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George Nelson Sofas

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
Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller, Irving Harper
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 Sofas

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Chrome

George Nelson Marshmallow Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nelson Marshmallow sofa, model 5670 Manufactured by Herman Miller A great example of an iconic form.
Category

1950s American Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Chrome, Stainless Steel, Steel

Mid Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller Hairpin Leg Daybed Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

George Nelson for Herman Miller Sling Sofa, Model 6832 (1963)
By George Nelson
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
A striking example of mid-century modern design, this Model 6832 Sling Sofa was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1963.  Featuring black leather cushions suspended withi...
Category

1960s Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Chrome

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 Sofas

Materials

Metal

Brazilian Modern Marshmallow” Sofa by George Nelson, 1956
By George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Available today, with domestic shipping in NYC metro area included, This Brazilian Modern Marshmallow” Sofa by George Nelson is nothing less than gorgeous! The Marshmallow Sofa, d...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Modern Sofa with Side Tables George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

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"               
Category

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

Materials

Fabric

Restored George Nelson Sofa
Restored George Nelson Sofa
$8,000 Sale Price
20% Off
George Nelson for Herman Miller "Marshmallow" Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Astoria, NY
George Nelson and Associates for Herman Miller "Marshmallow" Sofa, originally designed 1956, this example 2012, eighteen black leather upholstered cushions on a steel and black ename...
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Enamel, Steel

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...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

George Nelson for Herman Miller Midcentury Leather and Chrome Sling Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller midcentury Leather and Chrome Sling Sofa This sofa measures: 87 wide x 32 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat heigh...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Chrome

George Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Steel

Modular Sofa Seating, Gerogen Nelson for Herman Miller, covered in Dedar fabric
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
“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...
Category

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

Materials

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. ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Steel

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 Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

George Nelson Modular Sofa Table System Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, BE
Modular Sofa by George Nelson with a strong metal structure including chrome-plated feet. Two vintage grey upholstered Seats with buttoned backrests and a square Formica side-table t...
Category

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

Materials

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...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

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...
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Modular Table Bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller with Pierre Frey cushion
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
“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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Steel

George Nelson & Associates Sling Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Made by: Herman Miller, USA, 1963 Material: leather, chrome-plated steel, rubber Size: 112 W × 32 D × 29 H in The luxurious model 6833 Sling sofa ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Steel

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...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Metal

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.
Category

1960s American Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Leather

Modular Seating Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1950s. USA. Reupholstered in Pierre Frey “Bourail” Jacquard fabric. Refoamed as well. White laminate side tables with metal frame.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Metal

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George Nelson Stool for Herman Miller, USA, 1960s
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Category

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George Nelson Vanity Stool Model 4672 for Herman Miller
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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.
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1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

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George Nelson for Herman Miller Slat Bench, 1980
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Slat Bench, 1980’s. Original Measures 13.5” tall 70.75” long 18.5” deep
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

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George Nelson for Herman Miller Slat Bench, 1980
George Nelson for Herman Miller Slat Bench, 1980
$1,400
H 13.5 in W 70.75 in D 18.5 in
Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Slatted Bench Maple Blonde
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Beautiful mid century George Nelson Herman Miller slatted bench with Amazing Patina. This bench is 72.25" Long Slatted coffee...
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Vintage Herman Miller Chiclet Sofa
By Ray Wilkes, Herman Miller
Located in Dallas, TX
Designed by Ray Wilkes for Herman Miller and first introduced in 1976, this eye-catching modular sofa made a lasting impression with bold, rounded-edge cushions and steel brackets that join the seat and back to allow for independent flexibility that provides a surprising level of comfort. It is known as the Chiclet sofa...
Category

1970s American Post-Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

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Vintage Herman Miller Chiclet Sofa
Vintage Herman Miller Chiclet Sofa
$4,480 Sale Price
20% Off
H 26.25 in W 85.25 in D 27 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 Sofas

Materials

Maple

George Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller
George Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller
$2,200
H 14 in W 72 in D 18.5 in
Percival Lafer Brazilian Modern Sofa
By Percival Lafer
Located in Raleigh, NC
A stunning and rare example designed by Percival Lafer. This sofa has been fully restored with new leather and refinished Jacaranda frame. The leather straps are in good original c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Leather

Percival Lafer Brazilian Modern Sofa
Percival Lafer Brazilian Modern Sofa
$12,500
H 28 in W 84 in D 40 in
George Nelson Long Slat Bench Black Finish Herman Miller Mid-Century Modern 1950
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Miami, FL
Original George Nelson early long slat bench in ebonized Birch Wood designed in the 1950s and manufactured by Herman Miller. Great for a Hallway Bench where Kids can change Shoes an...
Category

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

Materials

Wood, Birch

1960's Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Style Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern couch for sale. It has been professionally reupholstered in new tweed and foam, and is in restored condition. It has a beautiful frame with incredibl...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Metal

1960's Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Style Sofa
1960's Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Style Sofa
$3,599 Sale Price
20% Off
H 30 in W 71.5 in D 30 in
FINE GEORGE SMITH HOWARD SiGNATURE SCROLL ARM SOFA MULBERRY FLYING DUCKS VELVET
By George Smith, Mulberry
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this brand new, George Smith Signature Scroll Arm large sofa with feather filled back and base cushions upho...
Category

20th Century English Country George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Beech, Oak

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. ...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Beech

Modular Table Bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller with Pierre Frey cushion
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
“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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Steel

Previously Available Items
Midcentury Original George Nelson & Associates Cube Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller. The three-seater sofa with the original black leather upholstery with button tufting and elastic strapping set into an ebonized birch wo...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Wood, Lacquer

George Nelson Sofa Combination for Herman Miller, USA 1960
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Wilnis, UT
This fantastic sofa, designed by George Nelson, is an iconic piece of Mid-Century Modern design. Manufactured by Herman Miller in the USA around 1960. The sofa has a two-seater seat...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Metal

Early Production George Nelson / Herman Miller Modular Steel Frame Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early Production George Nelson / Herman Miller Modular Steel Frame Sofa,, Professionally reupholstered. Stunning gray wool fabric. Retains origi...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Metal

1950s Modern Gray Sofa George Nelson Herman Miller New Upholstery
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Modern Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Early label design 1950s 28 h x 91 w x 30 d Seat 15.5 Retains Herman Miller label. Sofa has chrome plated legs, pati...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Chrome

Early, Museum Quality Marshmallow Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
Early production Marshmallow sofa model 5670 designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, circa 1956. This is an early excellent (One of the best) examples of 186 ever produced betwe...
Category

Mid-20th Century American George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Steel

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Leather and Chrome Sling Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Leather and Chrome Sling Sofa This sofa measures: 87 wide x 32 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height of 23 inc...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Chrome

George Nelson Sling Sofa, USA 1960's
By George Nelson
Located in Malibu, CA
Four seat leather and chrome sling sofa model 6833 by George Nelson for Herman Miller. With original IBM inventory label. USA, 1960’s.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

George Nelson Sling Sofa, USA 1960's
George Nelson Sling Sofa, USA 1960's
H 29 in W 112 in D 32 in
George Nelson Daybed Sofa in Blue Checker Reupholstery by Alexander Girard
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, DE
George Nelson daybed for Herman Miller in newly upholstered Alexander Girard Maharam "Checker" fabric. George Nelson and Alexander Girard were both A...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

George Nelson Modular Sofa with Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
This is the ultimate modular pieces for your Mid-Century Modern living room! This sleek modular sofa was designed by George Nelson and Associates in the 1950s and made by Herman Miller. The two chair pieces and the table section can be rearranged as needed for your space and your preferences. Keep both seats to one side, or arrange it so the table is in the middle and provides a place for two people to rest drinks or books. The George Nelson modular sofa...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Leather Sling Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller mid century leather sling sofa This sofa measures: 86 wide x 32 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 17 a...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Chrome

George Nelson Herman Miller Sofa Couch
By George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning Mid-Century Modern Sofa by George Nelson in original upholstery. This sofa can be reconfigured in different positions as shown in photos. Sofa is in good vintage condition w...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Pair of Daybeds / Sofas by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
Stylish pair of vintage iron frame daybeds/sofas by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Good structural condition, upholstery shows wear and fading - reupholstery is recommended.
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Sofas

Materials

Iron

George Nelson sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

George Nelson sofas 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 sofas, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sofas 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 sofas by Harvey Probber, Paul McCobb, and Weiman. Prices for George Nelson sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,680 and can go as high as $37,200, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,816.
Questions About George Nelson Sofas
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    A Nelson sofa is a sofa designed by George Nelson. Introduced in 1968, it features an exposed wooden frame and button-tufted cushions outlined by piping. The American industrial designer created the piece for Herman Miller, and the company continues to manufacture and sell it today. Explore a variety of George Nelson sofas from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 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.

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