<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
financial statements listed on pages 17 and 18 of this Form 10-K and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0001060513
<NAME> PARAGON CORPORATE HOLDINGS INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                           7,462
<SECURITIES>                                    21,534
<RECEIVABLES>                                   42,077
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,498
<INVENTORY>                                     48,094
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               120,127
<PP&E>                                          22,995
<DEPRECIATION>                                   4,295
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 175,409
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           57,358
<BONDS>                                        115,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          1
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                     (5,120)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   175,409
<SALES>                                        268,624
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               268,624
<CGS>                                          163,958
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  163,958
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 4,128
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              11,311
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    142
<INCOME-TAX>                                       745
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              (603)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                (1,280)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (1,883)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0