In its striking curtain wall of glass and modernist steel columns, Gordon Bunshaft’s International-style design for the Lever House — cocreated with Natalie de Blois — garnered widespread acclaim. The Pritzker Prize-winner was a legendary American architect, and his influence can be found today in city skylines all over the world.
Bunshaft studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before undertaking fellowships in Europe and North Africa. In 1937, he joined New York City architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill where he worked until his retirement in 1979.
Bunshaft shared the same interest in modernist furniture as Florence Knoll, an architect and furniture designer who had a subtle but profound influence on the course of mid-century American modernism and who helped make Knoll Inc. a leading firm in its field. Bunshaft recommended that Knoll be placed in charge of interiors when, while at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, he designed the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company’s headquarters in the mid-1950s.
Bunshaft’s projects drew heavily on the pioneering architectural work of Le Corbusier as well as Mies van der Rohe, an iconic furniture designer and fellow proponent of modernist architecture.
Celebrated architectural marvels created by Bunshaft include the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library for Yale University and the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Research Building for the University of Texas. Completed in 1974, Bunshaft designed the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and finished the National Commercial Bank in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 1983. The National Commercial Bank was his last project.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Gordon Bunshaft case pieces and other furniture.
1960s Gordon Bunshaft & Davis Allen of SOM Stainless Steel Dining Table
By Gordon Bunshaft, Davis Allen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a dining table, originally designed by Gordon Bunshaft and Davis Allen of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). This particular example was produced in the 1960s and represen...
Marble, Steel
1960s Gordon Bunshaft and Davis Allen Marble & Wood Table or Large Desk 42x72"
By Davis Allen, Gordon Bunshaft
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Large Marble and Steel Worktable or Executive Desk, custom-designed in the 1960s by Gordon Bunshaft and Davis Allen for SOM. It features a thick rectangular black and white...
Marble, Steel, Enamel
$1,050
H 28.15 in W 43.71 in D 33.67 in
Adjustable Scandinavian, Coffee-to-Dining Table, 1960s, Teak & Black Steel
Located in Paris, FR
A Scandinavian mid century modern adjustable table from the 1960s, designed to shift from coffee table height to a true dining table height. A warm teak top sits on a black lacquered steel structure, giving the piece a crisp architectural presence that feels both practical and quietly elegant. The lift mechanism allows the table to rise from 47 cm to 71.5 cm, transforming how it lives in a space. Low and relaxed for everyday use, then elevated when you need a proper dining surface. Collectors love this kind of design for its honesty and intelligence. No decorative excess, just proportion, material contrast, and a clever system that still feels relevant today. • Function: adjustable coffee to dining table...
Steel
Florence Knoll Oval Table Desk 1960s
By Knoll
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale is this vintage Knoll table from the 1960s. The table is large and features a solid wood top with a heavy metal base.
Walnut
Vintage Thonet Dining Table 1960s
By Thonet-Mundus
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vintage Thonet Dining Table 1960s
Bentwood
Midcentury Dining Table, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in Czechoslovakia - Made of wood - Good, original condition. - Cleaned.
Wood
Rattan and Cane Side Table by Davis Allen for McGuire, a Pair
By McGuire, Davis Allen
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A pair of side tables designed by Davis Allen for McGuire of San Francisco. Made from rattan and cane, finished with a glass top. A delicate and handsome design, however the table it...
Cane, Rattan, Glass
Stainless Steel and Brass Dining Table
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Brushed stainless steel and brass dining table attributed to Karl Springer or John Vesey. Table top is set on a 24” diameter base with gilt brass stripes. This table is really glamor...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Midcentury Dining Table, Teak, 1960s
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Nice dining table with two extensions. Black metal legs with teak wood on top.
Steel
Stainless Steel Industrial Dining Table/Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1990s. USA. Stainless steel top with metal base.
Metal, Steel
1960s dining table, Thonet, Vintage
By Thonet
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic dining table by Thonet from the 1960s. High quality chromed tubular steel frame and table top in ash veneer with solid wood edge. very good workmanship high-quality materials...
Wood
1960s Maison Jansen Steel and Brass Dining Table
Located in Culver City, CA
A 1960s steel and brass dining table. French designed Maison Jansen dining table exudes Hollywood regency and regency styling and is sure to compliment any fashionable environment. This stunning table has such a modern look that it could effortlessly fit into almost any environment. We currently have this table paired with Mastercraft brass dining chairs and a Karl Springer buffet...
Brass, Steel
$6,800
H 29.75 in W 70.5 in D 41 in
Stunning Emerald Green Marinace Marble Dining or Conference Table or Desk
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Mario Bellini
Located in Hudson, NY
Breathtaking emerald green marinace marble dining table. This sturdy stone heavy has simple lines with a color and patterned marble which is anything but simple. This table is the su...
Stone, Marble
$1,111
H 26.38 in W 51.19 in D 31.5 in
Coffee Or Dining Table In Light Wood Designed by Paul Cadovius From 1960s
By Cado, Mogens Koch
Located in Lejre, DK
This dining table is a true gem of Danish furniture design and clearly bears the stamp of Paul Cadovius' unique vision and talent. Manufactured by the renowned company Cado in the 19...
Wood