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 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...
Maple
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...
Metal, Brass
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...
Maple
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...
Textile, Walnut
Paul McCobb Planner Group Credenza in Solid Maple, Circa 1950s
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
A highly functional example of American mid-century modern design, this Paul McCobb Planner Group credenza is constructed in solid maple. Designed by Paul McCobb for the Winchendon F...
Wood, Birch
Vintage Walnut Lounge Chairs by Paul McCobb for Widdicomb
By Paul McCobb, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
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...
Leather, Fabric, Walnut
H 18.5 in W 48 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Modular Ebonized Maple Dresser
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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...
Aluminum
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...
Maple
H 31.5 in W 97 in D 30.5 in
Stunning Paul McCobb Style Bowtie Design Sofa Splayed Leg Midcentury
By Paul McCobb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Paul Mccobb style bowtie back sofa with splayed legs. Wonderfully designed sofa with gorgeous walnut splayed legs on front and back.
Upholstery, Walnut
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...
Steel
H 81 in W 72 in D 18 in
Mid Century Server Credenza Attributed to Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Nice Mid-Century Modern credenza having a large cabinet bottom and a tall vertical display shelf top element. The shelf has its original white glass insert surfaces and four thin dra...
Brass
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...
Chrome
H 36 in W 66 in D 19.5 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb, Directional
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
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...
Maple
H 63.75 in W 36 in D 12.5 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple Modular 3 Piece, 4 Drawer Shelves - Bookcase
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon three piece, sectional Bookcase, Shelves, Drawers, 1950's. Featuring rectangular construction in Maple, three modular sections, open top uni...
Birch
H 33.5 in W 48 in D 18 in
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb 6-Drawer Dresser for Winchendon Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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...
Aluminum
H 34.75 in W 48 in D 19.02 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany Sideboard, Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, dresser, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Mahog...
Brass
H 33.25 in W 36 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb for Planner Group MCM Blond or Ebony Maple Three-Drawer Chest
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in St. Louis, MO
Single Paul McCobb Planner Group chest / dressers for Winchendon. Three drawers with solid brass cone pulls on angled tapered legs. The chest is shown sold, but have another in a mor...
Maple
H 16.25 in W 66 in D 32 in
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...
Travertine, Marble, Brass
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 ...
Travertine, Marble, Brass
H 34.5 in W 19 in D 48 in
Paul McCobb Credenza in Mahogany for the Calvin Group
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
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. ...
Brass
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...
Brass
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...
Fabric, Walnut
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...
Fabric, Walnut
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.
Walnut
