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George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

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
Restored Pair George Nelson for Herman Miller Primavera Basic Series Nightstands
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare pair of nightstands or end tables made by Herman Miller in the early 1950s and designed by American design icon George Nelson. Each nightstand features primavera construction, a...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Primavera' Nightstands, c. 1955, Signed
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic pair of chests which can also be used as large nightstands were designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, part of the 'Basic Cabinet Series' and also called 'Primav...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Primavera Headboard
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Forney, TX
A rare American Mid-Century Modern headboard for a double (full) size bed with storage and adjustable backrests by important Modernist architect and designer George Nelson (American, 1908-1986) for Herman Miller, circa 1950, model 4647 from the Primavera Collection, walnut, tufted vinyl, ebonized feet. Dimensions: (approx) 40" High, 56.25" Wide, 12" Deep A superb example, in excellent original vintage condition, having a pair tufted vinyl doors that slide down to reveal individual storage compartments. Walnut veneer in excellent condition with one small (.75") stable bubble beneath the surface at top (no splitting or discoloration present). Bed retains both brackets and anchor pins...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Upholstery, PVC, Wood, Walnut

George Nelson Mid Century Cane and Walnut Full Headboard for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A mid century walnut thin framed full size headboard with a natural woven cane insert . Designed by George Nelson for the Herman Miller Furniture company model # 5547 . The headboard...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Metal

George Nelson Thin Edge Twin Bed for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design "Thin Edge" twin bed for Herman Miller, circa 1955. Made from solid birch on an enameled steel frame and twin sized cane headboard, In very good original conditi...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Enamel

George Nelson Nightstands with Pull Out Tables for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of dark ebony toned Mid Century nightstands with pull out bedside table and upper and lower bookcase styled storage . A early designed by George ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood

George Nelson Thin Edge Nightstands for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson Thin Edge nightstands for Herman Miller. Iconic design for Nelson's Thin Edge series produced by Herman Miller, Michigan U.S....
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Stainless Steel

George Nelson Walnut Full Size Headboard Cabinet
By George Nelson
Located in North Hollywood, CA
George Nelson walnut and leather accent headboard. 3 piece set, both side tables detach. White leather hidden storage space. No damages or broken ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

A Classic Pair of George Nelson Night Stands Herman Miller Basic Series 1950's
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A great Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller nightstands, ca' 1950's. Combed oak, with a pickled finish, restored, ebonized legs and original, silvered J shaped handles. Inside dr...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Mahogany, Oak

George Nelson & Associates Cabinets, Herman Miller, Model 4617
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
George Nelson & Associates Cabinets, Herman Miller model 4617. Handsome bedside cabinets/nightstands, purchased by Solo Modern, from the estate of famed Mad Magazine cartoonist, Mort Drucker...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Aluminum, Zinc

Problems of Design by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
First edition of George Nelson's Problems of Design, published by Whitney Publications in 1957. An important consideration of the topic by one of America's most significant and influ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Paper

1950s Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Twin Headboards Walnut
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of walnut and steel frame twin headboards, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in the 1950s. The walnut is finished on both sides, and the outer steel frames a...
Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Steel

1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Full Size Headboard in Walnut
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Walnut Full-Sized Headboard, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1952. This design was part of George Nelson's Thin Edge Series. It features a construction of bo...
Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Steel

Pair of Night Stands by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of two (2) Mid-Century Modern walnut end tables / nightstands designed by George Nelson with satin-chromed legs and a lateral drawer. Made by Herman Miller in the USA, circa 19...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Metal

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Headboards & Nightstands by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Kensington, MD
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Headboards & Nightstands by George Nelson for Herman Miller Additional information: Material: Wool Classic George Nelson Styling on This Pair of Hairb...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wool

Pair George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Chests
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Metal

1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Twin Headboard 2x Available
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single (two are available, though sold separately) Model 4695 George Nelson for Herman Miller twin headboard. The piece is forme...
Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Steel

1950s George Nelson Thin-Edge Queen Headboard in Walnut, Model 4909
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a George Nelson queen-sized headboard, Model 4909, produced by Herman Miller in the USA. It was originally designed in 1954. The piece is formed of solid and veneered walnut....
Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Metal

George Nelson for Herman Miller MCM Rosewood Thin Edge Nightstands - Pair
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge Nightstands - Pair Each nightstand measures: 18 wide x 18.5 deep x 22.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be h...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Rosewood

Pair American Modernist Walnut Nightstands George Nelson for Herman Miller 1955
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Portland, OR
A good pair of original American Modernist nightstands/bookshelves by George Nelson (1908-1986) for Herman Miller, circa 1955. The Basic Cabinet Series was first introduced in the la...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Teak

Early George Nelson Full Sized Tilting Storage Headboard # 5400
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A dark brownish ebony finished full sized headboard with wheat toned soft contract fabric upholstered headrests . The best thing about this well designed piece is there is storage be...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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 More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Rosewood

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 More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Metal

George Nelson for Herman Miller MCM Walnut and Leather Twin Headboards
By George Nelson
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Iconic George Nelson for Herman Miller twin walnut headboards with full grain beige leather inset panels with tufting. The paneled doors lower to reveal shelf storage perfect for bo...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Leather, Walnut

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 More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wrought Iron

1958 George Nelson for Herman Miller Full-Sized Walnut Headboard with Label
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a George Nelson full-sized headboard, produced by Herman Miller in the USA. It retains its circular medallion label, which dates the piece to the 1950s, more specifically cir...
Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Related Items
George Nelson Thin Edge Group Dresser, Double, Santos Palisander, Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
George Nelson thin edge double dresser, chest, Santos Palisander, Herman Miller. In 1944, Life magazine published an extensive article...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

George Nelson Steelframe Walnut Chest for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An architectural styled Steelframe chest with satin black metal frame, olive green drawer side and back with white laminate top. The face of the drawer is in a well grained walnut wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Metal

A Classic Pair of George Nelson Night Stands Herman Miller Basic Series 1950's
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A great Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller nightstands, ca' 1950's. Combed oak, with a pickled finish, restored, ebonized legs and original, silvered J shaped handles. Inside dr...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Mahogany, Oak

Nightstand by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern nightstand by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller circa 1930s. Featuring a recessed top, two shelves, and a black drawer. Fully ma...
Category

1930s American Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Cane Walnut and Black Full Size Headboard att. to Baughman
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in New York, NY
Chic architectural Mid Century full size headboard, design attributed to Milo Baughman for Directional c. 1950/70's. The headboard features a caned insert center panel, surrounded by...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Cane, Wood

George Nelson Walnut Full Size Headboard Cabinet
By George Nelson
Located in North Hollywood, CA
George Nelson walnut and leather accent headboard. 3 piece set, both side tables detach. White leather hidden storage space. No damages or broken ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Queen Headboard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Transform your bedroom with the striking elegance of this Mid-Century Modern Queen Headboard. A perfect blend of clean lines, organic shapes, and timeless design, this headboard brin...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Queen Headboard
Mid-Century Modern Queen Headboard
H 39 in W 81.5 in D 2 in
George Nelson Thin Edge Nightstands for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson Thin Edge nightstands for Herman Miller. Iconic design for Nelson's Thin Edge series produced by Herman Miller, Michigan U.S....
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid-Century Walnut and Cane Headboard- King
By Unagusta
Located in Trenton, NJ
Discover the fusion of mid-century charm and modern versatility with this vintage walnut headboard, featuring three reversible decorative cane panels. This beautifully crafted headboard...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Cane, Wood

Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller 5-Drawer Chests Primavera Basic Series
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare pair of cabinets or chests made by Herman Miller in the early 1950s and designed by American design icon George Nelson. Each cabinet features primavera construction, a form of b...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Mid-Century Modern Century Walnut & Cane King Headboard
By Century Furniture
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Century King Headboard. Featuring a straight line design, made up of solid wood with cane over top, and a beautiful walnut finish. This is an...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Cane, Wood, Walnut

Johdpur Bed, twin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Martyn Lawrence Bullard's custom Johdpur bed. The original of this bed was one of a pair carved in ivory and accented with silver that belonged to the famed Rothschild collection.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood

Johdpur Bed, twin
Johdpur Bed, twin
H 96 in W 47 in D 83 in
Previously Available Items
George Nelson for Herman Miller Black Lacquered Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern nightstands. By George Nelson for Herman Miller, USA, 1950s Black lacquered walnut and brass hardware. Measures: 17" W x 12" D x 25.75" ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Brass

Rare George Nelson 4 Piece King Size Headboard Night Stand Mid-Centuy Modern
By George Nelson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Rare classic George Nelson 4 piece headboard with matching night stands. An adjustable, padded panel allows for open or closed storage on the twin headboards which make a king-size w...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

George Nelson For Herman Miller Walnut Nighstand End Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern, model #4617, walnut nightstand or end table by George Nelson For Herman Miller features closed storage with signature, steel J pulls. Iconic, American, mid-centur...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Nightstands, 1960
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Nightstands, 1960. Absolutely beautiful and completely restored. Measure 18" wide, 18.5" deep, 22.5" tall
Category

1960s American Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Rosewood

Pair George Nelson Steel Frame Nightstands for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of satin black steel framed nightstands with yellow okra colored wood drawer fronts detailed with an oval chrome pull . To the back and s...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Vintage Rosewood George Nelson for Herman Miller Twin Headboard
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful vintage Rosewood twin headboard. designed by George Nelson as part of the thin edge line for Herman Miller.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Rosewood

A Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Rosewood Nightstands
By George Nelson
Located in Seattle, WA
A rare pair of Thin Edge nightstands designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, in Brazilian rosewood with its original white porcelain pulls and classic aluminum legs . The case f...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Porcelain, Rosewood

Pair Of Steelframe Nightstands Or Bedside Tables By George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in London, London
Pair of bedside tables By George Nelson Steelframe Enamelled steel, lacquered wood, laminate, aluminium 1950s USA
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Steel

George Nelson for Herman Miller King Sized Fabric and Teak Headboard
By George Nelson
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century king-sized bed headboard with a teak wood frame with two sets of open shelves on either side and two adjustable upholstered backrests that tilt out from a restin...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Upholstery, Fabric, Wood, Teak

Very Early Rare George Nelson Thin Edge Daybed for Herman Miller w. Cane
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Hudson, NY
Rare and special very early (1959) George Nelson thin edge daybed sold by Herman Miller. Near excellent condition given age.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair Teak George Nelson Thin Edge Night Stands / Chests. Expertly Restored.
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller Thin Edge cabinets model 4701. Teak cases with anodized aluminum pulls and cast aluminum legs. Each cabinet features four drawers...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller Pair of Nightstands with Custom Thin Edge Legs
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Classic, clean lines George Nelson for Herman Miller pair of nightstands with three deep dovetail drawers. The hardware is brushed steel and the original custom ordered thin edge leg...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood

George Nelson more furniture and collectibles for sale on 1stDibs.

George Nelson more furniture and collectibles are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of George Nelson more furniture and collectibles, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original more furniture and collectibles 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 more furniture and collectibles by Milo Baughman, Calvin, and Johnson Furniture Company. Prices for George Nelson more furniture and collectibles can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,250 and can go as high as $12,850, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,600.
Questions About George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles
  • 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.

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