Paul McCobb Seating
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
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquered Mahogany and Brass Armchairs
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs
By Paul McCobb for Directional, "Connoisseur Collection"
USA, 1950s
Elegant black lacquered sculpted mahogany frames, with upho...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered T-Back Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of eight Mid-Century Modern T-back dining chairs
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid sculpted maple, in black lacque...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Maple, Lacquer
Rare New Upholstered Beige Paul McCobb Set for Directional, USA - 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Early 1950s Paul McCobb Set for Directional, newly upholstered in Dedar Fabric. The measurements given apply to the sofa. The Lounge Chair measures: D9...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Newly Upholstered Wingback Sofa 1307 by Paul McCobb for Directional, US, 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Paul McCobb sofa model 1307 for Directional features a slight winged back resting on a maple frame that gives the sofa a floating look with loose cushions on seat and back. Newly reu...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Maple
Paul McCobb for Directional X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stool or Ottoman, 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern stool, bench, or ottoman
By Paul McCobb for Directional
USA, 1950s
Brass legs and stretchers, with original turquoise vinyl upholstery...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Angle Arm Sofa
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Angle Arm Sofa
This sofa measures:76.5 wide x 33 deep x 33.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16.5 and arm he...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb for Widdicomb Chanel back Three-Seat Sofa
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb for Widdicomb Chanel back Three-Seat Sofa in reupholstered in Gray Flannel.
Solid oiled walnut legs.
Dimensions:
82" wide
30" high
30" deep
22" arm height
18" seat height
Category
1960s American Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Ottoman in Creations Metaphor Silk Blend Fabric, Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
This refined and understated ottoman were designed by Paul McCobb- one of the most celebrated and influential figures in 20th century design- in America, circa 1950. The ottoman offe...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Paul McCobb Brass Stools Silver Shagreen Leather
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of Paul McCobb brass stools, shagreen silver leather, with brass criss-cross bases, adjustable feet.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Brass
Brass X-Form Bench Pal McCobb Style
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Hanover, MA
Solid brass square bar x-form bench seat in the style of Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture with black leatherette upholstered seat with raised sides and inset brass trimmed handles. ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Tuxedo Sofa in Off-White Chenille Fabric
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully restored Paul McCobb sofa in high quality chenille. Legs re-plated and polished and new upholstery in off-white chenille with gold threads.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Mid Century Maple and Iron Model 1533 Shovel Chair
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Mid Century Maple and Iron Model 1533 Shovel Chair
This chair measures: 18.25 wide x 23 deep x 33.25 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 17...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Iron
Pair of Paul McCobb Solid Birch Round Back Barrel Shape Arm Chairs
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Paul McCobb Solid Birch Round Back Barrel Shape Arm Chairs
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Birch
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Fiberglass Origami Chair on Spider Base, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern molded fiberglass "origami" chair on rare spider base
By Paul McCobb for St. John Seating Corporation.
USA, 1950s.
Measures: 21"W x 22"D x 32"H...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Steel
Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Armchair Model 3049 with Tapered Splayed Legs
By Paul McCobb, Custom Craft Inc.
Located in St. Louis, MO
Paul McCobb (American 1917–1969) model 3049 armchair by Custom Craft, Inc. with dowel legs shown with original black stained legs and upholstery. Price includes refinishing of legs, ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Paul McCobb Directional Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
A 1950s Directional lounge chair designed by Paul McCobb and manufactured by Custom Craft Inc. The chair has been reupholstered in an Anne Kirk linen, wool blend and the legs refinis...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Wool, Linen, Ash
Paul McCobb "X" Base Brass Stools, Pair
By Paul McCobb
Located in North Miami, FL
These lovely classic X design brass stools/ benches by Paul McCobb, are in wonderful solid condition. NEW nubby boucle style fabric and an amazing patina to ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Brass
Set Of Four Paul McCobb Planner Group "Shovel" Dining Chairs
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This set of four mid-century modern, dining side chairs was designed by beloved American designer Paul McCobb for his Planner Group line for Winchendon Furniture. These iconic chairs...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Wrought Iron
Pair of Lounge chairs by Paul McCobb for Widdicomb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of lounge chairs designed by Paul McCobb for Widdicomb in 1960-61. Fully restored and reupholstered in Holly Hunt / Ghent / Cloud.
Category
1950s Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Fabric
Paul McCobb Calvin Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Walnut Armchair Cane Seat
By Paul McCobb
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A fabulous 1950s Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture walnut armchair. Fully marked. Meticulously crafted. Professionally restored. A great design and a really beautiful chair...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Paul McCobb Brass X Base Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Highland, IN
A Paul McCobb classic, his X-base stool, is a timeless design: elegant without being fussy, refined without feeling precious, and like so much of McCobb's work, perfectly proportione...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Brass
Model 3042 'Squirm' Lounge Chair by Paul McCobb for Custom Craft, USA, c. 1960's
By Paul McCobb
Located in Deland, FL
Designed by the visionary Paul McCobb in 1957 the model 3042 “Squirm” lounge chair is an archetypal example of early American Modern design. Featur...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Naugahyde
Vintage MCM Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, Dining Chairs, Set of 4
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in west palm beach, FL
Fantastic set of vintage 4 MCM dining chairs. Designed by the legendary Paul McCobb, a Midcentury giant. Gorgeous spindle back with the coveted inlay screw on each seat. Acquired fro...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Wood
Paul McCobb for Custom Craft Inc. Black Leather Lounge Armchair
By Custom Craft Inc., Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century lounge / armchair with a tapered back, square profile, and black leather upholstery, resting on four tapered walnut legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR CUSTOM CRAFT INC.)(Ava...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Leather
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Blue Leather and Walnut Ottoman
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular ottoman with a blue leather upholstered seat resting on a walnut frame with tapered legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR DIRECTIONAL)
Leather is cracking.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional Midcentury Occasional Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional midcentury occasional lounge chairs - pair.
Each chair measures: 24.75 wide x 21 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height/chair...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb Protype I Side Chair for Calvin Furniture Co. Woven Leather & Wood
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A rare modern chair prototype designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Co. Dated in pencil 6-8-1962 on the underside. Danish Scandinavian style with beige woven leather strapping...
Category
1960s American Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Arthur Umanoff Wire Legs Mid Century Modern Round Compact Bench Stool MINT!
By Frederic Weinberg, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Arthur Umanoff Wire Legs Mid Century Modern Round Compact Bench Stool MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCob Walnut Lounge Chair for Directional Mint
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCob Walnut Lounge Chair for Directional Mint!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Mid-Century Cane and Walnut Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Winchendon midcentury cane and walnut lounge chairs - pair
Each chair measures: 26.25 wide x 25 deep x 33 inches high, with a seat height of 16.75 and arm height/c...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional Striped Fabric and Walnut Lounge Armchair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century lounge / armchair with a walnut frame with a scooped back rail and multi-colored geometric patterned and striped fabric upholstery, resting on four tapered dowel...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century rectangular ottoman with a black vinyl upholstered top resting on a walnut base with tapered legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR DIRECTIONAL)
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
McCobb Square Brass Square Base New Navy Blue Upholstery Bench Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
McCobb 20" square brass square base new navy blue upholstery bench stool.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Maple Spindle Back Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, low profile, lounge chair by Paul McCobb for Winchendon features a deep seated, black lacquered maple frame with spindle back and newly upholstered cushions in se...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Fabric, Maple
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid-Century Brass X Base Stool Ottoman
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century brass x base stool ottoman.
Stool measures: 20 wide x 20 deep x 15.5 inches high.
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Brass
Vintage Paul McCobb Two-Toned Planner Chairs, PAIR
By Paul McCobb
Located in North Miami, FL
This is a pair of two-toned, white and brown stained wood, Planner chairs designed by Paul McCobb. There is a second pair of McCobb chairs in similar two-tone that would complement b...
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb "Tub" Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in Highland, IN
This uncommon design by Paul McCobb is classic mid-century modern design. With it's clean lines and splayed tapered legs, it is stylish but unpretentious. A generous seat makes it ve...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
American Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Paul McCobb
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Fabulous vintage armchair designed by Paul McCobb. Walnut legs and details. Re upholstery recommended. Please inquire about upholstery options....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Set of Four
By Paul McCobb
Located in Baltimore, MD
Incredibly well constructed set of four mid-century modern dining chairs designed by internationally known and revered designer Paul McCobb "Planner Group" for Winchendon. The four s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Paul McCobb Two-Tone Planner Chairs, PAIR
By Paul McCobb
Located in North Miami, FL
Beautifully lacquered in two tones, white and natural wood in brown stain. We have a second similar pair of McCobb chairs that can make a lovely set of ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Maple
Vintage Paul McCobb Sofa for Directional
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Paul McCobb sofa for Directional
reupholstered at one point. In pretty nice condition with fabric being usable as-is. minor wear.
finish to wood and legs shows...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Paul McCobb Mahogany and Brass Chaise Lounge
By Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
A chaise lounge, model 5018 designed by Paul McCobb for Directional, circa 1955.
upholstered in Rogers & Goffigon Fabric with brass stretcher and lacquered wood legs.
Literature...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Paul McCobb Shaped Back Sofa
By Paul McCobb
Located in Hanover, MA
Paul McCobb shaped back sofa model 3137.
Manufactured by Custom Craft, USA.
7” Wood splayed legs.
Newly reupholstered in JB Martin pink velvet.
Arm he...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Predictor Group Lounge / Easy Chair by Paul McCobb, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Kensington, MD
Paul McCobb for O’Hearn Furniture Predictor Group Arm Chair from the early 1950s.
Modernist interpretation of the classic Windsor chair has a back with vertical spindles.
Has its ori...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Ebony, Walnut
Paul Mccobb seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Paul McCobb seating 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 seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 235 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating 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 seating by Eero Saarinen, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Charles Eames. Prices for Paul McCobb seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $599 and can go as high as $25,995, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,865.
Creators Similar to Paul McCobb
Questions About Paul McCobb Seating
- 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, 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, 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, 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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