Calvin Furniture
American
The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company Calvin Furniture opened its doors in 1953 and became a sought-after contract manufacturer for the day’s top furniture designers and brands. Its appealing mid-century modern and Hollywood Regency offerings — nightstands, dressers and more — graced the showrooms of department stores all over North America during the 1950s and 1960s.
Calvin’s relationship with the work of Massachusetts-born designer Paul McCobb is well known to enthusiasts of mid-century modern furniture. McCobb, whose unadorned and efficient storage pieces, seating and desks drew on Shaker simplicity and Bauhaus minimalism, wasn’t exactly a designer for Calvin — in partnership with New York furniture salesman B.G. Mesberg, McCobb set up the Directional Furniture Company in Manhattan in 1949, and Calvin was one of the manufacturers contracted to produce the furniture he designed for Directional (and later, for pieces designed under his own name).
Among McCobb’s most acclaimed lines made by Calvin Furniture were the Calvin Group and the Irwin Collection. The travertine-topped sideboards and mahogany nightstands of those lines as well as the other Calvin-produced dressers, bookcases and chests of drawers designed by McCobb were elegant and spare, free of unnecessary embellishments.
Calvin also manufactured the very popular American Design Foundation line of furniture that Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall designed. The Pennsylvania-born, California-raised MacDougall enjoyed a postwar collaboration with West Coast native Stewart that resulted in great success with manufacturers such as Glenn of California and Drexel Furniture. The duo’s celebrated Declaration line for the latter featured streamlined credenzas, dressers and more made in walnut with comely porcelain hardware. The dining chairs, tables and coffee tables manufactured by Calvin flaunt the pair’s signature clean lines, gentle curves and organic shapes.
In the late 1950s and early ‘60s, Calvin Furniture continued its business relationship with B.G. Mesberg National Sales and Directional Furniture. Calvin finally closed their doors during the early 1970s, but their legacy can be found in enduring pieces of modern furniture that remain popular today.
On 1stDibs, find a selection of vintage Calvin Furniture tables, credenzas, chairs and more.
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Creator: Calvin
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid Century Walnut and Aluminum Nightstand
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid Century Walnut and Aluminum Nightstand
This nightstand measures: 21 wide x 21 deep x 24 inches high
We take ou...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquer and Brass Dining Table, Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table
By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered mahogany, with brass stretchers...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Flip Top Server Bar Cart, Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern flip top extension rolling bar cart server
By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Calvin Group"
USA, 1950s
Black lacqu...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
Kipp Stewart for Calvin Furniture Directional Mid Century Walnut Banded Credenza
By Calvin Furniture, Kipp Stewart
Located in Countryside, IL
Kipp Stewart for Calvin Furniture Directional Mid Century Walnut Banded Credenza
This credenza measures: 72 wide x 20 deep x 29.25 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Cane King Headboard
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Cane King Headboard
This headboard measures: 78 wide x 2.5 deep x 37 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vint...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Cane, Wood
Paul McCobb Brass Side or End Table with Uncommon Textured Top
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
The Paul McCobb side or end table features a brass base and a most unusual top with a wonderful textured pattern. This table is more commonly seen with a travertine or vitrolite top....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Black Lacquered Coffee Table, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish mid-century modern coffee or cocktail table
By Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, "Linear Group"
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered walnut, with aluminum accents....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Paul McCobb King Headboard for Calvin Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Headboard by Paul McCobb, for Calvin Furniture c.1960s, USA. This maple headboard features six panels encased in a brass frame and finished in a walnut stain. The maple panels have b...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
Kipp Stewart for Calvin Mid Century Walnut and Leather Dining Chairs - Set of 4
By Calvin Furniture, Kipp Stewart
Located in Countryside, IL
Kipp Stewart for Calvin Mid Century Walnut and Leather Dining Chairs - Set of 4
Each chair measures: 21 wide x 18 deep x 35 high, with a seat height of 18 inches
All pieces of furn...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass X Base Dining Table
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century brass X base dining table
The table measures: 71.75 wide x 40 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 24.5 inches; each leaf is 15 inches wide...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Company Brass & Walnut King-Size Headboard
By Paul McCobb, Breaad, Calvin Furniture
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century American rectangular brass frame headboard with two rows of walnut reserves, the top divided into six verticals. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR CALVIN FURNITURE COMPANY)
Wear to finish
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Paul McCobb Calvin Group Dining Set
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage dining set features the unique Mid-Century design of Paul McCobb produced for the Calvin group. Stylish aluminum trim contrasts with the rich walnut finish of this expan...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Calvin Midcentury Mahogany and Brass Bar Credenza Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin midcentury Mahogany and Brass Bar Credenza Cabinet
This credenza measures: 36 wide x 19.25 deep x 33.25 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Bleached Mahogany and Brass Coffee Table
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Bleached Mahogany and Brass Coffee Table
This coffee table measures: 66 wide x 32 deep x 16 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in wha...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Protype I Side Chair for Calvin Furniture Co. Woven Leather & Wood
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A rare modern chair prototype designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Co. Dated in pencil 6-8-1962 on the underside. Danish Scandinavian style with beige woven leather strapping...
Category
1960s American Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Paul McCobb 7770 Night Table Wood Top for Calvin Furniture Co. Grand Rapids Mod
By Calvin Furniture
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A classic modern design – the “7770 Night Table” designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Co. Retains the original “Calvin Grand Rapids / Furniture Designs by Paul McCobb” label ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Paul McCobb for Calvin Concealed Mahogany Dresser
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, streamlined, mahogany dresser by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture: The Irwin Collection features bi-fold doors that open to reveal four 5 inch height drawers that...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid Century Walnut and Stainless Steel Full Headbo
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid Century Walnut and stainless steel full headboard
This headboard measures: 54 wide x 1.25 deep x 36.25 in...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid-Century Brass X Base Stool Ottoman
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Countryside, 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 Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
Etageres by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, 1950s
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A well scaled Mid-Century Modern étagère in bleached walnut designed by Paul McCobb. The cabinet or shelf set is constructed in solid walnut wood and brass and features two separate ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rattan Shelf Side Table by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, 1950s
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern side table with shelf designed by Paul McCobb. Constructed in light walnut wood with a round top of opaque Vitrolite glass and features a rattan lower shelf. Cra...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Glass
Paul Mccobb, Cabinet, Walnut, Leather, Metal, USA, 1950s
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut, leather and metal cabinet or credenza designed by Paul Mccobb and produced by Calvin, USA, 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Calvin furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Calvin furniture 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 Calvin furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Calvin 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 furniture by Brown Saltman, Kipp Stewart, and Glenn of California. Prices for Calvin furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $350 and can go as high as $21,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,495.
Creators Similar to Calvin
Questions About Calvin Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024The difference between CK Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein is that one is a fashion line and the other is a fashion house. Designer Calvin Klein founded Calvin Klein in New York City in 1968. Over the years, the Calvin Klein company has produced numerous lines of clothing and accessories. One such line is CK Calvin Klein, a diffusion line of casual clothing and accessories sold at economical price points. On 1stDibs, explore a range of Calvin Klein pieces.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024The difference between Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein Collection is in what each name describes. Calvin Klein is the name of the overall fashion house founded by designer Calvin Klein in 1968. Until its discontinuation in 2019, the Calvin Klein Collection was the line of luxury clothing and accessories produced by the Calvin Klein company. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories.
- Why is Calvin Klein so popular?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024Calvin Klein is popular for a few reasons. Known for his minimalist, comfortable womenswear as well as a range of sexually provocative ad campaigns that continue to generate conversation decades later, Klein led the designer jeans craze of the late 1970s. The brand’s skirts, jackets, day dresses and shirts, sold at modest prices and frequently created in soft fabrics and understated neutral hues, are still versatile components of everyday wear. Controversial marketing helped broaden the label’s reach, too. During the 1980s, Klein’s jeans were promoted in scandalous ads featuring Brooke Shields and others that were banned by television stations and challenged by politicians. More eye-catching ad campaigns with up-and-coming models and celebrities like Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg followed in the ‘90s, also bringing fresh attention to the brand. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories.
- Why is Calvin Klein famous?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024Calvin Klein is famous for his work as a fashion designer. He is known for his minimalist, comfortable womenswear. During the 1970s, the American designer helped lead the denim craze, and he became the youngest-ever recipient of the Coty American Fashion Critics' Award in 1973. His jeans continued to dominate the market during the 1980s, a decade that also saw the Calvin Klein brand expand into men's and women's underwear. The brand Klein founded remains one of the best-known American fashion labels today. Shop a range of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024Calvin Klein became popular in the 1970s and ’80s. During that decade, the American fashion designer added sportswear, lingerie, blazers and a range of stylish accessories to his lines of apparel. He became the youngest-ever recipient of the Coty American Fashion Critics' Award in 1973, winning again in both of the subsequent two years.
Klein’s debut of his now-revered blue jeans in 1976 was somewhat of a failure — they were too expensive, and buyers complained about the fit. Late one night at Studio 54, the designer heard about the benefits that a licensing deal with apparel manufacturer Puritan Fashions might bring him. Two years later, Klein inked that deal and sold 200,000 pairs of his jeans, which were produced by Puritan, in a week.
A large percentage of Puritan’s sales in 1978 were owed to Klein’s blue jeans. This streak with denim carried on into the 1980s, when Klein competed with the likes of Jordache, Gloria Vanderbilt and other labels. Klein’s jeans were promoted in provocative ads featuring Brooke Shields and others. The decade also saw the debut of successful men's and women's underwear collections designed by Klein that were also the subjects of steamy marketing campaigns. Soon, Calvin Klein expanded to 12,000 American stores and retail locations in six other countries.
Find a selection of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories on 1stDibs. - Is Calvin Klein a good brand?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024Yes, Calvin Klein is a good brand. Known for minimalist, comfortable womenswear as well as sexually provocative ad campaigns that continue to generate conversation decades later, Klein led the designer jeans craze of the late 1970s. The brand’s skirts, jackets, day dresses and shirts, sold at modest prices and frequently created in soft fabrics and understated neutral hues, are versatile components of everyday wear. Shop a range of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024Yes, Calvin Klein is considered designer. Generally, a designer brand is any that features pieces produced by a particular fashion designer. Calvin Klein fits the definition, having been founded by designer Calvin Klein in 1968. Following Klein's retirement in 2004, other designers, such as Eric Sedeño and Jessica Lomax, have served as creative directors for Calvin Klein. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Calvin Klein brand is known for their sensual ads featuring well-known celebrities as well as for producing simple, understated fashions. Among the brand's most popular offerings are fragrances, men's underwear and jeans for men, women and children. Find a range of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024The difference between Calvin Klein and Anne Klein is that they are two different companies. American designer Calvin Klein founded his eponymous brand in New York City in 1968. That same year in New York, American fashion designer Anne Klein established Anne Klein & Company. Although they share a surname, the two designers are not related, and neither are the brands they created. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Calvin Klein and Anne Klein apparel and accessories.