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.
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Number in Set: Single Piece
Creator: Paul McCobb
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Blue Leather and Walnut Ottoman
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular ottoman with a blue leather upholstered seat resting on a walnut frame with tapered legs. (Paul Mccobb for Directional).
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wood, Leather, Walnut, Upholstery
Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in New York, 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 Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Paul McCobb Mid Century Iron Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb mid century iron stool.
This stool measures: 21 wide x 21 deep x 18 inches high.
All pieces of furniture can be had in w...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Iron
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 Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Ottoman in Creations Metaphor Silk Blend Fabric, Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
This refined and understated ottoman were designed by Paul McCobb- one of the most celebrated and influential figures in 20th century design- in America, circa 1950. The ottoman offe...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Paul McCobb Brass X-Stretcher Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic McCobb design in all-original condition.
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Brass
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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.