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 Lacquered Flip Top Server Bar Cart, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern flip top extension rolling bar cart server By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Calvin Group" USA, 1950s Black lacqu...
Brass
Modernist Drop leaf Planner Group Bar Cart Table by Paul McCobb . wood & iron
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare Midcentury bar cart #1250 designed by Paul McCobb for planner group collection, circa 1950. Featuring one dove-tail drawer and 2 fold down leaves. Retains Original finish / pati...
Iron
Paul McCobb Travertine, Mahogany and Brass Bar Cart
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
Elevate your home decor with this exquisite brass and mahogany bar cart by Paul McCobb, exclusively designed for the discerning mid-century modern enthusiast. Featuring a luxurious t...
Travertine, Metal
$2,800 / item
Planner Group Bar Cart Table by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Midcentury bar cart #1250 designed by Paul McCobb for planner group collection, circa 1950. Featuring one drawer and 2 fold down leaves. Original Wax mark on bottom. Fully Ope...
Maple
Paul McCobb Planner Group Side Tables for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of Paul McCobb design Planner Group side tables for Winchendon Furniture. Original matched pair in solid maple with brass cone shape pulls, labeled and in very good original con...
Maple
Beautifully Refinished Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful solid wood coffee table. From the Planner Group line designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company. Retains original manufacturer’s label and guaranteed authenti...
Maple
$1,436Sale Price|55% Off
H 27.96 in W 30.32 in D 18.12 in
Hollywood Regency Bar Cart Made of Brass and Mahogany, Maison Jansen
By Maison Jansen
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This French design from the 1950s has not lost any of its elegance and grace. It is a beautiful yet practical piece of furniture. Especially mark the large glass tray...
Brass
$2,105
H 30.32 in W 36.23 in D 18.9 in
Mid-Century Mahogany Wood and Brass Italian Serving Bar Cart, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Unique mid-century bar cart in mahogany wood and brass. This fantastic item was designed in Italy during the 1960s. This magnificent bar cart is amazing because of the shape of th...
Metal, Brass
Brass and Glass Bar Cart
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Elegant brass and glass bar cart with 4 glass shelves, sculptural tires. Gabriella Crespi inspired.
Brass
1950's Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk & Chair Set
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Southampton, NJ
A striking Paul McCobb four drawer desk and matching chair set with white laminate top. All original 1950's from the Planner Group series, this scarcely seen set with original tag ha...
Brass
$4,050
H 16.5 in W 60 in D 24 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron and Maple Coffee Table, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern coffee table or bench By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Iron frame and solid maple top, with black lacquered drawers...
Iron
Aldo Tura Lacquered Goatskin Bar Cart
By Aldo Tura
Located in Atlanta, GA
Glamourous Lacquered Goatskin Bar Cart, designed by Aldo Tura, Italy, circa 1960s. It is a versatile size and can be used as a cocktail bar or serving cart, or as rolling storage in ...
Goatskin, Glass, Wood
Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron and Reed Side Table
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon, Planner Group
Located in New Windsor, NY
Planner Group side table designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. Circa 1955. Featuring a birch top, iron frame and split reed lower shelf. Good overall honest wear and overall condit...
Iron
Midcentury Brass Bar Cart
Located in Atlanta, GA
Midcentury brass bar cart, probably Italian, circa 1960s. It is a versatile size and can be used as a bar or serving cart or as extra rollin...
Brass, Metal
Midcentury Danish Modern Teak extension Bar Cart Server
By Arne Vodder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simple mid century Danish modern teak bar cart server with two drawers and a lower shelf on casters. Solid teak wood construction top extends to reveal a black laminate center top. O...
Teak
Oval Travertine and Lucite Side Table / Bar Cart
Located in New York, NY
Oval side table has glass top with round chrome cap, lucite column, travertine lower shelf and metal base. Wheels underneath for ease of movement around living / work space. Wonderful for use as bar cart. From a Lake Shore Drive, Chicago estate.
Travertine
Sold
H 30.25 in W 40 in D 20 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Lacquered Flip Top Server Bar Cart, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern flip top extension rolling bar cart server By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture USA, 1950s Black lacquered mahogany, w...
Brass
Paul McCobb Bar Cart
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Brass and mahogany bar cart by Paul McCobb; features a travertine top above a slide and detachable tray, complemented by two side by side drawers and multiple shelves. Signed with...
Metal, Brass
Paul McCobb For Calvin Mid Century Extension Bar Serving Cart
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century extension bar serving cart The cart measures: 40.25 wide x 20.25 deep x 29 inches high; when opened the cart measures 80.5 inches wide All pi...
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 30 in D 18 in
Rare Midcentury Paul McCobb Bar Tea Serving Cart Maple Iron Planner Group
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Rare Midcentury bar cart #1250 designed by Paul McCobb for planner group collection, circa 1950's. This gorgeous piece is all original and complete. Featuring one small drawer and 2 ...
Iron
Midcentury Paul McCobb Bar Cart or Serving Cart for Calvin
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is the scarce Midcentury bar cart or serving cart designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin- The Irwin collection, circa 1950's. This gorgeous piece is all original a...
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Walnut and Laminate Bar Cart
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century walnut and laminate bar cart This bar cart measures 40 wide when closed, 80 wide when expanded x 20 deep x 29.25 inche...
Brass
Sold
H 29.25 in W 36 in L 29.25 in
Paul McCobb Expandable Bar Cart with Removable Tray Brass Frame White Milk Glass
By Paul McCobb
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare and fine bar / serving cart designed by Paul McCobb for the Irwin collection for Calvin Furniture Company. Shockingly good original condition. No scratches or chips to the milk glass top. The removable tray, extension shelf...
Brass
Sold
H 29.64 in W 30 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple and Iron Flip Top Bar Cart in Dark Ebony
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner Group black stained maple bar cart, painted black iron frame with expandable top, shelves and single drawer in natural maple. Each leaf is 6". ...
Iron
Paul McCobb for Calvin Vitrolite Top Bar Cart
By Paul McCobb
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Paul McCobb for Calvin Vitrolite top bar cart Original Vitrolite top is in great vintage condition.
Brass
Paul McCobb for The Calvin Group Marble-Top Bar Cart
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant bar cart designed by Paul McCobb for The Calvin Group. Features include marble top, brass baby pulls, lower glass shelf, brass castors and three sto...
Wood
Paul McCobb Style Brass and Walnut Bar Cart
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
1960's brass and walnut bar cart by in the style of Paul McCobb. With mirror top and brass frame and hardware. Extend to 55'' when fully open.
Brass
Paul McCobb Calvin Group Mahogany and Brass Expandable Bar Cart
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Miami, FL
Professionally restored vintage Mid-Century Modern bleached mahogany, brass and glass extending and rolling, two-tiered serving trolley, designed by Paul McCobb for his Calvin Group ...
Brass