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.
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Wall Mirror & Console Table Shelf in Chrome
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design combination, a cityscape wall shelf and mirror designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's. The set features fine heavy construction with chrome clad patchwork design. ...
Chrome
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf or Console Table Glass & Brass
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design, a cityscape wall shelf designed by Paul Evans in the 1970's. The set features fine heavy construction with brass clad patchwork design. Includes two L shaped wa...
Brass
Mid Century Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Shelf Chrome, Brass and Glass
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An incredible design, a cityscape wall shelf designed in the style of Paul Evans. The set features Fine heavy construction with brass & chrome clad patchwork design. Includes two L s...
Brass, Chrome
72" Paul McCobb Brass and Vitrolite Console Table, Mid-Century Modern
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Round Top, TX
Iconic Paul McCobb brass and Vitrolite console table. Perfect age and oxidation to brass in the coveted longer six foot length. A rare example of Mr. McCobb's elegant, streamlined,...
Brass
Paul Evans "Cityscape" Dining / Console Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Denton, TX
Paul Evans cityscape for Directional dining / console table with chrome-plated steel and burled wood base. Glass not included Base dimensions: 63 L x 19 D x 28.38 Glass: 71 3/...
Steel, Chrome
$7,392Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Paul McCobb of Consoles
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional. Pair of model 8704 console tables. Square tubular brass frames with travertine top. Patina on brass consistent with age and use. Stool sold separately.
Travertine, Brass
Paul Evans Cityscape Patchwork Burlwood Console or Dining Table Base
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Houston, TX
Paul Evans for Directional cityscape patchwork burlwood console table, center table or dining table base. This stunning Mid-Century Modern Evans att...
Burl
Paul McCobb Travertine Consoles and or Sofa Tables
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Travertine Consoles and or Sofa Tables, model 8704 for Directional. Square tubular brass with 3/4" travertine.
Travertine, Brass
$2,500
H 35.44 in W 36.62 in D 9.45 in
1950s Mid-Century Modern Brass and Marble Italian Console Table
By Pier Luigi Colli
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite 1950s Mid-Century Modern console table is a masterclass in Italian-inspired elegance and slender proportions. The piece features a beautifully figured marble top with ...
Marble
$2,283 / set
H 32.68 in W 35.44 in D 12.41 in
Postmodern Ivory Lacquered Walnut Wall Mirror and Console Table, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This set features a walnut frame, with ivory lacquered parts. They might show slight traces of use since they are vintage, such as their original patina, but t...
Mirror, Walnut
$8,400Sale Price|30% Off
H 29 in W 48 in D 96 in
Paul Evans Glass Top Cityscape Citiscape Signed Dining Room Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Wayne, NJ
This is a Glamorus Paul Evans glass top cityscape 8 foot dining table. Please note, this is a mirror finish show showing many reflections in photos...
Glass
'Cityscape' by Paul Evans Dining Table with Leaf
By Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Polished chrome patchwork table by Paul Evans for his Cityscape line. Comes with a 15" leaf. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).
Metal
Unavailable|$2,995 / set
H 68 in W 18.25 in D 2 in
Antique French Art Deco Carved Wood & Marble Console Table & Wall Mirror Set
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique console table and mirror set is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from France and date to approximately 1920 and ...
Glass, Softwood
$29,500
H 28 in W 53 in D 21 in
Cubist Console / Dining Table Base by Paul Evans / Directional / PE 300 Series
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Cubist Console / Dining Table Base form by Paul Evans. From the PE 300 Series Paul Evans Studio for Directional USA, circa 1975 Lacquered Bird's-Eye Maple w/Brass This work can al...
Wood
Paul McCobb Wall-Mounted Floating Console
By Paul McCobb
Located in Culver City, CA
Introducing an extraordinary mid-century wall-mounted floating three-tier console, a sought-after piece designed by the esteemed Paul McCobb for Bryce Originals in the 1950s. With it...
Steel, Cut Steel
Midcentury Dining Table by Paul Evans for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning vintage dining table by Paul Evans for Directional. Beautiful patchwork burl wood design that sits on a pedestal base with chrom...
Chrome
Cityscape Multifaceted Dining Console Table Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
One of the most striking designs from Cityscape series by Paul Evans, this multifaceted table base from PE 300 series features a combination of brass and walnut burls panels and indi...
Brass
Paul Evans Cityscape Dining Suite / Eight Chairs w Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
This listing is for a Dining Suite in desirable chrome cityscape and white leather. Includes a dining table (not pictured at this moment) with two armchairs and six side chairs. Dini...
Metal
$6,750 / set
H 8 in W 3 in D 12 in
Set Paul Evans for Directional Chrome Brass Cityscape Shelf Brackets Console
By Paul Evans
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning set signed Paul Evans for Directional shelf brackets or console tables. The glass is not pictured but is included and is 12" w x 48" l and is brand new. This set is truly fa...
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Dining Table Base, Burl & Brass, 1975
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Hanover, MA
Paul Evans Cityscape dining table base with burl veneer and brass plated stainless steel tiles. Base alone dimensions 28.5 x 49 x 19 Glass shown in photos for scale 72" x 40" Beautif...
Brass
Paul Evans Brutalist Mirror and Shelf
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Wall-mount shelf with slate top, and matching Brutalist metal clad mirror. Iconic design from the master of Brutalism, Paul Evans. Great original condition, ready to install. The mir...
Slate, Metal
Pair Of Paul Evans Authenticated Cityscape Console Tables
By Paul Evans, Milo Baughman
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Of Paul Evans Cityscape Console Tables Consoles come with a document of authentication acquired from Dorsey Reading. These are being sold in the original aged finish that sho...
Wood
Paul Evans Cityscape Dining Table Base, Chrome & Brass, Circa 1955
By Paul Evans
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century dining / conference table base with various size rectangular patchwork chrome and brass veneer panels eminating from a recta...
Chrome
Paul Evans for Directional wall mounted Cityscape console table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Ferndale, MI
From the Paul Evans Cityscape line of polished steel patchwork furniture . One drawer wall mounted entryway console . Manufactured by Directional furniture mid 1970s . Front and side...
Stainless Steel
Directional Console attributed to Milo Baughman
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Directional Walnut and Glass Console or Entrance Table attributed to Milo Baughman or Paul McCobb. Probably originally had a stone or white glass top. Retains Directional label tha...
Glass, Walnut
Sold
H 69.5 in Dm 47 in
Paul Evans Brutalist Mid-Century Modern Cityscape Floating Console, Mirror, 1975
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Paul Evans Cityscape Floating Console and Mirror, Directional Important 'Cityscape Series' chrome patchwork wall mounted floating console...
Chrome
Paul Evans Burl Patchwork Waterfall Cityscape Console Table, 1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Burlwood Patchwork waterfall cityscape console table for Directional, 1970's. Completely restored.
Burl
Sold
H 33 in W 72 in D 14.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Directional Chrome and Rosewood Console Table, Glass
By Directional
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Directional Chrome and Rosewood Console Table, Glass Mahogany side panels highlighted by chrome facets and fastening accents make this console table from Direction...
Glass, Wood
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze and Resin Console Table, Signed and Dated '71
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Culver City, CA
One of the most recognizable and important names in the American studio craft movement of the 1960's and 70's, Paul Evans was a groundbreaking pioneer in brutalism. Collaborating as ...
Bronze
Sold
H 8.5 in W 48 in D 12 in
Paul Evans for Directional Chrome and Glass Floating Shelves or Console Tables
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare pair of mid-century modern floating wall shelves or console tables By Paul Evans for Directional, "Cityscape" Collection USA, 1970s ...
Chrome
Sold
H 27.25 in W 84 in D 14 in
1970s Oil Drop Finish Tall Long Narrow Parsons Console Table by Directional
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This wonderfully proportioned and visually light custom console table was originally commissioned for a fine New York home. The owners boasted about how wonderful it complemented the...
Wood
Midcentury Patchwork Burlwood Table by Paul Evans
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this wonderful burl wood table in a patchwork motif by Paul Evans for Directional. Similar to Milo Baughman. Can be used as a console table and perfect beh...
Wood, Burl
Sold
H 72.13 in W 48.5 in D 12 in
Paul Evans for Directional Cityscape Brass Mirror and Floating Console Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and stunning Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency brass-plated mirror and floating console table By Paul Evans for Directional "Citys...
Brass
Sold
H 29.5 in W 66 in D 24 in
Milo Baughman for Directional Walnut and Black Lacquer Writing Desk, Refinished
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk or console table By Milo Baughman for Directional USA, 1960s Book-matched walnut top, with black lacquered walnut l...
Walnut, Lacquer
Midcentury Patchwork Table by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this wonderful table in a patchwork motif by Paul Evans for Directional. Can be used as a console table and perfect behind a sofa or even a small dining tab...
Wood, Burl
Mid-Century Modern Brass and Chrome Cityscape Desk by Paul Evans for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning mixed metal patchwork design made by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture. This cantilevered design features brass and chrome panels and two drawers. Good overall conditio...
Brass, Chrome
Sold
H 30 in W 48 in D 20 in
Rare Brass and Bronze Cityscape Writing Desk by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Danville, CA
Rare and very well preserved brass and bronze cityscape writing desk or console by Paul Evans for Directional. The table is veneered in patchwork metal tiles, including the top. Ther...
Metal
Sold
H 4.34 in W 10.24 in D 8.27 in
Signed Cityscape Wall Hanging Console by Paul Evans for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Utrecht, NL
Console from Cityscape series by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture. Consisting of two chromed panelled wall-mounted brackets with a floating glass top. Signed, Paul Evans signatu...
Chrome