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.
$4,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
Walnut
Mid-Century Pair Walnut Two Door Cabinet George Nelson Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Baltimore, MD
Remarkably Iconic rare pair of double door cabinets designed by George Nelson for the Herman Miller, Primavera line circa 1950s. Iconic pi...
Metal
Amazing Thin Edge Sideboard by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
Wonderful mirrored rosewood veneer.
Rosewood
George Nelson Herman Miller Miniature Chest # 5215
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Unusual version of the George Nelson miniature/jewelry chest #5215. This one features the white formica on the bottom of the case not the top as is more typical. Teak wood constructi...
Walnut
George Nelson Chest / Dresser Cabinet for Herman Miller # 4935
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted dresser chest or cabinet standing on shorter legs in a dark ebony finish with side door having two adjustable shelves . The other side has five drawers , all with...
Stainless Steel
George Nelson Herman Miller Thin Profile Cabinet
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson Herman Miller Thin Profile Cabinet. Uncommon little cabinet that does not take up much space. Please request additional photos and condition report. Some light wear. ...
Wood
George Nelson Cabinet for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson BSC cabinet for Herman Miller, c.1950's, USA. The design features a two door walnut cabinet with interior shelves. Each cabinet door has a polished aluminum pull. The c...
Aluminum, Steel
Glass Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid walnut open cabinet or vitrine with three adjustable glass shelves and a solid glass paneled back.
Glass, Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Credenza, Model 5724, 1957
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Credenza, Model 5724, 1957 Beautifully grained walnut case with quarter-sawn walnut doors. Features four drawers and a pair of doors conceal...
Aluminum
George Nelson Walnut Thin Edge for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
A refined example of American mid-century modern design, this authentic George Nelson Thin Edge nightstand, model 4701, showcases the clean architectural lines and thoughtful proport...
Metal
$5,547Sale Price|40% Off
Alexander Girard & George Nelson Inc. Wall Mounted Vanity, Model 1030
By Alexander Girard, George Nelson
Located in Seattle, WA
An unusual and rare wall mounted vanity from the 1964 Herman Miller accessory line to the CSS storage system. A collaborative design by Alexander Girard...
Aluminum
Rare Pair George Nelson Herman Miller Bachelors Chest Mid-Century
By George Nelson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Rare pair of original turquoise finish George Nelson bachelors chests. We have never seen another piece of George Nelson for Herman Miller done in this finish-might have been custom...
Wood
George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Group Dresser
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Spectacular rosewood Thin Edge collection model 5221 eight-drawer dresser, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Drawer fronts show off gorgeous figured rosewood selection, fi...
Rosewood
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller Bureau /Cabinets
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller bureau cabinet storage units, polished handles light colored birch with and black feet.
Metal, Chrome
George Nelson Steel Frame Cabinet Model 4036 For Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This compact Mid-Century Modern Steel Frame credenza cabinet 'model 4036' was designed by American designer George Nelson circa 1955 and produced by Herman Miller. The cabinet featur...
Steel, Chrome
1950 George Nelson Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series Two Door Cabinet in Walnut
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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...
Brass
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Rosewood Cabinet / Dresser
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a dresser/cabinet from the Thin Edge series, originally designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1953. This piece was produced in the United States and dates back to th...
Aluminum
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...
Walnut
George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Cabinet for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Craig Ellwood
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 ...
Aluminum
$7,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare Pair George Nelson Primavera Bachelor Chest Cabinet Mid-Century X Pulls
By George Nelson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Remarkably iconic and rare pair of walnut bachelors chests designed by George Nelson for the Herman Miller, Primavera line, circa 1950s. We love that these are the same size but hav...
Metal
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...
Wood, Walnut
George Nelson & Alexander Girard Wall Mounted Cabinet, 1964
By George Nelson
Located in Coronado, CA
An extremely uncommon wall-mounted cabinet designed collaboratively by George Nelson and Alexander Girard in 1964 as part of the Herman Miller accessory line. The cabinet features tw...
Laminate, Walnut, Paint
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. ...
Steel
C. 1955 George Nelson for Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series Drop-Front Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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...
Zinc
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...
Metal
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Double Dresser
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rosewood Thin Edge collection model 5221 eight-drawer dresser, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Drawer fronts show off gorgeous figured rosewood selection, finished with ...
Rosewood
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller BCS Three Drawer Cabinet (No Bench)
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 ...
Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Group Dresser
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Spectacular rosewood Thin Edge collection model 5221 eight-drawer dresser, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Drawer fronts show off gorgeous figured rosewood selection, fi...
Rosewood
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Mateo, CA
Double pedestal desk by Herman Miller. This desk was probably a custom order. There are three wide drawers and three small drawers. The top small drawer has a sliding pencil...
Chrome
$3,895
H 39.75 in W 24 in D 18.5 in
Expertly Restored- George Nelson Multi-Color Lacquered Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut-Stained Primavera Wood, Satin-Lacquered Painted Wood, Brass Handles ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is...
Brass
George Nelson Black Enameled Mahogany 4 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...
Mahogany, Lucite
$3,000Sale Price|28% Off
H 29.5 in W 34 in D 18.5 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Basic Cabinet Series' Dresser, c. 1955, Signed
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic chest of drawers was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, part of the 'Basic Cabinet Series' and also called 'Primavera', t...
Wood
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 57 in D 18 in
Mid century birch dresser credenza by George Nelson Herman miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century George Nelson for Herman Miller Primavera dresser or credenza. Has left side cabinet door and Four drawers with curved nickel metal pulls. Has drawer dividers and left si...
Nickel
Vintage 3 Drawer Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Walnut 3 drawer dresser with the classic cupcake pulls. This Dresser is part of the Basic Cabinet Series (BCS) designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Walnut
George Nelson Walnut Thin Edge for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
A refined example of American mid-century modern design, this authentic George Nelson Thin Edge nightstand, model 4701, showcases the clean architectural lines and thoughtful proport...
Metal
$3,250
H 40 in W 40 in D 18.5 in
1950 George Nelson Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series Two Door Cabinet in Walnut
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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...
Brass
George Nelson Thin Edge Secretary Desk Cabinet for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Lake Worth, FL
1950s original Thin Edge secretary desk cabinet designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This early version features the rare black enamel stainless large pulls and tapered wood feet. Cabinet on the right includes an adjustable shelf and 2 drawers. Pull down desk is covered with black leather and features 5 drawers on the left side with original small white porcelain George Nelson drawer pulls...
Walnut
$3,695
H 39.75 in W 40 in D 18.5 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Highboy Dresser with Cupcake Pulls
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Highboy Dresser with Cupcake Pulls This highboy measures: 40 wide x 18.5 deep x 39.75 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Top an...
Walnut
George Nelson Miniature Chest Model 5215, 1950s
By George Nelson
Located in Brussels, BE
George Nelson Miniature chest Model 5215, 1950s.
Wood
George Nelson Cabinet for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson BSC cabinet for Herman Miller, c.1950's, USA. The design features a two door walnut cabinet with interior shelves. Each cabinet door has a polished aluminum pull. The c...
Aluminum, Steel
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.
Rosewood
George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Css' Wall Unit
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, 'CSS' wall unit, brushed steel, glass and wood, United States, 1960s This very large storage system is designed by George Nelson in the 1960s. The wall unit was the first piece of furniture by Herman Miller...
Steel
George Nelson Pair of Red Cabinets
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Zeeland Michigan, set of two cabinets in teak and patinated black wood, United States, 1950s. This set of cabinets present patinated red color doo...
Wood, Teak
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Walnut Wall Unit
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, 'Comprehensive Storage System (CSS)' wall unit, steel and aluminum, walnut, enameled masonite, laminate, United States, 1960s This storage system is...
Steel
George Nelson For Herman Miller Walnut Gentlemans Chest With Shelves
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This iconic George Nelson for Herman Miller Gentlemans chest was designed in the mid 1940s and features a striking burnt orange laquer finish on the front paired with dark walnut sur...
Aluminum
Sold
H 39.5 in W 40 in D 18.5 in
George Nelson For Herman Miller Walnut Gentlemans Chest With Clothing Rod
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This iconic George Nelson for Herman Miller Gentlemans chest was designed in the mid 1940s and features a striking burnt orange laquer finish on the front paired with dark walnut sur...
Aluminum
Vintage Mid Century 4601 Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller, Evelyn Ackerman
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a lovely model 4601 cabinet in walnut by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Part of the "Basic Cabinet Series", this piece features a simple two door design with adjustable in...
Walnut
Sold
H 29.5 in W 34 in D 18.5 in
Expertly Restored -George Nelson Multi-Color Lacquered Cabinet for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Steel
Sold
H 29.5 in W 33.5 in D 16 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller Steelframe Dressers with Walnut - Pair
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Steel Frame dressers, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. A minimalist philosophy inspired Nelson's design: steel frames offer visual interest, while also eliminatin...
Steel
Sold
H 39.5 in W 40 in D 18.5 in
Mid Century Modern Walnut Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller, c1950s
By George Nelson
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is a stunning vintage mid-century modern walnut cabinet designed by the iconic George Nelson for Herman Miller, dating back to the 1950s. This exquisite piece showcases the ...
Aluminum
Rosewood Thin Edge Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Signed..
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Original George Nelson for Herman Miller Brazilian Rosewood Thin Edge storage cabinet. Two doors with porcelain pulls and on cast aluminum legs. The figuring in the rosewood on this ...
Aluminum
Sold
H 41.75 in W 56 in D 18.5 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Cabinet/Gentleman's Chest
By George Nelson
Located in Seattle, WA
A rare and unique George Nelson Thin Edge bar cabinet in Rosewood, with built in light box mirror and electric plug, circa 1970s. The cabinet can be used as a vanity table, with five...
Glass, Rosewood, Plywood