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Paul McCobb Settees

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 Curvaceous Wing Back Settee or Sofa Refinished Reupholstered
Paul McCobb Curvaceous Wing Back Settee or Sofa Refinished Reupholstered

Paul McCobb Curvaceous Wing Back Settee or Sofa Refinished Reupholstered

$3,800

Paul McCobb Curvaceous Wing Back Settee or Sofa Refinished Reupholstered

By Paul McCobb

Located in Atlanta, GA

Curvaceous Wing back settee or sofa, designed by Paul McCobb for Directional, American, circa 1950s. This sofa is currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be completed in...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

1950s Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Settee or Sofa
1950s Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Settee or Sofa

1950s Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Settee or Sofa

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1950s Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Settee or Sofa

By Paul McCobb

Located in St. Louis, MO

Paul McCobb for Planner Group loveseat, settee or sofa. Upholstery needs to be updated as it has stains, foam is good. Price includes refinishing of legs. Measures: Seat 16" H, arm 1...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Settees

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Rare Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Directional Sculptural Cubist Sofa
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Rare Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Directional Sculptural Cubist Sofa

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Rare Paul McCobb for Directional sculptural cubist sofa or settee. Legs have been refinished, older reupholstery and foam must be updated. Great sleek geom...

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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Settees

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Upholstery

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Paul Mccobb settees for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul McCobb settees are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of upholstery and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paul McCobb settees, although orange editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original settees by Paul McCobb were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 1950s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider settees by Adrian Pearsall, Herman Miller, and Russell Woodard. Prices for Paul McCobb settees can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,500 and can go as high as $12,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,800.

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Questions About Paul McCobb Settees
  • How can I sell Paul McCobb furniture?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • How do I refinish Paul McCobb furniture?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • How do I identify Paul McCobb furniture?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • What type of wood finish did Paul McCobb use?
    1 Answer
    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.