Directional

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.

Average Sold Price

$8,137

Styles

Materials

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Paul Evans for Directional Rare 'Cityscape' 'Steel Hinged' Sideboard in Chrome

$44,000

H 32.51 in W 94.51 in D 21.01 in

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...

Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Milo Baughman Upholstered Swivel Chairs for Directional, A Pair, 1977

$3,995 / set

H 26 in W 35 in D 31 in

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...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Paul Evans for Directional 'PE 300' Faceted Sideboard in Chrome and Burlwood

$108,000

H 32.09 in W 83.08 in D 24.41 in

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...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Paul Evans for Directional Sculpted Bronze Dining Chairs

$142,000 / set

H 32.01 in W 22.01 in D 23.01 in

Paul Evans for Directional Sculpted Bronze Dining Chairs

By Paul Evans, Directional

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...

Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Paul Evans 'PE-31' Patchwork Copper and Slate Cube Table for Directional, c 1967

$16,500

H 22 in W 29.75 in D 29.75 in

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...

Category

1960s American Brutalist Vintage Directional

Materials

Slate, Bronze, Copper, Pewter

Paul Evans for Directional 'Cityscape' Floor Lamp

$6,950

H 54.01 in W 36.01 in D 14.01 in

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 ...

Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional

Materials

Brass, Steel, Chrome

Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Sofa, 1970s Modernist Design, USA 1970

$22,200

H 29 in W 107 in D 70 in

Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Sofa, 1970s Modernist Design, USA 1970

By Directional, Vladimir Kagan

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...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Paul Evans Monumental Three-Slate PE-42 Deep Relief Cabinet, Signed & Dated 1968

$135,000

H 29.5 in W 94.75 in D 20.75 in

Paul Evans Monumental Three-Slate PE-42 Deep Relief Cabinet, Signed & Dated 1968

By Directional, Paul Evans

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This exceptional and rare PE-42 'Deep Relief' cabinet by Paul Evans, executed in 1968, represents one of the most sculptural and architecturally significant forms produced by the Pau...

Category

1960s American Brutalist Vintage Directional

Materials

Slate, Steel

Browse all Furniture from Directional

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Directional Sale Prices

Sold Date

Sold Price

Category

Material

Creation Year

2026	$14,850	Sofas	Alpaca	1980s
2026	$2,200	Console Tables	Stainless Steel	1974
2026	$17,500	Credenzas, Cabinets	Chrome, Wood	1975
2026	$4,600	Shelves	Plastic	1970s
2026	$6,150	Dining Room Tables	Glass, Chrome	Unknown
2026	$675	Armchairs	Fabric	20th Century
2026	$1,300	Console Tables, Shelves	Brass, Glass	1970s
2026	$3,500	Credenzas	Wood, Mahogany	1960's-70's
2026	$6,630	Chaise Longues, Sofas	Fabric, Wood	1980s
2026	$5,500	Bookcases	Plastic	1970’s
2026	$16,500	Sofas	Bouclé	circa 1990s
2026	$4,699	Dining Room Tables	Ebony, Oak, Rosewood, Walnut	1960s
2026	$7,200	Lounge Chairs	Steel, Leather, Chrome	circa 1960s
2026	$3,500	Sectional Sofas	Upholstery	1950s
2026	$10,500	Side Tables	Chrome	1970s
2026	$2,550	Footstools, Ottomans and Poufs	Fabric, Foam	1980s
2026	$4,680	Swivel Chairs	Upholstery	1980
2026	$3,850	Night Stands	Walnut	1960s
2026	$1,795	Night Stands	Metal, Wood, Walnut	Circa 1960
2026	$4,420	Benches	Upholstery	1970s

$8,137

Average sold price of items in the past 12 months

$675-$38,900

Sold price range of items in the past 12 months

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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.

Questions About Directional

Which direction do you wear a pear shaped ring?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
While 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.