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 for Directional X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stool or Ottoman, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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
Pair of Mid Century Modern Slipper Chairs by Paul McCobb Planner Group Restored
By Paul McCobb
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Mid Century Modern Sculptural Slipper Chairs by Paul McCobb Planner Group. Recovered in two contrasting but compatible fabrics. Totally rebuilt with refinished maple...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Fabric, Maple
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 Sofa by Custom Craft for Directional
By Paul McCobb
Located in Highland, IN
A fine example of Paul McCobb's tailored aesthetic and refined sense of proportion, this great sofa is in excellent original condition. The upholstery is the original black vinyl and...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Steel
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
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
Paul McCobb X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stools or Ottomans, Newly Restored
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern stools, benches, or ottomans
By Paul McCobb for Directional
USA, 1950s
Brass legs and stretchers, freshly reupholstered with Herman ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Brass
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
$12,000 / set
Beautiful Elegant American Mid Century Modern Iron Chair by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful lines on this solid iron chair designed by Paul McCobb freshly powder coated in black mate with beautiful grey upholstery cushion.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Iron
$700 Sale Price
20% Off
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Bow Tie Dining Chairs, Set of Twelve
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of twelve Mid-Century Modern bow tie dining chairs.
By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture.
USA...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut, Lacquer
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 Directional X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stool or Ottoman, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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 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 "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
Vintage Paul McCobb "Samuel Marx" Lounge Chairs for Directional
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Paul McCobb Lounge Chairs for Directional. Italian in influence.
This design was selected by Samuel Marx for the Highland Park Estate of Peggy and Lionel Nathan. Samuel Ma...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Wood
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 for Directional Rectangular Blue Leather and Walnut Ottoman
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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
Modern Paul McCobb Arbuck Black Wrought Iron Hairpin Chair 1950s
By Arbuck, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul McCobb for Arbuck Inc of Brooklyn, NY. Black wrought iron hairpin chair, c. 1951, minimal modern lines. 6lavailable. Priced per chair. Stackable. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Iron
$1,960 Sale Price / item
31% Off
Brass X-Form Bench Pal McCobb Style
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
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 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
Paul McCobb Midcentury Iron Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb midcentury iron stool
This stool measures: 20 wide x 20 deep x 16.75 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Iron
Original Paul McCobb High Back Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Original Paul McCobb lounge chair in umber, gray and taupe striped loose weave wool upholstery and long tapered maple legs. Great front view as well as profile with M-shaped back and...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Maple, Wood, Wool
Occasional Slipper Lounge Chairs Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic mid century modern design.
Architectural form.
Original vintage condition, minor wear on close inspection consistent with age and use.
Quality made wood construction, tapere...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$2,500 / set
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
Arthur Umanoff Wire Legs Mid Century Modern Round Compact Bench Stool MINT!
By Paul McCobb, Frederic Weinberg
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
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
Pair of Mid-Century "Irwin" Chairs by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Embrace the classic lines of legendary American mid-century modern design with these eye catching chairs by legendary designer, Paul McCobb. Conceived for his iconic "Irwin" collecti...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Fiberglass Origami Chair by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare design by Paul McCobb (American, 1917-1969) for St. John, circa 1950s, this all original Origami Chair if made of a light blue fiberglass seat and...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Seating
Materials
Metal
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 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
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
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
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 for Directional Midcentury Occasional Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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 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
American Mid-Century Modern Armchair, Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb, Directional
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
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
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
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
Price Upon Request
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, 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, 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, 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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