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Planner Group

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 Saarienen, 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 pieces from Paul McCobb’s Planner Group series on 1stDibs.

Average Sold Price
$3,069
Styles
Materials
Related Creators
Paul McCobb Planner Group Birch and Cane Dining Chairs or Side Chairs, Pair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern side chairs or dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Sculpted solid birch, with ca...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Birch

1940s Paul McCobb for Planner Group Round Coffee Table, Unmarked
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb, Winchendon
Located in Charleston, SC
Newly refinished Early solid maple 36” round coffee table. Designed by Paul McCobb for his Planner Group Collection, 1948. Rare leg configuration.Restored condition. 36” Round, 15.25...
Category

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

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Dining Table in Maple
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group, dining table model 1522, maple, United States, 1950s Dining table ‘1522’ in maple by designer Paul McCobb. This model features blond maple wood that i...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group

Materials

Maple

Midcentury Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Maple Spindle Back Chairs
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
All original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group spindle back side chairs. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original vintage condition. Original blonde finish...
Category

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

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Maple Nightstands - Pair
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Countryside, IL
Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Maple Nightstands - Pair Each nightstand measures: 22 wide x 17 deep x 24 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call r...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Planner Group

Materials

Maple

Mid-Century Paul McCobb Planner Group Dining Chairs Maple Spindle Back Chairs
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Set of 6 All original midcentury maple Paul McCobb Planner Group spindle back side chairs. Solid maple seat and curved back on tapered legs. Original vintage condition. Original blon...
Category

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

Materials

Maple

Paul McCobb Planner Group Black Lacquered 20-Drawer Dresser, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Mid-Century Modern 20-drawer dresser or credenza 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

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Paul McCobb 2 Drawer #1503 Nightstands Blonde maple T Pulls
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful pair of Paul McCobb 1950s #1503 blonde maple nightstands end tables double-drawer planner Group. Black steel T pull knobs.Finished in raw blonde maple. Very modern designed...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

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Creators Similar to Planner Group

Planner Group furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Planner Group furniture 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 furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Planner Group were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by John Widdicomb, American of Martinsville, and Paul Frankl. Prices for Planner Group furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $495 and can go as high as $16,199, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,450.

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