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.
Danish Cabinetmaker Table Desk
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The Danish cabinetmaker dining table or desk features a light wood top and round black legs. The tabletop is crafted from a high-quality light wood, which exhibits a natural and warm...
Wood
Round Side Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The George Nelson-designed round pedestal side table for Herman Miller features a timeless and sleek design. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it boasts a circular table s...
Aluminum
Adrian Pearsall Brutalist Sculpted Resin Cocktail Table
By Craft Associates, Paul Evans, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A bold and sculptural cocktail table by Adrian Pearsall, showcasing his signature blend of modernist form and Brutalist texture. This substantial square table features a smooth black...
Resin, Formica, Wood
Coffee Cocktail or End Table by Ernst & Jensen for Erik Jorgensen
By Erik Jørgensen
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The Cocktail or End Table designed by Ernst & Jensen for Erik Jorgensen is a stunning piece that seamlessly blends form and function. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this table embodies the essence of Scandinavian design. Its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic create a sense of understated elegance that effortlessly complements any interior space. The table features a sleek tabletop, expertly constructed with high-quality painted aluminum, exuding a sense of sophistication and refinement. The choice of material allows for versatility, enabling the table to seamlessly integrate into various design styles, from contemporary to classic. The table's base is a work of art in itself, showcasing a harmonious balance between strength and delicacy. Also aluminum, the legs provide stability and durability, while their graceful curves or geometric angles add visual interest and sculptural appeal. Whether used as a cocktail table for entertaining guests or as an end table for displaying treasured items, this piece offers both practicality and style. Its thoughtfully designed proportions ensure functionality without sacrificing aesthetic appeal, making it a versatile and timeless addition to any living room, lounge, or office space. The Ernst & Jensen for Erik Jorgensen Cocktail or End Table is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, where Danish design sensibilities meet functional elegance, resulting in a furniture piece that elevates the ambiance of any room it graces. Constructed of all aluminum with black finish. Photographed with Herman Miller Eames chair, Macbook Pro...
Aluminum
Coffee Cocktail Table by Ernst & Jensen for Erik Jorgensen
By Erik Jørgensen
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The Insula Cocktail or End Table designed by Ernst & Jensen for Erik Jorgensen is a stunning piece that seamlessly blends form and function. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this table embodies the essence of Scandinavian design. Its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic create a sense of understated elegance that effortlessly complements any interior space. The table features a sleek tabletop, expertly constructed with high-quality painted aluminum, exuding a sense of sophistication and refinement. The choice of material allows for versatility, enabling the table to seamlessly integrate into various design styles, from contemporary to classic. The table's base is a work of art in itself, showcasing a harmonious balance between strength and delicacy. Also aluminum, the base provides stability and durability, while their graceful curves or geometric angles add visual interest and sculptural appeal. Whether used as a cocktail table for entertaining guests or as an end table for displaying treasured items, this piece offers both practicality and style. Its thoughtfully designed proportions ensure functionality without sacrificing aesthetic appeal, making it a versatile and timeless addition to any living room, lounge, or office space. The Ernst & Jensen for Erik Jorgensen Cocktail or End Table is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, where Danish design sensibilities meet functional elegance, resulting in a furniture piece that elevates the ambiance of any room it graces. Photographed with Herman Miller Eames chair, Macbook Pro...
Aluminum
Frank Rohloff Travertine Cocktail Side Table for Brown Saltman
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautifully composed example of California modernism, this sculptural dining or center table is attributed to Frank Rohloff and produced by Brown Saltman in the 1960s. The design balances material warmth with refined geometry: a thick, round travertine top with softly beveled edge floats above a contrasting architectural base. The base features a crisp, painted metal collar that transitions into a richly grained walnut pedestal, gently flared for stability and visual weight. The interplay of stone, metal, and wood is quintessentially Rohloff—clean, grounded, and quietly sophisticated. The travertine surface displays natural tonal variation and subtle pitting consistent with the material, adding depth and authenticity. The walnut base retains a warm, even finish with beautiful vertical grain movement, while the painted metal element provides a sharp modern contrast. Ideal as a side table or cocktail table in a living space, this example reflects the understated elegance and craftsmanship associated with Brown Saltman’s best period work. Photographed with Hans Wegner wing chair...
Travertine, Metal
Paul McCobb Side Table with Brass Base by Calvin
By Paul McCobb
Located in Highland, IN
This exquisite vintage example of Paul McCobb's brass base table features a mahogany top and McCobb's elegant design in square stock brass. The table is entirely original and in very...
Brass
Mid Century Side End Occasional Table after McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Nice diminutive Mid Century table having a circular wood top, on wrought iron legs. The top is newly repainted to semi gloss white, the legs to semi gloss black, creating a striking...
Wrought Iron
Hugh Acton Unique Side Table
By Hugh Acton
Located in Chicago, IL
Hugh Acton unique side table, from the residence of Hugh Acton, Birmingham, Michigan. Similar to the iconic production benches, V legs in solid bras...
Travertine, Brass
End Table by Roger Sprunger for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Roger Sprunger
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A patinated brass flat-bar framed end table with an inset white top and sled legs.
Brass
Outdoor Hinterland Side Table by Lawson-Fenning
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Hinterland Side Table features a powder coated iron tube base and choice of 3 different tops; teak slat, stone, or a cast tempered glass with a corduroy pattern. The Lawson-Fe...
Travertine
Midcentury Milo Baughman Style Marble Side Table
By Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This crescent moon side table works great as a pedestal table or fantastic sofa/hall table, adding stylish vintage flair to home or office. Uniquely shaped and well made, this Milo Baughman style side...
Marble, Chrome
