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: Modern50
1950s McCobb Planner Group 4-Drawer Petite Dressers on Bench
By Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Unrestored condition, procured from original owners. Scratches, Light Fading and patina on all surfaces. Pulls are straight and strong. Numbers on the drawers match both cabinet numb...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Birch
1950s McCobb Planner Group 6-Drawer Dresser Blonde Farmhouse Spartan
By Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Unrestored condition, procured from original owners. Scratches, Light Fading and patina on all surfaces. Pulls are straight and strong. Numbers on the drawers match the cabinet nu...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Birch
1950s Paul McCobb Iron Rod Birch Sofa End Tables Vintage Mid-Century
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
1950s rare early Paul McCobb iron rod sofa end tables. Pair of solid staved Canadian Birch surfaces on 1/2 inch iron rod bases and plastic feet on each leg ti...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Iron
Paul McCobb Directional Nº 314 Wingback Lounge Chair Ottoman Mid-Century Retro
By Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Re-Upholstery required. Not usable as-is. Please ship directly to your Upholsterer, reupholstery is necessary. No woodworking necessary, the framing on chair and ottoman are tight, ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Birch
1950s Vintage Paul McCobb Iron Rod Planner Group Side Table Abstract Midcentury
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
The early 1950s lesser seen end table model from the Planner Group. Beauty through function and cost-effective materials. The Planner Group Line by Paul McCobb, Model#1305 table, Win...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Iron
1950s Paul McCobb Dr. No Tall Windsor Chair Rustic Farmhouse Boho Abstract Chic
By Paul McCobb, O'Hearn Furniture 1
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful and rare example of this early McCobb design in original unaltered tobacco finish. Small remnants of original label remains.
Measure: Seat H 17.5 in. / arm H 27 in.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Birch
1950s Paul McCobb 4-Drawer Correspondence Letter Chest Jewelry Box Dresser
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A wonderful tabletop letter cabinet for desktop or atop a dresser. It is in original unrestored condition and finish. Some wear to top surface and nor...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Steel
Related Items
Small Paul McCobb Planner Group Three Drawer Dresser in Tobacco Maple Finish
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group three drawer dresser in tobacco maple finish with brass knobs solid maple. In original vintage condition, with no alterations. Very beautiful desi...
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1950s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
H 33.125 in W 24 in D 18.125 in
Mid Century Danish Modern Selig Swivel Rocker Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Selig
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid Century Danish Modern Eames era Selig Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Offered is a Mid Century Modern Lounge Chair and Ottoman. "Cool" mi...
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Tall Murano Glass Sommerso Teardrop Sculpture by Flavio Poli, Italy, circa 1950s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good example of "Murano" art glass in the form of a tall Tear Drop with beautiful colours.
The piece has layers of deep pink and blue all encased in a clear glass f...
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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
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H 12.25 in W 5 in D 2.5 in
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Modular Ebonized Maple Dresser
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, modular dresser system by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, Winchendon features two 24 x 18 x 8.5 inch dressers with signature aluminu...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Brown Jordan Cantilevered Outdoor Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 2 Piece
By Brown Jordan
Located in Basel, BS
Rare designer, sleek cantilevered outdoor lounge chair and matching ottoman set, perfect for your mid century ranch garden / patio / poolside, you na...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Chrome
H 32 in W 21.5 in D 23 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Blonde with Black Drawers Dresser on Wrought Iron Base
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Ferndale, MI
Master of mid-century American modular design Paul McCobb for Winchedon Planner group six drawer dresser. Maple case holds black lacquered drawers...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
H 33 in W 48 in D 18.25 in
Vintage Boho Carved Abstract Totem Sculpture
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Boho totem sculpture. A chic Abstract composition rendered in wood. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Category
Late 20th Century North American Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Bruno Mathsson Lounge Chair and Ottoman by DUX
By Bruno Mathsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning vintage modern lounge and ottoman covered in tufted black leather with a tubular chrome plated frame. This sleek lounge chair boasts thick cushioned arm rests, a sculpted ...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Drawer #1500 Nightstands Black T Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful pair of Paul McCobb planner group #1500 maple nightstands end tables single drawer. Black T pull knobs. Good vintage condition with Black lacquer finish on maple. Very mode...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Steel
H 22.5 in W 24 in D 18 in
Tallboy by Paul McCobb for Planner Group
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Charleston, WV
42.25" tall, 36" wide and 18.25" deep. Masculine Upright dresser by Paul McCobb. A sophisticated restoration has been performed on two pieces and both...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Danish Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful vintage modern lounge chair and ottoman feature sculpted teak frames. A lovely Danish design that ensures comfort without sacrificing style in and seating arrangement....
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
Paul McCobb Planner Group Dresser for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul McCobb Planner Group dresser for Winchendon, MA. Solid maple construction with three deep drawers and aluminum pulls on tapering angular legs. In very good original condition, r...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
Previously Available Items
Set of Checkered Paul McCobb Planner Dining Chairs Nº1531 Midcentury Farmhouse
By Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A set of 4 of Paul McCobb Planner Group dining chairs Winchendon model Nº1531. Two in black enamel finish with transfer labels on bottom. Two tobacco chairs with factory model number...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Birch
H 31.25 in W 21.5 in D 17.5 in
1950s Paul McCobb Brass Black Orange Planner Group Credenza Luxury Glam Danish
By Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful original finish, showing hints of its age. Uncommon factory orange grass cloth textured sliding doors. One interior full size shelf, adjustable. Nice early impressed markings.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Birch
H 33 in W 36 in D 18 in
Vintage Midcentury 1960s Paul McCobb Blue Fiberglass Origami Space Age Chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful and rare in blue, the McCobb version of the midcentury molded chair.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Fiberglass
H 32.5 in W 21 in D 23 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Model 1533 Spindle Back Shovel Chair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Birch and iron with honest wear.
Category
1950s American Shaker Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Iron
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Line Walnut Armchair Accent Chair Original Upholstery
By Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare highback chair design. Presented as-found condition, can be used now, or reupholster.
Seat H: 18 / Arm H: 25 in.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Walnut
H 39 in W 25 in D 25 in
Bleached Mahogany Calvin Group Chest by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Paul McCobb's high-end furniture series by Calvin furniture of Grand Rapids. series with bleached mahogany veneer, brass pulls and huge base X-base stringer or reinforcement leg deta...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Cabin Modern Atomic Birch 5-Drawer Desk
By Hans J. Wegner, Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very clean example. Light wear. Original finish, amazingly preserved. Five drawer, and pullout writing leaf, and brass trumpet pulls.
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
1950s Paul McCobb Planner Group Room Divider Bookcase Wall Unit Mid-Century
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Staved and solid Canadian Birch construction, heavy, sturdy, self-standing. Good Vintage Condition, Showing some minor wear from normal use.
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Steel
Rare Early Paul McCobb Planner Group Jewelry Chest
By George Nelson, Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Hyattsville, MD
In original finish, a rare ten-drawer modular cabinet.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Steel
Paul McCobb Planner Group Double Dresser Bureau on Low Table Bench
By Charles Eames, Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Old growth staved solid hard rock maple. Patina to all surfaces, some loss here and there to the original lacquer finish. The top surface of the dresser is now perfect, it was heavil...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb for Calvin Glass Occasional Table with Drawer
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Single shallow Drawer, and Lower Shelf 8 inches from Ground, and completely brass and glass.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Brass
1950s Iconic Mid-Century McCobb Vitrolite Calvin Coffee Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare table from McCobb's Irwin Collection by Calvin Grand Rapids. In a satin aluminum frame with triangular stringer, opaque milk glass (vitrolite) surface. A matching McCobb Custom ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
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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