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.
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
Pair of Yellow, Swivel Barstools / Drafting Stools by Charles and Ray Eames
By George Nelson, Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare pair of bar stools / drafting stools with armless yellow fiberglass bucket / shell chair seats designed by Charles and Ray Eames on bases designed by George Nelson. Both have ad...
Steel
Mid Century Modern Sofa with Side Tables George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Sofa with Integrated Side Tables for Herman Miller – This exquisite vintage piece, dating back to the 1950s-1960s, epitomizes the functional elegance...
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
rare george nelson steel frame sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
nice sofa from the steel frame series. an icon of modern design. shows signes of previous use, but has no defects and the white leather has nice patina.
Metal
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
George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 4663 Chairs
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A matched pair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Model 4663 chairs sit firmly in the midcentury era, with clean lines, balanced proportions, and a focus on comfort. Solid ...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of 1979 Charles Pollock for Knoll Burnt Orange Executive Chairs
By George Nelson, Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Pair of vintage 1979 Executive Chairs designed by Charles Pollock for Knoll. The chairs come in their original burnt orange upholstery, a perfect mid-century modern color! It is trul...
Stainless Steel
George Nelson Modular Group Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Highland, IN
The modular seating group designed by the Nelson office in 1955 is one of our favorite sofa designs. It was designed on a 30" module and offered in a wide variety of configurations. ...
Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Slat Bench
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Slat Bench This bench measures: 72 wide x 18.5 deep x 14.5 high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 14.5 inches Fair Vintage Conditio...
Wood
Pair Early and Rare Pretzel sIDE Chairs by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Matched pair Early and Rare Pretzel sIDE Chaisr designed by by George Nelson, c 1952,,, gREAT EXAMPLES, bOTH chairs retain they're original finish / patina,,,,Iconic Design. Becoming...
Plywood
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
1950s John Pyle for George Nelson Associates Laminate Pretzel Chairs set of 4
By George Nelson, John Pile
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A set of four scarce John Pile for George Nelson Associates of Herman Miller Side Chairs. These chairs are purportedly from a run of around 100 chairs before being discontinued. A l...
Birch, Walnut
Sofa with Side Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, United States ca 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Utrecht, NL
George Nelson was one of the central figures in the development of American modern design in the mid twentieth century. As design director for Herman Miller from 1945 onward, Nelson ...
Fabric, Wood
$3,108Sale Price|20% Off
George Nelson Bench or Stool
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
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
$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
George Nelson for Herman Miller early original Coconut Chair and ottoman
By George Nelson
Located in Walnut Creek, CA
This is a nice clean original George Nelson for Herman Miller Coconut Chair and ottoman. It came out of a well preserved architect’s estat...
Chrome
Pair. George Nelson for Herman Miller Cube Arm Chairs Model 4774
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated, chic, voguish pair of lounge chairs designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller circa 1950s. The chairs feature solid maple frames with thick upholstered seats and bac...
Upholstery, Maple
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller 4992 Slatted Bench in Maple 92"
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Slat Bench, Model 4992, originally designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1947. This particular example dates to the 1950s. The bench is comprised of entirely of ma...
Maple
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
Mid Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller Hairpin Leg Daybed Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Case Study daybed / sofa / couch / chaise lounge featuring iron hairpin legs with pine back suppor...
Metal
Herman Miller George Nelson Modular Seating Cognac Natural Leather Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This living room set model modular sofa was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This set was completely re -upholstered in high premium cognac Natural leather. It has a soft...
Steel, Chrome
George Nelson, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Wood, USA, 1940s
By George Nelson
Located in High Point, NC
A rare wood and orange fabric lounge chair, model 4688, designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric id...
Fabric, Wood
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
Vintage MCM George Nelson 5476 Lounge Chair for Herman Miller Fuchsia Fabric
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage MCM (a.k.a.) Mid-Century Modern 5476 lounge chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Comprised of a walnut frame and fuchsia...
Fabric, Walnut
Extra Long George Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Highland, IN
Introduced in 1946, the slat platform bench was one of Nelson's first designs for Herman Miller after becoming their design director. Intended to serve as a table, a seat, or a base for case goods, its countless imitations over the years are a testament to its functionality and popularity. Herman Miller produced them in a range of sizes to meet a variety of needs. This exceptional vintage example is model 4693. At 102” in length, it’s the largest size slat bench Herman Miller...
Maple
George Nelson, Modular Sofa and Table Seating System, 1966 for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
Original Herman Miller Midcentury Sofa steel frame Couch George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Zweisitzer Sofa von Herman Miller aus den 1950er/60er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von George Nelson und konnte in den verschiedensten Kombi...
Wood
Nelson Slat Bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1990s. USA. Black painted base with natural wood top.
Wood
Mid Century Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Dining Chairs in Beech #4669
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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
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
George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 4663 Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 8
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 4663 Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 8 Each armless chair measures: 17.25 wide x 21 deep x 29.75 high, with a seat height of 17.5 inc...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
George Nelson Coconut Chair for Herman Miller, Early 1st Generation Production
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Troy, MI
Rare 1st edition Coconut lounge chair designed by George Nelson and Associates Herman Miller circa 1955-1956 Earliest production example characterized by a triangular steel shell an...
Metal, Chrome
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
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
Nelson Slat Bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. USA. Black painted base with natural patinated top.
Wood
$7,200 / set
George Nelson, Armchairs, Iron, USA, 1950s
By George Nelson
Located in High Point, NC
A set of four iron armchairs designed by George Nelson and produced by Arbuck, USA, c. 1952. Dimensions: 29” H x 19” W 19” D Seat height: 16.5”
Iron
2x DAF Swag Leg Arm Stuhl Charles Eames George Nelson Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Charles Eames
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
$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
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
Iconic Black Leather and Fiberglass Lounge Chair ‘Coconut’ by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Vitra
Located in Dublin 8, IE
An enduring icon of mid-century modern design, the Coconut Chair was designed by George Nelson in 1955 as a bold departure from traditional lounge seating. Rather than designing a ch...
Chrome
Set of 6 Black Pretzel Chairs, by George Nelson for ICF
By George Nelson, ICF De Padova
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
George Nelson for Hermann Miller Modular 3-Seater Sofa, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Naples, IT
Modular 3-seater sofa designed by George Miller in 1956. The sofa incorporates a system of modules that allows you to choose the seating arrangement, the coffee table and chest of dr...
Leather, Wood
Pair of George Nelson Slat Wood Benches for Herman Miller. U.S.A.
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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, 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 George Nelson, Vitra
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
$3,428Sale Price|50% Off
Rare and Exclusive Loose Cushion Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
By george nelson. ultra soft high qualitily leather with nice and worm patina. down filled cushions.
Leather
Set of Four Paddle Armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of four armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller in black aniline leather. Original Herman Miller circle tag presen...
Chrome
Set of Six George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Dining Chairs
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
Uncommon Desk Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Reupholstered in curly lambchop boucle
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
Set of 6 Herman Miller DAF Chairs Designed by George Nelson in 1958
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Beautiful set of 6 Herman Miller DAF fiberglass chairs, designed by George Nelson. The DAF chair is perfectly suitable as a dining chair and due t...
Aluminum
$4,763Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of George Nelson 5681 Loose Cushion Group Lounge Chairs US 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of George Nelson Loose Cushion Group lounge chairs US 1960s Original Condition with hardened foam. We recommend to reupholster.
Fabric
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
Armchair by George Nelson for Herman Miller Restored
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
George Nelson armchair in new blue Maharam fabric. Blonde Primavera frame in excellent condition.
Upholstery, Wood
Executive seating group by George Nelson seating for Herman Miller, 1956
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
A complete modular seating group by George Nelson. Four pieces in total. One three-seater with an integrated coffee table. Two two-seaters. One single lounge element. Designed as par...
Aluminum
$10,750 / set
George Nelson Coconut Chair and Ottoman
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather chair and ottoman with metal base.
Leather
2009 George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Armchair 3x Available
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Swag Leg Chairs, originally designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1958. These particular examples were produced in the USA and date to 2009. The chairs are compris...
Steel
Coconut Lounge Chair in Leather by George Nelson for Vitra, 1955
By George Nelson
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
An iconic Coconut Lounge Chair designed by George Nelson in 1955, produced by Vitra. This design stands as a hallmark of mid-century modern innovation, where form, comfort and playfu...
Metal