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.
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany Chest of Drawers, Newly Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Mid-Century Modern dresser or chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Mahogany, with brass l...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb "Linear Group" 4-Drawer Dresser
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Walnut
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Walnut Gentleman's Chest, Newly Refinished
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern gentleman's chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Gorgeous book-matched...
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Gentleman's Chest
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful vintage walnut gentleman's chest designed by Paul McCobb for his iconic mid-century modern series by Calvin Furniture. Framed in a beautifully grained walnut veneer, this i...
Brass
Paul McCobb Calvin Mid-century 5-Drawer Chest, Brass Stretcher, Labeled
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
Paul McCobb Calvin Mid-century 5-Drawer Chest, Brass Stretcher, Labeled 36" w x 19.25" d x 36" h Offered for sale is a refined Paul McCobb Connoisseur five-drawer dresser that w...
Brass
Paul McCobb Gentlemans High Chest Dresser Calvin Furniture Irwin Collection Mint
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Paul McCobb Gentlemans high chest dresser Calvin Furniture Irwin Collection MINT
Brass
Paul McCobb Gentleman's Tall Chest Irwin Collection for Calvin Furniture, 1956
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Camden, ME
Paul McCobb's gentleman's walnut chest with a fold down mirror Irwin line for Calvin. The accordion doors are bookmatched veneer opening to 18 shirt shelves and five graduated drawe...
Mirror, Walnut
Light Walnut Bow Front Drawers Long Brass Pull Hardware Gentleman's Chest Mint
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Light walnut bow front drawers long brass pull hardware gentleman's chest dresser commode mint.
Brass
H 44 in W 38 in D 18 in
Mid Century Modern 6 drawer tall dresser linear Calvin by Paul Mccobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern 6 drawer tall dresser linear Calvin by Paul Mccobb. Part of the Linear line by Calvin Furniture co. Has walnut veneer on solid wood frame and drawers with aluminum...
Aluminum
H 58 in W 36 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Group Display Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Paul McCobb For Calvin Linear Group Buffet Display Cabinet. The Linear Group was designed by Paul McCobb and manufactured by Calvin Furniture. This piece is comprised of two pieces...
Aluminum
H 33.25 in W 36 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb for Planner Group MCM Blond or Ebony Maple Three-Drawer Chest
By Planner Group, Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Single Paul McCobb Planner Group chest / dressers for Winchendon. Three drawers with solid brass cone pulls on angled tapered legs. The chest is shown sold, but have another in a mor...
Maple
H 6 in W 36 in D 12.25 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Jewelry Chest of Ten Drawers
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb jewelry chest of ten drawers Best to refinish this item. Finish shows wear as does the interiors of the drawers.
Wood
H 34.5 in W 66 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb "Linear Group" Dresser w/ Steel Accents for Calvin Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Steel
H 84 in W 71.25 in D 18 in
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...
Brass
H 34.5 in W 71.5 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb Chest of Drawers for Calvin The Irwin Collection
By Paul McCobb, Irwin Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Chest of Drawers for Calvin, The Irwin Collection,model 7306 features, Mahogany wood screenfold doors with piano hinges and magnetic catches conceals 16 total drawers, br...
Travertine, Brass
H 32.25 in W 60 in D 19 in
Vintage Mahogany and Travertine Credenza by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This exquisite vintage mahogany credenza, designed by the celebrated Paul McCobb and crafted by Calvin Furniture, is truly a remarkable addition to any home. Known for its unparallel...
Travertine, Brass
H 6 in W 36 in D 12 in
1950s Paul McCobb 4-Drawer Correspondence Letter Chest Jewelry Box Dresser
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A wonderful tabletop letter cabinet for desktop or atop a dresser. It is in original unrestored condition and finish. Some wear to top surface and nor...
Steel
H 34.5 in W 71.5 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb "Irwin Collection" Credenza with Travertine Stone Top & Brass Accent
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid Century modern credenza designed by Paul McCobb for the “Irwin Collection” at Calvin Group in the United States circa 1950’s. This stunning credenza sits on a beautiful polished ...
Travertine, Brass
H 76 in W 59.5 in D 19 in
Mid Century Paul McCobb Calvin Irwin Collection Shelf Bookshelf Room Divider
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Rare Mid Century sideboard, shelf unit, room divider, designed by Paul McCobb as part of the sought after Irwin Collection series for Calvin, circa 1950’s. This example features ble...
Brass
H 36 in W 66 in D 19.5 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin
By Directional, Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
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...
Brass
H 36.25 in W 36 in D 19.25 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass X Base Dresser Chest of Drawers
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass X Base Dresser Chest of Drawers This chest of drawers measures: 36 wide x 19.25 deep x 36.25 high All pieces of furniture can be had in wha...
Brass
H 34.5 in W 36 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb, Chest of Drawers, Mahogany, Brass, USA, 1960s
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and mahogany chest of drawers designed by Paul McCobb and produced by Calvin Furniture, USA, c. 1960s.
Brass
H 50 in W 48.13 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Walnut Gentleman's Chest, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern gentleman's chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Gorgeous book-matched...
Mirror, Walnut
H 50.25 in W 48 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquered Gentleman's Chest, Newly Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern gentleman's chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Black lacquered...
Mirror, Mahogany, Lacquer
H 50.25 in W 25.13 in D 17 in
Kipp Stewart for Calvin Furniture Walnut and Cane Ten-Drawer Dresser Chest
By Calvin Furniture, Kipp Stewart
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern ten-drawer dresser or chest of drawers By Kipp Stewart for Calvin Furniture USA, 1960s Walnut, with cane door fronts. Measures: 25.13" W x 1...
Cane, Walnut
H 45.13 in W 38.13 in D 18.75 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Mid-Century Modern Walnut Highboy Dresser
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century modern six-drawer highboy dresser By Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, "Linear Group" USA, 1950s Gorgeous book-matched walnut, with aluminum trim and ha...
Aluminum
H 36.13 in W 36.07 in D 19.94 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin #1003 Chest of Drawers or Dresser with Brass X Stretcher
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
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...
Brass
H 30.25 in W 38 in D 17 in
Bachelor Chest by Kipp Stewart for Calvin
By Kipp Stewart, Calvin Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s, made with golden walnut and featuring ebonized pulls
Walnut
H 52.75 in W 36 in D 19 in
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb “Irwin Collection” Chest of Drawers
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul McCobb "Irwin Collection" chest of drawers with brass accents for Calvin Furniture ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furnitur...
Brass
H 36 in W 36 in D 19.25 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass X Base Dresser Chest of Drawers
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass X Base Dresser Chest of Drawers The dresser measures: 36 wide x 19.25 deep x 36 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what ...
Brass
H 33.75 in W 71.25 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Cane Front Doors 8 Drawers Mahogany Dresser / Commode
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern 1950's bleached mahogany Dresser by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture with cane front tri-fold doors. The dresser sports a brass ...
Brass
H 34.25 in W 48 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sideboard Credenza, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or media cabinet By Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, "Linear Group" USA, 1950s Walnut, with aluminum trim and hardwar...
Aluminum