract patter...
Bronze
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair in Original Turquoise Upholstery and Walnut
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul McCobb for Directional Designs, lounge chair, model 1322, walnut, fabric, 1950s. A design Paul McCobb model 1322 dating back to the 1950s. The quintessential design features o...
Fabric, Walnut
Paul Evans 'PE-32' Patchwork Copper Cabinet with Slate Top for Directional, 1968
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 'PE-32' copper clad bar cabinet on casters by Paul Evans for Directional, produced in 1968 per original receipt which we have a copy of...
Brass, Copper, Pewter
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
Directional 5 Piece Serpentine Sectional Sofa
By Directional
Located in Southampton, NJ
Project Piece Please note that this sectional will need to be reupholstered. One of the best designs from Directional. The most incredible Directional Serpentine Sofa that may possi...
Leather
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquer and Brass Dining Table, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture USA, 1950s Black lacquered mahogany, with brass stretchers...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chair by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning dramatic form lounge chair designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the 1980's. Its retains the original upholstery which needs to be recovered. Padding a...
Fabric
Paul Evans King Headboard Burl Wood and Brass 'Cityscape' for Directional 1970's
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Paul Evans King Headboard Burl Wood and Brass 'Cityscape' for Directional 1970's Slab form, brass and burl wood patchwork tiles. King size, wall mountable using bias cut mounting boa...
Brass
Paul Evans Stalagmite Coffee Table, Signed PE 72
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Paul Evans Stalagmite Coffee Table, Signed PE 72. Bronzed Resin Over Steel. This piece is located at our Pasadena, California location. Dimensions: Including The Glass: 41.75" Dia...
Bronze
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa For Directional USA 1999
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Incredible sculptural lounge sofa, designed by renowned designer Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the United States in 1999. This iconic piece of modern furniture desig...
Chrome
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Round Dining Table or Game Table
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern round dining, table, game table, or center table By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950...
Brass
Pair of Swivel "Corkscrew” Lounge Chairs by Vladimir Kagan
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous 1990’s pair of newly reupholster swivel "Corkscrew” lounge chairs designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional. These gorgeous chairs are newly reupholstered in beautiful ...
Fabric
Expertly Restored - Kipp Stewart Rosewood & Chrome Dresser for Directional
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Brazilian Rosewood, Polished Chrome Pulls & Base ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history...
Chrome
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Clam Chaise Lounge in Soft Ivory White Bouclé 1980s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
All enveloping luxurious comfort best describes this sexy Post Modern Chaise Lounge designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional newly professionally upholstered in highly durable super soft ivory white bouclé. Famous for his use of curves and amorphous shapes in furnishings, this Vladimir Kagan clam form chaise lounge has an inviting profile and shape that beckons. The inner walls of the chaise provide all enveloping comfort with wide upholstered channels angled down towards the foot of the chaise. The channels - along with the texture of the ivory white bouclé - ventilate naturally keeping you cozy in winter and cool in summer. Unlike traditional chaise lounges that allow one to recline but are not typically plush, this Vladimir Kagan chaise is the antithesis. Super comfortable seat back, tall upholstered arm rests, thick cushioned seat, and angled upholstered side. Chic, sexy and luxurious. Works for all activities - naughty or nice - at all hours of the day. Enjoy your morning cup of tea or coffee while catching up on emails or reading the latest headlines. Cozy up with a good book and a glass of wine. Activities will be enjoyed all the more reclined atop this Vladimir Kagan Scallop Chaise...
Bouclé, Upholstery
72" Paul McCobb Brass and Vitrolite Console Table, Mid-Century Modern
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Round Top, TX
Iconic Paul McCobb brass and Vitrolite console table. Perfect age and oxidation to brass in the coveted longer six foot length. A rare example of Mr. McCobb's elegant, streamlined,...
Brass
Re-Upholstered Michael Wolk for Directional Swivel Chairs, A Pair, Post-Modern
By Michael Wolk, Directional
Located in Round Top, TX
A pair of Michael Wolk-designed "Miami" chairs. This beautiful set of swivel chairs were designed by Miami-based New York designer Michael Wolk. Th...
Textile, Wood
Paul McCobb for Directional 314 Model High Back Lounge Chair in Grey Velvet
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have this absolutely gorgeous Paul McCobb for Directional, model 314 wingback lounge chair. This lounge chair is stunning-- very large in scale, and clad in fine cotton velvet that has a slight sheen. This gorgeous wingback was designed in the 1950's by Paul McCobb for Directional furniture, which is known for its high quality manufacturing. Many famed designers such as Milo Baughman, Paul Evans and even Vladimir Kagan have designed for Directional furniture, as it's truly a furniture dynasty producer of legacy furniture...
Velvet, Walnut
$6,280Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Directional Even Arm Sofa Jack Lenor Larsen Mid Century Modern
By Jack Lenor Larsen, Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Directional even arm sofa with Jack Lenor Larsen cut velvet fabric. This sofa is in very nice vintage condition with only light signs of wear. The original fabric is a ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul McCobb Dining Chairs for Directional Set of Six
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Dining Chairs for Directional Set of Six, Four model-1080 Armless and Two model-1082 Arm Chairs, Solid Mahogany wood with Bow-Tie Backs, upholstered seats. Table and Cabi...
Mahogany
$19,100Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans 'Cityscape' Patchwork Burl and Chrome Executive Desk, 1970s, Signed
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking and highly collectible patchwork burl executive desk designed by Paul Evans for Directional, circa 1970s. This iconic example showcases Evans’ signature studio-crafted aes...
Metal
Milo Baughman Dining Table for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Milo Baughman Dining Table for Directional, Striped multi-wood table top: rosewood, walnut, and ash. Two additional matching leaves. The Table extends from 72" to 108" fully extended...
Ash, Rosewood, Walnut
1990s Post Modern Muave Swivel Chairs by Michael Wolk for Directional, Set of 2
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most iconic swivel chairs you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful chairs are statement piece and very comfortable. The award-winning Miami Swivel...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Pair Mid-Century Modern Jack Larsen Style Directional Sedgefield Swivel Chairs
By Directional, Sedgefield
Located in Wayne, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Eye-catching 360 Swivel Lounge Chairs By Directional Design for Sedgefield with a Paisley Jack Lenor Larsen Style Fabric .
Upholstery