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 Solid Birch Dresser or Chest of Drawers, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern three-drawer dresser or chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch, with original bras...
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Dressers or Chests of Drawers, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern three-drawer dressers or chests of drawers By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch, with ori...
Brass
Paul McCobb for Planner Group MCM Blond or Ebony Maple Three-Drawer Chest
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 3 Drawer Chest Dresser
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century 3 Drawer Chest Dresser This chest measures: 36 wide x 18.25 deep x 33.5 high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as...
Wood
1950s Paul McCobb 4-Drawer Correspondence Letter Chest Jewelry Box Dresser
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A wonderful tabletop letter cabinet for desktop or atop a dresser. It is in original unrestored condition and finish. Some wear to top surface and nor...
Steel
Nicely Refinished Paul McCobb for Winchedon Planner Group Blond Chest of Drawers
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Ferndale, MI
Nicely refinished McCobb for Winchendon blonde maple chest of drawers with aluminum ring pulls . Early branded mark inside drawer.
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Planner Group Two-Piece Modular Chest of Drawers on Bench, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern two-piece modular dresser or chest of drawers on bench/table By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacqu...
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Dresser or Chest of Drawers, Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern three-drawer dresser or chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch, with original bras...
Brass
Paul McCobb Petite Sideboard Cabinet Dark Walnut Brass Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Westport, CT
Paul McCobb for Planner Group, midsize dark walnut four draw brass pull elegant sideboard cabinet.
Mahogany, Walnut
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
H 63.75 in W 36 in D 12.5 in
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...
Birch
H 33.25 in W 48 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Ebonized 6 Drawer Dresser
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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...
Wood
H 33.5 in W 48 in D 18 in
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb 6-Drawer Dresser for Winchendon Furniture
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paul McCobb 6-drawer dresser for winchendon furniture. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back t...
Aluminum
H 33 in W 36 in D 18 in
Midcentury Paul McCobb Three-Drawer Dresser Credenza #1508 Blonde Maple T Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage mid century Paul McCobb three-drawer dresser credenza Planner Group #1508. Beautiful dresser by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group 3 drawer, solid maple black T pulls. Bla...
Steel, Iron
H 34.25 in W 60 in D 18.13 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Minimalist Mid-Century Modern sliding door sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacque...
Maple, Lacquer
H 6 in W 36 in D 12.25 in
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
H 33 in W 48 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Blonde with Black Drawers Dresser on Wrought Iron Base
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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
H 34 in W 24 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb for Directional Black Eight Drawer Chest with Brass Leg Posts
By Paul McCobb, Directional
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Paul McCobb for Directional #7025 black Chest of Drawers. Featuring newly restored and re-enameled rectangular black enameled eight drawer Chest, Dresser, detailed with reflective Br...
Brass
H 34.25 in W 36 in D 18 in
Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb "Linear Group" 4-Drawer Dresser
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut wood, Lightly Patinated Steel _____________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and w...
Steel
H 6.13 in W 36.13 in D 12.5 in
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
H 33.25 in W 60 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Dresser for Winchendon
By Paul McCobb
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul McCobb design dresser for his debut Planner Group series for Winchendon, Mass. High quality construction using solid maple wood featuring eight drawers with aluminum o-ring pull...
Maple
H 33 in W 72 in D 18.25 in
Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb 20 Drawer Chest of Drawers on Iron Base
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s highly coveted 20 drawer dresser by Paul McCobb, featuring a black painted iron base that taper to adjustable threaded feet. The case in solid birch with 10 central pull out...
Brass, Iron
H 32 in W 36 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Dresser - Mid Century Modern Three Drawer Chest
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Decatur, GA
Stellar three drawer Planner Group chest by Paul McCobb for Winchendon, circa 1950s. Black wrought iron base and teardrop pulls. Fully restored and ready for use. Excellent condition...
Iron, Wrought Iron
H 33.25 in W 36 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Dresser or Chest of Drawers, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern three-drawer dresser or chest of drawers By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid birch, with original bras...
Brass
H 31 in W 24 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Bachelor Chest, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern three-drawer bachelor chest or bedside chest By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid birch, wit...
Brass
H 26.25 in W 24 in D 18 in
Pair of Paul McCobb 1503 Planner Group Maple & Black Two Drawer Nightstands
By Paul McCobb, Winchendon, Planner Group
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair Paul McCobb Planner Group by Winchendon two drawer maple chests, cabinets, end tables, 1950's. Featuring Model 1503 Black...
Maple
H 33 in W 36 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb 3-Drawer Dresser #1508 Walnut Finish Nickel Pulls
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb 3-drawer dresser Planner Group #1508. Beautiful dresser by Paul McCobb circa 1950s Planner Group, 3 drawer, solid maple, brown walnut finish, nickel pu...
Maple
H 33.25 in W 36 in D 18 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Midcentury 3 Drawer Chest of Drawers Dresser
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Paul McCobb Planner Group midcentury 3 drawer chest of drawers dresser. This chest of drawers measures: 36 wide x 18 deep x 33.25 inches high. ...
Chrome
H 33.25 in W 36 in D 18.25 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple 3 Drawer Dresser
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Charleston, SC
USA, circa 1950s. A great little chest from Paul McCobb’s Planner Group. Features maple construction with three large drawers, splayed conical legs, and signature brass hourglass pulls. This piece is in it’s original finish, which is hard to find. What else is hard to find a Mid-Century Modern piece that is constructed of a solid wood with no veneer! Now let’s talk about the complete versatility of a 3 drawer dresser in this size toy storage...
Brass
H 33.25 in W 36 in D 18 in
Pair of Modern Chests by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, USA, Circa 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Norwalk, CT
An iconic pair of McCobb chests, manufacturers by Planner Group circa 1950s. Distinctive modern legs. Original solid brass custom pulls. This pair has b...
Maple
H 52 in W 36 in D 18 in
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1501 Blonde Maple tall 6 drawer dresser brass knobs
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Mid century Rare tall 6 drawer dresser by Paul McCobb circa 1950 Planner Group #1501 with 4 center drawers and custom top 2 drawer jewelry section built in to dresser. Soli...
Brass
H 33.25 in W 60 in D 18.5 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Eight Drawer Dresser on Wrought Iron Base
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Classic Paul McCobb Planner group black eight drawer double dresser, 1950's. Featuring newly restored and re-enameled rectangular Maple form with eight clean drawers a top a four leg...
Steel
H 34.5 in W 48 in D 18 in
Pair of Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple & Black 6 Drawer Double Dressers
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair of Paul McCobb planner group maple & black six drawer dressers, 1950's. Featuring classic Paul McCobb modular design including four rectangula...
Enamel