George Nelson Lighting
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 "Half Nelson" Mid Century Table Lamp Produced by Koch & Lowy 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare table / desk mid century lamp mode "Half Nelson" in enameled aluminum designed by George Nelson and produced by Koch & Lowy, USA 1960s. In good vintage and original conditi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
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 Lighting
Materials
Metal
George Nelson "Half Nelson" Adjustable Table Lamp for Koch and Lowy
By Koch & Lowy, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Half Nelson table lamp, designed by George Nelson for Koch and Lowy. A thoughtful design, featuring a pivoting shade made from spun aluminum, that offers customizable illumination. T...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Brass, Aluminum, Metal
George Nelson for Koch & Lowy Lamp
By George Nelson
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
This floor lamp by George Nelson for Koch & Lowy, was Nelson's last lamp design. It culminated many design features developed by Nelson over his career. The...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
George Nelson for Herman Miller Triple Bubble Chandelier
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A hard-to-find triple bubble chandelier by Geore Nelson. Includes the cigar bubble measuring approximately 32" H, a ball bubble and a smaller cigar. Original wood fixture with chande...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Wire
Original Large George Nelson Bubble Lamps for Howard Miller (B)
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Oakland, CA
Large original George Nelson Bubble Lamp for the Howard Miller Clock Company. Having a 26 inches in diameter "Bubble" form made of an wire frame covered with a spray on plastic skin ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Metal, Wire
Large Original George Nelson Bubble Lamp for Howard Miller Clock Company (A)
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Oakland, CA
Large original George Nelson Bubble Lamp for the Howard Miller Clock Company. Having a 26 inches in diameter "Bubble" form made of an wire frame covered with a spray on plastic skin ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Wire, 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 Lighting
Materials
Steel
George Nelson Modernica Mid-Century Bubble Pendant
By George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
George Nelson Modernica Mid-Century Modern "saucer" shape bubble pendant ceiling lamp, translucent white synthetic over a wire frame, Modernica ...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Wire
Large Nelson Bubble Table or Floor Lamp for Howard Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very early large cigar shaped bubble table or floor lamp with metal tri pod base having small plastic tips to protect your surfaces . The iconic mid century designer George Nelson ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Metal
Original Vintage George Nelson Cylinder Bubble Pendant Lamp Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Troy, MI
A rare cylinder form bubble lamp pendant designed by William Renwick of George Nelson & Associates for Howard Miller circa 1950s
Steel wire grid f...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Wire
A Pair Of George Nelson Half Lamps for Koch Lowy
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic pair of George Nelson Half lamps for Koch Lowy. In brass finish. Very good overall conditon. One shade has a small dent.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson "Half Nelson" Table Lamp by Koch & Lowy, 1960s
By George Nelson, Koch & Lowy
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Uncommon "Half Nelson" lamp by George Nelson for Koch and Lowy. The spun aluminum shade reflects the light downward creating a soft downward-casting light....
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
Extremely Rare George Nelson Bubble Floor Lamp Original Birch Tripod Base 1950s
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Troy, MI
Extremely rare floor lamp designed by George Nelson & Associates
Offered through Howard Miller circa 1952
Tripod base in natural birch with brushed brass fittings and a round bubble...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Brass
1977 George Nelson Half-Nelson Reflector Table Lamp by Koch & Lowy in Brass
By George Nelson, Koch & Lowy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an uncommonly seen Half-Nelson reflector table lamp, designed by George Nelson and manufactured by Koch & Lowy in the late 1970s. This design was initially created ca. 1949-1...
Category
1940s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Metal, Brass
George Nelson for Herman Miller Pair of Midcentury Cigar Bubble Pendant Lights
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller vintage hanging ceiling iconic cigar bubble pendant lights made with translucent plastic poly...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Steel, Wire
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 Lighting
Materials
Metal
Vintage Mid Century Modern George Nelson Floor Bubble Lamp
By George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern George Nelson Floor Bubble Lamp
This mid century modern George Nelson Bubble Lamp will add a touch of softness and luminosity to you interior.
Circa 1960...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Metal
Vintage Mid Century Modern George Nelson Ball Pendant Bubble Lamp
By George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern George Nelson Ball Pendant Bubble Lamp
This mid century modern George Nelson Bubble Lamp will add a touch of softness and luminosity to you interior.
Ci...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Metal
George Nelson & Associates Kite Table Lamp Howard Miller
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in Miami, FL
George Nelson & Associates Kite table lamp made by Howard Miller.
The shade was recently replaced. Chrome was not cleaned and has wear. Please see pictures.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Chrome
George Nelson, Cigar Wall Sconce, Plastic, Walnut, Nickel, Herman Miller, 1952
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 Lighting
Materials
Nickel
Selection of Mid Century Chrome Floor Lamps by George Nelson & Hans Eichenberger
By Hans Eichenberger, George Nelson
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Mid Century chrome lamps, circa 1950s. They are priced at $1800 each. They are rewired and ready to use.
The lamp pictured on the left in the first photo is designed...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
George Nelson & Daniel Lewis for Koch Lowy "Eyeshade" Articulated Desk Lamp
By Koch & Lowy, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this uncommon 1970s "Eyeshade" articulated desk lamp designed by George Nelson and Daniel Lewis for Koch & Lowy. The shade can be raised up/down, rotate, and tilt up/down. It is composed of an outer perforated black metal screen, an inner aluminum shade, and green acrylic end detail that glows when the light is on, an apparent modern reference to the green glass shades of antique bankers lamps...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Metal, Steel
George Nelson Bubble Table Lamp
By George Nelson
Located in Barcelona, ES
Bubble table lamp designed by George Nelson in 1947-50, USA. Polished steel base and metal and vinyl shade. This is a Modernica edition.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Steel
Nimbus / Beehive Pendant Lamp by George Nelson and Associates Midcentury
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very rare chandelier model NS808 / 'Nimbus' (also known as 'Beehive') by renowned George Nelson and Associates studio made for Nessen Lighting, designed in 1969 by Farid Iskander.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Herman Miller Walnut Planter Lamp Table Model 4634-L
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Baltimore, MD
Unique and rare Mid-Century Modern Model 4634-L side table with lamp and planters designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, circa 1940s. Featuring a ha...
Category
1940s American Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson "Half Nelson" Table Lamp Produced by Koch & Lowy, 1960s
By Koch & Lowy, George Nelson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare table lamp in enameled metal / aluminum designed by George Nelson and produced by Koch & Lowy, USA in the 1960s. In good vintage condition with showing patina and some signs fro...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Vintage George Nelson for Howard Miller Bell Pendant Lamp
By George Nelson, Howard Miller
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very rare vintage bell-shaped hanging Bubble Lamp by George Nelson for the Howard Miller Clock Company.
Designed in 1952, its shape and size are of a scarce combination that sets it apart from the myriad other more common original and reproduction iterations. Steel skeleton, with self-webbing soft plastic skin. Retains “Bubble Lighting...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Steel
George Nelson for Koch Lowy "Eyeshade" Desk Lamp, 1970's
By Koch & Lowy, George Nelson
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Modern George Nelson for Koch & Lowy Adjustable Perforated Aluminum & Black Enamel Table Lamp. Featuring a perforated Black enameled Aluminum cylinder mesh shade, Off White interior,...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
George Nelson for Herman Miller Criss Cross Hanging Bubble Lamp
By George Nelson, Howard Miller, Herman Miller
Located in Ferndale, MI
George Nelson criss cross flying saucer hanging bubble lamp. Distributed by Herman Miller. As new condition
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Wire
Vintage Mid Century Modern George Nelson Bubble Table Lamp on Tripod Base
By George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern George Nelson Bubble Table Lamp on Tripod Base
This mid century modern George Nelson Bubble lamp will add a touch...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lighting
Materials
Metal
George Nelson lighting for sale on 1stDibs.
George Nelson lighting 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 lighting, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original lighting 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 lighting by Kurt Versen, Paul Mayen, and Gordon Martz. Prices for George Nelson lighting can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $550 and can go as high as $15,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,995.
Creators Similar to George Nelson
Questions About George Nelson Lighting
- Who makes Nelson bubble lamps?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Herman Miller makes Nelson bubble lamps. George Nelson first created the steel lamps with silk shades in 1952 with inspiration from a set of Swedish silk lamps that he had passed on purchasing due to their price. It was his desire to produce something similar for a more accessible price. On 1stDibs, find a collection of George Nelson lighting.
- 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.
- 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.
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