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.
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Jewelry Chest, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern dresser top two-drawer jewelry chest By Paul McCobb for Directional Furniture USA, 1950s Black lacquered mahogany, with original brass drawer pul...
Brass
Paul McCobb for Directional Miniature Cabinet, circa 1955
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Miniature Cabinet, circa 1955 A finely crafted miniature cabinet designed by Paul McCobb for Directional, circa 1955. Executed in mahogany with brass hard...
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
Steel
Jewelry Box Brass Swan Bird Red Lacquer
Located in New York, NY
A '70 modern red lacquer or high-gloss 'demi-lune' box with inlayed brass swan bird design, circa 1970s. A chic decorative box for jewelry (as demonstrated)...
Brass
$149Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.85 in W 14.18 in D 1.58 in
Curiosity Cabinet Collection of Shells, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Shell
Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Lockable jewelry chest with 5 drawers, two pullout / pull-out necklace bars, and lined in ultra-suede. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass...
Brass
Iron strong box or safe. 19th century
Located in Madrid, ES
Safe box. Iron. XIX century. Rectangular safe made of iron, with a rectangular base, two handles on the sides and classicist-influenced molding decorations on the fronts and top. It...
Other, Iron
Paul Mccobb for Architectural Pottery White M-2 Planter, 1964
By Paul McCobb, Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare white-glazed bisque planter designed by Paul McCobb for Architectural Pottery, 1964. This planter is in excellent condition with no evidence of prior use.
Ceramic
$2,464 / item
H 12 in W 7 in D 11 in
Talisa Jewelry Chest in Cream Shagreen, Black Pen Shell & Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. Talisa jewelry chest in cream shagreen, black pen shell and brass by R&Y Augousti is a stunning piece to store your personal items. This piece has 2 doors that open to 4 drawer compartments that have black velvet trays...
Brass
Hollywood Regency Godinger Box Safe Keep Tin Faux Bamboo
By Godinger
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Hollywood Regency Godinger box or safe keep tin.Faux bamboo. Silver plated. Stamped from the maker present. Dimensions: 4.88" H x 5. 14" W x 4.25"...
Silver Plate
$3,400
H 15.75 in W 14.25 in D 7 in
Japanese Marquetry and Lacquer Jewelry Chest, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A very attractive Japanese wood table top jewelry or collector's chest with marquetry and lacquer decoration, Meiji period, circa 1900, Japan. Previously in the collection of Asbjorn Lunde (1927 - 2017). The chest is crafted in the form of a Chinese seal...
Wood, Softwood, Lacquer
$158Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.85 in W 14.18 in D 1.58 in
Curiosité Cabinet Collection of Shell Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Shell
$167Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.04 in W 14.18 in D 1.38 in
Curiosity Cabinet Collection of Shells, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Shell
Jewelry Safe Brushed Gold Brass
Located in Paris, FR
Jewelry safe vintage golded distinguishes itself following a new hyperluxury trend. Special compartments for jewelry and precious liquors, watch winde...
Gold Plate, Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Jewelry Chest of Ten Drawers
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb jewelry chest of ten drawers Best to refinish this item. Finish shows wear as does the interiors of the drawers.
Wood
Rare Small Cabinet / Jewelry Box by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Oakland, CA
Small cabinet or jewelry box by American designer Milo Baughman for Directional furniture. Four drawers in different sizes to hold small objects such as rings, watches, bracelets and...
Brass
