George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Rosewood
1970’s George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Long Dresser
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Rosewood
George Nelson Nine Drawer Miniature Chest for Herman Miller Mod. 5517 Sideboard
By George Nelson
Located in Argelato, BO
George Nelson (Chicago 1908 - Barrington 1986) Vertical chest of nine drawers from the "Miniature Chests" series. Herman Miller production, design 1952, marketing 1952-1963. White pa...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Aluminum
Pair Mid Century Modern Walnut Dressers Chests George Nelson Herman Miller 1955
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Portland, OR
A good pair of original American Modernist five drawer dressers by George Nelson (1908-1986) for Herman Miller, circa 1955.
The Basic Cabinet Series was first introduced in the late ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Primavera' Nightstands, c. 1955, Signed
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic pair of chests which can also be used as large nightstands were designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, part of the 'Basic Cabinet Series' and also called 'Primav...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller 5-Drawer Chests 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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Thin Edge Walnut Dresser with Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dorchester, MA
This gorgeous dresser is part of George Nelson's 1950s Thin Edge collection for Herman Miller, which takes its name from the elegant, slim profile. Tapered trestle legs elevate the w...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Aluminum
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Rosewood
very rare no.5517 miniature chest by george nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
very early european version of george nelsons iconic miniature chest. made by contura for herman miller.
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Thin Edge Group Double Dresser, Walnut, Herman Miller, 2017, USA.
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
George Nelson thin edge double dresser, chest, Walnut, Herman Miller.
In 1944, Life magazine published an extensive article detailing the “Storage Wall”, George Nelson’s novel archi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
George Nelson Steelframe Walnut Chest for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An architectural styled Steelframe chest with satin black metal frame, olive green drawer side and back with white laminate top. The face of the drawer is in a well grained walnut wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Nine Drawer Miniature Chest for Herman Miller Mod. 5517 Sideboard
By George Nelson
Located in Argelato, BO
George Nelson (Chicago 1908 - Barrington 1986) Vertical chest of nine drawers from the "Miniature Chests" series. Herman Miller production, design 1952, marketing 1952-1963. White pa...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson, Rosewood Jewelry Box, 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
George Nelson, Rosewood Jewelry cabinet, 1950s
In the 1950s, Nelson designed a range of furniture which was produced and retailed by Herman Miller. This is the rare eight drawer j...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Thin Edge Group Dresser, Double, Santos Palisander, Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
George Nelson thin edge double dresser, chest, Santos Palisander, Herman Miller.
In 1944, Life magazine published an extensive article...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
1970’s George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Long Dresser
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Rosewood
George Nelson Chest for Herman Miller Model 5517 Commode Sideboard 1952
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Telgte, DE
George Nelson vertical chest of drawers commode for Herman Miller model 5517 sideboard 1952
The solid wood Nelson miniature chest, inspired by J...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Pr. Mid Century George Nelson Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Bachelors Chests
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite matched pair of George Nelson designed four drawer Thin Edge dressers, executed in Rosewood, for Herman Miller circa 1950's. These chests are in very good, original, clean...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Aluminum
Two "Thin Edge" Chest by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Denton, TX
"Thin Edge" chest of drawers by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
These make nice nightstands
Measures: cabinet 1. 19.5" deep by 34" wide by 33.25" high
cabinet 2. 19.5" Deep by 24...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Walnut One-Door 5 Drawers Gentleman's High Chest Dresser Cabinet
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern walnut George Nelson for Herman Miller Storage five drawers cabinet dresser gentleman's high chest.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
GEORGE NELSON THIN EDGE CHEST / Cabinet for HERMAN MILLER. Classic Modernist
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nice early George Nelson 'Thin Edge' chest of drawers with classic aluminum pulls and walnut or mahogany veneer. Divided drawers,,, Produced in the 1950s & 1960s by Herman Miller, ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Rosewood Thin edge Dresser
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A rosewood thin edge chest designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Category
1950s Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Rosewood
George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Chest of Drawers, 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Chest or End Table or Night Stand
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined mid century modern chest, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, American. circa 1950s. This piece is a versatile size and can be used as a small chest, end table, ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
Pair George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Chests
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Pair of George Nelson thin edge chests or nightstands. The items are rosewood veneer with four pull-out drawers and metal legs.
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
Pair of George Nelson Design for Herman Miller Chests / Dressers / Commodes
By George Nelson
Located in Manhasset, NY
A pair of Mid-Century Modern George Nelson design for Herman Miller chests / dressers / commodes. Signed with labels this pair of side by side and all drawer chests have mahogany fro...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
Four Drawer Thin Edge Dresser / Chest of Drawers in Rosewood by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Rosewood
Chest of Drawers by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Steel
George Nelson commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.
George Nelson commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers by Herman Miller, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, and John Widdicomb. Prices for George Nelson commodes and chests of drawers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,260 and can go as high as $19,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,825.
Creators Similar to George Nelson
Questions About George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
- 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.