George Nelson Living Room Sets

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.

Creator: George Nelson

Herman Miller George Nelson Modular Seating Cognac Natural Leather Sofa

$18,904 / set

Herman Miller George Nelson Modular Seating Cognac Natural Leather Sofa

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Steel, Chrome

George Nelson for Herman Miller Modular Sofa Set With Side Table

$15,000

George Nelson for Herman Miller Modular Sofa Set With Side Table

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

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 ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Metal

George Nelson Vanity Stool Model 4672 for Herman Miller

$3,600

H 19.5 in W 19 in D 19 in

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.

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Mid Century Sofa with Tables by George Nelson for Herman Miller

$3,999

H 27 in W 106 in D 30 in

Vintage Mid Century Sofa with Tables by George Nelson for Herman Miller

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Oxnard, CA

Here is a fantastic modular sofa and table set by George Nelson for Herman Miller, circa 1960s. This item is in excellent condition for its age and was re-upholstered in 2007 with a...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Steel

Eames Three-Seat Sofa by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller, Signed

Sold|~~$10,925~~

H 33.5 in W 80 in D 31 in

Eames Three-Seat Sofa by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller, Signed

By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, Charles Eames

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An icon of American modernism and one of the most refined seating designs of the 20th century, this is the celebrated Eames Three-Seat Sofa designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herm...

Category

Early 2000s American Modern George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Leather, Walnut

George Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller

$2,200

H 14 in W 72 in D 18.5 in

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 ...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Maple

George Nelson for Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa in White Leather

$5,500

H 31 in W 52 in D 29 in

George Nelson for Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa in White Leather

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Palm Springs, CA

A wonderful design by George Nelson for Herman Miller this marshmallow sofa is a sculptural icon. The sofa is done in white leather and bears the Herman Miller tag on the back. The s...

Category

Early 2000s American George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Steel

MCM Leather Perch Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller

$2,000

H 40 in W 28 in D 28 in

MCM Leather Perch Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Mid-Century Modern leather perch stool or chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Versatile chair with adjustable hand-stitched leather seat hav...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa

$6,250

H 31 in W 52 in D 31 in

Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa

By Irving Harper, George Nelson, Herman Miller

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Chrome

George Nelson for Herman Miller Vanity Stool

$1,200

H 17.5 in W 22 in D 16 in

George Nelson for Herman Miller Vanity Stool

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in New York, NY

Hard to find George Nelson for Herman Miller vanity bench, newly reupholstered in mohair fabric. This example is in very good, clean and ready to ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Mohair, Wood

George Nelson for Herman Miller Chaise Longue

$18,500

H 27.5 in W 29.5 in D 67 in

George Nelson for Herman Miller Chaise Longue

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Kansas City, MO

Rare George Nelson chaise longue for Herman Miller. Heavy chromed steel frame with newer upholstery.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Chrome

Rare George Nelson for Herman Miller Sling Sofa, Model 6832 in Rohleder Velvet

$12,400Sale Price|20% Off

H 28.5 in W 87 in D 32 in

Rare George Nelson for Herman Miller Sling Sofa, Model 6832 in Rohleder Velvet

By George Nelson

Located in Culver City, CA

An extraordinary, true museum-grade rarity for the serious 20th-century design collector. Designed by George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller in 1963, the Sling Sofa (Model ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller

$2,500

H 27 in W 65.25 in D 30.5 in

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Metal

George Nelson, Modular Sofa and Table Seating System, 1966 for Herman Miller

$10,006

H 27.96 in W 120.48 in D 29.93 in

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...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Previously Available Items

"Modular Seating" Group by George Nelson Herman Miller, Mid-Century, 1960s

Sold

H 27.56 in W 147.64 in D 59.06 in

"Modular Seating" Group by George Nelson Herman Miller, Mid-Century, 1960s

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Rosendahl, DE

This seating group from George Nelson’s "Modular Seating" series for Herman Miller combines timeless design with exceptional functionality. The flexible arrangement of elements allow...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Steel

Modular Sofa Set by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s

Sold

H 27.56 in W 77.17 in D 29.93 in

Modular Sofa Set by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in bruxelles, BE

Set of a 3 seater sofa and 1 armchair. Armchair dimensions: H: 70cm L: 76cm P: 76cm. Wear due to time and age of the chair. Seat height 38cm.

Category

1960s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Metal

George Nelson Modular Group Living Room Set in Original Naugahyde

Sold

H 27.96 in W 90.56 in D 30.32 in

George Nelson Modular Group Living Room Set in Original Naugahyde

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Dronten, NL

George Nelson for Herman Miller Modular Group 3-seat sofa, 2-seat sofa and ottoman in fabulous original aubergine Naugahyde. The whole set is in an amazi...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Steel, Chrome

George Nelson Modular Group Sofa & Chair in NOS Alexander Girard "Lines" Fabric

Sold

H 27.5 in W 96 in D 30.5 in

George Nelson Modular Group Sofa & Chair in NOS Alexander Girard "Lines" Fabric

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Kansas City, MO

George Nelson for Herman Miller Modular Group sofa and chair reupholstered in new old stock Alexander Girard "Lines" fabric. We waited until we foun...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Steel

Steel Frame Sofa, Bench and Coffee Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller

Sold

H 28 in W 96 in D 31 in

Steel Frame Sofa, Bench and Coffee Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Kansas City, MO

George Nelson Steel Frame Group modular sofa, coffee table and bench. Rare version with the folding birch seat frames. Seats and tables lift ou...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Steel

George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Sofa and Pair of Chairs

Sold

H 31 in W 83 in D 31 in

George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Sofa and Pair of Chairs

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Kansas City, MO

Extremely rare, produced for only one year, sofa (No. 5483) and two chairs (No. 5481) living room set designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller (As with much George Nelson seating,...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Aluminum

Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller IBM Chrome and Leather Sling Sofa

Sold

H 29 in W 112 in D 33 in

Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller IBM Chrome and Leather Sling Sofa

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Houston, TX

Unique George Nelson for Herman Miller four-seat sofa made of chrome and custom-made cushions in water buffalo leather. There are optional triang...

Category

1960s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Chrome

Modular System Seating Sofa Set by George Nelson for Herman Miller

Sold

H 27.56 in W 89.77 in D 29.53 in

Modular System Seating Sofa Set by George Nelson for Herman Miller

By George Nelson

Located in Munich, DE

Sofa set: One sofa 228cm, one sofa with small table attached 152cm and a coffee table. Professional re-upholstered a few years ago.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Living Room Sets

Modular System Sofas by George Nelson for Herman Miller

Sold

H 27.17 in W 74.81 in D 164.57 in

Modular System Sofas by George Nelson for Herman Miller

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Berlin, DE

Very rare and beautiful sofas by George Nelson for Herman Miller, designed in the 1960s. Condition: The sofas are in a great original condition. The leather is in a good condit...

Category

1960s Vintage George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Chrome

Rare Wrought Iron Couch with Matching Chair by George Nelson

Sold

H 27 in W 72 in D 30 in

Rare Wrought Iron Couch with Matching Chair by George Nelson

By George Nelson

Located in Ferndale, MI

Wrought Iron Couch with Matching Chair by George Nelson for Arbuck Couch: 72" wide x 30" deep x 27" tall Chair: 24" wide x 30" deep x 27" tall

Category

1950s American Vintage George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Steel, Wrought Iron

George Nelson for Herman Miller Sofa and Lounge Chair

Sold

George Nelson for Herman Miller Sofa and Lounge Chair

By George Nelson

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

George Nelson for Herman Miller lounge chair, ottoman and sofa set. Herman Miller catalog # 4674/4676 (chair and ottoman), #4677 settee. Chair is...

Category

1950s American Vintage George Nelson Living Room Sets

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

George Nelson living room sets for sale on 1stDibs.

George Nelson living room sets are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of George Nelson living room sets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original living room sets by George Nelson were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider living room sets by Herman Miller, Massimo and Lella Vignelli, and Sormani. Prices for George Nelson living room sets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,225 and can go as high as $23,774, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,700.

Questions About George Nelson Living Room Sets

Why is George Nelson famous?
1 Answer
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.
What did George Nelson make?
1 Answer
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.
Where are George Nelson clocks made?
1 Answer
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.
What are George Nelson Bubble Lamps made of?
1 Answer
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.