Paul McCobb: Celebrating a Century of Classic Design

On June 15, 1917, Paul McCobb was born in Medford, Massachusetts. If McCobb was still alive, today would have marked his 100th birthday. Sadly, the famed furniture designer passed away in 1969, but his designs and impact on the furniture world live on to this day.

Paul McCobb began his life with the desire to become an artist, and he studied art in Boston, Massachusetts. After serving in the U.S. Army in World War II, McCobb found his calling as a design and decorating consultant for Martin Feinman’s Modernage Furniture in New York City.

Eventually, McCobb's furniture designs took center stage. His Planner Group is perhaps one of the most iconic and best-selling furniture lines of the mid-century era. He also designed for Directional, where Vladimir Kagan and Paul Evans also designed.

McCobb's pieces are largely modular, with a touch of atomic style. Each piece is efficient and practical, with a purity of form and an intentional style. He introduced a new look that was free from flourishes and unnecessary ornamentation. In many ways, McCobb brought the idea of mid-century modern style to the masses. He even famously designed the studio set for the Today Show in 1952, ensuring that millions would be instantly familiar with his designs.

McCobb's portfolio of designs is managed by FORM Portfolios, a company with plans to release some of the designer's iconic pieces in the coming years. In the meantime, vintage pieces can still be found. McCobb's furnishings clearly stand the test of time, with chairs, tables and desks looking perfectly at home in today's modern houses.

Check out our shop to find a few Paul McCobb pieces and browse a range of fantastic MCM pieces that have stood the test of time.