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
Vintage Paul McCobb Two-Tone Planner Chairs, PAIR
By Paul McCobb
Located in East Hampton, NY
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
Vintage Paul McCobb Two-Toned Planner Chairs, PAIR
By Paul McCobb
Located in East Hampton, NY
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 Planner Group End Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul McCobb end table in maple for Planner Group line makes an ideal side or lamp table. Elegant tapered legs and original manufacturers label make this the perfect addition to any m...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
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
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 Planner Series Coffee Table, 1960s USA
By Paul McCobb
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful original condition coffee table by Paul Mc Cobb.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Paul McCobb Brass Side or End Table with Uncommon Textured Top
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
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
Paul McCobb for Calvin
By Paul McCobb
Located in Miami, FL
We have 3 cabinets by Paul McCobb for Calvin. Wood with metal trim. Each cabinet has 4 drawers. Can be sold individually for $4500 each. SET is $12500.
Category
1960s American Minimalist Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Metal
Perfect Pair of Paul McCobb for Directional Lounge Chairs, Mid-Century Modern
By Paul McCobb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Outstanding pair of totally restored Paul McCobb lounge chairs. These chairs are in perfect restored condition with new foam and high end silk velvet. The solid walnut frames have be...
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Silk, Velvet, Walnut
Rare Paul McCobb Trapezoidal Side or End Table.
By Paul McCobb
Located in Kansas City, MO
Paul McCobb trapezoid end or side table with a drawer and glass shelf supported in a solid brass cross stretcher frame. Beautifully refinished. Front edge is 18.25" wide. Back edge...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rattan Shelf Occasional / Side Table by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture
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
Sideboard by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
a simple but elegant buffet by Paul McCobb, in person the wood is a little darker, but look lighter on the picture due to the flash of the camera.
ALL SALES ARE FINAL, STORE CREDI...
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Paul Mccobb Calvin Group Mahogany and Brass Five-Drawer Chest / Dresser
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul Mccobb Calvin Group five-drawer chest (model 1003) manufactured by Directional Furniture (ca. early 1950s, USA).
Composed of a stained mahogany chest with brass tear-drop pulls ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul Mccobb Calvin Group Mahogany and Brass Double Dresser / Chest of Drawers
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul Mccobb Calvin Group eight-drawer double dresser / lowboy cabinet manufactured by Directional Furniture (ca. early 1950s, USA).
Composed of a stained mahogany chest with brass te...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Calvin Group Irwin Collection Dresser with Pink Marble Top
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Paul McCobb Calvin Group Dresser with dark Mahogany case, wood legs and stretcher and awesome pink marble Top. 2 doors open to reveal 4 drawers and an open cabinet with adjustable sh...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Marble
Midcentury Paul McCobb 2 Drawer #1503 Nightstands Blonde maple T Pulls
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful pair of Paul McCobb 1950s #1503 blonde maple nightstands end tables double-drawer planner Group. Black steel T pull knobs.Finished in raw blonde maple. Very modern designed...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Steel
1950s Mid Century Maple Double Pedestal Desk by Paul McCobb/Planner Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in Buffalo, NY
Midcentury maple double pedestal desk by Paul McCobb for Planner Group manufactured in the United States, circa 1950s. This modernist desk is beautifully constructed from the finest ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Lounge Chair by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Toronto, ON
A very cool and comfortable classic mid century lounge chair with generous curved back by American design icon Paul McCobb….Exposed wood arms and legs. Upholstery is in very good as ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer Finish
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb 3-Drawer Dresser #1508 Blonde Finish Brass Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage mid-century Paul McCobb 3-drawer dresser Planner Group #1508. Beautiful dresser by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group, 3 drawer, solid maple, blonde finish, brass pulls, W...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern King Headboard for Calvin with Caned Panels
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Paul McCobb king size headboard for Calvin with caned panels. Aluminum edge, mahogany frame and caned panels. Caning has a few losses, ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquer Double Pedestal Desk and Chair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double pedestal executive writing desk and spindle back chair
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid bla...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase with Jewelry Cabinet
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 or display cabinet. Solid maple with on iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb, circa 195...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Iron
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 Pair of Dark Brown Mid-Century Modern Tables with Brass Bases
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Paul McCobb end tables comprised of dark brown, lacquered rectangular tops resting on a polished and lacquered four legged bra...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase with Jewelry Cabinet
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 or display cabinet. Solid maple with on iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb, circa 195...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Iron
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desk Organizer
By Winchendon, Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Paul McCobb Planner group desk organizer by Winchendon Furniture. Made in the 1950s.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Iron
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair Model 302 and Matching Ottoman by Directional
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1960s
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair Model 302 and ottoman by Directional. Chair is a nice, larger scale and clean lined though with nice detail. The back is rounded and the legs are tapered and long. The ottoman is full sized. Chair was reupholstered at some...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Linen, Hardwood
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
Set 4 Asian Modernist Side Dining Chairs, "PAGOTA" Designed by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning set 4 Pagota side chairs designed by Paul McCobb. Retains original black lacquer finish. Minor wear, also retains original caning, seats recently reupholstered. Classic desi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Cane, Wood
Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase with Jewelry Cabinet
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 solid maple with original tobacco finish on wood base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb, circa 19...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple, Wood
Paul McCobb Two-Tier Corner Table with Iron Frame
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Highland, IN
McCobb's graphic sensibility and command of line is most evident in his design with iron frames. Designs like this large two-tiered corner table with...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Iron
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair for Calvin, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Iconic, single walnut chair, designed by Paul McCobb and produced by Calvin - 1950s.
Walnut frame is beautifully refinished in natural and complemented by a peacock blue linen uphol...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, 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, 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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Paul McCobb Chairs