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

Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple Modular 3 Piece, 4 Drawer Shelves - Bookcase

$3,950

Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple Modular 3 Piece, 4 Drawer Shelves - Bookcase

By Paul McCobb, Winchendon, Planner Group

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon three piece, sectional Bookcase, Shelves, Drawers, 1950's. Featuring rectangular construction in Maple, three modular sections, open top uni...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Birch

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Modular Ebonized Maple Dresser

$2,600

H 18.5 in W 48 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Winchendon Modular Ebonized Maple Dresser

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid-Century Modern, modular dresser system by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, Winchendon features two 24 x 18 x 8.5 inch dressers with signature aluminu...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

2 Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid Century Bookcases for Winchendon

$2,400 / set

H 29.13 in W 48 in D 18 in

2 Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid Century Bookcases for Winchendon

By Paul McCobb

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A pair of solid maple wood bookcases sitting on stainless square tubed legs with pads on the feet to protect your floors having one nonadjustable shelve each. A very functional and p...

Category

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

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb for Planner Group MCM Blond or Ebony Maple Three-Drawer Chest

$2,500

H 33.25 in W 36 in D 18.25 in

Paul McCobb for Planner Group MCM Blond or Ebony Maple Three-Drawer Chest

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group, Winchendon

Located in St. Louis, MO

Single Paul McCobb Planner Group chest / dressers for Winchendon. Three drawers with solid brass cone pulls on angled tapered legs. The chest is shown sold, but have another in a mor...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Ebonized 6 Drawer Dresser

$2,595

H 33.25 in W 48 in D 18.25 in

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Ebonized 6 Drawer Dresser

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Ebonized 6 Drawer Dresser This dresser measures: 48 wide x 18.25 deep x 33.25 inches high Fair Vintage Condition – Finish on Dresser is He...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Planner Group Modular Two Piece 1512 Record Cabinet 1540 Low Table

$1,950 / set

H 34.4 in W 24 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Modular Two Piece 1512 Record Cabinet 1540 Low Table

By Winchendon, Paul McCobb

Located in Forest Grove, PA

A Paul McCobb Planner Group modular two piece record cabinet consisting of a No. 1512 cabinet sitting on a No. 1540 low table. The inside of a cabinet is H 22 3/4", W 22 1/2" and D 1...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Aluminum

Stylish Mid-Century Small Bookcase by Paul McCobb for Planner Group

$1,160Sale Price|20% Off

H 33.5 in W 36 in D 12 in

Stylish Mid-Century Small Bookcase by Paul McCobb for Planner Group

By Paul McCobb

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Stylish small bookcase for the Planner Group designed by architect and furniture designer Paul McCobb. Great to use in a children's room to keep all their books within reach for the...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Birch

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcase, Newly Refinished

$1,795

H 36 in W 36 in D 12 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bookcase, Newly Refinished

By Winchendon, 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 Black lacquered solid birch, with brass finished steel hairpin ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Steel

1960s McCobb Modular Walnut Sculptural Bookcase Etagere Shelves Display Cabinet

$11,500 / set

H 74 in W 38 in D 13.5 in

1960s McCobb Modular Walnut Sculptural Bookcase Etagere Shelves Display Cabinet

By Paul McCobb

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, versatile, bookcase, etagere display shelves with drawers you could hope to find. O...

Category

1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Low 4 Drawer Dresser by Paul McCobb Planner Group #1504 All Black

$5,995

H 25 in W 60 in D 18 in

Midcentury Low 4 Drawer Dresser by Paul McCobb Planner Group #1504 All Black

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful mid century low dresser credenza by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1504 with 4 drawers - solid maple construction has a Black Lacquered finish. All original aluminum...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Group Sliding Door Bookcase Cabinet, 1950s

$1,495

H 30 in W 48 in D 12 in

Paul McCobb for Calvin Linear Group Sliding Door Bookcase Cabinet, 1950s

By Paul McCobb

Located in South Bend, IN

A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern bookcase, credenza, or display cabinet By Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, "Linear Group" USA, 1950s Walnut, with sliding glass front doors...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Walnut

MCM Maple Student Desk #1560 Planner Group for Winchendon by Paul McCobb

$3,295

H 29.5 in W 48 in D 24 in

MCM Maple Student Desk #1560 Planner Group for Winchendon by Paul McCobb

By Paul McCobb, Winchendon

Located in Topeka, KS

Fantastic vintage MCM (Mid-Century Modern) maple student desk #1560 Planner Group for Winchendon designed by Paul McCobb. This piece has been attributed based upon archived research ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Ten-Drawer Jewelry Chest, Newly Refinished

$2,595

H 7 in W 36.25 in D 12.5 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Ten-Drawer Jewelry Chest, Newly Refinished

By Paul McCobb, Winchendon

Located in South Bend, IN

An exceptional Mid-Century Modern dresser top ten-drawer jewelry chest By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch, with original brass hardwar...

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 Paul McCobb, Planner Group

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 Paul McCobb, Planner Group

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 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 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.