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.
4x Planner Group Paul McCobb chairs, United States, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon, Planner Group
Located in Nashville, TN
Item Details: 4x spindle-back dining chairs Creator: Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Planner Group Series, labeled ...
Maple, Wood
Paul McCobb "Planner Group" Iron & Maple Dining Chairs for Winchendon Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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 ...
Iron
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...
Wood
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...
Maple
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb "Bowtie" Dining Chairs for Winchendon Furniture
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul McCobb "Bowtie" dining chairs for Winchendon Furniture. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history ...
Leather, Foam, Walnut
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered T-Back Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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...
Maple, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Black Spindle Back Dining Chairs, Set of 4
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of iconic mid-century modern spindle back dining chairs Designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid maple + black lacquer Mea...
Maple, Lacquer
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...
Wood
Paul McCobb set / 8 Planner Group Bow Tie Back Dining Chairs Winchendon Restored
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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...
Upholstery, Foam, Maple
$3,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Four Paul McCobb Dark Maple Spindle-Back Dining Chairs
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of four Planner Group dark maple spindle back dining chairs by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. An iconic McCobb design.
Maple
$3,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Four Paul McCobb Winchendon Open Back Dining Chairs
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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 ...
Maple
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...
Wood
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...
Fabric, Maple
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...
Maple, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Spindle Back Dining Chairs, Ten
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of ten iconic Mid-Century Modern spindle back dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid maple, with black lacquere...
Maple, Lacquer
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...
Maple, Lacquer
Set of Eight Stained Maple Dining Chairs by Paul McCobb for Perimeter
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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...
Leather, Maple
$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 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...
Fabric, Maple
$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...
Maple, Lacquer
$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...
Maple
$4,859 / set
H 35 in W 20.5 in D 18 in
Four Paul McCobb Bow Tie Dining Chairs. Restored. Maple, Off White/Beige Boucle
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 4 expertly restored Paul McCobb "Bow Tie" Dining Chairs. Solid Maple frames with off white / light beige Boucle seats. Beautiful set. Ready to use.
Upholstery, Maple
$4,050
H 16.5 in W 60 in D 24 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron and Maple Coffee Table, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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...
Iron
$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 Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
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 ...
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
$2,500 / set
H 31 in W 16 in D 18.5 in
Set of 4 Paul McCobb Style Upholstered Black Walnut Dining Side Chairs, 1950's
By O'Hearn Furniture 1, Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Set of four Paul McCobb for O'Hearn Manufacturing Company style black walnut side chairs, 1950's. Featuring a refinished, sturdy and angled solid Walnut framework with newly upholste...
Fabric, Walnut
1950's Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner Group Sofa
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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...
Fabric, Wood
$2,850
H 30.5 in W 48.5 in D 33.5 in
1950s Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Settee or Sofa
By Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Paul McCobb for Planner Group loveseat, settee or sofa. Upholstery needs to be updated as it has stains, foam is good. Price includes refinishing of legs. Measures: Seat 16" H, arm 1...
Upholstery, Wood
Paul McCobb Dining Chairs for Directional Set of Six
By Directional, Paul McCobb
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...
Mahogany
$4,795 / set
H 30.25 in W 21.5 in D 21 in
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...
Wood
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.
Wood
Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Spindle Back Armchairs, Pair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of iconic Mid-Century Modern spindle back dining captain chairs or armchairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Each measures:...
Maple
Paul McCobb Planner Group Spindle Back Side Chair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in New Windsor, NY
The classic Paul McCobb Planner Group spindle back side chair. Constructed of solid maple Planner Group for Winchendon. Circa 1950. The chair features a curved back with flared spind...
Maple
Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Spindle Back Armchairs, Pair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of iconic Mid-Century Modern spindle back dining captain chairs or armchairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Each measures:...
Maple
Sold
H 31.25 in W 22 in D 23.25 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Maple Spindle Back Armchairs, Set of Eight
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of eight iconic Mid-Century Modern spindle back dining chairs or armchairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Each measures: 22...
Maple
Sold
H 13.25 in W 19.5 in D 19.75 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered T-Back Side Chair, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern T-back side chair, desk chair, or dining chair By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid sculpted maple, in black...
Maple, Lacquer
Sold
H 34.25 in W 18.25 in D 21 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple and Iron "Shovel" Dining Chairs, Fully Restored
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of four Mid-Century Modern "shovel" dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Sculpted solid maple seats and back suppor...
Iron
Sold
H 31.25 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Spindle Back Dining Chairs, Pair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of iconic mid-century modern solid maple spindle back dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Measures: 19.5"W x 19.5...
Maple
Sold
H 34.25 in W 18.25 in D 21 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple and Iron "Shovel" Dining Chairs, Fully Restored
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of six Mid-Century Modern "shovel" dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Sculpted solid maple seats and back support...
Iron
Sold
H 30 in W 19.5 in D 20 in
4 Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Windsor Spindle Dining Chairs Mcm
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of four Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb for Planner Winchendon dining chairs. These sleek Windsor style chairs are made from maple with a black lacquer finish. Feature curved back...
Maple, Lacquer
Sold
H 34.75 in W 19 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish set of four Mid-Century Modern dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Sculpted solid birch, with caned backs a...
Upholstery, Cane, Birch
Sold
H 34.75 in W 19 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Birch and Cane Dining Chairs or Side Chairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern side chairs or dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Sculpted solid birch, with ca...
Upholstery, Cane, Birch
Sold
H 34.75 in W 19 in D 19 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs or Side Chairs, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern side chairs or dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Sculpted solid birch, with ca...
Upholstery, Cane, Birch