Directional Leather Nautilus Sofa
View Similar Items
Directional Leather Nautilus Sofa
About the Item
- Creator:Directional (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Width: 82 in (208.28 cm)Depth: 36 in (91.44 cm)Seat Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)
- Style:Post-Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1980s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Middlesex, NJ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1080425036192
Directional
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.
- Giovanni Offredi 'Wave' Leather Sofa by Saporiti, ItalyBy Giovanni Offredi, SaporitiLocated in Middlesex, NJGiovanni Offredi 'Wave' leather sofa by Saporiti, Italy. Matching sofa available in separate listing.Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
- Giovanni Offredi 'Wave' Leather Sofa by Saporiti, ItalyBy Giorgio Saporiti, Giovanni OffrediLocated in Middlesex, NJGiovanni Offredi 'Wave' leather sofa by Saporiti, Italy. Matching sofa available in separate listing.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
- Bernhardt Flair SofaLocated in Middlesex, NJCategory
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery
$4,500 - Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Gondola SofaBy Adrian PearsallLocated in Middlesex, NJAdrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Gondola sofa.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
- Mel Smilow Daybed CouchBy Mel SmilowLocated in Middlesex, NJMel Smilow daybed couch.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
$6,000 - Karl Springer Brass and Nickel Vanity MirrorBy Karl SpringerLocated in Middlesex, NJKarl Springer brass and Nickel Vanity mirror.Category
20th Century American Post-Modern Table Mirrors
MaterialsBrass, Nickel
- Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990By Vladimir Kagan, DirectionalLocated in Saint Louis, MONewly 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 Sofas
MaterialsBouclé, Upholstery
- Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Sofa in Ivory White Bouclé by Directional, c. 1990By Vladimir Kagan, DirectionalLocated in Saint Louis, MONewly 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 Sofas
MaterialsBouclé, Upholstery
- Directional Post Modern Sofa with Rounded ArmsBy DirectionalLocated in Chicago, ILLove this shape. In excellent condition but I recommend a deep cleaning or new upholstery. The cushions are still nice and firm. I think this was made by Directional based on the de...Category
Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Sofas
MaterialsTextile
$4,800 Sale Price20% Off - Directional Mid-Century Sectional SofaBy DirectionalLocated in Countryside, ILDirectional Mid-Century sectional sofa This sectional sofa measures: 143 wide x 111 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 17.5 inches All pieces of ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
$9,095 / set - Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa, DirectionalBy Vladimir Kagan, DirectionalLocated in Raleigh, NCExpertly restored with new mohair upholstery on this iconic sofa. A classic designed by Vladimir Kagan and manufactured by Directional.Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery
- Pair of Postmodern Sofas by Directional Furniture, 1980By DirectionalLocated in Chicago, ILDirectional furniture model 4760L & 4760R sofas. Opposite swooping backs with big chunky bases. Newly upholstered.Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery