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Paul McCobb Benches

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
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb “Irwin Collection” Cognac Leather Bench
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul McCobb "Irwin Collection" Cognac leather with brass accents. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing his...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Natural Finish Maple Bench, Coffee Table, 1950's
By Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, Planner Group Maple 1546 Bench, Coffee Table. Featuring a five foot rectangular form in natural solid staved Maple with reinforced and splayed s...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Benches

Materials

Wood

Rare Mid-Century Paul McCobb #1584 Coffee Table Bench All Black
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1584 - 60 inch coffee table bench all original black Lacquer finish, Minimalist Iron structure with 2 drawers...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Benches

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron and Maple Coffee Table, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern coffee table or bench By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Iron frame and solid maple top, with black lacquered drawers...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Brass & Cane Bench
By Paul McCobb
Located in Highland, IN
This lovely model 7709 Paul McCobb bench, is light and elegant. The brass bass with its X shaped stretchers supports a walnut and cane top. Comfort can be increased with the addition...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron & Tobacco Finish Birch Higher Coffee Table, Bench
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Early Paul McCobb Winchendon Planner Group high Coffee Table, Bench. Bed End Bench. Nightstand, 1950s. Featuring an open sturdy rectangular, braced thre...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Bench
By Paul McCobb
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Paul Mccobb Upholstered Bench. Manufactured by Calvin. Original brass structure and pad feet. Recently re-upholstered in blue velvet.
Category

1950s North American Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

Materials

Brass

Pair of New Red Upholstery Square Brass Frames Benches Stools by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern brass benches by Paul McCobb.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Benches

Materials

Brass

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 Benches

Materials

Brass

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 Benches

Materials

Brass

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 Benches

Materials

Steel

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Beautifully Refinished Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table
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Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Dining Chairs Paul McCobb for Winchendon Set 5
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Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous set of five Mid-Century Modern Planner Group style #1534 dining chairs by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. Comprised of a dark walnut finished maple. They have been newly upholstered at some point in their recent past in a brown background fabric with chenille squiggly undulating lines in gold and turquoise or teal. Beautiful condition with age-appropriate wear as you would expect with vintage pieces. Two of the chair backs do have small nicks. One has been repaired. All chairs have been re-glued. We have used restore-a-finish on the original finish to bring back its original shine. Please see photos. Circa 1949-1964. Simply Amazing!! What a fabulous set of five Mid-Century Modern dining chairs! They are part of the Planner Group for Winchendon designed by internationally known and revered designer Paul McCobb. They are style number 1534, and they are comprised of a beautiful maple frame with a dark walnut finish. The foam seats are covered in a brown chenille fabric with raised fiber squiggly undulating lines in colors of gold and turquoise or maybe its teal. The fabric is so awesome it reminds us of a comfy chenille bedspread...
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Paul Láslzó Bench in Mahogany and Cane
By Paul Laszlo, Glenn of California
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Paul László for Glenn of California, bench or sofa, mahogany, cane, United States, 1950 This sofa or bench, a creation of Paul László, contains a well-preserved caned back and seat....
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

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Paul Láslzó Bench in Mahogany and Cane
Paul Láslzó Bench in Mahogany and Cane
H 30.99 in W 70.99 in D 25.01 in
Modern Cane Bench
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Introducing our stunning Modern Cane Bench, where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary design. This exquisite piece features a beautifully large cane back and sides, exuding ...
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Modern Cane Bench
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Please message us for a cost effective shipping quote to your location. Pair Paul McCobb dining chairs. Both chairs have full labels.
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1960s Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

Materials

Birch

Pine Bench 50s Style Charlotte Perriand or Ilmarii Tapiovaraa Cognac Leather
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Very original bench from the 50's / 60's reminding the work of Charlotte Periand or Ilmarii Tapiovaraa. Structure in solid pine, seat and back in strapped cognac leather. Very nice p...
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Mid Century Slat Bench Coffee Table Made in Yugoslavia C 1950s
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Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron and Reed Side Table
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Planner Group side table designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. Circa 1955. Featuring a birch top, iron frame and split reed lower shelf. Good overall honest wear and overall condit...
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Vintage Paul McCobb for Planner Group Series Wingback Lounge Chair
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This vintage modern wingback lounge chair boasts an elegant high back design with slender tapered legs and plush upholstered seating. Optional back pillow ...
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Arthur Umanoff Birch and Iron Bench/Coffee Table with Rush Nesting Stools
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Arthur Umanoff slatted birch bench/coffee table with iron legs concealing three nesting stools with rush seats (ca. 1950s, USA). Compact piece, ideal for smaller rooms with space li...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

Previously Available Items
Paul McCobb Cane Bench for Calvin Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul McCobb bench for Calvin Furniture, c. 1950s, USA. This model 7709 rectangular bench features a brass base and interlocking 'x' stretchers. The top of the bench has the original ...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

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Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Bench
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Paul McCobb Planner Group Bench
Paul McCobb Planner Group Bench
H 16 in W 47.63 in D 18 in
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Located in Saint Paul, MN
Paul McCobb bench - use it as a seat, a table, or a platform for other Planner Group pieces. Versatile and timeless.
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Paul McCobb Planner Group Bench
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H 16 in W 47.63 in D 18 in
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Located in Saint Paul, MN
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Paul McCobb Planner Group Bench
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Paul McCobb Calvin Attr. Mid-Century Modern Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Astoria, NY
Paul McCobb (American, 1917-1969) for Calvin attributed Mid-Century Modern stool, metal frame with stretchers, with grey leather upholstery. Dealer: S138XX
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Benches

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Creamy Beige Suede Round Lounge Stool Bench
By Paul McCobb
Located in Monrovia, CA
Mid-Century Modern 1960s Paul Mccobb large round lounge with chrome x base. This piece is also described as a large Paul McCobb round upholstered bench...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Benches

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Mid-Century Paul McCobb Side Table Black Lacquer
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1546 solid maple side table or small coffee table with original heavy black lacquer finish with nice patina. Very delicate designed coffee table ...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Benches

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Midcentury Paul McCobb Coffee Table Black Lacquer
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1546 solid maple 32'' square inch coffee table / bench in original heavy black lacquer finish with nice patina. Very delicate designed coffee tab...
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Paul McCobb Planner Group Five Foot Black Bench, Coffee Table
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Benches

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Paul McCobb "Planner Group" Leather & Iron Bench for Winchendon Furniture
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Located in Los Angeles, CA
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

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American Mid-Century Low Bench by Paul McCobb
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Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Coffee Table or Bench, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
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A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern coffee table or bench By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid birch Measures: 60"...
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Paul Mccobb benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul McCobb benches are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paul McCobb benches, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original benches 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 benches by Herman Miller, Milo Baughman, and George Nelson. Prices for Paul McCobb benches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,400 and can go as high as $5,600, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,800.
Questions About Paul McCobb Benches
  • 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.

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