Paul McCobb Credenzas
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.
82
to
15
80
82
82
82
79
82
68
11
34
5
10
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
79
53
35
27
20
80
77
82
60
58
58
50
Creator: Paul McCobb
Paul McCobb Directional Marble-Top Credenza
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Toronto, ON
Paul McCobb for Directional, produced by Calvin Furniture, under the “Irwin Collection”. Iconic modern American design. Dual trifold doors open to reveal two large drawers, and adjus...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Marble, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Credenza by Paul McCobb for Planner Group #1513
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Time capsule condition low credenza/hutch by Paul McCobb for The Planner Group. Model #1513. Mostly solid wood construction with some veneer on the trim. A nice rich walnut finish. T...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Tall Credenza by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1514 Walnut
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful mid-century tall credenza by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1514 has 1 adjustable shelves w/pins with 1 drawer on the left side and 3 drawers on the right side. Soli...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Maple
Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenza Cabinet for Planner Group, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Nice small scale credenza cabinet by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, 1950s. Solid maple shell with original grass cloth sliders.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Grasscloth, Maple
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Minimalist Mid-Century Modern sliding door sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Black lacque...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Maple, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Credenza with Travertine Top
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish midcentury sideboard features the iconic design of Paul McCobb and boasts vintage mahogany finish and a striking travertine top. Tapered brass legs add to the appeal of ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Credenzas
Paul McCobb Planner Group 20-Drawer Dresser or Credenza, Newly Restored
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern 20-drawer long dresser or credenza designed by Paul McCobb for his Planner Group line for Winchendon Furniture. The credenza features solid ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Mahogany w Glass Dresser Credenza by Paul McCobb for Calvin
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant 5-drawer credenza with large storage compartment which features a shelf. Refinished in the original stain, waxed and polished. White milk glass top is excellent, m...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Brass, Nickel
Very Rare Mid-Century Modern Maple Predictor Credenza by Paul McCobb for O’hearn
By O'Hearn Furniture 1, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful unique Mid-Century Modern solid maple credenza sideboard #8354 designed by Paul McCobb for O'Hearn "Predictor" collection, circa 1950. T...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Steel
Harvey Probber Black Lacquer Mahogany Brass Hardware and Legs 4 Drawer Chest
By Harvey Probber, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern black lacquer mahogany brass hardware bachelor chest compact dresser by Harvey Probber.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Four Drawers Small Petit Narrow Bachelor Chest
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice narrow Mid-Century Modern bachelor chest by Paul McCobb.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Aluminum
Midcentury White Door Credenza Paul McCobb Planner Group #1514 Black Lacquer
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful mid century tall credenza by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1514 has 1 adjustable shelves with pins with 1 drawer on the left side and 3 drawers on the right side. Solid maple construction with an original black lacquer finish. All original rare white cloth sliding front doors with brass...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Midcentury Walnut Sliding Door Credenza, Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern credenza or media cabinet designed by Paul McCobb for his Linear Group line for Calvin Furniture. The credenza features stunning walnut wood grain w...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Aluminum
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century 16-Drawer Mahogany and Brass Sideboard Buffet
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century 16-drawer mahogany and brass sideboard buffet credenza
Measures: 71.25 wide x 19 deep x 27.25 high
Restored vintage condition. Piece is rest...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Dresser for Calvin Furniture
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage modern dresser was designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture. Sleek compact design with eight large drawers, unique metal pulls, and metal trim on the fronts...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Walnut
Paul McCobb for Calvin Sideboard and Bar with Leather and Caned Front
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A quite stunning combination sideboard with a bar cabinet on top. The bar has felt on the bottom so it can be easily position to sit anywhere on the credenza top. We have had he piec...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Wood
Solid Birch Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Credenza Long Dresser Paul McCobb
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice wooden handles three compartments three drawers Paul McCobb credenza. Nice TV base cabinet. Excellent original vintage condition with beautiful wood grain.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Birch
Pair of Paul McCobb for Calvin Sliding Door Credenzas
By Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Paul McCobb for Calvin credenza refinished in dark espresso with sliding doors and aluminum trim. Each side has an adjustable s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Aluminum
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mahogany and Travertine Dresser with Dual Tri-Fold Doors
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Dual tri-fold door mahogany and travertine dresser by Paul McCobb for Calvin's Irwin Collection. Beautifully grained walnut tri-fold doors and solid mahogany stretchers with a creamy slab of travertine, this iconic piece of elegant modern design could also work as a clean lined credenza...
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Travertine
Paul McCobb Credenza by Winchendon Perimeter Group
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage Paul McCobb Perimeter Group credenza features double-sided cabinets, drawers for storage, and unique ebonized finish. Classic McCobb drawe...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Credenzas
Midcentury All Black Credenza Paul McCobb Planner Group #1514 Black Lacquer
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful midcentury tall credenza by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1514 has 1 adjustable shelves with pins with 1 drawer on the left...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Aluminum
Midcentury Paul McCobb 6 Drawer Dresser Credenza #1509 Walnut finish Brass pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb six-drawer dresser credenza Planner Group #1509. Beautiful dresser by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group, 6 drawer, solid maple wood Walnut finish, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Pair of Paul McCobb Storage Cabinets for Use with or Without the Top Section
By Paul McCobb
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of Paul McCobb storage cabinets with disappearing bifold doors. Each unit is two pieces with finished backs so these can be used as a pair of room dividers...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Credenza or Chest of Drawers for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Berlin, DE
Very special McCobb credenza with a metallic copper surface on the doors. Classic aluminium rings and solid maple all around. Four drawers in total.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Credenzas
Materials
Maple
Paul Mccobb credenzas for sale on 1stDibs.
Paul McCobb credenzas 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 credenzas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original credenzas 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 credenzas by Calvin, Baker Furniture Company, and Edward Wormley. Prices for Paul McCobb credenzas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,610 and can go as high as $18,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,995.
Creators Similar to Paul McCobb
Questions About Paul McCobb Credenzas
- 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.