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.
George Nelson Leather & Walnut Illuminated Vanity with Mirror & Ottoman for Herm
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions 54.50in H x 48in W x 20in D Desk Height 27in Ottoman 17in H x 22.50in W x 16in D _______________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like br...
Leather, Glass, Walnut
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century modern walnut extension dining table by George Nelson Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century modern original walnut extension dining table designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller with 2 leaves. This dining table has a walnut top with 2x walnut leaves that sto...
Steel
George Nelson Classic Slat Bench 1950's Original Signed!
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic, original 1950's vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller slat bench. Original ebonised finish with warm patina. This is a hard to find original bench, retaining its foil la...
Maple
George Nelson by Herman Miller Laminated Aluminum Design 1950s Rare Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brescia, IT
Modernist Desk George Nelson by Hermann Miller 1950 Laminated wood, aluminum base Rare model.
Aluminum
George Nelson Adjustable Tray Table
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nelson Adjustable Tray Table Model #4950 Originally designed in 1949 utilizing Bent wood Technology perfected during WW2 Elegant and useful Original Clean surface A 2nd matche...
Walnut
$6,526Sale Price|20% Off
George Nelson Desk by Herman Miller, Walnut, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s The Top has a very floating appearance.
Walnut
Six Foot George Nelson Classic Slat Bench 1950's Original Signed!
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic, original 1950's vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller slat bench. Natural finish with warm patina and ebonized legs. This is a hard to find original, retaining its foil...
Maple
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pedestal/ Side Table
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pedestal Table. Aluminum Base with a formica top and maple edge. Classic, useful design! Very clean example!
Metal
C. 1955 George Nelson Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series Nightstand / End Table
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Nightstand / Cabinet from George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series, originally designed in 1946. This particular example was produced by Herman Miller C. 1955. This piece featu...
Aluminum
George Nelson Herman Miller White Laminate Pedestal Dinette Mid Century Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A George Nelson for Herman Miller pedestal dinette table. A fantastic little table with a white laminate table top, a wooden table, and a white aluminum base with x-shaped legs. This...
Laminate
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pedestal Dining Table Desk, 1960
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Vienna, AT
Unusual original dining or desk table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, mid century Dimensions are 72.04" x 40.15" x 28.15" (height) This dining table was designed by George Nels...
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Circular White Laminate Lazy Susan Dining Table
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century circular dining table with a white laminate top featuring a central lazy susan circular section that rotates, resting on a white powder coated metal pedestal bas...
Metal
Pink Roll Top Standing Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1950s USA
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very rare and highly collectible original vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller roll top "Action Desk" refinished in a salmon pink. Early productions of this piece are far more va...
Metal
George Nelson Gateleg Drop Leaf Dining Table for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson expandable gateleg dining table table for Herman Miller, c.1950s, USA. The walnut table features beautiful dovetail joinery, two drop leaves and a center leaf. The tabl...
Walnut
$5,520Sale Price|20% Off
George Nelson Long Slat Bench Black Finish Herman Miller Mid-Century Modern 1950
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Miami, FL
Original George Nelson early long slat bench in ebonized Birch Wood designed in the 1950s and manufactured by Herman Miller. Great for a Hallway Bench where Kids can change Shoes an...
Wood, Birch
George Nelson for Herman Miller Extendable Dining Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Esperance, NY
Available for purchase is this beautiful original mid-century table, featuring two butterfly leaves for easy extension. When fully extended, the table measures 82” in width.
Wood
Pedestal Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, Usa, 1955
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pedestal desk designed in 1955 by George Nelson for Herman Miller, USA. Teak wood top with two drawers underneath and polished aluminium bases.
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Hidden Leaf Dining Table
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Hidden Leaf Dining Table This table measures: 54 wide x 36 deep x 29 high, with a chair clearance of 25 inches, each hidden leaf m...
Walnut
George Nelson Swag Leg Cocktail Table for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The Herman Miller pedestal cocktail or end table, designed by George Nelson, showcases a sleek and modern aesthetic. It features a black Formica-style top, providing a durable and st...
Aluminum
George Nelson Home Office Desk Model 4658 for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
George Nelson & Associates Home Office desk, model 4658 Manufactured by Herman Miller USA, 1946 This example is constructed of combed oak, chrome-plated...
Aluminum, Steel
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Side Table / Nightstand on Pedestal Base
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pedestal Occasional Table, model 5655, designed by George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller in 1956. The piece has a case of Brazilian Rosewood and has a pedestal base of white enameled aluminum. It has one drawer. The base has been professionally restored, and the rosewood case has been freshly refinished. The piece measures 17 inches deep, 24 inches wide...
Aluminum
C. 1955 George Nelson Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series Nightstand / End Table
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Nightstand / Cabinet from George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series, originally designed in 1946. This particular example was produced by Herman Miller C. 1955. This piece featu...
Aluminum
Pedestal Side Coffee 5452 Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
The famous coffee table designed by George Nelson in 1960 for Herman Miller. White pedestal base, white tabletop. Signed!
Aluminum
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Herman Miller George Nelson Action Office Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Pasadena, TX
Thus is a Herman Miller Desk designed by George Nelson. It's from Nelson's Action Office Series. It has 2 pull out drawers and a mid drawer. The top is wood and the legs are steel wi...
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
George Nelson Pedestal Side Table for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A simple and elegant pedestal side table with round top having a natural thin wood trim detail to the edge and cast meat star base . The base with foot pads to protect your floors ha...
Metal
Yellow & Black Steel Frame Desk Model 4111 by George Nelson Herman Miller Mint
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Yellow & black steel frame desk Model 4111 by George Nelson Herman Miller Mint.
Steel
George Nelson Walnut Executive and Typewriter Desk Set
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, Executive Office Group desk model 9959 and typewriter return desk model 4751 by George Nelson for Herman Miller features a dark walnut finish with steel legs, alu...
Steel
$4,047Sale Price|44% Off
Action Desk by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Robert Propst, Herman Miller
Located in Madrid, ES
Action Office desk, model 64 902, designed by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller from the 1960s. Base made of chrome-plated aluminum with white plastic protectors. Locka...
Aluminum
C. 1954 George Nelson For Herman Miller End Table/Cabinet With Glass Top
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an End Table / Cabinet from George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series, originally designed in 1946. This particular example was produced by Herman Miller C. 1954. This piece is co...
Aluminum
Action Office Writing Desk by George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Action Office desk, designed by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller from the 1960s. Base made of chrome-plated aluminum with white plastic protectors. Lockable hinged cov...
Metal, Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Action Office 1' Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early George Nelson Action Office 1 desk in original condition with minor wear. George Nelson for Herman Miller, polished aluminum, plastic laminate, w...
Metal
Small desk from the "Action Office" series by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Mobilier International
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Small desk from the "Action Office" series by George Nelson for Herman Miller, distributed by Mobilier International in France, 1968, featuring a storage pull-out. A break on one rea...
Steel
$4,225Sale Price|35% Off
MidCentury George Nelson Sling Table for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Produced for only 4 years this exceptionally rare "Sling Table" is in wonderful vintage condition. Featuring a rounded granite top on chromed legs. A perfe...
Granite, Steel, Chrome
Writing Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A single pedestal writing desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller with a built-in pivoting lamp. Lamp is 18" H.
Steel
George Nelson Rare Protype Bench / Coffee Table for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A early and rare Nelson coffee table / bench with white rectangle Laminate top having black legs typical of the Nelson slat bench coffee table. This table was not produced in large n...
Wood
Lazy Susan Round Dining Table Very Rare Brazilian Rosewood Top
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Early, rare rosewood lazy susan dining table designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. The center white laminate area is a lazy susan so it turns in a circular motion. This is the...
Steel
George Nelson Action Office Roll-Top-Desk for Herman Miller 1964-1968
By George Nelson
Located in Epfach, DE
George Nelson Action Office Roll-Top-Desk for Herman Miller 1964-1968 Der Roll-Top Desk von George Nelson ist ein ikonisches Beispiel für das innovative Möbeldesign des 20. Jahrhund...
Aluminum
Custom George Nelson / Girard "pin-wheel" marble top coffee / cocktail table
By George Nelson, Herman Miller, Alexander Girard
Located in Buffalo, NY
Custom George Nelson / Girard "pin-wheel" marble top coffee / cocktail table... Table is comprised of swiveling base model 5452 and a marble top believe to have been designed by Alex...
Marble, Aluminum
George Nelson Pedestal Side Table for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Argelato, BO
George Nelson Vintage "Pedestal" Side Table for Herman Miller A simple and elegant pedestal side table with round top having cast meat star base . The base with foot pads to protect...
Metal
Round Side Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The George Nelson-designed round pedestal side table for Herman Miller features a timeless and sleek design. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it boasts a circular table s...
Aluminum
1950's George Nelson X-Leg Extension Dining Table Model 5062
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Hanover, MA
Early George Nelson model 5062 X-Leg extension dining table for Herman Miller, 1952. Table has two 12 inch extension leaves and pull-out metal extension tracks. Table is 29 inches...
Iron
1950s Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table
By George Nelson
Located in Monrovia, CA
1950s Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller gate leg dining table George Nelson Vintage 1950s Walnut Gate Leg Dining Table By Herman Miller. George Nelson Designed This Table For Herman Miller In The 1950s With A Special Wide Wood Hinge And Double Gate Leg For Stability. This Table Is Considered An Iconic Mid Century Modern Design. This Fabulous Design Is Essentially 3 Modern Tables In 1. 1. A Small Dining Table. 2. A Desk or Work Table With 1 Leaf In The Up Position. 3. A Large Dining Table - Fully Extended - Seating 6 or More . This Original Walnut George Nelson Gate Leg Table...
Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Action Office Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Action Office Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
Chrome
George Nelson Model 4652 Extension Coffee Table by Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Highland, IN
This early George Nelson design features two extensions with reversible and removable tray tables. Closed, it is a modestly scaled table. Opened the surface nearly doubles, and the t...
Wood, Formica
Prototype George Nelson Rosewood Round Dining or Conference Table, One of a Kind
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
This unique prototype table was designed by George Nelson and features a 1.5 inch thick Brazilian rosewood top made from lumber Nelson selected on a trip to Brasilia and meeting with...
Aluminum, Steel
George Nelson Side Table for Herman Miller, Usa, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
George Nelson side table for Herman Miller, USA - 1960s.
Wenge
1950's George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table
By George Nelson
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Iconic George Nelson design for Herman Miller gate leg table. 2 fold wide wood hinged tops with double gate legs. The odd discoloration of one le...
Walnut
End Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Quarrata, IT
End Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
Metal
Mid-Century Style Pedestal End Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautifulmid century modern pedestal table by Herman Miller can be used as a coffee or end table, and features the sleek and simple design of mid-century designer George Nelson....
Metal
Tray Table by George Nelson for Vitra, 2000 - 2009
By George Nelson
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rarer side table by vitra after a draft of george nelson from 1949. This copy is from the vitra reedition from 2001. The table has not been in production since 2004. This rather unk...
Metal
George Nelson Black Pedestal Table by Vitra
By George Nelson, Vitra
Located in Madrid, ES
Pedestal table, originally designed by George Nelson in 1954, with four-branched base in black lacquered aluminum. Tabletop in black laminate with a visible edge in birch veneer. Pro...
Aluminum
American mid-century modern wood laminate desk George Nelson Herman Miller 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in MIlano, IT
American mid-century modern wood laminate desk George Nelson Herman Miller 1960s Desk or writing desk in wood and metal. The top is in white laminate, with a smaller upper top suppor...
Metal
George Nelson "Dry Erase" Desk with Return
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Newly laminated Formica top with dry erase laminate. Very cool, dry/erase surface for your work desk. Extr...
Chrome
George Nelson EOG Walnut Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1950s. A large dining table or work table from George Nelson’s Executive Office Group for Herman Miller. Features a generous rec...
Steel, Chrome
Wrought Iron Coffee Table by George Nelson for Arbuck
By Arbuck, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1950s. Glass top with iron frame. Indoor or outdoor use.
Wrought Iron
Elusive Modernist Action Office Desk or Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rarely seen modernist action office desk or conference table by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Purchased from prominent Buffalo NY architect. Beautiful figured walnut wood top mino...
Aluminum
George Nelson for Arbuck Wrought Iron Patio Side Tables
By Arbuck, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of elegant, tiered, wrought iron side tables by George Nelson For Arbuck feature travertine tops that lay within the frames and mesh bottom tiers at 14 inches height.
Travertine, Wrought Iron
Action Office Standing Desk by George Nelson and Robert Propst for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Robert Propst, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Action Office desk, model 64 902, designed by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller from the 1960s. Base made of chrome-plated aluminum with white plastic protectors. Locka...
Metal, Aluminum
X Leg Extendable Dining Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1950s. Rare iron base Nelson x leg table. Laminate top with two leaves.
Iron
Pair of Night Stands by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of two (2) Mid-Century Modern walnut end tables / nightstands designed by George Nelson with satin-chromed legs and a lateral drawer. Made by Herman Miller in the USA, circa 19...
Metal