Skip to main content

Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

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.

7
to
7
7
7
7
7
7
5
2
3
2
7
3
1
1
7
7
62
81
78
64
36
Creator: Merton Gershun
American of Martinsville Dania Queen Size Bar Bed Headboard with Nightstands
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Mid-Century Modern queen size bed headboard with built-in nightstands. The 4004-14 “Bar Bed” is a part of American of Martinsville’s Dania Collection. Designed by Merton Gershun, this walnut bed...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Laminate, Walnut

Walnut Queen Sized Headboard by American of Martinsville
By Merton Gershun
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A beautifully grained walnut queen sized headboard with nice wood inter trim detail to the headboard , attaches to your excising mattress frame . Manufa...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Merton Gershun for Dillingham Mid-Century Modern Walnut King Size Headboard
By Dillingham Manufacturing Company, Merton Gershun
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern king size headboard By Merton Gershun for Dillingham USA, 1960s Book-matched walnut, with inset black vinyl panels. Measures: 77.25" W x 1.5...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville MCM Urban Suburban Full Headboard
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Urban Suburban full headboard This headboard measures: 58 wide x 2 deep x 31 inches high A...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

American of Martinsville Merton Gershun Urban Suburban Bed
By Merton Gershun
Located in Pasadena, TX
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville twin bed, circa 1960s. Designed in the 1960s for the Urban Suburban line. Headboard and footboard in mapl...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Birch

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Full Size Headboard
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century full size headboard This headboard measures 55 wide x 2 deep x 31.5 inches hig...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

MCM American of Martinsville Merton Gershun Urban Suburban Full-Size Headboard
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Mid-Century Modern (MCM) full-size bookcase headboard designed by Merton Gershun for his Urban Suburban line for American of Martinsville. It i...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Related Items
American of Martinsville Accord Walnut Nightstand or End Table with X’s
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome nightstand or end table from American of Martinsville and Merton Gershun’s Accord line of furniture with their signature X’s and asymmetric handles. It is in wonderful resto...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage American of Martinsville Walnut Nightstands with Leather & Brass Accents
By American of Martinsville
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step back into the stylish era of the 1960s with this exceptional pair of American of Martinsville nightstands, masterfully hand-crafted from walnut wood and brought back to life wit...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass

American of Martinsville Nightstand
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful walnut nightstand by American of Martinsville features the sturdy construction and fantastic wood grain the midcentury manufactu...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

American of Martinsville Nightstand
American of Martinsville Nightstand
H 23 in W 22 in D 16.5 in
Vintage MCM Headboard Queen by American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering one of our recent Palm Beach Estate fine furniture acquisitions of a vintage MCM headboard...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Mid Century Queen Headboard With Nightstands by American of Martinsville
Located in Delray Beach, FL
The Mid Century Modern Queen Headboard with Shelving and Nightstands by American of Martinsville is a stylish and functional three-p...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern King Size Walnut Headboard
Located in Charleston, SC
Here we have a richly grained walnut king size headboard with 4 inverted slats. A fabulous modern shape and very much in the style of Kent Coffey.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern King Size Walnut Headboard
Mid-Century Modern King Size Walnut Headboard
No Reserve
H 37 in W 79.5 in D 2 in
Mid-Century Modern Nightstands by American of Martinsville, a Pair
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern nightstands manufactured by American of Martinsville. Well-built frame with walnut veneer exterior. A nice addition to any modern interior. Please ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Century Walnut & Cane King Headboard
By Century Furniture
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Century King Headboard. Featuring a straight line design, made up of solid wood with cane over top, and a beautiful walnut finish. This is an...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Cane, Wood, Walnut

Pair of Merton L. Gershun for Dillingham "Esprit" MCM Walnut Nightstands
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
We are very pleased to offer a pair of mid-century nightstands by Merton Gershun for Dillingham as part of the "Esprit" collection, circa the 1960s. A cabinet door opens to reveal a...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Sculptural King Size Headboard
Located in Highland, IN
This handsome and beautifully crafted headboard features a beautifully sculpted frame with dark wood slats set with through-tennon joinery. 38"h X 85....
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sculpted King Size Bed / Headboard
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Danish Modern walnut full size headboard. Offered is a vintage Mid-Century Modern walnut sculpted king size bed/headboard. Looks to be walnut, featuring signature scul...
Category

1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century "Esprit" Nightstands by Merton Gershun for Dillingham, a Pair
By Merton Gershun, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of walnut nightstands by Merton Gershun for Dillingham, c.1960s, USA. The nightstands each feature a single door front with beveled sides. The hinged doors open to reveal a wide...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Previously Available Items
American of Martinsville Mid Century Modern Queen Headboard
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Baltimore, MD
Beautiful Mid Century Modern American of Martinsville walnut queen Headboard, with built in nightstands, designed by Merton Gershun for his Dania collection. Features glossy, black, ...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Merton Gershun American of Martinsville MCM Walnut Cane Full Storage Headboard
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville mid century walnut and cane full storage headboard Headboard measures: 59.75 wide x 9 deep x 35.5 inches high ?All pieces of furniture...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Merton Gershun for Dillingham Esprit Mid Century Walnut King Headboard
By Merton Gershun, Dillingham Manufacturing Company
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for Dillingham Esprit mid century walnut king headboard Headboard measures: 81 wide x 1.5 deep x 35 inches high All pieces of furn...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Merton Gershun American of Martinsville MCM Rattan X Inlay Queen Headboard
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut and Rattan X Inlay Queen Floating Nightstand Storage Headboard This headboard is 97.25 wide ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Rattan, Walnut

Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century Walnut Full Headboard
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Countryside, IL
Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century walnut full headboard and footboard This set is 57 wide x 2 deep x 31.5 inches hig...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Burl

Merton Gershun Bleached Mahogany and Cane Full Size Bed, 1960s
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern full size bed frame By Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville, USA, 1960s Bleached mahogany, with sliding cane doors on the bookcase headboard...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

American of Martinsville Accord Walnut & Cane King Headboard by Merton Gershun
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome king size bed headboard from American of Martinsville and Merton Gershun’s Accord line of furniture. It is in fabulous vintage condition with its original finish. The caning...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Cane, Walnut

MCM American of Martinsville Merton Gershun Urban Suburban Full-Size Headboard
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Mid-Century Modern (MCM) full-size bookcase headboard designed by Merton Gershun for his Urban Suburban line for American of Martinsville. It i...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Merton Gershun American of Martinsville Full Size Headboard
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a full size walnut headboard. It was designed by Merton L. Gershun for American of Martinsville's "Dania" line. Dimensions: 56.5" W x 3" D x 32" H.   
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Merton Gershun Designed Mid-Century Modern Headboard
By Merton Gershun, American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Queen size headboard made by American Of Martinsville. Walnut grain with faux leather top and brass detailing. Long shelf for books, two side drawers and lower shelf for storage. Ma...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Rare American of Martinsville Headboard and Night Stands Mid-century Modern
By Merton Gershun
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Rare American of Martinsville headboard with built in night stands. There is a singlar drawer and one shelf on either side topped w...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Merton Gershun Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Formica, Walnut

Merton Gershun beds and bed frames for sale on 1stDibs.

Merton Gershun beds and bed frames 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 beds and bed frames, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original beds and bed frames 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 beds and bed frames by John Widdicomb, Paul Evans, and Milo Baughman. Prices for Merton Gershun beds and bed frames can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $695 and can go as high as $1,345, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $995.

Recently Viewed

View All