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George Nelson Furniture

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
Dining or Desk Chair by Ernest Farmer for George Nelson and Associates
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Ernest Farmer
Located in Littleton, CO
A rare birch dining or desk chair by Ernest Farmer of George Nelson and Associates for Herman Miller. Professional reupholstery available at pass-thro...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

George Nelson 5 Drawer Dresser with Sculptural Pulls by Herman Miller #4610
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A dark brownish ebony finished five drawer dresser with brushed stainless sculptural pulls . The top and middle drawers contain dividers and plenty of ...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Herman Miller Typewriter Desk Return by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Introducing the iconic Herman Miller typewriter desk return, a testament to the visionary design of George Nelson. This exceptional piece seamlessly combin...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

George Nelson, Vintage Coconut Chair, 1st issue, Herman Miller 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
George Nelson Early ‘Coconut’ Lounge Chair enamelled folded steel shell and chromed steel legs recently upholstered in Maharam Checker upholstery 85cm high, 105cm wide, 82cm deep De...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel, Chrome

George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson rosewood Thin Edge chest or dresser for Herman Miller, U.S.A. Exceptional rosewood grain patterns throughout just ...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Pedestal Side Table for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A simple and elegant pedestal side table with round top having a natural thin wood trim detail to the edge and cast meat star base . The base with foot pads to protect your floors ha...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

George Nelson Vanity Stool from Knoll, 1950s
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic model 4672 vanity stool designed by George Nelson. Plush rectangular seat gracefully perched on a brushed aluminum base. Minimal design and compact size makes it an attractiv...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Pair George Nelson Herman Miller 5-Drawer Chests + Door Primavera Basic Series
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare pair of cabinets or chests made by Herman Miller in the early 1950s and designed by American design icon George Nelson. Each cabinet features primavera construction, a form of b...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Pedestal Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, Usa, 1955
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pedestal desk designed in 1955 by George Nelson for Herman Miller, USA. Teak wood top with two drawers underneath and polished aluminium bases.
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

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 Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

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...
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1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Teak

George Nelson for Herman Miller Steelframe Dressers with Walnut - Pair
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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...
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1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel

1950s George Nelson No. 4000 Series Three Drawer Steel Frame Dresser
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Steel Frame No 4000 Series Dresser, initially designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1954. Its model number is 4013. It features a frame of white powder-coated bent...
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1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel, Iron

George Nelson Basic Series Dresser for Herman Miller in white and walnut.
By George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful White and Walnut Chest of Drawers by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This dresser is from the Basic series with its iconic black lacquer wood legs, beautiful walnut case a...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

George Nelson / Jack Lenor Larsen Arm Chair for Herman Miller # 4663
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A sculptural birch wood curved arm chair with custom colorful Jack Lenor Larsen fabric upholstery . From the early 1950's Mid Century era the chair is perfectly comfortable for a liv...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

George Nelson 1950s Steel Frame Sofa For Herman Miller Vintage Mid-Century
By George Nelson
Located in Monrovia, CA
This Is A Vintage 1950s George Nelson Steel Frame Sofa For Herman Miller. Original Gray Upholstery, Fabric For Herman Miller. Low, Thin...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel

1950s George Nelson No. 4000 Series Steel Frame Cabinet, Model 4033
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Steelframe No. 4000 Series Cabinet, initially designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1950. Its model number is 4033. It features a frame of white powder-coated bent...
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1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel, Iron

Modular Seating Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1950s. USA. Reupholstered in Pierre Frey “Bourail” Jacquard fabric. Refoamed as well. White laminate side tables with metal frame.
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Action Office 1' Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early George Nelson Action Office 1 desk in original condition with minor wear. George Nelson for Herman Miller, polished aluminum, plastic laminate, w...
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

Vintage George nelson Steel frame Side table for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
simple and elegant black steel frame with white laminate side table on castors. designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Iron

Rare Mosaic Tile Wall Clock in Walnut by George Nelson & Assoc circa 1950s
By Irving Harper, George Nelson
Located in Troy, MI
Rare George Nelson And Associates Mosaic Tile Wall Clock Designed by Irving Harper for George Nelson and Associates and produced by Howard Miller Model 2232 1957 Walnut frame with...
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20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Glass

George Nelson for Herman Miller Extension Coffee Table Model 4652
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, model 4652, Primavera coffee table by George Nelson for Herman Miller pulls out on each end as an extension of surface or to reveal two stored removable trays 21 x 16 inches with white formica tops. The table top is natural white mahogany...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Formica, Mahogany

Midcentury George Nelson Herman Miller Walnut Dresser Credenza
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Baltimore, MD
Iconic and classic Mid-Century Modern dresser designed by George Nelson for the Herman Miller Primavera line, circa 1950s. Iconic piece resulting from the collaboration of these two ...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

George Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller, c.1950s, USA. Newly upholstered in a high pile rich green mohair. The seating system features three cushioned seats and a white laminate side...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel

George Nelson, Armchairs, Iron, USA, 1950s
By George Nelson
Located in High Point, NC
A set of four iron armchairs designed by George Nelson and produced by Arbuck, USA, c. 1952. Dimensions: 29” H x 19” W 19” D Seat height: 16.5”
Category

1950s American Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Iron

1950's Rare George Nelson for Howard Miller Chronopak 4765 Clock
By George Nelson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A wonderful example of a mid century design by George Nelson for the Howard Miller clock company, this Chronopak Model 4765A clock is in beautiful condition and running well and keep...
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1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

George Nelson Walnut Full Size Headboard Cabinet
By George Nelson
Located in North Hollywood, CA
George Nelson walnut and leather accent headboard. 3 piece set, both side tables detach. White leather hidden storage space. No damages or broken ...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Dining Chairs in Beech #4669
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous set of 4 beech dining chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller # 4669 with caned backs and period fabric for seat covers. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. ...
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1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Beech

Rare & Original George Nelson Steel Frame Lounge Chairs Pair Herman Miller 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Super rare! George Nelson for Herman Miller steel frame chairs, model 5080 Easy Lounge Chairs. Original painted frames with solid wood arms. Orig...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel

Perch Stool by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. USA. Reupholstered in Kvadrat felt wool. Drafting stool.
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Wool

George Nelson Steel Frame Chest of Drawers, Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Raleigh, NC
An all original George Nelson small dresser. In good vintage condition with sign of age and use. Minor chipping of painted drawer fronts, loss of paint, oxidation to frame. Herma...
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Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel

George Nelson for Herman Miller Low Walnut Credenza
By George Nelson
Located in Denton, TX
Rare Glass sliding doors on a walnut display cabinet with adjustable shelves. Chrome legs with original Domes of silence glides. The Herman Miller badge is missing, please see pictur...
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20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Chrome

George Nelson for Hermann Miller Modular 3-Seater Sofa, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Naples, IT
Modular 3-seater sofa designed by George Miller in 1956. The sofa incorporates a system of modules that allows you to choose the seating arrangement, the coffee table and chest of dr...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Credenza / Cabinet in Oak by George Nelson for Herman Miller, USA, c. 1950's
By George Nelson
Located in Deland, FL
Embrace the iconic mid-century modern style with this exquisite credenza designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, part of the esteemed Basic Cabinet Series, crafted in the USA circa 1950s. Constructed from comb grain oak, this piece stands out with its original black painted tapered legs, a unique feature of Nelson's designs. The front-facing cabinet boasts two doors with curved steel cabinet...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel

George Nelson Herman Miller Thin Profile Cabinet
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 ...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Action Office Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Action Office Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
Category

1960s Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Extra Long George Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 for case goods, its countless imitations over the years are a testament to its functionality and popularity. Herman Miller produced them in a range of sizes to meet a variety of needs. This exceptional vintage example is model 4693. At 102” in length, it’s the largest size slat bench Herman Miller...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Maple

George Nelson for Koch and Lowy Half Nelson Lamp Circa 1980
By George Nelson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful Half Nelson lamp manufactured by Koch and Lowy circa 1980. This lamp was originally designed in 1949/50 by George Nelson. The lamp is in working condition and is in good condition. There are some minor marks and small spots of paint loss, please see the detailed photos. The top hood is adjustable and will allow a variety of different looks. It is pictured in our gallery resting on a Eero Saarinen for Knoll Tulip table and chair set...
Category

1980s American Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

George Nelson Model-4758 Wall Clock for Howard Miller
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson Model-4758 wall clock for Howard Miller.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

6 Teak Dining Chairs by Svegards Markaryd, Sweden
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A great set of 6 solid teak ladder back dining chairs by Svegards Markaryd. Chairs are burnt marked Svegards Markaryd made in Sweden. Priced per chair. Multiples of 2 may be purchased. These items are located at our Los Angeles Arts District gallery...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Teak

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...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

George Nelson, Modular Sofa and Table Seating System, 1966 for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Munster, NRW
George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s, United States. Very fine Modular §seater sofa by George Nelson (1908-1986) for Herman Miller. This sofa has a metal frame with square chro...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel, Chrome

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 Furniture

Materials

Chrome

George Nelson & Associates Cabinets, Herman Miller, Model 4617
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
George Nelson & Associates Cabinets, Herman Miller model 4617. Handsome bedside cabinets/nightstands, purchased by Solo Modern, from the estate of famed Mad Magazine cartoonist, Mort Drucker...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Zinc

George Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Occasional Table on Wheels (1955)
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Occasional Table on Wheels (1955) Frame: Black or white enamel with minor chips and scratches (consistent with age/use) Surfaces: Oiled wa...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

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 Furniture

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

1970s 6ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original 1970s Herman Miller Action Office desk with two drawers, designed by George Nelson and Robert Probst. This is a delightful...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Laminate, Oak

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Omni Wall Unit - 4 Bay
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller mid-century walnut omni wall unit - 4 bay This wall unit measures: 129.5 wide x 18 deep x 95 inches high. All piec...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

George Nelson Walnut Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design "Thin Edge" group walnut dresser for Herman Miller. High quality construction and materials featuring 10 drawers with dividers. Newly refinished and ready to ins...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

1970’s George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Long Dresser
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We recently acquired a set of George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge chests out of an estate. They are vintage 1970’s and still each retain the Herman Miller Label. Please see our other li...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

MCM Leather Perch Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-Century Modern leather perch stool or chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Versatile chair with adjustable hand-stitched leather seat hav...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel, Aluminum

George Nelson Nightstands with Pull Out Tables for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of dark ebony toned Mid Century nightstands with pull out bedside table and upper and lower bookcase styled storage . A early designed by George ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Wood

Two "Thin Edge" Chest by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Denton, TX
"Thin Edge" chest of drawers by George Nelson for Herman Miller. These make nice nightstands Measures: cabinet 1. 19.5" deep by 34" wide by 33.25" high cabinet 2. 19.5" Deep by 24...
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Modular Sofa designed by George NELSON for HERMAN MILLER, 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Two-seat Sofa designed by George Nelson. U.S.A., Herman Miller, 1960s. Modular Sofa by George Nelson with a strong metal structure including chrome-plated feet. Two vintage red Moha...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

1970s Mid-Century George Nelson Herman Miller "Action Office" Rolltop Desk Exec.
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Basel, BS
Very Rare and highly collectible original vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller rolltop "Action Desk". These early productions of these Herman Miller products hold more value than the more modern productions. This desk is beautiful from all angles. It is a brutalist, post modern, collectible work of art. Measures: Height: 34 inches Width: 54 inches Depth: 30 inches. Note: We do have the Herman Miller Aluminum Group desk chair...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Chrome

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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge 4 drawer Dresser by Herman Miller #1
By George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
A rosewood Thin Edge dresser designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller with exquisite rosewood grain and early original white porcelain handles.  The George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge 4-drawer Dresser, crafted by Herman Miller, epitomizes the timeless elegance and functional sophistication synonymous with mid-century modern design. This dresser stands as an iconic piece within the George Nelson collection, renowned for its clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and impeccable craftsmanship. This particular example boasts exquisite rosewood grain and early original white porcelain handles. Constructed from rich rosewood veneer, the dresser boasts a warm, organic hue that exudes luxury and refinement. Its slender profile and thin edges create an illusion of lightness, enhancing the overall sense of modernity and grace. The 4 spacious drawers feature seamless integration of hardware, maintaining the dresser's sleek appearance while providing ample storage space for clothing, linens, or personal belongings. Each detail of the George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge series reflects an unwavering commitment to both form and function. Its timeless design transcends trends, making it a versatile addition to any interior decor scheme, from minamalist to post-modern. Whether used in a bedroom, living area, or office space, this dresser elevates the ambiance with its understated elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship, showcasing the enduring legacy of George Nelson's visionary design ethos. About the Designer: Not everyone thinks of George Nelson when they think “Modernism”—but they should. Here’s why: Looking at the outset of George Nelson’s career, few would have guessed that his legacy would crown him as one of the most influential individuals in Modernism—story has it that the young Ivy Leaguer stumbled into the Yale School of Architecture seeking shelter from the rain, and only then did he consider studying design. His legacy, though, would be one that touched nearly every corner of American Modernism as we think of it today. As an architect, author, furniture designer, graphic designer, exhibition designer, teacher, amateur photographer, and general provocateur, George Nelson shaped the course of design in America for over four decades. After completing his two Bachelor’s degrees (one in architecture, the other in fine arts), Nelson went on to accept a traveling fellowship in Rome, which interfaced him with figures like Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe, Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier, and Gio Ponti all of which he interviewed forPencil Point, bringing the European vanguard to the attention of the magazine’s American readership. At this point in his career, Nelson had devoted himself to writing, joining Architectural Forum as its first associate editor in 1935. For nearly a decade, Nelson’s post as an editor brought him face-to-face with many of the leaders of the Modernism movement in the U.S., and through these exchanges, his own stance in the design world began to solidify. For Nelson, the purpose of design was to improve the world in accordance with the laws of nature—and while he hadn’t yet done much designing himself, he was busy teasing out the theoretical details of architecture. In 1940, Nelson co-authored Tomorrow’s House with Henry Wright, and the book went on to be a great commercial success, introducing concepts like the “family room,” and more broadly assuming a solutions-based perspective for architectural design. It wasn’t long before the book earned him the favorable attention of D.J. Depree, the chairman of Herman Miller the American furniture manufacture. Despite Nelson’s inexperience in furniture design, Depree saw potential in the writer’s approach to the industry: solutions-oriented design with a practical lean. Nelson became the company’s Director of Design in 1947, under the condition that he be allowed to continue his work outside of the company.  From 1947 to 1972, Nelson oversaw the design department at Herman Miller, bringing in the icons that would shape some of the most memorable pieces of mid-century design, from such people as Ray and Charles Eames and Harry Bertoia to Richard Schultz, Donald Knorr, and Isamu Noguchi. 

Beginning in the mid-1950s, Nelson’s own design firm began its work in earnest, producing furniture and pioneering a ubiquitous incorporation of design, bringing that same consideration for pragmatism and aesthetics to advertising and marketing materials, image management, and graphic programs. His own firm incorporated in 1955, tapping many of the same designers from the Herman Miller roster for collaborations under George Nelson Associates, Inc. It was during this period of Nelson’s life and career that many of his most iconic designs came onto the scene—many will be instantly familiar furniture silhouettes that perhaps you didn’t know sprung from George Nelson himself.  Designing his first collection in 1945 and appointed design director in 1947, Nelson quickly expanded his purview and transformed the company. Confirming De Pree’s early assessment of Nelson as someone “thinking well ahead of the parade,” he redesigned everything from Herman Miller’s product line to its graphics and marketing and advertising materials. Over the course of his long association with Herman Miller, Nelson designed hundreds of pieces of furniture and recruited other designers, including Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard, and Isamu Noguchi, now all widely acknowledged as some of the brightest talents of the time. Nelson developed his own designs—from furniture to architecture, and exhibitions to graphics—in his New York City studio, known variously over the years as George Nelson, George Nelson & Associates, and George Nelson and Company. The staff included significant designers in their own right such as Irving Harper, George Mulhauser, Ernest Farmer, Gordon Chadwick, George Tscherny...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

George Nelson furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of George Nelson furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture 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 furniture by Drexel, Widdicomb Furniture Co., and John Widdicomb. Prices for George Nelson furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $155 and can go as high as $48,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,411.
Questions About George Nelson Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    George 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    George 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, 2022
    Modern 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, 2022
    George 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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