Planner Group Decorative Objects
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.
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Decorative Objects
Brass
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Decorative Objects
Steel
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Planner Group Decorative Objects
Brass
1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Decorative Objects
Wood
Early 20th Century North American Industrial Planner Group Decorative Objects
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Planner Group Decorative Objects
Birdseye Maple
Mid-20th Century Bohemian Planner Group Decorative Objects
Bamboo, Wicker
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Planner Group Decorative Objects
Suede, Mahogany
1950s Vintage Planner Group Decorative Objects
Brass, Nickel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Decorative Objects
Chrome
Mid-20th Century English Victorian Planner Group Decorative Objects
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Decorative Objects
Cherry
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Decorative Objects
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Planner Group Decorative Objects
Brass
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group Decorative Objects
1950s American Vintage Planner Group Decorative Objects
Maple
