Iconic Designs

Symmetric Group SofaBy Paul McCobb

About the Design

The 1962 Symmetric Group sofa borrows from the simplicity of New England furniture traditions and infuses this heritage with a playful modernism. Boston-born designer Paul McCobb (1917–69) was inspired by the solid craftsmanship of Shaker and Windsor furniture as well as the needs of mid-century living. Designed for Widdicomb Furniture Company, the high-backed Symmetric Group sofa could add a note of elegance to a middle-class home, balancing its bulky body of swooping arms and ribbed details with the slender, wooden legs.

After studying at Boston’s Vesper George School of Art and serving in the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II, McCobb relocated to New York City and worked as a consultant with Modernage Furniture. He also opened his own firm, Paul McCobb Associates. His first line to go into mass production was the 1950 Planner Group, codeveloped with B.G. Mesberg, who he met at Modernage. Each piece was designed to be affordable and fit the compact floor plans of postwar subdivisions. McCobb was interested in creating “living walls,” with cabinets and desks that folded out so that furniture could be active space. The Symmetric Group furniture, which included a lounge chair, was similarly economic with its domestic footprint while simultaneously making a statement through unexpected forms.

Production of the Symmetric sofa ended following McCobb’s death in 1969, making it rare for collectors. In 2019, it was one of five editions of McCobb’s Symmetric Group to be reimagined by designer Ralph Pucci. While updates were made for modern tastes, such as velvet upholstery and fuller cushions, the enduring popularity of the designs proves they are timeless.

Paul Mccobb Symmetric Group Sofa

Paul McCobb Planner Group Dresser for Winchendon

$4,400

Paul McCobb Planner Group Dresser for Winchendon

By Paul McCobb

Located in San Francisco, CA

Paul McCobb design dresser for his debut Planner Group series for Winchendon, Mass. High quality construction using solid maple wood featuring eight drawers with aluminum o-ring pull...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Travertine Coffee Table- Calvin Furniture

$6,562Sale Price|25% Off

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Travertine Coffee Table- Calvin Furniture

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in San Diego, CA

Mid Century Modern's star Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Travertine Coffee Table for Calvin Furniture Original Paul McCobb walnut and brass plateau table model 8705-L with t...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine, Marble, Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Dresser for Winchendon

$2,800

Paul McCobb Planner Group Dresser for Winchendon

By Paul McCobb

Located in San Francisco, CA

Paul McCobb Planner Group dresser for Winchendon, MA. Solid maple construction with three deep drawers and aluminum pulls on tapering angular legs. In very good original condition, r...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Maple

Vintage Walnut Lounge Chairs by Paul McCobb for Widdicomb

$12,000 / set

Vintage Walnut Lounge Chairs by Paul McCobb for Widdicomb

By Widdicomb Furniture Co., Paul McCobb

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Mid-century walnut lounge chairs designed by Paul McCobb for Widdicomb, in the United States, circa 1960s. These fabulous chairs have been carefully refinished and reupholstered, giving them a fresh and vibrant appearance. Their graceful curves and refined lines exude a vintage style while resting on solid walnut legs. The curved back design provides a relaxing lumbar support, in addition to the leather piping and buttons highlighting their exceptional craftsmanship. What sets these chairs apart is their rarity; they are a limited-production model, and finding a pair is a hard find. These chairs were part of a symmetrical series, making them a coveted find for enthusiasts of fine design. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When you purchase vintage furniture from Danish Modern NoHo...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Walnut

Rare Paul McCobb Symmetric Group Sofa for Widdicomb

$14,000

Rare Paul McCobb Symmetric Group Sofa for Widdicomb

By Paul McCobb, Widdicomb Furniture Co.

Located in Pawtucket, RI

One of Paul McCobb's final designs, this graceful floating sofa features a symmetrical silhouette on walnut legs. Manufactured by Widdicomb as part of the Symmetric Group. Recently e...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Credenza by Paul McCobb, 'Irwin Collection'

$5,800

Mid-Century Modern Credenza by Paul McCobb, 'Irwin Collection'

By Paul McCobb

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Iconic Mid-Century Credenza designed by Paul McCobb for his Irwin Collection, it has the label in the first drawer. This great piece is made of mahogany wood grain with accenting bra...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Metal, Brass

Paul McCobb Curvaceous Wing Back Settee or Sofa Refinished Reupholstered

$3,800

H 34 in W 50 in D 32 in

Paul McCobb Curvaceous Wing Back Settee or Sofa Refinished Reupholstered

By Paul McCobb

Located in Atlanta, GA

Curvaceous Wing back settee or sofa, designed by Paul McCobb for Directional, American, circa 1950s. This sofa is currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be completed in...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Black Lacquer Low Credenza

$5,510 / set

H 25.5 in W 60 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Black Lacquer Low Credenza

By Paul McCobb

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful mid-century low credenza by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group. 1 adjustable shelve with pins. Solid maple construction with an original black lacquer finish. White cloth sliding front doors with brass finger...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Travertine Sofa Table

$4,800

H 22 in W 48 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Travertine Sofa Table

By Paul McCobb

Located in Dallas, TX

Console designed by Paul McCobb for Directional. Constructed of brass with travertine top. Excellent condition.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Travertine, Brass

Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb “Irwin Collection” Marble & Brass Side Table

$2,595

H 22.25 in W 20 in D 30 in

Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb “Irwin Collection” Marble & Brass Side Table

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Paul McCobb "Irwin Collection" marble & brass side table for Calvin Furniture. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is ...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Brass

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Modular Ebonized Maple Dresser

$2,600

H 18.5 in W 48 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Modular Ebonized Maple Dresser

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern, modular dresser system by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, Winchendon features two 24 x 18 x 8.5 inch dressers with signature aluminu...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

Paul McCobb Travertine and Brass Coffee Table Mid Century Modern circa 1950s

$3,850

H 15.5 in W 60 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb Travertine and Brass Coffee Table Mid Century Modern circa 1950s

By Paul McCobb

Located in Atlanta, GA

Elegant Coffee Table in Travertine and Brass, designed by Paul McCobb, American, circa 1950s. It has a clean lined, architectural design. The brass retains its original patina with v...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Travertine, Brass, Metal

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

$2,795

H 28 in W 52.25 in D 22.25 in

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

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vanities

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

Paul McCobb Planner Group Blonde with Black Drawers Dresser on Wrought Iron Base

$2,900Sale Price|23% Off

H 33 in W 48 in D 18.25 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Blonde with Black Drawers Dresser on Wrought Iron Base

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Ferndale, MI

Master of mid-century American modular design Paul McCobb for Winchedon Planner group six drawer dresser. Maple case holds black lacquered drawers...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wrought Iron

2 Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid Century Bookcases for Winchendon

$2,400 / set

H 29.13 in W 48 in D 18 in

2 Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid Century Bookcases for Winchendon

By Paul McCobb

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A pair of solid maple wood bookcases sitting on stainless square tubed legs with pads on the feet to protect your floors having one nonadjustable shelve each. A very functional and p...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Maple

Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb 6-Drawer Dresser for Winchendon Furniture

$4,500

H 33.5 in W 48 in D 18 in

Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb 6-Drawer Dresser for Winchendon Furniture

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Paul McCobb 6-drawer dresser for winchendon furniture. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back t...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

Paul McCobb Leather Top Side Tables w/ Cane Shelves for Calvin Furniture

$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 Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

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...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished

$4,500

H 32 in W 64 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished

By Paul McCobb, Lane Furniture

Located in South Bend, IN

A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Lane Furniture, "Components" Collection USA, 1960s Gorgeous walnut, with beautiful ex...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Chrome

Previously Available Items

Paul McCobb for Calvin Travertine Top Credenza

Sold

H 34.5 in W 71.25 in D 19 in

Paul McCobb for Calvin Travertine Top Credenza

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in San Diego, CA

Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture travertine top credenza or sideboard. The Irwin Collection. Brass legs with travertine top. Labeled on the inside. Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture ...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Travertine, Marble, Brass

Paul McCobb Credenza in Mahogany for the Calvin Group

Sold

H 34.5 in W 19 in D 48 in

Paul McCobb Credenza in Mahogany for the Calvin Group

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in San Diego, CA

A vintage mahogany and brass credenza server has mahogany bi-fold doors and brass legs. Created by the iconic Mid-Century Modern American designer,Paul McCobb for the Calvin Group. ...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Console Table for Calvin Furniture, Model 9315

Sold

H 29.25 in W 60 in D 19 in

Paul McCobb Console Table for Calvin Furniture, Model 9315

By Paul McCobb

Located in San Francisco, CA

Paul McCobb design console table for Calvin Furniture, Model 9315. Sophisticated and sleek design that epitomizes Mid-Century Modern design from one of the master's Paul McCobb. High...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Materials

Brass

Stunning Paul McCobb for Widdicomb Symmetric Armchair, Classic Modernist

Sold

H 40 in W 30.5 in D 31.5 in

Stunning Paul McCobb for Widdicomb Symmetric Armchair, Classic Modernist

By Paul McCobb, Widdicomb Furniture Co.

Located in Buffalo, NY

Seldom seen Paul McCobb high back Symmetric Group lounge chair for Widdicomb with new pale yellow Romo fabric. Overall mint condition! McCobb Symmetric Armchair 908/ Walnut..Extreme...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Stunning Paul McCobb Symmetric Group Sofa for Widdicomb

Sold

H 36 in W 90 in D 32 in

Stunning Paul McCobb Symmetric Group Sofa for Widdicomb

By Paul McCobb, Widdicomb Furniture Co.

Located in Buffalo, NY

One of Paul McCobb's final designs, this graceful floating sofa features a symmetrical silhouette on walnut legs. Manufactured by Widdicomb as part of the Symmetric Group. Possibly r...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Paul McCobb Symmetric Group Sofa

Sold

H 36 in W 91 in D 30 in

Paul McCobb Symmetric Group Sofa

By Paul McCobb

Located in North Miami, FL

A Paul McCobb sofa for Widdicomb. This is from the Symmetric Group. Beautiful lines and scale.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut

More Paul McCobb Designs

Paul Mccobb Origami Chair

Average Price

$3,900

Number Available

Paul Mccobb Origami Chair

By Paul McCobb

Materials

Metal, Fiberglass, Glass, Iron, Mirror, Oak, Plastic, Wood

Styles

Mid Century Modern

It’s universally known as the Origami chair — a moniker that references the long tradition of delicate paper-folding art that was popularized in Japan. Originally, however, the intent was to create seating that was exceptionally strong.Promoted under its official name in a Directional Furniture brochure as sturdy enough for “extraordinary conditions” and “eminently suited to hard wear,” the Faceted Form chair in 1959 was the creation of Paul McCobb (1917–69), one of America’s most prolific mi...

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