Paul McCobb Chairs
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.
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Creator: Paul McCobb
Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Paul McCobb for the Winchendon Furniture Co.
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Set of four dining chairs designed by Paul McCobb for the Winchendon Furniture (Planner Group) Co. Solid maple with a spindle supported backrest and signature inlay screw on each sea...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Wood
Paul Mccobb Cabana Lounge Chairs for the Arbuck Pavilion Collection, 1952
By Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These are extremely rare lounge chairs designed by the great Paul McCobb for the Arbuck Pavilion collection in 1952. This was a very short production and only a few were made. Truly...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain Lounge Maple Arm Chairs
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of rare all original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain arm chairs. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb Cane back armchair
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
A rare walnut framed armchair with cane back designed by Paul McCobb and made by Directional Furniture in the late 1950s. A very interesting chair with both Danish and Shaker charact...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Set of Five Different Paul McCobb Planner Group Chairs for Winchendon
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Curated set of five chairs by Paul McCobb planner group for Wichendon.
Chairs are in good condition with a vintage patina. All chairs are recently glued.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Iron
Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain Lounge Maple Arm Chair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful all original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain arm chair. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original vint...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
T-Back Planner Group Chair by Paul McCobb for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maple t-back dining chair from the Planner Group series designed by Paul McCobb and manufactured by Winchendon, Massachusetts. Very good condition. We have 8 in stock, priced separat...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb Protype III Armchair for Calvin Furniture Co. Woven Leather & Wood
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
An early modern armchair prototype designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Co. Circa 1962. Danish Scandinavian style with beige woven leather strapping on a mahogany wood frame ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Paul McCobb Designed Shovel Chair for Wichendon
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of iconic side or desk chairs by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. Reffered to as The Shovel Chair because of the wide sculpted maple seat. The maple back is made of twelve matching c...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Metal
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century walnut and cane dining chairs - set of 6
Each armless chair measures: 16.5 wide x 16.5 deep x 34.5 high, with a seat height of 17.25 inches...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 4
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century dining chairs - Set of 4
Each chair measures: 17.5 wide x 18 deep x 35 inches high, with a seat height of 18 inches
All pieces of furniture c...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb Shovel Chair for Wichendon
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul McCobb design "Shovel" side chair model 1533 for Winchendon, Mass. A iconic and innovative chair in good original condition wood, metal frame shows wear and tear to finish but s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Steel
Paul McCobb Winchendon Furniture Planner Group #1534 Bowtie Dining Side Chair
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Forest Grove, PA
An early Paul McCobb #1534 "Bowtie" side or dining chair for the Planner Group by Winchendon Furniture. Unmarked.
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Textile, Maple
Lounge Chair by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare lounge chair designed by Paul McCobb for Directional.
Category
1950s Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Paul McCobb for Directional Midcentury Occasional Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional midcentury occasional lounge chairs - pair.
Each chair measures: 24.75 wide x 21 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height/chair...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Table and Bowtie Chairs
By Paul McCobb
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb Table and Bowtie Chairs
Table and chairs in above average vintage condition. Have some expected vintage wear which should ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb, set of 6 refined oak chairs.
By Paul McCobb
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2432
Paul McCobb
Set of 6 refined oak chairs.
Uk manufacture, 1950's.
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Oak
Fiberglass Origami Chair by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare design by Paul McCobb (American, 1917-1969) for St. John, circa 1950s, this all original Origami Chair if made of a light blue fiberglass seat and...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Metal
Rare White Paul McCobb Origami Chair on Spider Base
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1960s vintage white molded fiberglass Origami shell chair designed by Paul McCobb on very scarce spider base. A stunning example of this rarely seen combo. The faceted chair...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Paul McCobb lounge chairs with maple legs and brass stretchers. Fully restored and reupholstered in Pierre Frey / Arlene / Coquillage.
Category
1950s Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Paul McCobb Shovel Chair for Winchendon Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Shovel chair in maple and iron from Paul McCobb's iconic Planner Group, by Winchendon Furniture, c.1950s, USA. The chair features a spindle back rest and sculpted seat which is suppo...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Iron
Paul McCobb for Lane Delineator Mid Century Rosewood Dining Chair
By Lane Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Lane Delineator Mid Century Rosewood Dining Chair
This chair measures: 22 wide x 19.5 deep x 36.75 inches high, with a seat height of ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood
Paul McCobb Shovel Chair
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Paul McCobb shovel chair, model #1533, from his Planner Group for Winchendon Furniture, 1950. Solid maple seat and back with iron frame. Go...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Iron
Origami Side Chair on Swiveling Pedestal Base by Paul McCobb for St John
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed in 1959 as the Faceted form chair, Paul McCobb’s fiberglass seating has become known as the Origami Chair, its molded facets reminiscent of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Metal
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner group mid century dining chairs - set of 6
Each armless chair measures: 20.25 wide x 19 deep x 30.25 high, with a seat height of 18 inches
Each captains c...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Wood
Beautiful Elegant American Mid Century Modern Iron Chair by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful lines on this solid iron chair designed by Paul McCobb freshly powder coated in black mate with beautiful grey upholstery cushion.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Iron
Paul McCobb Protype I Side Chair for Calvin Furniture Co. Woven Leather & Wood
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A rare modern chair prototype designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Co. Dated in pencil 6-8-1962 on the underside. Danish Scandinavian style with beige woven leather strapping...
Category
1960s American Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Mid-Century Cane and Walnut Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Winchendon midcentury cane and walnut lounge chairs - pair
Each chair measures: 26.25 wide x 25 deep x 33 inches high, with a seat height of 16.75 and arm height/c...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Paul McCobb for Winchendon Maple Spindle Back Lounge Chair
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, low profile, lounge chair by Paul McCobb for Winchendon features a deep seated, black lacquered maple frame with spindle back and newly upholstered cushions in se...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Maple
Vintage Paul McCobb Two-Toned Planner Chairs, PAIR
By Paul McCobb
Located in North Miami, FL
This is a pair of two-toned, white and brown stained wood, Planner chairs designed by Paul McCobb. There is a second pair of McCobb chairs in similar two-tone that would complement b...
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Vintage MCM Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, Dining Chairs, Set of 4
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in west palm beach, FL
Fantastic set of vintage 4 MCM dining chairs. Designed by the legendary Paul McCobb, a Midcentury giant. Gorgeous spindle back with the coveted inlay screw on each seat. Acquired fro...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Wood
Vintage Paul McCobb Two-Tone Planner Chairs, PAIR
By Paul McCobb
Located in North Miami, FL
Beautifully lacquered in two tones, white and natural wood in brown stain. We have a second similar pair of McCobb chairs that can make a lovely set of ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Chairs
Materials
Maple
Paul Mccobb chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Paul McCobb chairs 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 chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Paul McCobb were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Charles Eames, Edward Wormley, and Dunbar. Prices for Paul McCobb chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $599 and can go as high as $9,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,895.
Creators Similar to Paul McCobb
Questions About Paul McCobb Chairs
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The 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, 2022To 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, 2022You 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, 2022In 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.