George Nelson Furniture
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.
52
to
1
46
6
52
52
52
37
3
52
43
2
5
33
4
1
35
27
16
13
9
46
45
30
1,406
1,003
672
603
Creator: George Nelson
Recognized Seller Listings
Pair of Early Coconut Chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller in Shearling
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of early metal back Coconut chairs designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Fully restored and upholstered in shearling.
Category
1950s Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Sheepskin
George Nelson & Associates Beehive Pendant Lamp
By Nessen Lighting, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson & Associates Beehive Pendant Lamp: Designed by Lucia DeRespinis (1960) for George Nelson's office for Nessen Studio, Textured enameled metal hexagonal shaped pyramid wi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Desk and Dresser
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Desk and Dresser, Model 4112 Desk and Model 4014 Dresser, Angled Steel White Frames with Walnut drawer ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
Rare Pair of George Nelson Storage Units for Omni
By George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Pair of George Nelson Storage Units for Omni, One case features Four drawers in walnut and sliding door storage, and the other unit is mostly open for Display. They are finished...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
George Nelson, Saucer Bubble Pendant, Steel, Plastic, USA, 1952
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in High Point, NC
An early "Saucer Bubble" Pendant light designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, c. 1952.
Small tear to plastic cover.
Dimensions o...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller 4-Drawer Thin Edge Cabinet with Rare Pulls
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller 4-Drawer Thin Edge Cabinet with Rare Pulls, oiled walnut with Tapered 7" Aluminum legs and Rare black coated metal pulls.
[Disc on inside of drawer, George Nelson Design for Herman Miller Miller...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Starburst Clock
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Iconic design by George Nelson
Category
1950s American Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
George Nelson Basket Clock, model 2215
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Round basket clock, model #2215, designed by George Nelson and produced by Howard Miller, 1950’s. Rattan, enameled steel, metal. With Howard Miller decal on face, and sticker and emb...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal, Steel
George Nelson, Rare Coffee Table, Walnut, USA, 1946
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in High Point, NC
A very rare modular walnut coffee table, Model 4651, designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller in 1946.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Walnut
George Nelson Steel Frame Cabinet with Marble Top
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful steel frame cabinet designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. All cabinets restored with maple drawer fronts and marble tops. Match...
Category
1950s Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair of George Nelson Steel Frame Dressers with Marble Tops
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful pair of steel frame cabinets designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. All cabinets restored with maple drawer fronts and marble tops. Third matching cabinet available...
Category
1950s Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
George Nelson, Rare Lounge Chair, Fabric, USA, 1940s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in High Point, NC
A rare wood and beige grey bouclé fabric model 4688 lounge chair designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, c. 1940s.
Seat height: 18.5”
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
George Nelson, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Steel, Velvet, USA, 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of white-lacquered steel, wood and beige velvet fabric lounge chairs designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, 1950s.
Seat height: 14.15”
Reupholstered i...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
Rare 3 bay wall unit Georges Nelson CSS Shelf Palisander
By George Nelson
Located in London, GB
Georges Nelson Css shelving unit in Palissander Inc
6 shelfs ( 3 wide 3 narrow)
1 desk, 1 glass cabinet, 1 double door
Signed ...
Category
1970s American Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
George Nelson, Wall Light, Metal, Walnut, Resin, USA, 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in High Point, NC
A sizeable brass, walnut and resin wall light, designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, 1950s.
Please note cord feeds from bottom of stem and functions via plug...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller Sofa in Light Brown Patterned Upholstery
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, sofa, model ‘5671’, fabric, metal, designed in 1955 and produced in 1956-78.
This wonderful midcentury sofa is designed by the renowned American ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
George Nelson Studio Steering Wheel Clock
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An original George Nelson Studio steering wheel clock
Original surface, hour markers and second hand
Howard Miller Decal present,see detail phot...
Category
1950s American Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Cabinet
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A rosewood thin edge cabinet / bookshelf designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Category
1950s Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
George Nelson / Herman Miller White Laminate and Steel Rectangular Coffee Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular coffee / cocktail table with a white laminate top resting on a minimalist black steel base. (GEORGE NELSON / HERMAN MILLER)
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal, Steel
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Veneer and Satin Chrome End / Sid
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century end / side tables with a walnut veneer top with single drawer and stretcher shelf, supported by four square satin chrome legs. (GEORGE NELSON FOR HERMAN ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
George Nelson / Herman Miller White Laminate and Steel Rectangular Dining Table
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century dining table with a rectangular white laminate top resting on two H-shaped steel legs. (GEORGE NELSON / HERMAN MILLER).
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal, Steel
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 Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
George Nelson for Herman Miller Circular White Laminate Lazy Susan Dining Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, 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...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
George Nelson & Associates CSS 'Comprehensive Storage System'
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson & Associates CSS (Comprehensive Storage System)
System is comprised of Four uprights, with Fourteen metal adjustable shelve...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
George Nelson Marshmallow Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nelson Marshmallow sofa, model 5670
Manufactured by Herman Miller
A great example of an iconic form.
Category
1950s American Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Chrome, Stainless Steel, Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller White Laminate and Black Steel Rolling End / Sid
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
2 Pairs of American mid-century rolling end / side tables with square white laminate tops and lower shelves contained in an open cube-form black coated steel frame, resting on four s...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel, Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller Blue Velour and Chrome Daybed
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century daybed with a royal blue velour upholstered rectangular bed with two matching bolster pillows resting on a chrome frame with a central...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
George Nelson, Cigar Wall Sconce, Plastic, Walnut, Nickel, Herman Miller, 1952
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in High Point, NC
An early-production Cigar Bubble wall sconce in plastic polymer, walnut and brushed nickel; designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, 1952.
Variable dimensions...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Nickel
George Nelson for Herman Miller Double / Full Sized Fabric and Teak Headboard
By George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century double / full-sized bed headboard with a teak wood frame and two upholstered beige panels, resting on square wooden legs.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
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 Furniture
Materials
Oak
Iconic George Nelson ‘Coconut’ Lounge Chair
By George Nelson, Vitra
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson, ‘Coconut’ lounge chair, fiberglass, leather upholstery, steel, United States, design 1955, later production
The ‘Coconut’ lounge chair is one of George Nelson’s iconi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller, Thin Edge Dresser in Oiled Teak-Wood, 1956
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, Thin Edge Dresser in Oiled Teak-Wood 1956, Model 5202 Features teak grained veneer with aluminum tapered legs and porcelain pulls...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Modular Set of Sofas and Side Table
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, sofa model ‘5671’, side table, fabric, metal, designed in 1955 and produced in 1956-78.
This wonderful set is designed by the renowned American fur...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Miniature /Jewelry Chest
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rosewood,Enameled aluminum and porcelain
An early example of this form,model # 5215
Base is original to the cabinet
Disc Manufacturer's label.
Category
1950s American Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
George Nelson for Herman Miller Sofa in Off-White Upholstery
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, sofa, chrome-plated metal, fabric, United States, 1960s
This fine sofa is designed by the renowned American furniture designer George Nelson. This s...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
George Nelson for Herman Miller Living Room Set
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller living room set, United States, 1960s.
This fine living room set consisting of two sofas and a side table is...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
1950s Walnut Open Cabinet with Glass Shelving by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid walnut open cabinet or vitrine with three adjustable glass shelves and a solid glass paneled back.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Glass, Walnut
1950s Dining Chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An early dining chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller, having tubular zinc-plated frames with floating upholstered seats and backs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
George Nelson Prototype Domino Clock
By George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Nelson office, designed by Irving Harper for Howard Miller.
This is the only clock and was never produced.
Purchased from Howard Miller Executive.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Wood
George Nelson Home Desk for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Hudson, NY
Walnut 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
1940s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
1950s Pair of Mid-Century Modern Nightstands by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
1960s Executive Desk Chair by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A George Nelson designed rolling desk chair with orange fabric supported by a swivel base with casters. Manufactured by George Nelson and Associates in the 1960s. Newly reupholstered.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Bench or Stool
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Nelson for Herman Miller bench or vanity stool, model 4698
Solid black lacquer legs with ergonomic curved seat reupholstered with great plains boucle.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Melamine Bowl by Irving Harper
By Irving Harper, George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A molded sea foam blue melamine bowl in the Florence pattern from the Prolon series designed for George Nelson and Associates.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Plastic
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 Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Writing Desk by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
George Nelson Rare High Back Chair
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson rare high back chair
A high back lounge chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Model #5469, this lounge chair is one of t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Chrome, Steel
Chest of Drawers by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegantly simple rectilinear chest of drawers in bleached ash with gracefully curved steel pulls, which floats on squared low wooden legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Steel
Original Swag Leg Pedestal Table by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
An original swag leg side table by George Nelson for Herman Miller with a black table laminate top and wood trim on a polished aluminum base #5451.
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Swaged Leg Chair in Gray and White by Georg Nelson & Associates, 1954
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Swaged leg chair, model MAF, in fiberglass, enameled steel, rubber, enameled aluminum, and plastic. Designed by George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller, USA, 1954.
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Furniture
Materials
Fiberglass
George Nelson Coconut Chair and Ottoman
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather chair and ottoman with metal base.
Category
1950s Vintage George Nelson Furniture
George Nelson furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
George Nelson furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of George Nelson furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by George Nelson were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Drexel, Widdicomb Furniture Co., and John Widdicomb. Prices for George Nelson furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $155 and can go as high as $48,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,411.
Creators Similar to George Nelson
Questions About George Nelson Furniture
- 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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore George Nelson Furniture
George Nelson Dressers
George Nelson Commodes and Chests of Drawers
George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
George Nelson Cabinets
George Nelson Benches
George Nelson Clocks
George Nelson Desks
George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables
George Nelson Lounge Chairs
George Nelson Credenzas
George Nelson Sofas
George Nelson Bedroom Furniture