George Nelson Armchairs
American, 1908-1986
Architect, designer, and writer George Nelson was a central figure in the mid-century American modernist design movement; and his thoughts influenced not only the furniture we live with, but also how we live.
Nelson came to design via journalism and literature. Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Yale in 1931, he won the Prix de Rome fellowship, and spent his time in Europe writing magazine articles that helped bring stateside recognition to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Gio Ponti, Le Corbusier and other canonical modernist architects.
In the 1940s, Nelson wrote texts that suggested such now-commonplace ideas as open-plan houses, storage walls and family rooms. D.J. De Pree, the owner of the furniture maker Herman Miller, was so impressed by Nelson that in 1944 — following the sudden death of Gilbert Rohde, who had introduced the firm to modern design in the 1930s — he invited Nelson to join the company as its design director. There Nelson’s curatorial design talents came to the fore.
To Herman Miller he brought such eminent creators as Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, and the textile and furniture designer Alexander Girard. Thanks to a clever contract, at the same time as he directed Herman Miller he formed a New York design company, George Nelson & Associates, that sold furniture designs to the Michigan firm. Nelson's studio also sold designs for clocks to the Howard Miller Clock Company, a manufacturer that was initially part of Herman Miller before it became an offshoot that was helmed by Howard Miller, D.J. De Pree's brother-in-law.
Nelson’s New York team of designers (who were rarely individually credited) would create such iconic pieces as the Marshmallow sofa, the Coconut chair, the Ball clock, the Bubble lamp series and the many cabinets and beds that comprise the sleek Thin-Edge line.
For dedicated collectors, as well as for interior designers who look beyond “the look,” there is a “cool factor” inherent to vintage pieces from George Nelson and others. Nelson was in on it from the start, and it’s valuable to have a piece that was there with him.
But still, as is evident from the offerings from dealers on 1stDibs, in any of the designs, in any iteration whose manufacture Nelson oversaw and encouraged, there are shining elements of lightness, elegance, sophistication — and a little bit of swagger. George Nelson felt confident in his ideas about design and didn’t mind letting the world know.
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Creator: George Nelson
Set of Two Leather Original George Nelson Coconut Chairs, Vitra
By Vitra, George Nelson
Located in Praha, CZ
Coconut lounge chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, manufactured by Vitra. Black leather, white shell and chrome legs, good original condition.
- Marked by original lab...
Category
Early 2000s German Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Original Early George Nelson for Herman Miller Pretzel Chair
By George Nelson
Located in Sarasota, FL
George Nelson for Herman Miller pretzel chair. Rare and beautiful chair with very low production. Production being this one either 1957 or 1958. Believed to be under 100 of these ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Bentwood
Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, 1950s
By George Nelson, Vitra
Located in Antwerp, BE
Introducing the Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, an iconic piece of modern design that combines comfort, elegance, an...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
George Nelson Walnut Armchairs, Herman Miller- A Pair
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Raleigh, NC
Early armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller. One chair has the original tag. These have been newly upholstered in a mohair fabric with the frames being cleaned and oiled, l...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Space Age Armchair by George Nelson DAF La Fonda for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Orange DAF chair by George Nelson
with slight patina and signs of use.
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Fiberglass
Pair of Lounge Chairs, Model 5681, by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by George Nelson, this pair of clean-lined model 5681 lounge chairs were produced by Herman Miller from 1956 to 1967. Raised on square chrome legs, the upholstered club seat...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
George Nelson Coconut Armchair for Vitra
By George Nelson, Vitra
Located in Vienna, AT
The armchair was designed by George Nelson for Vitra in 1955.
The coconut chair is an icon of the design of the 1950s and is still a cult today.
With clear shapes and reduced mate...
Category
Early 2000s Swiss Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Plastic, Bouclé
Pair of George Nelson Armchairs in Cowhide Upholstery
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller armchairs with new cowhide upholstery. Great for any modern environment besides the obvious modern cabin or rustic setting.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Cowhide, Walnut
Armchair by George Nelson for Herman Miller Restored
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
George Nelson armchair in new blue Maharam fabric. Blonde Primavera frame in excellent condition.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Open-Arm Ebonized Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, this rare lounge chair, model 4774, features an open ebonized birch frame. Its strong rectangular lines acce...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Birch
Set of Four Paddle Armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of four armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller in black aniline leather. Original Herman Miller circle tag presen...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Related Items
Set of Six George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Dining Chairs
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller teak and upholstered dining chairs. We also have the matching dining table, please inquire for details. All items ar...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Teak
George Nelson Stool for Herman Miller, USA, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, DE
George Nelson Stool for Herman Miller, USA - 1960s in all original condition with the rare brown base
George Nelson (1908-1986) was an American industrial designer and architect who...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Early, Museum Quality Marshmallow Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
Early production Marshmallow sofa model 5670 designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, circa 1956. This is an early excellent (One of the best) examples of 186 ever produced betwe...
Category
Mid-20th Century American George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Set of Two Reclining Chairs
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno Design Centre
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of two reclining chairs - very early design by Osvaldo Borsani, Italy, 1950s. The reclining chairs are in original condition and feature a fol...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller 72" Slatted Platform Bench, 2002
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller 72" Slatted Platform Bench, 2002. Classic and timeless, this George Nelson bench has just the right amount of 20+ years of great honey colored patina...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Birch
La Fonda Arm Chair by Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Centreville, VA
This arm chair is one of two new fiberglass chairs Charles and Ray Eames designed in 1961, inspired by request from Alexander Girard, who needed seating for his new Manhattan restaurant, La Fonda Del Sol. Some collectors call these “La Fonda” chairs after the restaurant where they were first installed.
Because Girard wanted chairs with seat backs no higher than dining table tops, Charles and Ray Eames designed the Eames La Fonda Arm Chair...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller Sofa in Off-White Upholstery
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, sofa, chrome-plated metal, fabric, United States, 1960s
This fine sofa is designed by the renowned American furniture designer George Nelson. This s...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Iconic George Nelson ‘Coconut’ Lounge Chair
By George Nelson, Vitra
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson, ‘Coconut’ lounge chair, fiberglass, leather upholstery, steel, United States, design 1955, later production
The ‘Coconut’ lounge chair is one of George Nelson’s iconi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Steel
George Nelson Coconut Lounge Chair in Maharam Mode Goldenrod Fabrics
By George Nelson
Located in Seattle, WA
This is a late 2010s production of the Coconut Chair, Designed by George Nelson's design studio.
Introduced in 1956, the Coconut Lounge Chair is one artifact of the burst of crea...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Restored Pair of 1960 Herman Miller No1 Hardwood Eames Lounge Armchairs Ottomans
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer extremely rare and important pair of fully restored, original, Herman Miller No1 & Herman Miller Hillie circa 1958-1960 black leather and Rosewood lounge armchairs and ottomans
These are pretty much the most iconic and well known armchair and ottoman ever made, exhibited countless times, displayed in the V&A, Metropolitan Museum of Art, winners of countless awards these are the simply put the finest suite around
They have been on a journey, I’ve had all pieces stripped to the bare shells, the frames have been washed back and traditionally French polished, the leather all restored and hand dyed the original nero black, they are the finest example pair anywhere in the world today
One suite has the black Herman Miller No1 label, the other, the earlier redish Herman Miller Hillie label
Condition wise, the restoration has been done in such a way to keep all the original charm and patina but make them gallery ready, they will have age and use related patina marks here and there but mostly they are in very fine order
Dimensions armchairs
Height:- 80.5cm
Width:- 85cm
Depth:- 86.5cm
Seat height:- 41cm
Dimensions ottomans
Height:- 42cm
Width:- 65.5cm
Depth:- 53.5cm
Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point,
MUST READ!
The Eames Lounge Chair and ottoman are furnishings made of molded plywood and leather, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for the Herman Miller furniture company. They are officially titled Eames Lounge ( 670 ) and Ottoman ( 671 ) and were released in 1956 after years of development by designers. It was the first chair that the Eameses designed for a high-end market. Examples of these furnishings are part of the permanent collection of New York's Museum of Modern Art.
Design
Charles and Ray Eames sought to develop furniture that could be mass-produced and affordable, with the exception of the Eames Lounge Chair. This luxury item was inspired by the traditional English club chair. The Eames Lounge Chair is an icon of Modern style design, although when it was first made, Ray Eames remarked in a letter to Charles that the chair looked "comfortable and un-designy". Charles's vision was for a chair with "the warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman's mitt." The chair is composed of three curved plywood shells covered with veneer: the headrest, the backrest and the seat. The layers are glued together and shaped under heat and pressure. The shells and the seat cushions are essentially of the same shape, and composed of two curved forms interlocking to form a solid mass. The chair back and headrest are identical in proportion, as are the seat and the ottoman.
The products have changed in various ways over time. Beginning in 1956 and running through the very early 1990s, the shells were made up of five thin layers of plywood which were covered by a veneer of Brazilian rosewood. The use of Brazilian rosewood was discontinued in the early 1990s, and current production since then consists of seven layers of plywood covered by finishing veneers of cherry, walnut, palisander rosewood (a sustainably grown wood with similar grain patterns to the original Brazilian versions), and other finishes. Small changes include the sets of spacers between the aluminum spines and the wood panels, originally of rubber, later hard plastic washers, and the number of screws securing the armrests, originally three, changed to two in second-series models, while the "domes of silence" (glides/feet) on the chair base originally had thinner screws attaching them to the aluminum base than those on later chairs, and the zipper around the cushions, either brown or black on early models, was later black only. Further, early ottomans had removable rubber slide-on feet with metal glides, and early labels are of oblong foil.
History
The Eames Lounge Chair first...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
H 31.7 in W 33.47 in D 34.06 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller Living Room Set
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller living room set, United States, 1960s.
This fine living room set consisting of two sofas and a side table is...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Set of George Nelson Swag Leg Chairs by Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Highland, IN
The swag leg chair designs by the office of George Nelson were developed in response to his desire to create a chair with a beautiful "swagged" leg (one that tapers while it curves)....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Previously Available Items
Set of (4) Charles Pollock for Knoll Blue Tweed & Velvet Executive Chairs
By Charles Pollock, George Nelson, Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Sold as a st of (4) . Unfortunately, the FMV team doesn't have the time to restore these iconic chairs, so this is a great opportunity to get a set for pennies on the dollar. They...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
H 32 in W 26.25 in D 23.63 in
Mid Century Modern Paddle Armchair by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brugge, BE
Introducing the authentic George Nelson Paddle Armchair, a true mid-century design gem created in 1957 exclusively for Herman Miller. Crafted with meticu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
H 30.71 in W 25.99 in D 24.41 in
Charles Pollock for Knoll Red Tweed Executive Chair with Height Tension Knob
By Charles Pollock, George Nelson, Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Original red tweed Charles Pollock for knoll executive chair. The original red fabric is in outstanding condition. Our restoration team has steam cleaned rendering the color is more ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
H 32 in W 26.25 in D 23.63 in
George Nelson Armchair 4663 for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
George Nelson is widely known as perhaps one of the most significant designers for Herman Miller in the middle of the 20th century. While his designs under Herman Miller continue to ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Birch
George Nelson Paddle Armchair for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
A beautiful vintage, completely original, early version of this scarce chair, chrome in great order, original black Naugahyde upholstery, overall one to have!
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Charles Pollock for Knoll Blue Tweed Executive Chairs W/ Height Tension Knob
By Charles Pollock, George Nelson, Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Sold as a pair
The blue woven wool tweed looks both original and in excellent condition. Both chairs have been professionally steam-cleaned and the color is now bright and even. T...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
H 32 in W 26.25 in D 23.63 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pair of Armchairs
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
George Nelson pair of armchairs. Blond maple construction with curving arms that wrap around the back. Very comfortable and ample seat size. Sold as a pair. Looks like they were reup...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Maple
Charles Pollock for Knoll Red Tweed Executive Chairs w/ Height Tension Knob
By Charles Pollock, George Nelson, Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Sold as a pair
The red tweed looks both original and in very good condition. Both chairs have been professionally steam-cleaned and the color is now bright and even. The chrome ed...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
H 32 in W 26.25 in D 23.63 in
Charles Pollock for Knoll Blue Velvet Executive Chairs w/ Height Tension Knob
By Charles Pollock, Knoll, George Nelson
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Sold as a pair
I don't think there could be a cooler color / fabric combination Pollock chair in existence. The blue velour looks both original and in exceptional condition. The c...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
H 32 in W 26.25 in D 23.63 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller in a cubist style. Created from walnut with a drop in seat cu...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
H 31.25 in W 21.25 in D 21 in
Vitra Coconut Chair by George Nelson in Black Leather, 2003
By Vitra, George Nelson
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by George Nelson in 1955, the Coconut chair has become a design Classic.
Constructed with a white glass fibre reinforced plastic shell, the chair is upholstere...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Mid Century Side/Arm Chair in Ebonized Walnut by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
This refined Mid-Century Modern arm/ side chair was designed by the illustrious George Nelson for Herman Miller circa 1950. It offers an angular frame with an arm rest that curves do...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
H 31.25 in W 23 in D 23 in
George Nelson armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.
George Nelson armchairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of George Nelson armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs by George Nelson 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 armchairs by Norman Cherner, Russell Woodard, and Craft Associates. Prices for George Nelson armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,395 and can go as high as $15,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,600.
Creators Similar to George Nelson
Questions About George Nelson Armchairs
- What did George Nelson make?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022George Nelson was a furniture designer central to the mid-century modern design movement. His best-known creations are the marshmallow sofa, coconut chair, ball clock and bubble lamp series. His style included sleek, thin-edge lines on a variety of furniture still available today. Shop a range of George Nelson furniture designs on 1stDibs.
- Why is George Nelson famous?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022George Nelson was an American designer, and for a time the lead designer for the famed Herman Miller furniture company. Nelson is often referred to as the founder of American modernist design and often associated with his more inspired pieces such as the Coconut Chair, Marshmallow Sofa and the Ball Clock. Shop a collection of George Nelson furniture designs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Modern George Nelson clocks are made in Poland. The company Vitra Designs manufactures the timepieces based on the original designs of the American designer who lived from 1908 to 1986. On 1stDibs, you can shop a selection of George Nelson clocks.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022George Nelson Bubble Lamps are made of steel wires, which form a durable framework for the lamp. A plastic polymer material spread over the wires forms the shade which is translucent to give the lamp a soft glow. Inspired by Swedish lamps, these mid-century modern light fixtures are still made by the legendary furniture manufacturer Herman Miller today. Shop a range of George Nelson Bubble Lamps on 1stDibs.
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