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.
George Nelson Holzzylinder Floor Lamp, Rare
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
This lamp is extremely rare and even harder to find one with three heads. Designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in the 1960s, this lamp boasts three adjustable heads with indep...
Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Veneer 4-Drawer Commode, 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century 4-drawer walnut veneer bedside table / commode with M-shaped silver metal handles, resting on four square wooden legs. (BCS BASIC CABINET SERIES, GEORGE NELSON F...
Walnut
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design rosewood "Thin Edge" chest or dresser for Herman Miller, U.S.A. Exceptional rosewood grain patterns throughout the case and drawer fronts with new spinning top a...
Aluminum
Pair of Early Coconut Chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller in Shearling
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of early metal back Coconut chairs designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Fully restored and upholstered in shearling.
Sheepskin
George Nelson Steel Frame Group Rolling Table / Cart
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare and unusual George Nelson for Herman Miller table on rollers from the Steel Frame Group, made by Herman Miller. White lamina...
Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 5153 Mobile Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Irving Harper
Located in Hanover, MA
White enameled steel frame and white laminate rolling cart designed in 1951 by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Also referred to as an Angle Iron table...
Iron
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Rare 1950s California Modern George Nelson Arbuck Outdoor Iron Stools / Tables
By Arbuck, George Nelson
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Extremely rare pair of Arbuck Inc. square grid stools, with original labeled cushions. Could source glass tops to make tables, but no glass is included in this sale. Sold as a pair ...
Iron
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
2025 George Nelson for Herman Miller Queen-Size Headboard in Ash
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Nelson Thin Edge Queen Size Headboard, originally designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1954. This particular example was produced in the United States in 2025. Th...
Steel
Herman Miller Rolltop Schreibtisch action office George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Herman Miller Rolltop Schreibtisch aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von George Nelson und gilt heute als wahrer Designklassiker...
Chrome
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
George Nelson for Arbuck Wrought Iron Patio Side Tables
By George Nelson, Arbuck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of elegant, tiered, wrought iron side tables by George Nelson For Arbuck feature travertine tops that lay within the frames and mesh bottom tiers at 14 inches height.
Travertine, Wrought Iron
1950s Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table
By George Nelson
Located in Monrovia, CA
1950s Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller gate leg dining table George Nelson Vintage 1950s Walnut Gate Leg Dining Table By Herman Miller. George Nelson Designed This Table For Herman Miller In The 1950s With A Special Wide Wood Hinge And Double Gate Leg For Stability. This Table Is Considered An Iconic Mid Century Modern Design. This Fabulous Design Is Essentially 3 Modern Tables In 1. 1. A Small Dining Table. 2. A Desk or Work Table With 1 Leaf In The Up Position. 3. A Large Dining Table - Fully Extended - Seating 6 or More . This Original Walnut George Nelson Gate Leg Table...
Wood, Walnut
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 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
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Rare George Nelson Coffetable with Castors
By George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
From the steelframe series. LOCATED IN HAMBURG
Metal
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...
Metal
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series (BSC) Credenza
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a credenza / dresser, originally designed by George Nelson in 1946 as part of the Basic Cabinet Series. This particular example was produced by Herman Miller in the 1950s. Th...
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...
Metal
George Nelson Studio Steering Wheel Clock
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An original George Nelson Studio steering wheel clock Original surface, hour markers and second hand Howard Miller Decal present,see detail phot...
Metal
George Nelson For Herman Miller Model 652 Walnut Storage Cube Blanket Chest
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed by the legendary George Nelson for Herman Miller, this vintage Model 652 storage cube or blanket chest exudes architectural minimalism and multi-functional mid-century desig...
Walnut, Wood
$1,400 / set
Herman Miller Mid-Century Tables
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of mid-century end tables by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Walnut frames with white laminate tops. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Laminate, Walnut
1950s John Pyle for George Nelson Associates Laminate Pretzel Chairs set of 4
By George Nelson, John Pile
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A set of four scarce John Pile for George Nelson Associates of Herman Miller Side Chairs. These chairs are purportedly from a run of around 100 chairs before being discontinued. A l...
Birch, Walnut
1960s George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman Miller Action Office I Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Robert Propst
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut and Leather Desk Table, Model 64906, designed by George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman Miller in 1964. The design was a part of the Action Office Series. This e...
Steel, Iron
Mid Century Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Side Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Side Table Classic vintage mid century modern side table with white ...
Metal
C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table in Mahogany
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Gate-leg dining table, model 4656, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This piece dates to 1954 and is constructed of mahogany. It features a wide wooden h...
Steel
1978 New Old Stock Overhead Cabinets by George Nelson, 6x Avail
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a New/Old Stock Hanging Cabinet, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller for their Action Office Series in 1965. These particular cabinets date to 1978 and were never use...
Steel, Enamel
C. 1955 George Nelson Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series Nightstand / End Table
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Nightstand / Cabinet from George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series, originally designed in 1946. This particular example was produced by Herman Miller C. 1955. This piece featu...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Style Pedestal End Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautifulmid century modern pedestal table by Herman Miller can be used as a coffee or end table, and features the sleek and simple design of mid-century designer George Nelson....
Metal
1960s Action Office Standing Desk by George Nelson, Herman Miler production
By George Nelson, Robert Propst, Herman Miller
Located in Renens, CH
1960s Action Office Standing Desk by George Nelson, Herman Miler production George Nelson, architect, designer and author is famous for several ...
Metal
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
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Full Size Headboard in Walnut
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut Full-Sized Headboard, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1952. This design was part of George Nelson's Thin Edge Series. It features a construction of bo...
Steel
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller BCS Walnut Three Drawer Cabinet (no bench)
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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
Set of Six George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Dining Chairs
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller teak and upholstered dining chairs. We also have the matching dining table, please inquire for details. All items ar...
Teak
$850Sale Price|41% Off
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pedestal Table, Black Veneered Maple & Aluminum
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Astoria, NY
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pedestal Table, black veneered maple top above aluminum base, Herman Miller label to underside. 16" H x 28.5" Diameter. Provenance: An East 87th Str...
Aluminum
1950's George Nelson X-Leg Extension Dining Table Model 5062
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Hanover, MA
Early George Nelson model 5062 X-Leg extension dining table for Herman Miller, 1952. Table has two 12 inch extension leaves and pull-out metal extension tracks. Table is 29 inches...
Iron
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Restored George Nelson Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
Sofa designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Newly upholstered in a ticking striped fabric with chrome legs. Measures: 81". Arm height 21"
Fabric
C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Three Drawer Cabinet 34x24x18 in
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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
1958 George Nelson for Herman Miller Full-Sized Walnut Headboard with Label
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a George Nelson full-sized headboard, produced by Herman Miller in the USA. It retains its circular medallion label, which dates the piece to the 1950s, more specifically cir...
Walnut
George Nelson Cast Iron Fire Starter
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, cast iron, fire starter by George Nelson for Howard Miller.
Iron
George Nelson & Associates Attributed “Safety Numbers” Playboy Lucite Ruler
By Playboy, George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare vintage Playboy Lucite ruler, attributed to George Nelson & Associates, circa 1960s. #5659 This striking modernist desk accessory features oversized dimensional numerals i...
Lucite
2007 Coconut Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Vitra in Black Leather
By Vitra, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single Coconut Lounge Chair, designed by George Nelson. This handsome lounge chair is composed of a molded reinforced plastic shell, with an upholstered black leather seat ...
Leather, Plastic
George Nelson Prototype DAF Chair for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An early per production prototype fiberglass arm shell or DAF chair designed by George Nelson. This chair came directly from a engineer working for the Herma...
Fiberglass
1970s 4ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1970s vintage Herman Miller Action Office desk, designed by George Nelson. This is a classic example of Nelson's work with great emphasis on simplicity and functionality. It has cast aluminum legs and basket-like pull-out drawers. We have multiple Action Office desks in stock...
Aluminum
C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Soft Edge Curved Dining Table
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Soft Edge Curved Dining Table, model 5259, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1953. This example dates to c. 1954. The piece has a rosewood veneer top, and is s...
Steel
2-Seater Sofa with Side Tables by George Nelson for Herman Miller, USA, 1960s –
By George Nelson
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
A 1960s two-seater sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller, part of his Modular Seating Group. The design combines two upholstered seats with integrated laminate side tables on a cle...
Metal, Chrome
1953 George Nelson Herman Miller Thin Edge Series 5221 Rosewood Dresser Cabinet
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a circa 1953 production Model 5221 Thin Edge dresser / cabinet, designed by George Nelson, produced by Herman Miller. Notably, this example was specified in the mo...
Rosewood
George Nelson EOG Walnut Table
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1950s. A large dining table or work table from George Nelson’s Executive Office Group for Herman Miller. Features a generous rec...
Steel, Chrome
2002 George Nelson for Herman Miller Slatted Bench in Ebonized Wood, Model 4992
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Slat Platform Bench, Model 4992, initially designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1947. This particular example dates to 2002. The bench is comprised entirely of ma...
Maple, Paint
1970s 6ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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...
Laminate, Oak
Early George Nelson Full Sized Tilting Storage Headboard # 5400
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A dark brownish ebony finished full sized headboard with wheat toned soft contract fabric upholstered headrests . The best thing about this well designed piece is there is storage be...
Upholstery, Wood
Tray Table by George Nelson for Vitra
By George Nelson
Located in Hamburg, DE
Coffee table by Vitra, designed by George Nelson in 1960. A design classic. The materials and craftsmanship are of very high quality. The tabletop surface is coated in white. The ed...
Metal
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
George Nelson for Herman Miller Five Drawer Dresser Thin Edge Rosewood c. 1950's
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Mid Century masterpiece, five drawer thin edge dresser designed by recognized master of the idiom, George Nelson, for Herman Miller, circa 1950's. Part of the hard to find, a...
Aluminum
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. ...
Fabric, Cane, Beech
George Nelson, Modular Sofa and Table Seating System, 1966 for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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...
Steel, Chrome
Pedestal Side Coffee 5452 Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
The famous coffee table designed by George Nelson in 1960 for Herman Miller. White pedestal base, white tabletop. Signed!
Aluminum
Round Side Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The George Nelson-designed round pedestal side table for Herman Miller features a timeless and sleek design. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it boasts a circular table s...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Pedestal Coffee Table, Model
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Quarrata, IT
George Nelson Pedestal Coffee Table, Model 5452 Produced by Herman Miller, USA, 1954 Low occasional coffee table, model 5452, designed by George Nelson in 1954. The piece features a ...
Metal
George Nelson Herman Miller Swag Leg Coffee Table
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A white Laminate topped Swag leg coffee table by the iconic designer Geroge Nelson who's simple, yet unique aesthetic is still as fresh today as it was more that 50 years ago. Having...
Aluminum