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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
1958 George Nelson for Herman Miller Full-Sized Walnut Headboard with Label
1958 George Nelson for Herman Miller Full-Sized Walnut Headboard with Label

1958 George Nelson for Herman Miller Full-Sized Walnut Headboard with Label

$2,500

1958 George Nelson for Herman Miller Full-Sized Walnut Headboard with Label

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

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...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Walnut

1960s George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman Miller Action Office I Desk
1960s George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman Miller Action Office I Desk

1960s George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman Miller Action Office I Desk

$5,000

1960s George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman Miller Action Office I Desk

By Herman Miller, Robert Propst, George Nelson

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...

Category

1960s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel, Iron

George Nelson Vanity Stool Model 4672 for Herman Miller
George Nelson Vanity Stool Model 4672 for Herman Miller

George Nelson Vanity Stool Model 4672 for Herman Miller

$3,600

George Nelson Vanity Stool Model 4672 for Herman Miller

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

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.

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

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

$869

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

1970s George Nelson for Herman Miller Action Office Desk / Table 24x48
1970s George Nelson for Herman Miller Action Office Desk / Table 24x48

1970s George Nelson for Herman Miller Action Office Desk / Table 24x48

$1,500

1970s George Nelson for Herman Miller Action Office Desk / Table 24x48

By George Nelson

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an Action Office Desk / Table, originally designed by George Nelson in 1964 This particular example was produced by Herman Miller in the 1970s. The design features a clean, f...

Category

1970s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Early Coconut Chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller in Shearling
Pair of Early Coconut Chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller in Shearling

Pair of Early Coconut Chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller in Shearling

$14,000 / set

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.

Category

1950s Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Sheepskin

Custom George Nelson / Girard "pin-wheel" marble top coffee / cocktail table
Custom George Nelson / Girard "pin-wheel" marble top coffee / cocktail table

Custom George Nelson / Girard "pin-wheel" marble top coffee / cocktail table

$2,240

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Marble, Aluminum

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

$4,059

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

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 8 Drawer Dresser
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 8 Drawer Dresser

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 8 Drawer Dresser

$9,447

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...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table in Walnut
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table in Walnut

1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table in Walnut

$4,000

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...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Early George Nelson Desk / Return, Child's Desk, Modernist, Herman Miller
Early George Nelson Desk / Return, Child's Desk, Modernist, Herman Miller

Early George Nelson Desk / Return, Child's Desk, Modernist, Herman Miller

$3,200

Early George Nelson Desk / Return, Child's Desk, Modernist, Herman Miller

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Buffalo, NY

Early George Nelson desk / return, child's desk, Modernist, Herman Miller, Retains original Herman Miller foil label, 4 drawers, pencil dividers, steel frame, minor pitting (lower right side bottom). Original designed for larger desk, return, typewriter desk...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Set of 6 Herman Miller DAF Chairs Designed by George Nelson in 1958
Set of 6 Herman Miller DAF Chairs Designed by George Nelson in 1958

Set of 6 Herman Miller DAF Chairs Designed by George Nelson in 1958

$10,439 / set

Set of 6 Herman Miller DAF Chairs Designed by George Nelson in 1958

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg

Beautiful set of 6 Herman Miller DAF fiberglass chairs, designed by George Nelson. The DAF chair is perfectly suitable as a dining chair and due t...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

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 for Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Group Dresser
George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Group Dresser

George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Group Dresser

$12,000

George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Group Dresser

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Spectacular rosewood Thin Edge collection model 5221 eight-drawer dresser, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Drawer fronts show off gorgeous figured rosewood selection, fi...

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller BCS Three Drawer Cabinet (No Bench)
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller BCS Three Drawer Cabinet (No Bench)

1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller BCS Three Drawer Cabinet (No Bench)

$1,500

1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller BCS Three Drawer Cabinet (No Bench)

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an uncommon Walnut Cabinet with three drawers, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This design was part of George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series. It features ...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

Set of Six George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Dining Chairs
Set of Six George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Dining Chairs

Set of Six George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Dining Chairs

$5,600 / set

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Teak

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

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

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

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

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

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 Herman Miller, George Nelson

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

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

C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table in Mahogany
C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table in Mahogany

C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table in Mahogany

$4,000

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...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel

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

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 Herman Miller, George Nelson

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

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

$1,043

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

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

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

C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Soft Edge Curved Dining Table
C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Soft Edge Curved Dining Table

C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Soft Edge Curved Dining Table

$8,000

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...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel

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

$1,043

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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