Ward Bennett created everything from interiors and furniture to textiles and flatware. The unsung New York City-born modernist designer drew on the work of Le Corbusier and Auguste Rodin, studied art with the likes of Abstract Expressionist painter Hans Hofmann and counted legendary American luxury house Tiffany & Co. among his clients. For decades, Bennett created and filled spaces that were elegant, minimalist and deeply appealed to everyone who laid eyes on them.
Bennett left home and school at the young age of 13. He found work in Manhattan’s Garment District, and within a few years, Bennett traveled to Europe on behalf of a clothing manufacturer to gather ideas for modern garments. He lived abroad as a young man, and when he returned to New York, during the early 1940s, he assisted fashion entrepreneur Hattie Carnegie as a window dresser.
Bennett would also go on to share a sculpture studio with artist Louise Nevelson. He ventured into the world of jewelry design, creating necklaces, bracelets and other pieces with Richard Pousette-Dart. The Whitney Museum of American Art exhibited his sculptures, and it wouldn’t be long before the Museum of Modern Art included Bennett’s personal adornments with accessories by the likes of Alexander Calder, Harry Bertoia and Anni Albers in its 1946 “Modern Handmade Jewelry” show.
Bennett didn’t take the plunge into interior design work until he was 30 years old — his inaugural project was an apartment in Manhattan and his clients were family members. He had no formal training in architecture or decorating — and would ultimately design a mere handful of houses in his life — so for his inviting leather office chairs, marble-topped tables and sleek storage cabinets, Bennett relied only on what he learned in the fashion world. Soon, every time he redecorated his own home — an elaborate apartment comprising former maids’ quarters in New York City’s magnificent Dakota building — it earned splashy coverage in the newspapers.
Bennett’s client list eventually included David Rockefeller and Chase Manhattan Bank, Tiffany & Co., Sasaki, Italian industrialist Gianni Agnelli, and others, and during the 1970s he became in-house designer for Brickel Associates, a role that would endure for more than two decades. His work is on permanent view at the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Ward Bennett seating, decorative objects and more.
Ward Bennett Attribution, Side Tables, Mahogany, Marble, USA, 1970s
By Ward Bennett
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of mahogany and marble side tables attributed to Ward Bennett for Brickel & Associates, USA, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 20.125"H x 19.75"W x 19.75"D All ite...
Marble
Pair Ward Bennet Black Enamel i Beam End Side Occasional Tables Stands Mint
By Ward Bennett
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair Ward Bennet black enamel 22"h I beam end side occasional tables stands mint.
Steel
1960s Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Rosewood & Aluminum Dining Table 42in
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Dining Table designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates. This particular example dates to the 1960s. The table is comprised of an aluminum base and rosewood tabletop a...
Aluminum
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Ward Bennett for Brickel Polished Steel Claw Cocktail Table
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Chicago, IL
Circular cocktail table comprised of a glass top supported by a polished steel three legged base. The glass sits on a triform steel stretcher with claw like ends where it meets the l...
Steel
Ward Bennett Circular Glass and Chrome Plated Steel Coffee Table
By Ward Bennett
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century round coffee / cocktail table with a circular clear glass top resting on a three bar chrome plated steel base. (WARD BENN...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
$1,680 / item
Pair of H Frame Side Tables by Ward Bennett
By Ward Bennett
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1980’s Pair of polish chrome and walnut side tables by Ward Bennett. In original vintage condition, the tops show minor wear consistent with age. Measurements: 20” wide 18” Deep. ...
Chrome
Ward Bennett I-Beam Granite Coffee Table, 1970
By Ward Bennett
Located in Chicago, IL
Ward Bennet steel I-Beam steel and Granite coffee table, circa 1970. Original
Granite, Steel
Ward Bennett Desk or Table Base for Lehigh Leopold / Dunbar
By Lehigh Leopold, Ward Bennett
Located in Chicago, IL
Ward Bennett Desk or Table Base. Listing is for the base only complete with Black steel plate mounts (not shown in photos). The base will require a simple top to be made for it. The...
Aluminum
Ward Bennett Brass and Mahogany Dining / Game Table
By Ward Bennett
Located in Dallas, TX
A dining / game table with solid brass base and book-matched flamed mahogany top designed by Ward Bennett.
Brass
$5,625Sale Price|25% Off
Ward Bennett Modern White 3078 I-Beam Table and Stool for Brickell, C. 1969, USA
By Geiger International, Ward Bennett
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ward Bennett modern white 3078 I-beam occasional table for Brickel Associates, 1960s, USA. Provenance: Brickel Associates; Property from a Private New York City Collection. Measures: 15"H x 12"W x 12"D. Bennett sought to create a design style that was uniquely American, versus the popular European design styles of the 1960s and 70's. His style was called "sensual minimalism" for his blending of industrial design and aesthetic look. He is considered one of the first designers to use industrial design and the industrial aesthetic in home design. Hailed by the American Institute of Architects, Bennett is credited as an American pioneer in the use of industrial materials for home furnishings – a prime example being his early ’60s I Beam Table, which employs a section of beam for a base. Ward Bennett’s career began at age 13, when he quit school to work in New York’s Garment District. At 16 he went to Europe and continued working in fashion. Despite attending art schools in Florence and Paris, he was mostly self-taught, with skills ranging from jewelry-making to interior design. “I learn from people,” he said, referencing influences including Georgia O’Keeffe. Bennett eventually settled in New York, where his reputation earned him many high-profile clients. Lyndon Johnson later asked Bennett to design a chair for his presidential library—“a cross between a barroom chair and a courtroom chair...
Steel
Stunning Ward Bennett Stone and Aluminum Dining Table by Lehigh Furniture
By Ward Bennett
Located in Miami, FL
Ward Bennett Stone and Aluminum Dining Table by Lehigh Furniture. Beautiful stone top on aluminum base. Please see all pictures.
Stone, Metal
Two-Tiered Carrara Marble Table by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, 1960s
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A refined and elegant rectilinear coffee or low table having an exposed stainless steel frame supporting two figured Carrara marble slabs.
Marble, Steel
Ward Bennett Frosted Glass and Aluminum Dining Table/Desk, 1960
By Ward Bennett
Located in Chicago, IL
Ward Bennett Frosted Glass and aluminum legs Dining Table/Desk, 1960. Chairs are sold in separate listing. Measures 28.25” tall 78” long 30.25” deep
Aluminum
$1,040Sale Price / item|20% Off
1 Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Bumper Desk Conference Chair
By Ward Bennett
Located in Pasadena, TX
Bumper desk chair by Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates Ward Bennett for Brickel and Associates task chair Bronze 4-star swivel conference room chair...
Brass
Ward Bennett Rosewood and Aluminum Coffee Table by Lehigh
By Lehigh Furniture Company, Ward Bennett
Located in Highland, IN
Ward Bennett's expert use of line and proportion are evident in this beautiful coffee table with a three legged aluminum base supporting a rich rosewood top.
Aluminum
Ward Bennett Claw Side Table for Brickel Associates
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Minimalist side table by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, circa 1970s, USA. The round table features a steel chrome plated frame with three tubular legs. The table earned its nam...
Steel, Chrome
$1,770 / set
H 15.75 in W 13.3 in D 13.3 in
Pair of Midcentury Made, Dismantable Solid Oak End Tables of Excellent Condition
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare, stylish and highly practical pair of midcentury tables. These beautifully designed and smartly handcrafted end tables or small pedestals could not be in better condition. We t...
Oak
$2,500 / set
H 10 in W 10 in D 10 in
Ward Bennett Inspired Pair Enameled Steel I-Beam Side or End Tables Mid-Century
By Ward Bennett
Located in Philadelphia, PA
In creating a prototype, Ward Bennett actually cut off a section of a steel I-beam to achieve the raw aesthetic he was after. Here, a pair of solid enameled steel side tables after h...
Enamel, Steel
Italian Mid-Century Hexagonal End Tables
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful pair of vintage modern end tables feature a white laminate top and a walnut base. Sleek design with unusual cut-out designs on all sides and a hexagonal shape. Versati...
Laminate, Walnut
1960s Danish Omann Jun Extendable Dining Table in Rosewood
By Omann Jun Møbelfabrik, Gunni Omann
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Omann Junior Dining table in rosewood. The well crafted dining table has a simple and elegant design that enhance the pattern of the rosewood. The dining table has one 55 cm....
Rosewood
$2,000Sale Price|31% Off
H 17 in W 21.75 in D 18 in
1947 Charles and Ray Eames IT-1 Incidental Folding Side Kids Table Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Museum quality early example. Retains rare paper label.
Steel
$538
H 14.97 in W 31.89 in D 31.89 in
Italian modern square coffee table in glass and chromed steel, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern square coffee table in glass and chromed steel, 1970s Coffee table with a square glass top. The frame is made entirely of chromed steel tubing. 1970s. Fair condition. ...
Steel
$1,794
H 11.82 in W 38.98 in D 24.81 in
Midcentury Smoked Glass and Chrome-Plated Tubular Coffee Table Mayen Style 1970s
By Paul Mayen
Located in Roma, IT
Mid-Century Modern smoked glass coffee table in chrome-plated tubular in the style of Paul Mayen. A great example of 1970s design, ...
Metal
$3,700Sale Price|22% Off
H 28.5 in Dm 48 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates 'Compass' Dining Table in Walnut, 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking example of Adrian Pearsall’s sculptural design language, this 'Compass' dining table (Model 2458-T48) was produced by Craft Associates in the 1960s. The solid walnut base ...
Walnut
Minimalist Marble and Polished Steel Cocktail Table, 1970s
By Milo Baughman
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This striking cocktail table offers a masterclass in refined minimalism, pairing the cool elegance of white marble with the industrial sophistication of polished steel. The rectangul...
Carrara Marble, Steel
French Designer, Side Table, Mahogany, Marble, Bronze, France, 1940s
By Maison Jansen
Located in Stamford, CT
A small Maison Jansen style claw foot and bronze mounted marble-top circular end or side table. Mahogany, Bronze, Marble France, 1940s
Marble, Bronze
R.S. Associates Dining Table Solid Teak 1960s
By RS Associates
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Teak
$1,813Sale Price|22% Off
H 28.35 in Dm 43.31 in
Dining Table in Rosewood of Danish Design from the 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This rosewood dining table from the 1960s is an iconic example of Danish furniture design. The table is created with care and expertise, and its timeless aesthetic fits perfectly wit...
Rosewood
Ward Bennett Tri-Leg "Claw" Side Table
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this Ward Bennett Tri-Leg "Claw" Side table showcasing his iconic minimalist and functional design sensibility. This example is the rare, smaller cigarette ...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Ward Bennett I-Beam Coffee Tables
By Ward Bennett
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of matching Ward Bennett I-beam coffee tables with marble tops.
Marble
Ward Bennett I-Beam Granite Coffee Table, 1970
By Ward Bennett
Located in Chicago, IL
Ward Bennet steel I-Beam steel and Granite coffee table, circa 1970. Original
Granite, Steel
Pair of Ash and Leather Tables by Ward Bennett
By Ward Bennett
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of ash framed tables with inset green leather tops. Designed by Ward Bennett for Brickel.
Leather
Ward Bennett Burl and Brass Dining Table for Brickell Assoc, 1978
By Ward Bennett
Located in Chicago, IL
Ward Bennett dining table for Brickel Associates. Fully restored. Polished brass base with refinished burl wood top.
Brass
Ward Bennett I-Beam Walnut Dining Table for Brickell Assoc. 1978
By Ward Bennett
Located in Chicago, IL
Ward Bennett I-Beam blackened steel dining table for Brickel Associates, circa 1978. Refinished walnut top 36 x 36.
Steel
Sold
H 16.5 in W 30 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Modern Bennett Geiger Square Chrome Glass Coffee Table X Base 1970s
By Ward Bennett, Geiger International
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a wonderful, square coffee table, made of chrome and with a glass top, by Ward Bennett for Geiger Furniture, circa 1970s. In very good vintage condition. Th...
Chrome
Ward Bennett Steel I Beam Occasional Table
By Ward Bennett
Located in Southampton, NJ
From 1978, comes a wonderful I shaped beam occasional table from Ward Bennett of Brickel associates. perfect size to put anyway your desire. Yet, one of the heaviest occasional tabl...
Steel
Two-Tier Table by Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates, 1968
By Ward Bennett
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A two-tiered carved ash coffee or side table in natural oil finish with Brickel leather planar surfaces over four swivel casters. Model 1260. Marked on underside.
Leather, Ash
Pair of Oak and Leather Tables by Ward Bennett
By Ward Bennett
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of oak framed tables with inset leather tops by Ward Bennett.
Desk by Ward Bennett
By Lehigh Leopold, Ward Bennett
Located in Miami, FL
Desk by Ward Bennett, black painted wooden top with drawer sitting on a aluminium base.
Aluminum
Ward Bennett Low Table
By Ward Bennett
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Versatile; functions well as a side or cocktail table. Lightweight yet sturdy steel base with bright, polished metal finish. Original, height-adjustable feet. Three quarter inch glas...
Steel