Planner Group Desks

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

Rare Midcentury Paul McCobb 1562 Drop Lid Desk with Organizer Maple T Pulls

$8,800

Rare Midcentury Paul McCobb 1562 Drop Lid Desk with Organizer Maple T Pulls

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb planner group #1562 drop lid desk with Rare organizer inside and adjustable glass shelf blonde maple finish T-pulls all solid maple. Flip down front door is des...

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Mid century Paul McCobb #1561 5 Drawer Desk Red Lacquer Finish Brass Pulls

$2,600Sale Price|20% Off

Mid century Paul McCobb #1561 5 Drawer Desk Red Lacquer Finish Brass Pulls

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1561 double pedestal 5 drawer desk with a Red Stained finish Brass knobs solid maple. Desk is in vintage condition shows signs of use and wear. V...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Tobacco Desk

$3,295

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Tobacco Desk

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Tobacco Desk This desk measures: 48 wide x 18.25 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 23.5 inches Good Vintage Condition - Desk has M...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Winchendon Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Desk in Dark Espresso

$3,000

Paul McCobb Winchendon Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Desk in Dark Espresso

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in St. Louis, MO

Paul McCobb Planner Group desk shown in dark espresso stain, with bank of drawers with polished tapered brass pulls on left side and two tapered angular dowel legs on the right, To b...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks

Materials

Brass

Rare Midcentury Paul McCobb #1562 Drop Lid Desk with Organizer Maple Black Brass

$6,600Sale Price|25% Off

Rare Midcentury Paul McCobb #1562 Drop Lid Desk with Organizer Maple Black Brass

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb planner group #1562 drop lid desk with Rare organizer inside and adjustable glass shelf in original Black Lacquer finish brass cone pulls all solid maple. Flip ...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Black Lacquer Low Credenza

$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...

Category

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

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 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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks

Materials

Maple

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 Desks

Materials

Aluminum

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Record Cabinet With Sliding Doors

$2,395

H 33.5 in W 24 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Record Cabinet With Sliding Doors

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 Meas...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza, Newly Refinished

$4,495

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

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 Desks

Materials

Maple

Architect Designed Bespoke Walnut Mid Century Desk Single Drawer

$2,995

H 29.5 in W 68 in D 30 in

Architect Designed Bespoke Walnut Mid Century Desk Single Drawer

By (after) Frank Lloyd Wright

Located in Forest Grove, PA

A very well made architect designed desk made for a Main Line Philadelphia Mid century house by an unknown architect. Great size and proportions. Book matched walnut boards. Single d...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks

Materials

Walnut

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 Desks

Materials

Birch

Mid Century Modern Paul McCobb 20 Drawer Chest of Drawers on Iron Base

$6,650

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks

Materials

Brass, Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Cabinet on Bench for Winchendon

$2,950 / set

H 34.26 in W 61.42 in D 18.12 in

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.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks

Materials

Maple

Nicely Refinished Paul McCobb for Winchedon Planner Group Blond Chest of Drawers

$3,300

H 33 in W 36 in D 18 in

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.

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Paul McCobb Blond 10-Drawer Jewelry Cabinet with Original Finish Mid-Century Era

$2,500

H 6 in W 36 in D 12.25 in

Paul McCobb Blond 10-Drawer Jewelry Cabinet with Original Finish Mid-Century Era

By Paul McCobb

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A rare and large Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon solid maple 10-drawer jewelry chest with original finish intact. All drawers work well, with clean interiors. No breaks or r...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks

Materials

Metal

Previously Available Items

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1567 Four Drawer Desk Maple Black Finish Brass Pulls

Sold

H 29 in W 48 in D 18 in

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1567 Four Drawer Desk Maple Black Finish Brass Pulls

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1567 four drawer desk solid maple black finish brass pulls solid maple. Desk is in original vintage condition. Very beautiful designed desk on st...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1561 5 Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish Brass Pulls

Sold

H 29 in W 53 in D 26 in

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1561 5 Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish Brass Pulls

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1561 double pedestal 5 drawer desk blonde maple finish Brass knobs solid maple. Desk is in original vintage condition. Very beautiful designed de...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Paul McCobb Model #1560 Writing Desk and Chair

Sold

H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in

Mid-Century Paul McCobb Model #1560 Writing Desk and Chair

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group, George Nelson

Located in Raleigh, NC

Mid-century writing desk model #1560 and chair both designed by Paul McCobb, circa 1950s. Part of McCobb's iconic Planner Group series, this desk embodies the clean lines and minima...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks

Materials

Metal, Nickel

Paul McCobb Planner Group Writing Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Writing Desk

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Paul McCobb writing desk from the Planner Group Collection for Winchedon, c.1950s. This maple desk features two drawers with rounded black enamel knobs resting on two dowel legs. The...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks

Materials

Enamel

Paul McCobb Planner Group Midcentury Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 48 in D 18.25 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Midcentury Desk

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb planner group midcentury desk This desk measures: 48 wide x 18.25 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 23.5 inches All pieces of furniture can be had in what w...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Drop Front Desk with Sliding Door Credenza, Refinished

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 Paul McCobb, Planner Group

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks

Materials

Grasscloth, Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Midcentury Modern Secretary Desk with Grasscloth Doors

Sold

H 46 in W 36 in D 16.5 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Midcentury Modern Secretary Desk with Grasscloth Doors

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Decatur, GA

Stellar Paul McCobb model 1564-b drop down desk with moss green grasscloth sliding doors, circa 1953. This example is unique on the market currently. Desirable inset splayed tapered ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Drop Front Desk with Sliding Door Credenza, Refinished

Sold

H 46.38 in W 36 in D 15.38 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Drop Front Desk with Sliding Door Credenza, Refinished

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

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, 195...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Winchendon Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Desk in Dark Espresso

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 24 in

Paul McCobb Winchendon Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Desk in Dark Espresso

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in St. Louis, MO

Paul McCobb Planner Group desk shown in dark espresso stain, with bank of drawers with polished tapered brass pulls on left side and two tapered angular dowel legs on the right, To be refinished in dark espresso finish, the desk shown is sold, so custom color options are available. Please allow several weeks for refinishing. Paul McCobb Winchendon branded Label on outside of drawer. Lower Drawer inside dims. 12.25"w x 15.75" s x 9.75" h, small file...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1567 Four Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish Brass Pulls

Sold

H 29 in W 48 in D 18 in

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1567 Four Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish Brass Pulls

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1567 four drawer desk blonde maple finish brass pulls solid maple. Desk is in original vintage condition. Very be...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Rare Midcentury Paul McCobb #1562 Drop Lid Desk W/Organizer Maple T Pulls

Sold

H 45 in W 60 in L 45 in

Rare Midcentury Paul McCobb #1562 Drop Lid Desk W/Organizer Maple T Pulls

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb planner group #1562 drop lid desk with Rare organizer inside and adjustable glass shelf blonde maple finish T-pulls all solid maple...

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Paul McCobb Planner Group Drop Front Desk with Sliding Door Credenza, Refinished

Sold

H 46.25 in W 36 in D 15.5 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, 195...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks

Materials

Grasscloth, Maple, Lacquer

Planner Group desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Planner Group desks 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 desks, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks 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 desks by Florence Knoll, Dunbar, and Knoll. Prices for Planner Group desks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,610 and can go as high as $9,950, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,200.