Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
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.
Color: Beige
Creator: Paul McCobb
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass X Base Stool Ottoman
By Paul McCobb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century brass x base stool ottoman
Ottoman measures: 20 wide x 20 deep x 15.5 inches high.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
Related Items
Large Mid-Century Modern Lucite Waterfall Ottoman Or Foot Stool
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Mid-Century Modern Lucite waterfall stool.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Lucite, Acrylic
Paul McCobb, Pair Brass Stools
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic, iconic design by Paul McCobb is the definition of architectural furniture. The simple brass frame with stretchers is elevated by the beautiful patination that has aged into...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Stingray Ottoman Stool Mid-Century Modern
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Architectural form, with staved American Walnut frame, and beautiful and contrasting wood grains.
Measurements: W 23 x D 16.5 x H 18.5 and Seat H 16 in.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Walnut
H 18.5 in W 23 in D 16.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Small vintage modern style stool with tapered legs. Great for living room or office.
(Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wood
Paul McCobb Directional Nº 314 Wingback Lounge Chair Ottoman Mid-Century Retro
By Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Re-Upholstery required. Not usable as-is. Please ship directly to your Upholsterer, reupholstery is necessary. No woodworking necessary, the framing on chair and ottoman are tight, ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Birch
H 41.5 in W 29 in D 31 in
Vintage Brass Ottoman / Stools by Marge Carson
By Marge Carson
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful pair of vintage brass poufs / ottomans designed by Marge Carson in United States, circa 1970s. These poufs have been professionally reupholstered in custom velvet. Each pou...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
Set of 3 Paul McCobb Brass X Frame Ottomans or Stools - Holly Hunt Salmon Velvet
By Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Set of 3 fully restored Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb model 1306 for Directional brass X base ottomans or stools , reupholstered in Holly Hunt Salmon colored velvet. Brass has been ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
H 17.25 in W 20.5 in D 20.5 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Style Faux Brass Base White Vinyl Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning pair of contemporary modern ottomans boast thick padded tops covered in white vinyl upholstery and unusual faux brass bases. A v...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Metal
Jacques Charpentier Mid-Century Modern Tufted Leather Ottoman Stool Pair
By Jacques Charpentier
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Jacques Charpentière Mid-Century Modern 1970 French stool, ottoman side tables in original tufted brown leather upholstery and polished chrome base.
Very good original condi...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Chrome
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 Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
H 16 in W 20.25 in D 20.25 in
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 Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
H 16.5 in W 20.5 in D 20.5 in
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 Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
H 16.5 in W 20.5 in D 20.5 in
Previously Available Items
Original Paul McCobb Stool or Ottoman
By Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish Mid-Century Modern stool or ottoman designed by Paul McCobb. The stool has nice black iron legs with all feet glides still intact. The vinyl upholstery is original. An exce...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
Paul McCobb for Directional X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stools or Benches, Pair
By Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A very nice pair of brass X-base stools or ottomans with upholstered seats designed by Paul McCobb for Directional. The stools have stylish midcentury design, with brass legs and "x"...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
H 16 in W 20.25 in D 20.25 in
Pair of Paul McCobb Brass X-Base Ottomans, circa 1955
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Original pair of model 1306 ottomans or stools by Paul McCobb for Directional. Brass X-base stretcher bars with original ivory vinyl cushions. Could use as stools, bench, ottoman or free floating...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Square Wrought Iron and Chartreuse Linen Ottomans
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern, low-profile, ottomans or benches by Paul McCobb feature square wrought iron frames and newly upholstered chartreuse linen blend seats.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Paul McCobb for Directional Set of Three Brass Ottomans with Original Fabric
By Paul McCobb
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A really special find indeed is this set of three Paul McCobb ottomans from the 1950s designed for Directional. We believe this to be the original fabric and cushions. They are in go...
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Paul McCobb Brass X Base Ottoman Foot Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb ottoman / foot stool with X shaped stretchers in brass. Square upholstered seats supported by a slim brass frame. Ivory chenille and sateen stripe fabric. General patina ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Paul McCobb Ottomans
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of Paul McCobb design ottomans in polished brass and new ice blue velvet.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Paul Mccobb ottomans and poufs for sale on 1stDibs.
Paul McCobb ottomans and poufs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paul McCobb ottomans and poufs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original ottomans and poufs 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 ottomans and poufs by Warren Platner, Dunbar, and Charles and Ray Eames. Prices for Paul McCobb ottomans and poufs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,595 and can go as high as $7,850, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,800.
Creators Similar to Paul McCobb
Questions About Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
- 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, 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, 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.