John Stuart Benches

American

Grand Rapids, Michigan, was once known as “Furniture City” for its local mass-production industry that flourished from the mid-19th century into the early 20th century, led by furniture manufacturers like John Stuart. Stuart’s eponymous company, which would build showrooms in New York and Philadelphia, designed and sold elegant reproductions of various furniture styles, including 18th-century French and English furniture as well as what we now call mid-century modern home furnishings built by European craftsmen in the entrepreneur’s Grand Rapids factory.

In 1845, a British cabinetmaker named George Widdicomb arrived in New York before moving to Grand Rapids. There he set up a small cabinet shop in 1857 with a dozen craftsmen, including his son John Widdicomb. The store quickly found success due to Widdicomb’s English training and the dearth of other quality furniture makers in the region. Toward the end of the 19th century, Grand Rapids had earned an international reputation as a leader of American furniture manufacturing, and while the Widdicomb family would navigate some difficulty after the Civil War, they emerged anew as Widdicomb Brothers and Richards, and then the Widdicomb Furniture Company. Widdicomb’s son started his own company in 1897, the John Widdicomb Company, and in 1929, the Grand Rapids–born John Stuart joined the company as a director.

Stuart, who had been in the furniture industry since 1913, was named president of John Widdicomb Company in the early 1940s and by then had formed John Stuart, Inc., with partner Herbert M. Rothschild. John Stuart, Inc.’s offerings included oak buffets and other dining-room furnishings crafted in the Tudor and Elizabethan styles, with cabinet doors and drawer fronts characterized by meticulously carved natural-world motifs and other decorative flourishes. Stuart also oversaw the design of reproductions of sophisticated walnut and mahogany Queen Anne side tables and dining chairs, with the latter marked by pronounced, vase-shaped curves in the back splats and cabriole legs. In 1952, the manufacturer and distributor’s founder sold the business, including the right to trade under his name, to the John Widdicomb Company.

Find a wide variety of vintage John Stuart furniture on 1stDibs.

Creator: John Stuart

Lovely Mid-Century Modern Two-Seat Bench by John Stuart

$3,000

Lovely Mid-Century Modern Two-Seat Bench by John Stuart

By John Stuart

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Lovely Mid-Century Modern two-seat bench. Black painted wood frame with black upholstered seats by John Stuart. We do have a two of these if you need a pair.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Ottoman by John Stuart

$500

H 16 in W 20 in D 17 in

Mid-Century Modern Ottoman by John Stuart

By John Stuart

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Elegant vintage modern foot stool features black lacquered legs. Unique walnut cross beams connect each leg adding sturdiness and style. The sleek black vinyl top is molded for comfo...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Benches

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut, Lacquer, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood

Mid-Century Modern Bench

$1,500

H 15.75 in W 55.12 in D 19.69 in

Mid-Century Modern Bench

Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon

Perfect combination of design and materials, leather, brass, solid wood and veneer. Possibly the design was conceived as a telephone bench. It is a beautiful piece that exalts our g...

Category

1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Benches

Materials

Brass

1970 Two Seater Cinema Bench by TON, Czechoslovakia

$561 / item

H 33.47 in W 41.34 in D 23.63 in

1970 Two Seater Cinema Bench by TON, Czechoslovakia

By Thonet

Located in Praha, CZ

- Beech plywood - Good original condition with some signs of use - 2- seater - 4 pieces available

Category

1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Benches

Materials

Beech, Plywood

Mid-Century Modern Tandem Four Seat Bench by Krueger

$1,800Sale Price|25% Off

H 29.5 in W 88.5 in D 24 in

Mid-Century Modern Tandem Four Seat Bench by Krueger

By KI Krueger International, Krueger International

Located in Raymondville, TX

Vintage mid-century modern tandem beam seating by Krueger International circa 1969. This bench features four molded fiberglass light beige color shells connected on a black steel str...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Benches

Materials

Steel

Pierre Jeanneret PJ-SI-59-B Bench Seat / Authentic Mid-Century Modern

$48,000

H 23.63 in W 60.24 in D 30.32 in

Pierre Jeanneret PJ-SI-59-B Bench Seat / Authentic Mid-Century Modern

By Pierre Jeanneret

Located in Zürich, CH

Here the silhouette is strong. It is presented through the outline and shape of the piece. The sofa is a one-of-a-kind piece - unique and outstanding, it holds a museum exhibit quali...

Category

1960s Indian Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Benches

Materials

Cane, Wood

Mid-Century Two Seat Bench attr. Arthur Umanoff for John Stuart

$1,820Sale Price|35% Off

H 16 in W 41 in D 16.5 in

Mid-Century Two Seat Bench attr. Arthur Umanoff for John Stuart

By John Stuart, Arthur Umanoff

Located in Trenton, NJ

This mid-century two-seat bench attributed to Arthur Umanoff for John Stuart, Inc. captures the sleek elegance and sculptural design sensibility of 1950s modernism. With its clean li...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Two Seat Low Bench for John Stuart

$3,200

H 14 in W 45 in D 21 in

Two Seat Low Bench for John Stuart

By John Stuart

Located in Dallas, TX

This low bench for John Stuart has been professional refinished and reupholstered in a Anne Kirk linen wool blend. The piece is unmarked.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Benches

Materials

Wool, Linen, Teak

John Behringer 3-Seat Bench in Bouclé Mid Century Modern

$5,700

H 18 in W 63 in D 18.5 in

John Behringer 3-Seat Bench in Bouclé Mid Century Modern

By John Behringer

Located in New York, NY

John Behringer 3-Seat Bench for J.G. Furniture Co. The sculptural frame is polished aluminum and upholstered in Bouclé.

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Unique Mid-Century Modern Bench

$1,200

H 17.5 in W 67 in D 19 in

Unique Mid-Century Modern Bench

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This gorgeous vintage modern bench features decorative vinyl upholstery, a wood frame, and aluminum legs. Sleek design offers comfort with its thick padded seating. This versatile mi...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Benches

Materials

Aluminum

Bench by Anonymous, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s

$7,500

H 19.69 in W 70.87 in D 21.66 in

Bench by Anonymous, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Architectural and elemental, this bench exemplifies the dialogue between structure and material that characterizes Brazilian modern design. Crafted in jacarandá rosewood with taut le...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Benches

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Mid Century Modern Telephone Bench with Danish Paper Cord Seat, Yugoslavia 1960s

$2,950

H 24.41 in W 32.29 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Modern Telephone Bench with Danish Paper Cord Seat, Yugoslavia 1960s

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in Beograd, RS

In this listing you will find an extremely rare Telephone Bench done in oak, with seats woven with Danish paper cord, designed in style of Hans J. Wegner. Also known as Gossip Bench,...

Category

1960s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Benches

Materials

Papercord, Oak

Mid-Century Modern Tufted Bench

$4,500

H 24.75 in W 53.5 in D 25 in

Mid-Century Modern Tufted Bench

Located in New York, NY

Mid-Century Modern tufted bench. The bench is newly upholstered in leatherette has solid wooden legs and two attached cylindrical shaped pillows.

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Benches

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Previously Available Items

John Stuart Double Bench

Sold

H 16 in W 40.5 in D 16.5 in

John Stuart Double Bench

By John Stuart

Located in Middlesex, NJ

John Stuart Double Bench

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Sleek 1960s 2-Seat John Stuart Upholstered Bench in Naugahyde with Ebonized Legs

Sold

H 15.5 in W 41 in D 16.5 in

Sleek 1960s 2-Seat John Stuart Upholstered Bench in Naugahyde with Ebonized Legs

By John Stuart

Located in Hudson, NY

Great two-seat bench in ebonized and teak stained oak with freshly upholstered seats. Retailed by John Stuart in the 1960s.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Benches

Materials

Naugahyde, Oak

1950s John Stuart Three-Seat Bench in Mohair

Sold

H 15.5 in W 60.25 in D 16.75 in

1950s John Stuart Three-Seat Bench in Mohair

By John Stuart

Located in Southampton, NJ

Desirable midcentury three-seat bench by John Stuart of walnut structure with beautifully maintained original finish. Newly re-upholstered in plush turquoise mohair.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Benches

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

1950s John Stuart Three Seat Bench in Mohair

Sold

H 16.5 in W 62 in D 17 in

1950s John Stuart Three Seat Bench in Mohair

By John Stuart

Located in Southampton, NJ

Desirable Midcentury three seat bench by John Stuart of walnut structure with beautifully maintained original finish. Newly re-upholstered...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Benches

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Midcentury John Stuart Cowhide and Beechwood Ottoman Bench Seat

Sold

H 16 in W 46 in D 27 in

Midcentury John Stuart Cowhide and Beechwood Ottoman Bench Seat

By John Stuart

Located in West Hartford, CT

Mid-Century Modern John Stuart hallmarked large bench with newly upholstered cowhide seat, circa 1960s. Can be utilized as a ottoman, bench, table, seat, etc.

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Benches

Materials

Cowhide, Beech

Pair of Walnut Benches by John Stuart

Sold

H 16.5 in W 41 in D 17 in

Pair of Walnut Benches by John Stuart

By John Stuart

Located in Westport, CT

Pair of Mid-Century Modern benches by John Stuart, circa 1950s. Fully restored. Priced as a pair.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Benches

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Two-Seat Window Bench by John Stuart

Sold

H 15.5 in W 41 in D 17 in

Mid-Century Modern Two-Seat Window Bench by John Stuart

By John Stuart

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This Mid-Century two-seat window bench by John Stuart features sturdy vintage construction, comfortable padded vinyl seats, and tapered black lacquer legs. This stylish John Stuart d...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage John Stuart Benches

Walnut and Cane Settee by Erwin Lambeth

Sold

H 24 in W 59.75 in D 25.25 in

Walnut and Cane Settee by Erwin Lambeth

By Erwin Lambeth, John Stuart

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Walnut and cane settee by Erwin Lambeth. This piece was retailed by John Stuart Inc.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Benches

Materials

Cane, Upholstery, Walnut

John Stuart Three-Seat Bench in Grey Alpaca

Sold

H 15 in W 60 in D 17 in

John Stuart Three-Seat Bench in Grey Alpaca

By John Stuart

Located in Westport, CT

Stunning Midcentury bench by John Stuart, walnut structure fully restored. Re-upholstered in grey alpaca.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Benches

Materials

Alpaca, Walnut

Three-Seater Bench by John Stuart

Sold

H 16 in W 62 in D 17 in

Three-Seater Bench by John Stuart

By John Stuart

Located in Westport, CT

Beautiful and rare three-seater bench designed by John Stuart. Newly refinished in medium walnut and upholstered in a white faux leather.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Benches

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

John Stuart Double Bench

Sold

H 14 in W 40 in D 16 in

John Stuart Double Bench

By John Stuart

Located in Westport, CT

A handsome two-seater bench designed by John Stuart. Walnut frame newly refinished in deep dark chocolate, seats newly upholstered.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern John Stuart Benches

Materials

Wood, Leather

John Stuart benches for sale on 1stDibs.

John Stuart benches 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 John Stuart benches, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original benches by John Stuart were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 1960s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider benches by George Nelson, Thayer Coggin, and Paul McCobb. Prices for John Stuart benches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,103 and can go as high as $3,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,051.