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
George Nelson Thin Edge Double Dresser, Chest, 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 Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Palisander
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 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
Pair of George Nelson Steel Frame Dressers with Marble Tops
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful pair of steel frame cabinets designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. All cabinets restored with maple drawer fronts and marble tops. Third matching cabinet available...
Category
1950s Vintage 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
Steel Frame Dresser by George Nelson Associates (Yellow)
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in 성동구, KR
Offered For Sale Is A Pair Of Circa 1950'S Mid-Century Modern Three-Drawer Chests From The Steel Frame Series By George Nelson For Herman Miller. These Brightly Colored Chests Are Pa...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Steel, Chrome
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller Chest of Drawers
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in London, GB
Made in the United States in middle of the 20th century, this pair of chests are a design classic by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
One has three drawers and the other four - ple...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 5 Drawer Chest – Pair
By George Nelson
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 5 Drawer Chest – Pair
Each chest of drawers measures: 39.75 wide x 18.5 deep x 40.5 inches high
All pi...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal, Chrome
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Two "Thin Edge" Chest by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
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
Thin Edge Walnut Five-Drawer Dresser 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
Midcentury George Nelson Three Drawer Cabinet for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Gorgeous BCS chest of drawers in original brown ash designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This is a very early version with plated metal pulls not aluminum and unusual finished back. This versatile unit is a perfect small dresser, nightstand, or end table.
George Nelson, Alexander Girard, and Charles and Ray Eames headed the Herman Miller department for many ground breaking...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
George Nelson Chest or End Table or Night Stand
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Chest of Drawers
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a 4 drawer chest in walnut with cast metal pulls, black lacquered angular legs and cast aluminum finger pulls. Top drawer has removable dividers. Designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, manufactured in Michigan...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Aluminum
Pair George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Chests
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
George Nelson for Herman Miller Chest in Walnut with Shelving
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a rare 3 drawer chest with shelving compartment. Walnut with cast metal pulls that we have painted black, with black lacquered angular legs. Designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, manufactured in Michigan...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern 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 Credenza or Chest
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean lined Mid-Century Modern credenza or chest, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, American. circa 1950s. This piece is a versatile size and can be used as a credenza, ba...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
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 Series"
USA, 1950s
Walnut, with original aluminum hardware.
...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Dresser
By George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dresser by George Nelson, circa 1950. This stunning piece boasts ebonized drawer fronts, maple casings, and unique circular pulls. A sleek mid-century design that makes the perfect a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Maple
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 Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
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
Pair of George Nelson Design for Herman Miller Chests / Dressers / Commodes
By George Nelson
Located in Stamford, CT
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
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.
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
Md-Century Modern George Nelson Lingerie Chest
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage modern lingerie chest features sculpted round pulls with ebonized fronts on each drawer. This stylish five-drawer chest offers plenty of room for storage within...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
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 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
Three Drawer Chest by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
3 Drawer Chest by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Very good condition.
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Birch, Lacquer
Chest of Drawers by George Nelson
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 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.