Skip to main content

George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

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.

to
1
7
7
Height
to
Width
to
7
7
6
5
7
6
3
2
2
7
7
7
7
7
285
371
346
153
134
Creator: George Nelson
Walnut Side Table with Planters by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dorchester, MA
George Nelson designed this uniquely functional side table, model 4745, for Herman Miller. Constructed of walnut with ebonized block legs, it houses two square copper planting boxes...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Copper, Chrome

Irving Harper Fire Starter by George Nelson Associates for Howard Miller
By George Nelson, Howard Miller, Irving Harper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Irving Harper under George Nelson Associates for Howard Miller c. 1950s, USA. The footed cast iron pot features a coiled-handle and white firing stone that shows minimal ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Irving Harper Fireplace Tool Set by George Nelson Associates for Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, Irving Harper, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Irving Harper under George Nelson Associates for Howard Miller c.1950s, USA. This set of fireplace tools features three wrought iron tools on a three legged wrought iron ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

American Mid-Century Modern Solid Iron Walnut Modernist Set of Fireplace Tools
By George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid iron fire tools set in black enameled finish with a nice patina in original condition. can be used indoors or outdoors. Solid walnut handles with brass accents , very rare set ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron, Brass

Cape Cod Firelighter Irving Harper George Nelson Fire Starter Cast Iron Tool McM
By Irving Harper, George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Presented to you in original patina, a cast iron pot, and coil-handled shaft with firing stone. A famous Industrial Design midcentury icon; the Cape Cod firelighter, Model H611, desi...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

George Nelson for Arbuck Wrought Iron Patio Side Tables
By Arbuck, George Nelson
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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Travertine, Wrought Iron

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Related Items
Set of Mid-Century Modern Nelson Style Iron and Glass Tables by Frank and Son
By George Nelson, Arbuck
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Beautiful set of three tables by Frank and Son in the style of George Nelson. This set includes a coffee table and two end step tables that have a clean,...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Set of Mid-Century Modern Nelson Style Iron and Glass Tables by Frank and Son
Set of Mid-Century Modern Nelson Style Iron and Glass Tables by Frank and Son
$1,500 Sale Price / set
25% Off
H 16.5 in W 36.5 in D 20.5 in
Wrought Iron Side or Garden Table After Woodard
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Garden, patio, poolside or sunroom side table having arched legs and top support, and a metal mesh top. Probably by Woodard, unsigned. The table is structurally sound and sturdy, the...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Seymour Walnut and Iron Fireplace Tools
By Joseph Seymour Mfg Co.
Located in San Mateo, CA
Set of walnut handle fireplace tools by Seymour Mfg. The set includes a poker, broom and shovel. These are well made sturdy tools. The iron appears to be r...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Wrought Iron and Stone Garden Patio Stand with Pebble Stone Top
By John Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Interesting wrought iron stand with inset pebble stone top. The three leg base shows distinct Art Nouveau influence.
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone, Wrought Iron

Marie Suri "Celestial" Fire Screen
By Marie Suri
Located in New York, NY
Marie Suri The celestial fire screen fire screen with scattered 4” steel medallions with bronze decoration. Mesh backing makes these an excellen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Marie Suri "Celestial" Fire Screen
Marie Suri "Celestial" Fire Screen
$9,694 / item
H 1 in W 36 in D 29 in
George Nelson Pedestal Side Table for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A simple and elegant pedestal side table with round top having a natural thin wood trim detail to the edge and cast meat star base . The base with foot pads to protect your floors ha...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

French 1950s Wrought Iron Garden Table
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Painted wrought iron garden table with a cloverleaf-patterned top with a twisted iron surround and an elegant scrolled base.
Category

Mid-20th Century French George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

French 1950s Wrought Iron Garden Table
French 1950s Wrought Iron Garden Table
$1,201
H 27.17 in W 27.56 in D 21.66 in
Pair of Woodard Glass Top Wrought Iron Side Tables
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Woodard glass top tables with wrought iron and mesh steel base. Recently powder coated in matte black finish. New glides added to feet. There is also a matching glider settee...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Woodard Glass Top Wrought Iron Side Tables
Pair of Woodard Glass Top Wrought Iron Side Tables
$1,600 Sale Price
30% Off
H 22.5 in W 24.5 in D 18.5 in
Modernist Fireplace Tool Set
Located in New York, NY
Chic fireplace tool set consisting of three tools (poker, brush, shovel) and the stand. Black frame with solid brass handles and decorative trim. V...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Steel

Modernist Fireplace Tool Set
Modernist Fireplace Tool Set
$1,400
H 32.5 in W 10 in D 6 in
Russell Woodard 30" Round Black Wrought Iron & Mesh Patio Coffee of Side Table
By Russell Woodard, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in St. Louis, MO
Russell Woodard designed round coffee or side often see along side his Sculptura line chairs and settees. Shown in original matte black paint is sold, is now sold . I have one in gre...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid-Century Modern Iron Modernist Set of Fireplace Tools
By George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
A fantastic modernist iron fire tool set. Includes a poker, log grabber, brush and shovel. High quality solid construction with a minimalist design. Marked on the bottom of the solid...
Category

1950s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Antique Tile Top Wrought Iron Base Garden Patio Sunroom Table
By Catalina Pottery, Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Charming garden, patio, occasional, side, end table having a wrought iron base and a top comprised of four scenic tiles. The table is in good estate condition, the base is in later,...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Previously Available Items
American Mid-Century Modern Solid Iron Modernist Set of Fireplace Tools
By George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid iron fire tools set in black enameled finish with a nice patina in original condition. polished chrome handles can be used indoors or outdoors.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

American Mid-Century Modern Solid Iron Modernist Set of Fireplace Tools
By George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid iron fire tools set in black enameled finish with a nice patina in original condition. can be used indoors or outdoors.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Pair of George Nelson & Associates Andirons
By George Nelson
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of modern American George Nelson and Associates wrought iron andirons of "X" shape form, model H601. Dimensions: 13" H x 16" W x 7" D. Material: Iron. Condition: Wear c...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Set of Four Iron Rod Outdoor Chairs by George Nelson for Arbuck, 1950s
By George Nelson, Arbuck
Located in Berlin, DE
Rarely seen set of four George Nelson & Associate designed armchairs for Arbuck Inc. produced only in 1951-1952. Original condition. Just the yellow cushions are new made in imitatio...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

'H612' Hinged Fire Screen by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern hinged fire screen designed by George Nelson. This uncommon 'H612' tapered enameled steel wire-cloth fire screen hinges open for fire tending. Manufactured in th...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel

Arbuck Nelson Wrought Iron Glass Top Coffee Table
By George Nelson, Arbuck
Located in New York, NY
Rare George Nelson for Arbuck wrought iron coffee cocktail table with glass insert top. Originally designed for outdoor use, also suitable for indoor applications. Hard to find form...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage George Nelson Firestarter by Howard Miller
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Washington, DC
Excellent example of George Nelson designed firestarter. Made of cast iron by Howard Miller of Zeeland, Michigan.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Early Modernist George Nelson Tambour Roll Top Desk, 1964
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early modernist George Nelson roll top desk. Purchased from prominent Buffalo New York architect, retains original cream lacquer wood finis...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Fireplace Set by Irving Harper / George Nelson Assoc. for Howard Miller, 1951
By George Nelson, Irving Harper, Howard Miller
Located in Amarillo, TX
Irving Harper / George Nelson Assoc. for Howard Miller USA, 1951 Fireplace tool set and stand, including poker, hearth broom, and shovel w/ birchwood handles. Measure: 33.5 ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century George Nelson for Arbuck Iron Rod Outdoor Set of Four Chairs
By Arbuck, George Nelson
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rarely seen set of four George Nelson & Associate designed armchairs for Arbuck Inc. produced only in 1951-1952.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Set of Three George Nelson Chairs for Arbuck
By Arbuck, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Set of three wrought iron outdoor chairs designed by George Nelson and produced by Arbuck for a brief period in 1951-1952, and so rare to the market. The front legs and backrest are ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

George Nelson for Howard Miller Fireplace Log Holder or Log Rack
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare George Nelson log holder. Iron frame with new custom canvass sling made to the specifications of the original design. The frame is origin...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

George Nelson building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.

George Nelson building and garden elements 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 building and garden elements, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original building and garden elements by George Nelson were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider building and garden elements by Curtis Jeré, Danny Ho Fong, and Shaver Howard. Prices for George Nelson building and garden elements can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $950 and can go as high as $4,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,200.
Questions About George Nelson Building and Garden Elements
  • 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 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 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.

Recently Viewed

View All