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.
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Creator: Paul McCobb
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Armchair Model 3049 with Tapered Splayed Legs
By Paul McCobb, Custom Craft Inc.
Located in St. Louis, MO
Paul McCobb (American 1917–1969) model 3049 armchair by Custom Craft, Inc. with dowel legs shown with original black stained legs and upholstery. Price includes refinishing of legs, ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Paul McCobb for Calvin Connoisseur Collection Mid-Century Side Table
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Connoisseur Collection midcentury side table
This table measures: 32 wide x 28 deep x 18 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call r...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Blue Leather and Walnut Ottoman
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular ottoman with a blue leather upholstered seat resting on a walnut frame with tapered legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR DIRECTIONAL)
Leather is cracking.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Paul McCobb Storage Unit Custom Matte Blackened Finish
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Storage Unit for Calvin Furniture features a custom matte blackened finish over walnut.
Three drawers, an open display cubby, and sliding doors for extra storage. Refinis...
Category
1960s American Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Brass X-Form Bench Pal McCobb Style
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Hanover, MA
Solid brass square bar x-form bench seat in the style of Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture with black leatherette upholstered seat with raised sides and inset brass trimmed handles. ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Directional Dining Table with Brass Stretchers by Calvin
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Directional Dining Table with Brass Stretchers
One of the more desirable dining table forms with brass stretchers by Paul Mccobb. Produced by Calvin as part of the "Irw...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mahogany and Travertine Dresser with Dual Tri-Fold Doors
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Dual tri-fold door mahogany and travertine dresser by Paul McCobb for Calvin's Irwin Collection. Beautifully grained walnut tri-fold doors and solid mahogany stretchers with a creamy slab of travertine, this iconic piece of elegant modern design could also work as a clean lined credenza...
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Travertine
$5,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Original Paul McCobb High Back Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Original Paul McCobb lounge chair in umber, gray and taupe striped loose weave wool upholstery and long tapered maple legs. Great front view as well as profile with M-shaped back and...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple, Wood, Wool
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, 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
Paul McCobb Brass Side or End Table with Uncommon Textured Top
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
The Paul McCobb side or end table features a brass base and a most unusual top with a wonderful textured pattern. This table is more commonly seen with a travertine or vitrolite top....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Vintage Paul McCobb Calvin Milk Glass and Cane End Tables
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Vintage Paul McCobb milk glass and cane end tables
Fully marked with Calvin labels on the interior drawers.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Cane, Milk Glass, Wood
Paul McCobb Midcentury Iron Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb midcentury iron stool
This stool measures: 20 wide x 20 deep x 16.75 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Iron
Paul McCobb Planer Group Maple Wrought Iron Side Table
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Minimal, mid century modern, side table by Paul McCobb for Planner Group features a wrought iron frame with graduated tiers of maple and slat maple. The lower tier is 6.5 inches heig...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Vintage Paul McCobb "Samuel Marx" Lounge Chairs for Directional
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Paul McCobb Lounge Chairs for Directional. Italian in influence.
This design was selected by Samuel Marx for the Highland Park Estate of Peggy and Lionel Nathan. Samuel Ma...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood
Modern Paul McCobb Arbuck Black Wrought Iron Hairpin Chair 1950s
By Arbuck, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul McCobb for Arbuck Inc of Brooklyn, NY. Black wrought iron hairpin chair, c. 1951, minimal modern lines. 6lavailable. Priced per chair. Stackable. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Iron
$1,960 Sale Price / item
31% Off
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid Century Walnut and Stainless Steel Full Headbo
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid Century Walnut and stainless steel full headboard
This headboard measures: 54 wide x 1.25 deep x 36.25 in...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 2 Tier Corner Table
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb For Planner Group mid century 2 tier corner table
The table measures: 30 wide x 30 deep x 21 inches high
All pieces of furnitur...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood
Solid Birch Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Credenza Long Dresser Paul McCobb
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice wooden handles three compartments three drawers Paul McCobb credenza. Nice TV base cabinet. Excellent original vintage condition with beautiful wood grain.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Birch
Paul McCobb Designed Dresser w/ Rosewood Dovetail
By Paul McCobb, Lane Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Master designer Paul McCobb produced this dresser set for Lane Furniture, featuring warm walnut grain offset by inlay rosewood corners and polished chrome hardware. Made for Paul McC...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Linear Group Chest of Drawers by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture
By Paul McCobb
Located in Deland, FL
Designed by Paul McCobb and manufactured by Calvin Furniture, this four-drawer dresser features aluminum accents and slender drawer pulls that emphasize its clean lines and beautiful...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Paul McCobb Brass Stools Silver Shagreen Leather
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of Paul McCobb brass stools, shagreen silver leather, with brass criss-cross bases, adjustable feet.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Midcentury Mahogany and Brass Bar Credenza Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin midcentury Mahogany and Brass Bar Credenza Cabinet
This credenza measures: 36 wide x 19.25 deep x 33.25 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Dunbar Parsons-Style Dark Finished Wooden End / Side Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century wooden square end / side table with four square wooden legs with a dark brown stained finish. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY)
Some wear to finish.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood
Paul McCobb Occasional Table with Brass Frame and Cantilevered Top
By Paul McCobb
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare McCobb side table with cantilevered top, brass frame and cross stretcher.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Mid Century Maple and Iron Model 1533 Shovel Chair
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Mid Century Maple and Iron Model 1533 Shovel Chair
This chair measures: 18.25 wide x 23 deep x 33.25 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 17...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Iron
Signed Paul McCobb Maple Extension Dining Table, Two Leaves, Mid-Century Modern
By Paul McCobb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Lovely signed Paul McCobb maple extension dining table with two leaves. This table has two 15" leaves which makes it quite large when installed. Pair this table with its original set...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
McCobb Square Brass Square Base New Navy Blue Upholstery Bench Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
McCobb 20" square brass square base new navy blue upholstery bench stool.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fiberglass Origami Chair by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare design by Paul McCobb (American, 1917-1969) for St. John, circa 1950s, this all original Origami Chair if made of a light blue fiberglass seat and...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Metal
Paul McCobb for Directional Midcentury Occasional Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional midcentury occasional lounge chairs - pair.
Each chair measures: 24.75 wide x 21 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height/chair...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb Perimeter Group Walnut Leather Side Table
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Baltimore, MD
Spectacular 1960s rare mid-century end/ side table designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company, 1960s "Perimeter Group". Features an oval shaped top in beautifully grain...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Square Coffee Table
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group mid century square coffee table
Coffee table measures: 32 wide x 32 deep x 20.25 high
All piec...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood
Paul McCobb Brass X Base Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Highland, IN
A Paul McCobb classic, his X-base stool, is a timeless design: elegant without being fussy, refined without feeling precious, and like so much of McCobb's work, perfectly proportione...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Paul McCobb Two-Toned Planner Chairs, PAIR
By Paul McCobb
Located in North Miami, FL
This is a pair of two-toned, white and brown stained wood, Planner chairs designed by Paul McCobb. There is a second pair of McCobb chairs in similar two-tone that would complement b...
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
Paul Mccobb for Architectural Pottery White M-2 Planter, 1964
By Architectural Pottery, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare white-glazed bisque planter designed by Paul McCobb for Architectural Pottery, 1964. This planter is in excellent condition with no evidence of prior use.
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass Framed Mirror
By Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass Framed Mirror
This mirror measures: 20.25 wide x 2.25 deep x 55 inches high
All pieces of fu...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Coffee Table by Paul McCobb for Planner Group
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century minimalistic coffee table designed by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, USA. This low-profile coffee table is made from beautifully crafted solid maple wood. Flared long leg...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood, Maple
Rare Modernist Brass and Glass Lamp designed by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom seen Modernist Brass and Milk Glass Table / Desk Lamp designed by Paul McCobb,, Classic Mid Century Modern Design,,Timeless elegance.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
A Rare Paul McCobb Brass and Marble Dinette Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare architectural brass dinette table with X stretcher and a beautiful original marble top. Attributed to Paul McCobb. Still researching to determine...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Marble, Brass
American Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Fabulous vintage armchair designed by Paul McCobb. Walnut legs and details. Re upholstery recommended. Please inquire about upholstery options....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table with Bookcase Topper by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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 Server
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large server by Paul McCobb with ample storage and both metal and wood hardware.
Location: Brooklyn NY.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
$3,500 Sale Price
46% Off
Paul McCobb Side Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in East Hampton, NY
Newly refinished Paul McCobb side table by Winchendon.
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood
Paul McCobb Planner Group Winchendon Lacquered Maple Modular Dresser Unit
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, 2 piece, lacquered black and white, modular, maple dresser unit by Paul McCobb Planner Group Winchendon features a 2-drawer dresser wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb End Tables Perimeter Group for Winchendon Furniture Co. 1950
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company, 1950."Perimeter Group" beech wood and leather end tables.Stunning tables,classic mid century modern design.. This line was very lim...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Leather, Beech
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.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rattan Shelf Side Table by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern side table with shelf designed by Paul McCobb. Constructed in light walnut wood with a round top of opaque Vitrolite glass and features a rattan lower shelf. Cra...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Glass
Paul McCobb Mahogany and Brass Chaise Lounge
By Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
A chaise lounge, model 5018 designed by Paul McCobb for Directional, circa 1955.
upholstered in Rogers & Goffigon Fabric with brass stretcher and lacquered wood legs.
Literature...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Paul McCobb for Directional Sculpted Walnut and Upholstered Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding pair of Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs
By Paul McCobb for Directional
USA, 1950s
Sculpted walnut frames, with upholstered seats and backs.
Each measures: 31.75"W...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Drop Leaf Dining Table
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon, Planner Group
Located in Bainbridge, NY
American Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb #1524 Black Drop Leaf Table. Featuring a rectangular piano hinged Black enameled solid wooden form on rounded tapered legs. Table open 56"L. ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Birch
Desk Organizer by Paul McCobb for Winchendon, 1949
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A small table top maple storage unit with two drawers supported by a black steel frame base. This desk organizer is a product from the Planner Group, a coordinated contemporary furni...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Steel
Predictor Group Lounge / Easy Chair by Paul McCobb, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Kensington, MD
Paul McCobb for O’Hearn Furniture Predictor Group Arm Chair from the early 1950s.
Modernist interpretation of the classic Windsor chair has a back with vertical spindles.
Has its ori...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Ebony, Walnut
Price Upon Request
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, 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, 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, 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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