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George Nelson Dressers

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 Herman Miller Primavera Dresser
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Round Top, TX
George Nelson for Herman Miller "Primavera" line three-drawer dresser / credenza / cabinet. Midcentury gem in bleached mahogany. Three large drawers with sculptural metal pulls, one...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller Five Drawer Dresser Thin Edge Rosewood c. 1950's
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Mid Century masterpiece, five drawer thin edge dresser designed by recognized master of the idiom, George Nelson, for Herman Miller, circa 1950's. Part of the hard to find, a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

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.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Walnut George Nelson 5 Drawer Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful Walnut Basic Cabinet Series 5 Drawer Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller. features the uncommon cupcake drawer pulls. the drawer boxes have been remade and outfit...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Teak Thin Edge Double Dresser with Vanity by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dorchester, MA
Part of the Thin Edge series that George Nelson designed for Herman Miller in the 1950s, this wonderful set comprises two dressers in a tawny walnut on either side of a suspended van...
Category

1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Porcelain, Teak

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 Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 6 Drawer Dresser
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 8 Drawer Dresser This dresser measures: 46.75 wide x 18.25 deep x 30.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 8 Drawer Dresser
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge 8 Drawer Dresser This dresser measures: 46.75 wide x 18.25 deep x 30.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

George Nelson for Herman Miller Custom for Hugh DuPree Steel Frame Cabinets 1960
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Custom for Hugh DuPree Steel Frame Cabinets Orange and Yellow 1960 Application: Designed for wall-mounted installation. with separation between cases ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller, C. 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Westport, CT
The exquisite Thin Edge Rosewood Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller has been meticulously restored by Stamford Modern, reviving its original splendor. This mid-century modern...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Dresser 4 Drawers
By George Nelson
Located in Seattle, WA
A George Nelson four-drawer Thin Edge rosewood dresser, circa 1955. This stunning piece has dynamic, rich rosewood graining, four drawers, original porcelain pulls, and iconic Thin E...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller Steelframe Dressers with Walnut - Pair
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Steel

George Nelson Thin Edge Group Double Dresser, Walnut, Herman Miller, 2017, USA.
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 Dressers

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

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 Dressers

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Group Dresser
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

George Nelson for Herman Miller Chests/Dressers, a Pair
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
A beautiful pair of dressers designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Finished in a spectacular combed oak veneer. One of the most lively, beautiful, vibrant veneers we’ve ever s...
Category

Mid-20th Century George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Oak

Pair of Walnut Dressers, Model 4620, by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by George Nelson as model 4620 for Herman Miller's Basic Cabinet Series, this pair of walnut dressers sits on ebonized wood legs. Each...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Walnut

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 Dressers

Materials

Wood

1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Rosewood 5221 8-Drawer Dresser
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Model 5221 dresser from the Thin Edge series, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1953. This piece was produced in the United States and dates back to the 1950s....
Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

1950s George Nelson No. 4000 Series Three Drawer Steel Frame Dresser
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Steel Frame No 4000 Series Dresser, initially designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1954. Its model number is 4013. It features a frame of white powder-coated bent...
Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Steel, Iron

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 Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Group Dresser
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

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 Dressers

Materials

Wood

George Nelson Walnut Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design "Thin Edge" group walnut dresser for Herman Miller. High quality construction and materials featuring 10 drawers with dividers. Newly refinished and ready to ins...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An eight-drawer double dresser from George Nelson’s Thin Edge collection for Herman Miller. Design features the slender rosewood case for which the series was named and a double stac...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Thin Edge Tall Dresser in Rosewood by Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare and highly sought‑after piece of American design, this George Nelson Thin Edge Tall Dresser exemplifies the best of mid‑century modern craftsmanship. Designed by George Nelson...
Category

1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Black Enameled Mahogany 4 Drawer Dresser, 1950's
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Mahogany, Lucite

1950s George Nelson Herman Miller Primavera Two Tone Four Drawer Dresser Cabinet
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a George Nelson for Herman Miller 2-tone dresser with 4 drawers. This example has a matching 4-drawer, 1-door dresser/credenz...
Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Metal

George Nelson Thin Edge Group dresser for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design Thin Edge Group dresser for Herman Miller. Sophisticated looking and very functional as a daily dresser. Comprising four smaller drawers across the top and three...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Basic Series Dresser for Herman Miller in white and walnut.
By George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful White and Walnut Chest of Drawers by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This dresser is from the Basic series with its iconic black lacquer wood legs, beautiful walnut case a...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Metal

George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design rosewood "Thin Edge" chest or dresser for Herman Miller, U.S.A. Exceptional rosewood grain patterns throughout the case and drawer fronts with new spinning top a...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

1950s George Nelson Thin Edge Walnut Dressers for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Just in, two matching dressers designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, c1950s. Sourced from the original owner in the Pacific Palisades of California, these beauties have receiv...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Metal

1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Rosewood 5-Drawer Dresser
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 5-drawer dresser from the Thin Edge series, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1953. This piece was produced in the United States and dates back to the 1950s. C...
Category

1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson Thin Edge Group eight drawer dresser for Herman Miller. Made with high quality construction and detail in Brazilian rosewood and oak with drawer dividers to help with ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

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 Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dressers
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Thin edge dressers by George Nelson for Herman Miller Porcelain handles and metal legs. Dressers have been refinished.  
Category

1950s American Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

1953 George Nelson Herman Miller Thin Edge Series 5221 Rosewood Dresser Cabinet
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Modern Walnut Hi Boy Dresser Chest
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A George Nelson for Herman Miller hi-boy dresser. An incredible chest of drawers with simply but stunning mid century styling. This piece features a full walnut wood body constructio...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Midcentury George Nelson Herman Miller Walnut Dresser Credenza
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Baltimore, MD
Iconic and classic Mid-Century Modern dresser designed by George Nelson for the Herman Miller Primavera line, circa 1950s. Iconic piece resulting from the collaboration of these two ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Metal

George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson rosewood Thin Edge chest or dresser for Herman Miller, U.S.A. Exceptional rosewood grain patterns throughout just ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

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 Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

George Nelson Thin Edge Dresser in Rosewood & Porcelain by Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Stamford, CT
The great George Nelson left us with a massive portfolio of forward thinking design which Herman Miller has largely kept alive to this day. Nelson became design director for Herman M...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design rosewood thin edge tall chest for Herman Miller. Featuring five drawers, two with fitted dividers on aluminum legs and original...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller Platform Bench with Four Drawer Chest
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Platform bench with four drawer chest. 4690 Platform bench 68" in lenght painted black bench. and 4701 Four rawer chest with wire pulls. The case, not connected, can be moved to desired position on bench. Case is the same depth as bench 18...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Oak

George Nelson Bureau No. 1
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

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 Dressers

Materials

Walnut

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 Dressers

Materials

Walnut

George Nelson Thin Edge for Herman Miller Rosewood Dresser, 1950
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

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 Dressers

Materials

Metal, Chrome

George Nelson Thin-Edge Tall Dresser in Rosewood & Porcelain by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Stamford, CT
The great George Nelson left us with a massive portfolio of forward thinking design which Herman Miller has largely kept alive to this day. Nelson became design director for Herman M...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers

Materials

Aluminum

1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Four Drawer Dresser in Walnut
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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 Dressers

Materials

Steel

George Nelson dressers for sale on 1stDibs.

George Nelson dressers are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original dressers by George Nelson were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider dressers by Herman Miller, Widdicomb Furniture Co., and Drexel. Prices for George Nelson dressers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,800 and can go as high as $9,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,650.
Questions About George Nelson Dressers
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    George 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    George 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, 2022
    Modern 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, 2022
    George 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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