A designer and sculptor, Paul Evans was a wild card of late 20th century modernism. A leading light of the American Studio Furniture movement, Evans’s sideboards, credenzas, coffee tables and other work manifests a singular aesthetic sense, as well as a seemingly contradictory appreciation for both folk art forms and for new materials and technologies.
Evans’s primary material was metal, not wood, which was favored by his fellow studio designers, and Bucks County, Pennsylvania, neighbors George Nakashima and Phillip Lloyd Powell. He trained in metallurgy and studied at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, the famed crucible of modern design and art in suburban Detroit. For a time early in his career, Evans also worked at Sturbridge Village, a historical “living museum” in Massachusetts, where he gave demonstrations as a costumed silversmith.
Evans’s earliest work unites these influences. The pieces that made his reputation are known as “sculpted-front” cabinets: wood cases faced with box-like high-relief patinated steel mounts laid out in a grid pattern. Each mount contains a metal emblem, or glyph, and the effect is that of a brawny quilt.
Evans’s later work falls into three distinct style groups. His sculpted-bronze pieces, begun in the mid-1960s, show Evans at his most expressive. He employed a technique in which resin is hand-shaped, and later sprayed with a metal coating, allowing for artistic nuance in the making of chairs, tables and case pieces. Later in the decade and into the 1970s, Evans produced his Argente series for celebrated manufacturer Directional (a brand known to vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors everywhere): consoles and other furniture forms that feature aluminum and pigment-infused metal surfaces welded into abstract organic forms and patterns.
Last, Evans's Cityscape design series — a milestone in the history of brutalist design — meshed perfectly with the sleek, “high tech” sensibility of the later ’70s. Evans constructed boxy forms and faced them with irregular mosaic patterns that mixed rectangular plaques of chromed steel, bronze or burlwood veneer. These, like all of Paul Evans’s designs, are both useful and eye-catching. But their appeal has another, more visceral quality: these pieces have clearly been touched by an artist’s hand.
Find a collection of authentic Paul Evans furniture today on 1stDibs.
Original Sculpted Bronze Paul Evans for Directional Brutalist Card Table
By Paul Evans
Located in North Miami, FL
This is a Paul Evans brutalist bronzed resin over steel table with wood veneer top. Provenance reference: Paul Evans Designer & Sculptor, Jeffrey Head, pg. 91.
Bronze
Exceptional Sculpted Bronze Dining Table by Paul Evans
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
Substantial Brutalist dining table base by Paul Evans for Directional, circa 1977. Iconic "sculpted bronze" series, with handcrafted surfac...
Bronze
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
Paul Evans Brutalist Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
Brutalist welded steel base, plate glass top table, signed Paul Evans.
Iron
Paul Evans Studio for Directional Argente Unique Dining Table
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Evans Studio for Directional Argente Unique Dining Table Welded and patinated aluminum with 3/4" glass Welded signature and date to base ‘Paul Evans 73’. Sold with a digital cop...
Aluminum
Paul Evans Brutalist Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Savannah, GA
Paul Evans (American, 1931-1987) Brutalist mixed metal patchwork coffee table with original slate top, circa 1970. 42 inches wide and deep by 16 ½ ...
Slate, Copper
Cityscape Table by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A nice brass and chrome patchwork cityscape table, model no PE 231 by Paul Evans for Directional, circa 1970s. Cube form with cross angled block support that exhibits a simply modern...
Brass, Chrome
$16,500
H 22 in W 29.75 in D 29.75 in
Paul Evans 'PE-31' Patchwork Copper and Slate Cube Table for Directional, c 1967
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 'PE-31' patchwork copper table by Paul Evans for Directional, produced in circa 1967. The cube shaped form is fabricated from patinated pieces of copper, bronze, and pewter which have been welded and nailed in a patchwork style pattern resting on top of a patinated steel plinth base with casters. Works fantastic as a coffee or cocktail table, or as a large end or side table. The table sits on top of casters which makes it easy to move around and relocate. The top has been fitted with slate. The fusion of these exterior materials formulates an exemplary piece which would be a welcome addition to any connoisseur's collection or high-end interior designer project. We have the matching PE-32 bar cabinet and PE-17 floating wall console with PE-18 mirror (all with Patchwork Copper) if you would like to create a matching set. We also carry other Paul Evans designs, including Cityscape, Deep-Relief, Artisan, and Sculptured Metal Collections. Contact us for more information or see our other listings for more details. This Paul Evans patchwork copper cube table...
Slate, Bronze, Copper, Pewter
Paul Evans Brutalist Cocktail Table 1969
By Paul Evans
Located in Hudson, NY
Amazing signed Paul Evans 1969 welded metal brutalist cocktail coffee table. Both signed and dated. As seen by the date, this is one of his older table...
Metal
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze PE 128 "Stalagmite" Coffee Table 1971 (Signed)
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in New York, NY
The work of Paul Evans is characterized by its seamless joining of art with functionality, the designers craftsmanship and his bold aesthetic. No where is this more evident than in t...
Bronze, Sheet Metal
Curvilinear Dining Table with extension Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fantastic Curvilinear dining table by Paul Evans for Directional circa 1970s. Model PE-509 with Olive Burl wood patchwork contrasting the shades of brass. Heavy and substantial, th...
Brass
$22,995
H 28.75 in W 90 in D 47.75 in
SOLD 03/24/26 Paul Evans for Directional PE-102 Stalagmite Bronze Dining Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans for Directional PE-102 Mid Century Stalagmite Bronze Dining Table This dining table measures: 90 wide x 47.75 deep x 28.75 inches high, with a chair clearance of 28 inche...
Bronze
$5,000
H 15.75 in W 36 in D 50 in
Paul Evans for Directional 8-Layer Cityscape Coffee Table in Chrome & Burl
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in the 1970s, the cityscape line brought the innovation and class highly sought after by top patrons to the masses with a mass-production run by Directional. There ...
Chrome
Paul Evans American Mid-Century Brutalist Coffee Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Forney, TX
Paul Evans (1931-1987) American Brutalist industrial modern welded steel, copper, mixed metals patchwork coffee table with rivet accents and i...
Slate, Metal, Copper, Steel
Rare Model Cityscape Coffee Table by Paul Evans for Directional
By Paul Evans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A cityscape multifaceted coffee table by Paul Evans for Directional Inc, circa 1970s. A rarely seen model with square block construction in brass ad bu...
Brass
$9,250
H 18.5 in W 59.75 in D 29.75 in
Paul Evans Sculpted Bronze Stalagmite Coffee Table, Signed PE 69
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Paul Evans and signed 'PE 69,' this coffee table belongs to his celebrated Stalagmite series. The welded bronze base features two concave demilune arches flanked by taper...
Bronze
Paul Evans games table, chess, backgammon and cards Am. c1970
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in London, GB
Paul Evans games table. c1970 The top turns to either chess, backgammon or a green felt card table. In very good condition.
Chrome
Paul Evans Burl and Chrome Cityscape Game Table & Accent Table, 1970's
By Paul Evans
Located in Culver City, CA
This game table is absolutely stunning. Patchwork burl with chrome inlay, this table can be glammed up to be as maximalist or minimalist as you want – straight from the mind of the l...
Chrome
Sold
H 29.5 in W 32 in D 32 in
Paul Evans Cityscape Midcentury Burlwood, Brass and Chrome Backgammon Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul Evans Cityscape midcentury Burlwood, Brass and Chrome Backgammon Table This backgammon table measures: 32 wide x 32 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a chair clearance of 26.5 in...
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans City Scape for Directional Hexagon Side or Game Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Ferndale, MI
Paul Evans designed Hexagonal table. Assorted geometric shapes of polished brass and brushed stainless steel applied to hexagonal column. Sparkling je...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Paul Evans Sculptural Dining/Game/Center Table in Welded Steel 1960s 'Signed'
By Paul Evans
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare and stunning dining/game/center table model PE-46 in welded and patinated steel with polychrome enamels and gilding by Paul Evans Studio for Directional Furniture, American 1960...
Enamel, Steel
Paul Evans "Cityscape" Dining / Game Table 1970s, 'Signed'
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Chic pedestal dining / game table in walnut burl and chrome with thick glass top by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture, Cityscape Series, American 1970...
Chrome
Sold
H 29.5 in W 32 in D 32 in
Paul Evans Slate Top Patinated Copper Patchwork Cafe Breakfast Table, 1970s
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An incredible 1970s Paul Evans for Directional patchwork dining / game table with an inset top of thick, natural cleft slate and panels of patinated copper, brass and pewter. The dining table versions of this design are much more rare than the coffee table counterpart. The size makes it perfect as a center table, a game table, a cafe / breakfast table, a break table, a meeting table for small teams, or a small dining table. This table is dining table height so it works great with dining chairs as one can fit on each side. Would work great in a 1970s styled room or could also work great in a Mid-Century Modern, Regency, Contemporary, Classical, Traditional, Transitional and more. Consider for residential or commercial use... this table would be amazing in a hotel lobby lounge or restaurant, also consider in a creative or design studio, an executive office, retail boutique, or corporate lobby. Consider pairing with our other Paul Evans copper patchwork...
Slate, Brass, Copper, Pewter
Sold
H 29.75 in W 79.5 in D 55.5 in
Paul Evans for Directional Expandable African Burl Mahogany Dining Table, c 1980
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning Model PE-411 Paul Evans double expandable pedestal dining table (also works excellent as a game table or center table) for ...
Burl, Wood
Paul Evans Rare Game Table in Walnut Burl and Chrome, 1970s 'Signed'
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare game table in tessellated walnut burl and chrome with removeable chess / checkers board on top by Paul Evans for Directional Furniture, American 1970s (signed on leg). Under the...
Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Game, Side Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in New York, NY
Nice signed example from the Cityscape series by Paul Evans for Directional. Hard to find form, usable as a game, side, or occasional table. This table is in good, original condition...
Brass, Chrome
Paul Evans Cityscape Backgammon Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Paul Evans cityscape backgammon table.
Metal
Sold
H 29.5 in W 32 in D 32 in
Paul Evans Slate Top Patinated Copper Patchwork Cafe Breakfast Table, 1970s
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An incredible 1970s Paul Evans for Directional patchwork dining / game table with an inset top of thick, natural cleft slate and panels of patinated copper, brass and pewter. The dining table versions of this design are much more rare than the coffee table counterpart. The size makes it perfect as a center table, a game table, a cafe / breakfast table, a break table, a meeting table for small teams, or a small dining table. This table is dining table height so it works great with dining chairs as one can fit on each side. Would work great in a 1970s styled room or could also work great in a Mid-Century Modern, Regency, Contemporary, Classical, Traditional, Transitional and more. Consider for residential or commercial use... this table would be amazing in a hotel lobby lounge or restaurant, also consider in a creative or design studio, an executive office, retail boutique, or corporate lobby. Consider pairing with our other Paul Evans copper patchwork...
Slate, Brass, Copper, Pewter
Paul Evans Backgammon Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning vintage backgammon table by Paul Evans for Directional. Steel frame with black suede table top. Aluminum and brass game board with suede backdrop. Fair vintage condition. So...
Steel
Paul Evans Backgammon Table
By Paul Evans
Located in Chicago, IL
Backgammon table model # PE-742 in chrome-plated steel, suede, aluminium and acrylic with game pieces by Paul Evans Studio for Directional, American, 1978. Can also function as a di...
Metal
Signed Mid-Century Paul Evans Burl Patchwork Dining Table
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Top of the line handcrafted burlwood table. Other designers produced burl Parsons tables such as Milo Baughman and Leon Rosen however, Paul Evans ad...
Burl