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Paul McCobb Decorative Objects

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
Jewelry Chest by Paul McCobb Planner Group, Ten Drawers, Original Brass Pulls
Jewelry Chest by Paul McCobb Planner Group, Ten Drawers, Original Brass Pulls

Jewelry Chest by Paul McCobb Planner Group, Ten Drawers, Original Brass Pulls

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Kansas City, MO

Ten-drawer Paul MccCobb Planner Group jewelry cabinet with original brass pulls. Very good completely original condition with some signs of wear and scratches which should be evident...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

1950s Paul McCobb Dr. No Tall Windsor Chair Rustic Farmhouse Boho Abstract Chic
1950s Paul McCobb Dr. No Tall Windsor Chair Rustic Farmhouse Boho Abstract Chic

1950s Paul McCobb Dr. No Tall Windsor Chair Rustic Farmhouse Boho Abstract Chic

By O'Hearn Furniture 1, Paul McCobb

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Birch

Paul McCobb Planner Group Jewelry Chest of Ten Drawers
Paul McCobb Planner Group Jewelry Chest of Ten Drawers

Paul McCobb Planner Group Jewelry Chest of Ten Drawers

By Paul McCobb

Located in Chicago, IL

Paul McCobb jewelry chest of ten drawers Best to refinish this item. Finish shows wear as does the interiors of the drawers.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 8 Drawer Jewelry Chest
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 8 Drawer Jewelry Chest

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 8 Drawer Jewelry Chest

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 8 Drawer Jewelry Chest This jewelry chest measures: 36 wide x 12 deep x 6 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Stain Wear on Top Surface o...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb for Directional Miniature Cabinet, circa 1955
Paul McCobb for Directional Miniature Cabinet, circa 1955

Paul McCobb for Directional Miniature Cabinet, circa 1955

By Paul McCobb, Directional

Located in Chicago, IL

Paul McCobb for Directional Miniature Cabinet, circa 1955 A finely crafted miniature cabinet designed by Paul McCobb for Directional, circa 1955. Executed in mahogany with brass hard...

Category

1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Desk Organizer by Paul McCobb for Winchendon, 1949
Desk Organizer by Paul McCobb for Winchendon, 1949

Desk Organizer by Paul McCobb for Winchendon, 1949

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A small table top maple storage unit with two drawers supported by a black steel frame base. This desk organizer is a product from the Planner Group, a coordinated contemporary furni...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

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Paul McCobb Architectural Pottery Planter, 1960s

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Paul Mccobb decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul McCobb decorative objects 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 decorative objects, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original decorative objects by Paul McCobb were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider decorative objects by John Follis, Rose Cabat, and Karl Drerup. Prices for Paul McCobb decorative objects can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,800 and can go as high as $3,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,200.

Questions About Paul McCobb Decorative Objects

  • 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
    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
    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.