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George Nelson Stools

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
George Nelson for Herman Miller Vanity Stool
George Nelson for Herman Miller Vanity Stool

George Nelson for Herman Miller Vanity Stool

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

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 Stools

Materials

Mohair, Wood

MCM Leather Perch Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller
MCM Leather Perch Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller

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 Stools

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

George Nelson Stool by Herman Miller, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
George Nelson Stool by Herman Miller, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s

George Nelson Stool by Herman Miller, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Berlin, DE

George Nelson Stool for Herman Miller, USA - 1960s in all original condition with the rare brown base George Nelson (1908-1986) was an American industrial designer and architect who...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Stools

Materials

Metal

Rare 1950s California Modern George Nelson Arbuck Outdoor Iron Stools / Tables
Rare 1950s California Modern George Nelson Arbuck Outdoor Iron Stools / Tables

Rare 1950s California Modern George Nelson Arbuck Outdoor Iron Stools / Tables

By Arbuck, George Nelson

Located in Hyattsville, MD

Extremely rare pair of Arbuck Inc. square grid stools, with original labeled cushions. Could source glass tops to make tables, but no glass is included in this sale. Sold as a pair ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Stools

Materials

Iron

Pair of White Perch Chairs by George Nelson for Vitra
Pair of White Perch Chairs by George Nelson for Vitra

Pair of White Perch Chairs by George Nelson for Vitra

By Vitra, George Nelson

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Stools

Materials

Chrome

George Nelson Bench or Stool
George Nelson Bench or Stool

George Nelson Bench or Stool

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

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.   

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

George Nelson Vanity Stool Model 4672 for Herman Miller
George Nelson Vanity Stool Model 4672 for Herman Miller

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 Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1970s
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1970s

Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1970s

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

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 ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1960s
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1960s

Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1960s

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 ...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1970s
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1970s

Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1970s

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

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 tha...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

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Set of Six George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Dining Chairs
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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George Nelson Vanity Stool Model 4672 for Herman Miller
George Nelson Vanity Stool Model 4672 for Herman Miller

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.

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

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

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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...

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

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American Designer, Counter Stools, Iron, Velvet, USA, 1950s
American Designer, Counter Stools, Iron, Velvet, USA, 1950s

American Designer, Counter Stools, Iron, Velvet, USA, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

A set of four black-painted iron and blue velvet counter stools or bar stools designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to metal. Wear consistent with age and u...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Stools

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Coconut Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, Switzerland 2004
Coconut Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, Switzerland 2004

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...

Category

1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Stools

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Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Slatted Bench Maple Blonde
Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Slatted Bench Maple Blonde

Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Slatted Bench Maple Blonde

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Buffalo, NY

Early production Modernist Platform Slat Bench designed by George Nelson manufactured by Herman Miller,, Iconic design.. Retains its original worn finish /patina,, remnants of early ...

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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Stools

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Mid Century Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Dining Chairs in Beech #4669
Mid Century Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Dining Chairs in Beech #4669

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. ...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Stools

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MCM Soft Pad Office Chair by Herman Miller, Leather, Chrome, USA, c. 1970s
MCM Soft Pad Office Chair by Herman Miller, Leather, Chrome, USA, c. 1970s

MCM Soft Pad Office Chair by Herman Miller, Leather, Chrome, USA, c. 1970s

By Herman Miller

Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

A distinctive office chair in the mid-century modern tradition, crafted from leather and showcasing ergonomic design with a polished aluminum base. This piece blends timeless Eames d...

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Stools

Materials

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Eames Aluminum Group management chair in leather for Herman Miller
Eames Aluminum Group management chair in leather for Herman Miller

Eames Aluminum Group management chair in leather for Herman Miller

By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Eames Aluminum Group management chair for Herman Miller. I believe the color is Espresso or Slate (very dark grey/brown, almost black) Vicenza leather with a polished aluminum base o...

Category

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

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George Nelson 72” Bench Herman Miller Mid Century Modern
George Nelson 72” Bench Herman Miller Mid Century Modern

George Nelson 72” Bench Herman Miller Mid Century Modern

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Atlanta, GA

Clean lined modern bench, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, American, circa 2000s. Signed underneath. This bench retails for $2,365.

Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Stools

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George Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller
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

George Nelson Platform Bench by Herman Miller

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

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 Stools

Materials

Maple

Previously Available Items
Herman Miller Perch Designed by George Nelson
Herman Miller Perch Designed by George Nelson

Herman Miller Perch Designed by George Nelson

Sold

H 40.95 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in

Herman Miller Perch Designed by George Nelson

By George Nelson

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

We offer this George Nelson Perch, includes Herman Miller original label, circa 1980. About the Perch: Designed in 1964 as part of the flexible, ...

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Yellow, Swivel Barstools / Drafting Stools by Charles and Ray Eames
Pair of Yellow, Swivel Barstools / Drafting Stools by Charles and Ray Eames

Pair of Yellow, Swivel Barstools / Drafting Stools by Charles and Ray Eames

By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson

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...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Stools

Materials

Steel

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid-Century Slat Bench
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid-Century Slat Bench

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid-Century Slat Bench

By George Nelson

Located in Franklin Park, IL

George Nelson for Herman Miller mid-century slat bench. This bench measures: 48 wide x 18.5 deep x 14 inches high. All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored v...

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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Stools

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Wood

George Nelson Perch Designer's Stool
George Nelson Perch Designer's Stool

George Nelson Perch Designer's Stool

Sold

H 38.75 in W 29 in D 29 in

George Nelson Perch Designer's Stool

By George Nelson, Robert Propst, Herman Miller

Located in Kalamazoo, MI

Classic George Nelson / Robert Probst design was introduced in 1964 as part of Herman Miller's Action Office series. Unique slimline seat and armr...

Category

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

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of Herman Miller Perchs Designed by George Nelson
Pair of Herman Miller Perchs Designed by George Nelson

Pair of Herman Miller Perchs Designed by George Nelson

Sold

H 40.95 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in

Pair of Herman Miller Perchs Designed by George Nelson

By George Nelson

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

We offer this pair of George Nelson Perchs, includes Herman Miller original label, circa 1980. About the Perch: Designed in 1964 as part of t...

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Stools

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Vanity Stool
George Nelson Vanity Stool

George Nelson Vanity Stool

Sold

H 20 in W 20 in D 14 in

George Nelson Vanity Stool

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Classic model 4672 vanity stool designed by George Nelson. Plush rectangular seat gracefully perched on a brushed aluminum base. Minimal design and compact size makes it an attractiv...

Category

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

Materials

Bouclé

Mid-Century Modern George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Drafting Stool
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Drafting Stool

Mid-Century Modern George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Drafting Stool

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

For your consideration is an original, brown leather, swivel drafting stool by Robert Probst & George Nelson for Herman Miller, circa 1960s. In excellent...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Stools

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Leather

George Nelson Vanity Stool for Herman Miller
George Nelson Vanity Stool for Herman Miller

George Nelson Vanity Stool for Herman Miller

Sold

H 20.5 in W 19.5 in D 19 in

George Nelson Vanity Stool for Herman Miller

By George Nelson

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A satin aluminum based vanity stool with upholstered cushion and rubber / metal foot pads designed by George Nelson model #4672 produced in the early 1950's by the Herman Miller Furn...

Category

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

George Nelson Model 4698 Bench Stool
George Nelson Model 4698 Bench Stool

George Nelson Model 4698 Bench Stool

Sold

H 18.5 in W 22.5 in D 16 in

George Nelson Model 4698 Bench Stool

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in South Charleston, WV

George Nelson, Model 4698 Bench stool. Herman Miller, circa 1952 Measures 22.5" wide, 16" deep with a height of 18.5". Produced circa 1952 and signed to the underside, this stool by...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Stools

Materials

Walnut

Herman Miller Drafting Stool by George Nelson
Herman Miller Drafting Stool by George Nelson

Herman Miller Drafting Stool by George Nelson

By George Nelson

Located in East Hampton, NY

Drafting stool designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller.

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Stools

George Nelson Perch by Herman Miller
George Nelson Perch by Herman Miller

George Nelson Perch by Herman Miller

Sold

H 38.75 in W 29 in D 29 in

George Nelson Perch by Herman Miller

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Highland, IN

Designed in 1964 as part of the flexible, open, action office program, the Perch by George Nelson & assoc. is a versatile piece. With an adjustable height, it offers a high seat with...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Stools

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

George Nelson stools for sale on 1stDibs.

George Nelson stools 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 stools, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original stools 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 stools by Paul McCobb, Warren Platner, and Charles and Ray Eames. Prices for George Nelson stools can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $970 and can go as high as $5,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,500.

Questions About George Nelson Stools

  • 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.