Planner Group Shelves

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 Winchendon, Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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 Shelves

Materials

Birch

Paul McCobb Planner Group Attributed Etagere in White Iron and Light Maple

$2,560Sale Price|20% Off

Paul McCobb Planner Group Attributed Etagere in White Iron and Light Maple

By Paul McCobb, Winchendon, Planner Group

Located in Charleston, SC

A two piece satin white iron and light toned maple wood bookcase / etagere designed by Mid Century icon Paul McCobb . Sitting on a matching bench styled platform manufactured by the ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Shelves

Materials

Iron

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 Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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 Shelves

Materials

Aluminum

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 Planner Group, Paul McCobb, 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 Shelves

Materials

Maple

Expertly Restored - Paul McCobb "Planner Group" Two-Tone Credenza for Winchendon

$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

Materials: Walnut-Stained Maple Wood, Satin Lacquered Doors ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history bac...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Shelves

Materials

Wood, Maple, Walnut, 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 Shelves

Materials

Maple

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 Paul McCobb, Winchendon

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 Shelves

Materials

Aluminum

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 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...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Paul McCobb Planner Group Blonde with Black Drawers Dresser on Wrought Iron Base

$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 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...

Category

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

Materials

Wrought Iron

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 Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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 Shelves

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Paul McCobb Planner Group Credenza in Solid Maple, Circa 1950s

$3,594

H 33 in W 60 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Credenza in Solid Maple, Circa 1950s

By Winchendon, Paul McCobb

Located in San Diego, CA

A highly functional example of American mid-century modern design, this Paul McCobb Planner Group credenza is constructed in solid maple. Designed by Paul McCobb for the Winchendon F...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Shelves

Materials

Wood, Birch

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 Shelves

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 Paul McCobb, Winchendon

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 Shelves

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 Shelves

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items

1960s Paul McCobb Planner Group Bookcase

Sold

H 48.75 in W 47 in D 13 in

1960s Paul McCobb Planner Group Bookcase

By Paul McCobb, Winchendon, Planner Group

Located in Saint Paul, MN

Paul McCobb for Winchendon, Planner Group bookcase, USA, 1950s, maple, wrought iron.

Category

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

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 Shelves

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 Shelves

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 Shelves

Materials

Iron

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 Shelves

Materials

Birch

Paul McCobb for Winchendon Planner Group Solid Maple Shelf Units, 4 Available

Sold

H 24 in W 36 in D 12 in

Paul McCobb for Winchendon Planner Group Solid Maple Shelf Units, 4 Available

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Paul McCobb Planner Group Shelf Unit, 4 available. These are modular stacking pieces that can be used in a multitude of ways! Stack them and sit them on a bench or place on top of a ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Shelves

Materials

Maple

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 Shelves

Materials

Iron

Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookshelves #1516 Maple Walnut Finish

Sold

H 33 in W 36 in D 12 in

Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookshelves #1516 Maple 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 Shelves

Materials

Iron

Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookshelf #1516 Maple Iron Base Black

Sold

H 33 in W 36 in D 12 in

Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookshelf #1516 Maple Iron Base Black

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Pair of vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single bookcase #1516 black lacquer over maple with iron base. Beautiful bookcase set by Paul McCobb, circa 1950s Planner Group, single center ...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Stunning Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Room Divider Etagere black

Sold

H 75 in W 54 in D 13 in

Stunning Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Room Divider Etagere black

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Midcentury American designer Paul McCobb freestanding black lacquer room divider for Planner Group. Unit black lacquer finish. This unit is in Beautiful vintage condition - Has lower cabinet and (2) lower drawers - all maple with an original black lacquer finish - Solid brass knobs...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Stunning Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Room Divider Etagere Walnut

Sold

H 75 in W 54 in D 13 in

Stunning Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Room Divider Etagere Walnut

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Midcentury American designer Paul McCobb freestanding Maple with walnut finish room divider for Planner Group. Unit is Solid Maple wood with Walnut brown lacquer finish. This unit is in vintage condition - Has lower cabinet and (1) lower drawer - all maple with an original Walnut lacquer finish - Original Solid brass knobs...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookshelf Maple on Iron Base

Sold

H 33 in W 48 in D 12 in

Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookshelf Maple on Iron Base

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single 48" wide bookcase Blonde maple over maple with iron base. Beautiful bookcase by Paul McCobb, circa 1950s Planner G...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Planner Group shelves for sale on 1stDibs.

Planner Group shelves 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 shelves, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original shelves 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 shelves by Edward Wormley, Frederic Weinberg, and Herman Miller. Prices for Planner Group shelves can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,900 and can go as high as $7,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,375.