Paul McCobb Furniture
American, 1917-1969
The single aesthetic attribute of vintage Paul McCobb furniture is that the designer completely forsook ornament — his pieces have no flourishes. And yet, because they are honest — McCobb’s chairs, desks and dining tables are made of solid wood, usually maple or birch, often paired with frames and legs of wrought iron; the cabinets are traditionally scaled; the seating pieces have historic antecedents such as the Windsor chair — his mid-century modern work has warmth and presence.
You could call the Massachusetts-born McCobb a man of parts. As a furniture designer, his work combined the attributes of many of his now better-known peers.
Like the work of Bauhaus designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, McCobb's furniture had purity of form and line. Like the designs of Florence Knoll and George Nelson and his associates, McCobb’s work was efficient and purposeful. And even like George Nakashima, he was adept at interpreting traditional forms, in particular those of chairs, for the 20th century.
More than any other designer besides Russel Wright, with his ubiquitous ceramic tableware, McCobb was arguably responsible for the introduction of modern design into middle-class American households — if for no other reason than that he designed the 1952 set for the original Today show.
McCobb, a repeat recipient of the Good Design Award from the Museum of Modern Art, also designed cohesive lines of furnishings, such as his best-known Planner Group, that gave homes an instant “look.” He designed for several companies, most notably Directional, which was home to McCobb’s Origami chair.
In 1949, in partnership with New York furniture salesman B.G. Mesberg, McCobb set up the Directional Furniture Company, a brand known to vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors everywhere. Directional opened its doors after McCobb created the high-end Directional Modern line of sofas distributed by the New York-based Modernage Company. Directional also produced designs by other legends such as Paul Evans and Vladimir Kagan.
As you can see from the offerings on 1stDibs, McCobb designs are the pin-striped suit, or the little black dress, of a decor: an essential.
Find vintage Paul McCobb credenzas, bookcases, nightstands and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Color: Black
Creator: Paul McCobb
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Pedestal Desk
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage modern pedestal desk features the iconic mid-century design of Paul McCobb. Single sided writing desk offers two drawers for storage and organization and a spacious formica-style top for work. Slender tapered legs and unique McCobb drawer pulls...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood
Paul McCobb For Winchendon Travertine & Black Iron Coffee Table, 1950's
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb Black Enameled Iron Rod Coffee Table Base & Travertine top. Featuring a supported x brace Black enameled Wrought Iron framework, capped feet, with separate round 36"D nat...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Iron
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered T-Back Dining Chair
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Denton, TX
Very sturdy with worn black lacquer makes this chair a great companion for a desk or in a corner of a room, Original finish.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple, Lacquer
Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Drawer #1500 Nightstands Black T Pulls
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful pair of Paul McCobb planner group #1500 maple nightstands end tables single drawer. Black T pull knobs. Good vintage condition with Black lacquer finish on maple. Very mode...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Steel
Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb 3 Drawer Black Lacquer Dressers Brass Knobs
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern black lacquer three-drawer dresser by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company. Part of the Planner Group. Labeled. Beautiful original black lacquer with original brass knobs with patina. Located in NYC.
This listing is for a matching pair set of 2 dressers...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer Finish
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb planner group #1560 double drawer desk Black Lacquer on maple with aluminum ring knobs solid maple. Desk is in great condition. Very beautiful designed desk on ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Planner Group Blonde with Black Drawers Dresser on Wrought Iron Base
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Ferndale, MI
Master of mid-century American modular design Paul McCobb for Winchedon Planner group six drawer dresser. Maple case holds black lacquered drawers...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Midcentury Paul McCobb Pair of Planner Group End Side Tables Iron All Black
By Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Rare pair of early 1950s Paul McCobb Planner Group #1578 maple nightstands end side tables. Black Iron structure. All black with all black maple tops. Very modern designed pair of si...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Steel
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1567 Four Drawer Desk Maple Black Finish Brass Pulls
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1567 four drawer desk solid maple black finish brass pulls solid maple. Desk is in original vintage condition. Ve...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Harvey Probber Black Lacquer Mahogany Brass Hardware and Legs 4 Drawer Chest
By Paul McCobb, Harvey Probber
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern black lacquer mahogany brass hardware bachelor chest compact dresser by Harvey Probber.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Side Table, Black Glass and Chrome / Nickel-Plated Brass
By Paul McCobb
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Paul McCobb end table. Tubular nickel-plated brass frame with black glass top.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Chrome, Nickel
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century rectangular ottoman with a black vinyl upholstered top resting on a walnut base with tapered legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR DIRECTIONAL)
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Small Cabinet by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1512 Black
By Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful mid-century small cabinet by Paul McCobb circa 1950 planner group #1512 has 1 fixed shelf - solid maple construction has original black lacquer finish. Has original seaweed...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Lacquer, Maple
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern glass front bookcase on hairpin legs
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid birch in black lacquered finish, with sliding glass doors and steel hairpin legs.
Measures: 36"W x 12.25"D x 34.25"H.
Newly refinished. Excellent condition.
Two matching bookcases...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Steel
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1587 Nightstands Black Lacquer Brass Knobs End Tables
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful pair of Paul McCobb Planner Group #1587 maple low nightstands lamp end sofa tables single drawer Planner Group Brass knobs in original black lacquer finish. Original finish...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Bow Tie Dining Chairs, Set of Twelve
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of twelve Mid-Century Modern bow tie dining chairs.
By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture.
USA...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut, Lacquer
Paul McCobb for Calvin Black Lacquered Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table
By Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, "Linear Group"
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered walnut, with aluminum stretchers.
...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Midcentury All Black Credenza Paul McCobb Planner Group #1514 Black Lacquer
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful midcentury tall credenza by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1514 has 1 adjustable shelves with pins with 1 drawer on the left...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Black Lacquered Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern two-tier single drawer nightstands or end tables
By Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, "Li...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Directional Marble-Top Credenza
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Toronto, ON
Paul McCobb for Directional, produced by Calvin Furniture, under the “Irwin Collection”. Iconic modern American design. Dual trifold doors open to reveal two large drawers, and adjus...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Double Pedestal Desk, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double pedestal executive writing desk
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid black lacquered birch, wit...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Coffee Table or Bench, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern coffee table or bench
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered solid birch
Measures: 60"...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Birch, Lacquer
Paul McCobb M-3 Brown Ceramic Glaze Planter for Architectural Pottery
By Paul McCobb, Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul McCobb M-3 brown ceramic glaze planter for Architectural Pottery.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1567 four drawer Desk Maple black Finish brass Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1567 four drawer desk solid maple black finish brass pulls solid maple. Desk is in original vintage condition. Ve...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Brass X-Form Leather Bench
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Hanover, MA
Solid brass square bar x-form bench seat by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture with black leatherette upholstered seat with raised sides and inset brass trimmed handles. 26" H X 28 1/2...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcases on Hairpin Legs, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern glass front bookcases on hairpin legs
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid birch in black lacqu...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Steel
Midcentury Low 4 Drawer Dresser by Paul McCobb Planner Group #1504 All Black
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful mid century low dresser credenza by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1504 with 4 drawers - solid maple construction has a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Extension Dining Table, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern extension dining table
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Maple, with black lacquered finish.
Meas...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Drop Leaf Dining Table, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered solid maple drop-leaf dining table
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Measures: 56.25"W x ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Extension Dinette Table, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern extension dinette table or game table
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid maple construction, wi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Minimalist Mid-Century Modern sliding door sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Black lacque...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern single drawer nightstands or end tables
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered so...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquered and Brass Dining Table
By H Sacks & Sons, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension drop leaf dining table
By Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons, "Connoisseur Collection"
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered Honduran m...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb M-3 Brown Ceramic Glaze for Architectural Pottery
By Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul McCobb M-3 brown ceramic glaze for architectural pottery.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Midcentury Paul McCobb 3 Drawer Black Dresser Aluminum Ring Pulls
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid Century Modern black lacquer three-drawer dresser by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company. Part of the Planner Group. Located in NYC.
Measures: 36” W x 33.5” H x 18.25...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple, Lacquer
Stunning Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Room Divider Etagere black
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Midcentury American designer Paul McCobb freestanding black lacquer room divider for Planner Group. Unit black lacquer finish. This unit is in Beautiful vintage condition - Has lower cabinet and (2) lower drawers - all maple with an original black lacquer finish - Solid brass knobs...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Black Lacquered Coffee Table, Newly Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
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 Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Tripod Brass Floor Lamp w/ Textured White Glass Shade by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern floor lamp was designed by Paul McCobb in the United States circa 1950. It features an atomic tripod base with a cylindrical body all in polished bras...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Dining Table, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern extension drop leaf dining table
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid maple construction with blac...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple, Lacquer
Mid-Century Paul McCobb End Table for Calvin Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful Paul McCobb end table features the original manufacturers label, unique McCobb drawer pulls, brass trim, leather top, and stylish cane shelf. Two-drawer construction makes this ideal for sofa side storage...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Pair of Paul McCobb Easy Chairs
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic and somewhat rare pair of armchairs in walnut with new silk upholstery. Great lines and nicely proportioned. Newly refinished.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table with Bookcase Topper by Paul McCobb
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This combination coffee table and bookcase make a unique Mid-Century Modern statement to home or business, offering versatility as a table and bookshelf. Designed by Paul McCobb for ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair by Custom Craft for Directional
By Paul McCobb
Located in Highland, IN
A fine example of Paul McCobb's tailored aesthetic and refined sense of proportion, this great lounge chair is in excellent original condition. The upholstery is the original black v...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Paul McCobb Credenza by Winchendon Perimeter Group
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage Paul McCobb Perimeter Group credenza features double-sided cabinets, drawers for storage, and unique ebonized finish. Classic McCobb drawe...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Rare Mid-Century Paul McCobb #1584 Coffee Table Bench All Black
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1584 - 60 inch coffee table bench all original black Lacquer finish, Minimalist Iron structure with 2 drawers...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Iron
Paul McCobb Planner Group Five Foot Black Bench, Coffee Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, Planner Group Black Bench, Coffee Table. Featuring a rectangular black lacquered solid wood form with reinforced and splayed solid turned legs. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Mid-century Paul McCobb Bench or Stools
By Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
All original mid-century Paul Mccobb stools. When placed together make a bench. Original and unrestored. Price for the pair
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Steel
Paul Mccobb furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Paul McCobb 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 Paul McCobb furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 901 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 16 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Paul McCobb 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 Dunbar, George Nelson, and John Widdicomb. Prices for Paul McCobb furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $195 and can go as high as $25,995, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,826.
Creators Similar to Paul McCobb
Questions About Paul McCobb Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can sell Paul McCobb furniture in a number of ways. Options include selling directly to someone else by advertising on social media or in the newspaper or going to a vintage furniture shop. You can also work with an auction house or choose a reputable online platform. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Paul McCobb furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The best way to identify Paul McCobb furniture is to look for the signature hallmarks of his style. He didn't sign or add a brand marker to his pieces. McCobb preferred clean, simple lines with no ornamentation. Slightly angled legs and boxy drawers and chair backs are indicative of his work. On 1stDibs, find a variety of expertly vetted Paul McCobb furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To refinish Paul McCobb furniture, start by stripping away the old finish with a chemical stripper. Then, use a fine wire brush and steel wool to remove any lingering chemicals. Sand every surface and apply a wood conditioner. Finally, apply three to five coats of lacquer. Find a collection of Paul McCobb furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022In most cases, Paul McCobb used a natural lacquer wood finish. In doing so, he emphasized the natural color and grain of the hardwoods used to build his tables, desks, cabinets and other furniture. Shop a collection of Paul McCobb on 1stDibs.
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