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George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

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 for Herman Miller Action Office Table or Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Skokie, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Vintage Action Office Table or Desk The Action Office desk or conference table was designed by American designer and architect George Nelson (1908-1986) for Herman Miller. A substantial piece, It features a beautifully grained walnut top mounted on a streamlined, polished stainless steel base. The desk top edge is trimmed in black rubber. to protect it against bumps and bruises. Two small desk drawers slide out from beneath the table top. The drawers can be removed if desired. The desk top has been recently restored and is in excellent condition. Action Office was originally designed as a set of components that could be combined in multiple ways and changed as needed to evolve with the office over time. George Nelson was one of the founders of American Modernism. From 1946 until 1972, Nelson was director of design at Herman Miller. While there, Nelson introduced several important innovations in office furniture design, such as the Swagged Leg Group, which included the DAF and MAA chairs...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

Action Desk by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller, Robert Propst
Located in Madrid, ES
Action Office desk, model 64 902, designed by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller from the 1960s. Base made of chrome-plated aluminum with white plastic protectors. Locka...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson X-Leg Table for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson X-Leg Table for Herman Miller. Originally designed and produced in the 1950s this was made as a work table for an office but equally intended for a dining space as well...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

1970s desk George Nelson for ICF De Padova
By ICF De Padova, George Nelson
Located in Genova, IT
Desk designed by George Nelson in the 1970s produced under license in italy by ICF de padova. Original condition, preserved. High-thickness black laminate top, front panel covered in...
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1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Chrome

George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, DE
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s The Top has a very floating appearance.
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

George Nelson Action Office Architect's Roll-Top Desk for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dallas, TX
Striking 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...
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Mid-20th Century American George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller Side Table, Work Table or Small Desk, Signed
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Doylestown, PA
George Nelson for Herman Miller side table, work table or small console desk. Great as a side/work table in a home office for printer, files, etc as a useful auxiliary piece to your...
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1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Action Office Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Action Office Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1960s
Category

1960s Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Corner Executive Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Countryside, IL
George 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 cleara...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

George Nelson Home Office Desk Model 4658 for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
George Nelson & Associates Home Office desk, model 4658 Manufactured by Herman Miller USA, 1946 This example is constructed of combed oak, chrome-plated...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Action Office 1' Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early George Nelson Action Office 1 desk in original condition with minor wear. George Nelson for Herman Miller, polished aluminum, plastic laminate, w...
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1950's George Nelson X-Leg Extension Dining Table Model 5062
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Hanover, MA
Early George Nelson model 5062 X-Leg extension dining table for Herman Miller, 1952. Table has two 12 inch extension leaves and pull-out metal extension tracks. Table is 29 inches...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

1950s George Nelson Swag Leg Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Swag leg desk, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Colorful cubbyholes and molded drawers allow for a tidy and streamlined workspace. O...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Desk Action Office 1, George Nelson, Herman Miller, Large Version
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Bern, CH
Design classic desk Action Office 1, George Nelson, Herman Miller, large version. Offered is a rare original design classic rarity, the desk Action Office 1. Model 64 902. Designe...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

George Nelson Walnut Executive and Typewriter Desk Set
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, Executive Office Group desk model 9959 and typewriter return desk model 4751 by George Nelson for Herman Miller features a dark walnut finish with steel legs, alu...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

George Nelson for Herman Miller Drop-Leaf Desk Model 4754, ca. 1955
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller Drop-Leaf Desk Model 4754, ca. 1955. Professionally restored in showroom condition, this beautiful desk has a drop leaf on the left side with all orig...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Early George Nelson Desk / Return, Child's Desk, Modernist, Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early 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...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

1960s Action Office Standing Desk by George Nelson, Herman Miler production
By Herman Miller, Robert Propst, George Nelson
Located in Renens, CH
1960s Action Office Standing Desk by George Nelson, Herman Miler production George Nelson, architect, designer and author is famous for several ...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

George Nelson by Herman Miller Laminated Aluminum Design 1950s Rare Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brescia, IT
George Nelson by Hermann Miller 1950s Laminated wood, aluminum base Rare model.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Yellow & Black Steel Frame Desk Model 4111 by George Nelson Herman Miller Mint
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Yellow & black steel frame desk Model 4111 by George Nelson Herman Miller Mint.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Elusive Modernist Action Office Desk or Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rarely seen modernist action office desk or conference table by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Purchased from prominent Buffalo NY architect. Beautiful figured walnut wood top mino...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

1960s Walnut and Leather Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Glendale, CA
1960s walnut and leather desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Executed in walnut with leather lift top (with key) covering center filing compartment, which illuminates and contai...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Home Desk for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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 Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Writing Desk by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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 Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

George Nelson "Dry Erase" Desk with Return
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Newly laminated Formica top with dry erase laminate. Very cool, dry/erase surface for your work desk. Extr...
Category

1950s American Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

George Nelson Herman Miller Drop Leaf Gate Leg Dining Table or Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
A rarer find in original black finish. Clever design by George Nelson for Herman Miller Measures: 40" depth 29.75" height. 64.75" long unfolded 41.5" half folded 18.5" folded.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Related Items
George Nelson for Herman Miller Lamp and Planter Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Garnerville, NY
Model 4634-L George Nelson for Herman Miller leather top lamp and planter table. Signed with foil label in drawer, George Nelson design, Herman Miller, ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Robert Propst For Herman Miller Action Office Stand-Up Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
An Action Office desk designed by Robert Propst for Herman Miller in 1968. This mid century modern classic is wall mounted (mounting brackets included) ...
Category

1970s American Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

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Metal

1920s United States Roll Top Office Desk with Drawers and Wheels
Located in Marbella, ES
1920 United States roll top office desk with drawers and wheels.
Category

Early 20th Century North American George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Action Office 1' Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early George Nelson Action Office 1 desk in original condition with minor wear. George Nelson for Herman Miller, polished aluminum, plastic laminate, w...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

George Nelson Home Office Desk Model 4658 for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
George Nelson & Associates Home Office desk, model 4658 Manufactured by Herman Miller USA, 1946 This example is constructed of combed oak, chrome-plated...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

1950s George Nelson Swag Leg Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Swag leg desk, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Colorful cubbyholes and molded drawers allow for a tidy and streamlined workspace. O...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

1950s George Nelson Swag Leg Desk
1950s George Nelson Swag Leg Desk
H 34 in W 39 in D 28.5 in
Large French Neoclassical Mahogany Roll-Top Desk
Located in Troy, NY
French mahogany Empire desk of stately proportions, with a roll top, revealing a double row of total six drawers under an open shelf, as well as a sliding writing surface with inset ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

George Nelson for Herman Miller Extendable Dining Table with Butterfly Leaves
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Baltimore, MD
Beautiful rare Mid-Century Modern dining table designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, circa 1950s. Amazing design and construction detail, with two built-in self-storing leave...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Corner Executive Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Countryside, IL
George 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 cleara...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Antique Mahogany Georgian Architect's Drafting Drawing Desk Table Chest 1780
Located in Portland, OR
A rare George II mahogany architect's desk/chest, circa 1750. The desk/ top slides forward, thus allowing the sitter to work, the top having a drafting table that has an easel support to place the top at three different heights, the highest being 47" floor to top. The chest having a plan drawer which is flanked by two pen drawers...
Category

Mid-18th Century English George II Antique George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Round Side Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The George Nelson-designed round pedestal side table for Herman Miller features a timeless and sleek design. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it boasts a circular table s...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller Pedestal Dining Table Desk, 1960
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Vienna, AT
Unusual original dining or desk table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, mid century Dimensions are 72.04" x 40.15" x 28.15" (height) This dining table was designed by George Nels...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Previously Available Items
George Nelson and Robert Propst Action Office Roll-Top Desk for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Robert Propst, George Nelson
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Incredible Action office (Ao1) desk designed by Georde Nelson and Robert Propst which was produced by Herman Miller from 1964 to 1968. Action Office was the world’s first open-plan...
Category

1960s Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

George Nelson Swag Leg Desk Classic Midcentury Design, / Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
George Nelson/Herman Miller Swag Leg Desk. Classic midcentury Design, / Newer production made, with the same style and quality as when it w...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Iconic George Nelson Mid-Century Modern Executive Desk
By George Nelson
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Executive desk with the George Nelson label inside the top right drawer having Mid-Century Modern Classic design and streamlined function with floating wood top on two sides of drawe...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Rare George Nelson Executive Desk with Secretary Hutch by Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A rare George Nelson executive desk with secretary hutch by Herman Miller. This gorgeous, rare set of pieces are a statement for any offic...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Midcentury George Nelson Action Office Desk for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Nice vintage George Nelson petite desk or return. Great apt size desk or addition to your mcm office! Part of the action office series for Herman Miller. Laminate walnut top, sup...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Executive L-Shaped Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, USA, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A rare and large Mid-Century Modern L-shaped executive desk designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in the 1960s The desk features an amazing rosewood wood grain, with polishe...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Desk by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller
By Robert Propst, George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Madrid, ES
Action Office desk, model 64 902, designed by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller from the 1960s. Base made of chrome-plated aluminum with wh...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Early George Nelson for H. Miller Desk '4658', Rare Black Lacquer /Green Leather
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
George Nelson for Herman Miller, desk model '4658', walnut, steel, leather, United States, 1946 Rare Color Configuration... Early example,, Unmolested,, all original condition... ...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

George Nelson MMG Desk for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Fraser, MI
MMG Desk designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Some collectors of George Nelson designs prefer some original condition. This desk is a combination. The top has been refinished to remove some stains. The approach we use is minimally invasive. The result for this desk shows its history. A witness mark in the shape of a coffee cup can...
Category

1950s Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

George Nelson for Herman Miller MCM Walnut with Laminate Top Executive Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller mid century walnut with laminate top executive desk Desk measures: 72 wide x 30 deep x 30 inches high, with a chair clearance of 28.5 inches All...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Original George Nelson Swag Leg Desk for Herman Miller, 1954
By George Nelson
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sawg leg desk model 5850 designed in 1954 by George Nelson for Herman Miller, USA. Original edition in rosewood wood and white laminate with two molded plastic drawers, bases in poli...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

George Nelson Walnut Action Office Tambour Desk Large, Herman Miller, 1964
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Utrecht, NL
Solid walnut first edition 1964 'Action Office' desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This is the largest size desk that was available from the program. The desk is executed...
Category

1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

George Nelson desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

George Nelson desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables by Paul McCobb, Knoll, and Dunbar. Prices for George Nelson desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,400 and can go as high as $13,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,648.
Questions About George Nelson Desks and Writing Tables
  • 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 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 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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