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Paul McCobb Stools

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
Three Mid Century Wrought Iron Stools Paul McCobb Circa 1950's
Three Mid Century Wrought Iron Stools Paul McCobb Circa 1950's

Three Mid Century Wrought Iron Stools Paul McCobb Circa 1950's

By Paul McCobb

Located in Toledo, OH

Three Mid-Century Modern wrought iron stools by Paul McCobb circa 1950's. Black leg cap is missing. Very good condition. Dimensions: 20.5" x 20.5" x 16". Seat height 16".

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Modern Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stools or Ottomans, Newly Restored
Paul McCobb X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stools or Ottomans, Newly Restored

Paul McCobb X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stools or Ottomans, Newly Restored

By Paul McCobb, Directional

Located in South Bend, IN

A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern stools, benches, or ottomans By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Brass legs and stretchers, freshly reupholstered with Herman ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Mid Century Iron Stool
Paul McCobb Mid Century Iron Stool

Paul McCobb Mid Century Iron Stool

By Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb mid century iron stool. This stool measures: 21 wide x 21 deep x 18 inches high. All pieces of furniture can be had in w...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Iron

Vintage Mid-Century American Modern Wrought Iron Stool/Ottoman by Paul McCobb
Vintage Mid-Century American Modern Wrought Iron Stool/Ottoman by Paul McCobb

Vintage Mid-Century American Modern Wrought Iron Stool/Ottoman by Paul McCobb

By Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Wrought iron and white naugahyde "All Round Square" stool/ottoman Model #1305 designed by Paul McCobb (ca. 1960s, USA). Original condition with wear to the naugahyde from age/use (ti...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb X-Base Stool by Calvin
Paul McCobb X-Base Stool by Calvin

Paul McCobb X-Base Stool by Calvin

By Paul McCobb

Located in Highland, IN

A Paul McCobb Classic, his X-base stool, is a timeless design: elegant without being fussy, refined without feeling precious, and like so much of McCobb's work, perfectly proportione...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Calvin X Base Foot Stool in Channeled Brass Circa 1960s
Paul McCobb for Calvin X Base Foot Stool in Channeled Brass Circa 1960s

Paul McCobb for Calvin X Base Foot Stool in Channeled Brass Circa 1960s

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in Peabody, MA

A channeled brass foot stool with X form base, desgined by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, circa 1960s.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb  X-Base Stool for Calvin
Paul McCobb  X-Base Stool for Calvin

Paul McCobb X-Base Stool for Calvin

By Paul McCobb

Located in Greenwich, CT

Paul McCobb Classic X-base Stool for Calvin circa 1960’s Dimensions: 20 "W x 20 "D x 16 ½ "H. Timeless Mid-Century Design + elegant proportions and a unique period upholstery fo...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Directional X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stool or Ottoman, 1950s
Paul McCobb for Directional X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stool or Ottoman, 1950s

Paul McCobb for Directional X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stool or Ottoman, 1950s

By Paul McCobb, Directional

Located in South Bend, IN

A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern stool, bench, or ottoman By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Brass legs and stretchers, with original turquoise vinyl upholstery...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

(1) Midcentury Tan leather Paul McCobb Calvin Brass X Base stool
(1) Midcentury Tan leather Paul McCobb Calvin Brass X Base stool

(1) Midcentury Tan leather Paul McCobb Calvin Brass X Base stool

By Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Original Mid Century tan leather Paul McCobb brass X base stool. Only (1) available has newer tan leather upholstery with brass X base with all feet that shows patina. Great stool. D...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Directional X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stool or Ottoman, 1950s
Paul McCobb for Directional X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stool or Ottoman, 1950s

Paul McCobb for Directional X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stool or Ottoman, 1950s

By Directional, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern stool, bench, or ottoman By Paul McCobb for Directional USA, 1950s Brass legs and stretchers, with original turquoise vinyl upholstery...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Brass X-Form Bench Pal McCobb Style
Brass X-Form Bench Pal McCobb Style

Brass X-Form Bench Pal McCobb Style

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Hanover, MA

Solid brass square bar x-form bench seat in the style of Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture with black leatherette upholstered seat with raised sides and inset brass trimmed handles. ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Brass X Base Stool
Paul McCobb Brass X Base Stool

Paul McCobb Brass X Base Stool

By Paul McCobb

Located in Highland, IN

A Paul McCobb classic, his X-base stool, is a timeless design: elegant without being fussy, refined without feeling precious, and like so much of McCobb's work, perfectly proportione...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid-Century Brass X Base Stool Ottoman
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid-Century Brass X Base Stool Ottoman

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid-Century Brass X Base Stool Ottoman

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century brass x base stool ottoman. Stool measures: 20 wide x 20 deep x 15.5 inches high. All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

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Paul McCobb Mid-Century Iron Stool with New Leather Upholstery
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Iron Stool with New Leather Upholstery

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Mid-Century Modern iron stool by Paul McCobb. Newly reupholstered as they originally were, with no-sag springs, foam and a thick brown leather. ...

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Pair of Wrought Iron Stools by Paul McCobb, US, 1950s
Pair of Wrought Iron Stools by Paul McCobb, US, 1950s

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H 16 in W 20 in L 16 in

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Located in Chicago, IL

Pair of brass X-base stools by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture. New cushions covered in new velvet, over polished brass bases.

Category

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Materials

Brass

Pair of Wrought Iron Stools by Paul McCobb, US, 1950s
Pair of Wrought Iron Stools by Paul McCobb, US, 1950s

Pair of Wrought Iron Stools by Paul McCobb, US, 1950s

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H 17.72 in W 20.48 in D 20.48 in

Pair of Wrought Iron Stools by Paul McCobb, US, 1950s

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Located in Berlin, DE

Pair of wrought iron stools, designed in 1950s by Paul McCobb and manufactured by Winchendon Furniture (Planner Group) in US. Newly uphols...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

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Paul Mccobb stools for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul McCobb stools are available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider stools by George Nelson, Warren Platner, and Dunbar.
Questions About Paul McCobb Stools
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    You 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, 2022
    To 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, 2022
    The 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, 2022
    In 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.