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Paul McCobb Furniture

American, 1917-1969

You could call Paul McCobb a man of parts. As a furniture designer, his work combined the attributes of many of his now better-known peers. Like 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 beside 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 also designed cohesive lines of furnishings, such as his best-known Planner Group, that gave homes an instant “look.” McCobb designed for several companies, most notably Directional, the New York firm that also produced designs by other legends, such as Paul Evans and Vladimir Kagan

The signal aesthetic attribute of McCobb designs is that he completely forsook ornament — his pieces have no flourishes. And yet, because they are honest — the chairs, desks and 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 — McCobb’s mid-century modern work has warmth and presence.

As you can see from the offerings on 1stDibs, vintage Paul McCobb designs are the pin-striped suit, or the little black dress, of a décor: an essential.

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Creator: Paul McCobb
Dealer: Modest Designs
Paul McCobb Side Tables #8712 with Original Vitrolite Tops
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare pair of Paul Mccobb side tables retaining the original white "carrera glass" tops. Part of the Irwin Collection by Calvin Furniture Co.. McCobb...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Vitrolite

Paul McCobb Planner Group Sideboard
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simple Classic McCobb maple cabinet with sliding grasscloth covered doors on splayed tapered legs. Interior is a function mix of drawers and sh...
Category

1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture

Materials

Maple, Grasscloth

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

Paul McCobb Brass X-Stretcher Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic McCobb design in all-original condition.
Category

1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture

Materials

Brass

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Previously Available Items
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Paul McCobb furniture for sale on 1stDibs

The Paul McCobb furniture is available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive objects are often made of wood and designed with extraordinary care. There are many options in our Paul McCobb furniture collection, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. In stock are 764 vintage editions of these items, while there are 5 modern editions to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Paul McCobb was created in North America during the 20th century in the Mid-Century Modern style. If you are looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Edward Wormley, Dunbar and George Nelson. Prices for Paul McCobb furniture can vary depending on size, time period and other attributes. Price for these items starts at $445 and tops out at $21,500, while pieces like these can sell for $3,729 on average.
Questions About Paul McCobb Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    You 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, 2022
    The 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, 2022
    To 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, 2022
    In 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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