Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
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.
to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
3
3
3
3
1
2
2
3
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
465
30
26
23
22
Creator: Paul McCobb
Midcentury Paul McCobb 4 Drawer Cabinet on Brass Base
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb rare 4 drawer dresser Irwin Collection by Calvin- Irwin Collection. Walnut Chest on a brass base. In wonderful original condition showing nice grain patterns an...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin Collection MCM Walnut Gentleman's Chest Dresser
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin Collection Mid Century Walnut Gentleman's Chest Dresser
This gentleman’s chest measures: 48 wide x 19 deep x 50 inches high
All pieces of furniture can...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Walnut
Paul McCobb Planner Group Midcentury 4 Drawer Dresser with Sliding Door Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb planner group midcentury 4-drawer dresser with sliding door cabinet.
The bottom measures: 36 wide x 18 deep x 42.25 inches hig...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Brass
Related Items
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Dresser or Chest of Drawers, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern six-drawer dresser or chest of drawers
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, Circa 1950s
Solid birch, with original ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Brass
H 33.5 in W 48 in D 18.13 in
Paul McCobb for Planner Group MCM Blond or Ebony Maple Three-Drawer Chest
By Planner Group, Winchendon, Paul McCobb
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Maple
H 33.25 in W 36 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb "Irwin Collection" Credenza w/ Bi-Folding Doors
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Brass
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 Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Brass
H 76 in W 59.5 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb Black Lacquer and Brass Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern eight-drawer long dresser or credenza
By Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture.
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered walnut, with brass finished trim and ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Walnut, Lacquer
H 34.13 in W 66.13 in D 18.75 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Walnut Gentleman's Chest, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin "Linear Group" Long Dresser Credenza Cabinet 8-Drawer
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Made by Calvin Furniture, this piece was designed by American legend Paul McCobb. Out of the thousands of documented designs by McCobb, this line is, in our opinion, one of the best....
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Aluminum
"Components" Gentleman's Chest by Paul McCobb for Lane Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Lane Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Nestled securely in the intersection of high end design and old world craftsmanship is Paul McCobb's sought-after "Components" collection for Lane Furniture of...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Metal
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, 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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Dresser for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul McCobb design six drawer dresser for his Planner Group series for Winchendon Furniture Company. Made from solid maple wood that has been professionally lacquered in a light Pist...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Birch Six-Drawer Dresser, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An iconic Mid-Century Modern six-drawer dresser or credenza
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid birch, with brass hardware.
Measures: 48"W x...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Brass
H 33.25 in W 48 in D 18.25 in
Previously Available Items
Midcentury Paul McCobb Night Stand Calvin Irwin Collection
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb rare Single Nightstand /bedside table. The Irwin Collection by Calvin. Walnut case piece topped with Carrara Marble on a brass ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Carrara Marble, Brass
Paul McCobb For Calvin Mid Century Highboy Armoire
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb For Calvin Mid Century Highboy Armoire
The armoire measures: 48 wide x 19.25 deep x 50.25 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass "X" Base Highboy Dresser
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century brass "X" base highboy dresser
Dresser measures: 36 wide x 19.5 deep x 53 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restor...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Paul Mccobb Tall Chest of Drawers
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this Tallboy dresser Designed by Paul McCobb "Perimeter Group" for Winchendon featuring rose wood details on a 7-drawer maple cabinet.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb Marble-Top Dresser for H. Sacks & Sons
By H Sacks & Sons, Paul McCobb
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Walnut 5-drawer dresser with original marble top by Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons, Brookline Mass, circa 1960. Dresser has the original metal label on the left top drawer. Dresser ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Marble
Fine Wardrobe Chest by Paul McCobb for Directional
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Danville, CA
Ebonized wardrobe cabinet by Paul McCobb for Directional- made by Calvin for the Irwin collection. The chest has been painstakingly restored and refinished.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Calvin Group Irwin Collection Dresser
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Garnerville, NY
Beautiful walnut construction and design by Paul McCobb for Calvin. 20 removable compartment shelves flanking five drawers hidden by two folding doors. The flip top mirror compartmen...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture "Irwin Collection" Gentleman's Chest
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered walnut gentleman's chest, designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture's "Irwin Coll...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Walnut, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Gentleman's Chest
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb irwin collection for Calvin. The dresser features two hinged doors and has 20 shelves for individual shirt next to five drawers. Above there are two small drawers and a f...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Brass
Paul Mccobb wardrobes and armoires for sale on 1stDibs.
Paul McCobb wardrobes and armoires 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 wardrobes and armoires, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original wardrobes and armoires by Paul McCobb were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider wardrobes and armoires by Drexel, Milo Baughman, and Broyhill Brasilia. Prices for Paul McCobb wardrobes and armoires can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,150 and can go as high as $8,250, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,595.
Creators Similar to Paul McCobb
Questions About Paul McCobb Wardrobes and Armoires
- 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.