Calvin Side Chairs
American
The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company Calvin Furniture opened its doors in 1953 and became a sought-after contract manufacturer for the day’s top furniture designers and brands. Its appealing mid-century modern and Hollywood Regency offerings — nightstands, dressers and more — graced the showrooms of department stores all over North America during the 1950s and 1960s.
Calvin’s relationship with the work of Massachusetts-born designer Paul McCobb is well known to enthusiasts of mid-century modern furniture. McCobb, whose unadorned and efficient storage pieces, seating and desks drew on Shaker simplicity and Bauhaus minimalism, wasn’t exactly a designer for Calvin — in partnership with New York furniture salesman B.G. Mesberg, McCobb set up the Directional Furniture Company in Manhattan in 1949, and Calvin was one of the manufacturers contracted to produce the furniture he designed for Directional (and later, for pieces designed under his own name).
Among McCobb’s most acclaimed lines made by Calvin Furniture were the Calvin Group and the Irwin Collection. The travertine-topped sideboards and mahogany nightstands of those lines as well as the other Calvin-produced dressers, bookcases and chests of drawers designed by McCobb were elegant and spare, free of unnecessary embellishments.
Calvin also manufactured the very popular American Design Foundation line of furniture that Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall designed. The Pennsylvania-born, California-raised MacDougall enjoyed a postwar collaboration with West Coast native Stewart that resulted in great success with manufacturers such as Glenn of California and Drexel Furniture. The duo’s celebrated Declaration line for the latter featured streamlined credenzas, dressers and more made in walnut with comely porcelain hardware. The dining chairs, tables and coffee tables manufactured by Calvin flaunt the pair’s signature clean lines, gentle curves and organic shapes.
In the late 1950s and early ‘60s, Calvin Furniture continued its business relationship with B.G. Mesberg National Sales and Directional Furniture. Calvin finally closed their doors during the early 1970s, but their legacy can be found in enduring pieces of modern furniture that remain popular today.
On 1stDibs, find a selection of vintage Calvin Furniture tables, credenzas, chairs and more.
to
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
70
122
119
99
45
Creator: Calvin
Set of 8 Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture Wooden Caned Dining Side Chair
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Queens, NY
"Set of 8 American Mid-Century dining side chairs with walnut frames, caned backs with a v-shaped top rail, and seats upholstered in a vinyl and woven thread beige and gold fabric wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
Related Items
Pair of Paul Mccobb Dining Room Armchairs for Calvin Mid Century
By Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant pair of mid-century modern armchairs designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture. Crafted from warm mahogany, these chairs feature McCobb’s signature clean lines, gently cur...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
$1,800 / set
H 35 in W 23 in D 19.5 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 6
Each chair measures: 16.5 wide x 20.75 deep x 34.25 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 17.5 inches
...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
$5,195 / set
H 34.25 in W 16.5 in D 20.75 in
Minimalist Iron and Maple Chair in the Manner of Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb, Clifford Pascoe, Arbuck, Luther Conover
Located in New Windsor, NY
Contoured solid maple back and seat supported by a durable iron frame, circa 1950. Good condition.
Category
1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Iron
$760 Sale Price
20% Off
H 29.5 in W 18.75 in D 21 in
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb "Bowtie" Dining Chairs for Winchendon Furniture
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul McCobb "Bowtie" dining chairs for Winchendon Furniture.
________________________________________
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history ...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Leather, Foam, Walnut
$7,500 / set
H 35.25 in W 20.75 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb Dining Chairs for Directional Set of Six
By Directional, Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb Dining Chairs for Directional Set of Six, Four model-1080 Armless and Two model-1082 Arm Chairs, Solid Mahogany wood with Bow-Tie Backs, upholstered seats.
Table and Cabi...
Category
1950s American Vintage Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
$5,200 Sale Price
20% Off
H 35 in W 24 in D 33.5 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century walnut and cane dining chairs - set of 6
Each armless chair measures: 16.5 wide x 16.5 deep x 34.5 high, with a seat height of 17.25 inches...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Cane, Walnut
$6,495 / set
H 36 in W 23 in D 20 in
Set of 4 Paul McCobb Style Upholstered Black Walnut Dining Side Chairs, 1950
s
By O
Hearn Furniture 1, Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Set of four Paul McCobb for O'Hearn Manufacturing Company style black walnut side chairs, 1950's. Featuring a refinished, sturdy and angled solid Walnut framework with newly upholste...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
$2,500 / set
H 31 in W 16 in D 18.5 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin X Base Foot Stool in Channeled Brass Circa 1960s
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Peabody, MA
A channeled brass foot stool with X form base, desgined by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, circa 1960s.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Brass
$1,495
H 18 in W 22 in D 18 in
Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman Dining Chair, Set of Four
By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of lattice-back dining chairs by Paul Frankl for Brown Saltman group. The chairs upholstered in high quality blue cotton fabric. The set include...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
$1,806 Sale Price / set
30% Off
H 33 in W 18 in D 21 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin Collection Walnut, Brass Dining Chairs - Set of 8
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin Collection Mid Century Walnut and Brass Dining Chairs - Set of 8
Each armless chair measures: 18 wide x 21.5 deep x 36 high, with a seat height of 19 in...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Brass
$7,195
H 36 in W 22.5 in D 23 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Dining Chairs with Caned Backs Directional , S/6
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1950s
Set of Paul McCobb for Calvin Walnut Dining Chairs with Caned Backs. Set includes two armchairs and four side chairs, all with their original fabric seats in a dimensional...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Brass
$5,400 / set
H 36 in W 22.75 in D 23 in
Paul McCobb X-Base Stool for Calvin
By Paul McCobb
Located in Greenwich, CT
Paul McCobb Classic X-base Stool for Calvin circa 1960’s
Dimensions: 20 "W x 20 "D x 16 ½ "H.
Timeless Mid-Century Design + elegant proportions and a unique period upholstery fo...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Brass
Previously Available Items
Pair of Paul McCobb Midcentury Side Chairs with Walnut Frames and Bouclé Seats
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Saint Louis, MO
An inspiring pair of fully restored Paul McCobb walnut side chairs with new seat upholstery finished in softly textured ivory white bouclé. Paul McCobb is known for his talented deli...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery, Walnut
H 35 in W 18 in D 18 in
Set of Six Dining Chairs by Kipp Stewart for Calvin Furniture, circa 1960
By Kipp Stewart, Calvin Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of six (6) dining chairs by Kipp Stewart for Calvin Furniture. These fantastic Mid-Century Modern dining chairs feature walnut frames with ebonized inlay and blue vintage upholst...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
H 38 in W 22.25 in D 24.25 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Ebonized Walnut Side or Desk Chairs by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural and elegant pair of side/ desk chairs was realized by the celebrated Mid-Century Modern designer, Paul McCobb, circa 1960. They feature atomic hourglass form backs co...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Walnut
H 35 in W 17.5 in D 20.5 in
Modern Set of Four Paul McCobb for Calvin Black and White Dining Chairs
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Houston, TX
Modern set of four black and white sculptural dining chairs designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin. In original fabric white / cream textured f...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Side Chairs
Brass and Blond Mahogany Dining Chairs by Paul McCobb for Calvin, Set of Six
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Pasadena, CA
These elegant mid-century modern chairs designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin are constructed from blonde mahogany and brass. They are upholstered in a black and white woven fabric. The...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Calvin Side Chairs
Materials
Brass
Calvin side chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Calvin side chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Calvin side chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original side chairs by Calvin were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 1950s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider side chairs by Paul McCobb, John Widdicomb, and Dunbar. Prices for Calvin side chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,200 and can go as high as $4,200, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,200.
Creators Similar to Calvin
Questions About Calvin Side Chairs
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024The difference between CK Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein is that one is a fashion line and the other is a fashion house. Designer Calvin Klein founded Calvin Klein in New York City in 1968. Over the years, the Calvin Klein company has produced numerous lines of clothing and accessories. One such line is CK Calvin Klein, a diffusion line of casual clothing and accessories sold at economical price points. On 1stDibs, explore a range of Calvin Klein pieces.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024The difference between Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein Collection is in what each name describes. Calvin Klein is the name of the overall fashion house founded by designer Calvin Klein in 1968. Until its discontinuation in 2019, the Calvin Klein Collection was the line of luxury clothing and accessories produced by the Calvin Klein company. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories.
- Why is Calvin Klein so popular?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024Calvin Klein is popular for a few reasons. Known for his minimalist, comfortable womenswear as well as a range of sexually provocative ad campaigns that continue to generate conversation decades later, Klein led the designer jeans craze of the late 1970s. The brand’s skirts, jackets, day dresses and shirts, sold at modest prices and frequently created in soft fabrics and understated neutral hues, are still versatile components of everyday wear. Controversial marketing helped broaden the label’s reach, too. During the 1980s, Klein’s jeans were promoted in scandalous ads featuring Brooke Shields and others that were banned by television stations and challenged by politicians. More eye-catching ad campaigns with up-and-coming models and celebrities like Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg followed in the ‘90s, also bringing fresh attention to the brand. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories.
- Why is Calvin Klein famous?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024Calvin Klein is famous for his work as a fashion designer. He is known for his minimalist, comfortable womenswear. During the 1970s, the American designer helped lead the denim craze, and he became the youngest-ever recipient of the Coty American Fashion Critics' Award in 1973. His jeans continued to dominate the market during the 1980s, a decade that also saw the Calvin Klein brand expand into men's and women's underwear. The brand Klein founded remains one of the best-known American fashion labels today. Shop a range of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024Yes, Calvin Klein is considered designer. Generally, a designer brand is any that features pieces produced by a particular fashion designer. Calvin Klein fits the definition, having been founded by designer Calvin Klein in 1968. Following Klein's retirement in 2004, other designers, such as Eric Sedeño and Jessica Lomax, have served as creative directors for Calvin Klein. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Calvin Klein brand is known for their sensual ads featuring well-known celebrities as well as for producing simple, understated fashions. Among the brand's most popular offerings are fragrances, men's underwear and jeans for men, women and children. Find a range of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024Calvin Klein became popular in the 1970s and ’80s. During that decade, the American fashion designer added sportswear, lingerie, blazers and a range of stylish accessories to his lines of apparel. He became the youngest-ever recipient of the Coty American Fashion Critics' Award in 1973, winning again in both of the subsequent two years.
Klein’s debut of his now-revered blue jeans in 1976 was somewhat of a failure — they were too expensive, and buyers complained about the fit. Late one night at Studio 54, the designer heard about the benefits that a licensing deal with apparel manufacturer Puritan Fashions might bring him. Two years later, Klein inked that deal and sold 200,000 pairs of his jeans, which were produced by Puritan, in a week.
A large percentage of Puritan’s sales in 1978 were owed to Klein’s blue jeans. This streak with denim carried on into the 1980s, when Klein competed with the likes of Jordache, Gloria Vanderbilt and other labels. Klein’s jeans were promoted in provocative ads featuring Brooke Shields and others. The decade also saw the debut of successful men's and women's underwear collections designed by Klein that were also the subjects of steamy marketing campaigns. Soon, Calvin Klein expanded to 12,000 American stores and retail locations in six other countries.
Find a selection of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories on 1stDibs. - Is Calvin Klein a good brand?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024Yes, Calvin Klein is a good brand. Known for minimalist, comfortable womenswear as well as sexually provocative ad campaigns that continue to generate conversation decades later, Klein led the designer jeans craze of the late 1970s. The brand’s skirts, jackets, day dresses and shirts, sold at modest prices and frequently created in soft fabrics and understated neutral hues, are versatile components of everyday wear. Shop a range of Calvin Klein apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024The difference between Calvin Klein and Anne Klein is that they are two different companies. American designer Calvin Klein founded his eponymous brand in New York City in 1968. That same year in New York, American fashion designer Anne Klein established Anne Klein Company. Although they share a surname, the two designers are not related, and neither are the brands they created. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Calvin Klein and Anne Klein apparel and accessories.