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
Paul Evans Patchwork Copper 106" Extendable Dining Table for Directional, c 1967
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning and very rare copper clad extendable dining table by Paul Evans for Directional, produced circa 1967. This incredible piece of design history is fabricated from patinated pieces of copper, brass, and pewter formed in a patchwork pattern. Perfect statement piece for a discerning collector, design connoisseur or luxury interior designer.
Hefty and sturdy construction in this extendable Parsons table which can be transformed from 66" up to a large 106" with the two matching leaves, allowing seating for up to 10 to 12 people. Or consider using as a heavy duty desk / work table. The fusion of these mixed metals of copper, brass and pewter formulates an exemplary piece which would be a welcomed statement to any connoisseur's collection.
We have the matching cafe / game table and floating wall console...
Category
1960s American Brutalist Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Brass, Copper, Pewter
Large Paul McCobb Calvin Directional Dining Table with 3 Leaves
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Ebony, Walnut
Paul Evans Monumental Burl Wood Parsons Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional custom monumental Mid-Century Modern Parsons extension dining table or conference table
By Paul Evans for Directional, "Cityscape" Collection
USA, 1970s
...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Burl
Milo Baughman for Directional Dimond Teak & Walnut Dining Table Gate Legs Base
By Milo Baughman, Directional
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
Walnut, Teak
Directional Custom Collection Vintage Modern Inlaid Dining Table
By Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique inlaid metal and wood dining table from the Directional Custom Collection. Tabletop is banded with alternating wood grain patterns...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Chrome
Related Items
Paul McCobb Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Excellent wood table by Paul McCobb. Good vintage condition and coloring. Excellent lines and design. Can be used as a dining table or conference table.
Category
1950s American Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage White Laminate Custom Parsons Style Rectangle Dining Table
By (after) Jean Michel Frank
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning vintage white laminate custom made Parson’s style rectangle dining table. Gorgeous condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. The table has small flaws aka tiny chips on two of their corners that we have repaired. And it has small hairline cracks in the laminate on the sides of each leg where they meet the top. These small imperfections do not detract from the beauty or stability. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 20th Century.
WOW! Parson’s tables are SO attractive!! And we have a striking custom-made white laminate dining Parson’s style tables to offer to you! Such a timeless, classic design that dates to 1930 when French designer Jean-Michael Frank decided he was going to design a table that was simple enough that it could fit into any home regardless of style preference. Contemporary, Art Deco, Bauhaus, Hollywood Regency, Industrial, traditional, mid-century modern, or modern, Parson’s style tables just work! They almost take on whatever style you put them with. And talk about durability! It is comprised of all white laminate so when the grandkids are over you won’t have to worry, and you don’t have to sacrifice style for stamina! What a plus! AND, it can beautifully host any type of dining chairs you place around them. This table just has endless appeal.
The original Parson’s table was designed in New York City at the Parson’s School of Design by French designer Jean-Michael Frank in the 1930’s. There is an article that states, "Frank challenged students to design a table so basic that it would retain its integrity whether sheathed in gold leaf, mica, parchment, split straw or painted burlap, or even left robustly unvarnished. What grew out of Frank's sketches and the students' participation was initially called the T-square table. Parsons tables are often intended for use as modern or contemporary furniture, and their striking design has made them popular as coffee tables, dining tables, side tables, and occasional tables.
Durability, Versatility, and it looks Dynamic!! What are you waiting for?? Make this white Parson’s dining table...
Category
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Composition
Breathtaking Olivewood Extension Dining Table by Milo Baughman, circa 1975
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent dining table is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready...
Category
1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Olive
H 29.5 in W 110 in D 39 in
Danish Modern Expandable Teak Dining Table, c 1960s, Refinished
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This teak Mid-Century Modern dining table is the perfect staple for any modern dining room. Expandable with nifty built-in leaves, this table can comfortably seat four (4) when colla...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Teak
Mid Century Modern Walnut Extension Dining Room Table
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant black walnut dining table attributed to the Founders Furniture Company. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear, it was well taken care of. Two large leaves 20 inch each. Table without the the leaves is 41.5 x 64. With the leaves is 104 x 41.5 a great size. Very tight no wobbles. Legs can be removed for transit. Plastic feet on the bottom of legs are factory original. Have the matching credenza...
Category
1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Walnut
Midcentury Expandable Milo Baughman Dining Table for Directional
By Directional
Located in Baltimore, MD
An exceptional Milo Baughman Parsons dining table circa 1960s, by Directional Furniture. This extraordinary table features a striped...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Rosewood, Teak, Walnut, Lacquer
Milo Baughman for Directional Burl Wood Parsons Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Mid-Century Modern Parsons extension dining table in stunning book-matched olive ash burl wood
By Milo Baughman for Directional, "Custom Collection"
USA, 1970s
...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Burl
H 29 in W 120 in D 42 in
Milo Baughman for Directional Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dining Table, Refinished
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table
By Milo Baughman
USA, 1960s
Walnut, with ebonized trim and legs.
Measures: 38"W x 38"D x 29"H. Extends up to 98"W...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Walnut
H 29 in W 98 in D 38 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Dining Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Mid Century Dining Table, designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture's Directional Line, American, circa 1960s. The table expands from a 48" round to a 68" width oval with ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Metal
Danish Extendable Dining Table in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Extendable dining table or conference table, oak, Denmark, 1960s
A sizeable dining table or conference table executed in oak. On each side, a leave can be attached to the frame whi...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Oak
Paul McCobb for Calvin Dining Table with Brass X Cross Support, Customizable
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Philippine Mahogany dining table with brass X stretcher between tapered legs, designed by Paul McCobb, part of his Irwin collection for Calvin. Includes two 15" extension leaves, len...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Brass
Burl Walnut Three Extension Boards Single Pedestal Round Dining Table
By Drexel, Heritage-Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Burl Walnut three extension boards single pedestal round dining table
three (3) table leaves measure 21 inches across.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Previously Available Items
Paul Evans Monumental Patchwork Burl Expandable Dining Table, c 1974, Signed
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Burl
H 29.25 in W 129.25 in D 43 in
Paul Evans Sculped Bronze Skyline Dining Table, USA, 1969
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
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...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Steel
Mid Century Expandable Milo Baughman Dining Table for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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...
Category
1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Ash, Rosewood, Walnut
Paul Evans Sculped Bronze Skyline Dining Table, USA, 1969
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Miami, FL
Paul Evans sculped bronze skyline dining table,
Iconic and early Brutalist model, signed PE69
Exceptional abstract form texture, solid volume and powerful shapes
Retains original 3/4...
Category
1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Steel
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
Materials
Wood
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
Materials
Wood
Vintage Multi-Wood Expanding Dining Table by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Magnificent vintage expanding dining table designed by Milo Baughman for Directional in the United States, circa 1960s. This spectacula...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Oak, Rosewood, Walnut
Mid Century Expandable Milo Baughman Dining Table for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
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...
Category
1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Ash, Rosewood, Walnut
Paul Evans for Directional Large Chrome Glass Top Dining Conference Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern circa 1970s dining table by Paul Evans for Directional. Cityscape design inspired by the Manhattan skyline.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Chrome
Large Three-Leaf Walnut Dining Table by Paul McCobb for Directional
By Directional, Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
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 extend from 74.1" to 137.1") wit...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Metal
Monumental Signed Paul Evans Burled & Chrome "Cityscape" Extension Dining Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Chrome
H 29 in W 126.25 in D 48 in
Milo Baughman for Directional Burl Wood Parsons Extension Dining Table
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A truly outstanding Mid-Century Modern Parsons extension dining table designed by Milo Baughman for the Custom Collection by Directional. The table features stunning burled olive woo...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Directional Conference Tables
Materials
Burl
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.
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Questions About Directional Conference Tables
- 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.
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