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
Three-Piece George Nelson Cabinetry Display Case Unit
By George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Two small chests support the glass front display unit, vitrine. This versatile set can be used as shown, or separated into two dressers and a long glass display case. Selling three p...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
$4,000 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Cabinet
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A rosewood thin edge cabinet / bookshelf designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Category
1950s Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Rosewood
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
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
George Nelson for Herman Miller Basic Series Walnut Two Door Cabinet - Pair
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Basic Series Walnut Two Door Cabinet - Pair
Each cabinet measures: 40 wide x 18.5 deep x 39.75 inches high
All pieces of furniture can b...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
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 for Herman Miller BCS Basic Two Shelf Walnut Veneer Bookshelf
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century walnut veneer bookcase with two shelves in a rectangular cabinet, resting on four tapered wooden legs. (BCS BASICS CABINET SERIES, GEORGE NELSON FOR HERMAN MILLE...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Pair George Nelson Herman Miller 5-Drawer Chests + Door Primavera Basic Series
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare pair of cabinets or chests made by Herman Miller in the early 1950s and designed by American design icon George Nelson. Each cabinet features primavera construction, a form of b...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Five-Drawer Ribbon Mahogany Tall Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Ribbon mahogany five-drawer dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller. M-shaped aluminium pulls and hair pin aluminium legs. Top drawer is partitioned as is the third deeper drawer.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
$3,600 Sale Price
20% Off
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller BCS Three Drawer Cabinet (No Bench)
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an uncommon Walnut Cabinet with three drawers, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This design was part of George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series. It features ...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Desk with Return
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Desk with Return
This desk measures: 80.75 wide x 18.5 deep x 45 high
The return measures: 59 wide x 29.5 deep x 29 inches high, with a c...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Chrome
George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Chest of Drawers, 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century modern five-drawer dresser chest
By George Nelson for Herman Miller, "Basic Cabinet ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Drop Side Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Drop Side Desk
This desk measures: 40 wide x 24 deep x 28.75 inches high, with a chair clearance of 27.75 i...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller 5 Drawer Chest Dresser Restored
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller BCS Walnut Three Drawer Cabinet (no bench)
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
1970’s George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Tall Chest
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We recently acquired a set of George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge chests out of an estate. They are vintage 1970’s and still each retain the Herman Miller Label. Please see our other li...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Rosewood
Libreria CSS di George Nelson per ICF De Padova Anni 60
By George Nelson, ICF De Padova
Located in Milano, IT
Libreria a parete che necessita ancoraggio a muro, con ripiani a giorno e elementi contenitori, montanti in alluminio, metallo smaltato. Buone condizioni.
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
$3,665 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Basic Series Cabinet on Ebonized Herman Miller Bench
By George Nelson
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Rare 1960s George Nelson for Herman Miller cabinet set upon an1 iconic Herman Miller slat ebonized bench.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Yellow & Black Steel Frame Desk Model 4111 by George Nelson Herman Miller Mint
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Yellow & black steel frame desk Model 4111 by George Nelson Herman Miller Mint.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Steel
1960 George Nelson 8000 Series EOG Credenza for Herman Miller with Walnut Top
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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 Thin Edge for Herman Miller Rosewood Dresser, 1950
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson Thin Edge for Herman Miller Rosewood Dresser, 1950. Other dresser and nightstands are all sold in separate listings.
Dress...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Rosewood
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
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
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
C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Three Drawer Cabinet 34x24x18 in
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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
George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Cabinet for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Craig Ellwood, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A cabinet from George Nelson’s Thin Edge collection for Herman Miller modified by architect Craig Ellwood for one of his homes. The design features a slender rosewood case with four ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Bureau No. 1
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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
$10,200
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
1970s 6ft George Nelson & Robert Probst Herman Miller Office Desk w/ Drawers
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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
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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