Paul McCobb Vanities

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.

Creator: Paul McCobb

Rare Paul McCobb 3 Pc. Vanity with Chair for Planner Group

$4,600 / set

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Vanity Table for Calvin, Irwin Collection, Circa 1950s

$2,795

Paul McCobb Vanity Table for Calvin, Irwin Collection, Circa 1950s

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Peabody, MA

A mid-century modern vanity table in Honduran mahogany by Paul McCobb, for Calvin Furniture, Irwin Collection, circa late 1950s.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid-Century Vanity Cabinet

$2,395 / set

Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Mid-Century Vanity Cabinet

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

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...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Swivel Table Mirror Vanity for Bryce Originals

$2,600

Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Swivel Table Mirror Vanity for Bryce Originals

By Paul McCobb, Bryce Originals

Located in San Jose, CA

Vintage swivel mirror table vanity designed by Paul McCobb for Bryce Originals, circa 1950's. Features a striking black iron frame and floating vitroli...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Iron

Beautifully Refinished Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table

$1,799

H 16 in W 54 in D 20 in

Beautifully Refinished Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Maple

Mid Century Paul McCobb Calvin Irwin Collection Shelf Bookshelf Room Divider

$3,920Sale Price|20% Off

H 76 in W 59.5 in D 19 in

Mid Century Paul McCobb Calvin Irwin Collection Shelf Bookshelf Room Divider

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in New York, NY

Rare Mid Century sideboard, shelf unit, room divider, designed by Paul McCobb as part of the sought after Irwin Collection series for Calvin, circa 1950’s. This example features ble...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Calvin 'Linear' Mid Century Walnut Sideboard

$2,300

H 34.25 in W 66.25 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb for Calvin 'Linear' Mid Century Walnut Sideboard

By Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Sliding door credenza by Paul McCobb for his Linear series. Made with walnut and accenting aluminum. Two sliding doors open to accommodate your books or record collection. Please co...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Aluminum

Paul McCobb Planner Group Side Tables for Winchendon

$3,200 / set

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Maple

Fine French 1930s Silver-Plated Table Mirror by Luc Lanel for Christofle

$6,000

H 13.98 in W 12.21 in D 3.75 in

Fine French 1930s Silver-Plated Table Mirror by Luc Lanel for Christofle

By Christofle, Luc Lanel

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...

Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Silver Plate

Paul McCobb for Calvin

$8,500Sale Price / set|32% Off

H 34 in W 36 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb for Calvin

By Paul McCobb

Located in Miami, FL

We have 3 cabinets by Paul McCobb for Calvin. Wood with metal trim. Each cabinet has 4 drawers. Can be sold individually for $4500 each. SET is $12500.

Category

1960s American Minimalist Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Vanity by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

$4,950

H 30 in W 60 in D 21 in

Mid Century Vanity by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A striking mid-century modern modular vanity desk featuring a dramatic matte black ebonized finish. The architectural drop-center design features twin four-drawer pedestals with slee...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Mahogany

1960s Paul McCobb Linear Side Table for Calvin Walnut & Aluminum

$1,320Sale Price|20% Off

H 26 in W 21 in D 21 in

1960s Paul McCobb Linear Side Table for Calvin Walnut & Aluminum

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration a vintage Side End table Designed by Paul McCobb Linear for Calvin Furniture Co. Linear designs with drawer Walnut and aluminum label present 24 h x 21 x 21...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Aluminum

Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenza with Brass base for Calvin Group

$4,000

H 35 in W 72 in D 19 in L 35 in

Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenza with Brass base for Calvin Group

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid Century Modern Dark brown Mahogany with folding front doors sideboard or credenza. Behind the folding doors are 2 Drawers and 2 adjustable shelves in a dark brown finish. Sits on...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb "Linear Group" Dresser w/ Steel Accents for Calvin Furniture

$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

Materials Walnut Wood, Lightly Patinated Steel ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, an...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Modern 8 drawer dresser linear Calvin by Paul Mccobb

$2,880Sale Price|20% Off

H 34 in W 66 in D 18 in

Mid Century Modern 8 drawer dresser linear Calvin by Paul Mccobb

By Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid Century Modern 8 drawer 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 hand...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Aluminum

Paul McCobb for Calvin "Linear Group" Long Dresser Credenza Cabinet 8-Drawer

$3,600

H 34 in W 66 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb for Calvin "Linear Group" Long Dresser Credenza Cabinet 8-Drawer

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Made by Calvin Furniture, this piece was designed by American legend Paul McCobb. Out of the thousands of documented designs by McCobb, this line is, in our opinion, one of the best....

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Vanity, Exotic Wood, Italy, 1950s

$1,256

H 27.76 in W 59.06 in D 15.75 in

Mid-Century Modern Vanity, Exotic Wood, Italy, 1950s

By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting

Located in Milano, IT

Toelette pensile vintage con specchio rettangolare, mensola e cassetto con impiallacciatura in legno esotico.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Echtes Kristall Spiegelglas Rosewood Mid Century Danish Modern Vanity Table

$1,350

H 29 in W 39.5 in D 19.75 in

Echtes Kristall Spiegelglas Rosewood Mid Century Danish Modern Vanity Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Echtes Kristall Spiegelglas Rosewood Mid Century Danish Modern Chrome Vanity Table. Item features a flip top with fixed mirror, chrome flat bar base, beautiful wood grain, or...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Chrome

Paul McCobb Linear Group for Calvin 8-Drawer Dresser, 1955

$5,500

H 34 in W 66.25 in D 18.5 in

Paul McCobb Linear Group for Calvin 8-Drawer Dresser, 1955

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in Chicago, IL

Paul McCobb Linear Group for Calvin 8-Drawer Dresser, 1955 Executed in richly grained walnut with brushed aluminum vertical accents and solid alumin...

Category

1950s North American Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Aluminum

Previously Available Items

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquer and Brass Lift-Top Vanity, Refinished

Sold

H 27.25 in W 44 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquer and Brass Lift-Top Vanity, Refinished

By Directional, Calvin Furniture, 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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Birch Jewelry Chest or Vanity, 1950s

Sold

H 6 in W 24.75 in D 18.25 in

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 ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Birch

Ebonized Mahogany Vanity Table by Paul McCobb for Calvin, Irwin Collection

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Maple Desk or Vanity Table

Sold

H 29.25 in W 48 in D 18.5 in

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 ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Brass

Connoisseur Collection Desk by Paul McCobb

Sold

H 34.38 in W 42 in D 24 in

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Brass, Metal

Tabletop / Portable Paul McCobb Vanity Mirror in Excellent Original Condition

Sold

H 22 in W 27.88 in D 10.38 in

Tabletop / Portable Paul McCobb Vanity Mirror in Excellent Original Condition

By Bryce Originals, Paul McCobb

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.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Vanity

Sold

H 20 in W 36 in D 10 in

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Aluminum, Metal

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Vanity for Calvin

Sold

H 29 in W 52.5 in D 22.5 in

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.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Mid Century Modern Walnut Lift Top Vanity Dressing Table

Sold

H 21 in W 45 in D 18 in

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.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Pair of Dressers with Removable Cantilevered Vanity *Saturday Sale**

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...

Category

1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Materials

Brass

Paul Mccobb vanities for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul McCobb vanities are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paul McCobb vanities, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original vanities 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 vanities by and Herman Miller. Prices for Paul McCobb vanities can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,610 and can go as high as $6,495, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,600.

Questions About Paul McCobb Vanities

How do I identify Paul McCobb furniture?
1 Answer
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.
How do I refinish Paul McCobb furniture?
1 Answer
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.
How can I sell Paul McCobb furniture?
1 Answer
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.
What type of wood finish did Paul McCobb use?
1 Answer
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.

Paul McCobb Vanities

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Vanities

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Vanities

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Vanities

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Vanities

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1960s American Minimalist Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Vanities

1950s North American Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Vanities

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Vanities

1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Vanities

Paul Mccobb vanities for sale on 1stDibs.

Questions About Paul McCobb Vanities

How do I identify Paul McCobb furniture?

How do I refinish Paul McCobb furniture?

How can I sell Paul McCobb furniture?

What type of wood finish did Paul McCobb use?