Paul McCobb Desks
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
Rare Midcentury Paul McCobb #1562 Drop Lid Desk on Low Credenza Maple White
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb planner group #1562 drop lid desk and sliding white doors 2 adjustable shelves blonde maple finish solid maple. This desk is refini...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Steel
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Walnut Stain Maple #1560 Desk & Spindle Chair
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A handsome and very original condition, Desk + Chair, designed by Paul McCobb and built by Winchendon Furniture Co, circa 1950s. These are part of the Planner Design Group, which is ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Drop Front Desk with Sliding Door Credenza, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern drop front secretary desk cabinet with a lower sliding door credenza.
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered solid maple, with white grass cloth sliding doors and original brass hardware.
Measures: 36"W x 15.25"D x 46.18"H. Desk height...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Grasscloth, Maple, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Desk for Calvin
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare brass and mahogany desk with stone top designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin.
Category
1950s Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
Bleached Mahogany Desk by Paul McCobb, Connoisseur Collection, C. 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Bleached Mahogany Desk from Paul McCobb's Connoisseur Collection, meticulously restored by Stamford Modern. Crafted in the 1950s...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
Paul Mccobb Desk for Calvin
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Rare architectural walnut and stone desk designed by Paul Mccobb for Calvin Furniture in the early 1950's.
The left hand pedestal features a slide out work surface, a small drawer...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Stone, Brass
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1561 5 Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish Brass Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1561 double pedestal 5 drawer desk blonde maple finish Brass knobs solid maple. Desk is in original vintage conditio...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Winchendon Planner Group Blonde Desk with Orange and White Drawers
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon, Planner Group
Located in Ferndale, MI
Paul McCobb designed desk for Winchendon Furniture in Mass. Part of the large Planner group collection Introduced in the early 1950s. Planner group being a collection of modular furn...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Maple
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1567 Four Drawer Desk Maple Black Finish Brass Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1567 four drawer desk solid maple black finish brass pulls solid maple. Desk is in original vintage condition. Ve...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb 'Cache Desk Organiser' Wood and Steel by Karakter
By Paul McCobb
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Storage unit designed by Paul McCobb in 1952.
The foundation of the Cache series, part of Paul McCobb’s extensive Planner series, is a beautifully simplistic and easy table with ...
Category
2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Steel
Paul McCobb Refinished Blond Maple Student Desk (model 1560)
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century blond maple student desk with a rectangular desktop supported on the left by two drawers with circular knob pulls resting on two short...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Wood, Maple
Paul McCobb Blond Maple Student Desk (model 1560)
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century blond maple student desk with a rectangular desktop supported on the left by two drawers with circular knob pulls resting on two short...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Wood, Paint, Maple
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Maple Double Pedestal Desk
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century (circa 1950) maple double pedestal desk with vintage finish and solid brass "golf tee" hardware, three drawers on one pedestal and two la...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass, Metal
Paul McCobb White Finish Wooden Student Desk 'Model 1560'
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century wooden white-painted student desk with a rectangular desktop supported on the left by two drawers with circular knob pulls resting on ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Wood, Paint
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1567 Four Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish Brass Pulls
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1567 four drawer desk blonde maple finish brass pulls solid maple. Desk is in original vintage condition. Very be...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Wood
'Cache Desk Organiser' Wood and Steel by Paul McCobb for Karakter
By Paul McCobb
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
'Cache Desk Organiser' Wood and Steel by Paul McCobb for Karakter
Storage unit designed by Paul McCobb in 1952.
The foundation of the Cache series, p...
Category
2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Steel
Paul McCobb Writing Desk for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern writing desk by Paul McCobb features a wonderful maple finish with unique brass drawer pulls. Tapered legs and spacious four drawer design make this a stylish...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
Ebonized Predictor Group Desk by Paul McCobb for O'Hearn Furniture Company
By O'Hearn Furniture 1, Paul McCobb
Located in Dorchester, MA
This hard-to-find desk is a Paul McCobb design for his Predictor series, manufactured by O'Hearn Furniture only from 1951 to 1955. The ebonized maple case sits on slender canted legs. To the left a door conceals three drawers, the lower of which is file-deep. To the right three narrow but long drawers feature round brass pulls. To the back is a narrow shelf...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
Clean Lined Modern Desk by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined modern desk, designed by Paul McCobb, American, circa 1960s. This desk is currently being refinished and can be completed in your choice of finish color. The price noted ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin MCM Ebonized Mahogany Brass and White Laminate Desk
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century ebonized mahogany brass and white laminate desk
Desk measures: 54.5 wide x 26 deep x 29 inches high, with a cha...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1567 four drawer Desk Maple black Finish brass Pulls
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1567 four drawer desk solid maple black finish brass pulls solid maple. Desk is in original vintage condition. Ve...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
Related Items
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mahogany and Brass Server or Bar Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern petite server or bar cabinet
By Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons, "Connoisseur Collection"
USA, 1950s
Mahogany, with brass legs and hardware.
Measure...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
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Mid-Century Credenza by Paul McCobb Planner Group #1513 Blonde Doors Maple
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful mid-century low credenza cabinet with blonde maple sliding doors by Paul McCobb circa 1950 planner group #1513 has 2 adjustable shelves with pins - solid maple construction...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Modular Ebonized Maple Dresser
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, modular dresser system by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, Winchendon features two 24 x 18 x 8.5 inch dressers with signature aluminu...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
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Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mahogany and Brass Lift Top Bar Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern lift top bar cabinet
By Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons, "Connoisseur Collection"
USA, 1950s
Ho...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Credenza Paul McCobb Planner Group #1514 Blonde Maple
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
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 side and 3 drawers on the right side. Solid maple construction with a Original Blonde Maple...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenza/Media Console
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenza/Media Console
Offered is a vintage credenza designed by Paul McCobb for Planner Group. Features sliding doors and adjustable shelving inside....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb Planner Group Birch Sliding Door Sideboard Credenza, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid birch, with sliding grass cloth doors.
...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Birch, Grasscloth
Bookcase/Storage Cabinet by Paul McCobb Planner Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A cabinet sitting on a bench base with conical legs, having one adjustable shelve
sliding doors and storage finished in satin black having brass finger pulls . Solid maple wood con...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Wood
Midcentury Credenza by Paul McCobb Planner Group #1513 Wood Doors Maple
By Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful midcentury low credenza cabinet with sliding doors by Paul McCobb circa 1950 planner group #1513 - solid maple construction has a Blonde maple finish. All original Wood sliding front doors with brass finger hole pull sits on 4 tapered maple legs. Good vintage condition. Normal wear on top surface. No inside shelves. Wire hole in back and center dividers for stereo equipment...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
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 Desks
Materials
Grasscloth, Maple
Midcentury Small Maple Cabinet by Paul McCobb Planner Group #1512 B&W Doors
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful midcentury small cabinet by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1512 has 1 fixed shelf - solid maple construction has a blonde la...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Iron
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...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Wood
Previously Available Items
Rare mid century modern Paul mccobb 1595 low desk or table iron maple with stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Rare mid century modern Paul mccobb 1595 low desk or table iron maple with stool. Paul mccobb early 1950s low desk / table #1595 with 2 drawers made of maple wood and iron base. List...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Iron
H 24 in W 60 in D 22 in
Paul McCobb Desk Connoisseur Collection for H Sacks
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Mid Century Desk, designed by Paul McCobb for The Connoisseur Collection by H. Sacks, American, circa 1950s. It has recently been refinished and the brass elements have been ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Metal, Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Writing Desk
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul McCobb writing desk from the Planner Group Collection for Winchedon, c.1950s. This maple desk features two drawers with rounded black enamel knobs resting on two dowel legs. The...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Enamel
Paul McCobb Planner Group Midcentury Desk
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb planner group midcentury desk
This desk measures: 48 wide x 18.25 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 23.5 inches
All pieces of furniture can be had in what w...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
1950s, Maple Planner Group Desk by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Planner group desk in maple with black accented legs and drawers.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Maple
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1567 four drawer Desk Maple black Finish brass Pulls
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1567 four drawer desk solid maple black finish brass pulls solid maple. Desk is in original vintage condition. Ve...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
1950s Midcentury Maple Double Pedestal Desk by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Midcentury maple double pedestal desk by Paul McCobb for Planner Group manufactured in the United States, circa 1950s. This vintage desk is beautifully constructed from the finest ma...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb Desk and Chair from the Planner Group by Winchendon
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
A good-looking Paul McCobb desk and chair, in original black lacquer finish we have cleaned and polished the desk but shows marks due to age we like the look of it nicely worn its So...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Aluminum
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.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Birch
Paul McCobb Kneehole Desk, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Kneehole desk designed by Paul McCobb, circa 1950-1959. Executed in maple, completely restored, and stained with our medium walnut. Brass hardware hand polished.
Other designers ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Midcentury Modern Secretary Desk with Grasscloth Doors
By Winchendon Furniture Company, Planner Group, Paul McCobb, Winchendon Furniture (Planner Group)
Located in Decatur, GA
Stellar Paul McCobb model 1564-b drop down desk with moss green grasscloth sliding doors, circa 1953. This example is unique on the market currently. Desirable inset splayed tapered ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
H 46 in W 36 in D 16.5 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Drop Front Desk with Sliding Door Credenza, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern drop front secretary desk cabinet with a lower sliding door credenza
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 195...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks
Materials
Brass
H 46.38 in W 36 in D 15.38 in
Paul Mccobb desks for sale on 1stDibs.
Paul McCobb desks 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 desks, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 23 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 2 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original desks by Paul McCobb were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks by Herman Miller, George Nelson, and Drexel. Prices for Paul McCobb desks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $555 and can go as high as $12,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,500.
Creators Similar to Paul McCobb
Questions About Paul McCobb Desks
- 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.