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.
Early and Rare Pretzel sIDE Chair by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early and Rare Pretzel sIDE Chair by George Nelson, c 1952,,, gREAT EXAMPLE, Iconic Design. Becoming increasingly harder and harder to find..Nice original condition,, Age appropri...
Plywood
Dining Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1950s
By George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An early dining chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller, having tubular zinc-plated frames with floating upholstered seats and backs.
Steel
$3,112Sale Price / item|20% Off
George Nelson Low-Back Executive Tilt-Swivel Chair for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Seattle, WA
George Nelson & Associate was one the driving force for the revolutionary of Office space furniture in the 50s and 60s. Between 1955 and 1964, the group came up with some of the most iconic design of the Mid-Century Modern era such as the CSS shelving...
Naugahyde
Pair of Early Coconut Chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller in Shearling
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of early metal back Coconut chairs designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Fully restored and upholstered in shearling.
Sheepskin
George Nelson Desk or Office Chair, Very Rare, New Red Boucle Knoll Upholstery
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Very rare George Nelson desk chair, freshly reupholstered in a crimson Knoll Classic boucle.
Aluminum
Pair of Catenary Chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of Catenary chairs designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Reupholstered in Zinc / Sagone / Electric Teal fabric.
Bouclé
Set of Four George Nelson ''Pretzel'' Armchair Made by ICF, Italy, 1984-1986
By ICF De Padova, George Nelson
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A rare and beautiful set of four ''Pretzel'' armchairs made in laminated wood and manufactured in the 1984/1986 in Italy by ICF De Padova. Originally designed for Herman Miller in...
Fabric, Ash
huge and rare 251cm george nelson bench from the modular group
By George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
ultra rare an most possible made on special order very big george nelson bench. we also have a smaller bench available.
Metal
Set of Two Leather Original George Nelson Coconut Chairs, Vitra
By Vitra, George Nelson
Located in Praha, CZ
Coconut lounge chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, manufactured by Vitra. Black leather, white shell and chrome legs, good original condition. - Marked by original lab...
Chrome
George Nelson Daybed by Herman Miller, Royal Blue Velour, Chrome Frame
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Queens, NY
American mid-century daybed with a royal blue velour upholstered rectangular bed with two matching bolster pillows resting on a chrome frame with a central...
Metal, Chrome
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Rare 1950s California Modern George Nelson Arbuck Outdoor Iron Stools / Tables
By George Nelson, Arbuck
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 ...
Iron
C. 1950 Set of Six George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 4671 Side Dining Chairs
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of six side dining chairs, model 4671, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1948. The listed price includes the set of six chairs as shown. The design feature...
Steel
George Nelson 1950s Steel Frame Sofa For Herman Miller Vintage Mid-Century
By George Nelson
Located in Monrovia, CA
This Is A Vintage 1950s George Nelson Steel Frame Sofa For Herman Miller. Original Gray Upholstery, Fabric For Herman Miller. Low, Thin...
Steel
$9,500 / item
George Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller, c.1950s, USA. Newly upholstered in a high pile rich green mohair. The seating system features three cushioned seats and a white laminate side...
Steel
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...
Teak
George Nelson, Modular Sofa and Table Seating System, 1966 for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Munster, NRW
George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s, United States. Very fine Modular §seater sofa by George Nelson (1908-1986) for Herman Miller. This sofa has a metal frame with square chro...
Steel, Chrome
2007 Coconut Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Vitra in Black Leather
By Vitra, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single Coconut Lounge Chair, designed by George Nelson. This handsome lounge chair is composed of a molded reinforced plastic shell, with an upholstered black leather seat ...
Leather, Plastic
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Ebonized Bench 72"
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Slat Bench, Model 4692, originally designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1947. This particular example dates to the 1950s. The bench is comprised entirely of maple...
Maple, Paint
Modular Sofa designed by George NELSON for HERMAN MILLER, 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Two-seat Sofa designed by George Nelson. U.S.A., Herman Miller, 1960s. Modular Sofa by George Nelson with a strong metal structure including chrome-plated feet. Two vintage red Moha...
Metal
Mid Century Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Dining Chairs in Beech #4669
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous set of 4 beech dining chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller # 4669 with caned backs and period fabric for seat covers. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. ...
Fabric, Cane, Beech
2002 George Nelson for Herman Miller Slatted Bench in Ebonized Wood, Model 4992
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Slat Platform Bench, Model 4992, initially designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1947. This particular example dates to 2002. The bench is comprised entirely of ma...
Maple, Paint
George Nelson Prototype DAF Chair for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An early per production prototype fiberglass arm shell or DAF chair designed by George Nelson. This chair came directly from a engineer working for the Herma...
Fiberglass
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.
Metal
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Restored George Nelson Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
Sofa designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Newly upholstered in a ticking striped fabric with chrome legs. Measures: 81". Arm height 21"
Fabric
2-Seater Sofa with Side Tables by George Nelson for Herman Miller, USA, 1960s -2
By George Nelson
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
A 1960s two-seater sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller, part of his Modular Seating Group. The design combines two upholstered seats with integrated laminate side tables on a cle...
Metal, Chrome
George Nelson, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Steel, Velvet, USA, 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of white-lacquered steel, wood and beige velvet fabric lounge chairs designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 14.15" Arm H...
Steel
$16,900 / set
George Nelson 6 Black Pretzel Chairs for ICF, 1984
By ICF De Padova, George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Vienna, AT
George Nelson pretzel chairs Model # 5890, manufactured for ICF (labelled) A rare set of six ''Pretzel'' armchairs with newly upholstered cushions, made from laminated wood by ICF D...
Velvet, Plywood
Rare & Original George Nelson Steel Frame Lounge Chairs Pair Herman Miller 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Super rare! George Nelson for Herman Miller steel frame chairs, model 5080 Easy Lounge Chairs. Original painted frames with solid wood arms. Orig...
Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 5890 Pretzel Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 5890 Mid Century Pretzel Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 19.75 wide x 19 deep x 30 high, with a seat height of 18.5 inche...
Wood
Pair Mid Century Modern Restored Lounge Chairs George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular and rare early pair of steel framed lounge chairs, #5080 by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Totally restored to their original glory. New cotton velvet upholstery with ...
Steel
George Nelson Vanity Stool Model 4672 for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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.
Aluminum
George Nelson & Irving Harper Marshmallow Sofa for Herman Miller, 1956
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Irving Harper
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Iconic “Marshmallow Sofa,” model 5670, designed in 1956 within George Nelson Associates, with Irving Harper and George Nelson, and produced by Herman Miller in the United States. On...
Iron
George Nelson, Rare Lounge Chair, Fabric, USA, 1940s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in High Point, NC
A rare wood and beige grey bouclé fabric model 4688 lounge chair designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, c. 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 18.5” Arm Height (inc...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of White Perch Chairs by George Nelson for Vitra
By Vitra, George Nelson
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of white leather stools / 'Perch Chairs' by George Nelson for Vitra. Designed 1964. This pair is manufactured in 2010 by Vitra. The stools feature contoured seats upholstered in...
Chrome
Set of 6 Black Pretzel Chairs, by George Nelson for ICF
By ICF De Padova, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
A rare set of six ''Pretzel'' armchairs with leather cushions, made from laminated wood by ICF De Padova in Italy between 1984 and 1986. Originally designed for Herman Miller, George...
Leather, Wood
Original Early George Nelson for Herman Miller Pretzel Chair
By George Nelson
Located in Sarasota, FL
George Nelson for Herman Miller pretzel chair. Rare and beautiful chair with very low production. Production being this one either 1957 or 1958. Believed to be under 100 of these ...
Bentwood
Set of Four Paddle Armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
Exceptional set of four armchairs designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. The chairs feature a refined sculptural form and have been newly upholstered in premium black aniline l...
Chrome
George Nelson Coconut Armchair for Vitra, 1990s
By George Nelson
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
The armchair was designed by George Nelson in 1955. The coconut chair is an icon of the design of the 1950s and is still a cult today. With clear shapes and reduced materials, the ...
Leather, Plastic
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.
Upholstery, Wood
Swag Leg Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller - 1950s, La Fonda, Space Age
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
Swag Leg Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller - 1950s This iconic Swag Leg Chair was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in the 1950s. The chair is characterized by its ...
Fiberglass
Pair of George Nelson Slat Wood Benches for Herman Miller. U.S.A.
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An iconic pair of slat wood benches designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, representing one of the most enduring and versatile designs of the American Mid-Century Modern moveme...
Wood
George Nelson for Herman Miller Modular Sofa Set With Side Table
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The set consists of three armless lounge chair modules and integrated low tables featuring white laminate tops framed by walnut. Upholstered in a charcoal gray textured fabric, each ...
Metal
2x DAF Swag Leg Arm Stuhl Charles Eames George Nelson Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten insgesamt zwei wunderschöne und äußerst seltene DAF Swag Leg Arm Stühle von Herman Miller Collection zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von George Nelson bzw. Charles Eame...
Metal
Modular Sofa Seating, Gerogen Nelson for Herman Miller, covered in Dedar fabric
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Hyères, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
“design is a response to social change“ george nelson said, the director of design with office furniture manufacturer herman miller. economic growth and larger companies lead to rapi...
Steel
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1960s
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 ...
Metal
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1970s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 ...
Metal
Modular Table Bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller with Pierre Frey cushion
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Hyères, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
“design is a response to social change“ george nelson said, the director of design with office furniture manufacturer herman miller. economic growth and larger companies lead to rapi...
Steel
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...
Metal