CB2 Is Launching a Paul McCobb Reissue Collection, and It’s a Mid-Century Modern Dream

If you’ve been coveting a vintage Paul McCobb piece for your home but have yet to find “the one” or can’t swing the cost of a true antique, I’m about to make your day. Beginning today and rolling out through April and beyond, CB2 will make history as the first American company to reissue McCobb’s iconic designs in nearly 50 years.

This assortment includes furniture, lighting, and outdoor categories and is the first of what’s expected to be a series of collections. “McCobb was a pioneer for modern furniture, and his pieces are just as influential today as when they graced the first set of “The Today Show” or the offices of Columbia Records in the ‘60s,” said Ryan Turf, president of CB2, in a press release about the reissue. “This collection is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to curate and deliver authentic, timeless design, and we’re proud to bring back this piece of modern heritage. ”

You can absolutely bank on seeing McCobb’s signature mid-century modern silhouettes in these items. To develop the collection, the CB2 team worked closely with FORM Portfolios, a company that revives classic mid-century modern pieces and holds the design rights from McCobb’s estate. Pieces have been created, however, with the modern dweller in mind. In my opinion, that’s a good thing because the tweaks are useful without being ornamental, gratuitous, or straying too far from the essence of McCobb.

For example, the Pavilion Collection for CB2, a mix-and-match patio melange that includes chairs, tables, and sofas, closely resembles some of McCobb’s own 1950s wrought iron designs, but the cushions are crafted of sturdy Sunbrella fabric to better weather the elements. Did I mention this set won’t set you back five figures? That’s about the going rate of just four of McCobb’s original outdoor chairs these days.

Similarly, each major component of the collection’s individual lamps is a custom design unique to Paul McCobb lighting. The Connoisseur collection, which takes its inspiration directly from McCobb’s original Connoisseur Group, consists of a nightstand and two dressers that have McCobb’s pared-back sensibility written all over them: slender legs, fine veneers, and simple round knobs.

Moral of the story? If you’ve been priced out of McCobb in the past, this collection might be the way to get the look for somewhat less without compromising on this American design icon’s own unique vision or a quality of materials, for that matter. Prices start at about $129, and pieces are available beginning right now.