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 Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cane Back Armchairs, Pair
By Calvin Furniture, Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs or dining captain chairs By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Sculpted wa...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
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
Milo Baughman for Directional American Mid-Century Ash Burl Game Table
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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
$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
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
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
Milo Baughman Upholstered Swivel Chairs for Directional, A Pair, 1977
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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
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
$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
Paul Evans for Directional 'Cityscape' Floor Lamp
By Paul Evans, Directional
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 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
$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 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
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
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
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf Chrome, Brass and Glass
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design, a cityscape wall shelf designed in the style of Paul Evans. The set features Fine heavy construction with brass & chrome clad patchwork design. Includes two L s...
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
Paul Evans for Directional Mid Century Copper Pewter Bronze Patchwork Credenza
By Directional, Paul Evans
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
$74,900Sale Price|20% Off
Paul Evans Sculptural Art Metal Cabinet Model 'PE-40A', Signed & Dated 1974
By Paul Evans, Directional
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
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
Paul McCobb for Directional Model 1321 Lounge Chair in Walnut & Light Upholstery
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Flip Top Server Bar Cart, Refinished
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
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
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair in Original Turquoise Upholstery and Walnut
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa & Pouf in Boucle and Brass, Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Cue the spotlight and the swoon — because this signed Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa is not just iconic, it’s got range. From sultry curves to that double polished brass disc base, this D...
Brass
Mid Century Paul Evans Wall Mirror & Console Table Shelf in Brass & Chrome
By Directional, Paul Evans
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
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Heavy Boucle
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
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
$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 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 Evans 'PE-32' Patchwork Copper Cabinet with Slate Top for Directional, 1968
By Paul Evans, Directional
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
$19,200Sale Price|20% Off
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa, Directional, in Chinoiserie Tiger Velvet
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquer and Brass End Tables or Nightstands
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
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 ...
Brass
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
Mid Century Sideboard Credenza by Milo Baughman for Directional. Circa 1960s
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Miami, FL
Mid Century Sideboard Credenza by Milo Baughman for Directional. Circa 1960s Features a sleek Mid Century Modern Design with a beautiful walnut woodgrain, two trifold doors with flat...
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 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 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 for Directional "Marilyn" Chaise Lounge, Circa Early 1990s
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Peabody, MA
A post modern sculptural chaise longue by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, the "Marilyn", circa early 1990s. Needs to be recovered; ready for you to add your personal touch.
Upholstery
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
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
2 Piece Directional Sofa Designed by Paul Mccobb
By Paul McCobb, Milo Baughman, Directional
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
Paul Evans for Directional 8-Layer Cityscape Coffee Table in Chrome & Burl
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the 1970s, the cityscape line brought the innovation and class highly sought after by top patrons to the masses with a mass-production run by Directional. There ...
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
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Pair Mid-Century Modern Jack Larsen Style Directional Sedgefield Swivel Chairs
By Sedgefield, Directional
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
Luxurious 1980s Channel Tufted Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Raleigh, NC
Directional channel tufted sofa from the 1980s featuring asymmetric design with curved arm on one end and open chaise extension on the opposite end. Vertical channel tufting runs ac...
Velvet, Hardwood
Paul Evans 'PE-31' Patchwork Copper and Slate Cube Table for Directional, c 1967
By Directional, Paul Evans
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
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Walnut Nightstands - Pair
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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
$6,280Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Directional Even Arm Sofa Jack Lenor Larsen Mid Century Modern
By Directional, Jack Lenor Larsen
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
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Eight Drawer Chest with Brass Leg Posts
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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 Cityscape Dining Table Base, Burl & Brass, 1975
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Hanover, MA
Paul Evans Cityscape dining table base with burl veneer and brass plated stainless steel tiles. Base alone dimensions 28.5 x 49 x 19 Glass shown in photos for scale 72" x 40" Beautif...
Brass
Larry Laslo for Directional Zebra Pattern Wood Frame Lounge Club Chairs, a Pair
By Directional, Larry Laslo
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Stunning pair of armchairs, upholstered in a lux woven zebra pattern upholstery.
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Model E-11 Floor Lamp by Paul McCobb for Directional, USA, c. 1950's
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a one-of-a-kind, luxury piece of authentic twentieth century furniture - a rare model E-11 floor lamp designed by Paul McCobb for Directional. This architecturally stunn...
Metal, Brass
Paul McCobb for Directional model 1323 Loose Cushion 1956
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Model 1323 Loose-Cushion Lounge Chair, 1956 A classic mid-century lounge chair designed by Paul McCobb for Directional in 1956. The sculptural walnut bas...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Directional Post Modern Poufs Ottomans in Curly Camel Teddy Bear Fabric
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timelessly sexy pair of poufs ottomans by Directional professionally reupholstered in soft camel teddy bear fabric rated highly durable. Upholstered pouf rests atop a channeled upholstered...
Upholstery, Faux Fur
$12,000 / item
Larry Laslo for Directional Down Sofa, Pair Available
By Directional, Larry Laslo
Located in New York, NY
Modernist sofa designed by Larry Laslo for Directional featuring new Italian Ivory Boucle fabric. Back and seat feature cushions which are ...
Upholstery, Wood, Down
Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood and Black Lacquered Credenza by Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elevate your interior with this stunning mid-century credenza, attributed to the legendary Milo Baughman and crafted by Directional in the United States during the 1970s. This except...
Burl, Lacquer
20th Century American Directional Sofa - Vintage Curved Settee by Vladimir Kagan
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A half-round, vintage Mid-Century Modern American three seater sofa or settee with four pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat back rest of the divano is curved with a wide armrest, supported by two round wooden bases. Newly upholstered in a white cotton fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1950 - 1970, United States. The sofa belong to the Broadway theatre...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Wood