Directional Sofas
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
Vladimir Kagan Curved Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Miami, FL
Original Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud sofa for Directional. This sofa was originally manufactured during the 90s and has been recovered at some point. Fabric is still in very goo...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Post Modern Curved L Shaped Cloud Sectional Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek & stunning L shaped sectional sofa with incredible design lines. This well built sofa is by Directional furniture, circa 1980s. It features the original fabric in a 3 separat...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional, Signed
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Iconic Mid Century Modern Vladimir Kagan serpentine cloud sofa for Directional, USA circa 1970's. This highly collectable and des...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Ultrasuede, Lucite, Wood
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Curved Post Modern Sofa
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning near mint condition 1980's Vladimir Kagan
Biomorphic Kidney Bean sofa for Directional.
Comes in it's original upholstery, purchased from the ...
Category
1980s American Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Bentwood
Milo Baughman Style Directional Mid Century Sofa
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Milo Baughman Style Directional Mid Century Sofa
This sofa measures: 91.5 wide x 34 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 15.5 and arm height of 26 inches
All pieces of furn...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional in Tan Mohair
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
Step into the realm of luxury and design with this iconic Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa! Crafted with the finesse of a sculptor, this masterpiece is not just a piece of furniture; it's ...
Category
1990s Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Mohair
Paul McCobb for Directional Off-White Velvet Sofa, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Miami, FL
Reupholstered Mid-Century Modern model 1307 light cream velvet sofa by Paul McCobb for Directional. The couch has been recovered in a gorgeous neutra...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is an exquisite vintage modern serpentine sofa, a stunning piece designed by the renowned Vladimir Kagan for Directional in the 1990s. This sofa features a captivating swirl...
Category
1990s American Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Magnificent Directional Even Arm Sofa Jack Lenor Larsen Mid Century Modern
By Directional, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Directional even arm sofa with Jack Lenor Larsen cut velvet fabric. This sofa is in very nice vintage condition with only light signs of wear. The original fabric is a ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Vladimir Kagan, Directional, Mid-Century Modern, Serpentine Cloud Sofa, Velvet
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Manhasset, NY
Vladimir Kagan, Directional, Mid-Century Modern, Curved Cloud Sofa, Beige Velvet, Lucite, USA, 1980s
The Cloud Sofa, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the 19...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Lucite
Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Newly and professionally reupholstered Post Modern Nautilus sofa in ivory white bouclé by acclaimed designer Vladimir Kagan and made by Directional circa 1980. Known for his love of ...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Cloud Sofa for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s in its’ original microsuede. There is some light scratching to the microsuede consistent with how microsuede wears along with general wear from use and age. It overall reads...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa by Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Raleigh, NC
A classic cloud or serpentine sofa by Vladimir Kagan. Newly upholstered in a very light oatmeal or linen colored tweed, sturdy yet soft.
Manufactured by Directional in the 1990s
...
Category
1990s Mid-Century Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid-Century Modern Sofa with Brass Cross Stretcher
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in St. Louis, MO
1950s Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Directional sofa on tapered legs with round brass stretcher from front to back and side to side. Drop arm detail, older floral upholstery ne...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Magnificent Directional Biscuit Tufted Party Sofa Midcentury
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Milo Baughman style Directional biscuit tufted party sofa. This sofa was re-upholstered about 15 years ago and would be best-redone again-few pulls to the front of the ar...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
1980s Kagan Style Biomorphic Form Sofa by Directional Furniture
By Directional
Located in Dallas, TX
An American made 1980’s classic Vladimir Kagan biomorphic kidney shaped sofa made by Directional Furniture. Kidney shaped couches have long b...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Cloud Sofa, Directional, in Chinoiserie Tiger Velvet
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Culver City, CA
This Vladimir Kagan Cloud sofa is divine! This is not just any sofa; it's a fantastical journey into the world of design where comfort meets chic in the most delightful way possible...
Category
1990s American Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Velvet
Vladimir Kagan Sectional for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
Vladimir Kagan Sectional for Directional, with Great Plains boucle, new hand-cut foam, and wood legs.
Depth 37"
Back Height 30"
Seat He...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Serpentine Cloud Sofa
By Directional
Located in Hamburg, PA
A vintage 1990s Serpentine Cloud Sofa. The fabric on the Cloud Sofa is supple, soft, and ready to place. This sofa would look great in any Mid-Century Mode...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Ultrasuede
Pair of Postmodern Sofas by Directional Furniture, 1980
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional furniture model 4760L & 4760R sofas. Opposite swooping backs with big chunky bases. Newly upholstered.
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
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 Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Post Modern Marilyn Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Post modern Vladimir Kagan Marilyn Sofa by Directional for Vladimir Kagan in new ivory white bouclé upholstery. Whimsical and happy, Kagan's Marilyn line...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery
Vladimir Kagan #4891-J Sofa for Directional
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s for Directional in its original microsuede. There is some light scratching to the microsuede consistent with how microsuede wears along with general wear from use and age. I...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Larry Laslo for Directional Down Sofa, Pair Available
By Larry Laslo, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Modernist sofa designed by Larry Laslo for Directional featuring new Italian Ivory Boucle fabric. Back and seat feature cushions which are ...
Category
20th Century American Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Down
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Angle Arm Sofa
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Angle Arm Sofa
This sofa measures:76.5 wide x 33 deep x 33.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16.5 and arm he...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Serpentine Style Sofa with Chrome Feet by Directional Furniture
By Directional
Located in New York, NY
Iconic, curved "Serpentine" style sofa by Directional Furniture. This left arm facing sofa with polished chrome feet, has been reupholstered by Venfield in a white Holly Hunt, indoo...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Blush Pink Boucle Sculptural Sofa by Directional, circa 1980
By Directional
Located in Saint Louis, MO
One look at this sofa, and you're hooked. The perfect pink blush-tone bouclé fabric and the soft, inviting curves are so seductive. It evokes a warm, loving feeling that is soothing, welcoming and inviting - like a blush rose. You can't help but to cheer up...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Bouclé
Directional Cloud Sofa on Chrome Base
By Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Directional furniture cloud sofa. Blue-grey mohair upholstery with chrome base.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Chrome
Mid Century Modern woven nubby cotton linen modular sectional sofa Directional
By Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern woven nubby cotton linen modular sectional sofa by Directional. Amazing upholstery on this sofa great for the beach house or house upstate. Large modular 9 section...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Cotton, Linen, Upholstery
20th Century White American Directional Sofa, Curved Settee by Vladimir Kagan
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Wood
Newly Upholstered Wingback Sofa 1307 by Paul McCobb for Directional, US, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Berlin, DE
Paul McCobb sofa model 1307 for Directional features a slight winged back resting on a maple frame that gives the sofa a floating look with loose cushions on seat and back. Newly reu...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Maple
Rare New Upholstered Beige Paul McCobb Set for Directional, USA - 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Early 1950s Paul McCobb Set for Directional, newly upholstered in Dedar Fabric. The measurements given apply to the sofa. The Lounge Chair measures: D9...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Custom Vintage "Directional" Co Illuminated Modern Sofas Pr In New Taupe Linen
By Steve Chase, Directional
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Yes… they are amazing. We spent over $4000 on European linen blend fabric and reupholstering these the way they deserved to be. The taupe tanish/silver linen fabric has a high end al...
Category
2010s North American Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Linen
20th Century American Lucite Four Seater Serpentine Sofa by Vladimir Kagan
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern American four seater Serpentine sofa with two pillows, designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in good condition. The seat backrest of the...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Lucite
Modern 80s Sculptural Sofa in New Silver Grey Metallic Leopard Jacquard Fabric
By Directional
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We took an amazing 1980s sofa by Directional and found a spectacular metallic silver gray leopard velvet fabric to redo it in. The result is a sp...
Category
1980s North American Modern Vintage Directional Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Directional sofas for sale on 1stDibs.
Directional sofas 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 sofas, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sofas by Directional were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sofas by Thayer Coggin, Herman Miller, and Weiman. Prices for Directional sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,200 and can go as high as $46,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $13,950.
Creators Similar to Directional
Questions About Directional Sofas
- 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.