Paul McCobb Seating
American, 1917-1969
The single aesthetic attribute of vintage Paul McCobb furniture is that the designer completely forsook ornament — his pieces have no flourishes. And yet, because they are honest — McCobb’s chairs, desks and dining tables are made of solid wood, usually maple or birch, often paired with frames and legs of wrought iron; the cabinets are traditionally scaled; the seating pieces have historic antecedents such as the Windsor chair — his mid-century modern work has warmth and presence.
You could call the Massachusetts-born McCobb a man of parts. As a furniture designer, his work combined the attributes of many of his now better-known peers.
Like the work of Bauhaus designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, McCobb's furniture had purity of form and line. Like the designs of Florence Knoll and George Nelson and his associates, McCobb’s work was efficient and purposeful. And even like George Nakashima, he was adept at interpreting traditional forms, in particular those of chairs, for the 20th century.
More than any other designer besides Russel Wright, with his ubiquitous ceramic tableware, McCobb was arguably responsible for the introduction of modern design into middle-class American households — if for no other reason than that he designed the 1952 set for the original Today show.
McCobb, a repeat recipient of the Good Design Award from the Museum of Modern Art, also designed cohesive lines of furnishings, such as his best-known Planner Group, that gave homes an instant “look.” He designed for several companies, most notably Directional, which was home to McCobb’s Origami chair.
In 1949, in partnership with New York furniture salesman B.G. Mesberg, McCobb set up the Directional Furniture Company, a brand known to vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors everywhere. Directional opened its doors after McCobb created the high-end Directional Modern line of sofas distributed by the New York-based Modernage Company. Directional also produced designs by other legends such as Paul Evans and Vladimir Kagan.
As you can see from the offerings on 1stDibs, McCobb designs are the pin-striped suit, or the little black dress, of a decor: an essential.
Find vintage Paul McCobb credenzas, bookcases, nightstands and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Item Ships From: New York City
Creator: Paul McCobb
Mid-Century Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Maple Spindle Back Chairs
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Set of 6 All original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group spindle back side chairs. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original vintage condition. Original blon...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb, Pair Brass Stools
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic, iconic design by Paul McCobb is the definition of architectural furniture. The simple brass frame with stretchers is elevated by the beautiful patination that has aged into...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Brass X-Stretcher Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic McCobb design in all-original condition.
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Brass
Original Mid century Rare Paul McCobb Low Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Original midcentury rare Paul McCobb low lounge chair . Solid maple wood construction with a walnut finish. Original Orange worn upholstery - Would require new Upholstery. Beautiful ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Maple
Pair of Paul Mccobb Stained Maple Lounge Chairs
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Coveted pair of Paul Mccobb Planner Group armchairs made between 1955 and 1956 (Winchendon, MA, USA).
Sculptural seat/back frame contoured to accentuate the slim, carved armrests.
Sh...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Naugahyde, Maple
Original Mid century orange Paul McCobb Origami Fiberglass Chair spider base
By Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Original mid century orange Paul McCobb origami fiberglass shell has steel spider bases. Can be used inside or outside. These side chairs are by Paul Mc...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Steel
Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Maple Spindle Back Chairs
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
All original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group spindle back side chairs. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original vintage condition. Original blonde finish...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Maple
Set of 6 Mid century Paul McCobb for Lane Chrome Black Cane Back Dining Chairs
By Lane Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Six all original rare midcentury Paul McCobb for Lane chrome dining chairs. Solid chrome steel frames and curved cane back with original vinyl upholstered ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Original Midcentury white Paul McCobb Origami Fiberglass Chair spider base
By Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
original mid century off white Paul McCobb origami fiberglass shell has steel spider bases. Can be used inside or outside. These side chairs are ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Steel
Rare mid century Paul Mccobb all Black original Squirm lounge chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Rare mid century Paul Mccobb all Black original Squirm low geometric lounge chair. All original black Naugahyde upholstery over wood frame. Amazing geometric design great lines. Desi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Naugahyde, Maple
4 Original Midcentury white Paul McCobb Origami Fiberglass Chairs spider base
By Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Set of (4) original mid century off white Paul McCobb origami fiberglass shells has steel spider bases. Can be used inside or outside. All four of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Steel
Paul McCobb Spindle Back Chair, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Paul McCobb (American, 1917-1969) for Winchendon, Spindle Back Planner Group Chair (designed 1950) ca. 1950s or later, the curved backrest on five tapering spindles above a shaped se...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Wood
Wood and Brass Upholstered Chaise Lounge
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Wood and brass upholstered chaise lounge by Paul McCobb. Upholstered in a dark blue velvet fabric.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain Lounge Maple Arm Chair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful all original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain arm chair. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original vint...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb for Directional Two-Piece Cream White Sectional Sofa, 1958, Brass
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul McCobb for Directional, two piece sectional sofa, c 1958. Cream on cream minimal Jacobean floral textile and solid brass. Two parts can be used together as one long sofa or as separate pieces. Gorgeous lines and minimal modern design. Single cushions for seat and back delineate each part but come together to form a sleek, neatly symmetrical (yet one-armed) sofa, comprised of a armless
Settee and one arm loveseat...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Maple Spindle Back Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, low profile, lounge chair by Paul McCobb for Winchendon features a deep seated, black lacquered maple frame with spindle back and newly upholstered cushions in se...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Fabric, Maple
Paul McCobb Calvin Attr. Mid-Century Modern Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Paul McCobb (American, 1917-1969) for Calvin attributed Mid-Century Modern stool, metal frame with stretchers, with grey leather upholstery.
Dealer: S138XX
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Metal
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century rectangular ottoman with a black vinyl upholstered top resting on a walnut base with tapered legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR DIRECTIONAL)
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Original Midcentury Rare Paul McCobb Predictor Group Low Lounge Chair by O'hearn
By Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Original midcentury rare Paul McCobb predictor group low lounge chair by O'Hearn. Solid maple wood construction. Light gray woven upholstery in great ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Maple
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Blue Leather and Walnut Ottoman
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular ottoman with a blue leather upholstered seat resting on a walnut frame with tapered legs. (Paul Mccobb for Directional).
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Wood, Leather, Walnut, Upholstery
Paul McCobb for Directional Yellow Patterned Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century lounge / armchair with a stained walnut frame with a scooped back rail and yellow fabric upholstery with a small pattern of orange and brown autumn leaves and wh...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional Striped Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century lounge / armchair with a walnut frame with a scooped back rail and multi-colored geometric patterned and striped fabric upholstery, resting on four tapered dowel...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Maple and Iron "Shovel" Chairs by Paul Mccobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul Mccobb Shovel Chairs model #1533 designed in the 1950s for Planner Group and produced by Winchendon.
Composed of solid maple seats with sculpted edges and deeply carved back res...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Metal, Wrought Iron
Paul McCobb for Directional Floral Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century lounge / armchair with a walnut frame with a scooped back rail and blue, orange, and brown floral patterned fabric upholstery, resting on four tapered dowel legs...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Custom Craft Inc. White Leather Lounge Armchair
By Custom Craft Inc., Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century lounge / armchair with a tapered back, square profile, and white leather upholstery, resting on four tapered black painted wooden legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR CUSTOM CRAFT...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Wood, Leather, Upholstery, Paint
Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain Lounge Maple Arm Chairs
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of rare all original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain arm chairs. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Maple
Rare White Paul McCobb Origami Chair on Spider Base
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1960s vintage white molded fiberglass Origami shell chair designed by Paul McCobb on very scarce spider base. A stunning example of this rarely seen combo. The faceted chair...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Fiberglass
Paul McCobb Arbuck Wrought Iron Hairpin Chairs Set, 1950s, Indoor Outdoor Patio
By Arbuck, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul McCobb Arbuck wrought iron hairpin chairs set, 1950s, indoor outdoor patio. Paul McCobb for Arbuck Inc of Brooklyn, NY. Black wrought iron hairpin ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Iron
Pair of Paul McCobb Easy Chairs
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic and somewhat rare pair of armchairs in walnut with new silk upholstery. Great lines and nicely proportioned. Newly refinished.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Walnut
Modern Paul McCobb Arbuck Black Wrought Iron Hairpin Chair 1950s
By Arbuck, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul McCobb for Arbuck Inc of Brooklyn, NY. Black wrought iron hairpin chair, c. 1951, minimal modern lines. 6 available. Priced per chair. Stackable. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Ottoman in Creations Metaphor Silk Blend Fabric, Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
This refined and understated ottoman were designed by Paul McCobb- one of the most celebrated and influential figures in 20th century design- in America, circa 1950. The ottoman offe...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Set of Eight Stained Maple Dining Chairs by Paul McCobb for Perimeter
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of eight stained maple dining chairs designed by Paul McCobb for his Perimeter Group and manufactured by Winchendon Furniture (circa 1957). Shapely backrests and long tapered leg...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Leather, Maple
Rare Mid-Century Paul McCobb #1584 Coffee Table Bench All Black
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1584 - 60 inch coffee table bench all original black Lacquer finish, Minimalist Iron structure with 2 drawers...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Iron
Pair of Mid-century Paul McCobb Bench or Stools
By Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
All original mid-century Paul Mccobb stools. When placed together make a bench. Original and unrestored. Price for the pair
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Steel
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair for Calvin, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Iconic, single walnut chair, designed by Paul McCobb and produced by Calvin - 1950s.
Walnut frame is beautifully refinished in natural and complemented by a peacock blue linen uphol...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul Mccobb seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Paul McCobb seating 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 Paul McCobb seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 235 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating by Paul McCobb were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Eero Saarinen, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Charles Eames. Prices for Paul McCobb seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $599 and can go as high as $25,995, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,865.
Creators Similar to Paul McCobb
Questions About Paul McCobb Seating
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can sell Paul McCobb furniture in a number of ways. Options include selling directly to someone else by advertising on social media or in the newspaper or going to a vintage furniture shop. You can also work with an auction house or choose a reputable online platform. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Paul McCobb furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The best way to identify Paul McCobb furniture is to look for the signature hallmarks of his style. He didn't sign or add a brand marker to his pieces. McCobb preferred clean, simple lines with no ornamentation. Slightly angled legs and boxy drawers and chair backs are indicative of his work. On 1stDibs, find a variety of expertly vetted Paul McCobb furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To refinish Paul McCobb furniture, start by stripping away the old finish with a chemical stripper. Then, use a fine wire brush and steel wool to remove any lingering chemicals. Sand every surface and apply a wood conditioner. Finally, apply three to five coats of lacquer. Find a collection of Paul McCobb furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022In most cases, Paul McCobb used a natural lacquer wood finish. In doing so, he emphasized the natural color and grain of the hardwoods used to build his tables, desks, cabinets and other furniture. Shop a collection of Paul McCobb on 1stDibs.
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