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.
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Walnut and Brass Chaise Lounge
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Walnut and Brass Chaise Lounge This chaise measures: 24.5 wide x 53 deep x 32.5 high, with a seat height of 17 inches Excellent Vintage Condition...
Brass
$15,196 / set
Rare Paul McCobb Patio Chaise for Arbuck, USA, 1950s
By Arbuck, Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare Paul McCobb patio chaise for Arbuck, USA 1950s The chaise in its original condition. We could restore the chaise completely with a new powdercoating and can also provide a new pillow.
Metal
Wood and Brass Upholstered Chaise Lounge
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Wood and brass upholstered chaise lounge by Paul McCobb. Upholstered in a dark blue velvet fabric.
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...
Mahogany
A. Rudin Upholstered Chaise Lounge Sofa with Fortuny Throw Pillows
By Fortuny, A. Rudin
Located in Forney, TX
A fine contemporary A. Rudin chaise lounge sofa, in grey upholstery, with rolled back and single arm, down and foam filled seat cushion, rising on tapered wood block feet, accompanie...
Upholstery, Wood
Mario Papperzini "Amalfi" Patio Chaise Lounge for John Salterini
By John Salterini, Mario Papperzini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mario Papperzini "Amalfi" Patio Chaise Lounge for John Salterini Materials: Hand-Hammered Patinated Iron
Iron
Harvey Probber Style Chaise Lounge, Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Harvey Probber
Located in Raleigh, NC
A stunning mid century modern chaise lounge newly upholstered in Kravet velvet. A piece most likely by Harvey Probber, although we have been unable to confirm. The frame is in very...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
French Patio Wrought Iron Chaise Longue
Located in Sheffield, MA
The undulating black patio metal garden chaise loungeis relatively light weight for easy movability. The seat peaks where the knee bends making it extremely comfortable. The mesh cou...
Wrought Iron
$7,080 / item
H 34 in W 31 in D 58 in
Modern Custom Upholstered Chaise Lounge with Quilted Headrest and Tapered Legs
Located in Greenwich, CT
A modern chaise lounge handcrafted in our Norwalk, Connecticut workroom. This relaxed, sculptural seating piece features a gently sloping silhouette designed for comfortable reclinin...
Wool, Synthetic, Faux Leather
$6,100
H 29 in W 72 in D 24 in
Paul Tuttle 'Chariot' Leather Chaise Lounge Chair for Strassle International
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul Tuttle 'Chariot' chaise lounge, c.1972 Leather, chrome-plated steel, lacquered steel. Manufactured by Strassle International, USA / Switzerland. With additional Carmel Sheepsk...
Chrome
$550Sale Price|54% Off
H 27 in W 61.5 in D 31 in
Contemporary Green and Cream Upholstered Chaise Lounge
Located in Astoria, NY
Contemporary Upholstered Chaise Lounge, with green and cream colored abstract upholstery. 27" H x 61.5" W x 31" D. Provenance: From a Westchester County Estate.
Upholstery
Mid Century Sun Circle Chaise Lounge by Tropitone
By Brown Jordan, Tropitone
Located in New York, NY
Rare Sun Circle Chaise by Tropitone. The frame is of tubular aluminum, and the wrapping is plastic. This example will need to be restored as the strappin...
Aluminum
$5,900Sale Price|31% Off
H 28.25 in W 71 in D 24 in
'Chariot' Leather Chaise Lounge by Paul Tuttle for Strassle International c 1972
By Strässle International, Paul Tuttle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A unique 'Chariot' chaise lounge by Paul Tuttle for Strassle International, circa 1972 Switzerland. Constructed from chrome plated tubular steel...
Steel, Chrome
Paul McCobb X-Base Stool for Calvin
By Paul McCobb
Located in Greenwich, CT
Paul McCobb Classic X-base Stool for Calvin circa 1960’s Dimensions: 20 "W x 20 "D x 16 ½ "H. Timeless Mid-Century Design + elegant proportions and a unique period upholstery fo...
Brass
Post Modern Chaise Lounge Newly Upholstered in Ivory White Bouclé
By Weiman Preview Furniture, Directional, Preview
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Float away from the worries of the day in this luxurious post modern chaise lounge newly professionally upholstered in super soft ivory white bouclé. Sculptural form exudes a sophisticated look that's gentle and inviting. Ivory white bouclé fabric's texture is breathable and ventilates well. Cozy in winter and cool in summer. Enveloping padded comfort with a thick seat cushion layered over a descending pedestal base. So sexy from all sides, this chaise lounge is beautiful enough to float in a room. Modern. Fresh. Reminiscent of Vladimir Kagan, Milo Baughman and Adrian Pearsall's iconic amorphous designs. Nestle in with your favorite blanket and read for hours, nap, binge watch your favorite series, or shop 1stDibs on your electronic device...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Milo Baughman Satellite Chaise Lounge in Boucle and Walnut, C. 1970s
By Milo Baughman
Located in Westport, CT
An iconic Satellite chaise lounge by Milo Baughman, dating to the 1970s, this sculptural piece captures the effortless elegance of mid-century modern design. Fully restored from the ...
Bouclé, Walnut
Paul McCobb Chaise with Mahogany Legs and Brass Stretchers, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Elegant chaise model no. 5018 with mahogany legs and brass stretchers by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, American 1950s.
Brass
Paul McCobb Chaise Lounge for Calvin Furniture
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Chaise lounges by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture. Fully restored. Reupholstered in black leather. Polished brass stretchers.
Brass
Paul McCobb for Directional Chaise Lounge in Mohair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
Rare chaise lounge designed by Paul McCobb for Directional. Newly upholstered in grey mohair. Walnut base fully restored.
Mohair, Walnut
Chaise Lounge by Paul McCobb for Calvin 1950s Mid-Century Modern
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Chaise longue / longue with back pillow by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, 1950s American mid-century modern. Completely professionally restored. Walnut, brass, upholstery.
Brass
Modern Chaise Lounge Designed by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modern chaise longue designed by Paul McCobb, American, circa 1950s. It has been completely restored in a velvety indigo blue fabric with the wood legs finished in an ultra-deep brow...
Brass
Paul McCobb Chaise Lounge
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
McCobb for Directional chaise model 5018, brass stretchers with tapered solid turned maple legs, reupholstered with cotton velvet.
Brass
Pair of Slipper Lounge Chairs by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of slipper lounge chairs by Paul McCobb. Chairs do have a table, included, that nestles between the two chairs. Dimensions: 25" ...
Clean Lined Modernist Daybed by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined modernist daybed by Paul McCobb, American, circa 1950s. It has been completely restored in an ivory color bouclé fabric and the legs have ...
Brass
Clean Lined Modernist Daybed by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined modernist daybed by Paul McCobb, American, circa 1950s. It has been completely restored in an ivory color bouclé fabric and the legs have ...
Brass
Rare Chaise Lounge by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Interesting and rarely seen chaise lounge chair designed by Paul McCobb for Directional, circa 1955. Ebonized walnut frame with brass cross stretchers. Silk upholstery with stains an...
Brass