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.
Dyrlund Smith Executive Desk
By Gunni Omann, Dyrlund
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Spectacular Danish desk in rich rosewood grain. Made by Dyrlund Smith, featuring finished back, and hidden aluminum drawer pulls. Unique disc-shaped brass pulls that lay flat when cl...
Rosewood
John Van Koert for Drexel Modern Leather Top Desk
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern American made desk by Drexel featuring a leather top writing surface. Storage drawers and hiding desktop storage with sliding doors. Please confirm location with v...
Leather, Wood
Mahogany and Brass Desk Designed By Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This a stunning mahogany desk is apart of Paul McCobbs Irwin Collection designed for Calvin furniture.. The desk features stunning grain patterns and brass hardware. The desk provide...
Brass
Mid-Century Walnut Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern desk made by the Indiana Desk Company. Large walnut desktop and five drawers with brass handles. Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Desk by Bassett Furniture
By Bassett Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This 4-drawer walnut writing desk by Bassett Furniture was produced in the 1960s at the height of the mid-century modern movement. Rectangular inset drawer pulls made of aluminum are...
Aluminum
Vintage Maurice Villency Mid-Century Teak Desk
By Maurice Villency
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Terrific Maurice Villency mid-century teak desk. Large work surface and 5 drawers for ample storage and organization. Sculpted drawer pulls and legs ad...
Teak
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Tobacco Desk
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Tobacco Desk This desk measures: 48 wide x 18.25 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 23.5 inches Good Vintage Condition - Desk has M...
Wood
Paul McCobb "Planner Group" Iron Desk / Table for Winchendon Furniture
By Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Maple Wood, Iron ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and ...
Iron
Clean Lined Modern Desk by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined modern desk, designed by Paul McCobb, American, circa 1960s. This desk is currently being refinished and can be completed in your choice of finish color. The price noted ...
Brass
Tomlinson Sophisticate Desk, Light Walnut, Mid-Century Modern, 1962
By Tomlinson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tomlinson Sophisticate Light Walnut Desk with Front Bookcase and brass hardware. Original Condition shows some wear. Solid Brass handles could be cleaned to be bright. Unique curv...
Walnut
Teak Executive Desk with Inset Handles Danish Mid-Century Modern 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This double pedestal desk features eight side drawers and a wide central drawer. Tapered legs and recessed carved handles create an architectural profile. Danish Mid-Century Modern 1...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Hugh Acton Style Rosewood Executive Desk
By Hugh Acton
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Hugh Acton Style Rosewood Executive Desk. Featuring a straight line design, large rectangular rosewood top, floating black metal cabinets, fl...
Metal, Chrome
