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.
$1,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of MCM Walnut "Rhythm" Series End Tables by Paul McCobb for Lane Furniture
By Lane Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of American MCM walnut with oak accent end tables from the "Rhythm" series by Paul McCobb Lane Furniture, circa 1970s. Beautiful craftsma...
Oak, Walnut
Paul McCobb Side Tables #8712 with Original Marble Tops, PAIR
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in North Miami, FL
Rare pair of Paul Mccobb side tables retaining the original marble tops. Part of the Irwin Collection by Calvin Furniture Co.. McCobb employs a wonderful mix of dark brown Mahogany a...
Marble, Brass
A Classic Paul McCobb Side Table Wrought Iron And Vitrolite ca' 1950's
By Paul McCobb
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic side table by Paul McCobb in wrought iron and vitrolite top.
Wrought Iron
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquer and Brass End Tables or Nightstands
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern end tables, side tables, or nightstands By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s ...
Brass
Pair of Rare Paul McCobb Nightstands for Planner Group
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon, Planner Group
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
$1,380Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of 1950s Paul McCobb Planner Group End Tables/Nightstands
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Sacramento, CA
Pair of 1950s Paul McCobb Model 1587 end tables or nightstands manufactured by Winchendon. The tables have drawers with McCobb’s iconic brass pulls, as well as lower open shelves. Th...
Brass
$2,200 / set
Classic Paul McCobb Calvin End Tables
By Paul McCobb
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Paul McCobb for Calvin end tables-could also be night stands, with pull out tray. Very nice restored condition. Both signed underneath.
Mahogany, Walnut
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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
Mid Century Paul McCobb Planner Group Winchedon Side End Tables Signed - a Pair
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A pair of Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon furniture side tables. Restored in the original brown color with original hardware. Fully marked.
Brass
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Side Table - Pair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Side Table - Pair Each side table measures: 19 wide x 26.5 deep x 20 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restor...
Brass
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
Pair of Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple "Step" End Tables
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair Paul McCobb for Planner Group, Winchendon Furniture #1589 Step Tables, 1950s-1960s. End Tables. Side Tables. Nightstands. Featuring solid two-tier rectangular form, deep single ...
Metal
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Side End Tables, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century side end tables - pair Each table measures: 21 wide x 22 deep x 24 inches high All pieces of...
Wood
Side Table/Night Stand with Drawer by Paul McCobb for Calvin
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Single occasional table/nightstand designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin. Very good original condition.
Brass
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
25" Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Brass and Marble Coffee Side Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Pasadena, TX
Paul McCobb's furniture and interior designs of the 1950s rank alongside Russell Wright, Gustav Stickley, and Heywood-Wakefield as marked staples in modern design. Paul McCobb's Dire...
Marble
1950s Paul McCobb Iron Rod Birch Sofa End Tables Vintage Mid-Century
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
1950s rare early Paul McCobb iron rod sofa end tables. Pair of solid staved Canadian Birch surfaces on 1/2 inch iron rod bases and plastic feet on each leg ti...
Iron
$6,300Sale Price / set|20% Off
Paul McCobb for Calvin The Irwin Collection 3-Drawer End Tables or Nightstands
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin The Irwin Collection 3-drawer end tables or nightstands. Mahogany wood with solid tapered legs, brass pulls and edge trim. [Label inside drawers: Paul McCobb,...
Brass
Side Table by Paul McCobb for Calvin
By Paul McCobb
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Small travertine and brass side table or cocktail table designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin.
Travertine, Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid Century Side End Table
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for calvin linear mid century side end table This table is 21.5 wide x 21.5 deep x 24.5 inches tall All pieces of furniture ...
Chrome
Mahogany End Table by Paul McCobb for Calvin, Irwin Collection
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, bleached mahogany, end table by Paul McCobb for Calvin, Irwin Collection features a leather top with brass trim, caned lower shelf and nickel plated brass pulls. ...
Brass
Vintage Paul McCobb End Table for Calvin
By Paul McCobb
Located in Pasadena, TX
Paul McCobb His Planner Group, manufactured by Winchendon Furniture Company, was among the best selling contemporary furniture lines of the 1950s and was in continuous production fr...
Walnut
Mid-Century Paul McCobb End Table for Calvin Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful Paul McCobb end table features the original manufacturers label, unique McCobb drawer pulls, brass trim, leather top, and stylish cane shelf. Two-drawer construction makes this ideal for sofa side storage...
Paul McCobb "Connoisseur Collection" Mahogany & Brass Side Table
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Collection for H. Sacks & Sons Mahogany End Table. Featuring a sturdy, balanced rectangular framework with smoothly refinished Mahogany surface, turned legs, detailed with square tubular buffed Brass cross stretchers. With Brass tag...
Brass
$1,100Sale Price|24% Off
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Planner Group Nightstand / End Table, 1950s, Signed
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A timeless Mid-Century Modern nightstand designed by Paul McCobb for the iconic Planner Group line by Winchendon Furniture, circa 1950s. This classic piece showcases McCobb’s hallmar...
Maple
Paul McCobb Brass Inset Leather Caned Magazine Table Edward Wormley Dunbar
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb magazine table. Caned shelves with leather top. Brass edging. High quality Paul McCobb.
Wood
Paul McCobb for Lane 'Delineator' Walnut & Chrome Side or End Table
By Lane Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed and made in Altavista, VA by Lane Furniture, this side or end table was designed by American icon Paul McCobb. With thousands of designs under his belt, the 'Delineator' lin...
Chrome
Rare Paul McCobb Trapezoidal Side or End Table.
By Paul McCobb
Located in Kansas City, MO
Paul McCobb trapezoid end or side table with a drawer and glass shelf supported in a solid brass cross stretcher frame. Beautifully refinished. Front edge is 18.25" wide. Back edge...
Brass
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass & White Glass Occasional Table, C. 1952
By Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection C8732 White Glass & Brass Square Table. Coffee Table. Side Table. End Table. Featuring a square tubular patinated Brass framework with cross brace de...
Brass
Paul McCobb Vitrolite and Brass Side/End Table, 1960
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Vitrolite and Brass Side/End Table, 1960’s. Original great condition. Measures 20.5” tall 28” wide 24” deep.
Brass
Pual McCobb Planner Group Winchendon Two-Tier Nightstand
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
McCobb two-tier Mid-Century Modern Planner Group side end table stand. Solid brass cone shape pull.
Birch
$2,750 / set
Pair of Paul McCobb End Tables
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Denton, TX
A pair of walnut tops with aluminium base side tables from the Erwin collection designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin furniture.
Aluminum
Refinished Paul McCobb Delineator for Lane Furniture End Table
By Lane Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Charleston, WV
Paul McCobb Delineator for Lane End or Lamp Table. This is an uncommon table and has been restored with a specialist finish designed to avoid damage from spills of alcohol, water or hot beverages so can be used with peace of mind. In lovely condition with only a few minute blemishes remaining. Satin Finish. Walnut is glowing, the drawer...
Chrome
Midcentury Paul McCobb Lamp or End Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A rare Mid-Century Modern three tier side table from the Connoisseur Collection designed by Paul McCobb, 1950s. This walnut piece has a overhanging top tier with black leather inset ...
Brass
Paul McCobb Occasional Table with Brass Frame and Cantilevered Top
By Paul McCobb
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare McCobb side table with cantilevered top, brass frame and cross stretcher.
Brass
Paul McCobb Midcentury Cocktail Table End Table Connoisseur Collection
By Paul McCobb
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Paul McCobb Connoisseur collection for H. Sacks and Sons, Brookline mass. Three-drawer cocktail table or large end table in black lacquer. Top is framed in brass along with bronzed drawer pulls...
Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Company Brass and Wood End / Side Table
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century end / side table with an off-center blonde wood top supported by a brass frame with a small drawer with brass pull to one side, offset by a wooden bracket shelf on the opposite side. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR CALVIN FURNITURE...
Metal, Brass
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mahogany Nightstand End Tables, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Stamford, CT
At a Glance: - Delicate scale and easy to use in multiple spaces. Paul McCobb was known for this. - Ample storage in a small overall form. - Finished all-around, are also meant to d...
Metal
Pair of Vintage Paul McCobb Calvin Milk Glass and Cane End Tables
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Vintage Paul McCobb milk glass and cane end tables Fully marked with Calvin labels on the interior drawers.
Cane, Milk Glass, Wood
Early Paul McCobb Winchendon Planner Group Side End Table Unmarked
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Forest Grove, PA
An early and rare Paul McCobb for Winchendon Planner Group end or side table. Unmarked.
Brass
Paul McCobb for Directional Mahogany and Travertine Side or End Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
Paul McCobb for Directional mid-century side or end table with travertine top. Cane shelf.
Travertine
Paul McCobb Brass Side or End Table with Uncommon Textured Top
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Highland, IN
The Paul McCobb side or end table features a brass base and a most unusual top with a wonderful textured pattern. This table is more commonly seen with a travertine or vitrolite top....
Brass
Pair of Paul McCobb for Calvin Brass and Walnut Cantilever End/Side Tables
By Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century cantilever design end / side tables with rectangular walnut tops above a small drawer with brass drawer pulls, flanked below on the opposite side by an o...
Metal, Brass
$1,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Paul McCobb End Tables for Winchendon, Planner Group Series
By Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Nice pair of blonde Paul McCobb Planner group side tables. A McCobb Classic. Very good original condition.
Maple
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 2 Tier Corner Table
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb For Planner Group mid century 2 tier corner table The table measures: 30 wide x 30 deep x 21 inches high All pieces of furnitur...
Wood
Paul McCobb for Dunbar Parsons-Style Dark Finished Wooden End / Side Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century wooden square end / side table with four square wooden legs with a dark brown stained finish. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY) Some wear to finish.
Wood
Paul Mccobb Cache Desk Organiser For Karakter
By Paul McCobb
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Paul Mccobb Cache Desk Organiser For Karakter The foundation of the Cache series, part of Paul McCobb’s extensive Planner series, is a beautifully simplistic and easy table with sli...
Oak, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Side Table, Black Glass and Chrome / Nickel-Plated Brass
By Paul McCobb
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Paul McCobb end table. Tubular nickel-plated brass frame with black glass top.
Chrome, Nickel
Paul McCobb End Tables Perimeter Group for Winchendon Furniture Co. 1950
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company, 1950."Perimeter Group" beech wood and leather end tables.Stunning tables,classic mid century modern design.. This line was very lim...
Leather, Beech
Paul McCobb for Planner Group End Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul McCobb end table in maple for Planner Group line makes an ideal side or lamp table. Elegant tapered legs and original manufacturers label make this the perfect addition to any m...
Maple
Rattan Shelf Side Table by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern side table with shelf designed by Paul McCobb. Constructed in light walnut wood with a round top of opaque Vitrolite glass and features a rattan lower shelf. Cra...
Walnut, Glass