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 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 Dressers
Materials
Palisander
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
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 5 drawer Dresser, 1950. Restored and absolutely beautiful.
The other dresser and pair nightstands is sold in separate listing.
Meas...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Rosewood
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.
Dresser measures 39.5" tall 39.75" wide 18.5" deep
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Rosewood
George Nelson "Primavera" Black Enameled Mahogany 4 Drawer Dresser, 1950's
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Bainbridge, NY
George Nelson for Herman Miller "Basic Series" / "Primavera" Four Drawer Black Mahogany Dresser, circa 1955. Featuring a rectangular paneled Mahogany Cabinet, Dresser, four drawers, ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Mahogany, Lucite
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge 4 drawer Dresser by Herman Miller #2
By George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
A rosewood thin edge chest designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller with exquisite rosewood grain and early original white porcelain handles.
The George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edg...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Aluminum
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
George Nelson Thin Edge Group dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
Vintage George Nelson Tall Dresser by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fantastic vintage Herman Miller tall dresser created by legendary American designer George Nelson. Featuring six ample pull-out drawers, this is the ultimate storage solution for any...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Metal, Brass
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
1954 George Nelson Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series 4936 Credenza / Dresser
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a circa 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 4936 5-Drawer Basic Cabinet Series dresser / credenza. This is a delightfully original piece. The condition over...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Steel
George Nelson 5 Drawer Dresser with Sculptural Pulls by Herman Miller #4610
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A dark brownish ebony finished five drawer dresser with brushed stainless sculptural pulls . The top and middle drawers contain dividers and plenty of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Stainless Steel
Steel Frame Dresser by George Nelson Associates, 1950s
By George Nelson
Located in 성동구, KR
This is a sold dresser designed by George Nelson Associates for Herman Miller dating back to the 1950s. It has three drawers suspended in a steel frame. This unusual design reveals t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Steel
Midcentury George Nelson Herman Miller Walnut Dresser Credenza
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
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 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 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
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design "Thin Edge" dresser for Herman Miller Model 5221, U.S.A. Eight drawers that graduate in size from top to bottom and operate effortlessly. Polished aluminum spinn...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Aluminum
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
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 Dressers
Materials
Aluminum
1950s George Nelson Thin Edge Walnut Dressers for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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 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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Rosewood
Thin Line Dresser in Rosewood by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Westport, CT
The exquisite Thin Line Rosewood Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller, meticulously restored to its original splendor by Stamford Modern. Crafted with timeless elegance, this m...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller 5 Drawer Mid-Century Modern Dresser, circa 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Denville, NJ
Highboy dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller, c.1950’s. This five-drawer dresser features a walnut frame with sculpted original chrome plated metal pulls. Top drawer features s...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Walnut
George Nelson Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Eight Drawer Dresser
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Ferndale, MI
Beautifully grained Rosewood cabinet with two rows of four drawers. Early style turned aluminum pulls on each drawer. Cabinet standing on for turned aluminum legs. This is a classic ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Aluminum
Midcentury George Nelson Three Drawer Cabinet for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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 Dressers
Materials
Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Chest of Drawers
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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 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 Rosewood Thin Edge Dresser for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 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 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 Dressers
Materials
Aluminum
Pair Teak George Nelson Thin Edge Night Stands / Chests. Expertly Restored.
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller Thin Edge cabinets model 4701. Teak cases with anodized aluminum pulls and cast aluminum legs. Each cabinet features four drawers...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Platform Bench with Four Drawer Chest
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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 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 Series"
USA, 1950s
Walnut, with original aluminum hardware.
...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers
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 Dressers
Materials
Maple
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Rosewood
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 Dressers
Materials
Walnut
Teak Thin Edge Double Dresser with Vanity by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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
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 Dressers
Materials
Porcelain, Rosewood
Pair of Walnut Dressers, Model 4620, by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
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 Dressers
Materials
Wood
Comb-Grain Oak Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dorchester, MA
George Nelson designed this comb-grain oak cabinet for Herman Miller as part of their Basic Cabinet Series, sometimes referred to as the Primavera line. The case sits on ebonized blo...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Chrome
George Nelson Dresser/Storage Cabinet on Modular Group Platform, Rare Version
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
George Nelson for Herman Miller cabinet with attached table. Rare T pulls. Four drawers and one door with adjustable shelf. The teak cabinet and white laminate table attache to the s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Steel
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
Mid Century George Nelson Dresser for Herman Miller, Walnut, Silver Pulls, Rare
By George Nelson
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Early production of George Nelson walnut highboy dresser for Herman Miller, very rare silver plated drawer pulls. All original finish with beautiful patina.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Silver
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
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
Oak Modular Storage Unit with Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dorchester, MA
George Nelson designed this handsome modular unit for Herman Miller. It comprises a set of drawers, a cabinet, a bookcase hutch, and a table/desk whose top lifts to reveal extra divi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Dressers
Materials
Oak
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.
Creators Similar to George Nelson
Questions About George Nelson Dressers
- 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.
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