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.
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.
Leather, Plywood
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
George Nelson Pair Chairs for Herman Miller, Oversized, Velvet, circa 1965
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pair George Nelson chairs for Herman Miller, circa 1965 Stylish oversized chairs in petrol velvet with brushed steel feet. They are in good original condition with no major flaws and ready to use. Labelled at the bottom. Main focus of these chairs certainly lies on the very desirable and scarce size of 37" x 37" and 27" height. They are very elegant yet comfortable. Will ship crated...
Steel
Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, Leather & Fiberglass
By Vitra, George Nelson
Located in Antwerp, BE
Introducing the Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, an iconic piece of modern design that combines comfort, elegance, an...
Chrome
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...
Plastic, Bouclé
$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
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
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
2x DAF Swag Leg Arm Stuhl Charles Eames George Nelson Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, George Nelson, 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
$5,600 / set
H 30 in W 19.5 in D 21.5 in
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 Vanity Stool Model 4672 for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
Vintage Italian Curule Armchair, Wrought Iron & Brass, 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Hollywood Regency wrought iron and brass curule chair with new cognac leather. Made in Italy.
Brass, Wrought Iron
1950s Original George Nelson for Herman Miller Slat Bench
By Knoll, George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Bensalem, PA
Early original 1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller slat bench with original vinyl cushions please look at video and pictures for overall detail. This bench is 6 foot in length.
Birch
$3,389
H 32.29 in W 40.95 in D 31.89 in
Coconut Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, Switzerland 2004
By George Nelson
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
An iconic Coconut Lounge Chair designed by American designer George Nelson and produced by Vitra in 2004. Originally conceived in 1955, the chair is one of Nelson’s most recognizable...
Metal
$21,300Sale Price|25% Off
H 35 in W 59 in D 34 in
Vintage Eames Vitra La Chaise Chair, Original, Fiberglass First Generation, 1992
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charles and Ray designed the iconic "La Chaise" lounge chair for The Museum of Modern Art’s 1948 International Competition for Furniture Design. Its name references both its functio...
Stainless Steel
$14,600
H 36.82 in W 39.77 in D 37.01 in
Joe Colombo for Comfort Lounge Chair 'Elda' in Black Leather and Fiberglass
By Comfort, Italy, Joe Colombo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Comfort, lounge chair ‘Elda’, fiberglass, leather, Italy, 1963 The ‘Elda’ chair is one of the most well-known designs of Italian designer Joe Colombo. This lounge ch...
Leather, Fiberglass
$8,500 / set
H 31.75 in W 32.25 in D 34 in
1960s Mid Century Walnut & Leather Lounge Chair by Eames for Vitra - Set of 2
By Vitra, Charles Eames
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century lounge chair and ottoman set designed by Charles Eames and manufactured by Vitra circa 1980s. This set is truly one-of-a-kind with its black leather upholstery and unique...
Leather, Walnut
$3,389
H 33.47 in W 40.95 in D 34.65 in
Mid-Century Modern Brown Leather Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra
By George Nelson, Vitra
Located in Doornspijk, NL
The Coconut chair was designed in 1955 by the American architect, industrial designer, author, editor and teacher George Nelson. Obviously he took his inspiration from a coconut that...
Steel
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
H 34 in W 26 in D 27.25 in
Tandem Sling Armchair by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller, c 1970
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This single 'Tandem' sling armchair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, is part of the iconic modular seating system originally introduced for airports and public spaces in the mid-20th century. The design reflects the Eameses’ ability to combine industrial efficiency with refined modernist aesthetics. *NOTE, we have another one in a separate listing if you wish to create a pair of chairs. The chair features a cast aluminum frame with a sculptural profile, supporting a suspended sling seat and back upholstered in black leatherette. The tailored upholstery is tensioned within the frame, creating a supportive yet flexible seating experience while maintaining a clean, architectural silhouette. Originally conceived as part of a connected beam seating system, this example has been configured as an individual armchair, allowing it to function as a standalone piece in a variety of interior settings. The aluminum frame provides both durability and visual lightness, while the black upholstery offers a timeless and versatile palette. The gently reclined back and integrated armrests contribute to the chair’s comfort, making it well-suited for use as a lounge chair, office chair, side chair, or accent chair. Its industrial origins also lend themselves well to interiors ranging from Mid-Century Modern and Modernist to Industrial and Contemporary environments. The Eames Tandem...
Aluminum
Iconic George Nelson ‘Coconut’ Lounge Chair
By George Nelson, Vitra
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson, ‘Coconut’ lounge chair, fiberglass, leather upholstery, steel, United States, design 1955, later production The ‘Coconut’ lounge chair is one of George Nelson’s iconi...
Steel
$2,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29 in W 25 in D 24 in
Pr. Cantilevered Black Leather and Chrome Lounge Chairs by Citterio for Vitra
By Vitra, Antonio Citterio
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of cantilevered lounge chairs, designed by Antonio Citterio, for Vitra. These chairs were produced in the early 21st century, with obvious reference to the earlier work of ...
Chrome
Nelson Slat Bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1990s. USA. Black painted frame
Wood
Vintage Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Offered here is a rare and highly collectible “Model 0693” Sofa, designed by George Nelson as part of his visionary Modular Seating System for Herman Miller, produced between 1956 an...
Metal
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...
Maple
Pair of George Nelson Armchairs in Cowhide Upholstery
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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.
Cowhide, Walnut
1979 Charles Pollock for Knoll Burnt Orange Single Executive Chair
By Knoll, Charles Pollock, George Nelson
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Single vintage 1979 Executive Chair designed by Charles Pollock for Knoll. The chair comes in its original burnt orange upholstery, a perfect mid-century modern color! It is truly a ...
Stainless Steel
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
Sold
H 31.11 in W 22.05 in D 28.75 in
4x DAF Swag Leg Arm Stuhl Charles Eames George Nelson Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller, 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....
Metal
Mid Century White Swag Chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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...
Steel
Sold
H 32 in W 26.25 in D 28.28 in
Pair of 1979 Charles Pollock for Knoll Burnt Orange Executive Chairs
By Knoll, Charles Pollock, George Nelson
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
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...
Chrome
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...
Upholstery, Birch
Sold
H 32 in W 26.25 in D 23.63 in
Set of (4) Charles Pollock for Knoll Blue Tweed & Velvet Executive Chairs
By Knoll, Charles Pollock, George Nelson
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...
Stainless Steel
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...
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 32 in W 26.25 in D 23.63 in
Charles Pollock for Knoll Red Tweed Executive Chair with Height Tension Knob
By Knoll, Charles Pollock, George Nelson
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 ...
Stainless Steel
George Nelson Armchair 4663 for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 ...
Birch
Sold
H 32 in W 26.25 in D 23.63 in
Charles Pollock for Knoll Blue Tweed Executive Chairs W/ Height Tension Knob
By George Nelson, Knoll, Charles Pollock
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...
Stainless Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pair of Armchairs
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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...
Upholstery, Maple
Sold
H 32 in W 26.25 in D 23.63 in
Charles Pollock for Knoll Red Tweed Executive Chairs w/ Height Tension Knob
By George Nelson, Knoll, 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...
Stainless Steel