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.
Paul McCobb Brass Inset Leather Caned Magazine Table Edward Wormley Dunbar
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb magazine table. Caned shelves with leather top. Brass edging. High quality Paul McCobb.
Wood
Midcentury Rare Chrome Magazine Table, Italy, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- in functionalism style - very practical - rare type
Chrome
$3,235 / set
H 19.13 in W 24 in D 28 in
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Black Lacquer and Brass End Tables or Nightstands
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture, Directional
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern end tables, side tables, or nightstands By Paul McCobb for Directional and produced by Calvin Furniture, "Irwin Collection" USA, 1950s ...
Brass
$2,247
H 26.25 in W 25 in D 16 in
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Mid Century Elm Magazine Library Table
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent mid century elm magazine library table The table measures: 25 wide x 16 deep x 26.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what ...
Wood, Elm
Pair of Rare Paul McCobb Nightstands for Planner Group
By Planner Group, Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of highly desirable and rare Paul McCobb nightstands from his Planner Group collection for Winchendon, c.1950s. The pair features an exposed wrought iron frame, single maple dra...
Iron
Vintage 3 Drawers Oak End Tables with Magazine Racks, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Rare set of solid oak side tables magazines racks from the 1970s. Amish crafted in Pennsylvania. Feature 3 drawers. Top drawer consists of a hot proof drink coaster and desert plat...
Oak
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 25 in W 18 in D 18 in
After Edward Wormley Dunbar Mid Century Modern Stacked Magazine Rack Table 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Peoria, AZ
This Spectacular stacked Magazine Rack is a Rockstar in Mid Century Collector Circles! Super rare and incredibly useful, these are sought after by professional decorators and knowledgeable mcm aficionados! This magazine rack is in fine vintage condition! The wood is well preserved and lustrous. Age appropriate wear for this type of item. Small dings and abrasions to the wood. This designer furnishing trophy has been well preserved in the Southwest Desert in Scottsdale. This design is after Edward Wormley's stacked magazine rack from 1947 for Dunbar. Some collectors like this one better because the open racks are much visually lighter and better suited to personal interiors. This is probably one of the hardest finds for mcm magazine racks...
Rosewood
$3,150 / set
H 20.13 in W 19 in D 26.5 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern single drawer nightstands or end tables. By Paul McCobb for Winchendon furniture, "Planner Group". USA, 1950s. Black lacquered...
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Magazine Tree Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Utrecht, NL
Magazine tree, model 4765 by American designer Edward Wormley executed in birch and sap grain walnut, designed in 1947 for Dunbar Furniture USA. A very special, functional and aesth...
Birch, Walnut
$2,795 / set
H 19.63 in W 24 in D 18.25 in
1950s Paul McCobb Iron Rod Birch Sofa End Tables Vintage Mid-Century
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
1950s rare early Paul McCobb iron rod sofa end tables. Pair of solid staved Canadian Birch surfaces on 1/2 inch iron rod bases and plastic feet on each leg ti...
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Magazine Rack
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very cute solid brass tube unusual design Mid-Century Modern magazine rack.
Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent End Tables
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Buffalo, NY
Refined simplicity designed by Edward Wormley for Drexel. The end tables are part of the Precedent collection that he produced in the 1950s. Professionally restored, stunning off whi...
Brass
Side Table/Night Stand with Drawer by Paul McCobb for Calvin
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Kansas City, MO
Single occasional table/nightstand designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin. Very good original condition.
Brass
Paul McCobb Log or Magazine Holder, USA, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Norwalk, CT
Simple, strong design featuring a sturdy black iron framework with walnut legs. Brass caps and details. Very fine condition.
Paul McCobb Magazine Table - Cane Shelving / Leather Top
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful Paul McCobb Magazine Table. Multi Cane tiered shelving. Leather top with brass frame. Leather needs just a small restoration. Please inquire.
Wood