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.
Color: Brown
Creator: Paul McCobb
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1502 Small Jewelry Chest 10-Drawer Maple Brass
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Rare Paul McCobb #1502 3' small chest of drawers in solid maple construction with walnut finish. Very high quality construction with original brass pulls black coated. Made for top o...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Small Maple Cabinet by Paul McCobb Planner Group #1512 B&W Doors
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful midcentury small cabinet by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1512 has 1 fixed shelf - solid maple construction has a blonde la...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Iron
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Credenza or Record Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern credenza, bar cabinet, or record cabinet
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered solid birch, w...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mahogany and Brass Lift Top Bar Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern lift top bar cabinet
By Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons, "Connoisseur Collection"
USA, 1950s
Ho...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Bookcase/Storage Cabinet by Paul McCobb Planner Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A cabinet sitting on a bench base with conical legs, having one adjustable shelve
sliding doors and storage finished in satin black having brass finger pulls . Solid maple wood con...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Jewelry Chest by Paul McCobb Planner Group, Ten Drawers, Original Brass Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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
Midcentury Credenza by Paul McCobb Planner Group #1513 Wood Doors Maple
By Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful midcentury low credenza cabinet with sliding doors by Paul McCobb circa 1950 planner group #1513 - solid maple construction has a Blonde maple finish. All original Wood sliding front doors with brass finger hole pull sits on 4 tapered maple legs. Good vintage condition. Normal wear on top surface. No inside shelves. Wire hole in back and center dividers for stereo equipment...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Blond 4-Drawer Dresser Cabinet with Original Finish Mid-Century Era
By Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A practical and stylish Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon solid maple tall 4-drawer dresser with original finish intact. All drawers work well, with clean interiors. No breaks...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Metal
Server and Dining Room Set by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Add timeless Mid-Century Modern style to your dining room with this vintage set by Paul McCobb. It includes an expanding dining table, six chairs (2 with arms, 4 without), and a large server...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass Base Credenza with Hutch
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century brass base credenza with hutch
The credenza measures: 60 wide x 19 deep x 60.75 inches
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call re...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Mahogany Lift Top Bar Cabinet, Refinished
By H Sacks & Sons, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern lift top bar cabinet
By Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons, "Connoisseur Collection"
USA, 1950s
Ma...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
Bookcase/Storage Cabinet by Paul McCobb Planner Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A cabinet sitting on a bench base with conical legs, having one fixed shelve with sliding doors and storage finished in satin black having brass finger pulls. Solid maple wood constr...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Pair Paul McCobb Cabinets in Mahogany and Polished Brass, Connoisseur Collection
By H Sacks & Sons, Paul McCobb
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of Paul McCobb storage cabinets / chests / dressers from the Connoisseur Collection manufactured by H. Sacks and Sons, 1950s. Professionally refinished in the recent past. Very ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Brass
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
Pair of Paul McCobb Cabinets
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, 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 8-Drawer Dresser Cabinet with Original Finish Mid-Century Era
By Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very practical Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon solid maple 8-drawer dresser with original finish intact. All drawers work well, with clean interiors. No breaks or repairs....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Metal
Paul McCobb Perimeter Group Ebonized Double-Sided Room Divider, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern ebonized birch double sided wall unit or room divider
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Perimeter Group"
USA, 1950s
Measures...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Paul McCobb for Calvin Midcentury Walnut Sliding Door Credenza, Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern credenza or media cabinet designed by Paul McCobb for his Linear Group line for Calvin Furniture. The credenza features stunning walnut wood grain w...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenza Cabinet for Planner Group, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Nice small scale credenza cabinet by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, 1950s. Solid maple shell with original grass cloth sliders.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Grasscloth, Maple
Tall Walnut and Leather Cabinet with Glass Doors by Paul McCobb for H. Sacks
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dorchester, MA
In this handsome Paul McCobb–designed cabinet, oiled walnut frames glass and leather-fronted cases. The upper display case has six adjustable glass shelves; the lower case features t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Glass, Leather, Walnut
Paul McCobb Planner Group Credenza or Media Cabinet, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern solid birch credenza or media cabinet
Designed by Paul McCobb for his Planner Group line for Winchendon Furniture
USA, 1950s
Solid ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Sliding Door Cabinet by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Leatherette covered sliding door cabinet with aluminum trim accents from the Paul McCobb Calvin collection. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Four Piece Cabinets with Benches, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Southampton, NY
Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group four piece cabinets with benches in original orange doors with black lacquer finish.
Manufactured by Winchendo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Wood
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
Mid-Century Modern Étagères by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
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 Planner Group Cabinet on Bench for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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 Planner Group Sideboard
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simple Classic McCobb maple cabinet with sliding grasscloth covered doors on splayed tapered legs. Interior is a function mix of drawers and shelv...
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Maple, Grasscloth
Paul McCobb for Calvin
By Paul McCobb
Located in Miami, FL
We have 3 cabinets by Paul McCobb for Calvin. Wood with metal trim. Each cabinet has 4 drawers. Can be sold individually for $4500 each. SET is $12500.
Category
1960s American Minimalist Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase with Jewelry Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 or display cabinet. Solid maple with on iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb, circa 195...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Iron
Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase with Jewelry Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 or display cabinet. Solid maple with on iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb, circa 195...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Iron
Pair of Paul McCobb Storage Cabinets for Use with or Without the Top Section
By Paul McCobb
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of Paul McCobb storage cabinets with disappearing bifold doors. Each unit is two pieces with finished backs so these can be used as a pair of room dividers...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase with Jewelry Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 solid maple with original tobacco finish on wood base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb, circa 19...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Cabinets
Materials
Maple, Wood
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.
Creators Similar to Paul McCobb
Questions About Paul McCobb Cabinets
- 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.