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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
George Nelson Prototype Domino Clock
George Nelson Prototype Domino Clock

George Nelson Prototype Domino Clock

$6,930

George Nelson Prototype Domino Clock

By George Nelson

Located in Chicago, IL

Nelson office, designed by Irving Harper for Howard Miller. This is the only clock and was never produced. Purchased from Howard Miller Executive.  

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Wood

1970s 6ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers
1970s 6ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers

1970s 6ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers

$1,950

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 Walnut Veneer 4-Drawer Commode, 1950s
George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Veneer 4-Drawer Commode, 1950s

George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Veneer 4-Drawer Commode, 1950s

$6,750

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...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of George Nelson Slat Wood Benches for Herman Miller. U.S.A.
Pair of George Nelson Slat Wood Benches for Herman Miller. U.S.A.

Pair of George Nelson Slat Wood Benches for Herman Miller. U.S.A.

$5,800 / set

Pair of George Nelson Slat Wood Benches for Herman Miller. U.S.A.

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Wood

1970s 4ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers
1970s 4ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers

1970s 4ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers

$1,500

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 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...

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Selection of Mid Century Chrome Floor Lamps by George Nelson & Hans Eichenberger
Selection of Mid Century Chrome Floor Lamps by George Nelson & Hans Eichenberger

Selection of Mid Century Chrome Floor Lamps by George Nelson & Hans Eichenberger

$1,800

Selection of Mid Century Chrome Floor Lamps by George Nelson & Hans Eichenberger

By George Nelson, Hans Eichenberger

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of Mid Century chrome lamps, circa 1950s. They are priced at $1800 each. They are rewired and ready to use. The lamp pictured on the left in the first photo is designed b...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

George Nelson Bench or Stool
George Nelson Bench or Stool

George Nelson Bench or Stool

$3,108Sale Price|20% Off

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

George Nelson Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 5 Drawer Chest
George Nelson Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 5 Drawer Chest

George Nelson Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 5 Drawer Chest

$7,347

George Nelson Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 5 Drawer Chest

By George Nelson

Located in Franklin Park, IL

George Nelson Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 5 Drawer Chest This chest of drawers measures: 39.75 wide x 18.5 deep x 40.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

George Nelson Modernist Table Lamps
George Nelson Modernist Table Lamps

George Nelson Modernist Table Lamps

$8,800 / set

George Nelson Modernist Table Lamps

By George Nelson

Located in New York, NY

A pair of Modernist table lamps designed by George Nelson. Triangular stem in walnut with matte white decorative ceramic tiles on a patinated bronze base. Tiles also designed by George Nelson for the Pomona Tile...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Armchair by George Nelson for Herman Miller Restored
Armchair by George Nelson for Herman Miller Restored

Armchair by George Nelson for Herman Miller Restored

$2,900

Armchair by George Nelson for Herman Miller Restored

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

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

2007 Coconut Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Vitra in Black Leather
2007 Coconut Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Vitra in Black Leather

2007 Coconut Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Vitra in Black Leather

$3,500 / item

2007 Coconut Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Vitra in Black Leather

By George Nelson, Vitra

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 ...

Category

Early 2000s American Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Leather, Plastic

George Nelson Pedestal Side Table for Herman Miller
George Nelson Pedestal Side Table for Herman Miller

George Nelson Pedestal Side Table for Herman Miller

$777 / set

George Nelson Pedestal Side Table for Herman Miller

By George Nelson

Located in Argelato, BO

George Nelson Vintage "Pedestal" Side Table for Herman Miller A simple and elegant pedestal side table with round top having cast meat star base . The base with foot pads to protect...

Category

1960s American Space Age Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

Rare Mid-Century Design Icon an Arthur Umanoff Iron and Cane Log Holder Rack
Rare Mid-Century Design Icon an Arthur Umanoff Iron and Cane Log Holder Rack

Rare Mid-Century Design Icon an Arthur Umanoff Iron and Cane Log Holder Rack

$1,900Sale Price|45% Off

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

George Nelson Herman Miller Drop Leaf Gate Leg Dining Table or Desk
George Nelson Herman Miller Drop Leaf Gate Leg Dining Table or Desk

George Nelson Herman Miller Drop Leaf Gate Leg Dining Table or Desk

$5,500

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.

Category

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

Materials

Wood

George Nelson Coffee Table in White by Herman Miller
George Nelson Coffee Table in White by Herman Miller

George Nelson Coffee Table in White by Herman Miller

$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...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

1959 George Nelson for Herman Miller No 5752 Rectangular Coffee Table in Teak
1959 George Nelson for Herman Miller No 5752 Rectangular Coffee Table in Teak

1959 George Nelson for Herman Miller No 5752 Rectangular Coffee Table in Teak

$1,595

1959 George Nelson for Herman Miller No 5752 Rectangular Coffee Table in Teak

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Listed for sale is a very rare and unusual coffee table by George Nelson. This is the model number 5752 coffee table by George Nelson and Associates, which was produced by Herman Mil...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak, Teak

2009 George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Armchair 3x Available
2009 George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Armchair 3x Available

2009 George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Armchair 3x Available

$475 / item

2009 George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Armchair 3x Available

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Philadelphia, PA

These are Swag Leg Chairs, originally designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1958. These particular examples were produced in the USA and date to 2009. The chairs are compris...

Category

Early 2000s American Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel

George Nelson Chess Piece Clock
George Nelson Chess Piece Clock

George Nelson Chess Piece Clock

$6,950

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Brass

1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Rosewood 5221 8-Drawer Dresser
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Rosewood 5221 8-Drawer Dresser

1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Rosewood 5221 8-Drawer Dresser

$12,000

1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Rosewood 5221 8-Drawer Dresser

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Model 5221 dresser from the Thin Edge series, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1953. This piece was produced in the United States and dates back to the 1950s....

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage George Nelson Herman Miller Florence Knoll Styl Steel Frame Coffee Table
Vintage George Nelson Herman Miller Florence Knoll Styl Steel Frame Coffee Table

Vintage George Nelson Herman Miller Florence Knoll Styl Steel Frame Coffee Table

$3,500

Vintage George Nelson Herman Miller Florence Knoll Styl Steel Frame Coffee Table

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Chicago, IL

Beautiful clean signed example of this form. All original. White laminate top. Original white finish. Style of Florence Knoll.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

C. 1950 George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 4671 Dining / Side Chair
C. 1950 George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 4671 Dining / Side Chair

C. 1950 George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 4671 Dining / Side Chair

$1,200

C. 1950 George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 4671 Dining / Side Chair

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Dining / Side Chair, Model 4671, originally designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1948. This particular example dates to 1950 and was made in the USA. The chair's ...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Rare George Nelson Coffetable with Castors
Rare George Nelson Coffetable with Castors

Rare George Nelson Coffetable with Castors

$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

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

Side Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
Side Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s

Side Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s

$883

Side Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in bruxelles, BE

Table with wooden top and metal base designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller in the 1960s. Wear due to time and age of the table

Category

1960s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

Chest of Drawers by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1950s
Chest of Drawers by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1950s

Chest of Drawers by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1950s

$8,500

Chest of Drawers by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1950s

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, Pair of Low Tables with Curved Iron Structure
George Nelson, Pair of Low Tables with Curved Iron Structure

George Nelson, Pair of Low Tables with Curved Iron Structure

$4,122

George Nelson, Pair of Low Tables with Curved Iron Structure

By George Nelson

Located in Milano, IT

COD-1439 George Nelson Pair of low tables with curved iron structure and glass top resting on small colored spheres. UK manufacture, 1950s.

Category

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

Materials

Iron

C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table, Model 4656
C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table, Model 4656

C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table, Model 4656

$4,500

C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table, Model 4656

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Gate Leg Dining Table, model 4656, originally designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This particular example was produced in the United States circa 1954. . T...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel

Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1960s
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1960s

Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1960s

$1,060

Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1960s

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Renens, CH

Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1960s Stool from the Pedestal series by George Nelson, with cover in playful orange vinyl. Nice and compact seat that ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1970s
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1970s

Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1970s

$1,060

Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1970s

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Renens, CH

Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1960s Stool from the Pedestal series by George Nelson, with cover in playful orange vinyl. Nice and compact seat tha...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

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.

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Questions About George Nelson Furniture
  • Why is George Nelson famous?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • What did George Nelson make?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • Where are George Nelson clocks made?
    1 Answer
    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.
  • What are George Nelson Bubble Lamps made of?
    1 Answer
    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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