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.
Chaise Lounge by Preview, 1970
By Weiman Preview Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Chaise Lounge Chair by Preview, 1970. Channel tufted original upholstery which as shown in pictures has some tears at the seams in the back. Measures 66" long, 31" wide, 27" tall 1...
Upholstery
Sloane Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1990
By Vladimir Kagan, Preview
Located in Chicago, IL
Sloane sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1990. Original upholstery
Velvet
3 Piece Modular Sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1988
By Vladimir Kagan, Preview
Located in Chicago, IL
3 Piece Modular sectional sofa by Vladimir Kagan for Preview, 1988. Original white fabric is in good condition. There is a spot on one cushi...
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan "Omnibus" Sectional Sofa, 1970
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan "Omnibus" Two Piece Sectional Sofa. Circa .1970. Original fabric is in great condition. Measurements and a drawing is in pictures.
Upholstery
Italian Brushed Aluminum Chaise Lounge, 1960
By John Vesey
Located in Chicago, IL
Italian Brushed Aluminum Chaise Lounge w/Black Channeled Leather, 1960s. Style of John Vesey. Original condition. Measures 60” long, 24” deep, 33.75” tall at back.
Aluminum
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”
Upholstery
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
Vladimir Kagan Erica Chaise Longue, Mohair Upholstery, Modern Design
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Astoria, NY
Vladimir Kagan Erica Chaise Longue, Model P6910-L, with black mohair upholstery on lucite base, "Vladimir Kagan / Couture" label to underside. 39" H x 27.5" W x 58" D; seat: 18" H. ...
Mohair, Upholstery, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan Erica Mohair Upholstered Chaise Longue, Model P6910-L
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Astoria, NY
Vladimir Kagan Erica Chaise Longue, Model P6910-L, with black mohair upholstery on lucite base, "Vladimir Kagan / Couture" label to underside. 39" H x 27.5" W x 58" D; seat: 18" H....
Mohair, Upholstery, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional, 1980s
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Stamford, CT
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud, Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Directional 1980s. The Cloud Sofa, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional. The original Directional produ...
Upholstery
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
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Scallop Chaise Lounge in Soft Ivory White Bouclé
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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 scallop 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. Take an afternoon nap. Cozy up with a good book and a glass of wine, phone a friend and catch up or work on your laptop. Activities will be enjoyed all the more reclined atop this Vladimir Kagan Scallop Chaise Lounge...
Bouclé, Upholstery
