Paul McCobb Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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 Planner Group Black Lacquered T-Back Dining Chair
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Denton, TX
Very sturdy with worn black lacquer makes this chair a great companion for a desk or in a corner of a room, Original finish.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Maple, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Model 1530 Mid-Century Modern Chair, Early Winchendon Label
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Paul McCobb Model 1530 Mid-Century Modern Chair, Retains early Winchendon Modern label. Pre Planner Group. Wonderful original condition, color, finish, patina. Functional Art...
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Wood, Maple
Fiberglass Origami Chair by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare design by Paul McCobb (American, 1917-1969) for St. John, circa 1950s, this all original Origami Chair if made of a light blue fiberglass seat and...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Metal
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquer Double Pedestal Desk and Chair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double pedestal executive writing desk and spindle back chair
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid bla...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Brass
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Paul McCobb Planner Group Five Foot Black Bench, Coffee Table
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Mid-Century Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Maple Spindle Back Chairs
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H 32 in W 19 in D 18 in
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H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in
Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Dining Chairs Paul McCobb for Winchendon Set 5
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous set of five Mid-Century Modern Planner Group style #1534 dining chairs by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. Comprised of a dark walnut finished maple. They have been newly upholstered at some point in their recent past in a brown background fabric with chenille squiggly undulating lines in gold and turquoise or teal. Beautiful condition with age-appropriate wear as you would expect with vintage pieces. Two of the chair backs do have small nicks. One has been repaired. All chairs have been re-glued. We have used restore-a-finish on the original finish to bring back its original shine. Please see photos. Circa 1949-1964.
Simply Amazing!! What a fabulous set of five Mid-Century Modern dining chairs! They are part of the Planner Group for Winchendon designed by internationally known and revered designer Paul McCobb. They are style number 1534, and they are comprised of a beautiful maple frame with a dark walnut finish. The foam seats are covered in a brown chenille fabric with raised fiber squiggly undulating lines in colors of gold and turquoise or maybe its teal. The fabric is so awesome it reminds us of a comfy chenille bedspread...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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Fabric, Maple
H 35.25 in W 21 in D 19.5 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Pair Dining Chairs
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Fraser, MI
Please message us for a cost effective shipping quote to your location.
Pair Paul McCobb dining chairs.
Both chairs have full labels.
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1960s Vintage Paul McCobb Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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Vintage Danish Modern Rosewood Chair Model 42 by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Modern Rosewood chair Model 42 by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s.
Mid-Century Modern armchair designed by Danish architect Kai Kristian...
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H 29.34 in W 21.07 in D 22.05 in
Milo Baughman Style Mid Century Parsons Chair in Leopard Velvet c. 1970
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American Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple # 1560 Desk 1950's
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A good American Mid Century Modern, "Planner Group" maple desk designed by Paul McCobb, 1950's.
This iconic and elegant desk by P:aul McCobb having a pair of graduated drawers to the...
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Paul McCobb Dining Chairs for Planner Group, Set of 4 Mid Century Modern
By Paul McCobb
Located in Wallkill, NY
Maple Paul McCobb dining chairs set of four, Planner Group. They are in wonderful vintage condition. Measuring: H 30 in, W 17 in, D 19 in, seat height 17 in. Be sure to check our st...
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Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Maple Spindle Back Chairs
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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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...
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Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Pedestal Desk
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage modern pedestal desk features the iconic mid-century design of Paul McCobb. Single sided writing desk offers two drawers for storage and organization and a spacious formica-style top for work. Slender tapered legs and unique McCobb drawer pulls...
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Previously Available Items
Dining Chairs by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture's Planner Group, Set of 6
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Located in Madison, WI
Dining room chairs designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture's Planner Group. A set of 6 spindle back chairs with curved backrest professionally refinished in satin black with reglued legs for ultimate stability.
Just in time for holiday entertaining, sophisticated table seating made of solid maple wood with a Scandinavian clean-lined design that compliments interiors, doesn't compete with them. McCobb always used the best of materials, bringing to them a style that resonated internationally.
Need only 4 at the dining table, use one chair for the desk...
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H 31 in W 19 in D 20 in
Paul McCobb Ebony Planner Group Desk and Chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Pleased to offer this McCobb desk and chair designed for the Planner Group. This iconic design is in nice vintage condition. Desk has two draws.
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‘Captain’s Chair’ by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Co
By Paul McCobb
Located in London, GB
A rare model 1532 ‘Captain’s Chair’ in solid maple by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Co. USA, c. 1950s.
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Paul McCobb Planner Group 1531 Side Chair for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Littleton, CO
Mid-Century Modern 'Planner Group' side chair No. 1531 by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Co.
Solid maple in original tobacco finish with a spindle supported backrest and si...
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By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Single Dining Desk Chair
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Located in Countryside, IL
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Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Chairs, Pair
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Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century chairs - pair
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All pieces of furniture can be had in wha...
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Vintage Paul McCobb Planner Group 1531 Side Chair for Winchendon
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Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Spindle Back Armchair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
Offering a rare and beautiful Mid-Century Modern captain armchair designed by Paul McCobb for his Planner Group line for Winchendon Furniture. The chair features solid maple construc...
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Original Midcentury Orange Vinyl Paul McCobb Executive Office Chair Rare
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Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Original midcentury orange vinyl Paul McCobb executive office chair rare. Aluminum base. All four wheels are smooth and in great shape. Beautiful V-shaped design. Designed by Paul Mc...
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Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desk and Chair, Newly Restored
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern desk and chair designed by Paul McCobb for his Planner Group line for Winchendon furniture. The set features solid birch construction and sleek Mini...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Spindle Back Armchair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
Offering a rare and beautiful Mid-Century Modern captain armchair designed by Paul McCobb for his Planner Group line for Winchendon Furniture. The chair features solid maple construc...
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Paul Mccobb office chairs and desk chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Paul McCobb office chairs and desk chairs 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 office chairs and desk chairs, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original office chairs and desk chairs by Paul McCobb were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider office chairs and desk chairs by Gunlocke, Roger Sprunger, and Brickel Associates. Prices for Paul McCobb office chairs and desk chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $800 and can go as high as $4,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,070.
Creators Similar to Paul McCobb
Questions About Paul McCobb Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
- 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.