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: Horseman Antiques Inc.
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Pedestal Desk
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage modern pedestal desk features the iconic mid-century design of Paul McCobb. Single sided writing desk offers two drawers for storage and organization and a spacious formica-style top for work. Slender tapered legs and unique McCobb drawer pulls...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood
Paul McCobb Dresser for Calvin Furniture
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage modern dresser was designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture. Sleek compact design with eight large drawers, unique metal pulls, and metal trim on the fronts...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Gentleman's Chest
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful vintage walnut gentleman's chest designed by Paul McCobb for his iconic mid-century modern series by Calvin Furniture. Framed in a beautifully grained walnut veneer, this i...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Eight Drawer Marble Top Dresser
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early Paul McCobb designed "Irwin" Collection dresser made by Calvin Furniture of Grand Rapids, MI. Robust walnut construction conceals eight large pull-out drawers behind a pair of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Stone, Marble, Brass
Paul McCobb "Irwin" King Headboard by Calvin Furniture
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Make your bedroom fit for a king with this truly impressive king-size headboard designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Measuring a substantial 78", t...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Paul McCobb "Planner Group" Dining Table
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home the beauty and practicality that made Paul McCobb a mid-century American modern design master with this fantastic adjustable dining table from his iconic "Planner Group" f...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Maple
"Components" Gentleman's Chest by Paul McCobb for Lane Furniture
By Lane Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Nestled securely in the intersection of high end design and old world craftsmanship is Paul McCobb's sought-after "Components" collection for Lane Furniture of...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Metal
Paul McCobb Designed Dresser w/ Rosewood Dovetail
By Lane Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Master designer Paul McCobb produced this dresser set for Lane Furniture, featuring warm walnut grain offset by inlay rosewood corners and polished chrome hardware. Made for Paul McC...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Chrome
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
Server and Dining Room Set by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Add timeless Mid-Century Modern style to your dining room with this vintage set by Paul McCobb. It includes an expanding dining table, six chairs (2 with arms, 4 without), and a large server...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautiful vintage modern cocktail table by Paul McCobb with a black matte finish over wood and beveled edges. The iconic splayed and tapered legs add to the midcentury appeal. This sleek and functional square midcentury coffee table...
Category
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood
Coffee Table by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Textbook mid-century modern style and quality from one of America's most legendary designers, Paul McCobb. Made of top quality maple for the Planner Group by the Winchendon Furniture...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
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
Paul McCobb Writing Desk for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern writing desk by Paul McCobb features a wonderful maple finish with unique brass drawer pulls. Tapered legs and spacious four drawer design make this a stylish...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb designed Dresser for Lane Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Lane Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful vintage modern dresser boasts sixteen hefty drawers ensuring plenty of room for storage within its compact design. A stylish case piece with cabinet doors in the cente...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Coffee Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage modern maple coffee table features a rectangular top with splayed and tapered legs underneath. A stylish design by Paul McCo...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
Vintage Travertine Top Sideboard by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unusual vintage sideboard features travertine top, sculpted brass legs, rich walnut finish, and unique brass banded details. Spacious interior storage makes this Paul McCobb server...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Travertine
Mid-Century Modern Dresser by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautiful vintage modern sideboard by Paul McCobb with a sleek marble top. This stunning case piece offers plenty of room for storage within its many drawers hidden by unique foldi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
Mid Century Modern Lounge Chair by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Comfort and Mid-Century Modern style meet in this timeless lounge chair by Paul McCobb. Sturdy walnut base with tapered legs supports simple modern seat with ample space for comforta...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Midcentury Desk by Paul McCobb, Planner Group
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic midcentury desk designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon's "Planner Group". Maple wood construction, with tapered and splayed legs. Would make a great addition to any modern in...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern dining table. A stunning table designed by Paul McCobb for his Planner Group line for Winchendon Furniture featuring a sleek midcentury design, a uniqu...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb Credenza with Travertine Top
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
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 ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Sliding Door Cabinet by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Leatherette covered sliding door cabinet with aluminum trim accents from the Paul McCobb Calvin collection. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
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
Mid-Century Modern Expandable Drop-Leaf Dining Table by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This gorgeous vintage modern dining table features a drop leaf design with three additional leaves allowing this table to go from 25.75 inches wide all the way to 90 inches wide. The...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table with Bookcase Topper by Paul McCobb
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
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
Pair Vintage Modern Paul McCobb Dining Chairs
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish pair of Paul McCobb dining chairs feature's sculpted walnut frames with contoured seat backs and tapered legs. Rich original finish is the perfect compliment to Mid-Cent...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Paul McCobb Calvin Group Dining Set
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Midcentury Paul McCobb Dresser and Matching Table Base
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-modern dresser featuring six drawers with sculpted chrome handles, dresser sits on matching table base with beautifully tapered legs. Designed ...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Tabletop Cabinet
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique Paul McCobb cabinet is a unique two-piece set that features a woven front cabinet on top of Classic McCobb table. Tapered legs and unique cabinet pulls make this a fantas...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Paul McCobb Credenza by Winchendon Perimeter Group
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage Paul McCobb Perimeter Group credenza features double-sided cabinets, drawers for storage, and unique ebonized finish. Classic McCobb drawe...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Chests by Paul McCobb for Calvin
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful vintage modern pair of dressers feature plenty of room for storage within its eight hefty drawers combined. Elegant maple wood grain, unique brass pulls and a finished back...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
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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