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Directional Conference Tables

​​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
Milo Baughman for Directional Dimond Teak & Walnut Dining Table Gate Legs Base
Milo Baughman for Directional Dimond Teak & Walnut Dining Table Gate Legs Base

Milo Baughman for Directional Dimond Teak & Walnut Dining Table Gate Legs Base

By Directional, Milo Baughman

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman dining table with two 14" extension boards. Ebonized gate leg base, teak and walnut diamond pattern top.  

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Conference Tables

Materials

Teak, Walnut

Exotic Mixed Woods Dining Table by Milo Baughman for Directional, 1960s
Exotic Mixed Woods Dining Table by Milo Baughman for Directional, 1960s

Exotic Mixed Woods Dining Table by Milo Baughman for Directional, 1960s

By Milo Baughman, Directional

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This beautifully refinished exotic wood inlay 1960's California Modern dining table by Milo Baughman for Directional features highly grained exotic woods creating contrasting lines s...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables

Materials

Wood

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This monumental 'Cityscape II' expandable dining table with two leaves by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture, circa 1974, featuring a mesmerizing array of patchwork walnut burl and olive burl, was just refinished in a beautiful French Polish and is signed on one leg as can be seen in the photos. The sophisticated and classy Parsons style is accented with a mesmerizing array of patchwork burlwood (Walnut Burl and Olive Burl in different slightly contrasting stain colors) hand-applied across a lengthy platform of over 129", supported by 4 thick outer legs and 2 center legs which support it's monumental size. Hidden adjustable feet are underneath each leg including the two center supports so that you can adjust the height as needed to accommodate uneven floors. Heavy duty table extenders allow for this monumental size when using one or two of the included leaves. Similarly constructed as the 'Patchwork Copper' series, but this table falls under the Cityscape collection started in 1970 and launched by Directional Furniture in 1971, which options of tiles included chromed steel, brass, and then in 1974 included different wood veneers including burled Walnut and Olive woods. This particular example was marvelously patterned with different burl grain veneers assembled in a patchwork manner and meticulously constructed. We just completed restoration by refinishing it in a beautiful French Polish, which is the most expensive and laborious process of hand applied coats to create a hard and thick protective surface which also accentuates the vivid burl...

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1970s American Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables

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Paul Evans Sculped Bronze Skyline Dining Table, USA, 1969
Paul Evans Sculped Bronze Skyline Dining Table, USA, 1969

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Paul Evans sculped bronze skyline dining table, Iconic and early brutalist model, signed PE69 Exceptional abstract form texture, solid volume and powerful shapes 3/4" thick 84" x 48...

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Large Paul McCobb Calvin Directional Dining Table with 3 Leaves
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Spectacular oversized dining, conference table designed by Paul McCobb as part of the Calvin series for Directional. The table comes with three leaves ( each 21 in. W ) making it open to banquet scale, or it can double as a conference or large work table...

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Exotic Mixed Woods Dining Table by Milo Baughman for Directional, circa 1970
Exotic Mixed Woods Dining Table by Milo Baughman for Directional, circa 1970

Exotic Mixed Woods Dining Table by Milo Baughman for Directional, circa 1970

By Directional, Milo Baughman

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This beautifully refinished 1970's Parsons dining table by Milo Baughman for Directional features strips of highly grained exotic woods in various finishes and patterns creating contrasting lines and shaped for a spectacular effect. In excellent refinished condition, the table comes with two removable leaves. Without leaves it is a nice 72" size but with both leaves it is a monumental 111.5" length. Excellent option for those who enjoy entertaining but don't want to have a huge table when it is not needed. This exotic mixed wood marquetry dining table...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Conference Tables

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Exotic Mixed Woods Dining Table by Milo Baughman for Directional, circa 1970
Exotic Mixed Woods Dining Table by Milo Baughman for Directional, circa 1970

Exotic Mixed Woods Dining Table by Milo Baughman for Directional, circa 1970

By Directional, Milo Baughman

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This beautifully refinished 1970's Parsons dining table by Milo Baughman for Directional features strips of highly grained exotic woods in various finishes and patterns creating contrasting lines and shaped for a spectacular effect. In excellent refinished condition, the table comes with two removable leaves. Without leaves it is a nice 72" size but with both leaves it is a monumental 111.5" length. Excellent option for those who enjoy entertaining but don't want to have a huge table when it is not needed. This exotic mixed wood marquetry dining table...

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Mid Century Expandable Milo Baughman Dining Table for Directional
Mid Century Expandable Milo Baughman Dining Table for Directional

Mid Century Expandable Milo Baughman Dining Table for Directional

By Milo Baughman, Directional

Located in San Jose, CA

Vintage extendable dining table designed by Milo Baughman for Directional. This classic contemporary piece is comprised of 3 different contrasting wood tones: rosewood, ash, and waln...

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Paul Evans for Directional Large Chrome Glass Top Dining Conference Table
Paul Evans for Directional Large Chrome Glass Top Dining Conference Table

Paul Evans for Directional Large Chrome Glass Top Dining Conference Table

By Paul Evans, Directional

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Mid-Century Modern circa 1970s dining table by Paul Evans for Directional. Cityscape design inspired by the Manhattan skyline.

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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Conference Tables

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Large Three-Leaf Walnut Dining Table by Paul McCobb for Directional
Large Three-Leaf Walnut Dining Table by Paul McCobb for Directional

Large Three-Leaf Walnut Dining Table by Paul McCobb for Directional

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture, Directional

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Paul McCobb for Directional walnut dining table with an ebony wood inlay border to both surface and table leg feet. Impressive in scale and form (can...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables

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Monumental Signed Paul Evans Burled & Chrome "Cityscape" Extension Dining Table
Monumental Signed Paul Evans Burled & Chrome "Cityscape" Extension Dining Table

Monumental Signed Paul Evans Burled & Chrome "Cityscape" Extension Dining Table

By Directional, Paul Evans

Located in Hudson, NY

Exquisite monumental burled elm dining table designed by Paul Evans for Directional. The top rests on a curved rectangular base with chrome patchwork tiles...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Conference Tables

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Chrome

Directional conference tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Directional conference tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Directional conference tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original conference tables by Directional were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider conference tables by Edward Wormley, George Nelson, and T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings. Prices for Directional conference tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,765 and can go as high as $47,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $9,000.

Questions About Directional Conference Tables

  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    While 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.