Skip to main content

Paul McCobb Bookcases

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.

22
to
3
22
22
22
22
20
22
22
5
3
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
21
15
10
9
4
22
22
542
76
72
42
41
Creator: Paul McCobb
Original Paul McCobb Bookcase/Etagere and Bench Set from the Planner Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous Mid Century two piece shelving system by Paul McCobb and part of the “Planner Group” manufactured by Winchendon in the 1950s. Original maple wood shelves and black wrought i...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base Clean
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 solid maple with original walnut finish on an Iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group, single cent...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Storage Unit Custom Matte Blackened Finish
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Storage Unit for Calvin Furniture features a custom matte blackened finish over walnut. Three drawers, an open display cubby, and sliding doors for extra storage. Refinis...
Category

1960s American Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookshelves #1516 Walnut Finish
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single high bookcases bookshelves #1516 original walnut finish over solid maple with black iron 4 leg base. Beautiful bookcase set by Paul McCo...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Pair Mid century Paul McCobb Triple Bookshelves #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of vintage midcentury Paul McCobb triple high bookcases bookshelves #1516 original walnut finish over solid maple with solid Iron 4 leg base. Beautiful bookcase set by Paul McCo...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Pair Mid century Paul McCobb Double Bookshelves #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of vintage midcentury Paul McCobb Double high bookcases bookshelves #1516 original walnut finish over solid maple with solid Iron 4 leg Iron base. Beautiful bookcase set by Paul...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Iron Base Adjustable Shelf
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 solid maple with original medium blonde tobacco finish on an Iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Gro...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Birch Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern bookcase By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch, with steel hairpin legs. Measures: 36"W x...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Perfectly Mid-Sized Adj Shelf Bookcase with Drawer in Manner of Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Kensington, MD
Great bookcase by Paul McCobb wit drawer on top. Wonderful size with nice storage capacity in a small space.
Category

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

Materials

Birch

Paul McCobb Walnut & Brass Bookcase
By Paul McCobb
Located in Stamford, CT
A Paul McCobb walnut and brass bookcase having four drawers. USA. Mid 20th Century.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Etagere / Hutch / Credenza for Calvin Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
A refined etagere of rectilinear form in mahogany and brass having a lower cabinet with folding doors resting square brass legs, supporting an upper cabinet with doors, glass shelves...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Iron / Wood Bookcase Planner Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A two piece satin black iron framed bookcase with medium dark solid maple wood shelves . The unit sits on the matching bottom platform giving the piece a open simple , lighter look t...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Bookcase / Entry Table by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Planner Group, USA, c. 1960
By Paul McCobb
Located in Deland, FL
This one of a kind book shelf is the perfect combination of classic design with a modern twist. Designed by the visionary Paul McCobb and produced by the Planner Group this book shelf has recently undergone a transformative transition from simple bookcase...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Maple

Paul Mccobb Room Divider for Calvin Furniture Company
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Room Divider for Calvin Furniture Company, Features Mahogany, solid brass and glass shelves. Lower section has Five Drawers with brass...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Bookcase/Storage Cabinet by Paul McCobb Planner Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A cabinet sitting on a bench base with conical legs, having one adjustable shelve sliding doors and storage finished in satin black having brass finger pulls . Solid maple wood con...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern glass front bookcase on hairpin legs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch in black lacquered finish, with sliding glass doors and steel hairpin legs. Measures: 36"W x 12.25"D x 34.25"H. Newly refinished. Excellent condition. Two matching bookcases...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcases on Hairpin Legs, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern glass front bookcases on hairpin legs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch in black lacqu...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Bookcase/Storage Cabinet by Paul McCobb Planner Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A cabinet sitting on a bench base with conical legs, having one fixed shelve with sliding doors and storage finished in satin black having brass finger pulls. Solid maple wood constr...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table with Bookcase Topper by Paul McCobb
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This combination coffee table and bookcase make a unique Mid-Century Modern statement to home or business, offering versatility as a table and bookshelf. Designed by Paul McCobb for ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase with Jewelry Cabinet
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 or display cabinet. Solid maple with on iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb, circa 195...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase with Jewelry Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 or display cabinet. Solid maple with on iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb, circa 195...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase with Jewelry Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 solid maple with original tobacco finish on wood base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb, circa 19...
Category

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

Materials

Maple, Wood

Related Items
Bespoke Industrial Shelving and Storage Unit or Bookcase
By Get Back, Inc.
Located in Oakville, CT
Industrial hand-finished plywood, steel and cast iron shelving / storage / bookcase unit is hand-built in our Connecticut workshop using all America...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Industrial Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Steel, Iron

Bespoke Industrial Shelving and Storage Unit
By Get Back, Inc.
Located in Oakville, CT
Industrial hand-finished plywood, steel and cast iron shelving / storage / bookcase unit is hand-built in our Connecticut workshop using all America...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Industrial Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Iron, Steel

Industrial Shelving Storage Unit - Wood, Steel Pipe Cast Iron
Located in Oakville, CT
Industrial wood and steel shelving unit. Shelves are 36" x 12". Overall height is 77". Shelf heights are 7", 24 1/2", 41 3/4", 59", 76 1/4". Multiple sizes, Configurations and paint ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Industrial Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Steel, Iron

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Iron Base Adjustable Shelf
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 solid maple with original medium blonde tobacco finish on an Iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Gro...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Restored Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bookcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Indulge in the charm of vintage design with our expertly restored mid-century modern bookcase, skillfully crafted by our team of professional craftsmen...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Tallboy by Paul McCobb for Planner Group
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Charleston, WV
42.25" tall, 36" wide and 18.25" deep. Masculine Upright dresser by Paul McCobb. A sophisticated restoration has been performed on two pieces and both...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Tallboy by Paul McCobb for Planner Group
Tallboy by Paul McCobb for Planner Group
H 42.25 in W 36 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb Iron / Wood Bookcase Planner Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A two piece satin black iron framed bookcase with medium dark solid maple wood shelves . The unit sits on the matching bottom platform giving the piece a open simple , lighter look t...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Bookcase/Storage Cabinet by Paul McCobb Planner Group
By Paul McCobb
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A cabinet sitting on a bench base with conical legs, having one adjustable shelve sliding doors and storage finished in satin black having brass finger pulls . Solid maple wood con...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Pair of Fritz Haller & Paul Schärer Style Etageres with Faux Marble Shelves
By Fritz Haller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of vintage chrome étagères or bookshelves with faux marble shelves. There is visible scratching to the tops and some of the shelves. All over signs of wear are present, consiste...
Category

1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bookcase: Vintage Elegance Restored
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dive into the charm of the 1960s with our exquisitely restored mid-century modern bookcase. Our expert craftsmen have taken this vintage wall unit and ...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Bookcase from Up Zavody, 1970
By Up Závody
Located in Żory, PL
This mahogany bookcase was manufactured in 1970 by UP Zavody in Czechoslovakia. It has 2 drawers and six shelves. The bookcase is preserved in its original, very good condition. We ...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Bookcase from Up Zavody, 1970
Midcentury Bookcase from Up Zavody, 1970
H 51.58 in W 48.82 in D 17.72 in
Midcentury Walnut Bookcase
Located in Pasadena, TX
Midcentury Walnut Bookcase Perfect for china, glass, bottles, books, etc. The cabinet has three shelves that can be placed in different positions The doors have integrated h...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Midcentury Walnut Bookcase
Midcentury Walnut Bookcase
H 52 in W 40 in D 14 in
Previously Available Items
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Mahogany and Brass Bookcase or Bar Cabinet, 1950s
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern bookcase or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s Gorgeous Honduran mahogany...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Shelving Bookcase For Fritz Hansen MC500
By Paul McCobb, Fritz Hansen
Located in San Diego, CA
Designed by the late Paul McCobb, a pioneer of contemporary democratic design, the Planner™ Shelving series combines his signature graphic aesthetic with elegant expression. Named af...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern bookcase By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid birch, with brass finished steel ha...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Walnut Finish Tapered Legs
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 solid maple with original walnut finish on 4 tapered legs. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group, single ce...
Category

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

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Walnut Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern bookcase. By Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture USA, 1950s Book-matched walnut, with steel hairpin legs. Measures: 36"W x 12"D x 36"H...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Birch Room Divider or Wall Unit
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern birch room divider, etagere, or wall unit By Paul McCobb for Planner Group USA, 1950s Measures: 54.25"W x 14.25"D x 75.25"H. Very good o...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Birch

Mid century Modern Paul McCobb Single Bookcase with Jewelry box in walnut
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage mid century Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 and #1502 Jewelry box. Solid maple with Walnut finish on a black iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb, circa 1950s Plann...
Category

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

Materials

Iron, Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern glass front bookcase on hairpin legs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch in black lacquered fin...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase with Jewelry Cabinet
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 or display cabinet. Solid maple with on iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb, circa 1950s ...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Bookcase or Vitrine
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Mid Century Modern étagère or bookshelf, designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin, American, circa 1950s. Signed inside drawer. It has been completely restored in a deep brown ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Brass, Metal

Paul McCobb Bookcase or Vitrine
Paul McCobb Bookcase or Vitrine
H 48 in W 60 in D 14 in
Paul McCobb Credenza and Hutch, Planner Group for Winchedon, Black + White
By Planner Group, Winchendon Furniture (Planner Group), Paul McCobb
Located in Decatur, GA
Early Planner Group sliding door credenza and hutch top by Paul McCobb for Winchedon. All original black lacquer. White grass cloth sliding doors. Upper cabinet includes rare integra...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Stunning MCM Vintage Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Custom Room Divider Etagere
By Irwin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A well crafted one-piece brass frame and mahogany bookcase / room divider with fixed shelves and four upper drawers with original brass pulls. The lower base is custom made to match ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Paul Mccobb bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul McCobb bookcases 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 bookcases, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original bookcases by Paul McCobb were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider bookcases by George Nelson, Herman Miller, and Drexel. Prices for Paul McCobb bookcases can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,450 and can go as high as $24,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,200.
Questions About Paul McCobb Bookcases
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Recently Viewed

View All