Paul McCobb Armchairs
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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Creator: Paul McCobb
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair in Original Turquoise Upholstery and Walnut
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul McCobb for Directional Designs, lounge chair, model 1322, walnut, fabric, 1950s.
A design Paul McCobb model 1322 dating back to the 1950s. The quintessential design features o...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Lounge Chair by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Toronto, ON
A very cool and comfortable classic mid century lounge chair with generous curved back by American design icon Paul McCobb….Exposed wood arms and legs. Upholstery is in very good as ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of Paul McCobb Solid Birch Round Back Barrel Shape Arm Chairs
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Paul McCobb Solid Birch Round Back Barrel Shape Arm Chairs
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Birch
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquered Mahogany and Brass Armchairs
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs
By Paul McCobb for Directional, "Connoisseur Collection"
USA, 1950s
Elegant black lacquered sculpted mahogany frames, with upho...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Directional Irwin Collection Mahogany and Woven Leather Armchair
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern club chair or dining armchair
By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection"
USA, 1950s
Elegant s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair Refinished and Reupholstered
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant clean lined lounge chair, designed by Paul McCobb, American, circa 1950s. This chair is currently being refinished and reupholstered. You can choose the finish color, and it ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb Origami Armchair on Spider Base
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dronten, NL
1960s vintage white molded fiberglass Origami arm shell chair designed by Paul McCobb on a very scarce spider base. A stunning example of this rarely seen combo. The faceted chair...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Paul McCobb Calvin Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Armchair Cane Seat
By Paul McCobb
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A fabulous 1950s Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture walnut armchair. Fully marked. Meticulously crafted. Professionally restored. A great design and a really beautiful chair...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Pair of Paul McCobb "Squirm" Lounge Chairs
By Paul McCobb
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Paul McCobb "Squirm" chairs for Custom Craft, USA ca' 1950's. Model 3042 with turned walnut legs. These lounge chairs are very comfortable with a distinct mid century flair...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Woven Leather Armchairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern club chairs or dining armchairs
By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection"
USA, 1950s
...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Armchairs, Newly Restored
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs or club chairs
By Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture
USA, 1950s
Elegant sculpted walnut frames, with upholstered seats.
...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Paul McCobb lounge chair. Dark walnut frame was refinished and upholstery updated to a plush boucle. Additional photos available upon request.
Would work well in a variety of int...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Bouclé, Walnut
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
A sculptural high-back lounge chair with walnut frame designed by Paul McCobb. Refinished and reupholstered.
Category
1950s Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCob Walnut Lounge Chair for Directional Mint
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCob Walnut Lounge Chair for Directional Mint!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Paul McCobb "Tub" High Back Lounge Chair Model 3045, Priced Low for Reupholstery
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Paul McCobb "Tub" chair for the Planner Group. High back with cantilevered armrests and walnut legs. Important design in need of reupholstering and is priced accordingly. This is a great opportunity to get this chair for a low price...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
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 Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
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 Armchairs
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 Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Custom Craft Inc. White Leather Lounge Armchair
By Paul McCobb, Custom Craft Inc.
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 Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Leather, Upholstery, Paint
Set of Armchairs by Paul McCobb, Connoisseur Collection, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of armchairs designed by the iconic Paul McCoob for his Connoisseur Collection, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored mahogany framework, reupholstered in taupe leather, brass st...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Pair of Mid Century Modern McCobb Chairs Newly Upholstered in Cream Virgin Wool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid Century Modern McCobb Lounge Chairs Newly Upholstered in Cream Virgin Wool Fabric Stunning!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul McCobb Modernist Maple Armchair Designed in the 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Rarely seen armchair designed by Paul McCobb in the 1950s. Chair is constructed out of maple with a darker finish on it. The chair is in nice vintage condition with some marks in the...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Maple
Four Leather Armchairs by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four Paul McCobb walnut armchairs with original woven leather seats.
Category
1950s Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Armchair Model 3049 with Tapered Splayed Legs
By Paul McCobb, Custom Craft Inc.
Located in St. Louis, MO
Paul McCobb (American 1917–1969) model 3049 armchair by Custom Craft, Inc. with dowel legs shown with original black stained legs and upholstery. Price includes refinishing of legs, ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Paul McCobb Directional 314 Model High Back Lounge Chairs
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
An extremely rare set of matching high back lounge chairs model 314 by the legendary American designer Paul McCobb for Directional Furniture, circa 1950s. With its stylish pointed wi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb for Widdicomb High Back Chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic high back chair by Paul McCobb for Widdicomb. Shaped like a tall egg with unusual turned legs this chair has a great midcentury look and is very comfortable. Reupholstered ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
1950s Paul McCobb Dr. No Tall Windsor Chair Rustic Farmhouse Boho Abstract Chic
By Paul McCobb, O'Hearn Furniture 1
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful and rare example of this early McCobb design in original unaltered tobacco finish. Small remnants of original label remains.
Measure: Seat H 17.5 in. / arm H 27 in.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Birch
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 Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
American Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Paul McCobb
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Fabulous vintage armchair designed by Paul McCobb. Walnut legs and details. Re upholstery recommended. Please inquire about upholstery options....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair Model 302 and Matching Ottoman by Directional
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1960s
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair Model 302 and ottoman by Directional. Chair is a nice, larger scale and clean lined though with nice detail. The back is rounded and the legs are tapered and long. The ottoman is full sized. Chair was reupholstered at some...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Armchairs
Materials
Linen, Hardwood
Paul Mccobb armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Paul McCobb armchairs 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 armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 31 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original armchairs 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 armchairs by Adrian Pearsall, Charles Eames, and Widdicomb Furniture Co.. Prices for Paul McCobb armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,100 and can go as high as $14,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,650.
Creators Similar to Paul McCobb
Questions About Paul McCobb Armchairs
- 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.