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.
Expertly Restored -George Nelson Multi-Color Lacquered Cabinet for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Steel
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...
Walnut
George Nelson Cabinet for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson BSC cabinet for Herman Miller, c.1950's, USA. The design features a two door walnut cabinet with interior shelves. Each cabinet door has a polished aluminum pull. The c...
Aluminum, Steel
George Nelson Herman Miller Thin Profile Cabinet
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson Herman Miller Thin Profile Cabinet. Uncommon little cabinet that does not take up much space. Please request additional photos and condition report. Appears that the ...
Wood
Amazing Thin Edge Sideboard by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
Wonderful mirrored rosewood veneer.
Rosewood
$7,040Sale Price|20% Off
George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Credenza, Model 5724, 1957
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Credenza, Model 5724, 1957 Beautifully grained walnut case with quarter-sawn walnut doors. Features four drawers and a pair of doors conceal...
Aluminum
$4,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
Walnut
$5,100Sale Price / set|25% Off
George Nelson for Herman Miller Steelframe Dressers with Walnut - Pair
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Steel Frame dressers, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. A minimalist philosophy inspired Nelson's design: steel frames offer visual interest, while also eliminatin...
Steel
George Nelson & Alexander Girard Wall Mounted Cabinet, 1964
By George Nelson
Located in Coronado, CA
An extremely uncommon wall-mounted cabinet designed collaboratively by George Nelson and Alexander Girard in 1964 as part of the Herman Miller accessory line. The cabinet features tw...
Laminate, Walnut, Paint
George Nelson Chest / Dresser Cabinet for Herman Miller # 4935
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted dresser chest or cabinet standing on shorter legs in a dark ebony finish with side door having two adjustable shelves . The other side has five drawers , all with...
Stainless Steel
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Rosewood Cabinet / Dresser
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a dresser/cabinet from the Thin Edge series, originally designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1953. This piece was produced in the United States and dates back to th...
Aluminum
$5,547Sale Price|40% Off
Alexander Girard & George Nelson Inc. Wall Mounted Vanity, Model 1030
By George Nelson, Alexander Girard
Located in Seattle, WA
An unusual and rare wall mounted vanity from the 1964 Herman Miller accessory line to the CSS storage system. A collaborative design by Alexander Girard...
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Basic Series Walnut Two Door Cabinet - Pair
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Basic Series Walnut Two Door Cabinet - Pair Each cabinet measures: 40 wide x 18.5 deep x 39.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can b...
Walnut
Rare Pair George Nelson Herman Miller Bachelors Chest Mid-Century
By George Nelson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Rare pair of original turquoise finish George Nelson bachelors chests. We have never seen another piece of George Nelson for Herman Miller done in this finish-might have been custom...
Wood
Glass Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid walnut open cabinet or vitrine with three adjustable glass shelves and a solid glass paneled back.
Glass, Walnut
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller Bureau /Cabinets
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller bureau cabinet storage units, polished handles light colored birch with and black feet.
Metal, Chrome
1950 George Nelson Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series Two Door Cabinet in Walnut
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a two-door cabinet designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller circa 1950. This is a gorgeous original example, which appears remarkably intact. As not...
Brass
George Nelson Steel Frame Cabinet Model 4036 For Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This compact Mid-Century Modern Steel Frame credenza cabinet 'model 4036' was designed by American designer George Nelson circa 1955 and produced by Herman Miller. The cabinet featur...
Steel, Chrome
1960 George Nelson 8000 Series EOG Credenza for Herman Miller with Walnut Top
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous 8000 series Executive Office Group sliding-door cabinet / credenza, designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller. This example dates to circa...
Wood, Walnut
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller BCS Three Drawer Cabinet (No Bench)
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an uncommon Walnut Cabinet with three drawers, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This design was part of George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series. It features ...
Metal
$7,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare Pair George Nelson Primavera Bachelor Chest Cabinet Mid-Century X Pulls
By George Nelson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Remarkably iconic and rare pair of walnut bachelors chests designed by George Nelson for the Herman Miller, Primavera line, circa 1950s. We love that these are the same size but hav...
Metal
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Cabinet
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A rosewood thin edge cabinet / bookshelf designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Rosewood
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller BCS Walnut Three Drawer Cabinet (no bench)
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an uncommon Walnut Cabinet with four drawers, Model 4606, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This design was part of George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series. T...
Metal
George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Cabinet for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Craig Ellwood, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A cabinet from George Nelson’s Thin Edge collection for Herman Miller modified by architect Craig Ellwood for one of his homes. The design features a slender rosewood case with four ...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Pair Walnut Two Door Cabinet George Nelson Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Baltimore, MD
Remarkably Iconic rare pair of double door cabinets designed by George Nelson for the Herman Miller, Primavera line circa 1950s. Iconic pi...
Metal
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Cabinet Series Three-Door Cabinet Bar
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Three-Door Basic Cabinet Series bar in walnut, initially designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This particular piece was produced ca.1950. Three cabinet door...
Steel
C. 1955 George Nelson for Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series Drop-Front Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a George Nelson for Herman Miller Basic Series Secretary Chest, circa 1955. The Basic Cabinet Series, or BCS, was a collection of wood storage solutions developed by Nelson i...
Zinc
C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Three Drawer Cabinet 34x24x18 in
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an uncommon Walnut Cabinet with three drawers, Model 4603, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This design was part of George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series. ...
Steel
$12,950
H 29 in W 67 in D 18.5 in
George Nelson Thin Edge Group Dresser, Double, Santos Palisander, Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
George Nelson thin edge double dresser, chest, Santos Palisander, Herman Miller. In 1944, Life magazine published an extensive article...
Brass, Stainless Steel
George Nelson Chest / Dresser Cabinet for Herman Miller # 4935
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted dresser chest or cabinet standing on shorter legs in a dark ebony finish with side door having two adjustable shelves . The other side has five drawers , all with...
Stainless Steel
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...
Chrome
Pair George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Chests
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Pair of George Nelson thin edge chests or nightstands. The items are rosewood veneer with four pull-out drawers and metal legs.
Metal
$3,250
H 40 in W 40 in D 18.5 in
1950 George Nelson Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series Two Door Cabinet in Walnut
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a two-door cabinet designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller circa 1950. This is a gorgeous original example, which appears remarkably intact. As not...
Brass
$4,000
H 32 in W 34 in D 18.5 in
1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Four Drawer Dresser in Walnut
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Herman Miller Thin-Edge Four-Drawer Dresser, model 3302, designed by George Nelson in 1952. This piece dates to circa 1954 and is rarely seen in the marketplace in this con...
Steel
$16,398
H 44.5 in W 10.38 in D 19 in
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...
Metal, Aluminum
George Nelson Thin Edge Secretary Desk Cabinet for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Lake Worth, FL
1950s original Thin Edge secretary desk cabinet designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This early version features the rare black enamel stainless large pulls and tapered wood feet. Cabinet on the right includes an adjustable shelf and 2 drawers. Pull down desk is covered with black leather and features 5 drawers on the left side with original small white porcelain George Nelson drawer pulls...
Walnut
$5,400
H 41 in W 56 in D 18.5 in
GEORGE NELSON THIN EDGE CHEST / Cabinet for HERMAN MILLER. Classic Modernist
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nice early George Nelson 'Thin Edge' chest of drawers with classic aluminum pulls and walnut or mahogany veneer. Divided drawers,,, Produced in the 1950s & 1960s by Herman Miller, ...
Aluminum
$6,500
H 41 in W 40 in D 19.25 in
George Nelson Thin Edge cabinet model 5240 for Herman Miller USA, 1952
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Skokie, IL
George Nelson Thin Edge cabinet model for Herman Miller USA, 1952 Materials: teak, aluminum Dimensions: 41" h x 40" w x 19 1/2" d
Aluminum, Steel
$2,900
H 25.99 in W 69.3 in D 18.12 in
Mid-Century Modern Teak sideboard by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Teak sideboard by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 2 sliding doors, tubular chromed metal legs. Some scratches and repair Excellent vintage condition. Scratches and races of wear.
Steel
$10,064
H 26.78 in W 30.12 in D 12.8 in
Rosewood Miniature Series Chest by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1952
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Echt, NL
Beautiful model 5215 Miniature chest in very good condition. Designer: George Nelson (1908–1986) Manufacturer: Herman Miller Model: 5215 Series: Miniature Chests Design year: 19...
Metal, Aluminum
George Nelson Herman Miller Basic Series Gentleman's Cabinet Dresser
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic George Nelson for Herman Miller, basic series cabinet with 5 drawers on one side and a gentleman's wardrobe on the other. This is an uncommon version in oak. Newly redone p...
Steel
Sold
H 39.5 in W 40 in D 18.5 in
Mid Century Modern Walnut Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller, c1950s
By George Nelson
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is a stunning vintage mid-century modern walnut cabinet designed by the iconic George Nelson for Herman Miller, dating back to the 1950s. This exquisite piece showcases the ...
Aluminum
Rosewood Thin Edge Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Signed..
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Original George Nelson for Herman Miller Brazilian Rosewood Thin Edge storage cabinet. Two doors with porcelain pulls and on cast aluminum legs. The figuring in the rosewood on this ...
Aluminum
Sold
H 41.75 in W 56 in D 18.5 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Cabinet/Gentleman's Chest
By George Nelson
Located in Seattle, WA
A rare and unique George Nelson Thin Edge bar cabinet in Rosewood, with built in light box mirror and electric plug, circa 1970s. The cabinet can be used as a vanity table, with five...
Glass, Rosewood, Plywood
Sold
H 24 in W 34 in D 12 in
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Two-Door Cabinet in Walnut 4632 (No Bench)
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an uncommon Two-Door Walnut Cabinet, Model 4632, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This design was part of George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series. The listed...
Steel
George Nelson Steel Frame Nightstand, Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Raleigh, NC
A mid century modern classic, George Nelson Steel Frame night stand. This piece retains the original glass and hardware with original paint to the frame. The drawer face is newly p...
Steel
Sold
H 15 in W 55 in D 14 in
George Nelson Custom Hanging Walnut Cabinet from a National Historical Building
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A two door Nelson walnut hanging cabinet with woven cane fronts and brass hardware, having a beveled bottom edge to the doors for ease of opening and folding to the top. Inside the b...
Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 29 in W 74.5 in D 20 in
Stunning Rosewood Cabinet / credenza designed by George Nelson / Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Rosewood Cabinet / credenza designed by George Nelson / Herman Miller.. Ebonized wood frame and back with an amazing figured rosewood case,Four drawers , including two file ...
Wood, Rosewood
George Nelson Walnut Two Door Cabinet for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an iconic double door cabinet designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, circa 1950s. Often referred to as the Primavera Line, part of the Basic Cabinet Series. A beautifu...
Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 26 in W 74 in D 18.5 in
Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Low Walnut Cabinet Credenza
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Wonderful low cabinet by Herman Miller designed by George Nelson. This beautiful brown walnut long low credenza features 2x front original walnut sliding doors with 4 sections inside...
Metal
Sold
H 32.5 in W 34.25 in D 19.25 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller Cabinet - Green Lacquered doors & Hair Pin Legs
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller Green Front Two Door Cabinet model 4625, with 2 doors and single shelf designed in 1952. George Nelson was an iconic designer who collaborated with H...
Aluminum
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...
Aluminum