Paul McCobb Chairs
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.
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Creator: Paul McCobb
Vintage Paul McCobb set of Four Fiberglass Origami Gray Chairs
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Rare and wonderful 1950s set of four stackable fiberglass gray chairs know as Origami Chairs. Designed by Paul McCobb for St John Seating Corporation, USA.. McCobb designed these mol...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Metal
Vintage Paul McCobb Shovel Chairs 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Paul McCobb has been a bit of a dark horse in the world of Mid-Century Modern. Due to an early passing, McCobb didn't see the longevity of some of his modernist counterparts. But des...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Mid-Century Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Maple Spindle Back Chairs
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Set of 6 All original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group spindle back side chairs. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original vintage condition. Original blon...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Spindle Back Planner Group Chairs by Paul McCobb for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maple spindle back dining chair from the Planner Group series designed by Paul McCobb and manufactured by Winchendon, Massachusetts. The seat rests atop four tapered legs and is inla...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Pair of Paul McCobb Planner Group Spindle Back Chairs in black stained maple
By Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Paul McCobb Planner Group Chairs in black stained maple, USA - 1950s. Good original condition.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb Dining Chairs for Planner Group, Set of 4 Mid Century Modern
By Paul McCobb
Located in Wallkill, NY
Maple Paul McCobb dining chairs set of four, Planner Group. They are in wonderful vintage condition. Measuring: H 30 in, W 17 in, D 19 in, seat height 17 in. Be sure to check our st...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Table and Bowtie Chairs
By Paul McCobb
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Table and Bowtie Chairs
Table and chairs in above average vintage condition. Have some expected vintage wear which should ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Maple Spindle Back Chairs
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
All original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group spindle back side chairs. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original vintage condition. Original blonde finish...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
MCM Model 7001 Chair in Walnut by Paul McCobb for Directional, USA, c. 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a one-of-a-kind, luxury piece of authentic twentieth century furniture - a rare model 7009 armchair designed by Paul McCobb for Directional Furniture. This chair is truly...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb, set of 6 refined oak chairs.
By Paul McCobb
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2432
Paul McCobb
Set of 6 refined oak chairs.
Uk manufacture, 1950's.
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Oak
A Paul McCobb Faceted Origami Chair on Spider Base, circa 1960
By Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in 1959 as the faceted form chair, Paul McCobb’s fiberglass seating has become known as the Origami Chair, its molded facets reminiscen...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Metal
Paul McCobb Origami Armchair on Spider Base
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dronten, NL
1960s vintage white molded fiberglass Origami arm shell chair designed by Paul McCobb on a very scarce spider base. A stunning example of this rarely seen combo. The faceted chair...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Steel
Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain Lounge Maple Arm Chair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful all original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain arm chair. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original vint...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Lounge Chair by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare lounge chair designed by Paul McCobb for Directional.
Category
1950s Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Maple Spindle Back Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, low profile, lounge chair by Paul McCobb for Winchendon features a deep seated, black lacquered maple frame with spindle back and newly upholstered cushions in se...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Maple
Paul McCobb for Directional Midcentury Occasional Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional midcentury occasional lounge chairs - pair.
Each chair measures: 24.75 wide x 21 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height/chair...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Mid-Century Cane and Walnut Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Winchendon midcentury cane and walnut lounge chairs - pair
Each chair measures: 26.25 wide x 25 deep x 33 inches high, with a seat height of 16.75 and arm height/c...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century walnut and cane dining chairs - set of 6
Each armless chair measures: 16.5 wide x 16.5 deep x 34.5 high, with a seat height of 17.25 inches...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Paul McCobb Shovel Chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Paul McCobb shovel chair, model #1533, from his Planner Group for Winchendon Furniture, 1950. Solid maple seat and back with iron frame. Go...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Iron
Paul McCobb Origami Ivori Desk Patio Chair Model 61
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful elegant classic origami chair lightly used great color and condition, designed by Paul McCobb.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of 4 Paul McCobb Shovel Chairs for Winchendon, 1950s USA
By Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 4 Paul McCobb Planner Group Shovel chairs in Maple for Winchendon, USA 1950s.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Paul McCobb for the Winchendon Furniture Co.
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Set of four dining chairs designed by Paul McCobb for the Winchendon Furniture (Planner Group) Co. Solid maple with a spindle supported backrest and signature inlay screw on each sea...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Wood
Beautiful Elegant American Mid Century Modern Iron Chair by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful lines on this solid iron chair designed by Paul McCobb freshly powder coated in black mate with beautiful grey upholstery cushion.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Iron
Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain Lounge Maple Arm Chairs
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of rare all original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain arm chairs. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb Lounge Chairs Models 1320 & 1322. Priced for Reupholstery. Signed.
By Custom Craft Inc., Paul McCobb
Located in Kansas City, MO
Paul McCobb Lounge Chairs models 1320, the armless version and 1322, the version with arms. Price is for each. Signed with the Custom Craft label. Both have walnut frames in great...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner group mid century dining chairs - set of 6
Each armless chair measures: 20.25 wide x 19 deep x 30.25 high, with a seat height of 18 inches
Each captains c...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Wood
Paul McCobb for Lane Delineator Mid Century Rosewood Dining Chairs - Set of 8
By Lane Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Lane Delineator Mid Century Rosewood Dining Chairs - Set of 8
Each armless chair measures: 18 wide x 18 deep x 36.25 high, with a seat height of 17.5 inches
Each cap...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood
Paul McCobb for Lane Delineator Mid Century Rosewood Dining Chair
By Lane Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Lane Delineator Mid Century Rosewood Dining Chair
This chair measures: 22 wide x 19.5 deep x 36.75 inches high, with a seat height of ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood
Vintage MCM Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, Dining Chairs, Set of 4
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in west palm beach, FL
Fantastic set of vintage 4 MCM dining chairs. Designed by the legendary Paul McCobb, a Midcentury giant. Gorgeous spindle back with the coveted inlay screw on each seat. Acquired fro...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Wood
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 4
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century dining chairs - Set of 4
Each chair measures: 17.5 wide x 18 deep x 35 inches high, with a seat height of 18 inches
All pieces of furniture c...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Maple and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Maple and Cane dining chairs - Set of 6
Each chair measures: 18 wide x 19 deep x 3...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Maple
Paul McCobb Shovel Chair for Wichendon
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul McCobb design "Shovel" side chair model 1533 for Winchendon, Mass. A iconic and innovative chair in good original condition wood, metal frame shows wear and tear to finish but s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Steel
T-Back Planner Group Chair by Paul McCobb for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maple t-back dining chair from the Planner Group series designed by Paul McCobb and manufactured by Winchendon, Massachusetts. Very good condition. We have 8 in stock, priced separat...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Origami Side Chair on Swiveling Pedestal Base by Paul McCobb for St John
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed in 1959 as the Faceted form chair, Paul McCobb’s fiberglass seating has become known as the Origami Chair, its molded facets reminiscent of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Metal
Paul McCobb Mid Century Connoisseur Dining Chairs, Set of 4
By Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb mid century Connoisseur dining chairs - Set of 4
Each chair measures 16.5 wide x 20.5 deep x 34 high with a seat height of 17.5 inches
All pieces of furniture can be ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Bowtie Walnut Dining Chairs, Set of 4
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century bowtie walnut dining chairs - Set of 4
Each chair measures: 18.5 wide x 19 deep x 34 high, with a seat height of...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Spindle Back Planner Group Chair by Paul McCobb for Winchendon, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in La Teste De Buch, FR
Maple spindle back dining chair from the Planner Group series designed by Paul McCobb and manufactured by Winchendon, Massachusetts. Very good condition with a fantastic patina.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Fiberglass Origami Chair by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare design by Paul McCobb (American, 1917-1969) for St. John, circa 1950s, this all original Origami Chair if made of a light blue fiberglass seat and...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Metal
Pair Vintage Modern Paul McCobb Dining Chairs
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish pair of Paul McCobb dining chairs feature's sculpted walnut frames with contoured seat backs and tapered legs. Rich original finish is the perfect compliment to Mid-Cent...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Set of Five Different Paul McCobb Planner Group Chairs for Winchendon
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Curated set of five chairs by Paul McCobb planner group for Wichendon.
Chairs are in good condition with a vintage patina. All chairs are recently glued.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Iron
Set of Four Irwin Collection Dining Chairs by Paul McCobb for Directional
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Belmont, MA
Four caned back chairs designed by Paul McCobb for Directional with new red wool high-quality upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Brass
Vintage Paul McCobb Two-Tone Planner Chairs, PAIR
By Paul McCobb
Located in East Hampton, NY
Beautifully lacquered in two tones, white and natural wood in brown stain. We have a second similar pair of McCobb chairs that can make a lovely set of ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Rare White Paul McCobb Origami Chair on Spider Base
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1960s vintage white molded fiberglass Origami shell chair designed by Paul McCobb on very scarce spider base. A stunning example of this rarely seen combo. The faceted chair...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass
Vintage Paul McCobb Two-Toned Planner Chairs, PAIR
By Paul McCobb
Located in East Hampton, NY
This is a pair of two-toned, white and brown stained wood, Planner chairs designed by Paul McCobb. There is a second pair of McCobb chairs in similar two-tone that would complement b...
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb (American, 1917-1969) for Winchendon, Spindle Back Planner Group Cha
By Paul McCobb
Located in Hudson, NY
Paul McCobb (American, 1917-1969) for Winchendon, Spindle Back Planner Group Chair, designed 1950s or later.
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Wood
Paul Mccobb chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Paul McCobb chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paul McCobb chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Paul McCobb were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Charles Eames, Edward Wormley, and Dunbar. Prices for Paul McCobb chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $599 and can go as high as $9,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,895.
Creators Similar to Paul McCobb
Questions About Paul McCobb Chairs
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022In 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.