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.
Mid-Century Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish Brass Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1560 double drawer desk blonde maple finish with brass cone pull knobs solid maple. Desk is in good vintage condition. Very beautiful designed de...
Aluminum
Mid century Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer with chair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful vintage Paul McCobb planner group #1560 double drawer desk original Black Lacquer finish on maple with brass knobs. All solid maple wood. Desk is in great vintage condition...
Brass
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish T pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1560 double drawer desk blonde maple finish with steel T pull knobs solid maple. Desk has been professional refinished. Very beautiful designed d...
Steel
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer Finish
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb planner group #1560 double drawer desk Black Lacquer on maple with aluminum ring knobs solid maple. Desk is in great condition. Very beautiful designed desk on ...
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Writing Desk
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid maple, with original brass hard...
Brass
Mid-century Blond Maple Desk by Paul McCobb "Planner Group" for Winchendon
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Late Mid-century solid maple pedestal desk featuring 2 tapered legs and 2 pull-out drawers on the right side of the desk. Each drawer comes with its original brass hourglass pulls, a...
Brass
Clean Lined Modern Desk by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined modern desk, designed by Paul McCobb, American, circa 1960s. This desk is currently being refinished and can be completed in your choice of finish color. The price noted ...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Desk, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid maple, with original brass hard...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desk and Chair Set, Birch and Laminate
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
Mid Century Maple Desk by Paul McCobb for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Welcome to Mid-Century NoHo [Mid Century Maple Desk by Paul McCobb for Winchendon] Mid-century maple desk designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. This beautiful desk is made of map...
Maple
Paul McCobb for Calvin MCM Ebonized Mahogany Brass and White Laminate Desk
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Ebonized Mahogany Brass and White Laminate Desk This desk measures: 54.5 wide x 26 deep x 29 inches high, with ...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk in Tobacco Finish
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic mid-century modern double pedestal desk designed by Paul McCobb for the Planner Group, produced by Winchendon. Features clean lines, signature tapered legs, and ample storage...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desk and Chair Set, Birch and Laminate
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Southampton, NJ
All original 1950's Paul McCobb chest of six drawers with scarcely seen white laminate top from the Planner Group series. A handsome chest with original tags & hardware, fully hand d...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Double Pedestal Desk, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double pedestal executive writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid black and white lacquered birch,...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk and Chair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk with matching desk chair. By Paul McCobb for Winchendon furniture, "Planner Group". USA, 1950s Black and white lacq...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquer Double Pedestal Desk and Chair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double pedestal executive writing desk and spindle back chair By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid bla...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black and white lacquered solid maple, with brass har...
Brass
H 16 in W 54 in D 20 in
Beautifully Refinished Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
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
H 31.5 in W 47.25 in D 28.35 in
Mid-Century Rosewood Desk with White Lacquered Drawers, Italy, 1950.
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant Italian desk from the 1950s, crafted in rosewood and featuring a refined combination of materials characteristic of mid-century design. The structure is composed of a slender...
Metal, Brass
H 20 in W 19 in D 26.5 in
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
H 20.13 in W 19 in D 26.5 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern single drawer nightstands or end tables. By Paul McCobb for Winchendon furniture, "Planner Group". USA, 1950s. Black lacquered...
Brass
H 29 in W 60 in D 24 in
Cantilever Lacquered White Tessellated Bone Tile File Drawer Desk Writing Table
By Jimeco ltda
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern white tile bone desk, weighted bottom study cantilever design.
Bone
H 29.25 in W 48 in D 24 in
Paul McCobb Style Mid-Century Modern White Painted Desk
By Paul McCobb
Located in Astoria, NY
Paul McCobb Style White Painted Wood Desk, the two drawers with gilt porcelain pulls above tapered flaring legs. 29.25" H x 48" W x 24" D. Provenance: From an East 79th Street Estate.
Wood, Paint
H 16 in W 60 in D 24 in
Rare Mid-Century Paul McCobb #1584 Coffee Table Bench All Black
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1584 - 60 inch coffee table bench all original black Lacquer finish, Minimalist Iron structure with 2 drawers...
Iron
H 29 in W 63 in D 27.625 in
Mid-Century Tijsseling Rosewood Double Pedestal Desk
By Tijsseling
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Dutch Mid-Century desk from Tijsseling features a floating rosewood-veneered top with rich, dark-streaked grain over a black-finished underside — a clean detail that reinforces ...
Aluminum, Chrome
H 29 in W 36 in D 54 in
Mid century Paul McCobb Planner Group rectangle Maple 1522 Dining Table 2 leaves
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful early 1950s Paul McCobb maple dining table #1522 with 4 tapered legs and dowel supports. Original maple tabletop with a blonde tobacco finish in good vintage condition. Leg...
Maple
H 22.25 in W 18 in D 18 in
Pair of Rare Paul McCobb Nightstands for Planner Group
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group, Winchendon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of highly desirable and rare Paul McCobb nightstands from his Planner Group collection for Winchendon, c.1950s. The pair features an exposed wrought iron frame, single maple dra...
Iron
H 15 in W 16 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Coffee Table
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group mid century coffee table The table measures: 60 wide x 18 deep x 15 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintag...
Wood
H 29 in W 60 in D 30 in
Maple Extension Dining Table by Paul McCobb, Planner Group
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Maple extension dining table by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group". Table with both inserts measure 60" wide. Each extension is 10" wide. Table without extension i...
Wood, Maple
H 29 in W 48 in D 24.13 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid maple, with original bras...
Brass
H 29.25 in W 48 in D 18.25 in
Mid-Century Maple "Planner Group" Desk by Paul McCobb for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This mid-century desk was designed by American furniture maker Paul McCobb for Winchendon. Featuring blonde maple wood throughout and accenting brass pulls. Four total drawers and lo...
Metal, Brass
H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer Finish
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb planner group #1560 double drawer desk Black Lacquer on maple with aluminum ring knobs solid maple. Desk is in great condition. Very beautiful designed desk on ...
Aluminum
H 29.25 in W 47.75 in D 23.75 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Writing Desk
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid maple, with original brass hard...
Brass
H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Model 1560 Black Double Drawer Desk, 1950's
By Paul McCobb, Winchester Furniture, Planner Group
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Classic Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon Black Lacquer Desk. Featuring a rectangular frame with large smooth solid wood work surface, 2 spacious drawers, with 4 threaded dowe...
Metal, Enamel
H 29.25 in W 48 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Maple Desk By Paul McCobb For Planner Group
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern, model #1567, natural maple desk by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, Winchendon features 4 drawers with aluminum ring pulls. The chair opening measures 21.5 inches w...
Aluminum
H 29.25 in W 48.25 in D 19 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern “Planner Group” Desk by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can seamlessly be incorpo...
Maple
H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Writing Desk With Chair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk with chair By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid maple, with original brass hardware. Me...
Brass
H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Writing Desk, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid maple, with original brass hardware. Measures: 48"...
Brass
H 28.25 in W 48 in D 18.13 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Desk, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern four drawer writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black and white lacquered solid maple, wi...
Brass
H 29.5 in W 48 in D 24 in
American Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple # 1560 Desk 1950's
By Paul McCobb
Located in Portland, OR
A good American Mid Century Modern, "Planner Group" maple desk designed by Paul McCobb, 1950's. This iconic and elegant desk by P:aul McCobb having a pair of graduated drawers to the...
Maple
H 29.5 in W 48 in D 24.3 in
Paul Mccobb Writing Desk & Matching Original Chair
By Paul McCobb, George Nakashima Woodworkers
Located in Bensalem, PA
All original Paul Mccobb desk and chair with original labels on chair and desk
Maple