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Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

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.

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Creator: Paul McCobb
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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk by Paul McCobb, c1960s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step back in time with this show-stopping vintage mid century walnut desk, artfully designed by the renowned Paul McCobb. This pi...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing 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 and white lacquered solid maple, with brass har...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Desk, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

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,...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Corner Desk, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern solid birch corner desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Measures: 35.5"W x 35.5"D x 28.25"H. Good origi...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish Ring Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1560 double drawer desk blonde maple finish with aluminum ring pull knobs solid maple. Desk has been professional refinished. Very beautiful desi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish T pulls
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquer and Brass Desk, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern desk By Paul McCobb for H. Sacks & Sons, "Connoisseur Collection" USA, 1950s Black lacquered Honduran mahogany, with brass trim, st...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Desk / Writing Table, Paul McCobb, Walnut, American, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Desk / Writing Table, Paul McCobb, Walnut, American, 1950s Having a Large kneehole with Three drawers on one side supporting a white laminate table top writing s...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Paul Mccobb Desk for Calvin
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Rare architectural walnut and stone desk designed by Paul Mccobb for Calvin Furniture in the early 1950's. The left hand pedestal features a slide out work surface, a small drawer...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stone, Brass

Paul McCobb Winchendon Planner Group Blonde Desk with Orange and White Drawers
By Planner Group, Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Ferndale, MI
Paul McCobb designed desk for Winchendon Furniture in Mass. Part of the large Planner group collection Introduced in the early 1950s. Planner group being a collection of modular furn...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk and Chair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk with matching chair By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black and white lacquered solid m...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk, Newly 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 bras...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Original Paul McCobb Dining Table by Calvin (IN STOCK)
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Tapered legs with brass stretcher surmounted by a 1-5/8” thick dark mahogany top. Two 12” wide leaves. 24-1/2” height to inset apron for side chairs. 27” height to apron for end chai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish Brass Pulls
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Pedestal Desk
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage modern pedestal desk features the iconic mid-century design of Paul McCobb. Single sided writing desk offers two drawers for storage and organization and a spacious formica-style top for work. Slender tapered legs and unique McCobb drawer pulls...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Writing Desk for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern writing desk by Paul McCobb features a wonderful maple finish with unique brass drawer pulls. Tapered legs and spacious four drawer design make this a stylish...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Double Pedestal Desk, Newly Refinished
By 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 lacquered birch, wit...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Desk by Paul McCobb, Planner Group
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic midcentury desk designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon's "Planner Group". Maple wood construction, with tapered and splayed legs. Would make a great addition to any modern in...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb for Calvin MCM Ebonized Mahogany Brass and White Laminate Desk
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century ebonized mahogany brass and white laminate desk Desk measures: 54.5 wide x 26 deep x 29 inches high, with a cha...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

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 ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1950s Mid Century Maple Double Pedestal Desk by Paul McCobb/Planner Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in Buffalo, NY
Midcentury maple double pedestal desk by Paul McCobb for Planner Group manufactured in the United States, circa 1950s. This modernist desk is beautifully constructed from the finest ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1950s Midcentury Maple Double Pedestal Desk by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Midcentury maple double pedestal desk by Paul McCobb for Planner Group manufactured in the United States, circa 1950s. This vintage desk is beautifully constructed from the finest ma...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquer Double Pedestal Desk and Chair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul Mccobb desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul McCobb desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables by George Nelson, Edward Wormley, and Planner Group. Prices for Paul McCobb desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,400 and can go as high as $12,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,450.
Questions About Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    You 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, 2022
    The 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, 2022
    To 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, 2022
    In 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.

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