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.
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table in Walnut
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Gate-Leg Dining Table, originally designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This particular examples was produced in the United States and dates to the 1950s. Th...
Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller Extendable Dining Table
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pedestal Table, Black Veneered Maple & Aluminum
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Astoria, NY
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pedestal Table, black veneered maple top above aluminum base, partial Herman Miller label to underside. 21.75" H x 28.5" Diameter. Provenance: An Ea...
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller early original Coconut Chair and ottoman
By George Nelson
Located in Walnut Creek, CA
This is a nice clean original George Nelson for Herman Miller Coconut Chair and ottoman. It came out of a well preserved architect’s estat...
Chrome
George Nelson, Rare Lounge Chair, Fabric, USA, 1940s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in High Point, NC
A rare wood and beige grey bouclé fabric model 4688 lounge chair designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, c. 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 18.5” Arm Height (inc...
Fabric, Wood
Herman Miller Rolltop Schreibtisch action office George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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
$1,320Sale Price|70% Off
George Nelson for Herman Miller MCM Walnut and Leather Twin Headboards
By George Nelson
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Iconic George Nelson for Herman Miller twin walnut headboards with full grain beige leather inset panels with tufting. The paneled doors lower to reveal shelf storage perfect for bo...
Leather, Walnut
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 ...
Wood
White George Nelson Pedestal Coffee Side Table for Herman Miller, USA, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Vienna, AT
This iconic circular white pedestal coffee or side table was designed by George Nelson and made by Herman Miller, USA It features a White laminate top and enameled steel pedestal ba...
Steel
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Marvelous Pair George Nelson Primavera Night Stand Mid-Century Modern
By George Nelson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stylish pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller Primavera night stands. One stand is slightly different than the other having an open space instead of a door. These stands measure ...
Metal
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
George Nelson "Half Nelson" Adjustable Table Lamp for Koch and Lowy
By George Nelson, Koch & Lowy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Half Nelson table lamp, designed by George Nelson for Koch and Lowy. This thoughtful design features a pivoting metal shade that can be adjusted...
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, 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
George Nelson Coconut Chair for Herman Miller, Early 1st Generation Production
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Troy, MI
Rare 1st edition Coconut lounge chair designed by George Nelson and Associates Herman Miller circa 1955-1956 Earliest production example characterized by a triangular steel shell an...
Metal, 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...
Leather, Wood
1960s White Low Coffee Side Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 5452
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
This iconic pedestal coffee table, model 5452, was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in the 1950s. It’s perfect coffee table height, or equally could be used as a side tabl...
Aluminum, Steel
1970’s George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Tall Chest
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...
Rosewood
1970s 4ft 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...
Laminate, Oak, Wood
George Nelson Vanity Stool Model 4672 for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Hanover, MA
George Nelson vanity bench stool model N° 4672 for Herman Miller, designed 1946. Aluminum rods, foam, original fabric covering. Original Herman Miller label present. Produced by Herman Miller from 1946 to 1956. One owner. Cushion dimensions ~3 inches high by 19 inches wide by 15 inches deep.
Aluminum
Pair Early and Rare Pretzel sIDE Chairs by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Matched pair Early and Rare Pretzel sIDE Chaisr designed by by George Nelson, c 1952,,, gREAT EXAMPLES, bOTH chairs retain they're original finish / patina,,,,Iconic Design. Becoming...
Plywood
George Nelson Model 4652 Extension Coffee Table by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Highland, IN
This early George Nelson design features two extensions with reversible and removable tray tables. Closed, it is a modestly scaled table. Opened the surface nearly doubles, and the t...
Wood, Formica
Rare OMI "Eyeshade" Adjustable Floor Lamp, George Nelson, Koch & Lowy, USA, 1960
By George Nelson
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare, early "Eyeshade" floor lamp designed by the influential George Nelson for Koch & Lowy. Designed by and for architects this lamp is as versatile as it is aesth...
Metal
Pedestal Extension Table model 5559 By GEORGE NELSON for HERMAN MILLER 1950S
By George Nelson
Located in Vigevano, PV
Pedestal Extension Table model 5559 By GEORGE NELSON for HERMAN MILLER 1950S
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 4663 Chairs
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A matched pair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Model 4663 chairs sit firmly in the midcentury era, with clean lines, balanced proportions, and a focus on comfort. Solid ...
Upholstery, Wood
George Nelson "Half Nelson" Lamp for Koch Lowy #1
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic George Nelson Half lamp for Koch Lowy. In brass finish. Very good overall conditon. The shade pivots to aim light.
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...
Metal
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
George Nelson Pedestal Table by Vitra, Black Aluminum & Laminate, 72cm
By George Nelson, Vitra
Located in Madrid, ES
Pedestal table, originally designed by George Nelson in 1954, with four-branched base in black lacquered aluminum. Tabletop in black laminate with a visible edge in birch veneer. Pro...
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 5153 Mobile Table
By George Nelson, Irving Harper, Herman Miller
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
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
George Nelson Rare Protype Bench / Coffee Table for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A early and rare Nelson coffee table / bench with white rectangle Laminate top having black legs typical of the Nelson slat bench coffee table. This table was not produced in large n...
Wood
Set of Four George Nelson ''Pretzel'' Armchair Made by ICF, Italy, 1984-1986
By ICF De Padova, George Nelson
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A rare and beautiful set of four ''Pretzel'' armchairs made in laminated wood and manufactured in the 1984/1986 in Italy by ICF De Padova. Originally designed for Herman Miller in...
Fabric, Ash
Coconut Lounge Chair in Leather by George Nelson for Vitra, 1955
By George Nelson
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
An iconic Coconut Lounge Chair designed by George Nelson in 1955, produced by Vitra. This design stands as a hallmark of mid-century modern innovation, where form, comfort and playfu...
Metal
Swag Leg Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller - 1950s, La Fonda, Space Age
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
Swag Leg Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller - 1950s This iconic Swag Leg Chair was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in the 1950s. The chair is characterized by its ...
Fiberglass
Set of 6 Black Pretzel Chairs, by George Nelson for ICF
By George Nelson, ICF De Padova
Located in Berlin, DE
A rare set of six ''Pretzel'' armchairs with leather cushions, made from laminated wood by ICF De Padova in Italy between 1984 and 1986. Originally designed for Herman Miller, George...
Leather, Wood
Pair of George Nelson Armchairs in Cowhide Upholstery
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller armchairs with new cowhide upholstery. Great for any modern environment besides the obvious modern cabin or rustic setting.
Cowhide, Walnut
Pair of White Perch Chairs by George Nelson for Vitra
By Vitra, George Nelson
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of white leather stools / 'Perch Chairs' by George Nelson for Vitra. Designed 1964. This pair is manufactured in 2010 by Vitra. The stools feature contoured seats upholstered in...
Chrome
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...
Laminate, Oak
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Double Dresser
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rosewood Thin Edge collection model 5221 eight-drawer dresser, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Drawer fronts show off gorgeous figured rosewood selection, finished with ...
Rosewood
$1,069Sale Price|35% Off
White Pedestal Coffee Side Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, USA, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Vienna, AT
This iconic circular white 5452 pedestal coffee or side table was designed by George Nelson and made by Herman Miller, USA 1960s. It features a White laminate top and enameled steel...
Steel
George Nelson Walnut Veneer 4-Drawer Commode for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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...
Metal
1960s George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman Miller Action Office I Desk
By George Nelson, Robert Propst, Herman Miller
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
Sofa with Side Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, United States ca 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Utrecht, NL
George Nelson was one of the central figures in the development of American modern design in the mid twentieth century. As design director for Herman Miller from 1945 onward, Nelson ...
Fabric, Wood
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
Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, 1950s
By George Nelson, Vitra
Located in Antwerp, BE
Introducing the Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, an iconic piece of modern design that combines comfort, elegance, an...
Chrome
Set of Four Paddle Armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
Exceptional set of four armchairs designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. The chairs feature a refined sculptural form and have been newly upholstered in premium black aniline l...
Chrome
2x DAF Swag Leg Arm Stuhl Charles Eames George Nelson Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten insgesamt zwei wunderschöne und äußerst seltene DAF Swag Leg Arm Stühle von Herman Miller Collection zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von George Nelson bzw. Charles Eame...
Metal
$3,666Sale Price|20% Off
CSS library by George Nelson for ICF De Padua 1960s
By George Nelson, ICF De Padova
Located in Milano, IT
Wall-mounted bookcase requiring wall anchorage, with open shelves and storage elements, aluminum uprights, enameled metal. Good conditions.
Metal, Aluminum
George Nelson Chess Piece Clock
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare model #2251 chess piece table clock designed by George Nelson for Howard Miller Clock Company. Turned walnut base supports w...
Brass
Pair of George Nelson Slat Wood Benches for Herman Miller. U.S.A.
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An iconic pair of slat wood benches designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, representing one of the most enduring and versatile designs of the American Mid-Century Modern moveme...
Wood
George Nelson 'Home' desk for Herman Miller, 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in London, GB
Designed in 1958 by George Nelson for Herman Miller, this elegant desks refined proportions and understated materials lend it a light, decorative presence while remaining highly prac...
Formica, Oak
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 8 Drawer Dresser
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 8 Drawer Dresser This dresser measures: 46.75 wide x 18.25 deep x 30.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had...
Rosewood
George Nelson Steel Frame Group Rolling Table / Cart
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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 Rolling End Tables for Herman Miller, White Laminate
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Queens, NY
2 Pairs of American mid-century rolling end / side tables with square white laminate tops and lower shelves contained in an open cube-form black coated steel frame, resting on four s...
Metal, Steel
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Dining Table with Custom Planter
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a large dining or conference table, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in the 1950s. This model was custom-made to include space for a planter in the middle of the p...
Laminate, Wood
$1,500 / item
George Nelson Coffee Table in White by Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is George Nelson's signature end table, characterized by clean lines and practicality. The metal base pedestal looks almost organic as it rise...
Aluminum
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...
Steel
Custom George Nelson / Girard "pin-wheel" marble top coffee / cocktail table
By Herman Miller, Alexander Girard, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Custom George Nelson / Girard "pin-wheel" marble top coffee / cocktail table... Table is comprised of swiveling base model 5452 and a marble top believe to have been designed by Alex...
Marble, Aluminum
George Nelson Herman Miller Drop Leaf Gate Leg Dining Table or Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
A rarer find in original black finish. Clever design by George Nelson for Herman Miller Measures: 40" depth 29.75" height. 64.75" long unfolded 41.5" half folded 18.5" folded.
Wood