George Nelson Seating
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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Period: 1950s
Creator: George Nelson
Set of Six George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Dining Chairs
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller teak and upholstered dining chairs. We also have the matching dining table, please inquire for details. All items ar...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Teak
Iconic George Nelson ‘Coconut’ Lounge Chair
By Vitra, George Nelson
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 Seating
Materials
Steel
Early Rare Prototype for N° 5490 Chaise Lounge, George Nelson, 1953
By George Nelson
Located in Culver City, CA
Nestled in the sun-soaked haven of Florida, tucked away in the eccentric estate of a wealthy collector, this forgotten relic of mid-century modern design lay dormant for years, waiti...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Steel
Early and Rare Pretzel sIDE Chair by George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early and Rare Pretzel sIDE Chair by George Nelson, c 1952,,, gREAT EXAMPLE, Iconic Design. Becoming increasingly harder and harder to find..Nice original condition,, Age appropri...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Plywood
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 Seating
Materials
Sheepskin
George Nelson For Herman Miller First Generation Coconut Chair and Ottoman
By George Nelson
Located in Seattle, WA
The Coconut chair was designed in 1955 by the American architect, industrial designer, author, editor and teacher George Nelson. Unlike the later editions, the first generation has a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Metal
1950s Modern Gray Sofa George Nelson Herman Miller New Upholstery
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Modern Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Early label design 1950s
28 h x 91 w x 30 d Seat 15.5
Retains Herman Miller label.
Sofa has chrome plated legs, pati...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Chrome
Pair Restored Mid Century Modern Lounge Chairs George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular and rare early pair of steel framed lounge chairs, #5080 by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Totally restored to their original glory. New cotton velvet upholstery with ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Steel
Pair of Yellow, Swivel Barstools / Drafting Stools by Charles and Ray Eames
By Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare pair of bar stools / drafting stools with armless yellow fiberglass bucket / shell chair seats designed by Charles and Ray Eames on bases designed by George Nelson. Both have ad...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Steel
Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, 1950s
By Vitra, George Nelson
Located in Antwerp, BE
Introducing the Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, an iconic piece of modern design that combines comfort, elegance, an...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Chrome
Six Foot George Nelson Classic Slat Bench 1950's Original
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic, original 1950's vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller slat bench. Natural finish with warm patina and ebonized legs. This is a hard to find original, retaining its foil...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Maple
Rare 1950s California Modern George Nelson Arbuck Outdoor Iron Stools / Tables
By Arbuck, George Nelson
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Extremely rare pair of Arbuck Inc. square grid stools, with original labeled cushions. Could source glass tops to make tables, but no glass is included in this sale. Sold as a pair ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Iron
George Nelson, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Steel, Velvet, USA, 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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 Seating
Materials
Steel
6 Teak Dining Chairs by Svegards Markaryd, Sweden
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A great set of 6 solid teak ladder back dining chairs by Svegards Markaryd. Chairs are burnt marked Svegards Markaryd made in Sweden.
Priced per chair. Multiples of 2 may be purchased.
These items are located at our Los Angeles Arts District gallery...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Teak
1950s George Nelson Herman Miller 72.5 inch 4692 Slatted Platform Bench in Birch
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1950s vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller natural and black-lacquered birch platform bench (Model 4692). This classic George Nelson example has a gorgeous pa...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Birch
George Nelson for Herman Miller Sofa in Light Brown Patterned Upholstery
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 Seating
Materials
Metal
Modular Table Bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller with Pierre Frey cushion
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
“design is a response to social change“ george nelson said, the director of design with office furniture manufacturer herman miller. economic growth and larger companies lead to rapi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Steel
Set of George Nelson Swag Leg Chairs by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Highland, IN
The swag leg chair designs by the office of George Nelson were developed in response to his desire to create a chair with a beautiful "swagged" leg (one that tapers while it curves)....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Steel
Early Original George Nelson Marshmallow Sofa. Amazing Condition. Signed
By Irving Harper, George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Orignal production iconic Marshmallow Sofa designed by Irving Harper for the George Nelson Office therefore attributed to George Nelson. Manufactured by Herman Miller and signed who...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Chrome, Stainless Steel, Steel
Rare & Original George Nelson Steel Frame Lounge Chairs Pair Herman Miller 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Super rare! George Nelson for Herman Miller steel frame chairs, model 5080 Easy Lounge Chairs. Original painted frames with solid wood arms. Orig...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Steel
Vintage Slat Platform Bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage slat platform bench designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Hardwood slats with ebony-colored base. In very nice patinated condition.
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Maple
George Nelson "Coconut" Lounge Chair for Vitra
By George Nelson
Located in Edmonton, AB
This iconic midcentury modern lounge chair was designed by George Nelson in 1956.
This chair is a recent production.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Brown Leather Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra
By George Nelson, Vitra
Located in Doornspijk, NL
The Coconut chair was designed in 1955 by the American architect, industrial designer, author, editor and teacher George Nelson. Obviously he took his inspiration from a coconut that...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Steel
George Nelson Coconut Chair in Alexander Girard Minicheck
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic coconut chair designed by George Nelson. A low-slung lounge profile with spacious seat for superior comfort. Triangular fiberglass shell rests on architectural brushed-steel t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Fiberglass
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 Seating
Materials
Metal
Set 4 George Nelson, 1st Year Production Daf Swag Leg Dining Chair / Fiberglass
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Extremely rare set of four swag legged dining chairs designed in 1958 by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Only produced in fiberglass for a few years, cream colored fiberglass on a s...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Steel
Dining or Desk Chair by Ernest Farmer for George Nelson and Associates
By Ernest Farmer, George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Littleton, CO
A rare birch dining or desk chair by Ernest Farmer of George Nelson and Associates for Herman Miller.
Professional reupholstery available at pass-thro...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Birch
George Nelson Modular Group Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Highland, IN
The modular seating group designed by the Nelson office in 1955 is one of our favorite sofa designs. It was designed on a 30" module and offered in a wide variety of configurations. ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller Chaise Longue
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare George Nelson chaise longue for Herman Miller. Heavy chromed steel frame with newer upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Chrome
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 Seating
Materials
Steel
Pair of George Nelson Armchairs in Cowhide Upholstery
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller armchairs with new cowhide upholstery. Great for any modern environment besides the obvious modern cabin or rustic setting.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Cowhide, Walnut
Open-Arm Ebonized Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, this rare lounge chair, model 4774, features an open ebonized birch frame. Its strong rectangular lines acce...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Birch
1950s Rare George Nelson Associates Arbuck Table Stool Wire Grid Iron Patio
By George Nelson, Arbuck
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Extremely Rare Three Leg Round Design. Can be used with a glass top as show and included as a table, or with a cushion as a stool, however, there is no cushion included. It was only ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Iron
Armchair by George Nelson for Herman Miller Restored
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
George Nelson armchair in new blue Maharam fabric. Blonde Primavera frame in excellent condition.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Chrome, Steel
Set of Four Paddle Armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of four armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller in black aniline leather. Original Herman Miller circle tag presen...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Chrome
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 Seating
Materials
Fiberglass
Rare Pair of 1. Edition Metal Shell Coconuts
By George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
designed by george nelson in 1955 and made by herman miller.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Seating
Materials
Metal
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 Seating
George Nelson seating for sale on 1stDibs.
George Nelson seating 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 seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating 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 seating by Selig, Florence Knoll, and Ward Bennett. Prices for George Nelson seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $625 and can go as high as $48,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,850.
Creators Similar to George Nelson
Questions About George Nelson Seating
- 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.
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