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.
Mid-Century Pair of Loveseat Settee Sofas
Located in Baltimore, MD
A beautiful pair of mid-century modern loveseat/sofas, in new upholstery fabric and high-density foam. Each with an appealing design that allows them to be positioned either as a pai...
Upholstery, Walnut
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
2 Piece Directional Sofa Designed by Paul Mccobb
By Paul McCobb, Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in Bensalem, PA
Two piece directional sofa designed by Paul Mccobb smaller section is 62 inches feel free to reach out with any questions
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Style 4 Seat Sofa on Pencil Legs
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb style sofa on pencil legs Offered is an unrestored Mid-Century Modern sofa in the style of Paul McCobb. The sofa has sharp and curved lines which mak...
Fabric
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Angle Arm Sofa
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Angle Arm Sofa This sofa measures:76.5 wide x 33 deep x 33.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16.5 and arm he...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Paul McCobb Sofa for Directional / Milo Baughman
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Paul McCobb sofa for Directional reupholstered at one point. In pretty nice condition with fabric being usable as-is. minor wear. finish to wood and legs shows...
Upholstery
Midcentury Italian Two-Piece Asymmetric Sofa circa 1950
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural 2-piece asymmetric sofa, midcentury Italian, circa 1950. Each piece can serve as stand-alone seating. Seat and back upholstered in blush fabric, self-welted, carved wood t...
Upholstery, Wood
$5,795 / item
H 33.86 in W 137.8 in D 39.38 in
Mid-Century Modern 3 Seats Sublime Sofa Made with Wood and Textile
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units 2 Seats - D 100 x W 250 x H 86 cm 3 Seats - D 100 x W 350 x H 86 cm With Chaise Longue - D 195 x W 350 x H 86 cm Available in other configurations. The Sublime collection is influenced by Art Deco, born under the burst of bright colors and shades, mirroring the elegance and glamour of the 1920’s and aiming to be the inspiration of life. This collection is characterized by the use of brass, a noble and sophisticated material, and the lacquered surfaces, which provide the piece with the representative shine of Art Deco. Pieces with voluptuous lines, but nevertheless comfortable and cozy, are what define Art Deco, as well as our collection. The Sublime modular sofa offers all the space you need to welcome your family and friends. A very comfortable and elegant best-seller, with fabric upholstery that can be customised according to your needs. The perfect versatile addition to your living room. The Sublime sofa...
Textile, Wood
Mid-Century Modern 2-Piece Sectional Sofa
Located in North Miami, FL
This very Mid-Century Modern sectional sofa in original fabric shows the wonderful Classic architectural design of the era. Low and deep, we left this beauty in its as-found condition so you can select your own fabric. We offer re-upholstery and restoration service...
Brass
Unique Mid-Century Vinyl Sectional Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This two-piece corner sofa makes an excellent seating option perfect for waiting or living room. Simple and unique Mid-Century design set this piece apart from similar items. Please ...
PVC
