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George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

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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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Creator: George Nelson
George Nelson & Associates Cabinets, Herman Miller, Model 4617
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
George Nelson & Associates Cabinets, Herman Miller model 4617. Handsome bedside cabinets/nightstands, purchased by Solo Modern, from the estate of famed Mad Magazine cartoonist, Mort Drucker...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Aluminum, Zinc

George Nelson For Herman Miller Walnut Nighstand End Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern, model #4617, walnut nightstand or end table by George Nelson For Herman Miller features closed storage with signature, steel J pulls. Iconic, American, mid-centur...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller MCM Rosewood Thin Edge Nightstands – Pair
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Thin Edge Nightstands – Pair Each nightstand measures: 18 wide x 18.5 deep x 23.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ha...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Rosewood

George Nelson for Herman Miller MCM Walnut and Leather Twin Headboards
By George Nelson
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Iconic George Nelson for Herman Miller twin walnut headboards with full grain beige leather inset panels with tufting. The paneled doors lower to reveal shelf storage perfect for bo...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Leather, Walnut

George Nelson Nightstands with Pull Out Tables for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of dark ebony toned Mid Century nightstands with pull out bedside table and upper and lower bookcase styled storage . A early designed by George ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood

Early George Nelson Full Sized Tilting Storage Headboard # 5400
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A dark brownish ebony finished full sized headboard with wheat toned soft contract fabric upholstered headrests . The best thing about this well designed piece is there is storage be...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

George Nelson Walnut Headboard Cabinet
By George Nelson
Located in North Hollywood, CA
George Nelson walnut and leather accent headboard. 3 piece set, both side tables detach. White leather hidden storage space. No damages or broken ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Primavera Headboard
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Forney, TX
A rare American Mid-Century Modern headboard for a double (full) size bed with storage and adjustable backrests by important Modernist architect and designer George Nelson (American, 1908-1986) for Herman Miller, circa 1950, model 4647 from the Primavera Collection, walnut, tufted vinyl, ebonized feet. Dimensions: (approx) 40" High, 56.25" Wide, 12" Deep A superb example, in excellent original vintage condition, having a pair tufted vinyl doors that slide down to reveal individual storage compartments. Walnut veneer in excellent condition with one small (.75") stable bubble beneath the surface at top (no splitting or discoloration present). Bed retains both brackets and anchor pins...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Upholstery, PVC, Wood, Walnut

Pair George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Chests
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Pair of George Nelson thin edge chests or nightstands. The items are rosewood veneer with four pull-out drawers and metal legs.
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Metal

1960s George Nelson Ruler from the SAFETY NUMBERS Graphic Design + Clock Series
By George Nelson
Located in Hyattsville, MD
USA, c.1960s. George Nelson & Associates Lucite Ruler from the SAFETY NUMBERS Graphic Design + Clock Series for Howard Miller. This rare example does have...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Lucite

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 More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Teak

Pair Teak George Nelson Thin Edge Night Stands / Chests. Expertly Restored.
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller Thin Edge cabinets model 4701. Teak cases with anodized aluminum pulls and cast aluminum legs. Each cabinet features four drawers...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller Twin Headboards, Primavera Series, 1950s
By George Nelson
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Part of the Herman Miller Collection, early 1950s, these twin headboards by George Nelson are in the sought after Primavera wood. Wear appropriate with age and use, frames not availa...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood

Rare Mid-Century Design Icon an Arthur Umanoff Iron and Cane Log Holder Rack
By Arthur Umanoff, George Nelson
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Simple, sculptural design. Presented in As-Found condition.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wrought Iron

George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Nightstand
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson design "Thin Edge" series nightstand for Herman Miller. Made from highly figural rosewood on tapering aluminum legs with a white lacquer cubby and an adjustable shelf. ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Rosewood

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 More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Metal

Pair George Nelson Steel Frame Nightstands for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of satin black steel framed nightstands with yellow okra colored wood drawer fronts detailed with an oval chrome pull . To the back and s...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Headboards & Nightstands by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Kensington, MD
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Headboards & Nightstands by George Nelson for Herman Miller Additional information: Material: Wool Classic George Nelson Styling on This Pair of Hairb...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wool

Related Items
George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Nightstands, 1960
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Nightstands, 1960. Absolutely beautiful and completely restored. Measure 18" wide, 18.5" deep, 22.5" tall
Category

1960s American Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Rosewood

Eames Walnut & Iron Hang It All for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool and versatile original "Hang-It-All" wall rack in white designed by Eames for Herman Miller, circa 2000s. The rack is in very good condition and measures 20"W x 6.5"D x 15"H. #2553 The Eames "Hang-It-All", originally released in 1953, exemplifies the Eameses' belief in taking pleasure seriously. Made with a sturdy steel frame and solid wood balls, this colorful coat...
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21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

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Cambre Nightstands, Modern Walnut Nightstands, Craft Associates Furniture
By Craft Associates, Laura Trenchard
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Cambre Nightstands, Modern Walnut Nightstands, Craft Associates Furniture These Laura Trenchard modern nighstands - Cambre Collection for ...
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Danish MCM rosewood queen size platform bed with floating nightstands
By Bernhard Pedersen & Son
Located in Sayreville, NJ
Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Queen Size Platform Bed with floating nightstands. Stunning set in excellent condition by Westofa circa 1970. Dimensions: 101 1/2” W 63” W 85” L ...
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George Nelson Walnut Headboard Cabinet
By George Nelson
Located in North Hollywood, CA
George Nelson walnut and leather accent headboard. 3 piece set, both side tables detach. White leather hidden storage space. No damages or broken ...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

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George Nelson Walnut Headboard Cabinet
George Nelson Walnut Headboard Cabinet
H 39.75 in W 12 in D 91 in
MCM Drexel WINDWOOD Nightstands
By Drexel
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Pair of Drexel " Windw...
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MCM Drexel WINDWOOD Nightstands
MCM Drexel WINDWOOD Nightstands
H 24 in W 24.5 in D 18 in
Pair of Mid Century Floating Nightstands with Pepe Mendoza Pulls
By Pepe Mendoza
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960. We offer this Pair of Floating Nightstands with Pepe Mendoza Pulls. Made in solid first quality mahogany wood. Pepe Mendoza: Designer, Pepe Mendoza ran a foundry in Mexi...
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1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

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Pair of Merton L. Gershun for Dillingham "Esprit" MCM Walnut Nightstands
By Merton Gershun
Located in Las Vegas, NV
We are very pleased to offer a pair of mid-century nightstands by Merton Gershun for Dillingham as part of the "Esprit" collection, circa the 1960s. A cabinet door opens to reveal a...
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Walnut

Brutalist mcm rosewood and oak nightstands
By Paul Evans
Located in Sayreville, NJ
Brutalist style rosewood and oak nightstands. Gorgeous set that was made in Canada circa 1970. This duo is in fantastic condition with minor signs of wear. Dimensions: 25” H x 18” ...
Category

1970s Canadian Brutalist Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Oak, Rosewood

Edwardian Marquetry Full Size Headboard
Located in Sheffield, MA
A marriage of neoclassical, Louis XVI and late Victorian style design making it a rather handsome and decorative headboard for any bedroom. The headboard has wonderful marquetry, carved decorative swags plus painted decoration details. The bed is 57.5" wide, making it just shy of the 60" queen size bed . Some people have utilized a slightly smaller bed for a queen bed. Standard full or double is 54". Double bed, headboard for double bed.
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Edwardian Marquetry Full Size Headboard
Edwardian Marquetry Full Size Headboard
H 54.13 in W 57.25 in D 2 in
Danish MCM Long Rosewood Teak Headboard with Attached Storage Nightstands, 70s
Located in Madison, WI
Very sought after Original Vintage Danish Modern Solid Teak Rosewood King Bed + Attachable Nightstands, made in Denmark, 1970s Classic, timeless, st...
Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

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Rosewood, Teak

Full Size Walnut Headboard by Edmond J. Spence
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century sculpted walnut headboard by Edmond J. Spence, circa 1960. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
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Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Hardwood, Birch

Previously Available Items
Pair George Nelson Steel Frame Nightstands for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A pair of satin black steel framed nightstands with yellow okra colored wood drawer fronts detailed with an oval chrome pull . To the back and s...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Vintage Rosewood George Nelson for Herman Miller Twin Headboard
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful vintage Rosewood twin headboard. designed by George Nelson as part of the thin edge line for Herman Miller.
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

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Rosewood

A Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Rosewood Nightstands
By George Nelson
Located in Seattle, WA
A rare pair of Thin Edge nightstands designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, in Brazilian rosewood with its original white porcelain pulls and classic aluminum legs . The case f...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

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Pair Of Steelframe Nightstands Or Bedside Tables By George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in London, London
Pair of bedside tables By George Nelson Steelframe Enamelled steel, lacquered wood, laminate, aluminium 1950s USA
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

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Steel

MCM Mid Century Modern Stereo Console George Nelson for Herman Miller, Working
By George Nelson
Located in Madison, WI
This, The George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1955 Catalog item 4743 is a significant piece of mcm furnishing. Let us tell you why. Born in Hartford, Connecticut in 1908, George Nelson studied architecture at Yale University, teaching for a short time before the Great Depression. In 1932, he won the Rome Prize and spent the next two years studying design in Italy. Returning to the states, Nelson sold his essays to Pencil Points and became an associate editor at Architecture Forum and Fortune magazine. After reading Nelson’s innovative book Tomorrow's House, then president of Herman Miller furniture company D.J. De Pree hired Nelson as design director. Nelson launched his first collection in 1947 and transformed the struggling company into a groundbreaking leader in the field. Nelson remained at Herman Miller until the mid-1960s, and was responsible for bringing Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard and Isamu Noguchi on board. In 1947, Nelson opened his own design studio, George Nelson Associates, Inc. which at one time employed over seventy people. The company’s work within corporate settings revolutionized the concept of branding and elevated industrial design to new heights. Throughout his career, Nelson continued to write critically about design across multiple planes, teaching and consulting until his death in 1986. This prairie-esque ala bauhausian simplistic yet stylish design epitomizes the mid century modern style of 1955. This particular unmolested stereo console is in equisite with original patina condition. Groovy Wood Studios...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Hardwood

George Nelson for Herman Miller King Sized Fabric and Teak Headboard
By George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century king-sized bed headboard with a teak wood frame with two sets of open shelves on either side and two adjustable upholstered backrests that tilt out from a restin...
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Upholstery, Fabric, Wood, Teak

Very Early Rare George Nelson Thin Edge Daybed for Herman Miller w. Cane
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Hudson, NY
Rare and special very early (1959) George Nelson thin edge daybed sold by Herman Miller. Near excellent condition given age.
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

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Wrought Iron

George Nelson for Herman Miller Pair of Nightstands with Custom Thin Edge Legs
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Classic, clean lines George Nelson for Herman Miller pair of nightstands with three deep dovetail drawers. The hardware is brushed steel and the original custom ordered thin edge leg...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

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Wood

George Nelson "Thin Edge" Herman Miller Nightstand
By George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
George Nelson (American, 1908-1986) for Herman Miller "Thin Edge" Mid-Century Modern nightstand, comprising of painted open shelving interior and one drawer, raised on four metal leg...
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Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Metal

George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Primavera' Nightstands, c. 1955, Signed
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic pair of nightstands were designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, part of the 'Basic Cabinet Series' and also called 'Primavera', these chests of drawers are signe...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

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Wood

Pair of Thin Edge Night Stands by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage pair of rosewood nightstands from the Thin Edge collection designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1950s. Signed with original foil decals.
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Headboard and Nightstand Set
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
This uncommon and unique headboard and nightstand set was designed in the late 1940s as part of the earliest George Nelson collection for Her...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Naugahyde, Walnut

George Nelson more furniture and collectibles for sale on 1stDibs.

George Nelson more furniture and collectibles are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of George Nelson more furniture and collectibles, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original more furniture and collectibles by George Nelson were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider more furniture and collectibles by Milo Baughman, Calvin, and Johnson Furniture Company. Prices for George Nelson more furniture and collectibles can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,250 and can go as high as $12,850, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,600.
Questions About George Nelson More Furniture and Collectibles
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    George 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    George 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Modern 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, 2022
    George 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.

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