Planner Group Bookcases

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

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table with Bookcase Topper by Paul McCobb

$1,600 / set

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table with Bookcase Topper by Paul McCobb

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This combination coffee table and bookcase make a unique Mid-Century Modern statement to home or business, offering versatility as a table and bookshelf. Designed by Paul McCobb for ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

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 Paul McCobb, Planner Group

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 Bookcases

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Travertine and Brass Coffee Table Mid Century Modern circa 1950s

$3,850

H 15.5 in W 60 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb Travertine and Brass Coffee Table Mid Century Modern circa 1950s

By Paul McCobb

Located in Atlanta, GA

Elegant Coffee Table in Travertine and Brass, designed by Paul McCobb, American, circa 1950s. It has a clean lined, architectural design. The brass retains its original patina with v...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Travertine, Brass, Metal

Paul McCobb for Delineator Mid Century Round Coffee Table

$2,395

H 15.5 in W 42 in D 42 in

Paul McCobb for Delineator Mid Century Round Coffee Table

By Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Delineator Mid Century Round Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 42 wide x 42 deep x 15.5 inches high All ...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb for Lane Delineator Mid Century Walnut Coffee Table

$1,895

H 15 in W 56 in D 19 in

Paul McCobb for Lane Delineator Mid Century Walnut Coffee Table

By Paul McCobb, Lane Furniture

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Lane Delineator Mid Century Walnut Coffee Table Coffee table measures: 56 wide x 19 deep x 15 inches high All pieces of furniture c...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

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

$3,275

H 16 in W 60 in D 24 in

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

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

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 Bookcases

Materials

Iron

Mid century Paul McCobb Iron base Coffee Table Bench Blonde Maple top

$2,500

H 16 in W 60 in D 18 in

Mid century Paul McCobb Iron base Coffee Table Bench Blonde Maple top

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group solid maple 60 inch coffee table bench blonde maple - Minimalist in original blonde finish. Very delicate designed coffee table with iron rod base...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Paul Mccobb for Calvin Mid Century Large Walnut Coffee Table

$1,995

H 16.5 in W 54 in D 32 in

Paul Mccobb for Calvin Mid Century Large Walnut Coffee Table

By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul Mccobb for Calvin mid century large walnut coffee table This table measures: 54 wide x 32 deep x 16.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restor...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Low Planner Group Coffee Table by Paul McCobb for Winchendon

$3,838Sale Price|20% Off

H 11.03 in Dm 36.23 in

Low Planner Group Coffee Table by Paul McCobb for Winchendon

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Berlin, DE

A rare low round Planner Group coffee table by Paul McCobb, in excellent condition in clear maple.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Coffee Table Clean Lined Mid Century Modern Design for Calvin

$3,550

H 16.5 in W 60 in D 19 in

Paul McCobb Coffee Table Clean Lined Mid Century Modern Design for Calvin

By Paul McCobb

Located in Atlanta, GA

Clean Lined Modern Coffee Table, designed by Paul McCobb, part of his Irwin Collection for Calvin, American, circa 1950s.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Brass

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 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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Black lacquer Slate Like Top Coffee Table MINT!

$2,800

H 15 in W 48 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Black lacquer Slate Like Top Coffee Table MINT!

By Paul McCobb

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Black lacquer Slate Like Top Coffee Table MINT!

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Birch, Laminate

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Paul McCobb, USA, 1950s

$7,372

H 16.15 in W 53.94 in D 31.89 in

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Paul McCobb, USA, 1950s

By Paul McCobb

Located in Berlin, DE

Paul McCobb coffee table for Calvin with a leather top and brass edging. Features a drawer and open shelf. Legs show light wear, overall in good condition. A refined mid-century piec...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base Clean

Sold

H 33 in W 36 in D 12 in

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base Clean

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 solid maple with original walnut finish on an Iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group, single cent...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookshelves #1516 Walnut Finish

Sold

H 33 in W 36 in D 12 in

Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookshelves #1516 Walnut Finish

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Pair of vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single high bookcases bookshelves #1516 original walnut finish over solid maple with black iron 4 leg base. Beautiful bookcase set by Paul McCo...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Pair Mid century Paul McCobb Triple Bookshelves #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base

Sold

H 81 in W 36 in D 12 in

Pair Mid century Paul McCobb Triple Bookshelves #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Pair of vintage midcentury Paul McCobb triple high bookcases bookshelves #1516 original walnut finish over solid maple with solid Iron 4 leg base. Beautiful bookcase set by Paul McCo...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Pair Mid century Paul McCobb Double Bookshelves #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base

Sold

H 57 in W 36 in D 12 in

Pair Mid century Paul McCobb Double Bookshelves #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Pair of vintage midcentury Paul McCobb Double high bookcases bookshelves #1516 original walnut finish over solid maple with solid Iron 4 leg Iron base. Beautiful bookcase set by Paul...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base Clean

Sold

H 33 in W 36 in D 12 in

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base Clean

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 solid maple with original walnut finish on an Iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group, single cent...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Birch Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, 1950s

Sold

H 34.13 in W 36 in D 12 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Birch Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, 1950s

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern bookcase By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch, with steel hairpin legs. Measures: 36"W x...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, 1950s

Sold

H 36.13 in W 36 in D 12 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, 1950s

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in South Bend, IN

A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern bookcase By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid birch, with brass finished steel ha...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Iron Base Adjustable Shelf

Sold

H 33 in W 36 in D 12 in

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Iron Base Adjustable Shelf

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 solid maple with original medium blonde tobacco finish on an Iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Gro...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Walnut Finish Tapered Legs

Sold

H 33 in W 36 in D 12 in

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Walnut Finish Tapered Legs

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 solid maple with original walnut finish on 4 tapered legs. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group, single ce...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Birch Room Divider or Wall Unit

Sold

H 75.25 in W 54.25 in D 14.25 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Birch Room Divider or Wall Unit

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern birch room divider, etagere, or wall unit By Paul McCobb for Planner Group USA, 1950s Measures: 54.25"W x 14.25"D x 75.25"H. Very good o...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Birch

Mid century Modern Paul McCobb Single Bookcase with Jewelry box in walnut

Sold

H 39 in W 36 in D 12 in

Mid century Modern Paul McCobb Single Bookcase with Jewelry box in walnut

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Vintage mid century Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 and #1502 Jewelry box. Solid maple with Walnut finish on a black iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb, circa 1950s Plann...

Category

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

Materials

Iron, Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, Refinished

Sold

H 36 in W 36 in D 12.13 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcase on Hairpin Legs, Refinished

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern glass front bookcase on hairpin legs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch in black lacquered fin...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Planner Group bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.

Planner Group bookcases 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 bookcases, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original bookcases 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 bookcases by Drexel, Heywood-Wakefield Co., and Maitland Smith. Prices for Planner Group bookcases can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,450 and can go as high as $4,750, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,200.