Planner Group Seating

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, 4/Set

$2,795 / set

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Spindle Back Dining Chairs, 4/Set

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Southampton, NJ

An exceptional set of iconic Mid-Century Modern solid Maple spindle back dining chairs by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s. Dimensions: 19.5"W x 19.5...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

4 Mid-Century Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Maple Spindle Back Chairs

$2,000 / set

4 Mid-Century Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Maple Spindle Back Chairs

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Set of 4 All original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group spindle back side chairs. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original vintage condition. Original blon...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Mid-Century Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Maple Spindle Back Chairs

$2,880Sale Price / set|20% Off

Mid-Century Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Maple Spindle Back Chairs

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Set of 6 All original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group spindle back side chairs. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original vintage condition. Original blon...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Maple and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 6

$5,195 / set

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Maple and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 6

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Winchendon Maple and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 22.25 wide x 19.5 deep x 35.25 high, with a seat height of ...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Maple

Paul McCobb "Planner Group" Iron & Maple Dining Chairs for Winchendon Furniture

$6,895 / set

Paul McCobb "Planner Group" Iron & Maple Dining Chairs for Winchendon Furniture

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Paul McCobb "Planner Group" iron and maple dining chairs for Winchendon Furniture. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Seating

Materials

Iron

Mid century Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain Lounge Maple Arm Chair

$1,200Sale Price|20% Off

Mid century Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain Lounge Maple Arm Chair

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful all original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain arm chair. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original vintage condition. Original blonde map...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Rare Mid-Century Paul McCobb #1584 Coffee Table Bench All Black

$3,275

Rare Mid-Century Paul McCobb #1584 Coffee Table Bench All Black

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1584 - 60 inch coffee table bench all original black Lacquer finish, Minimalist Iron structure with 2 drawers...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered T-Back Dining Chairs, Set of Eight

$8,095 / set

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered T-Back Dining Chairs, Set of Eight

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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 Seating

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

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 Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

1950s Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner for Group Dining Chairs

$2,230 / set

1950s Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner for Group Dining Chairs

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Charleston, SC

A set of four dining chairs Designed by Paul McCobb's iconic for Winchendon Furniture Planner Group series, manufactured from 1950-1964. These chairs have been professionally resto...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

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 Seating

Materials

Wood

4x Planner Group Paul McCobb chairs, United States, 1950s

$2,100 / set

4x Planner Group Paul McCobb chairs, United States, 1950s

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb, Winchendon

Located in Nashville, TN

Item Details: 4x spindle-back dining chairs Creator: Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Planner Group Series, labeled ...

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Maple

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

$16,915 / set

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

By Planner Group, Custom Craft Inc., Paul McCobb

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 Seating

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

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 Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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 Seating

Materials

Iron

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

$950

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

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group, 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 Seating

Materials

Maple

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 Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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 Seating

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Dining Chairs Paul McCobb for Winchendon Set 5

$4,995 / set

Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Dining Chairs Paul McCobb for Winchendon Set 5

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Topeka, KS

Fabulous set of five Mid-Century Modern Planner Group style #1534 dining chairs by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. Comprised of a dark walnut finished maple. They have been newly upholstered at some point in their recent past in a brown background fabric with chenille squiggly undulating lines in gold and turquoise or teal. Beautiful condition with age-appropriate wear as you would expect with vintage pieces. Two of the chair backs do have small nicks. One has been repaired. All chairs have been re-glued. We have used restore-a-finish on the original finish to bring back its original shine. Please see photos. Circa 1949-1964. Simply Amazing!! What a fabulous set of five Mid-Century Modern dining chairs! They are part of the Planner Group for Winchendon designed by internationally known and revered designer Paul McCobb. They are style number 1534, and they are comprised of a beautiful maple frame with a dark walnut finish. The foam seats are covered in a brown chenille fabric with raised fiber squiggly undulating lines in colors of gold and turquoise or maybe its teal. The fabric is so awesome it reminds us of a comfy chenille bedspread...

Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Ebonized and Upholstered Lounge Chair, 1950s

$2,995

Paul McCobb Planner Group Ebonized and Upholstered Lounge Chair, 1950s

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

A rare early Mid-Century Modern 3082-E club chair or lounge chair By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Elegant ebonized sculpted solid maple frame, ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Lounge Chair, 1950s

$2,995

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Lounge Chair, 1950s

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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 Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut, Lacquer

Four Paul McCobb Winchendon Open Back Dining Chairs

$3,800Sale Price / set|20% Off

Four Paul McCobb Winchendon Open Back Dining Chairs

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Chicago, IL

Rarely offered set of four Paul McCobb for Winchendon maple dining chairs with open back and large curved top rail. Free of ornamentation, the clean lined shape is only broken up by ...

Category

1950s American Vintage Planner Group Seating

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Lounge Chair, 1950s

$3,795 / item

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Lounge Chair, 1950s

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

An outstanding Mid-Century Modern wingback lounge chair By Paul McCobb for Custom Craft Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Gorgeous gray upholstery, with sleek tapered solid ma...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb "Bowtie" Dining Chairs for Winchendon Furniture

$7,500 / set

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. Materials: Walnut-Stained Maple Wood, Italian Full-Grain Leather, New High-Density Foam _______________________________...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Seating

Materials

Leather, Foam, Walnut, Wood, Maple

Set of Five Different Paul McCobb Planner Group Chairs for Winchendon

$4,950 / set

Set of Five Different Paul McCobb Planner Group Chairs for Winchendon

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Berlin, DE

Curated set of five chairs by Paul McCobb planner group for Wichendon. Chairs are in good condition with a vintage patina. All chairs are recently glued.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Seating

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Lounge Chairs, Pair

$7,500 / set

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Lounge Chairs, Pair

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in South Bend, IN

An outstanding pair of Mid-Century Modern wingback lounge chairs By Paul McCobb for Custom Craft Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Gorgeous gray upholstery, with sleek tapered...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Seating

Materials

Upholstery, 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 Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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 Seating

Materials

Wood

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 Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Berlin, DE

Paul McCobb Iron stools with new light leather upholstery.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Seating

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 Paul McCobb, Planner Group

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 Seating

Materials

Wood

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 Seating

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

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 Planner Group, Winchendon, Paul McCobb

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 Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Foam, 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 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 Seating

Materials

Leather, Maple

Planner Group seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Planner Group seating 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 seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating 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 seating by Frank Lloyd Wright, John Stuart, and John Salterini. Prices for Planner Group seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $599 and can go as high as $16,199, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,350.