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 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
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
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 Rosewood and Aluminum Coffee Table by Lehigh
By Ward Bennett, Lehigh Furniture Company
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
$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
$1,750
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
Italian Coffee Table in Granite, 1980s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice Italian coffee or side table handcrafted out of granite, 1980s. It has a very nice 3-leg base and a triangle plate. It is made of beautiful granite. Please take notice of ...
Granite
Minimalist brazilian Side Table "Janice" by Samuel Lamas
By Samuel Lamas
Located in Brasilia, DF
Janice Side Table by Samuel Lamas, 2022 The Janice Side Table is a versatile and minimalist piece that embodies the elegance of contemporary Brazilian design. Crafted from solid Bra...
Steel
Reclaimed Elm Wood Beam Square Coffee Table
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Introducing the Beam Square Coffee Table - the perfect blend of elegance and sustainability. Crafted from reclaimed elm wood, this coffee table showcases the beauty of solid wood whi...
Elm, Reclaimed Wood
$525
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
$12,718
H 15.75 in W 51.19 in D 31.89 in
Two-tier Bronze coffee table by Jacques Quinet for Broncz 1960s
By Jacques Quinet, Broncz
Located in Paris, IDF
This beautiful coffee table was designed by Jacques Quinet and produced by Broncz in France in the 1960s. The table features a strong, solid polished bronze structure. The original t...
Bronze
$1,295
H 22 in W 28 in D 28 in
Michael Taylor for Baker Chinoiserie Rosewood Cocktail Table or Side Table
By Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie two-tier cocktail table or occasional side table By Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture, "Far East" Collection USA, 1...
Rosewood, Walnut
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
$1,509Sale Price|83% Off
H 15.36 in W 35.04 in D 35.04 in
French Chrome Steel and Slate Coffee Table, 1960s
By Milo Baughman, Harvey Probber
Located in London, GB
1960s French coffee table with solid chromed steel frame and inset slate top. The slate is approximately an inch thick and very substantial. There is a label to the verso of th...
Slate, Steel, Chrome
Midcentury Granite Coffee Table, circa 1970
Located in Labrit, Landes
Granite Mid-Century Modern coffee table French circa 1970 In good condition. Shipping: L 81 P63 H40,5 61 kg
Granite
Beam Oval Coffee Table
Located in London, GB
The Beam Oval Coffee Table is a striking fusion of sculptural form and traditional craftsmanship. Made from substantial solid oak beams resting on a refined powder-coated steel base...
Oak
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
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
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
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
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
Ward Bennett Ash and Elephant Hide Open Frame Coffee Table
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Chicago, IL
Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Inc., honey ashwood and russet-chestnut brown tanned elephant hide coffee table. Can be used as an ottoman. Radiused at all edges and corners.
Ash, Hide
Pair of Ward Bennett I-Beam Coffee Tables
By Ward Bennett
Located in Chicago, IL
Ward Beam for Brickel, I-beam coffee or side tables. Solid cast aluminum pedestal, with 3/4" glass top. Additional dimensionss: Descriptions with and with out glass. Depths: 16...
Steel, Aluminum
Occasional Table by Ward Bennett
By Ward Bennett, Brickel Associates
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A finely machined and minimalist end table having a chrome stainless steel three-legged base supporting a floating thick circular glass top.
Steel
Ward Bennet Side i-beam Table Pedestal Stand
By Ward Bennett
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid century i-beam table introduced by Ward Bennet.
Steel