- Want more images or videos?Request additional images or videos from the seller
George Nelson "Dry Erase" Desk with Return

About the Item
- Creator:George Nelson (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 72 in (182.88 cm)Depth: 75 in (190.5 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU185339223121
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.
Shipping & Returns
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Los Angeles, CA
- Return Policy
This item cannot be returned.
- Charlotte Perriand Desk for Les Arcs with Matching StoolBy Charlotte PerriandLocated in Los Angeles, CARare Charlotte Perriand desk for Les Arcs. Circa 1960s. Comes with matching stool. This solid pine table can be used as a console or writing desk. Beautiful vintage condition and wea...Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsPine
- Charlotte Perriand Pine Desk for Les Arcs with Matching Stool, 1960s FranceBy Charlotte PerriandLocated in Los Angeles, CARare Charlotte Perriand desk for Les Arcs. circa 1960s. Comes with matching stool. This gorgeous solid pine desk can be used as a console or writing desk. Beautiful vintage condition...Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsPine
- Executive Desk, 1970s ItalyLocated in Los Angeles, CAStunning Italian executive desk in a dark Rosewood. Three pull-out drawers flank each side. Lockable drawers with original locks. Solid aluminum frame with unusual, rounded corners o...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsAluminum
$16,500 - Pierre Jeanneret Desk with Return, 1950s IndiaBy Pierre JeanneretLocated in Los Angeles, CAMassive wood and leather desk by Pierre Jeanneret. Made for the Chandigarh project. Used in the administrative buildings in Chindigargh. Long return with multiple shelves and cubby holed cabinets. Smaller return on opposite side with 3 drawers. Oversized black leather desktop sits atop both returns. The letters L.C.H.1 stenciled on the smaller return years ago, designating it to one of the buildings. Very unusual desk and to our knowledge, the only one of this exact desk being offered for sale anywhere. One of the most iconic pieces of modern design. Looks stunning from every angle. Great piece to float in a room. Desk in great vintage condition with some wear as show. Jeanneret Chandigargh Book - Jacques...Category
Vintage 1950s Indian Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsLeather, Teak
- Melchiorre Bega Desk, 1950s ItalyBy Melchiorre BegaLocated in Los Angeles, CAStunning Italian desk in a beautiful caramel wood. Four pull-out drawers flank each side of the desk. Angular extension on the left side of the desk for extra writing space and fanta...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsBrass
- Pierre Jeanneret Desk, 1950s ChandigarghBy Pierre JeanneretLocated in Los Angeles, CASpectacular pigeonhole desk by Pierre Jeanneret. Made for the Chandigarh project. Used in the administrative buildings in Chindigargh, Sector 1. Angular leg and bookcase back. The word - OFFICE - stenciled on years ago designating it to one of the buildings. One of the most iconic pieces of modern design. Dark green leather top. Single pull out drawer on front left. Looks stunning from every angle. Great piece to float in a room. Desk in excellent vintage condition. Last 5 images are the original photos - pre-restoration. Armrest clearance is 26". Jeanneret Chandigargh Book - Jacques Dworczak...Category
Vintage 1950s Indian Desks
MaterialsLeather, Teak
- Vintage 1949 Mid-Century Modern Custom L-Shaped Office Desk by George NelsonBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Lafayette, INThis remarkable piece is a one-off desk/wardrobe/bar/bookcase/storage cabinet custom-designed by George Nelson in 1949 to match his Basic Cabinet Series (BCS) for Herman Miller. The ...Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsAluminum
$17,500 Sale Price50% Off - George Nelson For Herman Miller Desk And CredenzaBy George NelsonLocated in Pasadena, TXA 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...Category
Vintage 1960s American Credenzas
MaterialsLaminate, Walnut
$6,000 Sale Price / set20% Off - George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960sBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Berlin, DEGeorge Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s The Top has a very floating appearance.Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsWalnut
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut DeskBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Countryside, ILGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller mid century walnut desk This desk measures: 71 wide x 29.5 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a chair...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsMetal
- George Nelson Desk for Herman MillerBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated 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 Home Desk for Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Hudson, NYWalnut with original custom white leather writing surface and sliding floating doors, small drawers in maple. Storage and drop down typing table with original perforated aluminum fil...Category
Vintage 1940s American Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsSteel
- Magnificent "L" Shape Scandinavian Executive DeskLocated in East Hampton, NYThis outstanding executive desk is comprised of 3 parts; the top, the left side drawer’s cabinet and the right side long storage with sliding doors on both sides. It is all original ...Category
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsAluminum
- Midcentury Eames Contract Storage 'ECS' UnitBy Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, Charles EamesLocated in BROOKLYN, NYFor your consideration this is extremely rare Eames wall unit produced in 1961. The ECS are seldom found and only produce for a short period of time...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsSteel, Chrome
- Rare Jules Wabbes Executive Corner Desk in WengéBy Jules WabbesLocated in Waalwijk, NLJules Wabbes, writing desk with drawer pieces, wenge wood tabletop, chrome frame, black drawers, Belgium, 1960s. This corner desk is designed by Jules Wabbes. The table is executed ...Category
Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsSteel
- George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Action Office 1' DeskBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Los Angeles, CAEarly George Nelson Action Office 1 desk in original condition with minor wear. George Nelson for Herman Miller, polished aluminum, plastic laminat...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsMetal
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut DeskBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Countryside, ILGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller mid century walnut desk This desk measures: 71 wide x 29.5 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a chair...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsMetal
- Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Style Partners / Executive Desk, RosewoodBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Stamford, CTMid-Century Modern George Nelson Style Partners / Executive Desk, Rosewood/Walnut Fully Refinished. Fully refinshed American designer partners desk in a gorgeous walnut or rosewoo...Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsChrome
- George Nelson Action Office Architect's Roll-Top Desk for Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Dallas, TXStriking black and walnut roll-top architect's desk with three drawers and hidden file storage. Produced in 1964 by the Herman Miller company for the Action Office Series...Category
Mid-20th Century American Desks
MaterialsAluminum
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Corner Executive DeskBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Countryside, ILGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Corner Executive Desk This desk measures: 60 wide x 30 deep x 29.75 high, with a chair cle...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsMetal, Chrome
- Yellow & Black Steel Frame Desk Model 4111 by George Nelson Herman Miller MintBy George Nelson, Herman MillerLocated in Rockaway, NJYellow & black steel frame desk Model 4111 by George Nelson Herman Miller Mint.Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
MaterialsSteel
- Early George Nelson Desk / Return, Child's Desk, Modernist, Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Buffalo, NYEarly George Nelson desk / return, child's desk, Modernist, Herman Miller, Retains original Herman Miller foil label, 4 drawers, pencil dividers, steel frame, minor pitting (lower right side bottom). Original designed for larger desk, return, typewriter desk...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
MaterialsAluminum, Steel
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