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 for Herman Miller BCS Basic Two Shelf Walnut Veneer Bookshelf
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century walnut veneer bookcase with two shelves in a rectangular cabinet, resting on four tapered wooden legs. (BCS BASICS CABINET SERIES, GEORGE NELSON FOR HERMAN MILLE...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of George Nelson Herman Miller Primavera Chests
By George Nelson
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller Primavera chests of drawers, circa late 1940s. These examples each have four drawers with walnut cases and ebonized walnut legs. Price listed ...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
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
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
George Nelson Steelframe Lounge Chairs for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Classic minimalist George Nelson armchair design 5080 from 1950 for Herman Miller. Featuring a stripped down, angular steel frame, oversized natural finish birch plank armrests and s...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
George Nelson for Koch Lowy "Eyeshade" Desk Lamp, 1970's
By Koch & Lowy, George Nelson
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Modern George Nelson for Koch & Lowy Adjustable Perforated Aluminum & Black Enamel Table Lamp. Featuring a perforated Black enameled Aluminum cylinder mesh shade, Off White interior,...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Checkerboard Table Clock, "Tempo 21" Tower 2 by George Nelson, 1984
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
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 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
Prototype George Nelson Rosewood Round Dining or Conference Table, One of a Kind
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
Space Age Daf Chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller, Set of 4
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 4 very rare DAF armchairs designed by George nelson for Herman Miller.
The chairs are made from fiberglas shells mounted on white lacquered metal legs.
Very similar to the L...
Category
1960s American Space Age Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
Rare George Nelson Student Lamp for Phil-Mar
By George Nelson, Phil-Mar
Located in Fraser, MI
Rare Student Lamp designed by George Nelson for Phil-Mar Lamps.
Blue Striped Ceramic Body, Brass, and Walnut finished Maple.
Two Shades are replacement.
Similar styling trend to th...
Category
1950s Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Brass
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!
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Early Foil Label Original George Nelson Herman Miller Swag Leg Tables
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful example of this iconic design in nice vintage condition. A nice early Herman Miller Foil Strip label attached to underside. Acquired a 2nd identical table with the same Foi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
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
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Side Table / Nightstand on Pedestal Base
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pedestal Occasional Table, model 5655, designed by George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller in 1956. The piece has a case of Brazilian Rosewood and has a pedestal base of white enameled aluminum. It has one drawer. The base has been professionally restored, and the rosewood case has been freshly refinished.
The piece measures 17 inches deep, 24 inches wide...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
1960s George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman Miller Action Office I Desk
By Robert Propst, Herman Miller, 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 Thin Edge for Herman Miller Rosewood Dresser, 1950
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson Thin Edge for Herman Miller Rosewood Dresser, 1950. Other dresser and nightstands are all sold in separate listings.
Dress...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Rare Pair of 1. Edition Metal Shell Coconuts
By George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
designed by george nelson in 1955 and made by herman miller.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
$6,000 Sale Price / set
33% Off
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
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
Rare Pair George Nelson Herman Miller Bachelors Chest Mid-Century
By George Nelson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Rare pair of original turquoise finish George Nelson bachelors chests. We have never seen another piece of George Nelson for Herman Miller done in this finish-might have been custom...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Wood
Brazilian Modern Marshmallow” Sofa by George Nelson, 1956
By George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Available today, with domestic shipping in NYC metro area included, This Brazilian Modern Marshmallow” Sofa by George Nelson is nothing less than gorgeous!
The Marshmallow Sofa, d...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
Vintage George Nelson Herman Miller Steel Frame White 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
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
Rare 1950s California Modern George Nelson Arbuck Outdoor Iron Stools / Tables
By Arbuck, George Nelson
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Extremely rare pair of Arbuck Inc. square grid stools, with original labeled cushions. Could source glass tops to make tables, but no glass is included in this sale. Sold as a pair ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Iron
$4,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Rare Mid-Century Design Icon an Arthur Umanoff Iron and Cane Log Holder Rack
By George Nelson, Arthur Umanoff
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
Herman Miller Mid-Century Tables
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of mid-century end tables by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Walnut frames with white laminate tops.
Please confirm location NY or NJ
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Laminate, Walnut
$1,400 / set
George Nelson Bench or Stool
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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
Executive Desk Chair by George Nelson for George Nelson associates
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
Mid-Century Modern Action Office Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Action Office Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
Category
1960s Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Chrome
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 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
George Nelson for Herman Miller White Laminate and Black Steel Rolling End / Sid
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 Thin-Edge Tall Dresser in Rosewood & Porcelain by Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Stamford, CT
The great George Nelson left us with a massive portfolio of forward thinking design which Herman Miller has largely kept alive to this day. Nelson became design director for Herman M...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Side Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Side Table
Classic vintage mid century modern side table with white ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
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
Glass Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid walnut open cabinet or vitrine with three adjustable glass shelves and a solid glass paneled back.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
C. 1950 Set of Eight George Nelson for Herman Miller Tubular Steel Dining Chairs
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of eight Dining Chairs, Model 4671, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1948. These examples date to the 1950s, and the listed price includes the set of eigh...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
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
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1970s
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 tha...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
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
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1970s
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
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
- 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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