Paul McCobb Stools

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.

Creator: Paul McCobb

Set of Three Paul McCobb Wrought Iron Stools, Mid-Century Modern, USA

$3,950 / set

Set of Three Paul McCobb Wrought Iron Stools, Mid-Century Modern, USA

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Berlin, DE

Paul McCobb Iron stools with new light leather upholstery.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb X-Base Stool for Calvin, Brass & Upholstery, Mid-Century

$1,950

Paul McCobb X-Base Stool for Calvin, Brass & Upholstery, Mid-Century

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...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Three Mid Century Wrought Iron Stools Paul McCobb Circa 1950's

$2,700 / set

Three Mid Century Wrought Iron Stools Paul McCobb Circa 1950's

By Paul McCobb

Located in Toledo, OH

Three Mid-Century Modern wrought iron stools by Paul McCobb circa 1950's. Black leg cap is missing. Very good condition. Dimensions: 20.5" x 20.5" x 16". Seat height 16".

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Modern Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid-Century Brass X Base Stool Ottoman

$2,047 / set

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid-Century Brass X Base Stool Ottoman

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century brass x base stool ottoman. Stool measures: 20 wide x 20 deep x 15.5 inches high. All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Vintage Mid-Century American Modern Wrought Iron Stool/Ottoman by Paul McCobb

$1,200

Vintage Mid-Century American Modern Wrought Iron Stool/Ottoman by Paul McCobb

By Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Wrought iron and white naugahyde "All Round Square" stool/ottoman Model #1305 designed by Paul McCobb (ca. 1960s, USA). Original condition with wear to the naugahyde from age/use (ti...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Brass X Base Stool

$1,800

Paul McCobb Brass X Base Stool

By Paul McCobb

Located in Highland, IN

A Paul McCobb classic, his X-base stool, is a timeless design: elegant without being fussy, refined without feeling precious, and like so much of McCobb's work, perfectly proportione...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stools or Ottomans, Newly Restored

$4,500 / set

Paul McCobb X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stools or Ottomans, Newly Restored

By Directional, Paul McCobb

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 Stools

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb X-Base Stool by Calvin

$2,000

Paul McCobb X-Base Stool by Calvin

By Paul McCobb

Located in Highland, IN

A Paul McCobb Classic, his X-base stool, is a timeless design: elegant without being fussy, refined without feeling precious, and like so much of McCobb's work, perfectly proportione...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Mid Century Iron Stool

$1,347

Paul McCobb Mid Century Iron Stool

By Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, 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 Stools

Materials

Iron

Brass X-Form Bench Pal McCobb Style

$2,240

Brass X-Form Bench Pal McCobb Style

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

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 Stools

Materials

Brass

Pair of Paul McCobb Brass Stools Silver Shagreen Leather

$7,400 / set

Pair of Paul McCobb Brass Stools Silver Shagreen Leather

By Paul McCobb

Located in Westport, CT

Pair of Paul McCobb brass stools, shagreen silver leather, with brass criss-cross bases, adjustable feet.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Set of Three Mid-Century Modern Swivel Bar Stools, Chrome & Goatskin

$3,412 / set

H 43.31 in W 22.05 in D 13 in

Set of Three Mid-Century Modern Swivel Bar Stools, Chrome & Goatskin

Located in London, GB

Set of three 1960's chrome swivel bar stools with backrests by Tambourin. Newly upholstered in goatskin, each stool showcases the distinctive character and natural markings of the in...

Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Marge Carson Brass Stools/Ottomans

$2,995 / set

H 17 in W 20 in D 20 in

Vintage Marge Carson Brass Stools/Ottomans

By Marge Carson

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Experience the allure of authentic 1970s American design with this exquisite pair of brass poufs by celebrated designer Marge Carson. Each piece showcases a stunning brass base that ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Vintage Modern Sculptural Wrought Iron Bar Stools, Set of 3

$1,200 / set

H 45 in W 18 in D 18 in

Vintage Modern Sculptural Wrought Iron Bar Stools, Set of 3

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Modern Sculptural Wrought Iron Bar Stools Offered for sale are the last 3 Mid-Century Modern sculptural wrought iron bar stools which were from a larger group. The stools ar...

Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid Century Modern Organic Rattan Black Metal Stool or Ottoman 1950s Austria

$2,444

H 16.15 in W 15.75 in D 16.74 in

Mid Century Modern Organic Rattan Black Metal Stool or Ottoman 1950s Austria

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Vienna, AT

Mid Century Modern vintage organic stool or ottoman or footstool from rattan and black lacquered metal frame 1950s Austria. While the slightly curved seat shows wonderful organic ra...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Jacques Charpentier Mid-Century Modern Tufted Leather Ottoman Stool Pair

$5,900 / set

H 14 in W 22 in D 22 in

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 Stools

Materials

Chrome

Set of Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools

$2,500 / set

H 30 in W 15.5 in D 15.5 in

Set of Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This stunning set of four vintage modern bar stools feature a backless seat and a chrome base with a footrest. The two-tone vinyl is sure to complement a...

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Chrome

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

$1,200 / set

H 14.5 in Dm 17 in

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...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Iron

Pair of Paul McCobb Brass Stools Silver Shagreen Leather

$7,400 / set

H 15.5 in W 20.5 in D 20.5 in

Pair of Paul McCobb Brass Stools Silver Shagreen Leather

By Paul McCobb

Located in Westport, CT

Pair of Paul McCobb brass stools, shagreen silver leather, with brass criss-cross bases, adjustable feet.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Signed Cleo Baldon Terra Wrought Iron Bar Counter X Stools Mid Century Modern

$9,000 / set

H 32.5 in W 16 in D 22.75 in

Signed Cleo Baldon Terra Wrought Iron Bar Counter X Stools Mid Century Modern

By Cleo Baldon, Terra

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Pair of rare Campaign style / X-Bar or Counter Stools (model number XBS-35) by Southern California architect/designer Cleo Baldon/Terra Furniture. Designed in 1964, constructed of wr...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron

Midcentury Paul Frankl Style Stools with Swivel

$1,280Sale Price|20% Off

H 41.5 in W 19.25 in D 21 in

Midcentury Paul Frankl Style Stools with Swivel

By Paul McCobb

Located in Pasadena, TX

Paul Frankl Style Stools Faux Bamboo 3 Strand backs with swivel. Reupholstery recommended.

Category

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

Materials

Bamboo

Rare Paul McCobb Mid Century Modern Reclining Chair & Ottoman

$2,300 / set

H 37 in W 39 in D 60 in

Rare Paul McCobb Mid Century Modern Reclining Chair & Ottoman

By Paul McCobb

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

Rare Paul McCobb Mid Century Modern Reclining Chair & Ottoman

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Iron

1950s Vintage in the Manner of Paul McCobb X Base Ottomans - a Pair

$2,950 / set

H 16 in W 20 in D 20 in

1950s Vintage in the Manner of Paul McCobb X Base Ottomans - a Pair

By Paul McCobb, Mastercraft

Located in Chicago, IL

In the manner of Paul McCobb - although these were purchased at an estate with signed Mastercraft and other pieces dating this era so I believe the are genuine. Paul McCobb's X-base...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Celine Bar Stool, Brass Frame & Beechwood Base, New

$3,775

H 43.3 in W 20.9 in D 20.4 in

Celine Bar Stool, Brass Frame & Beechwood Base, New

Located in Westport, CT

The Celine Bar Stool is a refined bar or counter stool handcrafted with a plated brass frame and a solid beechwood base. The tufted leather seat provides exceptional comfort while ma...

Category

2010s Modern Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Three Minimalistic String Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools, 1950s

$1,421 / set

H 36.23 in W 14.57 in D 15.75 in

Three Minimalistic String Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools, 1950s

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Measures: Seat diameter 37cm, foot diameter 40cm, seat height 92cm. Distance between seat and footrest 60cm. The upholstery fabrics have slight signs of wear and could do with a new...

Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Metal

Pair of Paul Laszlo Ottomans

$3,600 / set

H 15.5 in W 20.75 in D 20.75 in

Pair of Paul Laszlo Ottomans

By Paul Laszlo

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A pair of Paul Laszlo ottomans. Green laquered notched legs with brass cross stretchers.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Previously Available Items

Paul McCobb for Directional Model 1306 Stool

Sold

H 15.5 in W 20.5 in D 20.5 in

Paul McCobb for Directional Model 1306 Stool

By Paul McCobb, Directional

Located in Astoria, NY

Paul McCobb for Directional Model 1306 Stool, with needlepoint upholstered seat and brass x-frame base, unmarked. 15.5" H x 20.5" W x 20.5" D. Provenance: From a New York City Area C...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

(1) Midcentury Tan leather Paul McCobb Calvin Brass X Base stool

Sold

H 18 in W 20 in D 20 in

(1) Midcentury Tan leather Paul McCobb Calvin Brass X Base stool

By Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Original Mid Century tan leather Paul McCobb brass X base stool. Only (1) available has newer tan leather upholstery with brass X base with all feet that shows patina. Great stool. D...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Directional X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stools or Ottomans

Sold

H 17 in W 20.25 in D 20.25 in

Paul McCobb for Directional X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stools or Ottomans

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, with upholstered seat. Each measu...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Directional X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stool or Ottoman, 1950s

Sold

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 Paul McCobb, Directional

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 Stools

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Directional X-Base Brass and Upholstered Stool or Ottoman, 1950s

Sold

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 Paul McCobb, Directional

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 Stools

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Mid-Century Iron Stool with New Leather Upholstery

Sold

H 16 in W 20 in D 20 in

Paul McCobb Mid-Century Iron Stool with New Leather Upholstery

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Mid-Century Modern iron stool by Paul McCobb. Newly reupholstered as they originally were, with no-sag springs, foam and a thick brown leather. ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Brass Ottomans, a Pair

Sold

H 18 in W 20 in D 20 in

Paul McCobb Brass Ottomans, a Pair

By Paul McCobb

Located in Raleigh, NC

Restored pair of Paul McCobb stools by Calvin Furniture. Brass X-frame bases with new velvet upholstery.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Set of Two Mid-Century Iron Stools with New Leather Upholstery

Sold

H 16 in W 20 in D 20 in

Paul McCobb Set of Two Mid-Century Iron Stools with New Leather Upholstery

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in La Teste-de-Buch, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Set of 2 Mid-Century Modern iron stools by Paul McCobb. Newly reupholstered as they originally were, with no-sag springs, foam and a thick vintage ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Iron

Pair of Wrought Iron Paul McCobb Stools/Ottomans

Sold

H 15.25 in W 20 in D 20 in

Pair of Wrought Iron Paul McCobb Stools/Ottomans

By Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pair of wrought iron and blue naugahyde "All Round Square" stools/ottomans Model #1305 designed by Paul McCobb (ca. 1960s, USA). Original condition with wear to the naugahyde from ag...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass X Base Stool Ottoman

Sold

H 15.5 in W 20 in D 20 in

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 Stools

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb X Base Brass Stools, Pair

Sold

H 19.25 in W 20.5 in

Paul McCobb X Base Brass Stools, Pair

By Paul McCobb

Located in North Miami, FL

These X-base design brass stools by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture are truly classic and perfect for any space. Newly upholstered seats by Gustavo Olivieri Antiques, original pati...

Category

1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Pair of Wrought Iron Stools by Paul McCobb, US, 1950s

Sold

H 14 in W 16 in D 16 in

Pair of Wrought Iron Stools by Paul McCobb, US, 1950s

By Paul McCobb

Located in San Diego, CA

Pair of wrought iron stools, designed in the 1950s by Paul McCobb and manufactured by Winchendon Furniture (Planner Group), great fabric Mi...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Iron

Brass X-Base Stools by Paul McCobb

Sold

H 16 in W 20 in L 16 in

Brass X-Base Stools by Paul McCobb

By Paul McCobb

Located in Chicago, IL

Pair of brass X-base stools by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture. New cushions covered in new velvet, over polished brass bases.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Brass

Pair of Wrought Iron Stools by Paul McCobb, US, 1950s

Sold

H 17.72 in W 20.48 in D 20.48 in

Pair of Wrought Iron Stools by Paul McCobb, US, 1950s

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Berlin, DE

Pair of wrought iron stools, designed in 1950s by Paul McCobb and manufactured by Winchendon Furniture (Planner Group) in US. Newly uphols...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron Base Stool or Side Table

Sold

H 13.75 in W 20 in D 20 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron Base Stool or Side Table

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

A newly refinished planner group iron base stool or side table By Paul McCobb USA, 1970s Maple and iron Measures: 20" W x 20" D x 13.75" H...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Stools

Materials

Iron

Paul Mccobb stools for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul McCobb stools are available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider stools by George Nelson, Warren Platner, and Dunbar.

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Questions About Paul McCobb Stools

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.
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 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.
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.