George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
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 Thin Edge Group dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design Thin Edge Group dresser for Herman Miller. Sophisticated looking and very functional as a daily dresser. Comprising four smaller drawers across the top and three...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Modern Walnut Hi Boy Dresser Chest
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A George Nelson for Herman Miller hi-boy dresser. An incredible chest of drawers with simply but stunning mid century styling. This piece features a full walnut wood body constructio...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Pawtucket, RI
George Nelson Thin Edge eight-drawer double dresser for Herman Miller, circa 1950s. Model #5221. A classic design, this example is executed in high-quality Brazilian Rosewood with al...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
1964 George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller Action Office Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Action Office desk, designed by George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman Miller in 1964. Action Office was designed as a set of components that could be combine...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
George Nelson Steel Frame Cabinet with Marble Top
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful steel frame cabinet designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. All cabinets restored with maple drawer fronts and marble tops. Match...
Category
1950s Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal
Midcentury George Nelson Gentlemens Secretary Chest
By George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
George Nelson
George Nelson (1908-1986) was an important modernist whose work cut across the fields of interior, industrial and exhibition design. Nelson studied architecture at Yale University in the 1920s, and in the next two decades earned a strong reputation as a writer on design for Architectural Forum, Interiors and Fortune.
In 1945 Nelson began a long association with the Herman Miller Furniture Company of Zeeland, Michigan, where as head designer he developed an innovative line of furniture and commissioned new designs from others. His first commission was Isamu Noguchi`s biomorphic glass-topped coffee table, which began production in 1947, the first of many designs that the sculptor would create for Herman Miller in the late Forties. Nelson also was responsible for bringing the designs of Charles Eames to Herman Miller, and he collaborated with R. Buckminster Fuller on a number of projects.
Among Nelson`s own creations are classic works of 1950s design, including the bubble lamp, ball clock, marshmallow sofa and the pole-supported wall-storage system. Nelson also designed numerous exhibitions, including the 1959 American National Exhibition in Moscow, and the Chrysler Corporation display at the 1964 New York World`s Fair.
Vintage midcentury George Nelson walnut secretary
1960s
A great example of early George Nelson design. Secretary desk and dresser...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Four Drawer Thin Edge Dresser / Chest of Drawers in Rosewood by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
George Nelson Thin Edge cabinet in Brazilian Rosewood, manufactured by Herman Miller. Signed with the early round Herman Miller medallion. Very good original condition. Very few sign...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Porcelain, Rosewood
George Nelson Miniature Chest Model 5215, 1950s
By George Nelson
Located in Brussels, BE
George Nelson Miniature chest Model 5215, 1950s.
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
54" Vintage Single Pedestal Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Pasadena, TX
54" Vintage single pedestal desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This distinctive desk has two drawers, one of which is a filing drawer along with stainless steel legs. A great d...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Steel
1950 George Nelson Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series Two Door Cabinet in Walnut
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a two-door cabinet designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller circa 1950. This is a gorgeous original example, which appears remarkably intact. As not...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Pair of George Nelson Asymmetric Cases
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson was an iconic designer who collaborated with Herman Miller to create some of the most innovative and sought-after furniture designs of the mid-20th century. Among his m...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum, Silver
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Cabinet Series Three-Door Cabinet Bar
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Three-Door Basic Cabinet Series bar in walnut, initially designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This particular piece was produced ca.1950. Three cabinet door...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Steel
Sideboard by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1970s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden sideboard with 2 black sliding doors, each containing height-adjustable shelves and lockable doors designed by George Nelson. Wear due to time and age.
For shipping, request u...
Category
1970s Central American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal
1960 George Nelson 8000 Series EOG Credenza for Herman Miller with Walnut Top
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous 8000 series Executive Office Group sliding-door cabinet / credenza, designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller. This example dates to circa...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Walnut
George Nelson Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 5 Drawer Chest
By George Nelson
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 5 Drawer Chest
This chest of drawers measures: 39.75 wide x 18.5 deep x 40.5 inches high
All pieces of furniture can be had in what we ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal, Chrome
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller BCS Walnut Three Drawer Cabinet (no bench)
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an uncommon Walnut Cabinet with four drawers, Model 4606, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This design was part of George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series. T...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal
1970s 4ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1970s vintage Herman Miller Action Office desk, designed by George Nelson. This is a classic example of Nelson's work with great emphasis on simplicity and functionality. It has cast aluminum legs and basket-like pull-out drawers.
We have multiple Action Office desks in stock...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
1953 George Nelson Herman Miller Thin Edge Series 5221 Rosewood Dresser Cabinet
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a circa 1953 production Model 5221 Thin Edge dresser / cabinet, designed by George Nelson, produced by Herman Miller. Notably, this example was specified in the mo...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Rosewood
1970s 6ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original 1970s Herman Miller Action Office desk with two drawers, designed by George Nelson and Robert Probst. This is a delightful...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Laminate, Oak
Glass Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid walnut open cabinet or vitrine with three adjustable glass shelves and a solid glass paneled back.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Rare Black Frame Teak Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare Black Frame Teak Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Features 3 doors, inside the left door is 1 drawer and shelves, the other side has 4 drawers.
could be used as a...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Three Drawer Cabinet 34x24x18 in
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an uncommon Walnut Cabinet with three drawers, Model 4603, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This design was part of George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series. ...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Steel
1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Four Drawer Dresser in Walnut
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Herman Miller Thin-Edge Four-Drawer Dresser, model 3302, designed by George Nelson in 1952. This piece dates to circa 1954 and is rarely seen in the marketplace in this con...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Steel
George Nelson Bureau No. 1
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1950s. A stunning bureau or sideboard by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Features walnut construction with four wide drawers and storage cabinet with two adjustable shelves...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller, C. 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Westport, CT
The exquisite Thin Edge Rosewood Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller has been meticulously restored by Stamford Modern, reviving its original splendor. This mid-century modern...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
C. 1955 George Nelson for Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series Drop-Front Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a George Nelson for Herman Miller Basic Series Secretary Chest, circa 1955. The Basic Cabinet Series, or BCS, was a collection of wood storage solutions developed by Nelson i...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Zinc
George Nelson Black Enameled Mahogany Four Drawer Dresser, 1950's
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Bainbridge, NY
George Nelson for Herman Miller "Basic Series" Four Drawer Black Dresser, circa 1955. Featuring a rectangular paneled Mahogany Cabinet, Dresser, four drawers, circular Lucite handles...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany, Lucite
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Modern Chest of Drawers 1955 Maple
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning example of mid-century modern craftsmanship, this George Nelson three-drawer cabinet from the Basic Cabinet Series embodies timeless elegance. Designed in the 1950s, it sh...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch, Lacquer
George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Veneer 4-Drawer Commode
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century 4-drawer walnut veneer bedside table / commode with M-shaped silver metal handles, resting on four square wooden legs. (BCS BASIC CABINET SERIES, GEORGE NELSON F...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Pair of George Nelson Herman Miller Primavera Chests
By George Nelson
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller Primavera chests of drawers, circa late 1940s. These examples each have four drawers with walnut cases and ebonized walnut legs. Price listed ...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller 5 Drawer Chest Dresser Restored
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller 5 drawer chest dresser restored.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Omni Freestanding Shelving Unit w/ Secretary Desk by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Modular freestanding unit with secretary desk. Walnut wood with omni metal rods.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller Platform Bench with Four Drawer Chest
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Platform bench with four drawer chest. 4690 Platform bench 68" in lenght painted black bench. and 4701 Four rawer chest with wire pulls. The case, not connected, can be moved to desired position on bench.
Case is the same depth as bench 18...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Oak
George Nelson Thin-Edge Tall Dresser in Rosewood & Porcelain by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Stamford, CT
The great George Nelson left us with a massive portfolio of forward thinking design which Herman Miller has largely kept alive to this day. Nelson became design director for Herman M...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century George Nelson Dresser for Herman Miller, Walnut, Silver Pulls, Rare
By George Nelson
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Early production of George Nelson walnut highboy dresser for Herman Miller, very rare silver plated drawer pulls. All original finish with beautiful patina.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Silver
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller Bureau /Cabinets
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller bureau cabinet storage units, polished handles light colored birch with and black feet.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal, Chrome
George Nelson Rosewood "Thin Edge" Chests
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of original grain matched George Nelson design rosewood "Thin Edge" chests for Herman Miller. Very good original condition, labeled.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Rosewood
1950s George Nelson No. 4100 Series Three Drawer Steel Frame Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Steel Frame No. 4100 Series Desk, initially designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1954. This example dates to the 1950s. It features a frame of white powder-coated...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Steel, Iron
Amazing Thin Edge Sideboard by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
Wonderful mirrored rosewood veneer.
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Rosewood
1970s 4ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original 1970s Herman Miller Action Office desk with two drawers, designed by George Nelson and Robert Probst. This is a delightful...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Laminate, Oak, Wood
Chest of Drawers by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegantly simple rectilinear chest of drawers in bleached ash with gracefully curved steel pulls, which floats on squared low wooden legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Steel
George Nelson case pieces and storage cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.
George Nelson case pieces and storage cabinets are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of George Nelson case pieces and storage cabinets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original case pieces and storage cabinets by George Nelson were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider case pieces and storage cabinets by Herman Miller, Edward Wormley, and Dunbar. Prices for George Nelson case pieces and storage cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,260 and can go as high as $22,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,998.
Creators Similar to George Nelson
Questions About George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
- Why is George Nelson famous?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022George 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 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022George 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, 2022Modern 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, 2022George 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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