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.

Creator: Planner Group

Mid century Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer with chair

$2,200

Mid century Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer with chair

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful vintage Paul McCobb planner group #1560 double drawer desk original Black Lacquer finish on maple with brass knobs. All solid maple wood. Desk is in great vintage condition...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish T pulls

$3,450

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

Mid-Century Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Blonde Maple Finish Brass Pulls

$2,400Sale Price|20% Off

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

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer Finish

$3,450

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 Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Desk, Refinished

$3,295

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Desk, 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 brass hard...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Writing Desk

$3,295

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Writing Desk

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 brass hard...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk, Newly Refinished

$2,965

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk, Newly 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 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, Refinished

$3,595

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk, 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 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 Modern Walnut Desk by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, c1960s

$2,240Sale Price|20% Off

Mid Century Modern Walnut Desk by Paul McCobb for Planner Group, c1960s

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desk and Chair Set, Birch and Laminate

$3,200

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desk and Chair Set, Birch and Laminate

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 Lacquer Double Pedestal Desk and Chair

$4,500 / set

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquer Double Pedestal Desk and Chair

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Double Pedestal Desk, 1950s

$3,595

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Double Pedestal Desk, 1950s

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

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 Paul McCobb Desk and Chair Set, Birch and Laminate

$4,900 / set

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desk and Chair Set, Birch and Laminate

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 Writing Desk and Chair

$4,595 / set

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 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

Beautifully Refinished Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table

$1,799

H 16 in W 54 in D 20 in

Beautifully Refinished Paul McCobb Planner Group Coffee Table

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful solid wood coffee table. From the Planner Group line designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture Company. Retains original manufacturer’s label and guaranteed authenti...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk in Tobacco Finish

$3,400

H 29 in W 53 in D 26.25 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Desk in Tobacco Finish

By Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Classic mid-century modern double pedestal desk designed by Paul McCobb for the Planner Group, produced by Winchendon. Features clean lines, signature tapered legs, and ample storage...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron and Reed Side Table

$1,485

H 21.25 in W 28 in D 18 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Iron and Reed Side Table

By Planner Group, Winchendon, Paul McCobb

Located in New Windsor, NY

Planner Group side table designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. Circa 1955. Featuring a birch top, iron frame and split reed lower shelf. Good overall honest wear and overall condit...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Midcentury French Style Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Desk / Cabinet

$3,125

H 88 in W 42 in D 20 in

Midcentury French Style Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Desk / Cabinet

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a midcentury French style hand painted chinoiserie secretary with a unique bombe form base and glass top. It works so well for both display and functional desk. It is unmarke...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Glass, Lacquer

Pair of Rare Paul McCobb Nightstands for Planner Group

$6,500 / set

H 22.25 in W 18 in D 18 in

Pair of Rare Paul McCobb Nightstands for Planner Group

By Planner Group, Winchendon, Paul McCobb

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of highly desirable and rare Paul McCobb nightstands from his Planner Group collection for Winchendon, c.1950s. The pair features an exposed wrought iron frame, single maple dra...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desk and Chair Set, Birch and Laminate

$3,200

H 29.5 in W 48 in D 18.25 in

Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Desk and Chair Set, Birch and Laminate

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

Welcome to Mid-Century NoHo Mid Century Maple Desk by Paul McCobb for Winchendon

$2,975

H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in

Welcome to Mid-Century NoHo Mid Century Maple Desk by Paul McCobb for Winchendon

By Winchendon, Paul McCobb

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Welcome to Mid-Century NoHo [Mid Century Maple Desk by Paul McCobb for Winchendon] Mid-century maple desk designed by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. This beautiful desk is made of map...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Mid century Paul McCobb Planner Group rectangle Maple 1522 Dining Table 2 leaves

$2,520Sale Price|30% Off

H 29 in W 36 in D 54 in

Mid century Paul McCobb Planner Group rectangle Maple 1522 Dining Table 2 leaves

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful early 1950s Paul McCobb maple dining table #1522 with 4 tapered legs and dowel supports. Original maple tabletop with a blonde tobacco finish in good vintage condition. Leg...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Rare Mid-Century Paul McCobb #1584 Coffee Table Bench All Black

$3,275

H 16 in W 60 in D 24 in

Rare Mid-Century Paul McCobb #1584 Coffee Table Bench All Black

By Planner Group, Paul McCobb

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

Beautiful Paul McCobb Planner Group #1584 - 60 inch coffee table bench all original black Lacquer finish, Minimalist Iron structure with 2 drawers...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk, Refinished

$3,595

H 29.25 in W 48 in D 24 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk, 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 and white lacquered solid maple, with brass har...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planer Group Maple Wrought Iron Side Table

$2,400

H 22 in W 20 in D 27.5 in

Paul McCobb Planer Group Maple Wrought Iron Side Table

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Minimal, mid century modern, side table by Paul McCobb for Planner Group features a wrought iron frame with graduated tiers of maple and slat maple. The lower tier is 6.5 inches heig...

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Expanding Dining Table

$1,900

H 29.25 in W 66.25 in D 37 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Expanding Dining Table

By Paul McCobb

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern dining table. A stunning table designed by Paul McCobb for his Planner Group line for Winchendon Furniture featuring a sleek midcentury design, a uniqu...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Previously Available Items

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer Finish

Sold

H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in

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 Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Writing Desk

Sold

H 29.25 in W 47.75 in D 23.75 in

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 Scandinavian Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Model 1560 Black Double Drawer Desk, 1950's

Sold

H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Model 1560 Black Double Drawer Desk, 1950's

By Paul McCobb, Winchester Furniture, Planner Group

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Classic Paul McCobb Planner Group for Winchendon Black Lacquer Desk. Featuring a rectangular frame with large smooth solid wood work surface, 2 spacious drawers, with 4 threaded dowe...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Writing Desk With Chair

Sold

H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in

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" USA, 1950s Solid maple, with original brass hardware. Me...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Writing Desk, 1950s

Sold

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"...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Desk, Newly Refinished

Sold

H 28.25 in W 48 in D 18.13 in

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

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Corner Desk, 1950s

Sold

H 28.25 in W 35.5 in D 35.5 in

Paul McCobb Planner Group Solid Birch Corner Desk, 1950s

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk tobacco / Black Finish

Sold

H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in

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....

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Paul McCobb #1560 Double Drawer Desk Black Lacquer Finish

Sold

H 29 in W 48 in D 24 in

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 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 and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquered Writing Desk and Chair

Sold

H 28.25 in W 48 in D 18.13 in

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk, Newly Refinished

Sold

H 29.25 in W 48 in D 24 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

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.