Planner Group Chairs

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

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 Chairs

Materials

Maple

Set of 4 Paul McCobb Planner Group Side Chairs for Winchendon

$4,000 / set

Set of 4 Paul McCobb Planner Group Side Chairs for Winchendon

By Winchendon, Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Set of four mid-century maple spindle-back side chairs from the Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon. Classic clean lines and sculptural form define these iconic designs, with wa...

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Maple

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

$3,600 / set

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

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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 Chairs

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6

$4,795 / set

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Planner group mid century dining chairs - set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 20.25 wide x 19 deep x 30.25 high, with a seat height of 18 inches Each captains c...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Chairs

Materials

Wood

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 Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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 Chairs

Materials

Iron

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 Chairs

Materials

Wood

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 Chairs

Materials

Wood

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 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 Chairs

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 6

$4,347 / set

H 34.25 in W 16.5 in D 20.75 in

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 6

By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Calvin Mahogany and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 16.5 wide x 20.75 deep x 34.25 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 17.5 inches ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany

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 Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Maple

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

$8,500 / set

H 31.25 in W 19.25 in D 20 in

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 Chairs

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Dining Chairs for Directional Set of Six

$6,500

H 35 in W 24 in D 33.5 in

Paul McCobb Dining Chairs for Directional Set of Six

By Paul McCobb, Directional

Located in Chicago, IL

Paul McCobb Dining Chairs for Directional Set of Six, Four model-1080 Armless and Two model-1082 Arm Chairs, Solid Mahogany wood with Bow-Tie Backs, upholstered seats. Table and Cabi...

Category

1950s American Vintage Planner Group Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

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 Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6

$6,495 / set

H 36 in W 23 in D 20 in

Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6

By Paul McCobb, Directional

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century walnut and cane dining chairs - set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 16.5 wide x 16.5 deep x 34.5 high, with a seat height of 17.25 inches...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Chairs

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Paul McCobb Spindle Back Dining or Desk Chair for Planner Group

$750

H 30.013 in W 19.75 in D 19 in

Paul McCobb Spindle Back Dining or Desk Chair for Planner Group

By Paul McCobb

Located in St. Louis, MO

Single Paul McCobb for Planner Group dining chairs refinished in dark espresso finish.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Chairs

Materials

Birch

Paul McCobb for Lane Delineator Mid Century Rosewood Dining Chair

$1,147

H 36.75 in W 22 in D 19.5 in

Paul McCobb for Lane Delineator Mid Century Rosewood Dining Chair

By Paul McCobb, Lane Furniture

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Lane Delineator Mid Century Rosewood Dining Chair This chair measures: 22 wide x 19.5 deep x 36.75 inches high, with a seat height of ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Rosewood

Pair of Paul McCobb for Planner Group Arm Chairs Circa 1950s

$2,495 / set

H 31 in W 22.5 in D 23 in

Pair of Paul McCobb for Planner Group Arm Chairs Circa 1950s

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Peabody, MA

Pair of ebonized "captains" armchairs by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture's Planner Group, circa 1950s.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Chairs

Materials

Wood

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

$4,050

H 16.5 in W 60 in D 24 in

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 Chairs

Materials

Iron

Pair Planner Group Arm Chairs by Paul McCobb for the Planner Group, 1950s

$2,250 / set

H 30 in W 22 in D 22 in

Pair Planner Group Arm Chairs by Paul McCobb for the Planner Group, 1950s

By Winchendon, Paul McCobb

Located in Kansas City, MO

Pair of Paul McCobb Planner Group Arm Chairs. Solid Maple construction with original black lacquer finish. Original condition with wear. Structurally sound and ready to use.

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Chairs

Materials

Maple

Previously Available Items

Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain Lounge Maple Arm Chairs

Sold

H 31 in W 21 in D 22 in

Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain Lounge Maple Arm Chairs

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pair of rare all original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group Captain arm chairs. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original vintage condition. Original blonde...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Set of Six Matched 1535 Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs for Winchendon

Sold

H 29.73 in W 20.08 in D 19.1 in

Set of Six Matched 1535 Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs for Winchendon

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Berlin, DE

Rare set of solid maple and wrought iron McCobb dining chairs in restored condition.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk tobacco / Black Finish

Sold

H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk tobacco / Black Finish

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1560 double drawer desk maple tobacco finish and black lacquer drawers with brass knobs solid maple. Desk is in great original vintage condition....

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Model 1530 Mid-Century Chair

Sold

H 30.5 in W 21.5 in D 20 in

Paul McCobb Model 1530 Mid-Century Chair

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Bring home authentic Mid-Century Modern design with this fantastic chair by Paul McCobb for the Planner Group. Featuring the golden maple wood grain, turn...

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Maple

Mid-Century Paul McCobb Shovel Chair, Planner Group Model #1533, Original Black

Sold

H 34 in W 18 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Paul McCobb Shovel Chair, Planner Group Model #1533, Original Black

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Decatur, GA

All original black lacquer Paul McCobb Planner Group #1533 shovel side dining chair. Solid maple seat and minimalist spindle backrest atop an...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

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

Sold

H 32 in W 19 in D 18 in

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 tapere...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Shovel Chairs #1533 Maple Iron Set of 4

Sold

H 34 in W 18 in D 23 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Shovel Chairs #1533 Maple Iron Set of 4

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group, Arbuck

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Set of 4 mid-century maple and iron Paul McCobb Planner Group #1533 shovel side dining chairs. Solid maple seat and Minimalist spindle backrest attached to an Iron base. Each chair i...

Category

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

Materials

Steel, Iron

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Dining Chairs, Set of 3

Sold

H 29.5 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Dining Chairs, Set of 3

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for planner group dining chairs - set of 3 Each chair measures: 19.5 wide x 19.5 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 inches All pieces of furniture ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Chairs

Materials

Wood

4 Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Maple Arm Chairs

Sold

H 32 in W 19 in D 18 in

4 Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Maple Arm Chairs

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Four all original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group arm chairs. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original vintage condition. Original blonde tobacco finish....

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Maple Spindle Back Chairs

Sold

H 32 in W 19 in D 18 in

Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Maple Spindle Back Chairs

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

All original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group spindle back side chairs. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. O...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Maple Dining Chairs, Pair

Sold

H 31 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Maple Dining Chairs, Pair

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Planner Group mid century maple dining chairs - pair Each chair measures: 19.5 wide x 19.5 deep x 31 high, with a se...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Chairs

Materials

Maple

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Walnut Maple Finish with Chair

Sold

H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Walnut Maple Finish with Chair

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1560 double drawer desk walnut maple finish with brass knobs solid maple. Desk is in great original vintage condition. Comes with (1) Paul Mccobb...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Planner Group chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Planner Group chairs 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 chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs 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 chairs by Arthur Umanoff, Woodard Furniture Co., and Ward Bennett. Prices for Planner Group chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $599 and can go as high as $9,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,400.