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.
George Nelson, Cigar Wall Sconce, Plastic, Walnut, Nickel, Herman Miller, 1952
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in High Point, NC
An early-production Cigar Bubble wall sconce in plastic polymer, walnut and brushed nickel; designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, 1952. Variable dimensions...
Nickel
Mid-century design cocoon hanging by George Nelson lamp , 1970s
By George Nelson
Located in Delft, NL
Mid-century design cocoon hanging by George Nelson lamp , 1970s
Plastic
Extremely Rare George Nelson Bubble Floor Lamp Original Birch Tripod Base 1950s
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Troy, MI
Extremely rare floor lamp designed by George Nelson & Associates Offered through Howard Miller circa 1952 Tripod base in natural birch with brushed brass fittings and a round bubble...
Brass
George Nelson, Wall Light, Metal, Walnut, Resin, USA, 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in High Point, NC
A sizeable brass, walnut and resin wall light, designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, 1950s. Please note cord feeds from bottom of stem and functions via plug...
Metal
George Nelson "Half Nelson" Lamp for Koch Lowy #2
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic George Nelson Half lamp for Koch Lowy. In brass finish. Very good overall conditon. The shade pivots to aim light. The switch has minor edge paint loss, shade has a minor h...
Aluminum
Cocoon lamp by George Nelson, Italy 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Hannover, DE
An absolute rarity! A Cocoon pendant lamp designed by George Nelson in the 1960s. The pendant lamp features a design similar to Achille Castiglioni's lamps. The lampshade is made of ...
Resin
Cocoon lamp by George Nelson, Italy 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Hannover, DE
An absolute rarity! A Cocoon pendant lamp designed by George Nelson in the 1960s. The pendant lamp features a design similar to Achille Castiglioni's lamps. The lampshade is made of ...
Resin
Cocoon lamp by George Nelson, Italy 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Hannover, DE
An absolute rarity! A cocoon pendant lamp designed by George Nelson in the 1960s. The lampshade is made of original resin. It is in good vintage condition. The shade has no holes o...
Resin
George Nelson "Half Nelson" Lamp for Koch Lowy #1
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic George Nelson Half lamp for Koch Lowy. In brass finish. Very good overall conditon. The shade pivots to aim light.
Aluminum
Nimbus / Beehive Pendant Lamp by George Nelson and Associates Midcentury
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very rare chandelier model NS808 / 'Nimbus' (also known as 'Beehive') by renowned George Nelson and Associates studio made for Nessen Lighting, designed in 1969 by Farid Iskander.
Aluminum
George Nelson for Koch and Lowy Half Nelson Lamp Circa 1980
By George Nelson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful Half Nelson lamp manufactured by Koch and Lowy circa 1980. This lamp was originally designed in 1949/50 by George Nelson. The lamp is in working condition and is in good condition. There are some minor marks and small spots of paint loss, please see the detailed photos. The top hood is adjustable and will allow a variety of different looks. It is pictured in our gallery resting on a Eero Saarinen for Knoll Tulip table and chair set...
Metal
George Nelson "Half Nelson" Adjustable Table Lamp for Koch and Lowy
By George Nelson, Koch & Lowy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Half Nelson table lamp, designed by George Nelson for Koch and Lowy. This thoughtful design features a pivoting metal shade that can be adjusted...
Metal
Rare OMI "Eyeshade" Adjustable Floor Lamp, George Nelson, Koch & Lowy, USA, 1960
By George Nelson
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare, early "Eyeshade" floor lamp designed by the influential George Nelson for Koch & Lowy. Designed by and for architects this lamp is as versatile as it is aesth...
Metal
George Nelson & Associates Beehive Pendant Lamp
By George Nelson, Nessen Lighting
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson & Associates Beehive Pendant Lamp: Designed by Lucia DeRespinis (1960) for George Nelson's office for Nessen Studio, Textured enameled me...
Metal
Rare Industrial OMI "Eyeshade" Floor Lamp, George Nelson, Koch & Lowy, USA, 1960
By George Nelson
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare, early "Eyeshade" adjustable floor lamp designed by the influential George Nelson for Koch & Lowy. Designed by and for architects this lamp is as versatile as it i...
Steel
George Nelson Holzzylinder Floor Lamp, Rare
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
This lamp is extremely rare and even harder to find one with three heads. Designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in the 1960s, this lamp boasts three adjustable heads with indep...
Metal
$3,317Sale Price|30% Off
Vitra Coconut Leather Chair by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Vitra
Located in Basildon, London
Introducing the stunning Coconut Leather Chair by renowned designer George Nelson for Vitra. This iconic piece features a sleek and modern design, with a curved seat and armrests for...
Metal
Pair of OMI "Eyeshade" Floor Lamps, George Nelson for Koch & Lowy, USA, c. 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare, early pair of "Eyeshade" floor lamps designed by the influential George Nelson for Koch & Lowy. Designed by and for architects this set is as versatile as it is a...
Steel
George Nelson & Associates Kite Table Lamp Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Miami, FL
George Nelson & Associates Kite table lamp made by Howard Miller. The shade was recently replaced. Chrome was not cleaned and has wear. Please see pictures.
Chrome
George Nelson for Koch Lowy "Eyeshade" Desk Lamp, 1970's
By George Nelson, Koch & Lowy
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 i...
Aluminum, Chrome, Steel
Selection of Mid Century Chrome Floor Lamps by George Nelson & Hans Eichenberger
By George Nelson, Hans Eichenberger
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Mid Century chrome lamps, circa 1950s. They are priced at $1800 each. They are rewired and ready to use. The lamp pictured on the left in the first photo is designed b...
Metal, Aluminum
Rare George Nelson Student Lamp for Phil-Mar
By Phil-Mar, George Nelson
Located in Fraser, MI
Rare Student Lamp designed by George Nelson for Phil-Mar Lamps. Orange Striped Ceramic Body, Brass, and Walnut finished Maple. Two Snap on Shapes appear to be original. Similar sty...
Brass
Rare George Nelson Student Lamp for Phil-Mar
By Phil-Mar, George Nelson
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...
Brass
1977 George Nelson Half-Nelson Reflector Table Lamp by Koch & Lowy in Brass
By Koch & Lowy, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an uncommonly seen Half-Nelson reflector table lamp, designed by George Nelson and manufactured by Koch & Lowy in the late 1970s. This design was initially created ca. 1949-1...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Round Cocoon Pendant Lamp, 1960s, Italy
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This is a cocoon hanging lamp crafted in Italy during the 1960s, showcasing the elegance and innovation of mid-century Italian design. The lamp features a strikingly beautiful round ...
Resin
Stilnovo adjustable wall light sconce, Italy 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Milan, IT
Stilnovo adjustable wall light sconce model 2024, Italy 1950s
Chrome, Aluminum, Metal
1950s Stilnovo tripod floor lamp
By Stilnovo
Located in Montréal, QC
Stilnovo tripod floor lamp, Italy, 1950s. Lacquered steel legs, brass framed yellow laminate mid-level shelf, brass body and cased opaline glass shade in mint condition. 40 to 60 w...
Brass, Enamel, Steel
Pair Silver Nickel Alabaster Sunburst Wall Sconces
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair nickel silver metal wall sconces with alabaster globe shades and sunburst motif backplates. Newly wired for US installation. Each uses single candelabra size bulb. Diameter of a...
Alabaster, Brass
Cocoon Ball Design Pendant Lamp, 1960s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Cocoon Ball Design Pendant Lamp, 1960s, Italy Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use with 220V and 110V for a...
Resin
French Mid-Century Modernist Wall Light, 1950s
By Maison Lunel, Aluminor, Arlus
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This wall light was designed and manufactured in France in the 1950s. It has a minimalist, modernist design, typical of mid-century French lighting styles. The light features an adj...
Aluminum, Brass
$2,245Sale Price|20% Off
H 51.97 in W 14.97 in D 13 in
French Mid-Century Modern Tripod Floor Lamp, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Black Lacquered Tripod Floor Lamp, Iron, Brass. France, 1950s Tripod floor lamp made in France at the fifties. Black Lacquer and Brass details. Newly wired. Lampshade is not included...
Metal, Brass, Iron
Cocoon Pendant Lamp by Goldkant, 1960s, Germany
By Goldkant Leuchten
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Cocoon pendant lamp by Goldkant, 1960s, Germany Lampshade is in very good vintage condition. This lamp works with E27 light bulbs. Wired and suitable to use with 220V and 110V fo...
Resin
Goldkant Cocoon Pendant Lamp by Friedel Wauer, Germany, 1960s
By Friedel Wauer, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Losange shaped cocoon lamp designed by Friedel Wauer for Goldkant Leuchten, Germany. The lamp is made of a unique polymer sprayed on to a metal frame, to...
Resin
Rare Floor Lamp, Italy, 1950s
By Stilnovo, Angelo Lelii
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare floor lamp, in the style of Angelo Lelii, Italy, 950s. Marble, brass and glass. In good original vintage condition with some signs of usa and ag...
Aluminum, Brass
Rare Floor Lamp, 1950s
By Bohlmarks
Located in Stockholm, SE
Large fiberglass shade, brass stem with black nylon cord grip and cast iron tripod base.
Brass
Finnish Scandinavian Modern Wall Light, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Finnish Scandinavian Modern wall light, 1950s. Brass frame with fabric shade. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use.
Brass
George Nelson for Howard Miller Small Cigar Bubble Lamp, ca 1950s
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Cathedral City, CA
George Nelson for Howard Miller Small Cigar Bubble Lamp, ca 1950s This is an iconic bubble lamp designed by George Nelson, originally for the Howard Miller Clock Company. As you can see in the images this has the original sticker still attached to the metal frame. These were in original production from the 50s through the very early 70s before production was discontinued. Newer ones have been produced by various companies including Modernica, Gossamer and now the officially licensed lamps are produced by Herman Miller. These produce the most beautiful yellow glow when lit. Vintage ones throw a nicer light since the material has mellowed where newer ones will throw a white light. Bubble lamp pendant...
Steel
Scarce early/ original George Nelson Hanging "Cigar Bubble Lamp -
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Original ,Vintage,, NOT NEW REPRODUCTION! .Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Bubble light will add a touch of softness and luminosity to any interior! Delightful cigar shape hanging p...
Metal
Rare George Nelson 'Kite' Floor Lamp.. Classic architectural modernist
By George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare George Nelson 'Kite' floor lamp circa mid 1950s early 1960's. Features original linen shade with wood ball pull switch pivoting head and sleek chromed steel frame.Classic elegan...
Steel
Vintage Mid Century Modern George Nelson Cigar Tripod Bubble Lamp
By George Nelson
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
This Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Bubble light will add a touch of softness and luminosity to any interior! Delightful cigar shape on a tripod base and on / off push button switch. Can be used as a table or floor lamp. The George Nelson Cigar...
Metal
George Nelson, Bubble Pendant, Steel, Plastic, USA, 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in High Point, NC
A steel and plastic resin "Bubble" pendant light designed by George Nelson and produced by Howard Miller, USA, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16 ” H x 18.5” Diameter Dimen...
Steel
George Nelson Bubble Table Lamp by Modernica
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
While outfitting his office, architect and Herman Miller design director George Nelson discovered a silk-covered Swedish hanging lamp that he coveted but found too expensive. He then...
Metal
1950's Original Early Nelson Pear Bubble Pendant Lamp by Howard Miller
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful rare shape early production Pear shape , George Nelson Bubble Hanging Lamp circa 1950's nice patina original condition no tears original label needs to be hardwired , we ...
Metal
George Nelson "Half Nelson" Adjustable Table Lamp for Koch and Lowy
By Koch & Lowy, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Half Nelson table lamp, designed by George Nelson for Koch and Lowy. A thoughtful design, featuring a pivoting shade made from spun aluminum, th...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Original Large George Nelson Bubble Lamps for Howard Miller (B)
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Oakland, CA
Large original George Nelson Bubble Lamp for the Howard Miller Clock Company. Having a 26 inches in diameter "Bubble" form made of an wire frame covered with a spray on plastic skin ...
Metal, Wire
Large Original George Nelson Bubble Lamp for Howard Miller Clock Company (A)
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Oakland, CA
Large original George Nelson Bubble Lamp for the Howard Miller Clock Company. Having a 26 inches in diameter "Bubble" form made of an wire frame covered with a spray on plastic skin ...
Metal, Wire
George Nelson, Saucer Bubble Pendant, Steel, Plastic, USA, 1952
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in High Point, NC
An early "Saucer Bubble" Pendant light designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, c. 1952. Small tear to plastic cover. Dimensions o...
Steel
Large Nelson Bubble Table or Floor Lamp for Howard Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very early large cigar shaped bubble table or floor lamp with metal tri pod base having small plastic tips to protect your surfaces . The iconic mid century designer George Nelson ...
Metal