Merton Gershun Benches

American, 1909-1989

In as early as the 1920s, American furniture designer Merton Gershun created popular bedroom suites and more for the likes of Shelbyville, Indiana’s Albert Distinctive Modern Furniture Company. Later, he partnered with Dillingham Manufacturing, which had offices in Wisconsin and Mississippi and collaborated with the likes of Arthur Umanoff and Pierre Cardin. The world’s growing population of mid-century modern furniture devotees, however, know Gershun as having been American of Martinsville’s most prolific designer. Vintage Merton Gershun dressers, side tables, bed frames and other pieces are widely collected today.

Founded in the early 1900s by former tobacco producers, American of Martinsville eventually became one of the best known furniture manufacturers in the United States. Besides quality manufacturing, American of Martinsville is additionally recognized for having incorporated the day's trends in its designs. Inspired by designers like George Nakashima and Paul Laszlo, the brand was also known for innovations with wood.

Working with walnut and ebonized mahogany — and integrating decorative flourishes such as brass drawer pulls into his dressers and cane door fronts on his cabinets — Gershun designed numerous furniture lines for the company, including Dilettante, Fortissimo and others. The designer’s Dania collection, with its sleek walnut credenzas fitted with stylish brass accents and large drawers, has enjoyed popularity all over the world.

Gershun was passionate about bringing stylish pieces to American families but was also focused on affordability. His Harlequin line for American of Martinsville — the print ads for which read “SCULPTURED” and “BUDGET-PRICED” in bolded all-caps text — included bedroom and dining room furnishings in solid walnut. For Dillingham, Gershun designed the similarly well-received Esprit and Samara lines as well as other collections.

Gershun was particularly interested in creating furniture for small spaces and for postwar homeowners on a modest budget. He was a big proponent of incorporating international influences into his designs — he drew inspiration from Asia and created chinoiserie-style dressers in bleached walnut supported by ebonized wood bases. To Gershun, modern design was more than clean lines and sharp angles: it was about utility as well as beauty.

Find vintage Merton Gershun case pieces, tables, bedroom furniture and other furniture on 1stDibs.

Creator: Merton Gershun

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century X Inlaid Coffee Table or

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in Countryside, IL

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century X inlaid coffee table or bench This table measures: 54 wide x 20.5 deep x 14.25 high All pieces of furniture can be had ...

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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Wood

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century X Inlaid Coffee Table or

American of Martinsville Walnut Bench by Merton Gershun

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in Esperance, NY

American of Martinsville walnut bench by Merton Gershun.

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Walnut

American of Martinsville Walnut Bench by Merton Gershun

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Set of Six Mid Century Dania Dining Chairs American of Martinsville c 1950/60s

H 31 in W 19.5 in D 19 in

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Slat Bench or Coffee Table

Located in Doylestown, PA

Vintage Mid-Century Modern slat coffee table or bench. Beautiful craftsmanship. Marked "Yugoslavia." Very nice vintage condition.

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1960s Serbian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Slat Bench or Coffee Table

H 14 in W 54 in D 18 in

Mid-Century Modern Live Edge Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Solid vintage modern live edge bench that can be used as a coffee table, this piece would make a great addition to any home or office. Please confirm...

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1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Live Edge Coffee Table

H 18 in W 65 in D 21 in

Mid-Century Modern Long Bench or Coffee Table by Showpieces Inc. in Walnut

By Showpieces Inc

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A simple and gorgeous coffee table by Showpieces Inc. in the 1960s. It features all wood construction with a beautifully grained walnut finish. Table has been recently restored. Can be used as bench or long cocktail table.

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Long Bench or Coffee Table by Showpieces Inc. in Walnut

H 15.5 in W 72 in D 22 in

Mid-Century Modern 10 Foot Coffee Table or Bench, circa 1950, Custom

By Harvey Probber

Located in Las Vegas, NV

This is a solid and well crafted, custom, 8 leg cocktail table or bench from 1950's. Polished black Formica top and edge trim veneer over plywood. Measures 117 in. long, just shy o...

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Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Formica, Plywood

Mid-Century Modern 10 Foot Coffee Table or Bench, circa 1950, Custom

H 16 in W 22.5 in D 117 in

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Long modern style walnut table or bench for home and office use. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).

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1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table

H 15 in W 65.5 in D 20 in

Bench or Coffee Table, LINK by Reda Amalou, 2016, American Walnut

By REDA AMALOU DESIGN

Located in Paris, FR

Contemporary coffee table or bench in glossy lacquer or wood essence . The bench, table and stool are the three pieces of furniture that make up the Link collection. Arranged separa...

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21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Oak, Walnut, Wood

Bench or Coffee Table, LINK by Reda Amalou, 2016, American Walnut

H 16.93 in W 16.93 in D 47.25 in

Set of Two ( 2 ) Modular Benches Kissing Benches in Rosewood Laminate, c. 1950's

By American of Martinsville

Located in Deland, FL

Introduce a piece of mid-century modern history into your home with this set of two early modular benches. Made in the 1950s by American Furniture, also known as American of Martinsv...

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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Set of Two ( 2 ) Modular Benches Kissing Benches in Rosewood Laminate, c. 1950's

H 29.5 in W 30 in D 19.5 in

1950s Vintage American Craftsman Cabinmodern Studio Walnut Entryway Bench

By George Nelson

Located in Hyattsville, MD

Very heavy, constructed of solid walnut. Original finish, so you see some wear from normal uses. Some splitting to top surface boards, some spalting (spotting) on the legs, and check...

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1950s American American Craftsman Vintage Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Walnut

1950s Vintage American Craftsman Cabinmodern Studio Walnut Entryway Bench

H 17 in W 59.25 in D 21.38 in

Chrome waterfall Bench by Design Institute America

By Design Institute America

Located in Denton, TX

Waterfall chrome bench with three separate upholstered pads by DIA.

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20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Chrome

Chrome waterfall Bench by Design Institute America

H 18 in W 61.75 in D 18.25 in

1950s American of Martinsville Walnut Cane Slipper Lounge Chairs, a Pair

By American of Martinsville

Located in Germantown, MD

A gorgeous pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern slipper lounge chairs by American of Martinsville. They have a walnut frame with cane back and faux leather seat and are in good vintage...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Faux Leather, Cane, Walnut

1950s American of Martinsville Walnut Cane Slipper Lounge Chairs, a Pair

H 30.5 in W 22 in D 26 in

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Slat Bench or Coffee Table Milo Baughman

By Milo Baughman, Design Institute America

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Sleek & heavy bench circa 1970's. Heavy chrome flat bar legs with boxy chrome slats.

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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Slat Bench or Coffee Table Milo Baughman

H 16 in W 48 in D 16.5 in

Previously Available Items

Mid Century American of Martinsville Gershun Long Bench & Lighted Bar Cabinet

By Merton Gershun

Located in Las Vegas, NV

An amazing walnut bar and bench combo from the 1950's. Very modern design. Designed by Merton Gershun as part of the Dania Series for American of Martinsville. This set is modular yo...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid Century American of Martinsville Gershun Long Bench & Lighted Bar Cabinet

H 43 in W 72 in L 43 in

Mid-Century Merton Gershun Low Coffee Table or Bench-American of Martinsville

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

Located in Southampton, NJ

A striking walnut low table having brass accents and 3 drawer storage designed by Merton Gershun for American Of Martinsville circa 1960. Professionally refinished and ready for use!

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Merton Gershun Low Coffee Table or Bench-American of Martinsville

H 13 in W 54.25 in D 18.75 in

Merton Gurshun Dillingham Esprit Mid Century Record Cabinet Bench

By Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing Company

Located in Countryside, IL

Merton Gurshun Dillingham Esprit Mid Century record cabinet bench Cabinet measures: 48 wide x 13.25 deep x 20 inches high All pieces of furniture...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Wood

Merton Gurshun Dillingham Esprit Mid Century Record Cabinet Bench

H 20 in W 48 in L 20 in

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Long 3-Drawer Walnut and Brass Bench

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

Located in Countryside, IL

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century long 3-drawer walnut and brass bench Bench measures: 72.25 wide x 18.5 deep x 12.75 high All pieces of furniture can be had i...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Brass

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Long 3-Drawer Walnut and Brass Bench

H 12.75 in W 72.25 in L 12.75 in

American of Martinsville Walnut Bench by Merton Gershun

By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Vintage walnut and brass bench / coffee table designed by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville. Features three dovetail drawers and a solid brass trim around the base. Newly r...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Brass

American of Martinsville Walnut Bench by Merton Gershun

H 12.75 in W 54.25 in D 18.75 in

Walnut & Brass Bench by Merton Gershun

By Merton Gershun

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Walnut and brass bench by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville circa late 1950's. This all original example has brass stretchers and detailing, 3 drawers and beautifully grain...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Benches

Walnut & Brass Bench by Merton Gershun

H 12.63 in W 54.25 in D 18.5 in

Midcentury Coffee Table or Bench

By Merton Gershun

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A dark walnut coffee table or bench with removable black upholstered cushions to one side. A single drawer with brass pull, upper open storage...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Benches

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Coffee Table or Bench

H 17.25 in W 53.75 in D 30 in

Merton Gershun benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Merton Gershun 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 Merton Gershun benches, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original benches by Merton Gershun were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider benches by Paul McCobb, George Nelson, and Arthur Umanoff. Prices for Merton Gershun benches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,600 and can go as high as $1,995, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,798.