1950s Mid-Century Modern Paul McCobb Planner for Group Dining Chairs
About the Item
- Creator:Planner Group (Maker),Paul McCobb (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Width: 17 in (43.18 cm)Depth: 19 in (48.26 cm)Seat Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 4
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:C. 1950’s
- Condition:Refinished. Completely restored from top to bottom.
- Seller Location:Charleston, SC
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6938238067562
Paul McCobb
The single aesthetic attribute of vintage Paul McCobb furniture is that the designer completely forsook ornament — his pieces have no flourishes. And yet, because they are honest — McCobb’s chairs, desks and dining tables are made of solid wood, usually maple or birch, often paired with frames and legs of wrought iron; the cabinets are traditionally scaled; the seating pieces have historic antecedents such as the Windsor chair — his mid-century modern work has warmth and presence.
You could call the Massachusetts-born McCobb a man of parts. As a furniture designer, his work combined the attributes of many of his now better-known peers.
Like the work of Bauhaus designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer, McCobb's furniture had purity of form and line. Like the designs of Florence Knoll and George Nelson and his associates, McCobb’s work was efficient and purposeful. And even like George Nakashima, he was adept at interpreting traditional forms, in particular those of chairs, for the 20th century.
More than any other designer besides Russel Wright, with his ubiquitous ceramic tableware, 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.
McCobb, a repeat recipient of the Good Design Award from the Museum of Modern Art, also designed cohesive lines of furnishings, such as his best-known Planner Group, that gave homes an instant “look.” He designed for several companies, most notably Directional, which was home to McCobb’s Origami chair.
In 1949, in partnership with New York furniture salesman B.G. Mesberg, McCobb set up the Directional Furniture Company, a brand known to vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors everywhere. Directional opened its doors after McCobb created the high-end Directional Modern line of sofas distributed by the New York-based Modernage Company. Directional also produced designs by other legends such as Paul Evans and Vladimir Kagan.
As you can see from the offerings on 1stDibs, McCobb designs are the pin-striped suit, or the little black dress, of a decor: an essential.
Find vintage Paul McCobb credenzas, bookcases, nightstands and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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 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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Charleston, SC
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- 1940s Paul McCobb for Planner Group Round Coffee Table, UnmarkedBy Planner Group, Paul McCobb, WinchendonLocated in Charleston, SCNewly refinished Early solid maple 36” round coffee table. Designed by Paul McCobb for his Planner Group Collection, 1948. Rare leg configuration...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsMaple
- Paul McCobb Planner Group Attributed Etagere in White Iron and Light MapleBy Planner Group, Winchendon, Paul McCobbLocated in Charleston, SCA 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
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
MaterialsIron
- 1950s Mid-Century Modern Hall TreeLocated in Charleston, SCThis piece has it all! Coat rack/ place to hang keys, a floating table with storage with Tambour doors, an umbrella stand, a funky mirror with a curved shape and modern etching in ...Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Newly Upholstered Paul McCobb Style Lounge Chairs - a PairBy Paul McCobbLocated in Charleston, SCNewly upholstered in a great neutral silver gray performance fabric, circa 1965. Great lines and profile. Solid ash tapered legs, slightly contoured arms. Made for maximum comfort. R...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Mid Century Grape Pendant Light Fixture Circa 1950sLocated in Charleston, SCA Fifties Flash Back. Yes, these Mid-Century Lucite/Acrylic Swag Lights are back. A great compliment to your retro bar, but suitable for any room you choose. Lovely on a protected ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- Four Chairs in Lacquered Metal in the Style of Colette Gueden, circa 1960By Colette GuedenLocated in Charleston, SCA set of 4 Reilly-Wolff Associates 1950’s iron spindle fan back kitchen/side chairs A very nice pair of spindle fan back side chairs. These are dining c...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsIron
- Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Dining Chairs Paul McCobb for Winchendon Set 5By Planner Group, Paul McCobbLocated in Topeka, KSFabulous set of five Mid-Century Modern Planner Group style #1534 dining chairs by Paul McCobb for Winchendon. Comprised of a dark walnut finished maple. They have been newly upholstered at some point in their recent past in a brown background fabric with chenille squiggly undulating lines in gold and turquoise or teal. Beautiful condition with age-appropriate wear as you would expect with vintage pieces. Two of the chair backs do have small nicks. One has been repaired. All chairs have been re-glued. We have used restore-a-finish on the original finish to bring back its original shine. Please see photos. Circa 1949-1964. Simply Amazing!! What a fabulous set of five Mid-Century Modern dining chairs! They are part of the Planner Group for Winchendon designed by internationally known and revered designer Paul McCobb. They are style number 1534, and they are comprised of a beautiful maple frame with a dark walnut finish. The foam seats are covered in a brown chenille fabric with raised fiber squiggly undulating lines in colors of gold and turquoise or maybe its teal. The fabric is so awesome it reminds us of a comfy chenille bedspread...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Maple
- Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid Century Dining Chairs, Set of 6By Planner Group, Paul McCobbLocated in Countryside, ILPaul McCobb for Planner group mid century dining chairs - set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 20.25 wide x 19 deep x 30.25 high, with a seat height of 18 inches Each captains c...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWood
- Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Spindle Back Dining Chairs, PairBy Planner Group, Paul McCobbLocated in South Bend, INAn exceptional pair of iconic mid-century modern solid maple spindle back dining chairs By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Measures: 19.5"W x 19.5...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsMaple
- Paul McCobb Planner Group Pair Dining ChairsBy Planner Group, Paul McCobbLocated in Fraser, MIPlease message us for a cost effective shipping quote to your location. Pair Paul McCobb dining chairs. Both chairs have full labels.Category
Vintage 1960s Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsBirch
- Paul McCobb Dining Chairs for Planner Group, Set of 4 Mid Century ModernBy Paul McCobbLocated in Wallkill, NYMaple Paul McCobb dining chairs set of four, Planner Group. They are in wonderful vintage condition. Measuring: H 30 in, W 17 in, D 19 in, seat height 17 in. Be sure to check our st...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsMaple
- Paul McCobb "Planner Group" Iron & Maple Dining Chairs for Winchendon FurnitureBy Planner Group, Paul McCobbLocated in Los Angeles, CAPaul McCobb "Planner Group" iron and maple dining chairs for Winchendon Furniture. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsIron