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
Dealer: Century Design Ltd.
Paul McCobb for Calvin Dining Table with Brass X Cross Support Pick your Finish
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Designed by Paul McCobb for his Irwin collection for Calvin, this Philippine Mahogany dining table has brass X stretcher between tapered legs, includes two 12" extension leaves. Leng...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Dining Table with Brass X Cross Support, Customizable
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Philippine Mahogany dining table with brass X stretcher between tapered legs, designed by Paul McCobb, part of his Irwin collection for Calvin. Includes two 15" extension leaves, len...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Console Table with White Vitrolite Top and Brass Frame
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern console table or server designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, part of his Irwin collection. Console has two drawers and two lower shelves in mahogany that ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Tall Gentleman's Chest of Drawers - Calvin Group
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
One of Paul McCobb's most desirable designs, rare model 1013 gentleman's chest of drawers or tall dresser in mahogany from the Calvin group. Elegant and stately, it is loaded with re...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern King Headboard for Calvin with Caned Panels
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Paul McCobb king size headboard for Calvin with caned panels. Aluminum edge, mahogany frame and caned panels. Caning has a few losses, ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Related Items
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Beautiful pair of Paul McCobb 1960s Production #7700 dark mahogany nightstands end tables with leather lined drawers and brass trim. Has single-drawer with lower cabinet that has 1 adjustable shelf. Solid Brass top...
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Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Table
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Vintage MCM Paul McCobb for Calvin Side Table
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Fantastic vintage MCM side table. A chic round shape with an inset leather top and woven rattan second shelf. Made by the iconic Paul McCobb and designe...
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Paul McCobb for Calvin Concealed Mahogany Dresser
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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...
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Pair of American Midcentury Headboard Paul McCobb for Calvin
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Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of twin-size bed headboards by Paul Mccobb designed for Calvin, circa 1950s. This pair can also be placed together and used as a king size headboard. Constructed with heavy br...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Furniture
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Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin Upholstered King Size bed Teak Headboard, C 1950
By Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin upholstered king size bed teak headboard with brass trim and two floating drawers, labeled in drawer. C.1950.
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H 37 in W 117 in D 17 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Dining Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Mid Century Dining Table, designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture's Directional Line, American, circa 1960s. The table expands from a 48" round to a 68" width oval with ...
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Beautiful Mid-Century Brass Headboard by Paul McCobb for Calvin King
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture bed headboard in wonderful vintage condition. finely crafted with brass frame with walnut details. Fits a King sized mattress...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Furniture
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Paul McCobb Dining Table with Brass Stretcher for Calvin
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
For you interest is a dining table designed by famed designer Paul McCobb. Produced by Calvin as part of the Irwin Collection. A round table with out the leafs and a larger dining ta...
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Paul McCobb X-Base Dining Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Paul McCobb X-base modern dining table, American, circa 1950s. This table has been refinished in an ultra-deep brown lacquer. This table does not have any leaves.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass, Metal
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser or Credenza, Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern eight-drawer long dresser or credenza
Designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture "Linear Group"
USA, 1950s
Walnut and aluminum trim and h...
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Materials
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H 34.25 in W 66.13 in D 18.38 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut and Brass Side Tables
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Norwalk, CT
A fine pair of side tables from the Irwin Collection, designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture in the 1950s. Each of the tables features a single drawer and an open shelf in waln...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
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Previously Available Items
Paul McCobb for Calvin #1003 Chest of Drawers or Dresser with Brass X Stretcher
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
A very nicely tailored medium dark mahogany Mid-Century chest designed by Paul McCobb for the Calvin Furniture Company. Having two smaller upper drawers and three larger lower drawer...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
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Brass
H 36.13 in W 36.07 in D 19.94 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Calvin Lounge Chairs with Brass
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Paul McCobb for Calvin lounge or club chairs in the original fabric with brass stretchers and tapered mahogany wood legs. The brass has been polished and the legs refinished ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
H 32.63 in W 31 in D 35 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Round Mahogany, Wicker with Brass Trim Side or End Table
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Restored Paul McCobb for Calvin model 8734 round side or end table with Mahogany top, having brass trim edge with lower wicker shelf. Refinished in a medium brown walnut stain, re-gl...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb King Headboard for Calvin with Caned Panels
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Paul McCobb king size headboard for Calvin with caned panels. Aluminum edge, mahogany frame and caned panels. Caning has a few losses, ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
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Paul McCobb for Calvin Leather Top and Caned Front Dresser or Sideboard
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
To be restored, Paul McCobb for Calvin Group dresser, sideboard or credenza with original leather top, brass edge and caned front panels. Shown in original condition, front panels to...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
H 33.75 in W 71.13 in D 19 in
Pair of Paul McCobb for Calvin End Tables or Nightstands
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Paul McCobb for Calvin mahogany end tables or nightstands with asymmetric or offset tops on tapered legs. Table one is offset to the left and the second table to the right. H...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
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Paul McCobb for Calvin Dining Table with Brass X Cross Support Pick your Finish
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Philippine Mahogany dining table with brass X stretcher between tapered legs, designed by Paul McCobb, part of his Irwin collection for Calvin. Includes two 12" extension leaves, len...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
H 29 in W 60.25 in D 38.25 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Calvin Lounge Chairs with Brass
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Paul McCobb for Calvin lounge or club chairs in the original fabric with brass stretchers and tapered mahogany wood legs. The brass has been polished and the legs refinished ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Brass
H 32.63 in W 31 in L 32.63 in
Paul McCobb Room Divider, Storage Unit
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Paul McCobb Wall Unit / Room Divider, Calvin Linear Group, c. 1956, Walnut and Aluminum, back is finished. Two Lower drawers on left side. 75.25"overa...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
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
- 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.
- 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.