Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
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.
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Creator: Planner Group
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Writing Desk
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered solid maple, with original brass hard...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish T pulls
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1560 double drawer desk blonde maple finish with steel T pull knobs solid maple. Desk has been professional refinished. Very beautiful designed d...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Steel
1950's Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk & Chair Set
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Southampton, NJ
A striking Paul McCobb four drawer desk and matching chair set with white laminate top. All original 1950's from the Planner Group series, this scarcely seen set with original tag ha...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Double Pedestal Desk, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double pedestal executive writing desk
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid black and white lacquered birch,...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk by Paul McCobb, c1960s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step back in time with this show-stopping vintage mid century walnut desk, artfully designed by the renowned Paul McCobb. This pi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
$2,100 Sale Price
25% Off
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquer Double Pedestal Desk and Chair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double pedestal executive writing desk and spindle back chair
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid bla...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer Finish
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb planner group #1560 double drawer desk Black Lacquer on maple with aluminum ring knobs solid maple. Desk is in great condition. Very beautiful designed desk on ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Black and white lacquered solid maple, with brass har...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish Brass Pulls
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1560 double drawer desk blonde maple finish with brass cone pull knobs solid maple. Desk is in good vintage condition. Very beautiful designed de...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Paul McCobb "Planner Group" #1560 Desk for Winchendon
By Winchendon, Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A timeless example of Paul McCobb’s iconic “Planner Group” series for Winchendon Furniture, this vintage desk showcases the designer’s signature blend of simplicity, functionality, a...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered solid maple, with original bras...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk and Chair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk with matching desk chair.
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon furniture, "Planner Group".
USA, 1950s
Black and white lacq...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
1950's Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk & Chair Set
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Southampton, NJ
A striking Paul McCobb four drawer desk and matching chair set with white laminate top. All original 1950's from the Planner Group series, this scarcely seen set with original tag ha...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
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$4,050
H 16.5 in W 60 in D 24 in
Previously Available Items
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer Finish
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb planner group #1560 double drawer desk Black Lacquer on maple with aluminum ring knobs solid maple. Desk is in great condition. Very beautiful designed desk on ...
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Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Writing Desk
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
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An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
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H 29.25 in W 47.75 in D 23.75 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Model 1560 Black Double Drawer Desk, 1950's
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Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Writing Desk With Chair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk with chair
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
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H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Writing Desk, 1950s
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Solid maple, with original brass hardware.
Measures: 48"...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
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Brass
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Desk, Newly Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern four drawer writing desk
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Black and white lacquered solid maple, wi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
H 28.25 in W 48 in D 18.13 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Corner Desk, 1950s
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern solid birch corner desk
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Measures: 35.5"W x 35.5"D x 28.25"H.
Good origi...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk tobacco / Black Finish
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1560 double drawer desk maple tobacco finish and black lacquer drawers with brass knobs solid maple. Desk is in great original vintage condition....
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Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer Finish
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Beautiful Paul McCobb planner group #1560 double drawer desk Black Lacquer on maple with aluminum ring knobs solid maple. Desk is in great condition. Very beautiful designed desk on ...
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Paul McCobb Planner Group Midcentury Desk
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Located in Countryside, 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
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
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Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk and Chair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk with matching chair
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Black and white lacquered solid m...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
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H 28.25 in W 48 in D 18.13 in
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk
By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group"
USA, 1950s
Black lacquered solid maple, with original bras...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
H 29.25 in W 48 in D 24 in
Planner Group desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Planner Group desks and writing tables 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 and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables 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 and writing tables by Drexel, Dunbar, and Pierre Paulin. Prices for Planner Group desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,820 and can go as high as $4,595, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,450.
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