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
Returnable Items Only
1960s Executive Desk Chair by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A George Nelson designed rolling desk chair with orange fabric supported by a swivel base with casters. Manufactured by George Nelson and Associates in the 1960s. Newly reupholstered.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Cast Iron Fire Starter
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, cast iron, fire starter by George Nelson for Howard Miller.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Iron
Five-Drawer Ribbon Mahogany Tall Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Ribbon mahogany five-drawer dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller. M-shaped aluminium pulls and hair pin aluminium legs. Top drawer is partitioned as is the third deeper drawer.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
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.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Cowhide, Walnut
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Lazy Susan Round Dining Table Very Rare Brazilian Rosewood Top
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Early, rare rosewood lazy susan dining table designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. The center white laminate area is a lazy susan so it turns in a circular motion. This is the...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
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
Cape Cod Firelighter Irving Harper George Nelson Fire Starter Cast Iron Tool McM
By Howard Miller, George Nelson, Irving Harper
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Presented to you in original patina, a cast iron pot, and coil-handled shaft with firing stone. A famous Industrial Design midcentury icon; the Cape Cod firelighter, Model H611, desi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Iron
George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Nightstand
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design "Thin Edge" series nightstand for Herman Miller. Made from highly figural rosewood on tapering aluminum legs with a white lacquer cubby and an adjustable shelf. ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
George Nelson Bench or Stool
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Nelson for Herman Miller bench or vanity stool, model 4698
Solid black lacquer legs with ergonomic curved seat reupholstered with great plains boucle.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Midcentury George Nelson Cubist Lounge Chair Model 4774
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this George Nelson designed armchair Model 4774. This very Cubist design was manufactured by Herman Miller during the 1950s. Featuring solid birch wood with...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Herman Miller George Nelson Modular Seating Cognac Natural Leather Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This living room set model modular sofa was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
This set was completely re -upholstered in high premium cognac Natural leather.
It has a soft...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Armchair by George Nelson for Herman Miller Restored
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
George Nelson armchair in new blue Maharam fabric. Blonde Primavera frame in excellent condition.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Open-Arm Ebonized Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, this rare lounge chair, model 4774, features an open ebonized birch frame. Its strong rectangular lines acce...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Birch
Rare Mid-Century Design Icon an Arthur Umanoff Iron and Cane Log Holder Rack
By Arthur Umanoff, George Nelson
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Simple, sculptural design. Presented in As-Found condition.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Writing Desk by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A single pedestal writing desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller with a built-in pivoting lamp. Lamp is 18" H.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
Prototype George Nelson Rosewood Round Dining or Conference Table, One of a Kind
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
This unique prototype table was designed by George Nelson and features a 1.5 inch thick Brazilian rosewood top made from lumber Nelson selected on a trip to Brasilia and meeting with...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
George Nelson Rare High Back Chair
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson rare high back chair
A high back lounge chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Model #5469, this lounge chair is one of t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Chrome, Steel
Set of Four Paddle Armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of four armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller in black aniline leather. Original Herman Miller circle tag presen...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Rare George Nelson Coffetable with Castors
By George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
From the steelframe series.
LOCATED IN HAMBURG
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Three-Piece George Nelson Cabinetry Display Case Unit
By George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Two small chests support the glass front display unit, vitrine. This versatile set can be used as shown, or separated into two dressers and a long glass display case. Selling three p...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Walnut
1950s Rare George Nelson Associates Arbuck Table Stool Wire Grid Iron Patio
By George Nelson, Arbuck
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Extremely Rare Three Leg Round Design. Can be used with a glass top as show and included as a table, or with a cushion as a stool, however, there is no cushion included. It was only ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Iron
Mid-Century Style Pedestal End Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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....
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
Chest of Drawers by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegantly simple rectilinear chest of drawers in bleached ash with gracefully curved steel pulls, which floats on squared low wooden legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
George Nelson For Herman Miller Walnut Nighstand End Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern, model #4617, walnut nightstand or end table by George Nelson For Herman Miller features closed storage with signature, steel J pulls. Iconic, American, mid-centur...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Platform Bench
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Palm Springs, CA
George Nelson platform bench for Herman Miller, Michigan. Bench measures 68.25" wide, 18.5" deep and 14" high. Bench is all original.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Wood
Irving Harper for George Nelson Howard Miller Clock
By Howard Miller, George Nelson, Irving Harper
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Irving Harper for George Nelson Associates wall clock. Produced by Howard Miller, with original tags. Runs well and retains the original hands a...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Plastic
George Nelson - Pedestal Extension Dining Table, 1956 for Herman Miller, USA
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Munster, NRW
George Nelson - Extendable dining table with base
1956 for Herman Miller, USA
The large Dining table consists of a white coated aluminum frame with a white laminated wooden top (For...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson, Platform Bench, for Herman Miller, late 1940s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
George Nelson, Platform Bench, for Herman Miller, late 1940s
Black painted birch frame, the slatted top on three curved supports,
235cm wide, 47cm deep, 36cm high
This is an origin...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Birch, Paint
George Nelson OMNI Walnut Wall Unit, ca. 1960
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
George Nelson OMNI Walnut Wall Unit, ca. 1960. Beautiful original early OMNI walnut and aluminum wall unit by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Original shelving with 3 shelves, one magazine rack and one larger desk. Includes wall mounting hardware and all shelving brackets as shown, even the original tool for adjusting shelving heights. Walnut shelves are in very good original condition would rate as a 8.5/10 and the poles are excellent and include original pole end cushions/stoppers.
Inquire for shipping quote, due to the dimensions the quote listed is higher than actual cost.
As shown measures 64" W x 88" H x 19.5" D
(Wall mounting hardware not included, you will need secure drywall anchors or bolts, consult your contractor)
The OMNI shelving system emerged in conjunction with a complete corporate design program for Structural Products Inc. of Charlotte, Michigan, a subsidiary of Aluminum Extrusions. The goal was to find new ways of using the extruded aluminum products made by the company. The shelving system is supported by aluminum rods. These rods are either rectangular (with slits on each side) or round (with six slits). They are inserted using springs on both ends between floor and ceiling, and are cut to suit this purpose. In the slits, horizontal aluminum supports can be inserted for the shelves and shelving modules. The various components—storage elements, table panels, and lamps—make the shelf into a kind of all-purpose item for varied situations: living room, study, kitchen, or office. The OMNI shelving system can be seen as a further development of the StrucTube system that Nelson had developed for use in exhibitions and was used at Colonial Williamsburg. At the same time, the OMNI shelving system is the predecessor of the Comprehensive Storage...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of George Nelson Steel Frame Dressers with Marble Tops
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful pair of steel frame cabinets designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. All cabinets restored with maple drawer fronts and marble tops. Third matching cabinet available...
Category
1950s Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Thin Edge Credenza Sideboard for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Nice thin edge credenza designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Four drawers with flanking doors that open to reveal adjustable shelved storage. This example shows cosmetic wear...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
Thin Edge Walnut Five-Drawer Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dorchester, MA
This gorgeous dresser is part of George Nelson's 1950s Thin Edge collection for Herman Miller, which takes its name from the elegant, slim profile. Tapered trestle legs elevate the w...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Headboards & Nightstands by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Kensington, MD
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Headboards & Nightstands by George Nelson for Herman Miller
Additional information:
Material: Wool
Classic George Nelson Styling on This Pair of Hairb...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Wool
Original Swag Leg Pedestal Table by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Francisco, CA
An original swag leg side table by George Nelson for Herman Miller with a black table laminate top and wood trim on a polished aluminum base #5451.
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Basic Cabinet Series' Dresser, c. 1955, Signed
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic chest of drawers was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, part of the 'Basic Cabinet Series' and also called 'Primavera', t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Wood
American Modern Wood Metal Dining Table by George Nelson Herman Miller, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in MIlano, IT
American Modern wood and black metal Dining table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
elegant and fantastic dining table with thick ova...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
Vintage Mid Century Modern Early Aluminum George Nelson Pedestal Swag Leg Stool
By George Nelson
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
Early example of a cast-aluminum swag leg pedestal stool designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Great patina on the base showing nice wear in contrast to the new foam and black...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Wall Unit Mid-Century Modern
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Toledo, OH
George Nelson for Herman Miller Omni wall unit 98" wide. George Nelson designed, Omni Systems wall unit in great condition. There are nine shelves, ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Walnut
George Nelson Modular Sofa and Tables Herman Miller, 1963
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice leather sofa designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, United States, 1963. This sofa has a metal frame with square chrome plated legs, the seat is in black leather and ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
Vintage Lazy Susan Dining Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid Century lazy Susan dining table designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This piece features a round Formica table top with mahogany trim a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
Oak Modular Storage Unit with Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dorchester, MA
George Nelson designed this handsome modular unit for Herman Miller. It comprises a set of drawers, a cabinet, a bookcase hutch, and a table/desk whose top lifts to reveal extra divi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Oak
George Nelson for Koch & Lowy Lamp
By George Nelson
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
This floor lamp by George Nelson for Koch & Lowy, was Nelson's last lamp design. It culminated many design features developed by Nelson over his career. The...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
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.
Creators Similar to George Nelson
Questions About George Nelson Furniture
- What did George Nelson make?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022George 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.
- Why is George Nelson famous?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022George 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, 2022Modern 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, 2022George 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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