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
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Writing Desk
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...
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
Welcome to Mid-Century NoHo 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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Maple
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
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
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$1,755 Sale Price
35% Off
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection Black Lacquer and Brass Desk, Refinished
By H Sacks & Sons, Paul McCobb
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 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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Double Pedestal Desk, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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 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
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
$2,100 Sale Price
25% Off
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Paul McCobb "Planner Group" #1560 Desk for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A timeless example of Paul McCobb’s iconic “Planner Group” series for Winchendon Furniture, this vintage desk showcases the designer’s signature blend of simplicity, functionality, a...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Paul McCobb for Calvin MCM Ebonized Mahogany Brass and White Laminate Desk
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
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
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 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
1950's Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk & Chair Set
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
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
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 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
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Paul McCobb for Planner Group Dining Table in Maple
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Paul McCobb for Planner Group, dining table model 1522, maple, United States, 1950s
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Smaller Table 24...
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Previously Available Items
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 ...
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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.
Creators Similar to Paul McCobb
Questions About Paul McCobb Desks and Writing Tables
- 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.
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