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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, as well as its competitor, the Howard Miller Clock Company. 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 these pages, 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
Dealer: DeAngelis
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson Thin Edge Group eight drawer dresser for Herman Miller. Made with high quality construction and detail in Brazilian rosewood and oak with drawer dividers to help with ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design rosewood thin edge tall chest for Herman Miller. Featuring five drawers, two with fitted dividers on aluminum legs and origi...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Jewelry Cabinet for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design jewelry cabinet for Herman Miller, 1950's. Rare eight drawer model as opposed to the more common four drawer single door version. Made from teak with rosewood drawer fronts, porcelain pulls...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Rosewood, Teak

George Nelson Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design thin edge series tall dresser for Herman Miller, 1958. Made from exceptional figural rosewood veneer on aluminum tapering legs. Featuring five graduating drawer...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson Thin Edge dresser for Herman Miller. Rare small four drawer chest in teak with porcelain pulls and tapered aluminum legs, labe...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson thin Edge series double dresser for Herman Miller. Newly refinished 10 drawer teak dresser with porcelain pulls on tapered aluminum legs. This is the rarest and most de...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Teak

George Nelson Rosewood "Thin Edge" Chests
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of original grain matched George Nelson design rosewood "Thin Edge" chests for Herman Miller. Very good original condition, labeled.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

George Nelson Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson Thin Edge teak dresser for Herman Miller. Newly refinished with porcelain pulls and tapering cast aluminum legs. Four drawers with easy action and dividers to help keep...
Category

1960s American 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

Related Items
Pair George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Chests
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Pair of George Nelson thin edge chests or nightstands. The items are rosewood veneer with four pull-out drawers and metal legs.
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Metal

  • Pair George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Chests
  • Pair George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Chests
  • Pair George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Chests
  • Pair George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Chests
H 33.38 in. W 24 in. D 18.5 in.
George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Tall Dresser
By George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
We have restored this George Nelson thin edge dresser for Herman Miller back to excellent condition. This thin edge is a collectors' dream, a George Nelson for Herman Miller "Thi...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Thin Edge Teak Five-Drawer Dresser
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful design by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Five-drawer teak chest on aluminium legs with black enameled pulls. Has drawer separate compartment...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Basic Cabinet Series 4620 BCS Gorgeous Mid-Century Modern highboy dresser designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. The dresser features five graduated drawers. Part of Herman Mi...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

George Nelson for Herman Miller "Thin Edge" Dresser Model-5221 in Rosewood
By George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
We have restored this George Nelson thin edge dresser for Herman Miller back to excellent condition. This thin edge is a collectors' dream, a Mid- Century Modern rosewood 8 drawe...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Steel

BSC Dresser/ Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
George Nelson designed this chest or cabinet, model #4621, as part of Herman Miller’s modular basic storage components. A five-drawer Primavera wood dresser with side cabinet...
Category

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

Materials

Birch

George Nelson for Herman Miller Chest in Walnut with Shelving
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a rare 3 drawer chest with shelving compartment. Walnut with cast metal pulls that we have painted black, with black lacquered angular legs. Designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, manufactured in Michigan...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Chest of Drawers
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a 4 drawer chest in walnut with cast metal pulls, black lacquered angular legs and cast aluminum finger pulls. Top drawer has removable dividers. Designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, manufactured in Michigan...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller Credenza's
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Denton, TX
Two Mid-Century Modern credenza or dressers, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, American, circa 1950s. Both cabinets are ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

  • George Nelson for Herman Miller Credenza's
  • George Nelson for Herman Miller Credenza's
  • George Nelson for Herman Miller Credenza's
  • George Nelson for Herman Miller Credenza's
H 29.63 in. W 56.25 in. D 19.38 in.
George Nelson Sliding Doors Steel Frame Dresser for Herman Miller, 1950s
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson steel frame dresser for Herman Miller, circa 1950s. This dresser front has a natural finish top drawer and painted c...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

George Nelson for Herman Miller 5 Drawer Mid-Century Modern Dresser, circa 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Denville, NJ
Highboy dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller, c.1950’s. This five-drawer dresser features a walnut frame with sculpted original chrome plated metal pulls. Top drawer features s...
Category

1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Walnut

George Nelson for Herman Miller Large Two Tone Cabinet, ca. 1950
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller large two tone cabinet, ca. 1950. Professionally restored ebonized mahogany with original drawer pulls, this beauti...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Previously Available Items
George Nelson Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson Thin Edge teak dresser for Herman Miller. Newly refinished with porcelain pulls and tapering cast aluminum legs. Four drawers with easy action and dividers to help keep...
Category

1960s American Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design Thin Edge series ten drawer dresser for Herman Miller Furniture Co. An iconic and some might say the best looking and made dresser available then and now. Origin...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

  • George Nelson Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
  • George Nelson Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
  • George Nelson Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
  • George Nelson Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
H 33.5 in. W 67.25 in. L 33.5 in.
George Nelson Thin Edge Cabinet for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design "Thin Edge" rosewood cabinet for Herman Miller. Comprising two doors and four drawers in very good original condition, labeled. Missing the adjustable single s...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

  • George Nelson Thin Edge Cabinet for Herman Miller
  • George Nelson Thin Edge Cabinet for Herman Miller
  • George Nelson Thin Edge Cabinet for Herman Miller
  • George Nelson Thin Edge Cabinet for Herman Miller
H 30.75 in. W 55.75 in. D 18.25 in.
George Nelson Thin Edge Tall Chest of Drawers for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design walnut tall dresser from his "Thin Edge" line for Herman Miller, five large drawers that increase in depth gradually as they descend with fitted dividers in two....
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Walnut

George Nelson Dressers for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of George Nelson design for Herman Miller dressers. From his acclaimed basic cabinet series these have been newly repainted with all original hardware, labeled.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

  • George Nelson Dressers for Herman Miller
  • George Nelson Dressers for Herman Miller
  • George Nelson Dressers for Herman Miller
  • George Nelson Dressers for Herman Miller
H 29.5 in. W 34 in. D 18.5 in.
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
Designed for Herman Miller "Thin Edge" series by George Nelson, circa 1960. Highly figured rosewood veneer supported by tapering stainless steel legs and hourglass pulls. Perfectly...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

  • George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser
  • George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser
  • George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser
  • George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser
H 31.25 in. W 46.5 in. D 18.25 in.
Georg Nelson Miniature Jewelry Cabinet on Stand
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare George Nelson and Associates design "Thin Edge" miniature jewelry cabinet, Model #5211. Acquired directly from the original owner and in very good original condition. The cabin...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

  • Georg Nelson Miniature Jewelry Cabinet on Stand
  • Georg Nelson Miniature Jewelry Cabinet on Stand
  • Georg Nelson Miniature Jewelry Cabinet on Stand
  • Georg Nelson Miniature Jewelry Cabinet on Stand
H 31.25 in. W 20.25 in. L 31.25 in.
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
Simple modernity in this desk designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1950s. Perfectly refinished walnut with two fitted drawers on a cantilevered brushed steel frame, labeled.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Walnut

  • George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller
  • George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller
  • George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller
  • George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller
H 29.5 in. W 60 in. D 30 in.
George Nelson Herman Miller Cabinet
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
Unusual form from George Nelson's "Basic Cabinet Series" for Herman Miller, circa 1952. Made in walnut with the desirable squiggle chrome pulls on black lacquer block legs. Perfect f...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Walnut

  • George Nelson Herman Miller Cabinet
  • George Nelson Herman Miller Cabinet
  • George Nelson Herman Miller Cabinet
  • George Nelson Herman Miller Cabinet
H 28.5 in. W 33 in. D 23.5 in.
George Nelson Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design rosewood "Thin" edge dresser for Herman Miller. Perfectly refinished and ready to enjoy.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

  • George Nelson Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
  • George Nelson Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
  • George Nelson Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
  • George Nelson Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
H 40.5 in. W 55.75 in. L 40.5 in.
Geore Nelson Rosewood "Thin Edge" Dresser
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson rosewood "Thin Edge" eight drawer dresser for Herman Miller. Perfectly refinished and ready to enjoy, labeled.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

  • Geore Nelson Rosewood "Thin Edge" Dresser
  • Geore Nelson Rosewood "Thin Edge" Dresser
  • Geore Nelson Rosewood "Thin Edge" Dresser
  • Geore Nelson Rosewood "Thin Edge" Dresser
H 31 in. W 46.58 in. D 18.5 in.
George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Dresser
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design for Herman Miller "Thin Edge" eight-drawer dresser. Perfectly refinished rosewood with vibrant grain patterns throughout and original porcelain pulls.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

  • George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Dresser
  • George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Dresser
  • George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Dresser
  • George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Dresser
H 31.25 in. W 46.5 in. D 18.25 in.

George Nelson furniture for sale on 1stDibs

Furniture by George Nelson are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive objects are often made of wood and 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. We have 379 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 0 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by George Nelson were created in North America during the 20th century in the Mid-Century Modern style. If you are looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Paul McCobb, Mastercraft and Florence Knoll. Prices for George Nelson furniture can vary depending on size, time period and other attributes. The price for these items starts at US$155 and tops out at US$37,200, while pieces like these can sell for US$4,250 on average.
Questions About George Nelson Furniture
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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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