Skip to main content

Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

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.

12
to
12
12
12
12
11
12
7
2
4
2
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
8
3
1
9
6
6
6
5
12
12
541
108
105
64
57
Creator: Paul McCobb
Set of 3 Paul McCobb Brass X Frame Ottomans or Stools - Holly Hunt Salmon Velvet
By Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Set of 3 fully restored Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb model 1306 for Directional brass X base ottomans or stools , reupholstered in Holly Hunt Salmon colored velvet. Brass has been ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Blue Leather and Walnut Ottoman
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular ottoman with a blue leather upholstered seat resting on a walnut frame with tapered legs. (Paul Mccobb for Directional).      
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wood, Leather, Walnut, Upholstery

Paul McCobb for Directional Rectangular Black Vinyl and Walnut Ottoman
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century rectangular ottoman with a black vinyl upholstered top resting on a walnut base with tapered legs. (PAUL MCCOBB FOR DIRECTIONAL)
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

Paul McCobb Mid Century Iron Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb mid century iron stool. This stool measures: 21 wide x 21 deep x 18 inches high. All pieces of furniture can be had in w...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb for Directional Lounge Chairs and Ottoman, C. 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Westport, CT
A lounge chair and ottoman designed by the Iconic Paul McCobb for Directional, maple legs fully restored and refinished in medium walnut. Reupholstered in grey chenille. Other d...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chenille, Maple

McCobb Square Brass Square Base New Navy Blue Upholstery Bench Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
McCobb 20" square brass square base new navy blue upholstery bench stool.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid-Century Brass X Base Stool Ottoman
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century brass x base stool ottoman. Stool measures: 20 wide x 20 deep x 15.5 inches high. All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mid Century Brass X Base Stool Ottoman
By Paul McCobb
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Paul McCobb for Calvin mid century brass x base stool ottoman Ottoman measures: 20 wide x 20 deep x 15.5 inches high.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Directional Nº 314 Wingback Lounge Chair Ottoman Mid-Century Retro
By Paul McCobb
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Re-Upholstery required. Not usable as-is. Please ship directly to your Upholsterer, reupholstery is necessary. No woodworking necessary, the framing on chair and ottoman are tight, ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Birch

Mid-Century Modern Ottoman in Creations Metaphor Silk Blend Fabric, Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
This refined and understated ottoman were designed by Paul McCobb- one of the most celebrated and influential figures in 20th century design- in America, circa 1950. The ottoman offe...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Walnut, Upholstery

Paul McCobb Brass X-Stretcher Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic McCobb design in all-original condition.
Category

1950s American Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Lounge Chair Model 302 and Matching Ottoman by Directional
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1960s Paul McCobb Lounge Chair Model 302 and ottoman by Directional. Chair is a nice, larger scale and clean lined though with nice detail. The back is rounded and the legs are tapered and long. The ottoman is full sized. Chair was reupholstered at some...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Linen, Hardwood

Related Items
Mid Century Stool, II
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Ottoman with ebonized mahogany, with an X stretcher form, boxed upholstered seat, and brass cap feet. Dimensions: 24" W x 18" D x 18" H Shown in Draper Perfo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Stool, II
Mid Century Stool, II
H 18 in W 24 in D 18 in
Doric Stool or Ottoman in Natural Walnut and White Velvet Corduroy
By Steven Bukowski
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Doric stool is a versatile and elegant piece, which has found its place in museums, offices, and homes. The brutalist, monolithic legs suggest ancient columns...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Hardwood, Oak

Island Small Pouf in Capri Grey Upholstery & Brass Base by Serena Confalonieri
By Serena Confalonieri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Island is a collection made up of three poufs with organic forms that evoke the coast line lapped by the sea. This imagery is felt throughout the entire design, conjuring the enveloping movement of the tide which softens and shapes the shore. For this reason, the volumes are perceived differently depending on the perspective from which they are observed in a space. The base visually elevates the seat from the ground making it seem like it’s floating in space. Serena is an indipendent designer and art director based in Milano. She works on product, graphic and textile design projects and collaborates with many italian and international companies. Her works are placed in-between product and graphic design: an accurate research on the surfaces is always present in her projects. After a Master Degree in Interior Design, she started her career working in many architecture and design practices in Milano, Barcelona and Berlin, and collaborating with the Interior Design Faculty of Politecnico di Milano as assistant professor. In 2013 she makes her debut at Milano Design Week with her Flamingo rug...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

Mid-Century Mahogany Swivel Ottoman in Holly Hunt Leather by Frank Lloyd Wright
By Heritage Furniture, Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in New York, NY
This rare and highly sought after Mid-Century Modernist Rotating Stool/ Ottoman in Holly Hunt Leather is by Frank Lloyd Wright for Heritage Henrendon, and originates from the United ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Pair of Silk Parsons Ottomans or Stools
By Milo Baughman
Located in Redding, CT
Pair of Silk Parson Ottomans or stools. Gingham silk upholstery covers the pair. very good condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Silk, Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Silk Parsons Ottomans or Stools
Pair of Silk Parsons Ottomans or Stools
H 18.5 in W 23.5 in D 16.75 in
Adrian Pearsall Craft Associates Stingray Ottoman Stool Mid-Century Modern
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Architectural form, with staved American Walnut frame, and beautiful and contrasting wood grains. Measurements: W 23 x D 16.5 x H 18.5 and Seat H 16 in.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Black Vintage Stool Leather Metal, circa 1970
Located in Vienna, AT
This vintage stool from the 1970s shows a black stitched leather covering. Also the stool is decorated with leather buttons. The base and the feet were made of black lacquered metal....
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Metal

1970s Stool with Brass Base and Black Velvet Upholstery, Five Available
Located in IT
Stools with brass base and velvet recently reuphostered seats. We have five available. Price refers to one stool. Size of each stool diameter 33 ...
Category

Late 20th Century European Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

1950s Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner for Group Dining Chairs
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Charleston, SC
A set of four dining chairs Designed by Paul McCobb's iconic for Winchendon Furniture Planner Group series, manufactured from 1950-1964. These chairs have been professionally resto...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Maple

Upholstered Cushioned Stool / Ottoman in Velvet Linen or Leather by Filipe Ramos
By Filipe Ramos
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
The Linha collection was designed from the top to bottom. The first piece of this collection is the planter pedestal. One of the other pieces in this collection is this upholstered s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Steel

Custom Ottomans or Stools
Located in Dallas, TX
We can make as many as you need and upholster in any fabric of your choice. Here are a few examples we upholstered in a Paul Smith stripe and fabric...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Upholstery

Custom Ottomans or Stools
Custom Ottomans or Stools
H 19.5 in Dm 18.5 in
Pair of Rattan Ottomans or Stools
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
Likely Imported, 1970s Pai of cylindrical rattan ottomans or stools. Great as lightweight side tables or plant stands. Add a nice dose of texture and line art ...
Category

1970s Philippine Bohemian Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wicker, Rattan

Previously Available Items
Paul McCobb Brass X-Base Stools- a Pair
By Paul McCobb
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Paul Mccobb brass x-base stools. Reupholstered in an earth toned boucle. Beautiful patina to the brass frame. A few hairline fractures near the bottoms of the legs typical wi...
Category

1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Brass X-Base Stools- a Pair
Paul McCobb Brass X-Base Stools- a Pair
H 17 in W 20.5 in D 20.5 in
Paul McCobb Brass Ottomans, a Pair
By Paul McCobb
Located in Raleigh, NC
Restored pair of Paul McCobb stools by Calvin Furniture. Brass X-frame bases with new velvet upholstery.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Brass Ottomans, a Pair
Paul McCobb Brass Ottomans, a Pair
H 18 in W 20 in D 20 in
Pair of Wrought Iron Paul McCobb Stools/Ottomans
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of wrought iron and blue naugahyde "All Round Square" stools/ottomans Model #1305 designed by Paul McCobb (ca. 1960s, USA). Original condition with wear to the naugahyde from ag...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Paul McCobb Mid Century Upholstered Iron Ottoman Stool
By Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb Mid Century upholstered iron ottoman stool Ottoman measures: 16.5 wide x 16.5 deep x 14.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vint...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Iron Stool or Ottoman, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Minimalist Mid-Century Modern stool or ottoman By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Iron legs, with upholstered seat. Me...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Iron

Pair of Wrought Iron Stools by Paul McCobb, US, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of wrought iron stools, designed in the 1950s by Paul McCobb and manufactured by Winchendon Furniture (Planner Group), great fabric Mi...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Mid-Century Modern lounge chair and ottoman, designed by Paul McCobb, American, circa 1950s. This chair and ottoman are currently being refinished and reupholstered and c...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Paul McCobb Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Paul McCobb Lounge Chair and Ottoman
H 31.25 in W 31 in D 31 in
Pair of New Upholstery Square Brass Frames Benches Stools by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern brass benches by Paul McCobb.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Black Iron Occasional Stool, 1950s
By Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Classic American Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb red upholstered wrought iron ottoman. Featuring an open black iron framework in original condition with original Red vinyl upholstery ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Original Paul McCobb Stool or Ottoman
By Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish Mid-Century Modern stool or ottoman designed by Paul McCobb. The stool has nice black iron legs with all feet glides still intact. The vinyl upholstery is original. An exce...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Iron

Original Paul McCobb Stool or Ottoman
Original Paul McCobb Stool or Ottoman
H 17 in W 20.5 in D 20.5 in
Paul McCobb Ottomans
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of Paul McCobb X-base brass ottomans newly upholstered in off white leather.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Paul McCobb Ottomans
Paul McCobb Ottomans
H 16 in W 20 in D 20 in
Pair of Paul McCobb Leather Ottomans
By Paul McCobb
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of Paul McCobb leather and iron ottoman, circa late 1950s. These examples have solid patinated iron frames and have been newly upholstered in a Rob...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Iron

Paul Mccobb ottomans and poufs for sale on 1stDibs.

Paul McCobb ottomans and poufs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paul McCobb ottomans and poufs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original ottomans and poufs 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 ottomans and poufs by Warren Platner, Dunbar, and Charles and Ray Eames. Prices for Paul McCobb ottomans and poufs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,595 and can go as high as $7,850, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,800.
Questions About Paul McCobb Ottomans and Poufs
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    You 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, 2022
    The 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, 2022
    To 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, 2022
    In 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.

Recently Viewed

View All