Calvin Dry Bars

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.

Creator: Calvin

Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin Collection Travertine, Brass and Mahogany Bar Cart

$6,495

Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin Collection Travertine, Brass and Mahogany Bar Cart

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin Collection Mid Century Travertine, Brass and Mahogany Bar Cart This bar cart measures: 36.5 wide x 19.5 deep x 29 inches high Great Vintage Condition -...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Mid Century Paul McCobb Calvin Irwin Collection Shelf Bookshelf Room Divider

$3,920Sale Price|20% Off

H 76 in W 59.5 in D 19 in

Mid Century Paul McCobb Calvin Irwin Collection Shelf Bookshelf Room Divider

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Rare Paul McCobb 2pc. Bar Cabinet by H. Saks & Sons Connoisseur Collection

$3,900

H 58 in W 49.5 in D 18 in

Rare Paul McCobb 2pc. Bar Cabinet by H. Saks & Sons Connoisseur Collection

By Paul McCobb

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A unique and stunning walnut 2 piece bar cabinet with the top having a pull down door that is also a drink mixing and serving area with an aluminum surface and a upper built in light...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany Sideboard, Credenza, Newly Refinished

$4,995

H 34.75 in W 48 in D 19.02 in

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany Sideboard, Credenza, Newly Refinished

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

An outstanding Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, dresser, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Mahog...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Credenza with Brass Accents and Leather Doors

$5,875

H 36 in W 66 in D 19.5 in

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Credenza with Brass Accents and Leather Doors

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 Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb "Irwin Collection" Credenza with Travertine Stone Top & Brass Accent

$10,500

H 34.5 in W 71.5 in D 19 in

Paul McCobb "Irwin Collection" Credenza with Travertine Stone Top & Brass Accent

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

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 ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Dry Bar or Server

$4,850

H 34 in W 36 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mid-Century Modern Mahogany Dry Bar or Server

By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons

Located in St. Louis, MO

Hard to find Paul McCobb dry bar or server for his Connoisseur collection by H. Saks & Sons. To be refinished, custom color available, rounded pulls to be re-plated brass. Top lifts ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Mahogany

Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin Travertine Top Black Mahogany Sideboard Credenza

$5,800

H 32.25 in W 71.5 in D 19 in

Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin Travertine Top Black Mahogany Sideboard Credenza

By Calvin Furniture

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin Collection Travertine Top Mah...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Travertine

Paul McCobb Gentleman's Tall Chest Irwin Collection for Calvin Furniture, 1956

$6,600

H 44 in W 48 in D 19 in

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

Paul McCobb Dresser for Calvin Furniture

$4,000

H 34.5 in W 48.25 in D 18.5 in

Paul McCobb Dresser for Calvin Furniture

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This stunning vintage modern dresser was designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture. Sleek compact design with eight large drawers, unique metal pulls, and metal trim on the fronts...

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Walnut

Paul McCobb Chest of Drawers Irwin Collection for Calvin

$5,400

H 34.5 in W 36.25 in D 19 in

Paul McCobb Chest of Drawers Irwin Collection for Calvin

By Paul McCobb

Located in San Francisco, CA

Paul McCobb design chest of drawers for his Irwin Collection by Calvin. Classic American Mid-Century modern design and very functional for everyday use. Made from bleached mahogany...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Paul McCobb for Calvin “Irwin Collection” Diminutive Bi-Fold Cabinet or Dry Bar

$6,330

H 34 in W 36 in D 19 in

Paul McCobb for Calvin “Irwin Collection” Diminutive Bi-Fold Cabinet or Dry Bar

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture “Irwin Collection” Diminutive Bi-Fold Cabinet or Bar USA, circa 1950s A refined and increasingly scarce diminutive cabinet designed by Paul McCobb f...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Vintage Mahogany and Travertine Credenza by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture

$6,995

H 32.25 in W 60 in D 19 in

Vintage Mahogany and Travertine Credenza by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Previously Available Items

Midcentury Dresser in Walnut by Paul McCobb for Calvin, circa 1950

Sold

H 34.25 in W 36 in D 18 in

Midcentury Dresser in Walnut by Paul McCobb for Calvin, circa 1950

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Detroit, MI

This vintage Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb walnut chest of drawers was produced by Calvin Furniture circa 1950 as part of the Linear Group line. Expertly crafted from walnut, this Classic piece features sleek, geometric lines with signature Paul McCobb metal...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Paul McCobb For Calvin Mid Century Extension Bar Serving Cart

Sold

H 29 in W 40.25 in D 20.25 in

Paul McCobb For Calvin Mid Century Extension Bar Serving Cart

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century extension bar serving cart The cart measures: 40.25 wide x 20.25 deep x 29 inches high; when opened the cart measures 80.5 inches wide All pi...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Walnut and Laminate Bar Cart

Sold

H 29.25 in W 80 in D 20 in

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Walnut and Laminate Bar Cart

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century walnut and laminate bar cart This bar cart measures 40 wide when closed, 80 wide when expanded x 20 deep x 29.25 inche...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Calvin Ebonized Mahogany Extension Bar Serving Cart

Sold

H 30 in W 40.25 in D 20.25 in

Paul McCobb for Calvin Ebonized Mahogany Extension Bar Serving Cart

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern, 4 drawer, mahogany, extension, bar or serving cart by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture features an ebonized finish with brass details and hardware and glass lower...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Calvin Group Mahogany and Brass Sideboard or Bar Cabinet, Restored

Sold

H 36.25 in W 36 in D 19.25 in

Paul McCobb Calvin Group Mahogany and Brass Sideboard or Bar Cabinet, Restored

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in South Bend, IN

A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern sideboard server or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture "Calvin Group" USA, 1950s Honduran mahogany, with brass stretch...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Calvin Group Bar Cabinet, USA, 1950s

Sold

H 36 in W 36 in D 19.25 in

Paul McCobb for Calvin Group Bar Cabinet, USA, 1950s

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Norwalk, CT

Featuring signature brass cross stretcher, this unusual McCobb cabinet has been fully restored. Single long drawer over a pair of bi-fold doors. Original pulls. Brass stretcher has b...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Dry Bars

Paul McCobb Walnut Sideboard Bar 'Linear' by Calvin

Sold

H 30 in W 36 in D 16 in

Paul McCobb Walnut Sideboard Bar 'Linear' by Calvin

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Paul McCobb 'Linear' walnut sideboard bar for Calvin. This piece is in excellent condition.

Category

1960s American Vintage Calvin Dry Bars

Materials

Aluminum

Calvin dry bars for sale on 1stDibs.

Calvin dry bars 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 dry bars, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original dry bars 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 dry bars by Dunbar, Arthur Umanoff, and Henredon. Prices for Calvin dry bars can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,895 and can go as high as $5,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,448.

Creators Similar to Calvin

Dunbar

Shop All Dunbar Dry Bars

Edward Wormley

Shop All Edward Wormley Dry Bars

Arthur Umanoff

Shop All Arthur Umanoff Dry Bars

Drexel

Shop All Drexel Dry Bars

John Kapel

Shop All John Kapel Dry Bars

Paul Evans

Shop All Paul Evans Dry Bars

Questions About Calvin Dry Bars

What is the difference between CK Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein?
1 Answer
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.
What is the difference between Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein Collection?
1 Answer
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.
Why is Calvin Klein famous?
1 Answer
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.
Why is Calvin Klein so popular?
1 Answer
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.
What is the Calvin Klein brand known for?
1 Answer
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.
Is Calvin Klein considered designer?
1 Answer
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.
When did Calvin Klein become popular?
1 Answer
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.
Is Calvin Klein a good brand?
1 Answer
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.
What is the difference between Calvin Klein and Anne Klein?
1 Answer
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.

More Calvin Furniture

Calvin Credenzas

Calvin Dressers

Calvin Sideboards

Calvin Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Calvin Beds and Bed Frames

View All Popular Dry Bars Searches