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.
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Bleached Mahogany, Cane Secretary Bar Cabinet
By Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mid Century Bleached Mahogany and Cane Secretary Bar Cabinet This secretary measures: 38 wide x 18 deep x 77 inches...
Cane, Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desk and Chair Set, Birch and Laminate
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Southampton, NJ
All original 1950's Paul McCobb chest of six drawers with scarcely seen white laminate top from the Planner Group series. A handsome chest with original tags & hardware, fully hand d...
Brass
1950s Model 1531 Dining Chair for Planner Group & Winchendon Furniture
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Model 1531 Dining Chair, originally designed by Paul McCobb for Planner Group and Winchendon. This particular example dates to the 1950s. The chair's design is comprised en...
Maple
Paul McCobb Travertine Consoles and or Sofa Tables
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Travertine Consoles and or Sofa Tables, model 8704 for Directional. Square tubular brass with 3/4" travertine.
Travertine, Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding pair of Mid-Century Modern wingback lounge chairs By Paul McCobb for Custom Craft Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Gorgeous gray upholstery, with sleek tapered...
Upholstery, Maple
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Group Sliding Door Bookcase Cabinet, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern bookcase, credenza, or display cabinet By Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, "Linear Group" USA, 1950s Walnut, with sliding glass front doors...
Glass, Walnut
Vintage MCM Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, Dining Chairs, Set of 4
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fantastic set of vintage 4 MCM dining chairs. Designed by the legendary Paul McCobb, a Midcentury giant. Gorgeous spindle back with the coveted inlay screw on each seat. Acquired fro...
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...
Mahogany
$4,914 / set
Pair of Wall Shelves, Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Los angeles, CA
Pair of Wall Shelves
Iron
Pair of Paul McCobb Model 400 Slipper Chairs for Custom Craft, Circa 1955
By Paul McCobb
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Pair of Paul McCobb Model 400 Slipper Chairs for Custom Craft, circa 1955 A striking pair of Model 400 slipper chairs designed by Paul McCobb for Custom Craft, Inc., USA, circa 1955...
Walnut, Fabric
Paul McCobb Credenza with Travertine Top
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish midcentury sideboard features the iconic design of Paul McCobb and boasts vintage mahogany finish and a striking travertine top. Tapered brass legs add to the appeal of ...
Wood
$1,470Sale Price|30% Off
Mid Century Paul McCobb Drop Leaf Dining Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale is this great vintage all original maple drop leaf table made by Paul McCobb Each leaf is 17.25” table opened with both leaves is 70.5”
Maple
Paul McCobb Six 6-Piece Mid Century Contempri Dinner Set 48 pcs.
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A stunning 48-piece China set with eight 6-piece place settings by the iconic Mid Century designer Paul McCobb having unique dark gray and black graphics to the rims. The china is in...
Porcelain
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Lounge Chair, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Mid-Century Modern wingback lounge chair By Paul McCobb for Custom Craft Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Gorgeous gray upholstery, with sleek tapered solid ma...
Upholstery, Maple
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Credenza
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Mahogany and Brass Credenza This credenza measures: 66 wide x 19.25 deep x 36.25 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Credenza has Scratches and ...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Two-Piece Modular Chest of Drawers on Bench, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern two-piece modular dresser or chest of drawers on bench/table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacqu...
Aluminum
Paul Mccobb Vintage Dresser for Calvin The Irwin Collection
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Mccobb vintage dresser for Calvin The Irwin Collection.
Wood
Paul McCobb Brass Sofa or Console Table with Vitrolite Top
By Paul McCobb
Located in Highland, IN
A stunning example of McCobb's masterful, minimalist design aesthetic, this sublime console table features a brass base which supports a top of opaque white Vitrolite glass. This ra...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Side Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Elevate your space with this authentic Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner Group solid maple side table, crafted circa 1960s. A true icon of American modern design, this piece sho...
Wood, Maple
Side Table by Paul McCobb for Calvin
By Paul McCobb
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Small travertine and brass side table or cocktail table designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin.
Travertine, Brass
Rare Paul McCobb Coffee Table with Leather Top for Calvin US 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare Paul McCobb coffee table with leather top for Calvin Rare Paul McCobb coffee table with leather top for Calvin. Legs show some wear of usage, but in overall good condition.
Brass
Paul McCobb for Fritz Hansen Magazine Holder, Black Steel & Tan Textile
By Paul McCobb, Fritz Hansen
Located in San Carlos, CA
Designed by Paul McCobb and produced by Fritz Hansen, this Planner Magazine Holder reissues McCobb's original 1950 design in a hard-to-find tan and cream colorway. A slender black po...
Steel
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. Materials: Dark Brown Glaze Ceramic
Ceramic
Paul McCobb for Directional Mahogany & Brass Extension Dining Table, Refinished
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture USA, 1950s Gorgeous Honduran mahogany, with brass stretche...
Brass
$6,800 / set
Mid-Century Paul McCobb Calvin Group Dining Set
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage dining set features the unique Mid-Century design of Paul McCobb produced for the Calvin group. Stylish aluminum trim contrasts with the rich walnut finish of this expan...
Fabric, Walnut
Paul McCobb Planner Group Dresser Chest for Winchendon (A)
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An early honey toned solid maple six-drawer dresser chest with aluminum ring pulls sitting on matching conical legs. Designed by Paul McCobb whose simple aesthetic and choice of qual...
Wood
$3,996Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Paul McCobb Six-Drawer Dresser Credenza #1509 Blonde Maple Brass
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage midcentury super clean Paul McCobb six-drawer dresser credenza Planner Group #1509. Beautiful dresser by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group, Six drawer, solid maple, Origi...
Steel, Iron
1961 Pair McCobb for Lane Rosewood Delineator Group Side Tables Model 995-86
By Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous pair of Delineator Group occasional tables (side tables), model 995-86, designed by Paul Mccobb and produced by Lane. These are rare examples from circa...
Steel
Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Dresser or Chest of Drawers, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern three-drawer dresser or chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch, with original bras...
Brass
Pair of c1970s Solid Walnut Black Mica Top 3 Drawers Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of c1970s Solid Walnut Black Mica Top 3 Drawers Bachelor Chest Dresser MINT
Walnut
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...
Maple, Lacquer
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Maple 3-Drawer Dresser
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Maple 3-Drawer Dresser This chest of drawers measures: 36 wide x 18 deep x 31.25 high Good Vintage Condition. We take our photos in a con...
Maple
$7,372 / item
Paul Mccobb Black Cache Table For Karakter
By Paul McCobb
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Paul Mccobb Cache Console For Karakter The foundation of the Cache series, part of Paul McCobb’s extensive Planner series, is a beautifully simplistic and easy table with slim and ...
Oak
$4,587Sale Price|20% Off
Paul McCobb Planner Group Console Table for Winchendon, USA, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Berlin, DE
Paul McCobb console table in metal with maple top.
Metal
Paul McCobb Maple Coffee Table, Mid-Century Modern, Circa 1950
By Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century (circa 1950) 'Planner Group' maple coffee table with a rectangular top resting on four tapered dowel legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR WINCHENDON FURNITURE CO)
Wood, Maple
Paul McCobb Blond 10-Drawer Jewelry Cabinet with Original Finish Mid-Century Era
By Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare and large Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon solid maple 10-drawer jewelry chest with original finish intact. All drawers work well, with clean interiors. No breaks or r...
Metal
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 8 Drawer Jewelry Chest
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 8 Drawer Jewelry Chest This jewelry chest measures: 36 wide x 12 deep x 6 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Stain Wear on Top Surface o...
Wood
Paul McCobb Symmetric Group 3-Piece Channel Back Sectional Sofa -Widdicomb 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional and highly collectible three-piece sectional sofa designed by Paul McCobb for his celebrated Symmetric Group line in the 1950s. This rare modular example embodies McCo...
Fabric, Walnut
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Walnut and Brass Dining Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
A Walnut and brass drop-leaf dining table with four individual leaves. Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection - H. Sachs & Sons. Signed. Four leaves are each 11" wide. Table is 91.5"...
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Linear Group Walnut Two-Tier Side Table, 1950s
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern two-tier tea table, side table, or nightstand By Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, "Linear Group" USA, 1950s Beautiful walnut, with aluminum trim. M...
Aluminum
Set of 4 Paul McCobb Mid-Century Sculptural Walnut Dining Chairs by Directional
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
This set of four Mid-Century Modernist walnut dining chairs by Paul McCobb for Directional, crafted for Calvin Furniture circa 1950, is a superb example of elegant simplicity, though...
Walnut
Paul McCobb Cache Console with Two Drawers, Wood and Steel by Karakter
By Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Console with two drawers designed by Paul McCobb in 1952. The foundation of the Cache series, part of Paul McCobb’s extensive Planner series, is a beautifully simplistic and easy tab...
Steel
Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Nightstand, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern nightstand or side table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid maple, with original brass drawer pu...
Brass
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany Side Table or Nightstand, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern tea table, occasional side table, or nightstand By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin...
Brass
Paul McCobb Mid Century Modern Bar Cart For Calvin
By Paul McCobb
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid Century Modern bar cart by Paul McCobb for Calvin. Square tube brass frame on wheels. Wood shelves and removeable bent wood serving tray. Two drawers and a pull out side shelf. T...
Brass
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Spindle Back Dining Chair, Newly Refinished
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional iconic mid-century modern spindle back dining chair By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid maple, with black lacquered finish. M...
Maple, Lacquer
Jewelry Chest by Paul McCobb Planner Group, Ten Drawers, Original Brass Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Kansas City, MO
Ten-drawer Paul MccCobb Planner Group jewelry cabinet with original brass pulls. Very good completely original condition with some signs of wear and scratches which should be evident...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Dining Table
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
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, with bla...
Maple, Lacquer
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. Measures: 54...
Maple, Lacquer
Original Paul McCobb Planner Group Model 1580 Maple & Wrought Iron Coffee Table
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Vintage Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon Model 1580 Maple & Iron Coffee Table. Featuring a professionally refinished sturdy, balanced and Black enameled Wrought Iron x fr...
Iron
Paul McCobb Model 1530 Mid-Century Modern Chair, Early Winchendon Label
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Paul McCobb Model 1530 Mid-Century Modern Chair, Retains early Winchendon Modern label. Pre Planner Group. Wonderful original condition, color, finish, patina. Functional Art...
Wood, Maple
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century 4 Drawer Low Profile Dresser/Credenza by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Rare Paul McCobb 4 drawer dresser/credenza is made of solid maple wood with original aluminum circle metal pulls and tapered maple legs. This piec...
Maple
1960s Paul McCobb for Calvin Full Size Headboard with Cane
By Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Full-Sized Caned Headboard, produced in the United States in the 1960s. The piece was designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin, and has a dark brown base with an attached caned p...
Wood, Walnut
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Double Pedestal Desk, 1950s
By Planner Group, 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 and white lacquered birch,...
Brass
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
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. Measures: 5...
Maple, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Drop Leaf Dining Table, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern solid maple drop-leaf dining table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Measures: 56.5"W x 36"D x 29.5"H. Wit...
Maple
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquered and Brass Dining Table
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
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...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Drop Leaf Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern solid maple drop-leaf dining table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Measures: 56"W x 36"D x 29"H. With le...
Maple
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....
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Toledo, OH
Paul McCobb Planner Group coffee table for Calvin Furniture, Co. Walnut coffee table with a single drawer and full lower storage. 54" long x 32" w...
Walnut