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 for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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 Chest
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined Mid-Century Modern chest, designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin, American, circa 1950s.
This piece is currently being refinished and can be completed in your choice of colo...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass, Metal
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
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Side End Tables, Pair
By Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century side end tables, pair
Each table measures: 36 wide x 18 deep x 10 high
This price includes getting this set in what we call Restored Vinta...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Maple Spindle Back Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, low profile, lounge chair by Paul McCobb for Winchendon features a deep seated, black lacquered maple frame with spindle back and newly upholstered cushions in se...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Maple
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Planner Group Side Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Usual size Paul McCobb for planner group occasional side table.
Measuring: 24 in W x 18 in D x 20 in H.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid-Century Brass X Base Stool Ottoman
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century brass x base stool ottoman.
Stool measures: 20 wide x 20 deep x 15.5 inches high.
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Unique Paul McCobb Black Wrought Iron and Maple Floating Shelf, c. 1950s
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Repurposed from an original Paul McCobb headboard. Paul McCobb designed a solid maple headboard, model 1553, as part of the Planner Group line fo...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of White Lacquered Wood Side Tables by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Pair of white lacquered wood side tables by Paul McCobb.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
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
Paul McCobb "Tub" Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in Highland, IN
This uncommon design by Paul McCobb is classic mid-century modern design. With it's clean lines and splayed tapered legs, it is stylish but unpretentious. A generous seat makes it ve...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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
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 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
Pair of American Midcentury Headboard Paul McCobb for Calvin
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of twin-size bed headboards by Paul Mccobb designed for Calvin, circa 1950s. This pair can also be placed together and used as a king size headboard. Constructed with heavy br...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
American Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Paul McCobb
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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 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
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
Vintage Paul McCobb Two-Tone Planner Chairs, PAIR
By Paul McCobb
Located in North Miami, FL
Beautifully lacquered in two tones, white and natural wood in brown stain. We have a second similar pair of McCobb chairs that can make a lovely set of ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb Brass x Wall Mirror
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
PAUL MCCOBB Brass X Mirror. One of Mccobb's strongest Mirror Designs. Brass Pegs at each corner to suspend the mirror off the wall. Large brass X form on front of mirror. Decorative ...
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 Planner Group, Paul McCobb
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 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
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 Brass Inset Leather Caned Magazine Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb magazine table. Caned shelves with leather top. Brass edging. High quality Paul McCobb.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Vintage Paul McCobb Sofa for Directional
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Paul McCobb sofa for Directional
reupholstered at one point. In pretty nice condition with fabric being usable as-is. minor wear.
finish to wood and legs shows...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
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
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 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 Architectural Pottery White M-2 Planter, 1964
By Paul McCobb, Architectural Pottery
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
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
Paul McCobb Wall Mounted Mirror With Shelf For Bryce Originals
By Paul McCobb
Located in Doraville, GA
A wall hung mirror / shelf designed by Paul McCobb for Bryce Originals in 1953. Paul McCobbs designs for Bryce Originals are quite hard to find, thi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Iron
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
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
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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