Paul McCobb's Minimalist Vintage Vibes

Fritz Hansen and Karakter Copenhagen continue their efforts in relaunching exlusive design pieces by Paul McCobb in Milan this year alongside Schwinn Originals and Made a Mano.

Planner shelving by Paul HcCobb x Fritz hansen and Karakter Copenhagen

Among the products launched at Salone del Mobile, the Planner shelving unit stands out for the multi-functionality inherent in its design. The piece, in fact is part of a wider modular funiture collection designed by McCobb to cater to an emerging American middle class demanding designer home furniture at middle-range prices. Thus the shelf, with its slender frame and simple, elegant presence, works as a room divider as well as a shelf system, just as it can be installed against a wall.

Paul McCobb with the Planner shelving

Paul McCobb’s design aesthetic is simplicity of form with a lack of ornamentation. Inspired by his New England upbringing and influenced by Shaker Design, McCobb combined slender lines with sculptural forms. He offered a playful take on traditional forms with hints of Scandinavian craftsmanship and International style clarity, often made with affordable and robust materials such as iron, solid wood and durable upholstery.

The American furntiure designer's eclectic career spanned from decorating consultant to frequent radio and TV talkshow guest and newspaper columnist. Items created by Paul McCobb, particularly influential in the 1950s and 60s, included residential furniture, but also radios and televisions. Most of these have not been in production since his untimely death in 1969.

Planner shelving by Paul HcCobb x Fritz hansen and Karakter Copenhagen

Paul McCobb received MoMA’s Good Design Award five times between 1950 and 1955 as well as of the Philadelphia Museum of Arts’ Contribution to Better Design Award in 1959.

Edited by Emeiju Selina.