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.
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Record Cabinet With Sliding Doors
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern black lacquered solid maple record cabinet or bar cabinet with sliding doors By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Meas...
Maple, Lacquer
Jewelry Chest by Paul McCobb Planner Group, Ten Drawers, Original Brass Pulls
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Kansas City, MO
Ten-drawer Paul MccCobb Planner Group jewelry cabinet with original brass pulls. Very good completely original condition with some signs of wear and scratches which should be evident...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Sliding Door Credenza with Drawers, Classic Modernist
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Buffalo, NY
From the Paul McCobb Modular Planner Group line of Winchendon Furniture. Solid maple cabinet holds three drawers on one side single drawer with adj...
Grasscloth, Maple
Paul McCobb Planner Group Model 1500 Maple & Black Single Drawer Cabinet, 1950s
By Planner Group, Winchendon, Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon Single Drawer Maple Nightstand. Cabinet. End Table. Featuring a Black lacquered surround with solid Maple Drawer, original Aluminum donut rin...
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Planner Group Cabinet on Bench for Winchendon
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare combination of a green and black McCobb Cabinet on a white McCobb Bench. Original very good condition with some lacquer chips.
Maple
Paul McCobb Credenza by Winchendon Perimeter Group
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage Paul McCobb Perimeter Group credenza features double-sided cabinets, drawers for storage, and unique ebonized finish. Classic McCobb drawe...
Wood
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Sliding Door Cabinet with Hutch
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Sliding Door Cabinet with Hutch The chest of drawers measures: 36 wide x 18 deep x 33.5 inches high The hutch measures: 36 wide x 12 deep x...
Wood
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Sliding Door Cabinet with Hutch - Pair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Sliding Door Cabinet with Hutch - Pair Each chest of drawers measures: 36 wide x 18 deep x 33.5 inches high Each hutch measures: 36 wide x ...
Wood
$5,510 / set
H 25.5 in W 60 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Black Lacquer Low Credenza
By Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful mid-century low credenza by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group. 1 adjustable shelve with pins. Solid maple construction with an original black lacquer finish. White cloth sliding front doors with brass finger...
Maple
Paul McCobb Irwin Collection Brass and Leather Credenza by Calvin
By Paul McCobb, Directional, Calvin Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
All original Paul McCobb mahogany cabinet or sideboard from The Calvin Group (earlier Irwin Collection) by Calvin Furniture, which is part of the work the designer created for Directional (model 1066). The mid-century modern credenza features: three drawers with brass knobs; two sliding leather doors with brass pulls and brass edges; interior fitted with two shelves, each adjustable to four different positions; brass X stretchers; label. 100% original finish and condition. The perfect vintage piece to use as a bar cabinet, a media console or a server buffet. Part of a one owner collection of McCobb furniture exclusively presented by Select Modern; a truly rare time capsule find! There are more pieces from this collection available in our storefront. A copy of the original 1956 purchase receipt for all the pieces from this collection is available. Works well in many different decors, from eclectic modern...
Brass
$2,245 / item
H 12 in W 9.75 in D 10.5 in
Wave Jewelry Chest in Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Wave jewelry...
Brass
Miniature Rosewood Wellington Chest
Located in Folkestone, GB
A charming early 19th century rosewood five drawer miniature Wellington chest with a stepped rectangular top above five graduated drawers wh...
Rosewood
$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 Planner Group, Winchendon, Paul McCobb
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...
Maple
$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...
Aluminum
$2,240 / item
H 12 in W 7 in D 11 in
Talisa Jewelry Chest in Cream Shagreen, Black Pen Shell & Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. Talisa jewelry chest in cream shagreen, black pen shell and brass by R&Y Augousti is a stunning piece to store your personal items. This piece has 2 doors that open to 4 drawer compartments that have black velvet trays...
Brass
$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...
Maple
$4,895
H 32.25 in W 60 in D 18.25 in
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb "Planner Group" Two-Tone Credenza for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Maple, Walnut, Lacquer
$2,900Sale Price|23% Off
H 33 in W 48 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Blonde with Black Drawers Dresser on Wrought Iron Base
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Ferndale, MI
Master of mid-century American modular design Paul McCobb for Winchedon Planner group six drawer dresser. Maple case holds black lacquered drawers...
Wrought Iron
Paul McCobb Planner Group Jewelry Chest of Ten Drawers
By Paul McCobb
Located in Chicago, IL
Paul McCobb jewelry chest of ten drawers Best to refinish this item. Finish shows wear as does the interiors of the drawers.
Wood
Calvin Collection Sliding Door Cabinet by Paul McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Leatherette covered sliding door cabinet with aluminum trim accents from the Paul McCobb Calvin collection. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Aluminum
Sold
H 33 in W 24 in D 18 in
Midcentury Small Maple Cabinet by Paul McCobb Planner Group #1512 B&W Doors
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful midcentury small cabinet by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1512 has 1 fixed shelf - solid maple construction has a blonde lacquer finish. Has very rare all original ...
Iron
Sold
H 36.13 in W 24.13 in D 18.13 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Sliding Door Cabinet on Hairpin Legs, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern sliding door cabinet on hairpin legs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch, with steel hairpin leg...
Steel
Sold
H 27.63 in W 24.13 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Record Cabinet With Sliding Doors
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern record cabinet or bar cabinet with sliding doors By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid maple, wit...
Brass
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...
Iron
Sold
H 33.5 in W 24 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Cabinet With Sliding Doors, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern black lacquered solid maple record cabinet or bar cabinet with sliding doors By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Blac...
Brass
Sold
H 33.5 in W 24 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Cabinets With Sliding Doors, Pair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern black lacquered solid maple record cabinets, bar cabinets, or bedside chests By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA,...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenza/Media Console
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Credenza/Media Console Offered is a vintage credenza designed by Paul McCobb for Planner Group. Features sliding doors and adjustable shelving inside....
Maple
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...
Iron
Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Iron Base Adjustable Shelf
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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...
Iron
Sold
H 46.13 in W 36 in D 15.25 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Drop Front Desk with Sliding Door Credenza, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern drop front secretary desk cabinet with a lower sliding door credenza. By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid maple, with white grass cloth sliding doors and original brass hardware. Measures: 36"W x 15.25"D x 46.18"H. Desk height...
Grasscloth, Maple, Lacquer
Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookcase #1516 Walnut Finish Tapered Legs
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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...
Maple
Sold
H 25 in W 60 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Credenza by Paul McCobb Planner Group #1513 Blonde Doors Maple
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful mid-century low credenza cabinet with blonde maple sliding doors by Paul McCobb circa 1950 planner group #1513 has 2 adjustable shelves with pins - solid maple construction...
Brass