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.
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
Paul Evans Cityscape Game, Side Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Nice signed example from the Cityscape series by Paul Evans for Directional. Hard to find form, usable as a game, side, or occasional table. This table is in good, original condition...
Brass, Chrome
Paul McCobb Carrara Top Game Table From the Linear Group for Directional 1957
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
Uncommonly seen Carrara top game table from the Linear Group designed by Paul McCobb for Directional in 1957. The McCobb Linear Group was selected as part of the Alcoa Forecast...
Carrara Marble, Aluminum
Paul Evans - Style Brutalist Welded & Hammered Metal Side Table
By Paul Evans
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Vintage brutalist style side table in the style of Paul Evans. Origin unknown as the piece seems like a prototype with the plywood interior...
Metal, Brass
$23,500 / set
H 16.25 in W 24 in D 20 in
Pair Paul Evans Cityscape Night Stands, Burl and Brass with Drawers, Signed
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare and fine pair of burl and brass Cityscape night stands / nightstands designed by Paul Evans for Directional, 1970s. Both have two drawers that function perfectly. Clusters of li...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Side Tables for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of Paul McCobb design Planner Group side tables for Winchendon Furniture. Original matched pair in solid maple with brass cone shape pulls, labeled and in very good original con...
Maple
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Games Table and Chairs
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul McCobb Connoisseur collection games table and four matching side chairs. Classic Mid-Century Modern games table with inlaid mahogany diamond ...
Brass
Chinese Puddingstone Top Game Table, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century square table is inlaid with a solid slab of puddingstone, a conglomerate stone long appreciated for its beautifully irregular patterning. The inlay is a particularl...
Stone
Mid Century Walnut Dining Table by Milo Baughman
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Stunning Mid century dining table by Milo Baughman for Directional. Beautiful walnut top and matching walnut base. The perfect minimalist dining table. Lines don't get much cleaner. ...
Walnut
Fine French Art Deco Palisander Game Table by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
With a removable and reversible top, one side featuring a marquetry chess / checker board, and the other covered in felt (felt to be replaced), two drawers, and fine bronze details. ...
Bronze
$4,500
H 29.5 in W 108 in D 37 in
Milo Baughman for Directional Dining Table in Walnut, Rosewood, Ash w/ 2 Leaves
By Johnson Furniture Company, Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made in the Unites States in the 1960s, this piece was manufactured by Johnson Furniture Co. and sold by Directional, who consistently sold smash hits from the likes of Paul Evans an...
Hardwood, Ash, Rosewood, Walnut
$6,400
H 29 in W 72 in D 44.25 in
Milo Baughman for Directional Oval Burl Wood Dining Table with Three Leaves
By Milo Baughman, Directional
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
$1,400
H 29 in W 29 in D 25.5 in
Paul Evans Style Mid-Century Modern Gold Cityscape Triangular End Side Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Graphic Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans style end or side table, circa 1970's. This sculptural geometric triangle shaped accent table features a striking polished and matte gold metal ...
Metal
1960s Paul McCobb Linear Side Table for Calvin Walnut & Aluminum
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a vintage Side End table Designed by Paul McCobb Linear for Calvin Furniture Co. Linear designs with drawer Walnut and aluminum label present 24 h x 21 x 21...
Aluminum
Milo Baughman for Directional Ash Burl Drum Form End / Side Table
By Milo Baughman
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century drum form end / side table with an ash burl wood veneer. (MILO BAUGHMAN FOR DIRECTIONAL FURNITURE COMPANY)
Wood, Ash, Burl
Paul Evans games table, chess, backgammon and cards Am. c1970
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in London, GB
Paul Evans games table. c1970 The top turns to either chess, backgammon or a green felt card table. In very good condition.
Chrome
Paul Evans City Scape for Directional Hexagon Side or Game Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Ferndale, MI
Paul Evans designed Hexagonal table. Assorted geometric shapes of polished brass and brushed stainless steel applied to hexagonal column. Sparkling je...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Paul Evans "Cityscape" Dining / Game Table 1970s, 'Signed'
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Chic pedestal dining / game table in walnut burl and chrome with thick glass top by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture, Cityscape Series, American 1970...
Chrome
Sold
H 29.5 in W 32 in D 32 in
Paul Evans Slate Top Patinated Copper Patchwork Cafe Breakfast Table, 1970s
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An incredible 1970s Paul Evans for Directional patchwork dining / game table with an inset top of thick, natural cleft slate and panels of patinated copper, brass and pewter. The dining table versions of this design are much more rare than the coffee table counterpart. The size makes it perfect as a center table, a game table, a cafe / breakfast table, a break table, a meeting table for small teams, or a small dining table. This table is dining table height so it works great with dining chairs as one can fit on each side. Would work great in a 1970s styled room or could also work great in a Mid-Century Modern, Regency, Contemporary, Classical, Traditional, Transitional and more. Consider for residential or commercial use... this table would be amazing in a hotel lobby lounge or restaurant, also consider in a creative or design studio, an executive office, retail boutique, or corporate lobby. Consider pairing with our other Paul Evans copper patchwork...
Slate, Brass, Copper, Pewter
Sold
H 29.75 in W 79.5 in D 55.5 in
Paul Evans for Directional Expandable African Burl Mahogany Dining Table, c 1980
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning Model PE-411 Paul Evans double expandable pedestal dining table (also works excellent as a game table or center table) for ...
Burl, Wood
Paul Evans Rare Game Table in Walnut Burl and Chrome, 1970s 'Signed'
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare game table in tessellated walnut burl and chrome with removeable chess / checkers board on top by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture, American 1970s (signed on leg). Under the...
Chrome
Square Burl Wood Game Center Table by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern dramatic burl wood pattern square game table by Milo Baughman for Directional.
Burl
Sold
H 29.5 in W 32 in D 32 in
Paul Evans Slate Top Patinated Copper Patchwork Cafe Breakfast Table, 1970s
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An incredible 1970s Paul Evans for Directional patchwork dining / game table with an inset top of thick, natural cleft slate and panels of patinated copper, brass and pewter. The dining table versions of this design are much more rare than the coffee table counterpart. The size makes it perfect as a center table, a game table, a cafe / breakfast table, a break table, a meeting table for small teams, or a small dining table. This table is dining table height so it works great with dining chairs as one can fit on each side. Would work great in a 1970s styled room or could also work great in a Mid-Century Modern, Regency, Contemporary, Classical, Traditional, Transitional and more. Consider for residential or commercial use... this table would be amazing in a hotel lobby lounge or restaurant, also consider in a creative or design studio, an executive office, retail boutique, or corporate lobby. Consider pairing with our other Paul Evans copper patchwork...
Slate, Brass, Copper, Pewter
Signed Mid-Century Paul Evans Burl Patchwork Dining Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Top of the line handcrafted burlwood table. Other designers produced burl Parsons tables such as Milo Baughman and Leon Rosen however, Paul Evans ad...
Burl
Sold
H 29 in W 39 in D 28.5 in
Paul Evans for Directional Backgammon Table PE 742 w 2 Leon Frost Chairs
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Hudson, NY
Stunning brass framed backgammon table designed by Paul Evans for Directional. Interior is a dark brown suede complemented with brass and chrome detail. Includes copy of original Directional receipt with model # and pricing. * includes :Pair of Leon Frost "Lion in the Frost...
Brass, Steel