Planner Group Benches

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

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

$2,128Sale Price|34% Off

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 Benches

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron and Maple Coffee Table, Newly Refinished

$4,050

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 Benches

Materials

Iron

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 Benches

Materials

Iron

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

$2,230 / set

H 29.5 in W 17 in D 19 in

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

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

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 Benches

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk in Tobacco Finish

$3,400

H 29 in W 53 in D 26.25 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk in Tobacco Finish

By Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Classic mid-century modern double pedestal desk designed by Paul McCobb for the Planner Group, produced by Winchendon. Features clean lines, signature tapered legs, and ample storage...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Beautifully Refinished Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table

$1,799

H 16 in W 54 in D 20 in

Beautifully Refinished Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful solid wood coffee table. From the Planner Group line designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company. Retains original manufacturer’s label and guaranteed authenti...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

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

$4,995 / set

H 35.25 in W 21 in D 19.5 in

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

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

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 Benches

Materials

Fabric, Maple

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slatted Bench or Coffee Table, 1960s, Refinished

$2,560Sale Price|20% Off

H 14.25 in W 60 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slatted Bench or Coffee Table, 1960s, Refinished

By Maruni, Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautifully refinished Mid-Century Modern slatted wood bench in richly toned walnut, offering the perfect combination of clean architectural lines and functional versatility. Craft...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Benches

Materials

Wood

Arthur Umanoff Birch and Iron Bench/Coffee Table with Rush Nesting Stools

$4,500 / set

H 15.75 in W 59.75 in D 14.88 in

Arthur Umanoff Birch and Iron Bench/Coffee Table with Rush Nesting Stools

By Arthur Umanoff

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Arthur Umanoff slatted birch bench/coffee table with iron legs concealing three nesting stools with rush seats (ca. 1950s, USA). Compact piece, ideal for smaller rooms with space li...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Benches

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

$2,000 / set

H 32 in W 19 in D 18 in

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 Benches

Materials

Maple

1950's Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner Group Sofa

$4,999

H 33 in W 81.75 in D 32.5 in

1950's Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner Group Sofa

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Burbank, CA

Vintage Midcentury Modern sofa for sale. Designed by Paul McCobb in the 1950's, and part of the Planner Group series. This couch was professionally restored, and is in showroom condi...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Benches

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron and Reed Side Table

$1,485

H 21.25 in W 28 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron and Reed Side Table

By Paul McCobb, Winchendon, Planner Group

Located in New Windsor, NY

Planner Group side table designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. Circa 1955. Featuring a birch top, iron frame and split reed lower shelf. Good overall honest wear and overall condit...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Benches

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Maple 48 inch Coffee Table/Bench for Winchendon Planner Group

$1,200

H 15 in W 48 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb Maple 48 inch Coffee Table/Bench for Winchendon Planner Group

By Paul McCobb

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful iconic maple 48” long coffee table or bench designed by Paul McCobb.. This mid century table was part of the planner group made for Winchendon Company . Circa 1950s/1960s. ...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Mid Century Kipp Stewart Drexel Coffee Table Bench

$1,276Sale Price|20% Off

H 16.5 in W 59.5 in D 16 in

Mid Century Kipp Stewart Drexel Coffee Table Bench

By Bassett Furniture

Located in Baltimore, MD

A beautiful, mid-century, modern, retro, 1960’s, Danish style, coffee table/ bench, by Kipp Stewart and Stewart MacDougall for Drexel, from the Declaration series. The perfect length...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Benches

Materials

Walnut

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

$2,100 / set

H 29.5 in W 17 in D 19 in

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

By Winchendon, Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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 Benches

Materials

Maple, Wood

Previously Available Items

Mid-Century Paul McCobb Side Table Black Lacquer

Sold

H 15 in W 18 in D 24 in

Mid-Century Paul McCobb Side Table Black Lacquer

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1546 solid maple side table or small coffee table with original heavy black lacquer finish with nice patina. Very delicate designed coffee table ...

Category

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

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Midcentury Paul McCobb Coffee Table Black Lacquer

Sold

H 15 in W 34 in D 34 in

Midcentury Paul McCobb Coffee Table Black Lacquer

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1546 solid maple 32'' square inch coffee table / bench in original heavy black lacquer finish with nice patina. Very delicate designed coffee tab...

Category

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

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb "Planner Group" Leather & Iron Bench for Winchendon Furniture

Sold

H 18 in W 34 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb "Planner Group" Leather & Iron Bench for Winchendon Furniture

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Paul McCobb "Planner Group" leather & iron bench for Winchendon Furniture.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Benches

Materials

Iron

American Mid-Century Low Bench by Paul McCobb

Sold

H 10 in W 18 in D 52 in

American Mid-Century Low Bench by Paul McCobb

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Minneapolis, MN

A low bench, plant stand, tv table object storage piece or stand alone design element for any room. This piece is low enough to stack on other table surfaces for a layered modern loo...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Coffee Table or Bench, Refinished

Sold

H 14.75 in W 60 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Coffee Table or Bench, Refinished

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

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 Benches

Materials

Birch, Lacquer

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Planner Group Coffee Table or Bench

Sold

H 15 in W 48 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Planner Group Coffee Table or Bench

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1544 solid maple 48 inch coffee table or bench in blonde maple finish with nice patina. Very delicate designe...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Coffee Table or Bench, Refinished

Sold

H 15 in W 36 in D 18 in

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: 36"...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Benches

Materials

Birch, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Coffee Table or Bench, Refinished

Sold

H 15 in W 60 in D 18.25 in

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 Benches

Materials

Birch, Lacquer

Midcentury Paul McCobb Coffee Table / Bench

Sold

H 15 in W 48 in D 18 in

Midcentury Paul McCobb Coffee Table / Bench

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1546 solid maple 60 inch coffee table / bench in tobacco dark brown finish with nice patina. Very delicate de...

Category

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

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Coffee Table, Newly Restored

Sold

H 14.88 in W 60 in L 14.88 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Coffee Table, Newly Restored

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in South Bend, IN

A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern black lacquered solid maple coffee table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group" ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Benches

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Custom Maple and Leather Bench, 1950s

Sold

H 16 in W 60.75 in D 16.25 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Custom Maple and Leather Bench, 1950s

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern bench By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid maple legs, with leather-wrapped top. Measures: 60.7...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Benches

Materials

Leather, Maple

Paul Mccobb Planner Group Stained Maple Bench with Cabinet

Sold

H 19 in W 48 in D 18.1 in

Paul Mccobb Planner Group Stained Maple Bench with Cabinet

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Stained-maple single drawer cabinet on bench designed in the 1950s by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture. Cabinet features a sculptural brass pul...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Benches

Materials

Maple

Planner Group benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Planner Group benches 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 benches, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original benches by Planner Group were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider benches by Thayer Coggin, Fredericia, and Charles and Ray Eames. Prices for Planner Group benches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,595 and can go as high as $4,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,620.