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 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.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
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
Vintage George Nelson Herman Miller Steel Frame White 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
GEORGE NELSON THIN EDGE CHEST / Cabinet for HERMAN MILLER. Classic Modernist
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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, ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Pair of George Nelson 5681 Loose Cushion Group Lounge Chairs US 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of George Nelson Loose Cushion Group lounge chairs US 1960s
Original Condition with hardened foam. We recommend to reupholster.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Fabric
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
Set of Four Paddle Armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Cabinet Series Three-Door Cabinet Bar
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Three-Door Basic Cabinet Series bar in walnut, initially designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This particular piece was produced ca.1950. Three cabinet door...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
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 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
Checkerboard Table Clock, "Tempo 21" Tower 2 by George Nelson, 1984
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare postmodern cream, brown, and navy checkerboard table clock by Howard Miller Clock Company. From the 1984 "Tempo 21" collection. Very few signs...
Category
1980s North American Post-Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
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.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Travertine, Wrought Iron
George Nelson for Herman Miller White Laminate and Black Steel Rolling End / Sid
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...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal, Steel
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.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Iron
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, 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
C. 1955 George Nelson for Herman Miller Nightstand/Bedside Cabinet
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 is co...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
$1,900 Sale Price
45% 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 ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
$3,600 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Chest of Drawers by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
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
Early, Metal Shell ! Coconut Chair by George Nelson in Brown Upholstery, 1955
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
The Shell of 99% of the coconuts is Plastic, This early one has a metal back and is designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Fully restored and upholstered
The super rare, orig...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 5 Drawer Chest
By George Nelson
Located in Countryside, 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
1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Four Drawer Dresser in Walnut
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
1959 George Nelson for Herman Miller No 5752 Rectangular Coffee Table in Teak
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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 Brass Clock for Howard Miller
By Herman Miller, Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson for Howard Miller brass clock. A round brass clock on a tri-legged brass pedestal with a thick plexiglass face. The clock has b...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa
By Irving Harper, Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
George Nelson Office – Limited Edition Marshmallow Sofa
Designed by Irving Harper for the George Nelson office, this multicolored Marshmallow Sofa is a limited edition piece manufact...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
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 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, Wood
C. 1955 George Nelson for Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series Drop-Front Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Zinc
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
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
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
$3,000 Sale Price
28% Off
Coffee Table by George Nelson Model 5751
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare Model 5751 coffee table by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Features a white laminated top, polished steel base, and mahogany apron. Retains original label. A clean, iconic exam...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
Price Upon Request
George Nelson Coconut Chair and Ottoman
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather chair and ottoman with metal base.
Category
1950s Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Price Upon Request
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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