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.
Baker Furniture Large Sofa 94"
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Toledo, OH
Beautiful large 94" sofa by Baker Furniture in a soft blue/gray shade on a solid cherry frame with tapered legs. Back and sides are suede; cushions are upholstered in a herringbone p...
Suede, Fabric, Cherry
1970s Sectional Sofa by Laauser
Located in Brecht, BE
Designed by Laauser, this 1970s comfy sectional sofa has a big corner 86 x 163 cm wide x 75 cm high a big corner 86 x 163 cm wide x 75 cm high a sma...
Velvet
Extraordinary Mid Century Paul McCobb Style Sectional
By Paul McCobb
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Mid Century design in the style of .the iconic American furniture designer Paul McCobb (Am. 1917-1969). The Sectional is very large and capacious with exceptionally comfortab...
Metal
Rare and Exclusive Loose Cushion Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
By george nelson. ultra soft high qualitily leather with nice and worm patina. down filled cushions.
Leather
Carter Sofa Sectional (Single Seat Sofa)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sectional is custom made in Los Angeles. The wood frame is cut to size and joined. The upholstery is cut and sewn to shape of individual cushion. Industrial steel is cut and welded for legs OAK + DOWN / POLY BLEND STEEL DETAIL + PERFORMANCE HOME FABRIC HARDWAX OIL FINISH CUSTOMIZE THIS PIECE For all furniture, protection from heat and moisture is crucial to the longevity of the piece. To help prevent scratches, use adhesive felt pads, coasters, placemats, and avoid sliding objects across the surface of the piece when possible. Lacquer + Paint + Metal Surfaces - Dry dust with a clean microfiber or feather duster. Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber towel and mild cleaner as needed. Wipe dry promptly. We recommend that you clean with ammonia-free Windex or a mild surface cleaner. Please stay away from bleach, alcohol, or petroleum based cleaners. You may use a general purpose wood cleaner. Avoid using furniture polish as over time it can accumulate and leave a residue. Wax + Oil Finish - Dry dust with a clean microfiber or feather duster. Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber towel. Wipe dry immediately. Clean with ammonia-free Windex or a mild surface cleaner. Stay away from bleach, alcohol, or petroleum based cleaners. Our natural wax and oil finishes will dull over time. Wax or teak oil may be reapplied as needed using a soft white cloth. Raw Wood - Dry dust with a clean microfiber or feather duster. Use a damp microfiber towel or soft brush as needed. Do not use any product containing wax or oil to clean. Outdoor Furniture - Outdoor furniture may require frequent oiling. A cover is strongly recommended for all outdoor furniture. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and/or direct sunlight. If exposed to rain, allow cushions to air dry completely before putting them back on the frame. Leather Care - Dry dust with a clean microfiber or feather duster. Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber towel. Do not use cleaning products on the leather. The recommended leather conditioner is Skidmore’s Original Leather Cream. Marble + Stone - Dry dust with a clean microfiber or feather duster. Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber towel. Wipe dry immediately. For daily cleaning we recommend using Orange Glo and/or Method Stone Cleaner on the marble. All marble and stone surfaces are protected with a sealer. To maintain the overall appearance and protection of the marble or stone, reseal with Miracle 511 Seal & Enhance. It is important to use coasters and clean up moisture immediately on marble and stone surfaces. Additional Information: Dimensions: 144"W + 86"L + 24"H, 28"H WITH BACK PILLOWS SINGLE SEAT SOFA...
Oak
Model One Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Not only is it Stunning and versatile it is quite possibly the most comfortable sofa available. This Dawkins Best-Seller style is available at 6'...
Upholstery
Carter Sofa Sectional - The Founder's Edit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Carter Sectional: Founder's Edit —where understated luxury meets a refined, moody allure. Meticulously crafted with an elevated sensibility, the walnut frame and velvety butterscotch fabric impart a sophisticated charm that distinguishes this sectional. The material selection, chosen by our Founder, imbues the sectional with a rich and nuanced aesthetic. The interplay of tones and textures transforms your living space into a polished sanctuary of comfort. Redefining the art of relaxation, the reimagined configuration of the Founder's Edit invites you to indulge in plushness and unparalleled comfort. Its carefully curated design caters to those who appreciate the finer things in life — moments of reprieve where one can unwind in the embrace of the luxuriously upholstered contours. Much like the Carter Sofa...
Walnut
Carter Sofa Sectional (Two Piece)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sectional is custom made in Los Angeles. The wood frame is cut to size and joined. The upholstery is cut and sewn to shape of individual cushion. Industrial steel is cut and wel...
Oak
Alma Sofa Sectional (Sofa and Chaise)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sofa is custom made in Los Angeles. The wood frame is cut to size and joined. The upholstery is cut and sewn to shape of individualcushion. Other fabrics available upon request....
Maple
Carter Sofa Sectional (Corner)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sectional is custom made in Los Angeles. The wood frame is cut to size and joined. The upholstery is cut and sewn to shape of individual cushion. Industrial steel is cut and wel...
Oak
Knut Saeter Rosewood Upholstered Sofa for Hans Olsen Norway
By Hans Olsen
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A sophisticated dark Brazilian rosewood framed loose cushion sofa upholstered in black contract fabric with black leather sides and back. The winged semi rounded arms and contrasting...
Leather, Upholstery, Rosewood
Milo Baughman styled Chesterfield Styled Cube Lounge Chairs
By Thayer Coggin
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of luxurious and sophisticated tufted cube lounge chairs in a white leatherette upholstery . These soft and comfortable chairs would make a statement in any interior or space ...
Faux Leather
Renato Zevi Lounge Chairs for Selig Italy in the style of Milo Baughman
By Renato Zevi
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of very well-crafted sophisticated lounge chairs with sculptural chromed steel flat bar frames and upholstered in a medium gray soft contract fabric. With the loose back pillo...
Chrome
Leon Pace Argenta Club Chairs for the Pace Collection 1970's
By Pace Collection
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of stunning club chairs with Lucite slab sided construction and leatherette cushions and straps giving you maximum comfort. These Mid Century " Argenta" club chairs are uphols...
Chrome
DIA Vintage 2 pc. Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Design Institute of America
By Design Institute America
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very comfortable rolled faux gray / mauve leatherette lounge chair and ottoman sitting on a sculptural heavy brass base. This two piece set with angled ottoman and a tall back fitt...
Brass
Janet Rosenblum Cube Club Chair in the style of George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted Mid Century cube club chair in a comfortable nice tightly woven mellow canary yellow fabric sourced from Herman Miller . Having square stainless steel tubed legs ...
Stainless Steel
