Paul McCobb Bookcases
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 Planner Group 3 Piece Bookcase
By Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Paul McCobb Planner Group 3 Piece Bookcase Grouping bought directly from the original owners! All original and very clean! 4 drawer center unit is a very nice addition to this Cla...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Stylish Mid-Century Small Bookcase by Paul McCobb for Planner Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stylish small bookcase for the Planner Group designed by architect and furniture designer Paul McCobb. Great to use in a children's room to keep all their books within reach for the...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Birch
American Mid-Century brass and walnut etegere
By Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century brass and walnut etegere / display cabinet with 2 top shelves over a 2-sliding textured glass door cabinet above an adjacent solid cabinet with a drop-down front...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Glass
Paul Mccobb Room Divider for Calvin Furniture Company
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Room Divider for Calvin Furniture Company, Features Mahogany, solid brass and glass shelves.
Lower section has Five Drawers with brass...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Original Paul McCobb Bookcase/Etagere and Bench Set from the Planner Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous Mid Century two piece shelving system by Paul McCobb and part of the “Planner Group” manufactured by Winchendon in the 1950s. Original maple wood shelves and black wrought i...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Iron
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern glass front bookcase on hairpin legs
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid birch in black lacquered finish, with sliding glass doors and steel hairpin legs.
Measures: 36"W x 12.25"D x 34.25"H.
Newly refinished. Excellent condition.
Two matching bookcases...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Perfectly Mid-Sized Adj Shelf Bookcase with Drawer in Manner of Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Kensington, MD
Great bookcase by Paul McCobb wit drawer on top.
Wonderful size with nice storage capacity in a small space.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Birch
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcases on Hairpin Legs, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern glass front bookcases on hairpin legs
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid birch in black lacqu...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Paul McCobb Storage Unit Custom Matte Blackened Finish
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Storage Unit for Calvin Furniture features a custom matte blackened finish over walnut.
Three drawers, an open display cubby, and sliding doors for extra storage. Refinis...
Category
1960s American Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table with Bookcase Topper by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This combination coffee table and bookcase make a unique Mid-Century Modern statement to home or business, offering versatility as a table and bookshelf. Designed by Paul McCobb for ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases
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Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Modular Ebonized Maple Dresser
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, modular dresser system by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, Winchendon features two 24 x 18 x 8.5 inch dressers with signature aluminu...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases
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Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base Clean
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 solid maple with original walnut finish on an Iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group, single cent...
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Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Black Lacquer Low Credenza
By Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful mid-century low credenza by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group. 1 adjustable shelve with pins. Solid maple construction with an original black lacquer finish. White cloth sliding front doors with brass finger...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases
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Original 1950s Mid-Century Modern Desk by Paul McCobb for Planner Group
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Lafayette, IN
This fantastic little desk is an original 1950s piece designed by the renowned Paul McCobb for the Planner Group and manufactured by the Winchendon Furniture Company. Desk has lots o...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
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Mid Century Paul McCobb Calvin Irwin Collection Shelf Bookshelf Room Divider
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Rare Mid Century sideboard, shelf unit, room divider, designed by Paul McCobb as part of the sought after Irwin Collection series for Calvin, circa 1950’s.
This example features ble...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Brass
H 76 in W 59.5 in D 19 in
Mid Century Paul McCobb Winchendon Planner Group Cabinet c. 1950's
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in New York, NY
Hard to find Planner Group sideboard, designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon, circa 1950's. The cabinet features two grass mat sliding doors, with signature aluminum ring pulls, a b...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Wrought Iron
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Lowboy Dresser
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Lowboy Dresser
This lowboy measures: 60 wide x 18 deep x 33.25 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vin...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Metal
1950s Paul McCobb Orange & Black Credenza for Planner Group
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Glendale, CA
1950s Paul McCobb McCobb Orange & Black Credenza for Planner Group.
This exceptional early credenza was designed by the legendary Paul McCobb and produced by Planner Group. A highl...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Two Piece Etagere / Room Divider Circa 1960s
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
A two-piece etagere by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, circa 1960s, in walnut with brushed aluminum framework and hardware. Can also serve as a room divider if desired.
Base meas...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Stained Walnut and Brass Open Campaign Bookshelf
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Stained Walnut and Brass fittings Open Campaign Bookshelf / Etagere
Measures 19" in width, 15" in depth and 25" in height.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Campaign Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Cabinet with Sliding Glass Doors
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern walnut sliding doors cabinet bookcase.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Glass
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Miami, FL
All original Paul McCobb mahogany cabinet or sideboard from The Calvin Group (earlier Irwin Collection) by Calvin Furniture, which is part of the work the designer created for Directional (model 1066). The mid-century modern credenza features: three drawers with brass knobs; two sliding leather doors with brass pulls and brass edges; interior fitted with two shelves, each adjustable to four different positions; brass X stretchers; label. 100% original finish and condition. The perfect vintage piece to use as a bar cabinet, a media console or a server buffet. Part of a one owner collection of McCobb furniture exclusively presented by Select Modern; a truly rare time capsule find! There are more pieces from this collection available in our storefront. A copy of the original 1956 purchase receipt for all the pieces from this collection is available. Works well in many different decors, from eclectic modern...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Brass
Previously Available Items
Pair of vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single high bookcases bookshelves #1516
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single high bookcases bookshelves #1516 original walnut finish over solid maple with black iron 4 leg base. Beautiful bookcase set by Paul McCo...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Iron
H 33 in W 36 in D 12 in
Mid Century Cabinet or Bookcase by Paul McCobb Planner Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A two piece cabinet or bookcase sitting on a platform base with conical legs, one fixed shelve inside with olive toned sliding doors having brass finger pulls crafted in solid maple ...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Wood
Paul McCobb Bookcase for H. Sacks & Sons from the Connoisseur Collection
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A Mid Century walnut bookcase with two shelves and a small cabinet with two sliding doors for storage . Sitting on a aluminum frame and free standing this smaller scaled piece would ...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Aluminum
H 57.88 in W 37.5 in D 13 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Birch Wall Unit or Room Divider
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern wall unit or room divider
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid birch, with original brass hardware.
...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Brass
H 75.25 in W 54.25 in D 14.25 in
Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base Clean
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 solid maple with original walnut finish on an Iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group, single cent...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Iron
Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookshelves #1516 Walnut Finish
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single high bookcases bookshelves #1516 original walnut finish over solid maple with black iron 4 leg base. Beautiful bookcase set by Paul McCo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Iron
Pair Mid century Paul McCobb Triple Bookshelves #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of vintage midcentury Paul McCobb triple high bookcases bookshelves #1516 original walnut finish over solid maple with solid Iron 4 leg base. Beautiful bookcase set by Paul McCo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Iron
H 81 in W 36 in D 12 in
Pair Mid century Paul McCobb Double Bookshelves #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of vintage midcentury Paul McCobb Double high bookcases bookshelves #1516 original walnut finish over solid maple with solid Iron 4 leg Iron base. Beautiful bookcase set by Paul...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Iron
H 57 in W 36 in D 12 in
Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base Clean
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 solid maple with original walnut finish on an Iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group, single cent...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Iron
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Bookcase or Bar Cabinet, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern bookcase or bar cabinet
By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection"
USA, 1950s
Gorgeous Honduran mahogany...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Brass
H 37.75 in W 60 in D 14 in
Paul McCobb Shelving Bookcase For Fritz Hansen MC500
By Fritz Hansen, Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Designed by the late Paul McCobb, a pioneer of contemporary democratic design, the Planner™ Shelving series combines his signature graphic aesthetic with elegant expression. Named af...
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21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Paul McCobb Planner Group Birch Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern bookcase
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid birch, with steel hairpin legs.
Measures: 36"W x...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases
Materials
Steel
Paul Mccobb bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.
Paul McCobb bookcases are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paul McCobb bookcases, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original bookcases by Paul McCobb were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider bookcases by George Nelson, Herman Miller, and Drexel. Prices for Paul McCobb bookcases can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,450 and can go as high as $24,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,200.
Creators Similar to Paul McCobb
Questions About Paul McCobb Bookcases
- 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, 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, 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.