
George Nelson Oak Drop Leaf Desk
View Similar Items
George Nelson Oak Drop Leaf Desk
About
Details
- Creator:Herman Miller (Manufacturer),George Nelson (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Width: 40 in (101.6 cm)Depth: 24 in (60.96 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1958
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Good overall condition with minor scrapes, bumps, bruises, and scratches. Minor veneer chips. The laminate top has some minor scuffs (see photo), but in good condition considering its age. Ink marks and staining inside the drawers. Bottom drawer has.
- Seller Location:Garnerville, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: AR01.27.22.11stDibs: LU1236227097512
About the Designer
George Nelson
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, as well as its competitor, the Howard Miller Clock Company. 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 these pages, 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.
About the Manufacturer
Herman Miller
No other business of its kind did more than the Herman Miller Furniture Company to introduce modern design into American homes. Working with legendary designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Alexander Girard, the Zeeland, Michigan-based firm fostered some of the boldest expressions of what we now call mid-century modern style. In doing so, Herman Miller produced some of the most beautiful, iconic and, one can even say, noblest furniture ever.
Founded in 1923, Herman Miller was originally known for grand historicist bedroom suites: heavily ornamented wood furniture that appealed to a high-minded, wealthier clientele. The company — named for its chief financial backer — began to suffer in the early 1930s as the Great Depression hit, and D.J. De Pree, the company’s CEO, feared bankruptcy. In 1932, aid came in the form of Gilbert Rohde, a self-taught furniture designer who had traveled widely in Europe, absorbing details of the Art Deco movement and other modernist influences. After persuading De Pree that the growing middle-class required smaller, lighter household furnishings, Rohde set a new course for Herman Miller, creating sleek chairs, tables and cabinetry that were the essence of the Streamline Moderne style.
Rohde died suddenly in 1944. The following year, De Pree turned to George Nelson, an architect who had written widely about modern furniture design. Under Nelson’s leadership, Herman Miller would embrace new technologies and materials and audacious biomorphic forms. Some of the pieces the company produced are now emblems of 20th century American design, including the Eames lounge chair and ottoman and Nelson’s Marshmallow sofa and Coconut chair. As you can see on 1stDibs, such instantly recognizable furnishings have become timeless — staples of a modernist décor; striking, offbeat notes in traditional environments.
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Round Coffee TableBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Garnerville, NYEarly George Nelson design for Herman Miller. Black cross stretcher base with a white top. Very good restored condition with some minor finish loss and minor scratches, circa 1955. ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWood
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Lamp and Planter TableBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Garnerville, NYModel 4634-L George Nelson for Herman Miller leather top lamp and planter table. Signed with foil label in drawer, George Nelson design, Herman Miller, ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
MaterialsAluminum
$1,625 Sale Price35% Off - Hollywood Regency Mirrored Vanity and StoolLocated in Garnerville, NYHollywood Regency mirrored vanity and stool. Featuring all mirrored paneled top, sides, back, drawer fronts and legs. Newly covered seat cushion done ...Category
Vintage 1940s American Hollywood Regency Desks
MaterialsBrass
- 1950s Matisse Inspired Leaf PaintingBy Stuart Davis, Henri MatisseLocated in Garnerville, NYSeveral paintings were purchased recently in Briarcliff Manor, NY by this particular artist, who signed their work, RKM. Clearly inspired by Matisse's cut-outs and collage technique....Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Acrylic
- Mid-Century Modern Desk ChairBy Danflex Systems, Arthur UmanoffLocated in Garnerville, NYSwivel office chair with avocado vinyl seat and back. Circa 1960-70. Adjustable height and back tension. Structurally sound and sturdy construction. Wear commensurate with age and...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsSteel, Chrome
- Scroll and Leaf Iron and Glass Step Back EtagereBy Woodard Furniture Co., SalteriniLocated in Garnerville, NYMid-20 Century designed scroll and leaf iron and glass step back etagere. Three glass shelves and can be used either indoors or out. Fine delicately scrolled iron work with leaf acce...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsIron
- George Nelson Desk for Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in San Mateo, CADouble pedestal desk by Herman Miller. This desk was probably a custom order. There are three wide drawers and three small drawers. The top small drawer has a sliding pencil...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsChrome
$2,200 Sale Price31% Off - George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut DeskBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Countryside, ILGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Desk This desk measures: 60 wide x 27 deep x 29.75 high, with a chair clearance of 28.25 inches All pieces of furniture can be had in wha...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsChrome
- Vintage Danish Teak Drop Leaf DeskLocated in Brooklyn, NYHere is a wonderfully unique Danish desk with an expanding drop leaf desktop! A compact 40"x23.5" work surface unfolds to a sizeable 59"x23.5"- a perfect solution for small spaces like the home office, dorm room...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsWood, Teak
- George Nelson "Dry Erase" Desk with ReturnBy George NelsonLocated in Los Angeles, CAFantastic 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...Category
Vintage 1950s American Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsChrome
- Mid-Century George Nelson Desk for Herman MillerBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in BROOKLYN, NYFantastic desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This unique roll-top writing desk is from the "Action Office" line and features a beautiful hardwood hideaway design set on metal base with aluminium legs. Features a pair of drawers...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsMetal, Aluminum
- Herman Miller Typewriter Desk Return by George NelsonBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Oklahoma City, OKPetite Herman Miller typewriter desk/return. Perfect size for use as a child’s desk. Desk features bank of draws on left hand side with steel tubular legs and casters on one side. Ph...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsMetal
Recently Viewed
View MoreRead More

A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture
The prolific manufacturer has partnered with many of the world’s top designers since opening its doors in 1923. Here are some of the company’s greatest hits, which helped transform the American home and office.

Kule and Forsyth Give Iconic Furniture a Bold Makeover with Stripes
Maggie and Anne Genovese, of Forsyth, teamed up with fashion designer Nikki Kule to reimagine some classic pieces.
The 1stDibs Promise
Learn MoreExpertly Vetted Sellers
Confidence at Checkout
Price-Match Guarantee
Exceptional Support
Buyer Protection
Trusted Global Delivery