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Calvin Cabinets

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, Cabinet, Walnut, Leather, Metal, USA, 1950s
Paul Mccobb, Cabinet, Walnut, Leather, Metal, USA, 1950s

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 Cabinets

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Paul McCobb, Irwin Collection for Calvin Wall Unit Hutch Credenza
Paul McCobb, Irwin Collection for Calvin Wall Unit Hutch Credenza

Paul McCobb, Irwin Collection for Calvin Wall Unit Hutch Credenza

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern, two piece, walnut and brass, wall unit hutch credenza by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, Irwin Collection features a bottom crede...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin

By Calvin Furniture, Directional, Paul McCobb

Located in Miami, FL

All original Paul McCobb mahogany cabinet or sideboard from The Calvin Group (earlier Irwin Collection) by Calvin Furniture, which is part of the work the designer created for Directional (model 1066). The mid-century modern credenza features: three drawers with brass knobs; two sliding leather doors with brass pulls and brass edges; interior fitted with two shelves, each adjustable to four different positions; brass X stretchers; label. 100% original finish and condition. The perfect vintage piece to use as a bar cabinet, a media console or a server buffet. Part of a one owner collection of McCobb furniture exclusively presented by Select Modern; a truly rare time capsule find! There are more pieces from this collection available in our storefront. A copy of the original 1956 purchase receipt for all the pieces from this collection is available. Works well in many different decors, from eclectic modern...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Etageres by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, 1950s
Etageres by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, 1950s

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 Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid-Century Vanity Cabinet
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid-Century Vanity Cabinet

Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid-Century Vanity Cabinet

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear midcentury vanity cabinet This vanity cabinet measures: 75 wide x 18 deep x 40 inches high All pieces of...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass Base Credenza with Hutch
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass Base Credenza with Hutch

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass Base Credenza with Hutch

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century brass base credenza with hutch The credenza measures: 60 wide x 19 deep x 60.75 inches All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call re...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Cabinets

Materials

Brass

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Ebonized Mahogany Sideboard Cabinet by Paul McCobb For Calvin
Ebonized Mahogany Sideboard Cabinet by Paul McCobb For Calvin

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Diminutive Media Cabinet by Paul McCobb for Calvin
Diminutive Media Cabinet by Paul McCobb for Calvin

Diminutive Media Cabinet by Paul McCobb for Calvin

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in South Charleston, WV

Paul McCobb, Linear series, Calvin, circa 1950's. Ideal as a cabinet for media storage or buffet due to the height. Measures: 48" wide, 18" deep and 34" tall. Aluminum trim besets th...

Category

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Materials

Walnut

Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, Newly Refinished
Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, Newly Refinished

Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, Newly Refinished

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Located in South Bend, IN

A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern bookcase By Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture USA, 1950s Book-matched walnut, with steel hairpin legs. Measures: 36" W x 12" D x 34"...

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Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Sliding Door Credenza or Record Cabinet, 1950s
Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Sliding Door Credenza or Record Cabinet, 1950s

Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Sliding Door Credenza or Record Cabinet, 1950s

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

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Paul McCobb for Calvin Ebonized Credenza or Media Cabinet, Newly Refinished
Paul McCobb for Calvin Ebonized Credenza or Media Cabinet, Newly Refinished

Paul McCobb for Calvin Ebonized Credenza or Media Cabinet, Newly Refinished

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

Mid-Century Modern credenza or media cabinet Designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture "Linear Group" USA, 1950s Ebonized walnut and aluminum trim and pulls Measures: ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Cabinets

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Aluminum

Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Two-Door Cabinet, circa Early 1960s
Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Two-Door Cabinet, circa Early 1960s

Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Two-Door Cabinet, circa Early 1960s

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Materials

Wood

Calvin cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

Calvin cabinets 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 cabinets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original cabinets by Calvin 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 cabinets by Florence Knoll, Knoll, and Renzo Rutili. Prices for Calvin cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,150 and can go as high as $21,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,185.
Questions About Calvin Cabinets
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The 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, 2024
    The 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    Calvin 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    Calvin 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 ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The 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 ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    Yes, 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 ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    Calvin 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Yes, 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 ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The 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.