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Paul McCobb Cabinets

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 Black Lacquered Record Cabinet With Sliding Doors
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Record Cabinet With Sliding Doors

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Record Cabinet With Sliding Doors

$2,395

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Record Cabinet With Sliding Doors

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern black lacquered solid maple record cabinet or bar cabinet with sliding doors By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Meas...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Mid-Century Small Cabinet by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1512 Black
Mid-Century Small Cabinet by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1512 Black

Mid-Century Small Cabinet by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1512 Black

$1,198Sale Price|60% Off

Mid-Century Small Cabinet by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1512 Black

By Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful mid-century small cabinet by Paul McCobb circa 1950 planner group #1512 has 1 fixed shelf - solid maple construction has original black lacquer finish. Has original seaweed...

Category

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

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin

$5,875

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture, 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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb, Irwin Collection for Calvin Wall Unit Hutch Credenza
Paul McCobb, Irwin Collection for Calvin Wall Unit Hutch Credenza

Paul McCobb, Irwin Collection for Calvin Wall Unit Hutch Credenza

$18,000

Paul McCobb, Irwin Collection for Calvin Wall Unit Hutch Credenza

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern, two piece, walnut and brass, wall unit hutch credenza by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, Irwin Collection features a bottom crede...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Model 1500 Maple & Black Single Drawer Cabinet, 1950s
Paul McCobb Planner Group Model 1500 Maple & Black Single Drawer Cabinet, 1950s

Paul McCobb Planner Group Model 1500 Maple & Black Single Drawer Cabinet, 1950s

$2,500

Paul McCobb Planner Group Model 1500 Maple & Black Single Drawer Cabinet, 1950s

By Planner Group, Winchendon, Paul McCobb

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon Single Drawer Maple Nightstand. Cabinet. End Table. Featuring a Black lacquered surround with solid Maple Drawer, original Aluminum donut rin...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum

Paul Mccobb Credenza #7306-E
Paul Mccobb Credenza #7306-E

Paul Mccobb Credenza #7306-E

$5,500

Paul Mccobb Credenza #7306-E

By Paul McCobb

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A Paul Mccobb Bi-fold door Credenza Original bleached Mahogany and Vitrolite glass top 16 drawers.

Category

1970s North American Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Paul McCobb Cabinets
Pair of Paul McCobb Cabinets

Pair of Paul McCobb Cabinets

$5,330Sale Price / set|35% Off

Pair of Paul McCobb Cabinets

By Paul McCobb

Located in Huntington, NY

A pair of Paul McCobb Cabinets, planner group Maple frame with Chromed metal door pulls, white laminated back panels With one adjustable height ...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Paul McCobb Blond 10-Drawer Jewelry Cabinet with Original Finish Mid-Century Era
Paul McCobb Blond 10-Drawer Jewelry Cabinet with Original Finish Mid-Century Era

Paul McCobb Blond 10-Drawer Jewelry Cabinet with Original Finish Mid-Century Era

$2,500

Paul McCobb Blond 10-Drawer Jewelry Cabinet with Original Finish Mid-Century Era

By Paul McCobb

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A rare and large Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon solid maple 10-drawer jewelry chest with original finish intact. All drawers work well, with clean interiors. No breaks or r...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Paul McCobb Planner Group Modular Two Piece 1512 Record Cabinet 1540 Low Table
Paul McCobb Planner Group Modular Two Piece 1512 Record Cabinet 1540 Low Table

Paul McCobb Planner Group Modular Two Piece 1512 Record Cabinet 1540 Low Table

$1,950 / set

Paul McCobb Planner Group Modular Two Piece 1512 Record Cabinet 1540 Low Table

By Paul McCobb, Winchendon

Located in Forest Grove, PA

A Paul McCobb Planner Group modular two piece record cabinet consisting of a No. 1512 cabinet sitting on a No. 1540 low table. The inside of a cabinet is H 22 3/4", W 22 1/2" and D 1...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum

Jewelry Chest by Paul McCobb Planner Group, Ten Drawers, Original Brass Pulls
Jewelry Chest by Paul McCobb Planner Group, Ten Drawers, Original Brass Pulls

Jewelry Chest by Paul McCobb Planner Group, Ten Drawers, Original Brass Pulls

$3,450

Jewelry Chest by Paul McCobb Planner Group, Ten Drawers, Original Brass Pulls

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Kansas City, MO

Ten-drawer Paul MccCobb Planner Group jewelry cabinet with original brass pulls. Very good completely original condition with some signs of wear and scratches which should be evident...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Directional Black Two Door Cabinet with Brass Leg Posts
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Two Door Cabinet with Brass Leg Posts

Paul McCobb for Directional Black Two Door Cabinet with Brass Leg Posts

$3,500

Paul McCobb for Directional Black Two Door Cabinet with Brass Leg Posts

By Paul McCobb, Directional

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Paul McCobb for Directional #7026 Black Two door Cabinet with Drawer. Featuring newly restored and re-enameled rectangular black enameled hinged two door swing door Cabinet, top draw...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Sliding Door Cabinet with Hutch
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Sliding Door Cabinet with Hutch

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Sliding Door Cabinet with Hutch

$3,295

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Sliding Door Cabinet with Hutch

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Sliding Door Cabinet with Hutch The chest of drawers measures: 36 wide x 18 deep x 33.5 inches high The hutch measures: 36 wide x 12 deep x...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Sliding Door Cabinet with Hutch - Pair
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Sliding Door Cabinet with Hutch - Pair

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Sliding Door Cabinet with Hutch - Pair

$6,495

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Sliding Door Cabinet with Hutch - Pair

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Sliding Door Cabinet with Hutch - Pair Each chest of drawers measures: 36 wide x 18 deep x 33.5 inches high Each hutch measures: 36 wide x ...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Walnut Cabinet for H. Sacks & Sons Connoisseur Collection
Paul McCobb Walnut Cabinet for H. Sacks & Sons Connoisseur Collection

Paul McCobb Walnut Cabinet for H. Sacks & Sons Connoisseur Collection

$2,300

Paul McCobb Walnut Cabinet for H. Sacks & Sons Connoisseur Collection

By Paul McCobb

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A very well crafted and beautifully grained walnut chest with two doors having chrome pulls and one adjustable shelve . A slight space to the top and bottom trim give the piece a tai...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Rare configuration Paul McCobb Cabinet on early bench with wrought Iron base
Rare configuration Paul McCobb Cabinet on early bench with wrought Iron base

Rare configuration Paul McCobb Cabinet on early bench with wrought Iron base

$1,900Sale Price|29% Off

Rare configuration Paul McCobb Cabinet on early bench with wrought Iron base

By Paul McCobb

Located in Ferndale, MI

Paul McCobb for Winchendon. Nicely refinished early production pieces on original wrought iron base. Measures: Cabinet: 24" wide x 18" deep x 16.25" tall. Bench: 60" wide x 18" deep ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rare Paul McCobb modular cabinet , aluminum ring pulls / iron base
Rare Paul McCobb modular cabinet , aluminum ring pulls / iron base

Rare Paul McCobb modular cabinet , aluminum ring pulls / iron base

$3,200

Rare Paul McCobb modular cabinet , aluminum ring pulls / iron base

By Paul McCobb

Located in Buffalo, NY

Unusual Paul McCobb modular cabinet on rare iron base, aluminum ring pulls..solid maple construction . 40 years in the business , I have owned several Paul McCobb pieces ,I have neve...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum, Iron

Paul McCobb for Bell and Howell Mid Century Cane and Brass Stereo Console
Paul McCobb for Bell and Howell Mid Century Cane and Brass Stereo Console

Paul McCobb for Bell and Howell Mid Century Cane and Brass Stereo Console

$8,447

Paul McCobb for Bell and Howell Mid Century Cane and Brass Stereo Console

By Bell & Howell, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Bell and Howell Mid Century cane and brass Stereo Console This stereo console measures: 50 wide x 19 deep x 33.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Cabinet on Bench for Winchendon
Paul McCobb Planner Group Cabinet on Bench for Winchendon

Paul McCobb Planner Group Cabinet on Bench for Winchendon

$2,950 / set

Paul McCobb Planner Group Cabinet on Bench for Winchendon

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Berlin, DE

Rare combination of a green and black McCobb Cabinet on a white McCobb Bench. Original very good condition with some lacquer chips.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company 20-Drawer Server (Planner Group)
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company 20-Drawer Server (Planner Group)

Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company 20-Drawer Server (Planner Group)

$12,800

Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company 20-Drawer Server (Planner Group)

By Paul McCobb, Winchendon

Located in Queens, NY

Mid-Century American (circa 1950s, Planner Group) blond wood rectangular server / cabinet 20 total drawers: 5 with shaped fronts on each side concealed by hinged cabinet doors, 4 nar...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid-Century Vanity Cabinet
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid-Century Vanity Cabinet

Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid-Century Vanity Cabinet

$2,595 / set

Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid-Century Vanity Cabinet

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear midcentury vanity cabinet This vanity cabinet measures: 75 wide x 18 deep x 40 inches high We take our photo...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner Group Modular Cabinet
Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner Group Modular Cabinet

Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner Group Modular Cabinet

$2,289

Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner Group Modular Cabinet

By Paul McCobb

Located in Tulsa, OK

Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner Group Modular Cabinet Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected slight finish wear and scratching. Has a couple small dings and discolorations on top. Table has some rings...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Cabinets

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Credenza by Winchendon Perimeter Group
Paul McCobb Credenza by Winchendon Perimeter Group

Paul McCobb Credenza by Winchendon Perimeter Group

$4,600

Paul McCobb Credenza by Winchendon Perimeter Group

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This vintage Paul McCobb Perimeter Group credenza features double-sided cabinets, drawers for storage, and unique ebonized finish. Classic McCobb drawe...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Etageres by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, 1950s
Etageres by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, 1950s

Etageres by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, 1950s

$21,500

Etageres by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, 1950s

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A well scaled Mid-Century Modern étagère in bleached walnut designed by Paul McCobb. The cabinet or shelf set is constructed in solid walnut wood and brass and features two separate ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb 'Cache' Desk Organizer, Steel & Oak, Mid-Century Modern
Paul McCobb 'Cache' Desk Organizer, Steel & Oak, Mid-Century Modern

Paul McCobb 'Cache' Desk Organizer, Steel & Oak, Mid-Century Modern

$897 / item

Paul McCobb 'Cache' Desk Organizer, Steel & Oak, Mid-Century Modern

By Paul McCobb

Located in Berlin, DE

The Desk Organizer is a beautifully simplistic and easy table with slim and straight steel legs, stripped from any details or ornament, leaving only small drawers that can be mounted...

Category

2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Cabinets

Materials

Steel

Paul Mccobb Vintage Dresser for Calvin The Irwin Collection
Paul Mccobb Vintage Dresser for Calvin The Irwin Collection

Paul Mccobb Vintage Dresser for Calvin The Irwin Collection

$4,950

Paul Mccobb Vintage Dresser for Calvin The Irwin Collection

By Paul McCobb

Located in Chicago, IL

Paul Mccobb vintage dresser for Calvin The Irwin Collection.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Stereo Record Cabinet H. Sacks & Sons
Paul McCobb Stereo Record Cabinet H. Sacks & Sons

Paul McCobb Stereo Record Cabinet H. Sacks & Sons

$3,400

Paul McCobb Stereo Record Cabinet H. Sacks & Sons

By Paul McCobb

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A very hard to find Paul McCobb designed walnut stereo record cabinet sitting on stainless steel legs . Having two storage bins to the left , lower seven slots for record storage, pu...

Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Paul Mccobb cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul McCobb cabinets 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 cabinets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 66 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original cabinets 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 cabinets by Edward Wormley, Baker Furniture Company, and Drexel. Prices for Paul McCobb cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $825 and can go as high as $24,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,500.

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Questions About Paul McCobb Cabinets
  • 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.

More Paul McCobb Furniture

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