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 Mid-Century Modern Spindle Back Dining Chairs, Eight

$8,500 / set

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

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in South Bend, IN

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

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Dining Table, Newly Refinished

$3,995

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 for Planner Group Mid Century Iron Base Coffee Table

$3,295

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Iron Base Coffee Table

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Iron Base Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 60 wide x 18 deep x 15 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Top Surface has Heavy Wear ...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

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 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 Lacquered Lounge Chair, 1950s

$2,995

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Lounge Chair, 1950s

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern club chair or lounge chair By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered walnut frame, with upholstered seat an...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquer Double Pedestal Desk and Chair

$4,500 / set

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

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Drop Leaf Dining Table, Newly Refinished

$2,395

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Drop Leaf Dining Table, Newly Refinished

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: 56.5"W x 36"D x 29"H....

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple

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 Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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

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 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 Iron & Tobacco Finish Birch Higher Coffee Table, Bench

$1,500

Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron & Tobacco Finish Birch Higher Coffee Table, Bench

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Early Paul McCobb Winchendon Planner Group high Coffee Table, Bench. Bed End Bench. Nightstand, 1950s. Featuring an open sturdy rectangular, braced thre...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Iron

Set of Three Paul McCobb Wrought Iron Stools, Mid-Century Modern, USA

$3,950 / set

Set of Three Paul McCobb Wrought Iron Stools, Mid-Century Modern, USA

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Berlin, DE

Paul McCobb Iron stools with new light leather upholstery.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Iron

Planner Group Drop-Leaf Table by Paul McCobb for Winchendon

$2,300

Planner Group Drop-Leaf Table by Paul McCobb for Winchendon

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Asbury Park, NJ

Solid dining table with two leaves by Paul McCobb as part of the Planner Group of furniture for Winchendon. A straightforward, egalitarian dining ta...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Wood, Birch

Paul McCobb Planner Group Attributed Etagere in White Iron and Light Maple

$2,560Sale Price|20% Off

Paul McCobb Planner Group Attributed Etagere in White Iron and Light Maple

By Winchendon, Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Charleston, SC

A two piece satin white iron and light toned maple wood bookcase / etagere designed by Mid Century icon Paul McCobb . Sitting on a matching bench styled platform manufactured by the ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Iron

Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Paul McCobb for the Winchendon Furniture Co.

$2,695 / set

Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Paul McCobb for the Winchendon Furniture Co.

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Set of four dining chairs designed by Paul McCobb for the Winchendon Furniture (Planner Group) Co. Solid maple with a spindle supported backrest and signature inlay screw on each sea...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Modular Ebonized Maple Dresser

$2,600

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Modular Ebonized Maple Dresser

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern, modular dresser system by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, Winchendon features two 24 x 18 x 8.5 inch dressers with signature aluminu...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Coffee Table by Paul McCobb for Planner Group

$1,895

Mid-Century Coffee Table by Paul McCobb for Planner Group

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Raleigh, NC

Mid-century minimalistic coffee table designed by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, USA. This low-profile coffee table is made from beautifully crafted solid maple wood. Flared long leg...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Wood, Maple

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Coffee Table

$1,795

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Coffee Table

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Planner Group mid century coffee table The table measures: 60 wide x 18 deep x 15 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintag...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage 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 Planner Group, Paul McCobb, Winchendon

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

Paul McCobb "Tub" High Back Lounge Chair Model 3045, Priced Low for Reupholstery

$2,850

Paul McCobb "Tub" High Back Lounge Chair Model 3045, Priced Low for Reupholstery

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Kansas City, MO

Rare Paul McCobb "Tub" chair for the Planner Group. High back with cantilevered armrests and walnut legs. Important design in need of reupholstering and is priced accordingly. This is a great opportunity to get this chair for a low price...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

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 Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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

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 Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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 Sectional Corner Sofa Custom Craft/ Planner Group Newly Upholstered

$17,170 / set

Paul McCobb Sectional Corner Sofa Custom Craft/ Planner Group Newly Upholstered

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb, Custom Craft Inc.

Located in Berlin, DE

Sectional corner sofa by Paul McCobb for Custom craft or Planner Group, US. Newly upholstered with fabric by Chase Erwin.

Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 2 Tier Corner Table

$1,647

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 2 Tier Corner Table

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb For Planner Group mid century 2 tier corner table The table measures: 30 wide x 30 deep x 21 inches high All pieces of furnitur...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

1950s Model 1531 Dining Chair for Planner Group & Winchendon Furniture

$950

1950s Model 1531 Dining Chair for Planner Group & Winchendon Furniture

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb, Winchendon

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Model 1531 Dining Chair, originally designed by Paul McCobb for Planner Group and Winchendon. This particular example dates to the 1950s. The chair's design is comprised en...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage Planner Group Furniture

Materials

Maple

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

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 Paul McCobb, Planner Group

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

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 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

Desk Organizer by Paul McCobb for Winchendon, 1949

$2,800

Desk Organizer by Paul McCobb for Winchendon, 1949

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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

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.