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.
8
to
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
6
6
6
3
8
8
551
114
78
35
11
Creator: Paul McCobb
Dealer: Stamford Modern
Dining Room Set by Paul McCobb, Irwin Collection, Circa 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Elevate your dining experience with our exquisite seven-piece dining set, a vintage masterpiece designed by the renowned Paul McCobb for The Calvin Group, dating back to the illustri...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Directional Lounge Chairs and Ottoman, C. 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
A lounge chair and ottoman designed by the Iconic Paul McCobb for Directional, maple legs fully restored and refinished in medium walnut. Reupholstered in grey chenille.
Other d...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Chenille, Maple
Bleached Mahogany Desk by Paul McCobb, Connoisseur Collection, C. 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Introducing the Bleached Mahogany Desk from Paul McCobb's Connoisseur Collection, meticulously restored by Stamford Modern. Crafted in the 1950s, this mid-century icon boasts minimal...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Gentleman's Chest of Drawers in Mahogany, circa 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
The timeless Mahogany Gentleman's Chest of Drawers designed by legendary designer Paul McCobb in the 1950s, now fully restored by Stamford Modern. This stunning piece is a testament ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Bronze Frame End Tables by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
An important set of fully restored bronze side tables designed by Paul McCobb, circa 1950s. Bronze frames have been fully restored and sit in mint condition, hand-polished brass hard...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Connoisseur Collection Side Chair by Paul McCobb, C. 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
The highly sought-after Connoisseur Collection side or desk chair, designed by Paul McCobb, circa 1950-1959. Executed in walnut, fully restored, and reupholstered in taupe leather, s...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Armchairs by Paul McCobb, Connoisseur Collection, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of armchairs designed by the iconic Paul McCoob for his Connoisseur Collection, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored mahogany framework, reupholstered in taupe leather, brass st...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Occasional Table in Mahogany by Paul McCobb, Connoisseur Collection, C. 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
An occasional table executed in mahogany, featuring Paul McCobb's signature brass accents, book shelve,s and a single large drawer that provides ample storage space. Completely resto...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Related Items
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mahogany and Brass Server or Bar Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern petite server or bar cabinet
By Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons, "Connoisseur Collection"
USA, 1950s
Mahogany, with brass legs and hardware.
Measure...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
8 French 1950s Dining / Side Beech Chairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
12 French 1950s beechwood and vinyl upholstered side chairs.
Price is per chair.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Beech
Hat Trick Chair and Powerplay Ottoman by Frank Gehry for Knoll
By Knoll, Frank Gehry
Located in TORONTO, CA
2009 production.
Inspired by the surprising strength of the apple crates he played on as a child, Frank Gehry created his thoroughly original collection of bentwood furniture name H...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Travertine Sofa Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
Console designed by Paul McCobb for Directional. Constructed of brass with travertine top. Excellent condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Brass
1950s Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner for Group Dining Chairs
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Charleston, SC
A set of four dining chairs Designed by Paul McCobb's iconic for Winchendon Furniture Planner Group series, manufactured from 1950-1964. These chairs have been professionally resto...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb for Directional Off-White Velvet Sofa, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Miami, FL
Reupholstered Mid-Century Modern model 1307 light cream velvet sofa by Paul McCobb for Directional. The couch has been recovered in a gorgeous neutra...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquer and Brass End Tables or Nightstands
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern end tables, side tables, or nightstands
By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection"
USA, 1950s
...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
H 19.13 in W 24 in D 28 in
Paul McCobb X-Base Dining Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Paul McCobb X-base modern dining table, American, circa 1950s. This table has been refinished in an ultra-deep brown lacquer. This table does not have any leaves.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass, Metal
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 Connoisseur Collection Mahogany and Brass Lift Top Bar Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern lift top bar cabinet
By Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons, "Connoisseur Collection"
USA, 1950s
Ho...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Paul McCobb Lamp or End Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A rare Mid-Century Modern three tier side table from the Connoisseur Collection designed by Paul McCobb, 1950s. This walnut piece has a overhanging top tier with black leather inset ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Gentleman's Tall Chest Irwin Collection for Calvin Furniture, 1956
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Camden, ME
Paul McCobb's gentleman's walnut chest with a fold down mirror Irwin line for Calvin.
The accordion doors are bookmatched veneer opening to 18 shirt shelves and five graduated drawe...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Mirror
H 44 in W 48 in D 19 in
Previously Available Items
Paul McCobb for Directional Lounge Walnut Frame Chairs in Bouclé, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Westport, CT
Discover the exquisite rarity of this stunning set of lounge chairs, an embodiment of mid-century elegance designed by the legendary Paul McCobb for Directional in the 1950s. These c...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair by Paul McCobb, circa 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Mid-Century Modern Chair by Paul McCobb, a true design gem from the golden era of 1950s aesthetics. Meticulously restored by us, this exquisite piece embodies the timeless elegance a...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple, Wool
Paul McCobb "Connoisseur Collection" Chess Table and Chairs, C. 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
A rarely seen chess set designed by the Iconic Paul McCobb, circa 1950-1959. What makes the find even more special is the two matching chairs. Executed in mahogany and rosewood, comp...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Bow-Tie Desk Chair, C. 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
The highly sought-after Bow-Tie side or dining chair designed by Paul McCobb, circa 1950-1959. Executed in mahogany, fully restored, and reupholstered in noir mohair. Priced individu...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Mahogany
Maple Coffee Table by Paul McCobb, Planner Group, C. 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
A maple coffee table designed by Paul McCobb for his popular Planner Group Collection, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored.
Other designers from this period include Edward Worml...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
Bronze and Ebony Cabinet by Paul McCobb, Calvin Group, C. 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
A classic cabinet designed by Paul McCobb for his Calvin Group line of furnishings, circa 1950-1959. Featuring bi-fold doors which open up to reveal fo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Paul McCobb Kneehole Desk, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Kneehole desk designed by Paul McCobb, circa 1950-1959. Executed in maple, completely restored, and stained with our medium walnut. Brass hardware hand polished.
Other designers ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Ebonized Paul McCobb Dresser, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
A Mid-Century Modern classic dresser designed by Paul McCobb, circa 1950s. Completely restored and ebonized to match its original finish. Featur...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple, Rosewood
Ebonized Paul McCobb Chest of Drawers, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
A Mid-Century Modern classic, chests of drawers designed by Paul McCobb, circa 1950s. Completely restored and ebonized to match its original finish. Featuring seven drawers that prov...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple, Rosewood
Paul McCobb for Directional Travertine Top Coffee Table, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Stunning travertine, brass, and mahogany coffee table designed by Paul McCobb for Directional, circa 1950s.
Brass newly and travertine top newly polished. The walnut case was redone...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Brass
Paul McCobb "Squirm" Lounge Chairs, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
The iconic "Squirm" lounge chairs designed by Paul McCobb. Completely restored, reupholstered in Italian bouclé.
Other designers from this era include Paul McCobb, George Nakashim...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Walnut
Complimenting Set of Bronze End Tables by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
An important set of fully restored bronze side tables designed by Paul McCobb, circa 1950s.
Bronze frames have been fully restored and sit in mint condition, hand-polished brass h...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass, Bronze
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Paul McCobb Furniture
Paul McCobb Dressers
Paul McCobb Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Paul McCobb End Tables
Paul McCobb Side Tables
Paul McCobb Lounge Chairs
Paul McCobb Credenzas
Paul McCobb Dining Room Tables
Paul McCobb Bedroom Furniture
Paul McCobb Dining Room Chairs
Paul McCobb Cabinets
Paul McCobb Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Paul McCobb Chairs