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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
Dealer: Greenwich Living Antique & Design Center
Paul McCobb, Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Dining Table, Black Lacquer, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
Paul McCobb, Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Dining Table, Black Lacquer, 1950s A beautifully restored and lacquered Paul McCobb (1917-1969) for Winchendon 'Planner Group' Dining T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Paul McCobb Furniture

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Calvin Linear Group Dresser, Chest, Commode, Mid-Century Modern
By Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Chest by Paul McCobb (1917-1969) for Calvin Linear Group This walnut and aluminum chest having four center drawers with pulls. Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1950...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Desk / Writing Table, Paul McCobb, Walnut, American, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Desk / Writing Table, Paul McCobb, Walnut, American, 1950s Having a Large kneehole with Three drawers on one side supporting a white laminate table top writing s...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Set of 12 Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Side / Dining Chairs, 'Shovel' Chairs
By Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of twelve (12) Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb side / dining chairs, 'shovel' chairs. Large set of twelve unique mid-century dining or side chairs. Paul McCobb originally desi...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Sideboard by Paul McCobb Credenza, Irwin Collection
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
MCM Paul McCobb designed "Irwin collection" sideboard or credenza, of bleached British Honduran mahogany with white travertine marble top, manufactured by the Calvin Furniture Compan...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture

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Pair of Mid-Century Modern Credenzas / Sideboards by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Mid-Century Modern credenzas / sideboards by Paul McCobb. Large and impressive pair of sideboards or credenzas by this highly sought after designer. The pair having Piano Hin...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture

Materials

Brass

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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.
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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