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George Nelson Armchairs

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
Original George Nelson Pretzel Chair, Leather
Original George Nelson Pretzel Chair, Leather

Original George Nelson Pretzel Chair, Leather

By George Nelson

Located in Miami, FL

Rare and beautiful ''Pretzel'' ArmChair, laminated wood and dark brown leather seat. Manufactured in the 1984/1986 in Italy by ICF De Padova. Price is for one chair. Pair available.

Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Plywood

Pair of 1979 Charles Pollock for Knoll Burnt Orange Executive Chairs
Pair of 1979 Charles Pollock for Knoll Burnt Orange Executive Chairs

Pair of 1979 Charles Pollock for Knoll Burnt Orange Executive Chairs

By Knoll, George Nelson, Charles Pollock

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...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 4663 Chairs
George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 4663 Chairs

George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 4663 Chairs

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

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 ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Original Early George Nelson for Herman Miller Pretzel Chair
Original Early George Nelson for Herman Miller Pretzel Chair

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 ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

Set of Two Leather Original George Nelson Coconut Chairs, Vitra
Set of Two Leather Original George Nelson Coconut Chairs, Vitra

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...

Category

Early 2000s German Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Pair of George Nelson Armchairs in Cowhide Upholstery
Pair of George Nelson Armchairs in Cowhide Upholstery

Pair of George Nelson Armchairs in Cowhide Upholstery

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Kansas City, MO

Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller armchairs with new cowhide upholstery. Great for any modern environment besides the obvious modern cabin or rustic setting.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Walnut

Set of 6 Black Pretzel Chairs, by George Nelson for ICF
Set of 6 Black Pretzel Chairs, by George Nelson for ICF

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...

Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

George Nelson Coconut Armchair for Vitra
George Nelson Coconut Armchair for Vitra

George Nelson Coconut Armchair for Vitra

By Vitra, George Nelson

Located in Vienna, AT

The armchair was designed by George Nelson for Vitra 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 mate...

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Plastic, Bouclé

Mid Century White Swag Chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller
Mid Century White Swag Chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller

Mid Century White Swag Chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Detroit, MI

These classic mid century modern white “Swag” chairs were designed by George Nelson in 1958 and produced by Herman Miller circa 2010. The iconic mid century design features clean lin...

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Steel

George Nelson, Armchairs, Iron, USA, 1950s
George Nelson, Armchairs, Iron, USA, 1950s

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”

Category

1950s American Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Armchair by George Nelson for Herman Miller Restored
Armchair by George Nelson for Herman Miller Restored

Armchair by George Nelson for Herman Miller Restored

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Kansas City, MO

George Nelson armchair in new blue Maharam fabric. Blonde Primavera frame in excellent condition.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

2009 George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Armchair 3x Available
2009 George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Armchair 3x Available

2009 George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Armchair 3x Available

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

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...

Category

Early 2000s American Modern George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Steel

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Set of Six George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Dining Chairs
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George Nelson for Herman Miller teak and upholstered dining chairs. We also have the matching dining table, please inquire for details. All items ar...

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Charles Pollock Leather Executive Office Desk Chair for Knoll
Charles Pollock Leather Executive Office Desk Chair for Knoll

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By Charles Pollock, Knoll

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Classic Charles Pollock executive desk chair for Knoll. Camel leather in good condition with no tears or missing buttons. Signed and guaranteed authentic. Height adjustable. Swivels ...

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Charles Pollock Desk Chair by Knoll in Burnt Orange
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Charles Pollock Desk Chair by Knoll in Burnt Orange

$1,599 / item

H 32 in W 26 in D 25 in

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By Charles Pollock, Knoll

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Vintage Charles Pollock for Knoll executive chair in burnt orange. This leather executive desk chair has swivel base with adjustable height. Base with all wheels in working condition...

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Belgian Pair of Armchairs Chairs in Leather and Oak
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H 35.04 in W 23.63 in D 18.9 in

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By Schuitema & Zonen, Frits Schuitema

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Frits Schuitema for Shaker Furniture by Schuitema en Zonen, pair of armchairs model 1130, stained wood, leather, Belgium, 1970s. A beautiful pair o...

Category

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Classic George Nelson / Herman Miller Slat Bench Model #4690 -.1960's
Classic George Nelson / Herman Miller Slat Bench Model #4690 -.1960's

Classic George Nelson / Herman Miller Slat Bench Model #4690 -.1960's

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Buffalo, NY

Classic George Nelson / Herman Miller Slat Platform Bench Model #4690 -.1960's.. Modern Icon..Retains original finish.. beautiful warm patina.. really nice original condition..

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

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George Nelson Classic Slat Bench 1950's Original Signed!
George Nelson Classic Slat Bench 1950's Original Signed!

George Nelson Classic Slat Bench 1950's Original Signed!

By George Nelson

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A classic, original 1950's vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller slat bench. Original ebonised finish with warm patina. This is a hard to find original bench, retaining its foil la...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Maple

Pair of Warren Platner Lounge Chairs for Knoll
Pair of Warren Platner Lounge Chairs for Knoll

Pair of Warren Platner Lounge Chairs for Knoll

$11,809Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 30.32 in W 36.23 in D 25.2 in

Pair of Warren Platner Lounge Chairs for Knoll

By Knoll, Warren Platner

Located in Paris, FR

Pair of Warren Platner lounge chairs for Knoll.

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George Nelson For Herman Miller First Generation Coconut Chair and Ottoman
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H 32 in W 40 in D 36 in

George Nelson For Herman Miller First Generation Coconut Chair and Ottoman

By George Nelson

Located in Seattle, WA

The Coconut chair was designed in 1955 by the American architect, industrial designer, author, editor and teacher George Nelson. Unlike the later editions, the first generation has a...

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Early Vintage Eero Saarinen for Knoll Orange Vinyl Executive Arm Chairs - a Pair
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Early Vintage Eero Saarinen for Knoll Orange Vinyl Executive Arm Chairs - a Pair

By Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Early Vintage Eero Saarinen for Knoll Orange Vinyl Executive Arm Chairs - a Pair. Item features very comfortable form, classic Mid-Century design and early original Knoll label. Circ...

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Dutch Set of Eight Armchairs in Teak and Burgundy Red Upholstery
Dutch Set of Eight Armchairs in Teak and Burgundy Red Upholstery

Dutch Set of Eight Armchairs in Teak and Burgundy Red Upholstery

$2,950 / set

H 32.49 in W 21.66 in D 21.26 in

Dutch Set of Eight Armchairs in Teak and Burgundy Red Upholstery

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Set of eight armchairs, fabric, iron, teak, The Netherlands, 1960s. These Dutch dining chairs are well-proportioned, featuring a teak frame with angular lines and round edges. The a...

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Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa
Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa

Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa

By Herman Miller, Irving Harper, George Nelson

Located in BROOKLYN, NY

George Nelson Office – Limited Edition Marshmallow Sofa Designed by Irving Harper for the George Nelson office, this multicolored Marshmallow Sofa is a limited edition piece manufact...

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21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs

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Previously Available Items
George Nelson Walnut Armchairs, Herman Miller- A Pair
George Nelson Walnut Armchairs, Herman Miller- A Pair

George Nelson Walnut Armchairs, Herman Miller- A Pair

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Raleigh, NC

Early armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller. One chair has the original tag. These have been newly upholstered in a mohair fabric with the frames being cleaned and oiled, l...

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Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs

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4x DAF Swag Leg Arm Stuhl Charles Eames George Nelson Herman Miller
4x DAF Swag Leg Arm Stuhl Charles Eames George Nelson Herman Miller

4x DAF Swag Leg Arm Stuhl Charles Eames George Nelson Herman Miller

By Herman Miller, Charles Eames, George Nelson

Located in Berlin, DE

Wir bieten einen von insgesamt vier wunderschönen und äußerst seltenen DAF Swag Leg Arm Stühlen von Herman Miller Collection zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von George Nelson bzw....

Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Vintage black leather George Nelson Swivel office chair
Vintage black leather George Nelson Swivel office chair

Vintage black leather George Nelson Swivel office chair

By George Nelson

Located in London, GB

Timeless sophistication for your workspace with this rare vintage swivel office chair designed by the legendary American designer, George Nelson. A masterpiece of mid-century moder...

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Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs

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George Nelson / Jack Lenor Larsen Arm Chair for Herman Miller # 4663
George Nelson / Jack Lenor Larsen Arm Chair for Herman Miller # 4663

George Nelson / Jack Lenor Larsen Arm Chair for Herman Miller # 4663

By George Nelson

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A sculptural birch wood curved arm chair with custom colorful Jack Lenor Larsen fabric upholstery . From the early 1950's Mid Century era the chair is perfectly comfortable for a liv...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs

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Upholstery, Birch

Set of (4) Charles Pollock for Knoll Blue Tweed & Velvet Executive Chairs
Set of (4) Charles Pollock for Knoll Blue Tweed & Velvet Executive Chairs

Set of (4) Charles Pollock for Knoll Blue Tweed & Velvet Executive Chairs

By George Nelson, Charles Pollock, Knoll

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Sold as a st of (4) . Unfortunately, the FMV team doesn't have the time to restore these iconic chairs, so this is a great opportunity to get a set for pennies on the dollar. They...

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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

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Stainless Steel

Charles Pollock for Knoll Red Tweed Executive Chair with Height Tension Knob
Charles Pollock for Knoll Red Tweed Executive Chair with Height Tension Knob

Charles Pollock for Knoll Red Tweed Executive Chair with Height Tension Knob

By George Nelson, Charles Pollock, Knoll

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Original red tweed Charles Pollock for knoll executive chair. The original red fabric is in outstanding condition. Our restoration team has steam cleaned rendering the color is more ...

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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

George Nelson Armchair 4663 for Herman Miller
George Nelson Armchair 4663 for Herman Miller

George Nelson Armchair 4663 for Herman Miller

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Kalamazoo, MI

George Nelson is widely known as perhaps one of the most significant designers for Herman Miller in the middle of the 20th century. While his designs under Herman Miller continue to ...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs

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Birch

George Nelson Paddle Armchair for Herman Miller
George Nelson Paddle Armchair for Herman Miller

George Nelson Paddle Armchair for Herman Miller

Sold

H 31 in W 25.75 in D 24.5 in

George Nelson Paddle Armchair for Herman Miller

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Little Burstead, Essex

A beautiful vintage, completely original, early version of this scarce chair, chrome in great order, original black Naugahyde upholstery, overall one to have!

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Charles Pollock for Knoll Blue Tweed Executive Chairs W/ Height Tension Knob
Charles Pollock for Knoll Blue Tweed Executive Chairs W/ Height Tension Knob

Charles Pollock for Knoll Blue Tweed Executive Chairs W/ Height Tension Knob

By George Nelson, Charles Pollock, Knoll

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Sold as a pair The blue woven wool tweed looks both original and in excellent condition. Both chairs have been professionally steam-cleaned and the color is now bright and even. T...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

George Nelson for Herman Miller Pair of Armchairs
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pair of Armchairs

George Nelson for Herman Miller Pair of Armchairs

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Philadelphia, PA

George Nelson pair of armchairs. Blond maple construction with curving arms that wrap around the back. Very comfortable and ample seat size. Sold as a pair. Looks like they were reup...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

Charles Pollock for Knoll Red Tweed Executive Chairs w/ Height Tension Knob
Charles Pollock for Knoll Red Tweed Executive Chairs w/ Height Tension Knob

Charles Pollock for Knoll Red Tweed Executive Chairs w/ Height Tension Knob

By Knoll, George Nelson, Charles Pollock

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Sold as a pair The red tweed looks both original and in very good condition. Both chairs have been professionally steam-cleaned and the color is now bright and even. The chrome ed...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Charles Pollock for Knoll Blue Velvet Executive Chairs w/ Height Tension Knob
Charles Pollock for Knoll Blue Velvet Executive Chairs w/ Height Tension Knob

Charles Pollock for Knoll Blue Velvet Executive Chairs w/ Height Tension Knob

By Knoll, George Nelson, Charles Pollock

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Sold as a pair I don't think there could be a cooler color / fabric combination Pollock chair in existence. The blue velour looks both original and in exceptional condition. The c...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Armchairs

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Stainless Steel

George Nelson armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

George Nelson armchairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of George Nelson armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs 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 armchairs by Norman Cherner, Russell Woodard, and Craft Associates. Prices for George Nelson armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,395 and can go as high as $15,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,600.
Questions About George Nelson Armchairs
  • 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 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 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.