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.
Walnut Thin Edge Credenza by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Credenza from George Nelson’s Thin Edge collection for Herman Miller. This design features the slender walnut case for which the series was named. One side showcases a stack of four ...
Porcelain, Walnut
Early 1950s Rosewood George Nelson /Herman Miller Thin Edge Cabinet / Credenza
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Cabinet / credenza in rosewood,, original porcelain hand pulls,, seldom seen extension table to left side Produced by Herman Miller in 195...
Porcelain, Rosewood
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.
Walnut
$6,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
George Nelson For Herman Miller Desk And Credenza
By George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern desk and credenza designed by George Nelson and made by Herman Miller. The walnut credenza with multiple drawers and compartments for storage. The desk with wa...
Laminate, Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller Low Walnut Credenza
By George Nelson
Located in Denton, TX
Rare Glass sliding doors on a walnut display cabinet with adjustable shelves. Chrome legs with original Domes of silence glides. The Herman Miller badge is missing, please see pictur...
Chrome
Vintage Herman Miller Executive Credenza (B) by George Nelson / Florence Knoll
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Herman Miller Executive Credenza by George Nelson We have a pair of these with different Interior Configuration (found together) liste...
Wood
Five Drawer Tall Chest & Two Door Cabinet Server by George Nelson for Herman
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
Five-drawer tall cabinet model 4610 with matching two-door server cabinet model 4625 designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller 1952. Both cabinets are in excellent restored condition and were in the dining room of an estate designed by architect Louis Kahn...
Wood
Vintage Herman Miller Executive Credenza (A) by George Nelson / Florence Knoll
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Herman Miller Executive credenza by George Nelson We have a pair of these with different Interior Configuration (found together) liste...
Wood
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series (BSC) Credenza
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a credenza / dresser, originally designed by George Nelson in 1946 as part of the Basic Cabinet Series. This particular example was produced by Herman Miller in the 1950s. Th...
Aluminum
C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table in Mahogany
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Gate-leg dining table, model 4656, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This piece dates to 1954 and is constructed of mahogany. It features a wide wooden h...
Steel
1978 New Old Stock Overhead Cabinets by George Nelson, 6x Avail
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a New/Old Stock Hanging Cabinet, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller for their Action Office Series in 1965. These particular cabinets date to 1978 and were never use...
Steel, Enamel
$2,330
H 28.5 in W 33.5 in D 17 in
Steel Frame Dresser By George Nelson For Herman Miller / Classic Modernist
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Mid-Century Modern Steel Frame dresser 'model 4016' were designed by American designer George Nelson circa 1955 and produced by Herman Miller. white laminate tops that were ...
Metal, Chrome
$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
George Nelson For Herman Miller Thin Edge Credenza
Located in Toledo, OH
Vintage Herman Miller credenza with foil stamp "George Nelson Design - Herman Miller Zeeland Michigan". Beautifully grained wood veneer exterior framed by the series' namesake ultra-...
Walnut
$18,500
H 95.5 in W 129.25 in D 18.5 in
Comprehensive Storage System by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
Early production 'CSS" - Comprehensive Storage System designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1959. This system is in excellent condition with the early Herman Miller lable cons...
Aluminum
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. Some light wear/scratches. Notably to the top. A ring-like mark on top. ...
Wood
$29,000
H 32 in W 105.5 in D 22 in
George Nakashima, Large Chest of Drawers, Walnut, for Widdicomb, America 1960s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in High Point, NC
A large walnut chest of drawers or dresser designed by George Nakashima. Produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, A...
Bouclé, Walnut
Vintage 3 Drawer Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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 4 drawer Basic Vanity & Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Diego, CA
Designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller as part of his celebrated Basic Cabinet Series, this elegant 4-drawer vanity dresser embodies the clean lines, thoughtful functionality, a...
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 Herman Miller, George Nelson
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
$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
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
$4,560Sale Price|20% Off
H 34 in W 30 in D 54 in
1970s Mid-Century George Nelson Herman Miller "Action Office" Rolltop Desk Exec.
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Basel, BS
Very Rare and highly collectible original vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller rolltop "Action Desk". These early productions of these Herman Miller products hold more value than the more modern productions. This desk is beautiful from all angles. It is a brutalist, post modern, collectible work of art. Measures: Height: 34 inches Width: 54 inches Depth: 30 inches. Note: We do have the Herman Miller Aluminum Group desk chair...
Metal, Aluminum, Chrome
Sold
H 25.88 in W 35.5 in D 18.5 in
Small George Nelson Stereo / Watch / Jewelry Credenza Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A rare smaller scale walnut credenza with two dark charcoal toned sliding doors and two banks of three shallow drawers to each side. Sitting on rounded brushed stainless-steel legs a...
Stainless Steel
8000 Series 3 Door Credenza, George Nelson, Herman Miller, 1960's
By George Nelson
Located in Culver City, CA
This George Nelson for Herman Miller 8000 Series credenza features not two, but three sliding doors—a configuration so unusual we couldn't find another example online. At first, we a...
Aluminum
Sold
H 26.75 in W 84.25 in D 18.625 in
Mid Century Modern George Nelson Credenza, Herman Miller, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Raleigh, NC
A fine mid century modern example newly restored. The walnut case has been refinished and doors lacquered to match George Nelson's original color schemes. Drawers and open shelving...
Steel
Sold
H 25.75 in W 70 in D 18.5 in
George Nelson 8000 Executive Series Credenza for Herman Miller in Walnut
By George Nelson
Located in Emeryville, CA
This exceptional walnut exterior and black door credenza was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller’s Executive Office Group circa 1962. This great mid-century modern design mak...
Metal
Sold
H 33.5 in W 67 in D 18.5 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Series Credenza/Cabinet
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Seattle, WA
A rare Rosewood Thin Edge credenza/cabinet designed by George Nelson, Produced by Herman Miller in 1950s, with 5 drawers (1 hidden behind the door) and two shelves. Applied foil manu...
Metal
Sold
H 29.75 in W 56.5 in D 18 in
Credenza / Cabinet in Oak by George Nelson for Herman Miller, USA, c. 1950's
By George Nelson
Located in Deland, FL
Embrace the iconic mid-century modern style with this exquisite credenza designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, part of the esteemed Basic Cabinet Series, crafted in the USA circa 1950s. Constructed from comb grain oak, this piece stands out with its original black painted tapered legs, a unique feature of Nelson's designs. The front-facing cabinet boasts two doors with curved steel cabinet...
Steel
Sold
H 26 in W 74 in D 18.5 in
Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Low Walnut Cabinet Credenza
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Wonderful low cabinet by Herman Miller designed by George Nelson. This beautiful brown walnut long low credenza features 2x front original walnut sliding doors with 4 sections inside...
Metal
George Nelson Thin-Edge Credenza for Herman Miller, c.1965
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
George Nelson Walnut Thin-Edge Credenza for Herman Miller. United States, c.1965. This piece has been professionally restored.
Enamel, Steel
Sold
H 28 in W 69.5 in D 19 in
Vintage MCM George Nelson for Herman Miller Custom Designed Sideboard Credenza
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A mid century modern George Nelson for Herman Miller custom designed sideboard credenza. A stunning piece of iconic furniture from George Nelson for Herman Miller. This sideboard credenza features a custom red granite top, rolling caster legs, a black sliding front door, ample drawers and shelves, and includes an additional George Nelson desk hutch...
Wood
Sold
H 25.75 in W 74.125 in D 18.625 in
George Nelson Credenza for Herman Miller, Walnut and White Lacquer, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Round Rock, TX
A wonderful credenza designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Part of the Executive Office Group (EOG) line designed for executive offices of the period. Featuring lovely wal...
Chrome
Sold
H 29.75 in W 56.5 in D 12 in
George Nelson BCS Open Shelf Cabinet in Walnut for Herman Miller - 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage open shelf cabinet designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller as part of the BCS (Basic Cabinet Series). Crafted in beautiful walnut with a...
Walnut
George Nelson Walnut & Stainless Steel Credenza for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson Walnut & Stainless Steel Credenza for Herman Miller.
Steel