Directional Furniture
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.
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Creator: Directional
Chrome Settee by Arthur Umanoff for Directional
By Arthur Umanoff, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Reupholstered in checkered navy fabric. Chrome frame.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Walnut Swivel Lounge Chairs by Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful vintage walnut swivel lounge chairs by Directional from the United States, circa 1970s. Crafted with utmost care and attention to detail, these chairs epitomize the perfect...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Cloud Sofa in the manner of Directional Furniture, 1990s Cool Fabric
By Directional
Located in Hamburg, PA
This vintage 1990s Serpentine Cloud Sofa offers a timeless design with its supple, soft fabric, ready to enhance any living space. Inspired by the iconic st...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Ultrasuede
Mixed-Woods "Gallery One" Dining Table by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mixed-woods dining table designed by Milo Baughman for Directional's "Gallery One" line (ca. 1961, USA). Composed of alternating banding of walnut, rosewoo...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut
Directional Mid Century Lounge Chair with Casters
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Directional mid century lounge chair with casters.
These chairs measure: 26 wide x 34 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Metal
1980s Weiman Curved Serpentine Sofa and Swivel Chairs, 3 Pieces
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Original rare set of 3, 1980s Iconic serpentine cloud sofa and swivel chairs are packed with personality! Outstanding design is exhibited throughout the monumental form. The Vintage complete set are beyond stunning. Beautiful colors in ultra suede light...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Linen Dining Chairs by Directional Furniture Co, Set of 6
By Directional
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below.
Shipping Quote Information
The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code.
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A
1991 Set of 6 Linen...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Linen
$1,996 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Paul Evans for Directional Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Coffee Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Coffee Table
This coffee table measures: 48 wide x 35.75 deep x 15 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul Evans Cityscape Keep Safe Box
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Cityscape Keep Safe Box, not many of these were produced, interior plastic laminite.
Dimensions:
5" wide
5" deep
3" high
Category
1970s American Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Steel
Large Three Piece Sectional Sofa by Directional. Black/White Fabric. Signed.
By Directional
Located in Kansas City, MO
L shaped sectional sofa by Directional in a beautiful black and white patterned fabric with a snakeskin like appearance. This is from the original owner and was placed in a large, rarely used living...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Large Lacquered Square Coffee Table w/ Chrome Plinth Base By Directional 1970s
By Directional
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Mid Century Modern plinth base modern white lacquered coffee table with chrome plinth base and glass top. This piece is by Directional and attributed to Paul Evans circa 1970. This beautiful mid-century cocktail table is a statement piece for any living room.
In form, this piece is square, and tapers down to its chrome plinth base. Painted in a white / creamy hue, on the outside and top, it also features inset glass. A great option for use during cocktails or drinks. Glass is insert to about 2” – 3” from the edge of the top.
We've seen similar coffee tables featured in Elle Decor and House Beautiful. A wonderful piece that can stand the test of time. Directional furniture is extremely well made and will be a purchase that can stand the test of time.
The overall color of this coffee table/cocktail table is a creamy white color. A great staple piece for any living room. Should colors change in a design plan, this piece can hold its own and always be a classic incorporated with other colors.
Wonderful vintage condition with some chips to lacquer around the sides, as well as under the glass top. Some signs of wear to the chrome plinth base such as light scratching and discoloration.
How We Would Style It:
We think this piece deserves to be placed on a brightly colored rug...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood, Lacquer
Post Modern Directional Open Arm Lounge Chairs, 1980
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Post Modern Directional Open Arm Lounge Chairs, 1980’s. Original upholstery in great condition.
Measure 29” tall 32” wide 27” deep seat height 18.5” seat seat depth 20.5”
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Post Modern Directional Pouf Ottoman in Teddy Bear Camel Bouclé
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timelessly sexy and oh so versatile pouf ottoman by Directional professionally reupholstered in super soft camel color teddy bear bouclé with a high durability rating (over 50k doubl...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
Pair of Vladimir Attributed Lounge Chairs and Ottomans
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Vladimir attributed lounge chairs and ottomans, reupholstered with Italian Boucle.
Preview Label on underside
Measures: Ottoman
H 17"
W 24.75"
D 22.5".
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Blue Leather and Walnut Ottoman
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular ottoman with a blue leather upholstered seat resting on a walnut frame with tapered legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR DIRECTIONAL)
Leather is cracking.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
1980s Directional Kagan Black Microsuede and Leather Swivel Chairs, Set of 2
By Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, chairs you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, it be...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Wood
1970s Paul Evans Iconic Cityscape Dining Table, Signed
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Hartville, OH
Iconic Paul Evans Burled Patchwork and Chrome Dining Table from his Cityscape Collection. Signed. Two leaves.
Condition Disclosure:
Please understand nearly all of our inventory is ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
$15,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Paul McCobb for Directional Floral Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century lounge / armchair with a walnut frame with a scooped back rail and blue, orange, and brown floral patterned fabric upholstery, resting on four tapered dowel legs...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Stylish Pair of Waterfall Ottoman Benches by Directional, 1980s
By Directional
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Sculptural pair of Directional waterfall ottomans. This pair will need to be reupholstered original fabric is worn and dated. They measure 17.5"t x 27"l x 17.5"d.
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
$2,280 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century rectangular ottoman with a black vinyl upholstered top resting on a walnut base with tapered legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR DIRECTIONAL)
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Larry Laslo for Directional Art Deco Oval Beige Bouclé Sofa Golden Diamond Legs
By Directional, Larry Laslo
Located in Miami, FL
Modern daybed, round sofa, oversized ottoman designed by Larry Laslo for Directional in the 1990s.
Upholstery is a high-quality beige and gold or taupe color bouclé fabric.
Elegant g...
Category
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Directional Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Foam, Wood
Post Modern Directional Pouf Ottoman in Ivory White Boucle
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timelessly sexy and oh so versatile pouf ottoman by Directional professionally reupholstered in soft ivory white boucle with a high durability rating (over 50k double rubs). Plush and comfortable, the poufs can be easily incorporated as ottomans with other designer pieces or stand on their own for that extra seat. Pair available. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory.
Photographed with and also currently available in our shop-
Pair of Preview Tri Leg Post Modern Armchairs...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
Paul McCobb for Directional Striped Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century lounge / armchair with a walnut frame with a scooped back rail and multi-colored geometric patterned and striped fabric upholstery, resting on four tapered dowel...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan “Arc” Sofa for Directional, 1990s
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan “Arc” Sofa for Directional, 1990s, fully restored in a wool velvet. Very good condition
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Upholstered Bench by Directional
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
Upholstered bench by Directional. The bench has an off-white upholstery with a loose cushioned seat.
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Geometric Bronze Coffee Table by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early 1970s geometric coffee table by Milo Baughman for Directional. Bronze-finished base with original, octagonal glass top, rare in its complete presentation. Dense, glass is 3/4" ...
Category
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCob Walnut Lounge Chair for Directional Mint
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCob Walnut Lounge Chair for Directional Mint!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan "Classic Club Chair" Channel Back Swivel Chairs, 1990s
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Matching pair of stylish and very comfortable lounge chairs by Vladimir Kagan design for Directional Inc., 1990s. Each professionally custom upholstered swivel chair, barrel back sty...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Directional Mid Century Barrel Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Directional mid century barrel swivel lounge chairs
These chairs measure: 28 wide x 33 deep x 26 inches high, with a seat height of 19 inches
Ready for new upholstery. This ser...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Milo Baughman for Directional Geometric Bronze Glass Coffee Table
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Baltimore, MD
An extraordinary Geometric, glass, midcentury, Bronze-finish base coffee table by Milo Baughman for Directional, circa 1970s. Features original, octagonal, 3/4" thick glass resting o...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Metal
$6,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Milo Baughman for Directional MCM Geometric Bronze and Glass Coffee Table
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid Century Geometric Bronze and Glass Coffee Table
This coffee table measures: 48 wide x 48 deep x 16.75 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be h...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Slipper Lounge Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional, USA, 1960s
By Kipp Stewart, Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Slipper Lounge Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Directional, USA, 1960s
Newly upholstered in slate gray / dark indigo cotton fabric wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$3,600 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Milo Baughman for Directional Midcentury Coffee Table
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Milo Baughman for Directional midcentury coffee table
This coffee table measures: 48 wide x 48 deep x 16.5 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restor...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Metal
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 ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Monumental Black Lacquered Low Table by Directional
By Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous black gloss lacquered pillow freeform low table by Directional. Monolithic and minimal in design. The large square shape with molded convex sides appears to float above the ...
Category
1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Chrome And Glass Coffee Table By Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Highland, IN
This large scale coffee table by Directional has a very strong architectural quality with a pair of chrome steel bases which support a hexagonal glass top that echos the angular shap...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Directional Custom Collection Vintage Modern Inlaid Dining Table
By Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique inlaid metal and wood dining table from the Directional Custom Collection. Tabletop is banded with alternating wood grain patterns...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Large Blue Velvet Ottomans by Directional
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large blue velvet ottomans by Directional.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Furniture
Materials
Velvet
Directional furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Directional furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Directional furniture, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Directional were created in the modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Thayer Coggin, Harvey Probber, and Jens Risom. Prices for Directional furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $5,800 and can go as high as $47,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $17,300.
Creators Similar to Directional
Questions About Directional Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021While a pear-shaped ring can be worn either way, most commonly it is worn with the tip of the diamond facing upwards to look like a falling teardrop when the hand is raised. This also helps create the impression of longer fingers.