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Planner Group Furniture

American

Brilliant self-trained American designer Paul McCobb collaborated with New York salesman B.G. Mesberg to create what is now a widely revered collection of mid-century modern furniture called the Planner Group. Produced by renowned manufacturer Winchendon Furniture Company, vintage Planner Group dressers, credenzas, chairs and other pieces bring honesty and heritage into any interior.

More than any other designer beside Russel Wright, the Massachusetts-born 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.

Of McCobb’s cohesive lines of furnishings, his best-known Planner Group gave homes an instant “look.” McCobb designed for several companies, most notably Directional, the New York firm he cofounded with Mesberg that also produced designs by other legends such as Paul Evans and Vladimir Kagan.

Known for their superior quality and affordable prices aimed at new homeowners, vintage Winchendon case furniture, side tables and desks were must-have staples for middle-class Americans in the postwar years. McCobb and Mesberg’s Planner Group for the manufacturer boasts a wide range of furnishings created in woods such as walnut and maple.

McCobb drew on the simplicity of Shaker furniture and Windsor chairs and was an advocate for modular furniture. A new homeowner could plan for properly furnishing each room with the Planner collection — a brochure touted its versatility — beginning with a couple of pieces from the series and gradually introducing more seating, cabinets and tables, stacking and combining as needed.

McCobb shared the limelight with the likes of celebrated American designers Charles and Ray Eames and was supposed to appear in a 1961 issue of Playboy magazine — a mid-century tastemaker of sorts — alongside other designers such as Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Jens Risom and Edward Wormley. A social and charismatic figure, McCobb can be found in photos from a party that took place the night before, but he was too hungover the next day to join the photo shoot.

For more than a decade beginning in 1950, the Planner designs comprised the best-selling furniture suite in the United States.

Find vintage Planner Group furniture and other Paul McCobb furniture on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Planner Group
Dealer: Liberty & 33rd
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Cabinets With Sliding Doors, Pair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern black lacquered solid maple record cabinets, bar cabinets, or bedside chests By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA,...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Record Cabinet With Sliding Doors
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern black lacquered solid maple record cabinet or bar cabinet with sliding doors By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Meas...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered 20-Drawer Dresser, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Mid-Century Modern 20-drawer dresser or credenza By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid maple, with original bras...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Dresser or Chest of Drawers, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern three-drawer dresser or chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch, with original bras...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group 20-Drawer Dresser or Credenza, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern 20-drawer long dresser or credenza By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch, with original brass ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple and Iron "Shovel" Side Chair, Fully Restored
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern "shovel" dining chair, desk chair, or side chair By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Sculpted solid maple seat an...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple and Iron "Shovel" Side Chairs, Fully Restored
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern "shovel" dining chairs or side chairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Sculpted solid maple seats and ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Birch Sliding Door Sideboard Credenza, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch, with sliding grass cloth doors. ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Birch, Grasscloth

Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple and Iron "Shovel" Dining Chairs, Fully Restored
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of four Mid-Century Modern "shovel" dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Sculpted solid maple seats and back suppor...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Drop Leaf Dining Table, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern solid maple drop-leaf dining table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Measures: 56.25"W x 36"D x 29"H. With...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Spindle Back Dining Chairs, Pair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of iconic mid-century modern solid maple spindle back dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Measures: 19.5"W x 19.5...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Desk, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern four drawer writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black and white lacquered solid maple, wi...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black and white lacquered solid maple, with brass har...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Double Pedestal Desk, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double pedestal executive writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid black and white lacquered birch,...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bedside Chests, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern three-drawer nightstands or bachelor chests By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid bir...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Maple, with black lacquered finish. Measures: 54...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bachelor Chest, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern three-drawer bachelor chest or bedside chest By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid birch, wit...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Corner Desk, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern solid birch corner desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Measures: 35.5"W x 35.5"D x 28.25"H. Good origi...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Maple, with black lacquered finish. Measures: 54...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Birch Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern bookcase By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch, with steel hairpin legs. Measures: 36"W x...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple and Iron "Shovel" Dining Chairs, Fully Restored
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of six Mid-Century Modern "shovel" dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Sculpted solid maple seats and back support...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Drop Front Desk with Sliding Door Credenza, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern drop front secretary desk cabinet with a lower sliding door credenza. By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid maple, with white grass cloth sliding doors and original brass hardware. Measures: 36"W x 15.25"D x 46.18"H. Desk height...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Grasscloth, Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Birch Dining Table, Newly Restored
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern birch extension dining table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Measures: 54"W x 36"D x 28.63"H. Exte...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Birch

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Dresser or Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An iconic Mid-Century Modern six-drawer dresser or credenza By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid birch, with brass hardw...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern single drawer nightstands or end tables. By Paul McCobb for Winchendon furniture, "Planner Group". USA, 1950s. Black lacquered...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk and Chair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk with matching chair By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black and white lacquered solid m...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk and Chair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk with matching desk chair. By Paul McCobb for Winchendon furniture, "Planner Group". USA, 1950s Black and white lacq...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Credenza or Record Cabinet
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern credenza, bar cabinet, or record cabinet By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid birch, w...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid maple, with original bras...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered T-Back Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of eight Mid-Century Modern T-back dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid sculpted maple, in black lacque...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Coffee Table or Bench, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern coffee table or bench By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid birch Measures: 60"...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Birch, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Extension Dining Table, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern extension dining table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Maple, with black lacquered finish. Meas...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcases on Hairpin Legs, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern glass front bookcases on hairpin legs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch in black lacqu...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Drop Leaf Dining Table, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern solid maple drop-leaf dining table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Measures: 56.5"W x 36"D x 29"H....
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern single drawer nightstands or end tables By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered so...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern glass front bookcase on hairpin legs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch in black lacquered finish, with sliding glass doors and steel hairpin legs. Measures: 36"W x 12.25"D x 34.25"H. Newly refinished. Excellent condition. Two matching bookcases...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Bachelor Chests, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An iconic pair of Mid-Century Modern bachelor chests or large beside chests By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA,...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Drop Leaf Dining Table, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern black lacquered solid maple drop-leaf dining table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Measures: 56.25"W x ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Extension Dinette Table, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern extension dinette table or game table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid maple construction, wi...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Minimalist Mid-Century Modern sliding door sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacque...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Nightstand, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern nightstand or side table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid maple, with original brass drawer pu...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron and Maple Coffee Table, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern coffee table or bench By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Iron frame and solid maple top, with black lacquered drawers...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group White Lacquer and Brass Twin Headboards, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern twin headboards By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s White lacquered maple, with brass spindles. Meas...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Perimeter Group Ebonized Double-Sided Room Divider, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern ebonized birch double sided wall unit or room divider By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Perimeter Group" USA, 1950s Measures...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Birch

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Dining Table, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern extension drop leaf dining table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid maple construction with blac...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Nightstand, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern nightstand or side table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid maple, with original brass drawer pu...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group 20-Drawer Dresser or Credenza, Newly Restored
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern 20-drawer long dresser or credenza designed by Paul McCobb for his Planner Group line for Winchendon Furniture. The credenza features solid ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron Base Stool or Side Table
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A newly refinished planner group iron base stool or side table By Paul McCobb USA, 1970s Maple and iron Measures: 20" W x 20" D x 13.75" H...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern single drawer nightstands or end tables By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid bi...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquer Double Pedestal Desk and Chair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double pedestal executive writing desk and spindle back chair By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid bla...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Planner Group furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Planner Group furniture 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 Planner Group furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Planner Group 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 furniture by John Widdicomb, American of Martinsville, and Paul Frankl. Prices for Planner Group furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $495 and can go as high as $16,199, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,450.

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