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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
Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron and Maple Coffee Table, Newly Refinished
Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron and Maple Coffee Table, Newly Refinished

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 Planner Group Natural Finish Maple Coffee Table, Bench 1950's
Paul McCobb Planner Group Natural Finish Maple Coffee Table, Bench 1950's

Paul McCobb Planner Group Natural Finish Maple Coffee Table, Bench 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

Paul McCobb Bench
Paul McCobb Bench

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

Rare Mid-Century Paul McCobb #1584 Coffee Table Bench All Black
Rare Mid-Century Paul McCobb #1584 Coffee Table Bench All Black

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 "X" Base Brass Stools, Pair
Paul McCobb "X" Base Brass Stools, Pair

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!
Arthur Umanoff Wire Legs Mid Century Modern Round Compact Bench Stool MINT!

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 Benches

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Brass & Cane Bench
Paul McCobb Brass & Cane Bench

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
Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron & Tobacco Finish Birch Higher Coffee Table, Bench

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

Brass X-Form Bench Pal McCobb Style
Brass X-Form Bench Pal McCobb Style

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 Benches

Materials

Brass

Related Items
1950s Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner for Group Dining Chairs
1950s Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner for Group Dining Chairs

1950s Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner for Group Dining Chairs

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Charleston, SC

A set of four dining chairs Designed by Paul McCobb's iconic for Winchendon Furniture Planner Group series, manufactured from 1950-1964. These chairs have been professionally resto...

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

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Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Brass Ottoman Footstool style of McCobb
Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Brass Ottoman Footstool style of McCobb

Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Brass Ottoman Footstool style of McCobb

By Paul McCobb

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Only 1 available. Fabulous satin brass ottoman - footstool- bench. Reupholstered in a vintage style 1960s weave fabric with fabulous coloring that contrasts greatly with the brass. S...

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Pair Asian Brass Round Garden Stools
Pair Asian Brass Round Garden Stools

Pair Asian Brass Round Garden Stools

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H 16.5 in Dm 13 in

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Located in Palm Springs, CA

Pair of Japanese Asian solid brass pierced round garden stools. Slight variance in size: stool #1 - 13" widest x 16.5" tall stool #2 - 12" widest x ...

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Beautifully Refinished Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table
Beautifully Refinished Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table

Beautifully Refinished Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful solid wood coffee table. From the Planner Group line designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company. Retains original manufacturer’s label and guaranteed authenti...

Category

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

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Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Dining Chairs Paul McCobb for Winchendon Set 5
Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Dining Chairs Paul McCobb for Winchendon Set 5

Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Dining Chairs Paul McCobb for Winchendon Set 5

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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...

Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Maple

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shaker Style Bench, 1960's
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shaker Style Bench, 1960's

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Shaker Style Bench, 1960's

By Paul McCobb, Kipp Stewart, Sibast

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Mid-Century Modern Shaker Style Bench "in original as found condition" * for reupholstery and possible refinishing * * last image is "AI" generated...

Category

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

Materials

Hardwood

Black Leather Upholstered Rectangular X-Base Bench
Black Leather Upholstered Rectangular X-Base Bench

Black Leather Upholstered Rectangular X-Base Bench

By Established Lines, Paul McCobb

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Established Lines, mid century modern decor, solid stainless steel base rectangular X base bench in black leather upholstery.

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Arthur Umanoff Birch and Iron Bench/Coffee Table with Rush Nesting Stools
Arthur Umanoff Birch and Iron Bench/Coffee Table with Rush Nesting Stools

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

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Wonderful Pair Milo Baughman Style Chrome X Base Bench Stools Midcentury
Wonderful Pair Milo Baughman Style Chrome X Base Bench Stools Midcentury

Wonderful Pair Milo Baughman Style Chrome X Base Bench Stools Midcentury

By Milo Baughman

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Wonderful pair of Milo Baughman chrome X base stools. We love the large scale size of these measuring 21" T x 23” W x 21" D. The tops were upholstered in white faux leather a few yea...

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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

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Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slatted Bench or Coffee Table, 1960s, Refinished
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slatted Bench or Coffee Table, 1960s, Refinished

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slatted Bench or Coffee Table, 1960s, Refinished

By Maruni, Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautifully refinished Mid-Century Modern slatted wood bench in richly toned walnut, offering the perfect combination of clean architectural lines and functional versatility. Craft...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

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Mid-Century Modern Bench
Mid-Century Modern Bench

Mid-Century Modern Bench

$1,500

H 15.75 in W 55.12 in D 19.69 in

Mid-Century Modern Bench

Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon

Perfect combination of design and materials, leather, brass, solid wood and veneer. Possibly the design was conceived as a telephone bench. It is a beautiful piece that exalts our g...

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1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

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Wonderful Pair of Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Stools Benches Mid-Century Modern
Wonderful Pair of Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Stools Benches Mid-Century Modern

Wonderful Pair of Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Stools Benches Mid-Century Modern

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Wonderful pair of Arthur Umanoff stacking stools from the 1964 Grenada Collection for Boyuer Scott, Shaver Howard collections. This pair is in wonderful vintage condition with a love...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

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Previously Available Items
Paul McCobb Brass Bench in White Boucle, 1960
Paul McCobb Brass Bench in White Boucle, 1960

Paul McCobb Brass Bench in White Boucle, 1960

By Paul McCobb

Located in Chicago, IL

Paul McCobb Brass Bench in White Boucle, 1960’s. Newly reupholstered. Measures 18” tall 69” Long 19.5” deep

Category

1960s American Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Cane Bench for Calvin Furniture
Paul McCobb Cane Bench for Calvin Furniture

Paul McCobb Cane Bench for Calvin Furniture

Sold

H 14.5 in W 30 in D 17 in

Paul McCobb Cane Bench for Calvin Furniture

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

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 ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Calvin Attr. Mid-Century Modern Stool
Paul McCobb Calvin Attr. Mid-Century Modern Stool

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

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Paul McCobb Side Table Black Lacquer
Mid-Century Paul McCobb Side Table Black Lacquer

Mid-Century Paul McCobb Side Table Black Lacquer

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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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Maple, Lacquer

Midcentury Paul McCobb Coffee Table Black Lacquer
Midcentury Paul McCobb Coffee Table Black Lacquer

Midcentury Paul McCobb Coffee Table Black Lacquer

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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...

Category

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

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb “Irwin Collection” Cognac Leather Stool w/ Brass
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb “Irwin Collection” Cognac Leather Stool w/ Brass

Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb “Irwin Collection” Cognac Leather Stool w/ Brass

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 Five Foot Black Bench, Coffee Table
Paul McCobb Planner Group Five Foot Black Bench, Coffee Table

Paul McCobb Planner Group Five Foot Black Bench, Coffee Table

By Paul McCobb

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, Planner Group Black Bench, Coffee Table. Featuring a rectangular black lacquered solid wood form with reinforced and splayed solid turned legs. ...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb "Planner Group" Leather & Iron Bench for Winchendon Furniture
Paul McCobb "Planner Group" Leather & Iron Bench for Winchendon Furniture

Paul McCobb "Planner Group" Leather & Iron Bench for Winchendon Furniture

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Paul McCobb "Planner Group" leather & iron bench for Winchendon Furniture.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

Materials

Iron

American Mid-Century Low Bench by Paul McCobb
American Mid-Century Low Bench by Paul McCobb

American Mid-Century Low Bench by Paul McCobb

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Minneapolis, MN

A low bench, plant stand, tv table object storage piece or stand alone design element for any room. This piece is low enough to stack on other table surfaces for a layered modern loo...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Coffee Table or Bench, Refinished
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Coffee Table or Bench, Refinished

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Coffee Table or Bench, Refinished

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

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"...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Benches

Materials

Birch, Lacquer

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Planner Group Coffee Table or Bench
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Planner Group Coffee Table or Bench

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Planner Group Coffee Table or Bench

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1544 solid maple 48 inch coffee table or bench in blonde maple finish with nice patina. Very delicate designe...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

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.