George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
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
Md-Century Modern George Nelson Lingerie Chest
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage modern lingerie chest features sculpted round pulls with ebonized fronts on each drawer. This stylish five-drawer chest offers plenty of room for storage within...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Miniature Chest Model 5215, 1950s
By George Nelson
Located in Brussels, BE
George Nelson Miniature chest Model 5215, 1950s.
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Mateo, CA
Double pedestal desk by Herman Miller. This desk was probably a custom order. There are three wide drawers and three small drawers. The top small drawer has a sliding pencil...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Chrome
Midcentury George Nelson Gentlemens Secretary Chest
By George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
George Nelson
George Nelson (1908-1986) was an important modernist whose work cut across the fields of interior, industrial and exhibition design. Nelson studied architecture at Yale University in the 1920s, and in the next two decades earned a strong reputation as a writer on design for Architectural Forum, Interiors and Fortune.
In 1945 Nelson began a long association with the Herman Miller Furniture Company of Zeeland, Michigan, where as head designer he developed an innovative line of furniture and commissioned new designs from others. His first commission was Isamu Noguchi`s biomorphic glass-topped coffee table, which began production in 1947, the first of many designs that the sculptor would create for Herman Miller in the late Forties. Nelson also was responsible for bringing the designs of Charles Eames to Herman Miller, and he collaborated with R. Buckminster Fuller on a number of projects.
Among Nelson`s own creations are classic works of 1950s design, including the bubble lamp, ball clock, marshmallow sofa and the pole-supported wall-storage system. Nelson also designed numerous exhibitions, including the 1959 American National Exhibition in Moscow, and the Chrysler Corporation display at the 1964 New York World`s Fair.
Vintage midcentury George Nelson walnut secretary
1960s
A great example of early George Nelson design. Secretary desk and dresser...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Teak Thin Edge Double Dresser with Vanity by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dorchester, MA
Part of the Thin Edge series that George Nelson designed for Herman Miller in the 1950s, this wonderful set comprises two dressers in a tawny walnut on either side of a suspended van...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Porcelain, Teak
Amazing Thin Edge Sideboard by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
Wonderful mirrored rosewood veneer.
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Rosewood
54" Vintage Single Pedestal Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Pasadena, TX
54" Vintage single pedestal desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This distinctive desk has two drawers, one of which is a filing drawer along with stainless steel legs. A great d...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Steel
Comb-Grain Oak Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dorchester, MA
George Nelson designed this comb-grain oak cabinet for Herman Miller as part of their Basic Cabinet Series, sometimes referred to as the Primavera line. The case sits on ebonized blo...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Chrome
George Nelson Early Walnut Two Door Cabinet for Herman Miller Mid Century
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very early cabinet designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This cabinet has unusual silver pulls.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Four Drawer Thin Edge Dresser / Chest of Drawers in Rosewood by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
George Nelson Thin Edge cabinet in Brazilian Rosewood, manufactured by Herman Miller. Signed with the early round Herman Miller medallion. Very good original condition. Very few sign...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Porcelain, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller 5 Drawer Chest Dresser Restored
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller 5 drawer chest dresser restored.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
1950s Walnut Open Cabinet with Glass Shelving by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid walnut open cabinet or vitrine with three adjustable glass shelves and a solid glass paneled back.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Pair George Nelson for Herman Miller Black Bookcases with Walnut Doors
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair George Nelson designed Black bookcases with Walnut doors for Herman Miller.
Each shallow unit has one adjustable shelf, and small cabinet with a Walnut door. Behind the doo...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Basic Series Cabinet on Ebonized Herman Miller Bench
By George Nelson
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Rare 1960s George Nelson for Herman Miller cabinet set upon an1 iconic Herman Miller slat ebonized bench.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Midcentury Action Office Roll Top Desk George Nelson for H Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
Herman Miller George Nelson action office series drafting desk
1965 design
This vintage roll-top writing desk is from the Herman Miller "Action...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Herman Miller Miniature Chest # 5215
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Unusual version of the George Nelson miniature/jewelry chest #5215. This one features the white formica on the bottom of the case not the top as is more typical. Teak wood constructi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Vintage 1949 Mid-Century Modern Custom L-Shaped Office Desk by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Lafayette, IN
This remarkable piece is a one-off desk/wardrobe/bar/bookcase/storage cabinet custom-designed by George Nelson in 1949 to match his Basic Cabinet Series (BCS) for Herman Miller. The desk was made specifically for a client in the Promontory Apartment Building in Chicago designed by Nelson's associate, and world-renowned architect, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The entire apartment was outfitted in pieces from George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series for Herman Miller that sat, untouched for nearly 70 years in their original setting! In addition to two aluminium sconces, this piece also features hidden, fluorescent lighting mounted in the upper canopy as a clever solution to Mies van der Rohe's lack of ceiling fixtures. This is a gorgeous, grandiose, and extremely rare piece of design history that will instantly outfit an entire office in striking style!
Features:
Desk:
- Book-matched walnut veneer
- Built-in Bar
- Built in coat closet/wardrobe
- Dual aluminum sconces
- Hidden, indirect fluorescent lighting
- Silver-plated Herman Miller hardware
- Dual "floating" book shelves
- Tapered, cantilevered peninsula desk...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller Cabinet Model 5211
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Houston, TX
George Nelson & Associates
Miniature cabinet, model 5211
Herman Miller
USA, 1950s
Walnut, rosewood, enameled steel, laminate, porcelain
Measures: 20.25 W × 14 D × 32.25 H in
...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller Bureau /Cabinets
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller bureau cabinet storage units, polished handles light colored birch with and black feet.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Pair of George Nelson Design for Herman Miller Chests / Dressers / Commodes
By George Nelson
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of Mid-Century Modern George Nelson design for Herman Miller chests / dressers / commodes. Signed with labels this pair of side by side and all drawer chests have mahogany fro...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Dresser
By George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dresser by George Nelson, circa 1950. This stunning piece boasts ebonized drawer fronts, maple casings, and unique circular pulls. A sleek mid-century design that makes the perfect a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Maple
George Nelson Walnut One-Door 5 Drawers Gentleman's High Chest Dresser Cabinet
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern walnut George Nelson for Herman Miller Storage five drawers cabinet dresser gentleman's high chest.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nelson "Dry Erase" Desk with Return
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Newly laminated Formica top with dry erase laminate. Very cool, dry/erase surface for your work desk. Extr...
Category
1950s American Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Chrome
Chest of Drawers by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegantly simple rectilinear chest of drawers in bleached ash with gracefully curved steel pulls, which floats on squared low wooden legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Steel
Mid Century George Nelson Dresser for Herman Miller, Walnut, Silver Pulls, Rare
By George Nelson
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Early production of George Nelson walnut highboy dresser for Herman Miller, very rare silver plated drawer pulls. All original finish with beautiful patina.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Silver
George Nelson Rosewood "Thin Edge" Chests
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of original grain matched George Nelson design rosewood "Thin Edge" chests for Herman Miller. Very good original condition, labeled.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Rosewood
Five-Drawer Ribbon Mahogany Tall Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Ribbon mahogany five-drawer dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller. M-shaped aluminium pulls and hair pin aluminium legs. Top drawer is partitioned as is the third deeper drawer.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Chest for Herman Miller Model 5517 Commode Sideboard 1952
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Telgte, DE
George Nelson vertical chest of drawers commode for Herman Miller model 5517 sideboard 1952
The solid wood Nelson miniature chest, inspired by J...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dressers
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Thin edge dressers by George Nelson for Herman Miller
Porcelain handles and metal legs.
Dressers have been refinished.
Category
1950s American Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
Three-Piece George Nelson Cabinetry Display Case Unit
By George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Two small chests support the glass front display unit, vitrine. This versatile set can be used as shown, or separated into two dressers and a long glass display case. Selling three p...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Three Drawer Chest by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
3 Drawer Chest by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Very good condition.
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch, Lacquer
Pair of George Nelson Steel Frame Dressers with Marble Tops
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful pair of steel frame cabinets designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. All cabinets restored with maple drawer fronts and marble tops. Third matching cabinet available...
Category
1950s Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Chest of Drawers
By George Nelson
Located in Collonge-Bellerive, GE
George Nelson was a prominent American industrial designer known for his contributions to mid-20th century modern design. He worked as the design director for Herman Miller, a renown...
Category
Mid-20th Century Central American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Headboards & Nightstands by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Kensington, MD
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Headboards & Nightstands by George Nelson for Herman Miller
Additional information:
Material: Wool
Classic George Nelson Styling on This Pair of Hairb...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wool
Thin Edge Walnut Five-Drawer Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dorchester, MA
This gorgeous dresser is part of George Nelson's 1950s Thin Edge collection for Herman Miller, which takes its name from the elegant, slim profile. Tapered trestle legs elevate the w...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
Comprehensive Storage System by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
Comprehensive Storage System designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1959. This system is in very good original condition and consist...
Category
Mid-20th Century George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Basic Cabinet Series' Dresser, c. 1955, Signed
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic chest of drawers was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, part of the 'Basic Cabinet Series' and also called 'Primavera', t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
George Nelson Dresser/Storage Cabinet on Modular Group Platform, Rare Version
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
George Nelson for Herman Miller cabinet with attached table. Rare T pulls. Four drawers and one door with adjustable shelf. The teak cabinet and white laminate table attache to the s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Steel
George Nelson Cabinet Rare Designed Pulls for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Westport, CT
George Nelson walnut cabinet with rare designed hardware pulls, black legs, divided top draw compartments and original label, this piece a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Steel
Oak Modular Storage Unit with Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dorchester, MA
George Nelson designed this handsome modular unit for Herman Miller. It comprises a set of drawers, a cabinet, a bookcase hutch, and a table/desk whose top lifts to reveal extra divi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Oak
George Nelson case pieces and storage cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.
George Nelson case pieces and storage cabinets 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 George Nelson case pieces and storage cabinets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original case pieces and storage cabinets by George Nelson were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider case pieces and storage cabinets by Herman Miller, Edward Wormley, and Dunbar. Prices for George Nelson case pieces and storage cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,260 and can go as high as $22,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,998.
Creators Similar to George Nelson
Questions About George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
- 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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