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.
Vintage George Nelson Model-2202 Sunburst Clock for Howard Miller
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage George Nelson Model 2202 sunburst clock for Howard Miller is an iconic example of mid-century modern design, combining playful geometry with timeless radial symmetry. Cr...
Metal
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 per Herman Miller Libreria "CSS", italia 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Naples, IT
Libreria modulare del modello CSS disegnata da George Nelson per Herman Miller. Il sistema è un'iconica unità di scaffalatura modulare che incarna la filosofia del design moderno di ...
Steel
George Nelson Thin Edge cabinet model 5723 for Herman Miller USA, 1952
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Skokie, IL
George Nelson Thin Edge cabinet model 5723 for Herman Miller USA, 1952. Classic. Materials: teak, aluminum Dimensions: 33 1/2" h x 67 1/4" w x 19 1/4" d
Aluminum, Steel
$16,900 / set
George Nelson 6 Black Pretzel Chairs for ICF, 1984
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, ICF De Padova
Located in Vienna, AT
George Nelson pretzel chairs Model # 5890, manufactured for ICF (labelled) A rare set of six ''Pretzel'' armchairs with newly upholstered cushions, made from laminated wood by ICF D...
Velvet, Plywood
George Nelson Thin Edge cabinet model 5240 for Herman Miller USA, 1952
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
George Nelson Leather & Walnut Illuminated Vanity with Mirror & Ottoman for Herm
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...
Leather, Glass, Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa in White Leather
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful design by George Nelson for Herman Miller this marshmallow sofa is a sculptural icon. The sofa is done in white leather and bears the Herman Miller tag on the back. The s...
Steel
Midcentury George Nelson Omni Herman Miller Modular Shelving System Walnut 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
This is a rare American ‘Omni’ modular freestanding shelving system in walnut and aluminium, designed by George Nelson in 1952 and manufactured by Herman Miller, America. The shelvi...
Metal, Aluminum
George Nelson 72” Bench Herman Miller Mid Century Modern
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined modern bench, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, American, circa 2000s. Signed underneath. This bench retails for $2,365.
Wood, Maple
Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Slatted Bench Maple Blonde
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful mid century George Nelson Herman Miller slatted bench with Amazing Patina. This bench is 72.25" Long Slatted coffee...
Maple, Lacquer
$14,000Sale Price|60% Off
Vintage 1949 Mid-Century Modern Custom L-Shaped Office Desk by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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...
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit, 1950
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Wall Unit, 1950’s. Unit is Walnut and made in Zeeland, Michigan. Measures 96” wide 19.5” deep 63” tall 2 Bottom ...
Walnut
Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Irving Harper
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
George Nelson Office – Limited Edition Marshmallow Sofa Designed by Irving Harper for the George Nelson office, this multicolored Marshmallow Sofa is a limited edition piece manufact...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
$1,600Sale Price|50% Off
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century modern walnut extension dining table by George Nelson Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century modern original walnut extension dining table designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller with 2 leaves. This dining table has a walnut top with 2x walnut leaves that sto...
Steel
George Nelson Thin Edge Floating Queen Headboard for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Diego, CA
Cool nice floating headboard designed by Nelson for Herman Miller , easy to hang on the wall simple elegant design great original condition.
Rattan, Wood
George Nelson Black Enameled Mahogany 4 Drawer Dresser, 1950's
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Bainbridge, NY
George Nelson for Herman Miller "Basic Series" Four Drawer Black Dresser, circa 1955. Featuring a rectangular paneled Mahogany Cabinet, Dresser, four drawers, circular Lucite handles...
Mahogany, Lucite
Rare George Nelson Flying Duck Chair on Casters. New Alexander Girard Fabric.
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare "Flying Duck" chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Expertly reupholstered, including new foam, in Alexander Girard checkerboard fabric by Maharam in green and ye...
Steel, Aluminum
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
George Nelson for Herman Miller Executive Office desk and Return 1955
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Executive Office Desk and Return, 1955 Walnut case with laminate top and aluminum “H” base legs. The long cabinet is finished on all sides, featuring ...
Aluminum
George Nelson Classic Slat Bench 1950's Original Signed!
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic, original 1950's vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller slat bench. Original ebonised finish with warm patina. This is a hard to find original bench, retaining its foil la...
Maple
George Nelson by Herman Miller Laminated Aluminum Design 1950s Rare Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brescia, IT
Modernist Desk George Nelson by Hermann Miller 1950 Laminated wood, aluminum base Rare model.
Aluminum
George Nelson Adjustable Tray Table
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nelson Adjustable Tray Table Model #4950 Originally designed in 1949 utilizing Bent wood Technology perfected during WW2 Elegant and useful Original Clean surface A 2nd matche...
Walnut
Classic George Nelson / Herman Miller Slat Bench Model #4690 -.1960's
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic George Nelson / Herman Miller Slat Platform Bench Model #4690 -.1960's.. Modern Icon..Retains original finish.. beautiful warm patina.. really nice original condition..
Wood, Birch
Vintage Mid Century 4601 Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Evelyn Ackerman, George Nelson
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a lovely model 4601 cabinet in walnut by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Part of the "Basic Cabinet Series", this piece features a simple two door design with adjustable in...
Walnut
George Nelson "Bubble Lamp", USA circa 1952
By George Nelson
Located in Culver City, CA
USA, 1952 George Nelson & Associates for Howard Miller Clock Company. Sprayed fiberglass over metal frame with steel braces. 26”dia x 11”h Ref. L5278 $ 3,200
Steel
Extremely Rare George Nelson Bubble Floor Lamp Original Birch Tripod Base 1950s
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Troy, MI
Extremely rare floor lamp designed by George Nelson & Associates Offered through Howard Miller circa 1952 Tripod base in natural birch with brushed brass fittings and a round bubble...
Brass
George Nelson for Herman Miller 9000 Series Walnut, Formica Desk w/Return, Lamp
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller 9000 Series Mid Century Walnut and White Formica Executive Corner Desk with Return and Built In Lamp This desk measures: 71.75 wide x 73 deep x 29.5 ...
Formica, Walnut
Six Foot George Nelson Classic Slat Bench 1950's Original Signed!
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic, original 1950's vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller slat bench. Natural finish with warm patina and ebonized legs. This is a hard to find original, retaining its foil...
Maple
Mid-Century George Nelson Herman Miller Long Slatted Platform Bench in Birch
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine American Mid-Century Modern slatted Platform Bench. Designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. In natural and black-lacquered birch with three trapezoidal legs. Model no....
Birch
George Nelson Slatted Bench Model #4690
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nelson Birch slatted Bench An early example C.1950 Original Finish
Birch
$6,727Sale Price|20% Off
George Nelson Desk by Herman Miller, Walnut, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s The Top has a very floating appearance.
Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Desk with Return
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Desk with Return This desk measures: 80.75 wide x 18.5 deep x 44.25 high The return measures: 59 wide x 29.5 deep x 29 inches high...
Chrome
Pair Of Steel Frame Dressers By George Nelson For Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of Mid-Century Modern Steel Frame dressers 'model 4016' were designed by American designer George Nelson circa 1955 and produced by Herman Miller. Both dressers feature pow...
Steel, Chrome
George Nelson for Howard Miller forced Iron Stand Fireplace Log Fire Holder
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Den Haag, NL
A classic original 1960s Howard Miller fireplace “Fire basket” log fire holder designed by George Nelson Assoc. of forged Iron . Still traces left of the original Gold Color .
Iron
$7,250Sale Price / set|50% Off
George Nelson & Associates Nightstands Cabinets, Walnut, Herman Miller 4617
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
George Nelson & Associates Cabinets, Herman Miller model 4617. Handsome walnut bedside cabinets/nightstands, purchased by Solo Modern, from the estate of famed Mad Magazine cartoonist, Mort Drucker...
Aluminum, Zinc
Mid-century design cocoon hanging by George Nelson lamp , 1970s
By George Nelson
Located in Delft, NL
Mid-century design cocoon hanging by George Nelson lamp , 1970s
Plastic
George Nelson for Howard Miller Lucite Wall Clock
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Astoria, NY
George Nelson for Howard Miller Brass and Lucite Wall Clock, hanging pendulum, label to transparent clock face. 40" H x 15" W x 5.5" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Brass
George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller Home Office Desk, 1946
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller Home Office desk, 1946, model 4658 Desk features flip-top compartment revealing small organizer, two doors concealing three fixed shelve...
Leather, Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller Action Office Roll Top Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning vintage Roll Top desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Designed in 1965 this drafting table is one of the 1970s productions from the iconic furniture company. The piece ...
Chrome
Vintage Walnut George Nelson 5 Drawer Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful Walnut Basic Cabinet Series 5 Drawer Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller. features the uncommon cupcake drawer pulls. the drawer boxes have been remade and outfit...
Walnut
George Nelson Mid Century Cane and Walnut Full Headboard for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A mid century walnut thin framed full size headboard with a natural woven cane insert . Designed by George Nelson for the Herman Miller Furniture company model # 5547 . The headboard...
Metal
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
George Nelson for Herman Miller Extendable Dining Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Esperance, NY
Available for purchase is this beautiful original mid-century table, featuring two butterfly leaves for easy extension. When fully extended, the table measures 82” in width.
Wood
rare bookcase designed "css" model by george nelson for herman miller 1060
By George Nelson
Located in taranto, IT
Rare Sky/Earth modular bookcase model "CSS", designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960 composed of five height-adjustable aluminium uprights, 10 shelves, two wooden upper com...
Aluminum
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
$2,800 / item
Original George Nelson Pretzel Chair, Leather
By George Nelson
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and beautiful ''Pretzel'' ArmChair, laminated wood and dark brown leather seat. Manufactured in the 1984/1986 in Italy by ICF De Padova. Price is for one chair. Pair available.
Leather, Plywood
Mid Century Omni Wood Modular Wall Unit Shelving & Bookcase by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century modern Omni wall unit shelving system designed by George Nelson is circa 1960. This ingenious shelving system features spring-loaded floor to ceiling aluminu...
Metal, Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pedestal/ Side Table
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pedestal Table. Aluminum Base with a formica top and maple edge. Classic, useful design! Very clean example!
Metal
George Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Highland, IN
Introduced in 1946, the slat platform bench was one of Nelson's first designs for Herman Miller after becoming their design director. Intended to serve as a table, a seat, or a base ...
Maple
$7,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
Postmodern Howard Miller George Nelson 1984 Olympus Table Clock "Tempo 21"
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare "Olympus" table clock by Howard Miller Clock Company. From the 1984 "Tempo 21" collection. The circular red clock face is upheld by a green pyramid base...
Aluminum
8000 Series 3 Door Credenza, George Nelson, Herman Miller, 1960's
By George Nelson
Located in Culver City, CA
This George Nelson for Herman Miller 8000 Series credenza features not two, but three sliding doors—a configuration so unusual we couldn't find another example online. At first, we a...
Aluminum
Pr. Mid Century George Nelson Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Bachelors Chests
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite matched pair of George Nelson designed four drawer Thin Edge dressers, executed in Rosewood, for Herman Miller circa 1950's. These chests are in very good, original, clean...
Aluminum
Sideboard by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1970s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden sideboard with 2 black sliding doors, each containing height-adjustable shelves and one door that can be locked designed by George Nelson. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPI...
Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller Chests/Dressers, a Pair
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A beautiful pair of dressers designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Finished in a spectacular combed oak veneer. One of the most lively, beautiful, vibrant veneers we’ve ever s...
Oak
Checkerboard Table Clock, "Tempo 21" Tower 2 by George Nelson, 1984
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare postmodern cream, brown, and navy checkerboard table clock by Howard Miller Clock Company. From the 1984 "Tempo 21" collection. Very few signs...
Aluminum
Iconic George Nelson for Howard Miller Mid-Century Modern Starburst Clock
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
An iconic and authentic George Nelson for Howard Miller Mid-Century Modern Starburst Clock with its original stamp / maker’s mark intact. Measurements: 19.5ʺ wide, 2.5" deep and 19....
Metal
Vintage 3 Drawer Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Walnut 3 drawer dresser with the classic cupcake pulls. This Dresser is part of the Basic Cabinet Series (BCS) designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Walnut
Vintage George Nelson / Howard Miller Multi-color Spike / Starburst Clock
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Iconic Vintage George Nelson / Howard Miller Multi-color Spike / Starburst Electric Wall Clock,, Amazing colors,, wonderful patina,, retains original Howard Miller label,, Tested and...
Metal