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

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 Chairs

Materials

Wood

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 Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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 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 Chairs

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 Chairs

Materials

Maple

Linen Dining Chairs by Directional Furniture Co, Set of 6

$1,568Sale Price / set|30% Off

H 37.5 in W 24 in D 25 in

Linen Dining Chairs by Directional Furniture Co, Set of 6

By Directional

Located in Lake Worth, FL

For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A 1991 Set of 6 Linen...

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Chairs

Materials

Linen

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

$2,795 / set

H 31.5 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in

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 Chairs

Materials

Maple

Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, USA, c. 1950s

$4,595

H 36 in W 18.25 in D 22.5 in

Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, USA, c. 1950s

By Paul McCobb

Located in Deland, FL

Introducing the exquisite vintage mahogany dining chairs designed by influential Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture in Grand Rapids, Michigan in the 1950s. Part of The Irwin Collectio...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

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

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

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

$5,195 / set

H 35.25 in W 23.5 in D 23 in

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 Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Maple

Paul McCobb for Calvin's Irwin Collection Leather Dining Chairs - Set of 8

$6,495 / set

H 36 in W 22.75 in D 25 in

Paul McCobb for Calvin's Irwin Collection Leather Dining Chairs - Set of 8

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Calvin's Irwin Collection Mid Century Leather Dining Chairs - Set of 8 Each armless chair measures: 16.75 wide...

Category

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

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

$6,895 / set

H 33.5 in W 18.5 in D 20 in

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 Chairs

Materials

Iron

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

$7,500 / set

H 35.25 in W 20.75 in D 19 in

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

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Designer: Paul McCobb Manufacturer: Winchendon Furniture Co. Materials: Walnut-Stained Maple Wood, Italian Full-Grain Leather, New High-Density Foam _______________________________...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Chairs

Materials

Leather, Foam, Walnut, Wood, Maple

Vintage Paul McCobb for Planner Group Series Wingback Lounge Chair

$2,500

H 39 in W 31 in D 30 in

Vintage Paul McCobb for Planner Group Series Wingback Lounge Chair

By Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This vintage modern wingback lounge chair boasts an elegant high back design with slender tapered legs and plush upholstered seating. Optional back pillow ...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut, Fabric

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

Previously Available Items

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

Sold

H 32 in W 19 in D 18 in

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

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

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

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

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 tapered legs. Original vintage condition. Original blon...

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 Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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 Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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

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.