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.
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Eight Drawer Chest with Brass Leg Posts
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb for Directional #7025 black Chest of Drawers. Featuring newly restored and re-enameled rectangular black enameled eight drawer Chest, Dresser, detailed with reflective Br...
Brass
Paul McCobb for Planner Group MCM Blond or Ebony Maple Three-Drawer Chest
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in St. Louis, MO
Single Paul McCobb Planner Group chest / dressers for Winchendon. Three drawers with solid brass cone pulls on angled tapered legs. The chest is shown sold, but have another in a mor...
Maple
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb "Linear Group" 4-Drawer Dresser
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Walnut
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany Chest of Drawers, Newly Refinished
By Directional, Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Mid-Century Modern dresser or chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Mahogany, with brass l...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb 20 Drawer Chest of Drawers on Iron Base
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s highly coveted 20 drawer dresser by Paul McCobb, featuring a black painted iron base that taper to adjustable threaded feet. The case in solid birch with 10 central pull out...
Brass, Iron
Pair of MCM Paul McCobb for Planner Group Blond Maple Three-Drawer Chests
By Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
All original pair of Paul McCobb Planner Group chest / dressers for Winchendon. Three drawers, brass cone pulls on tapered legs. Touched up original finish. Can be ebonized for addit...
Maple
Pair of Modern Chests by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, USA, Circa 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Norwalk, CT
An iconic pair of McCobb chests, manufacturers by Planner Group circa 1950s. Distinctive modern legs. Original solid brass custom pulls. This pair has b...
Maple
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Walnut Gentleman's Chest, Newly Refinished
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern gentleman's chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Gorgeous book-matched...
Brass
Pair of Refinished Paul McCobb Three Drawers Dressers Planner Group Tapered Legs
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern solid birch three drawers dresser by Paul McCobb.
Birch
1950s Paul McCobb 4-Drawer Correspondence Letter Chest Jewelry Box Dresser
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A wonderful tabletop letter cabinet for desktop or atop a dresser. It is in original unrestored condition and finish. Some wear to top surface and nor...
Steel
Pair of Paul McCobb Planner Group Chest of Drawers Dresser
By Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
A pair of solid maple chest of drawers designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon, part of the iconic Planner Group Series. This version features McCobb’s distinctive aluminum ring pulls...
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Planner Group Six-Drawer on Bench by Winchendon
By Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid maple and aluminium ring pulls. The drawer is in good condition. Signed!
Aluminum
Nicely Refinished Paul McCobb for Winchedon Planner Group Blond Chest of Drawers
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Ferndale, MI
Nicely refinished McCobb for Winchendon blonde maple chest of drawers with aluminum ring pulls . Early branded mark inside drawer.
Aluminum
Pair of Paul McCobb Planner Group Chest of Drawers Dresser
By Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Nice aluminum ring pull version in solid maple on this matching pair of Paul McCobb drawer for Winchendon from the famous Planner Group Series.
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Gentleman's Tall Chest Irwin Collection for Calvin Furniture, 1956
By Paul McCobb
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist Paul McCobb's gentleman's walnut chest with a fold down mirror Irwin line for Calvin. The accordion doors are book matched veneer opening to 18 shirt shelves and fi...
Brass
Harvey Probber Black Lacquer Mahogany Brass Hardware and Legs 4 Drawer Chest
By Paul McCobb, Harvey Probber
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern black lacquer mahogany brass hardware bachelor chest compact dresser by Harvey Probber.
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Jewelry Chest of Ten Drawers
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb jewelry chest of ten drawers Best to refinish this item. Finish shows wear as does the interiors of the drawers.
Wood
Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Gentleman's Chest
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful vintage walnut gentleman's chest designed by Paul McCobb for his iconic mid-century modern series by Calvin Furniture. Framed in a beautifully grained walnut veneer, this i...
Brass
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 3 Drawer Chest Dresser
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 3 Drawer Chest Dresser This chest measures: 36 wide x 18.25 deep x 33.5 high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored v...
Wood
Paul McCobb Chest
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined Mid-Century Modern chest, designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin, American, circa 1950s. This piece is currently being refinished and can be completed in your choice of colo...
Brass, Metal
Paul McCobb Gentleman's Chest of Drawers in Mahogany, circa 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
The timeless Mahogany Gentleman's Chest of Drawers designed by legendary designer Paul McCobb in the 1950s, now fully restored by Stamford Modern. This stunning piece is a testament ...
Brass
Four Drawers Small Petit Narrow Bachelor Chest
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice narrow Mid-Century Modern bachelor chest by Paul McCobb.
Aluminum
Pair of Paul McCobb Three-Drawer Planner Group Chest of Drawer Dressers
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
These matching pair of solid maple three-drawer chests designed by Paul McCobb as part of his Planner Group. The handles are "T" bar metal pulls.
Metal
Paul McCobb Petite Sideboard Cabinet Dark Walnut Brass Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Westport, CT
Paul McCobb for Planner Group, midsize dark walnut four draw brass pull elegant sideboard cabinet.
Mahogany, Walnut
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...
Steel
Paul McCobb Gentlemans High Chest Dresser Calvin Furniture Irwin Collection Mint
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Paul McCobb Gentlemans high chest dresser Calvin Furniture Irwin Collection MINT
Brass
Paul McCobb Gentleman's Tall Chest Irwin Collection for Calvin Furniture, 1956
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Camden, ME
Paul McCobb's gentleman's walnut chest with a fold down mirror Irwin line for Calvin. The accordion doors are bookmatched veneer opening to 18 shirt shelves and five graduated drawe...
Mirror, Walnut
Shabby Chic Finish 5 Drawers Paul McCobb Dresser with Cone Pulls
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Super nice shabby chic finish five drawers Paul McCobb tall dresser bachelor chest.
Birch
Paul McCobb Walnut Dresser by Calvin Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
A walnut dresser from the “Linear Group” collection by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture. USA, circa 1950-1960. Crafted in walnut with aluminum hardware, and having eight drawers.
Metal
H 33 in W 48 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Blonde with Black Drawers Dresser on Wrought Iron Base
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Ferndale, MI
Master of mid-century American modular design Paul McCobb for Winchedon Planner group six drawer dresser. Maple case holds black lacquered drawers...
Wrought Iron
H 29.93 in W 19.89 in D 17.13 in
PH Small Drawer Chest, brass legs, mahogany veneer, green leather, ash drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This small but perfectly formed storage piece is made out of wood and can be combined with soft leather on the panels. It is elegant and stylish all the way around and from all angles. Poul Henningsen designed this in 1920. The PH Small Drawer Chest...
Leather, Mahogany
H 36 in W 66 in D 19.5 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin
By Calvin Furniture, Directional, Paul McCobb
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...
Brass
H 58 in W 36 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Group Display Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Paul McCobb For Calvin Linear Group Buffet Display Cabinet. The Linear Group was designed by Paul McCobb and manufactured by Calvin Furniture. This piece is comprised of two pieces...
Aluminum
H 34.5 in W 71.5 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb "Irwin Collection" Credenza with Travertine Stone Top & Brass Accent
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid Century modern credenza designed by Paul McCobb for the “Irwin Collection” at Calvin Group in the United States circa 1950’s. This stunning credenza sits on a beautiful polished ...
Travertine, Brass
H 34.5 in W 71.5 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb Chest of Drawers for Calvin The Irwin Collection
By Irwin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Chest of Drawers for Calvin, The Irwin Collection,model 7306 features, Mahogany wood screenfold doors with piano hinges and magnetic catches conceals 16 total drawers, br...
Travertine, Brass
H 6 in W 36 in D 12.25 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Jewelry Chest of Ten Drawers
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb jewelry chest of ten drawers Best to refinish this item. Finish shows wear as does the interiors of the drawers.
Wood
H 34.75 in W 71 in D 19 in
Mid-Century "Irwin Collection" Travertine Credenza by Paul McCobb
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Introducing a timeless mid-century credenza designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture in Grand Rapids, Michigan, circa 1950s. It is part of The Irwin Collection, renowned for its exceptional design and top-notch quality. The credenza features 6 bi-folding doors that conceal a large adjustable shelf and 4 dovetail drawers, providing ample storage space. The rich mahogany case is elegantly supported by a minimalist brass tone base, and the top features a natural travertine top, adding an exquisite touch. Crafted with high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship, this piece exemplifies luxury. Recently restored to its original beauty, this credenza is ready to grace your space and comes with the original designer's plaque. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When you purchase vintage furniture from Danish Modern NoHo...
Travertine, Brass
H 18.5 in W 48 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Modular Ebonized Maple Dresser
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
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...
Aluminum
H 33.25 in W 36 in D 18 in
Pair of Modern Chests by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, USA, Circa 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Norwalk, CT
An iconic pair of McCobb chests, manufacturers by Planner Group circa 1950s. Distinctive modern legs. Original solid brass custom pulls. This pair has b...
Maple
H 32 in W 72 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Eight Drawer Marble Top Dresser
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early Paul McCobb designed "Irwin" Collection dresser made by Calvin Furniture of Grand Rapids, MI. Robust walnut construction conceals eight large pull-out drawers behind a pair of ...
Stone, Marble, Brass
H 50 in W 48.25 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Walnut Gentleman's Chest, Newly Refinished
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern gentleman's chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Gorgeous book-matched...
Brass
H 32 in W 36 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Dresser - Mid Century Modern Three Drawer Chest
By Planner Group, Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Decatur, GA
Stellar three drawer Planner Group chest by Paul McCobb for Winchendon, circa 1950s. Black wrought iron base and teardrop pulls. Fully restored and ready for use. Excellent condition...
Iron, Wrought Iron
H 36.25 in W 36 in D 19.25 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass X Base Dresser Chest of Drawers
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass X Base Dresser Chest of Drawers This chest of drawers measures: 36 wide x 19.25 deep x 36.25 high All pieces of furniture can be had in wha...
Brass
H 34.5 in W 36 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb, Chest of Drawers, Mahogany, Brass, USA, 1960s
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and mahogany chest of drawers designed by Paul McCobb and produced by Calvin Furniture, USA, c. 1960s.
Brass
H 36.13 in W 36 in D 19.25 in
Paul Mccobb Calvin Group Mahogany and Brass Five-Drawer Chest / Dresser
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul Mccobb Calvin Group five-drawer chest (model 1003) manufactured by Directional Furniture (ca. early 1950s, USA). Composed of a stained mahogany chest with brass tear-drop pulls ...
Brass
H 34 in W 72 in D 18 in
Paul Mccobb for Calvin Linear 3 Piece Mid Century Modern Vanity Chest Set
By Paul McCobb
Located in Denville, NJ
We photograph and list inventory in the condition it arrives at our warehouse to streamline operations and focus on restoration for current orders. This also enables us to maintain a...
Chrome
H 34.5 in W 36 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb Chest from the Irwin Collection for Calvin
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This is one of the best well crafted and tightly tailored pieces by the iconic designer Paul MCobb . Featuring brass pulls and leg structure contrasting wit...
Brass
H 33.25 in W 36 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Dresser or Chest of Drawers, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern three-drawer dresser or chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch, with original bras...
Brass
H 34 in W 24 in D 18 in
Mid Century Paul McCobb Occasional Chest
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in Minneapolis, MN
A rare design by American mid century designer Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons. Mahogany cabinet with solid brass legs and perfectly proportioned brass drawer pulls. An excellent ent...
Brass
H 57.5 in W 36 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb 2 pc. Bookcase / Chest from the Planner Group Collection
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted solid medium toned maple wood two piece three drawer chest with matching bookcase top . This very early production piece from designer Paul McCobb has the first s...
Aluminum
H 45.25 in W 42 in D 18 in
Mid Century Modern Delineator Chest of Drawers by Paul McCobb for Lane, c1960s
By Paul McCobb, Lane Furniture
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Prepare yourself to indulge in the timeless elegance and sophistication of mid-century modern design with this rare model of the 'Delineator' series Chest of Drawers. Designed by the...
Chrome
H 31 in W 24 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bachelor Chest, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern three-drawer bachelor chest or bedside chest By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid birch, wit...
Brass
H 33.08 in W 72.84 in D 18.12 in
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Twenty Drawer Chest Of Drawers or Credenza
By Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Twenty Drawer Chest Of Drawers or Credenza, USA 1960s. Paul McCobb (1917-1969) was an American furniture and industrial designer who gained prominence in t...
Wrought Iron