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.
Steel Frame Dresser By George Nelson For Herman Miller / Classic Modernist
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Mid-Century Modern Steel Frame dresser 'model 4016' were designed by American designer George Nelson circa 1955 and produced by Herman Miller. white laminate tops that were ...
Metal, Chrome
Pair George Nelson Herman Miller 5-Drawer Chests + Door Primavera Basic Series
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare pair of cabinets or chests made by Herman Miller in the early 1950s and designed by American design icon George Nelson. Each cabinet features primavera construction, a form of b...
Wood, Mahogany
George Nelson Walnut One-Door 5 Drawers Gentleman's High Chest Dresser Cabinet
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern walnut George Nelson for Herman Miller Storage five drawers cabinet dresser gentleman's high chest.
Walnut
Pr. Mid Century George Nelson Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Bachelors Chests
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite matched pair of George Nelson designed four drawer Thin Edge dressers, executed in Rosewood, for Herman Miller circa 1950's. These chests are in very good, original, clean...
Aluminum
1970’s George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Long Dresser
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We recently acquired a set of George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge chests out of an estate. They are vintage 1970’s and still each retain the Herman Miller Label. Please see our other li...
Rosewood
George Nelson, Cabinets, Birch, Stainless Steel, USA c. 1955
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Stamford, CT
George Nelson, Herman Miller, American Mid-Century Modern, Nightstands or Commodes, Birch, Stainless Steel, USA, 1955 Pair of bedside cabinets or commodes designed by George Nelson ...
Steel
$4,500Sale Price / set|27% Off
George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Primavera' Nightstands, c. 1955, Signed
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic pair of chests which can also be used as large nightstands were designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, part of the 'Basic Cabinet Series' and also called 'Primav...
Wood
$3,000Sale Price|28% Off
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...
Wood
George Nelson Chest for Herman Miller Model 5517 Commode Sideboard 1952
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Telgte, DE
George Nelson vertical chest of drawers commode for Herman Miller model 5517 sideboard 1952 The solid wood Nelson miniature chest, inspired by J...
Metal, Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller 5 Drawer Chest Dresser Restored
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Herman Miller 5 drawer chest dresser restored.
Walnut
George Nelson Nine Drawer Miniature Chest for Herman Miller Mod. 5517 Sideboard
By George Nelson
Located in Argelato, BO
George Nelson (Chicago 1908 - Barrington 1986) Vertical chest of nine drawers from the "Miniature Chests" series. Herman Miller production, design 1952, marketing 1952-1963. White pa...
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Modern Chest of Drawers 1955 Maple
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning example of mid-century modern craftsmanship, this George Nelson three-drawer cabinet from the Basic Cabinet Series embodies timeless elegance. Designed in the 1950s, it sh...
Birch, Lacquer
very rare no.5517 miniature chest by george nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
very early european version of george nelsons iconic miniature chest. made by contura for herman miller.
Metal
$12,500 / set
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.
Metal
GEORGE NELSON THIN EDGE CHEST / Cabinet for HERMAN MILLER. Classic Modernist
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nice early George Nelson 'Thin Edge' chest of drawers with classic aluminum pulls and walnut or mahogany veneer. Divided drawers,,, Produced in the 1950s & 1960s by Herman Miller, ...
Aluminum
$13,500 / item
George Nelson Rosewood "Thin Edge" Chests
By George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of original grain matched George Nelson design rosewood "Thin Edge" chests for Herman Miller. Very good original condition, labeled.
Rosewood
Rosewood Miniature Series Chest by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1952
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Echt, NL
Beautiful model 5215 Miniature chest in very good condition. Designer: George Nelson (1908–1986) Manufacturer: Herman Miller Model: 5215 Series: Miniature Chests Design year: 19...
Metal, Aluminum
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller Bureau /Cabinets
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller bureau cabinet storage units, polished handles light colored birch with and black feet.
Metal, Chrome
George Nelson Miniature Chest Model 5215, 1950s
By George Nelson
Located in Brussels, BE
George Nelson Miniature chest Model 5215, 1950s.
Wood
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...
Metal
1970’s George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Tall Chest
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We recently acquired a set of George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge chests out of an estate. They are vintage 1970’s and still each retain the Herman Miller Label. Please see our other li...
Rosewood
George Nelson Walnut Veneer 4-Drawer Commode for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century 4-drawer walnut veneer bedside table / commode with M-shaped silver metal handles, resting on four square wooden legs. (BCS BASIC CABINET SERIES, GEORGE NELSON F...
Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Veneer 4-Drawer Commode, 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century 4-drawer walnut veneer bedside table / commode with M-shaped silver metal handles, resting on four square wooden legs. (BCS BASIC CABINET SERIES, GEORGE NELSON F...
Walnut
Chest of Drawers by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1950s
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.
Steel
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Mateo, CA
Double pedestal desk by Herman Miller. This desk was probably a custom order. There are three wide drawers and three small drawers. The top small drawer has a sliding pencil...
Chrome
George Nelson Herman Miller Thin Profile Cabinet
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson Herman Miller Thin Profile Cabinet. Uncommon little cabinet that does not take up much space. Please request additional photos and condition report. Some light wear. ...
Wood
$29,000
H 32 in W 105.5 in D 22 in
George Nakashima, Large Chest of Drawers, Walnut, for Widdicomb, America 1960s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in High Point, NC
A large walnut chest of drawers or dresser designed by George Nakashima. Produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, A...
Bouclé, Walnut
$3,895
H 39.75 in W 24 in D 18.5 in
Expertly Restored- George Nelson Multi-Color Lacquered Dresser for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Primavera Wood, Satin-Lacquered Painted Wood, Brass Handles ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture i...
Brass
$3,000Sale Price|28% Off
H 29.5 in W 34 in D 18.5 in
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...
Wood
$3,500
H 29.75 in W 34 in D 18.5 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Modern Chest of Drawers 1955 Maple
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning example of mid-century modern craftsmanship, this George Nelson three-drawer cabinet from the Basic Cabinet Series embodies timeless elegance. Designed in the 1950s, it sh...
Birch, Lacquer
$3,250
H 29 in W 18.5 in D 34 in
1950s George Nelson Herman Miller Primavera Two Tone Four Drawer Dresser Cabinet
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a George Nelson for Herman Miller 2-tone dresser with 4 drawers. This example has a matching 4-drawer, 1-door dresser/credenz...
Metal
$4,500Sale Price / set|27% Off
H 29.5 in W 34.25 in D 18.5 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Primavera' Nightstands, c. 1955, Signed
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic pair of chests which can also be used as large nightstands were designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, part of the 'Basic Cabinet Series' and also called 'Primav...
Wood
$901Sale Price|20% Off
H 37.01 in W 54.73 in D 23.23 in
20th Italian Chest of Drawers in Walnut with Original Gray Marble
Located in Buggiano, IT
Italian chest of drawers in walnut with original gray marble, with three drawers that have Florentine paper inside. Natural color as per photos. The...
Marble
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 57 in D 18 in
Mid century birch dresser credenza by George Nelson Herman miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century George Nelson for Herman Miller Primavera dresser or credenza. Has left side cabinet door and Four drawers with curved nickel metal pulls. Has drawer dividers and left si...
Nickel
Vintage 3 Drawer Dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Walnut 3 drawer dresser with the classic cupcake pulls. This Dresser is part of the Basic Cabinet Series (BCS) designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Walnut
George Nelson Herman Miller Miniature Chest # 5215
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Unusual version of the George Nelson miniature/jewelry chest #5215. This one features the white formica on the bottom of the case not the top as is more typical. Teak wood constructi...
Walnut
George Nelson Walnut Thin Edge Chest of Drawers for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in North Hollywood, CA
I’m excited to introduce you to this stunning mid-century walnut chest of drawers, designed by the renowned George Nelson for Herman Miller in the 1950s. This piece is not just furni...
Aluminum
Sold
H 39.75 in W 40 in D 19.75 in
Pair Mid Century Modern Walnut Dressers Chests George Nelson Herman Miller 1955
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Portland, OR
A good pair of original American Modernist five drawer dressers by George Nelson (1908-1986) for Herman Miller, circa 1955. The Basic Cabinet Series was first introduced in the late ...
Walnut
Sold
H 29 in W 67 in D 18.5 in
George Nelson Thin Edge Group Double Dresser, Walnut, Herman Miller, 2017, USA.
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
George Nelson thin edge double dresser, chest, Walnut, Herman Miller. In 1944, Life magazine published an extensive article detailing the “Storage Wall”, George Nelson’s novel archi...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 40 in W 40 in D 18.5 in
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller 5-Drawer Chests Primavera Basic Series
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare pair of cabinets or chests made by Herman Miller in the early 1950s and designed by American design icon George Nelson. Each cabinet features primavera construction, a form of b...
Wood, Mahogany
George Nelson, Rosewood Jewelry Box, 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
George Nelson, Rosewood Jewelry cabinet, 1950s In the 1950s, Nelson designed a range of furniture which was produced and retailed by Herman Miller. This is the rare eight drawer j...
Metal
George Nelson Multi-Color Lacquered Chest for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Steel
George Nelson Herman Miller BCS Mid Century Cabinets
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Rare Mid Century Modern Cabinets by George Nelson and Herman Miller, for their BCS Series. Bigger one measures 34wide and Smaller one 24wide.
Wood
George Nelson Steelframe Walnut Chest for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An architectural styled Steelframe chest with satin black metal frame, olive green drawer side and back with white laminate top. The face of the drawer is in a well grained walnut wi...
Metal
Sold
H 29.5 in W 33.5 in D 17.25 in
George Nelson Steelframe Walnut Dresser / Chest for Herman Miller ( B )
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An architectural styled Steelframe dresser / chest with satin black metal frame, olive green drawer sides and backs with white laminate top. The faces of the drawers are in a well gr...
Wood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 33.5 in D 17.25 in
George Nelson Steelframe Walnut Dresser / Chest for Herman Miller ( A )
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An architectural styled Steelframe dresser / chest with satin black metal frame, olive green drawer sides and backs with white laminate top. The faces of the drawers are in a well gr...
Wood
George Nelson Thin Edge Chest No. 1
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1950s. A scarce chest or bureau from George Nelson’s Thin Edge Group for Herman Miller. Originally introduced as the Storagewall concept in 1945, the Thin Edge Group was for...
Aluminum
George Nelson Thin Edge Chest No. 2
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1950s. A scarce medium-size chest from George Nelson’s Thin Edge Group for Herman Miller. Originally introduced as the Storagewall concept in 1945, the Thin Edge Group was f...
Aluminum