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.

Creator: Planner Group

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Nightstand, Newly Refinished

$1,525

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Nightstand, Newly Refinished

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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 Raymond Loewy Coffee Table

$1,495

Paul McCobb Raymond Loewy Coffee Table

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in South Charleston, WV

Unique table produced by Planner Group with Genuine vintage (not later re-issued pattern) formica top design "skylark" by Raymond Loewy and Brooks Stevens...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Iron

1950s Vintage Paul McCobb Iron Rod Planner Group Side Table Abstract Midcentury

$2,000Sale Price|20% Off

1950s Vintage Paul McCobb Iron Rod Planner Group Side Table Abstract Midcentury

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Hyattsville, MD

The early 1950s lesser seen end table model from the Planner Group. Beauty through function and cost-effective materials. The Planner Group Line by Paul McCobb, Model#1305 table, Win...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Drop Leaf Dining Table, 1950s

$1,995

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Drop Leaf Dining Table, 1950s

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 29.5"H. Wit...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb set / 8 Planner Group Bow Tie Back Dining Chairs Winchendon Restored

$8,750 / set

Paul McCobb set / 8 Planner Group Bow Tie Back Dining Chairs Winchendon Restored

By Winchendon, Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in St. Louis, MO

Set of 8 MCM Paul McCobb Planner Group bow back dining chairs for Winchendon to be completely restored prior to shipping. Sleek maple frames wit...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Foam, Maple

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Tobacco Desk Dining Chair

$1,195

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Tobacco Desk Dining Chair

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Tobacco Desk Dining Chair This chair measures: 19.25 wide x 20 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 17.75 inches G...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Extension Dining Table, Refinished

$3,995

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. Measures: 54...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Spindle Back Dining Chairs, Twelve

$11,695 / set

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Spindle Back Dining Chairs, Twelve

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional set of twelve iconic Mid-Century Modern spindle back dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid maple, with black lacqu...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desk and Chair Set, Birch and Laminate

$4,900 / set

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desk and Chair Set, Birch and Laminate

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Southampton, NJ

A striking Paul McCobb four drawer desk and matching chair set with white laminate top. All original 1950's from the Planner Group series, this scarcely seen set with original tag ha...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Drop Leaf Dining Table, Refinished

$2,515

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 Square Coffee Table, Newly Refinished

$995

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Square Coffee Table, Newly Refinished

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern square coffee table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group". USA, 1950s. Solid birch, with black lacquered finish. Measure...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Birch, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk and Chair

$4,595 / set

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk and Chair

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

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 for Planner Group Mid Century Bench Coffee Table

$2,795

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Bench Coffee Table

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Bench Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 48 wide x 18.25 deep x 15 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call re...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Full-Size Headboard Brass and Birch

$995

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Full-Size Headboard Brass and Birch

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Topeka, KS

Handsome yet simple full-size headboard from the Planner Group designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. It is in fabulous original vintage condition with no outstanding flaws we have detected. Please see photos, circa mid-20th century. Paul McCobb (1917-1969), is a 20th century design genius. He wanted to be an artist from childhood and studied drawing and painting for a time but left his studies to enlist in the Army in 1942. Only serving a short time and was medically discharged in 1943. McCobb’s design genius was first noticed while working as a design and decorating consultant for Martin Feinman’s Modernage Furniture in New York City in 1948. While there he met B.G. Mesberg who later became his business partner in the Planner and Directional furniture lines. He won many awards and is represented in museums around the world. His other well-known furniture lines are Predictor, Calvin Group, Directional, Irwin...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table

$1,950

Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Chicago, IL

Clean-lined coffee table by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. Solid rock maple top with four conical legs.

Category

1950s American Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple

Set of Eight Stained Maple Dining Chairs by Paul McCobb for Perimeter

$9,500 / set

Set of Eight Stained Maple Dining Chairs by Paul McCobb for Perimeter

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Set of eight stained maple dining chairs designed by Paul McCobb for his Perimeter Group and manufactured by Winchendon Furniture (circa 1957). Shapely backrests and long tapered leg...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Leather, Maple

Desk Organizer by Paul McCobb for Winchendon, 1949

$2,800

Desk Organizer by Paul McCobb for Winchendon, 1949

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A small table top maple storage unit with two drawers supported by a black steel frame base. This desk organizer is a product from the Planner Group, a coordinated contemporary furni...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Petite Sideboard Cabinet Dark Walnut Brass Pulls

$8,900

Paul McCobb Petite Sideboard Cabinet Dark Walnut Brass Pulls

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Westport, CT

Paul McCobb for Planner Group, midsize dark walnut four draw brass pull elegant sideboard cabinet.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

Vintage MCM Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, Dining Chairs, Set of 4

$3,350 / set

Vintage MCM Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, Dining Chairs, Set of 4

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Fantastic set of vintage 4 MCM dining chairs. Designed by the legendary Paul McCobb, a Midcentury giant. Gorgeous spindle back with the coveted inlay screw on each seat. Acquired fro...

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Coffee Table for Planner Group by Winchendon

$2,000

Paul McCobb Coffee Table for Planner Group by Winchendon

By Winchendon, Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Classic and clean-lined, this vintage two-tone coffee table was designed by Paul McCobb for his iconic Planner Group series by Winchendon Furniture. Crafted from solid maple with McC...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple, Wood, Hardwood

Coffee Table by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture

$1,600

Coffee Table by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Textbook mid-century modern style and quality from one of America's most legendary designers, Paul McCobb. Made of top quality maple for the Planner Group by the Winchendon Furniture Company, this coffee table is sure to provide practical style...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb End Tables Perimeter Group for Winchendon Furniture Co. 1950

$2,800 / set

Paul McCobb End Tables Perimeter Group for Winchendon Furniture Co. 1950

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Buffalo, NY

Rare Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company, 1950."Perimeter Group" beech wood and leather end tables.Stunning tables,classic mid century modern design.. This line was very lim...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Leather, Beech

Paul McCobb Beech wood and Leather cocktail table.Perimeter Group, Winchendon

$3,200

Paul McCobb Beech wood and Leather cocktail table.Perimeter Group, Winchendon

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Buffalo, NY

Rare Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company, 1950."Perimeter Group" beech wood and leather cocktail table.Stunning table,classic mid century modern design.. This line was very ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Leather, Beech

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Square Coffee Table

$1,395

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Square Coffee Table

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Planner Group mid century square coffee table Coffee table measures: 32 wide x 32 deep x 20.25 high All piec...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Wood

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.