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.
H 31 in W 96 in D 40 in
Lawson-Fenning Mesa Sofa, Brown Mohair with Walnut Base, Modern Couch
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Sofa is a fully upholstered sofa that features a walnut or oak plinth base. Also available as an L Shaped Sectional or a Sectional with Chaise. The Lawson-Fenning Collectio...
Upholstery, Walnut
H 31 in W 84 in D 40 in
Lawson-Fenning Mesa Sofa, Brown Mohair with Walnut Base, Modern Couch
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Sofa by Lawson-Fenning is a fully upholstered sofa that features a walnut or oak plinth base. Also available as an L Shaped Sectional or a Sectional with Chaise. The Lawson...
Mohair, Walnut, Upholstery
H 32 in W 96 in D 44 in
Lawson-Fenning Mesa Sleeper Sofa, Corduroy with Walnut Base, Modern Sofa Bed
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Mesa Sleeper Sofa is our first convertible sofa. Fully upholstered with a walnut or oak plinth base, it easily converts into a queen-sized bed, making it ideal for guests and sma...
Walnut, Upholstery
H 31 in W 89 in D 36.5 in
Lawson-Fenning Moreno Sofa, Tan Velvet & Solid Walnut, Modern Couch
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Moreno sofa sits low and deep with Italian inspired curved arms. The sofa features loose seat and back cushions and two side cushions that mimic the curvature of the arms. The le...
Upholstery, Walnut, Velvet
H 29.5 in W 74.8 in D 28.7 in
Concha Sofa in Hardwood & Warm Camel Mohair, Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional example of Brazilian mid-century modern design, this rare Concha sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro embodies the designer’s unparalleled ability to merge sculptural form, comfor...
Fabric, Mohair
H 24.81 in W 90.56 in D 36.23 in
Cini Boeri "Gradual System" Sofa for Gavina, Camel Velvet, 1970
By Cini Boeri, Gavina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Cini Boeri “Gradual System” two-seater sofa for Gavina, camel velvet, Italy, 1970 Designed in 1970 for Gavina, the “Gradual System” by Cini Boeri i...
Velvet
H 32 in W 52.5 in D 22 in
ISA Bergamo, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Bronze, Camel Mohair, Settee, 1950s
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Stamford, CT
ISA Bergamo, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Bronze, Camel Mohair, Settee, 1950s Modernist sofa designed and produced by ISA Bergamo in the middle of the 20th century. This example feat...
Brass
H 29.93 in W 108.27 in D 37.41 in
Custom made modular Sofa Banda, Mohair Velvet, COM Option, Portugal, by Duistt
By Duistt
Located in Leça da Palmeira, PT
Banda custom made modular sofa in Mohair velvet with COM option available. Inspired by the design movement of the 1970s, the Banda Sofa combines retro elegance with contemporary sophistication. Defined by its soft, enveloping lines and distinctive upholstered “band” detail, this modular sofa invites comfort while adding a strong visual identity to any interior. Designed to create warm and welcoming spaces, it balances aesthetic refinement with everyday functionality. Designed by Duistt team The Banda sofa can be customized in terms of dimensions, materials and finishes. The Banda Sofa is a modular seating system designed for both residential and hospitality interiors, offering flexibility, comfort, and refined aesthetics. Its modular configuration allows multiple layouts, adapting easily to different spaces—from compact living rooms to expansive lounge areas. Fully upholstered in luxurious mohair velvet, the sofa delivers a soft and inviting seating experience, reminiscent of the 1970s design ethos centered on comfort and well-being. The signature upholstered band detail subtly wraps around the structure, adding depth, rhythm, and a distinctive design identity. This piece is intended for **indoor use**, making it ideal for living rooms, lounges, suites, and high-end hospitality environments. Each module is carefully proportioned and handcrafted, ensuring both visual harmony and long-lasting comfort. Custom configurations, dimensions, and materials are available, allowing designers and clients to tailor the sofa to their specific project needs. ________________________ Materials and Finishes: - Fabric: Mohair Velvet – Special fabric – Ref. SF.IC.25.001 - Available in COM and Duistt Fabric Collection: Bouclé Shaun, Gobi, Velvet Siege, Leather - COM 3 Modules Sofa: qty 22 m (24.1 yd) plain fabric (width 140 cm) - COM 4 Modules Sofa: qty 26 m (28.4 yd) plain fabric (width 140 cm) COM per module: - Corner Module L: qty 8 m (8.7 yd) plain fabric (width 140 cm) - Middle Module M: qty 7 m (7.7 yd) plain fabric (width 140 cm) - Middle Module L: qty 7 m (7.7 yd) plain fabric (width 140 cm) ________________________ Dimensions: - 3 Modules Sofa: Corner Module L – Middle Module M – Middle Module L W 275 cm 108.2” D 95 cm 37.4” H 76 cm 29.9” SH 44 cm 17.3” - 4 Modules Sofa: Corner Module L – Middle Module M – Middle Module L – Backless Module S W 275 cm 108.2” D 95 cm 37.4” D (chaise longue) 170 cm 67.0” H 76 cm 29.9” SH 44 cm 17.3” ________________________ Please note the price is for the Sofa 3 Modules upholstered with Mohair Velvet – Special fabric – Ref. SF.IC.25.001 The price may vary according to the choice of materials. ________________________ Shipping: Worldwide: DAP (tax & duties excluded) Packaging: Wood crate Handcrafted in Porto, Portugal - Europe by Duistt Duistt, timeless designs with a contemporary twist ________________________ About Duistt DUISTT is a prestigious Portuguese high-end furniture brand offering timeless designs with a contemporary twist, focused on strong silhouettes, noble materials, and exceptional craftsmanship. Their pieces are designed for residential and hospitality projects, combining comfort, functionality, and refined aesthetics. All Duistt products are handmade to order and can be customized to different sizes and materials. We provide a seamless experience with high attention to detail and strict quality control, ensuring each piece is made to last and be passed from generation to generation. Worldwide delivery available. Duistt was founded in 2014 with the ambition to create high-end furniture pieces defined by exceptional quality and timeless design. By blending traditional craftsmanship and techniques with contemporary aesthetics, Duistt’s design approach elevates the user experience, resulting in unique, artfully crafted pieces designed to last for generations. --- Modular sofa, custom made sofa, mohair velvet sofa, luxury modular seating, high-end sofa Portugal...
Fabric, Wood, Oak, Leather, Mohair, Bouclé, Velvet, Foam
H 27.56 in W 90.56 in D 34.65 in
Soft Mid Century Modern Leather Sofa by Ernst Lüthy, De Sede Switzerland, 1970s
By Ernest Lüthy, De Sede
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Exceptional Sofa by Ernst Lüthy for De Sede, Switzerland, 1970s A remarkable three-seat sofa designed by Ernst Lüthy for De Sede in the 1970s, showcasing the Swiss manufacturer’s re...
Leather
H 29 in W 84 in D 35.5 in
Lawson-Fenning Douglas Sofa, Brown Mohair & Solid Walnut, Modern Couch
By Lawson-Fenning
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Douglas sofa is a low-slung sofa with a down-wrapped seat cushion and solid American walnut or white oak legs. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Ang...
Mohair, Walnut
Edward Wormley Model 4907 Sofa by Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
In our opinion, this Ed Wormely design for Dunbar is one of the most spectacular sofas ever made. Modern, classic, and timeless... this form transcends styles, genres and eras. Nine ...
Brass
Folke Ohlsson Sofa by DUX
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Highland, IN
A beautiful, subtle design by Swedish designer Folke Ohlsson, this upholstered three seat sofa with gently curved lines is supported by a walnut base. In very good original vintage ...
Upholstery, Walnut
George Nelson Modular Group Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Highland, IN
The modular seating group designed by the Nelson office in 1955 is one of our favorite sofa designs. It was designed on a 30" module and offered in a wide variety of configurations. ...
Steel
Edward Wormley Pair of Sofas / Settees
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
These lovely, lightly scaled sofas or loveseats designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, are not only an uncommon form, having a matched pair available is also very rare. They are stru...
Upholstery, Wood
Vladamir Kagan "Dune" Chaise/ Daybed by Barlow Tyrie
By Vladimir Kagan, Barlow Tyrie
Located in Highland, IN
Kagan's design for Barlow Tyrie is a perfect example of his design aesthetic. The undulating, organic form that references a nautilus envelopes the sitter and provides a small table surface. The nesting ottoman...
Upholstery, Wicker
1950s Sofa with Houndstooth Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This wonderful sofa has a design reminiscent of Edward Wormley's work for Dunbar, and a quality construction to match. The clean lines and subtle details allow the form to be the per...
Upholstery, Wood
