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.
$2,347 / set
H 22.25 in W 30 in D 24 in
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Mid Century Maple and Brass Side End Tables - Pair
By Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb Connoisseur Mid Century Maple and Brass Side End Tables - Pair Each side table measures: 30 wide x 24 deep x 22.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled light...
Brass
Paul McCobb, Side Tables, Brass, Mahogany, USA, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and mahogany side tables designed by Paul McCobb and produced by The Irwin Collection, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 14.9"H x 20.1...
Brass
$4,400 / set
H 20 in W 24 in D 26 in
Pair Paul McCobb "Connoisseur Collection" Trapezoid Mahogany & Brass Side Tables
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair Paul McCobb "Connoisseur Collection" for H. Sacks & Sons Mahogany and Brass End Tables, 1950's. Featuring sturdy, balanced trapezoid frameworks, smoothly refinished Mahogany su...
Brass
$11,179
H 19.69 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Side Tables with Gilded Brass Trim
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An pair of side tables crafted in France circa 1970, beautifully capturing the transition between Mid-Century Modern utility and Hollywood Regency. In the manner of Maison Jansen or ...
Brass
$4,200 / set
H 22 in W 24 in D 30 in
Pair of Mahogany and Brass Connoisseur Collection Nightstands by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb, H Sacks & Sons
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant two-tier, single-drawer side tables/nightstands designed by Paul Mccobb for his the "Connoisseur Collection" manufactured by H Sacks and Sons (ca. 1953, Brookline, MA, USA). Composed of a red mahogany frame with inset "hidden" drawer with brass pull tucked below the surface. Lower, glass tier is framed by brass stretchers which delicately brace the long, tapered legs. Additionally, the sides are deeply sculpted/partially recessed resembling a half-bowtie, revealing the drawer within and adding a nice detail to an otherwise simple form. Relatively large size offering ample storage options between the shallow drawer and lower surface. Sleek, minimal pieces designed with unique and unexpected features indicative of an ingenious design highlighting the marriage of form and function. Excellent, restored condition (wood has been refinished and brass has been polished). Only minimal wear remains. Signed with applied brass manufacturer's label to the drawer of each example: "Connoisseur Collection designed by Paul McCobb H Sacks...
Brass
$6,000Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 25 in W 22 in D 20 in
Pair Mid Century Paul McCobb Irwin 2 drawer Nightstands Vitrolite Brass
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Beautiful Paul McCobb 1960s Production brass nightstands end tables with 2 drawers and brass frame with Rare Vitrolite white glass tops. Solid Brass knobs - Original Vintage ...
Brass
$3,900 / set
H 23.75 in W 21 in D 22 in
Pair of Paul Mccobb Calvin Group Mahogany and Brass Nightstands for Directional
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul Mccobb Calvin Group Model 1047 two-tier nightstands/side tables for Directional (ca. 1954, USA). Composed of a stained mahogany frame with extendable lower shelf with nickel pul...
Brass, Nickel
Mid 20th Century matched pair of Italian brass side tables
Located in London, GB
Mid 20th Century matched pair of Italian brass side tables Stylish and sleek, a matched pair of mid 20th century brass Italian side tables. Both show natural age with a deep patina ...
Brass
Pair of Modern Brass Finish End Tables
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish pair of two-tier end tables adds a unique vintage modern display table to living room or office seating arrangements. Perfect split ...
Pair of Vintage Brass and Leather Side Tables
Located in London, GB
A smart and extremely well made pair of vintage brass and leather side tables. They were made in England, they date from the 1960’s. The quality is superb, the frames are solid bras...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Chrome and Brass End Tables
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid century modern chrome and brass glass top end tables, American, circa 1960s.
Brass, Steel
Paul Frankl Night Stands End Tables Refinished Your Color Choice Mid Century
By Paul Frankl
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Elegant Nightstands, designed by Paul Frankl for Johnson Furniture, American, circa 1950s. They are a versatile size and can be used as night stands, or as side or end tables...
Brass
Pair of Italian Gilt Metal and Marble End Tables Mid Century Modern Night Stands
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Pair of Italian Marble and Gilt Metal End Tables, Italy, circa 1960s. They are a versatile size and can be used as side or end tables, or as nightstands.
Marble, Metal
Pair of Klismos Leg Side Tables by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Klismos leg side tables designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, American, circa 1950s. They are currently being refinished an...
Walnut
Pair of Milo Baughman End Tables Mid Century Modern 28w x 22d x 19h
By Milo Baughman
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of elegant Mid Century Modern End Tables, designed by Milo Baughman, American, circa 1960s. Beautifully grained wood top contrasts nicely with the iron base.
Metal
Enrique Garcel Pair of Elegant Stepped End Tables or Night Stands
By Enrique Garcel
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of elegant stepped design tables, designed by Enrique Garcel, Colombia, circa 1980s. They are a versatile size and can be used as end or side tables, or as night stands. They ar...
Glass, Wood
