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.
Rare Paul McCobb 3 Pc. Vanity with Chair for Planner Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A three-piece vanity set with a two-drawer cabinet model #1503 on each end and center drop in hanging vanity model # 1559 with lift up lid having a mirror and four storage compartmen...
Brass
Paul McCobb Vanity Table for Calvin, Irwin Collection, Circa 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
A mid-century modern vanity table in Honduran mahogany by Paul McCobb, for Calvin Furniture, Irwin Collection, circa late 1950s.
Mirror, Mahogany
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid-Century Vanity Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear midcentury vanity cabinet This vanity cabinet measures: 75 wide x 18 deep x 40 inches high We take our photo...
Chrome
Vintage Paul McCobb Swivel Table Mirror Vanity for Bryce Originals
By Bryce Originals, Paul McCobb
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern swivel mirror table vanity designed by Paul McCobb for Bryce Originals, circa 1950's. Features a striking black iron frame and float...
Iron
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 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
Fine French Art Deco Illuminated Chrome Table Mirror
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine French 1930s partially adjustable vanity/table mirror in chrome. Signed (not identified).
Chrome
$6,000
H 35.5 in W 31 in D 9.5 in
Fine French 1930s Silver-Plated Table Mirror by Luc Lanel for Christofle
By Luc Lanel, Christofle
Located in Long Island City, NY
Luc Lanel (1893-1965) for Christofle (Gallia collection) - A fine French Art Deco table mirror with a pyramidal base and two poles holding a tilting mirror. Stamped Gallia Bibliog...
Silver Plate
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
Pair of Rare Paul McCobb Nightstands for Planner Group
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb, 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
Vanity Table, Manifattura Brianzola, Italy, 1950s
Located in Brussels, BE
Vanity Table, Manifattura Brianzola, Italy, 1950s
Glass, Wood
$4,895
H 34.5 in W 66 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb "Linear Group" Dresser w/ Steel Accents for Calvin Furniture
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Steel
$3,500 / set
H 15.25 in W 20.5 in D 20.5 in
Paul McCobb Leather Top Side Tables w/ Cane Shelves for Calvin Furniture
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Brass
$2,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.5 in W 40 in D 13.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Mirrored Vanity Table after Alvar Aalto design for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Unique, petite single drawer vanity and mirror after the design of Alvar Aalto for Artek. It's simplistic design is stunning. Circa 1960's, this piece is constructed using natural B...
Mirror, Oak
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin
By Directional, Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Miami, FL
All original Paul McCobb mahogany cabinet or sideboard from The Calvin Group (earlier Irwin Collection) by Calvin Furniture, which is part of the work the designer created for Directional (model 1066). The mid-century modern credenza features: three drawers with brass knobs; two sliding leather doors with brass pulls and brass edges; interior fitted with two shelves, each adjustable to four different positions; brass X stretchers; label. 100% original finish and condition. The perfect vintage piece to use as a bar cabinet, a media console or a server buffet. Part of a one owner collection of McCobb furniture exclusively presented by Select Modern; a truly rare time capsule find! There are more pieces from this collection available in our storefront. A copy of the original 1956 purchase receipt for all the pieces from this collection is available. Works well in many different decors, from eclectic modern...
Brass
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
H 44 in W 38 in D 18 in
Mid Century Modern 6 drawer tall dresser linear Calvin by Paul Mccobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern 6 drawer tall dresser linear Calvin by Paul Mccobb. Part of the Linear line by Calvin Furniture co. Has walnut veneer on solid wood frame and drawers with aluminum...
Aluminum
Sold
H 27.25 in W 44 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquer and Brass Lift-Top Vanity, Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional mid-century modern vanity or dressing table. By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Black lacq...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Birch Jewelry Chest or Vanity, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern solid birch flip top jewelry chest or vanity with mirror By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Measures: 24.75" W ...
Birch
Sold
H 28 in W 44 in D 18 in
Ebonized Mahogany Vanity Table by Paul McCobb for Calvin, Irwin Collection
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, ebonized mahogany vanity table by Paul McCobb for Calvin, Irwin collection features beautifully tapered legs with brass stret...
Brass
Paul McCobb Maple Desk or Vanity Table
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Miami, FL
A wonderful Mid-Century Modern vintage writing desk or vanity table designed by Paul McCobb for the immensely popular Planner Group line, manufactured by Winchendon Furniture in the ...
Brass
Connoisseur Collection Desk by Paul McCobb
By H Sacks & Sons, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant mahogany desk with long, tapered legs and polished brass details. Seven drawers. Presentable from every angle. Fine refinished condition with rich, warm tone. Additional d...
Brass, Metal
Sold
H 22 in W 27.88 in D 10.38 in
Tabletop / Portable Paul McCobb Vanity Mirror in Excellent Original Condition
By Paul McCobb, Bryce Originals
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful, all original Paul McCobb vanity. Three way hinged mirror. This is an excellent example of this design. The best we have seen.
Steel
Paul McCobb Vanity
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
McCobb for Bryce Originals wall-mounted vanity. Grid back for easy mounting, pull-out drawer, large shelf and small display shelf. Left side metal bracket for hanging ties or belts...
Aluminum, Metal
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Vanity for Calvin
By Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ladies vanity dark mahogany with brass pulls. Pop up mirror reveals storage and there are three drawers on either side. Retains metal label.
Brass
Paul McCobb Mid Century Modern Walnut Lift Top Vanity Dressing Table
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice mid century modern lift top dressing table by Paul McCobb.
Brass
Sold
H 33 in W 97 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb Pair of Dressers with Removable Cantilevered Vanity *Saturday Sale**
By Paul McCobb
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Dear Customer, I have marked many of my items for the 1stdibs Saturday Sale, take a look and save from 20% to 50% now. Take a look at all of these items; https://goo.gl/hNLz4x This rare set designed by Paul McCobb (1917-1969) as part of the Planner Group for Winchendon circa 1955, features a removable cantilevered vanity...
Brass