George Nelson Cabinets
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 Herman Miller Basic Series Gentleman's Cabinet Dresser
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic George Nelson for Herman Miller, basic series cabinet with 5 drawers on one side and a gentleman's wardrobe on the other. This is an uncommon version in oak. Newly redone p...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Steel
George Nelson Custom Hanging Walnut Cabinet from a National Historical Building
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A two door Nelson walnut hanging cabinet with woven cane fronts and brass hardware, having a beveled bottom edge to the doors for ease of opening and folding to the top. Inside the b...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Cane, Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Cabinet/Gentleman's Chest
By George Nelson
Located in Seattle, WA
A rare and unique George Nelson Thin Edge bar cabinet in Rosewood, with built in light box mirror and electric plug, circa 1970s. The cabinet can be used as a vanity table, with five...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Glass, Rosewood, Plywood
George Nelson & Alexander Girard Wall Mounted Cabinet, 1964
By George Nelson
Located in Coronado, CA
An extremely uncommon wall-mounted cabinet designed collaboratively by George Nelson and Alexander Girard in 1964 as part of the Herman Miller accessory line. The cabinet features tw...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Laminate, Walnut, Paint
Alexander Girard & George Nelson Inc. Wall Mounted Vanity, Model 1030
By Alexander Girard, George Nelson
Located in Seattle, WA
An unusual and rare wall mounted vanity from the 1964 Herman Miller accessory line to the CSS storage system. A collaborative design by Alexander Girard...
Category
1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
1950s George Nelson No. 4000 Series Steel Frame Cabinet, Model 4033
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Steelframe No. 4000 Series Cabinet, initially designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1950. Its model number is 4033. It features a frame of white powder-coated bent...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Steel, Iron
George Nelson for Herman Miller Steelframe Dressers with Walnut - Pair
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Steel Frame dressers, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. A minimalist philosophy inspired Nelson's design: steel frames offer visual interest, while also eliminatin...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Steel
George Nelson Basic Series Cabinet on Ebonized Herman Miller Bench
By George Nelson
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Rare 1960s George Nelson for Herman Miller cabinet set upon an1 iconic Herman Miller slat ebonized bench.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Group Dresser
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Spectacular rosewood Thin Edge collection model 5221 eight-drawer dresser, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Drawer fronts show off gorgeous figured rosewood selection, fi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Rosewood
George Nelson Early Walnut Two Door Cabinet for Herman Miller Mid Century
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very early cabinet designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This cabinet has unusual silver pulls.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Walnut Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller, c1950s
By George Nelson
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is a stunning vintage mid-century modern walnut cabinet designed by the iconic George Nelson for Herman Miller, dating back to the 1950s. This exquisite piece showcases the ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
Stunning Rosewood Cabinet / credenza designed by George Nelson / Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Rosewood Cabinet / credenza designed by George Nelson / Herman Miller.. Ebonized wood frame and back with an amazing figured rosewood case,Four drawers , including two file ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Rosewood
Three-Piece George Nelson Cabinetry Display Case Unit
By George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Two small chests support the glass front display unit, vitrine. This versatile set can be used as shown, or separated into two dressers and a long glass display case. Selling three p...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nelson Chest / Dresser Cabinet for Herman Miller # 4935
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted dresser chest or cabinet standing on shorter legs in a dark ebony finish with side door having two adjustable shelves . The other side has five drawers , all with...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Stainless Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Group Dresser
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Spectacular rosewood Thin Edge collection model 5221 eight-drawer dresser, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Drawer fronts show off gorgeous figured rosewood selection, fi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Rosewood
Mid-Century Pair Walnut Two Door Cabinet George Nelson Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Baltimore, MD
Remarkably Iconic rare pair of double door cabinets designed by George Nelson for the Herman Miller, Primavera line circa 1950s. Iconic pi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Metal
George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Cabinet for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Craig Ellwood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A cabinet from George Nelson’s Thin Edge collection for Herman Miller modified by architect Craig Ellwood for one of his homes. The design features a slender rosewood case with four ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Herman Miller Thin Profile Cabinet
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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.
Appears that the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Wood
C. 1961 George Nelson for Herman Miller 55 inch Walnut Credenza Cabinet
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Large Walnut Credenza, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in the late 1950s. This particular piece dates to circa 1961. It features a steel frame with a walnut ven...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Steel
1960 George Nelson 8000 Series EOG Credenza for Herman Miller with Walnut Top
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous 8000 series Executive Office Group sliding-door cabinet / credenza, designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller. This example dates to circa...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Walnut
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Cabinet
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A rosewood thin edge cabinet / bookshelf designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller.
Category
1950s Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Rosewood
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller Cabinet Series Three-Door Cabinet Bar
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Three-Door Basic Cabinet Series bar in walnut, initially designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This particular piece was produced ca.1950. Three cabinet door...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Steel
Rare Pair George Nelson Primavera Bachelor Chest Cabinet Mid-Century X Pulls
By George Nelson
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Remarkably iconic and rare pair of walnut bachelors chests designed by George Nelson for the Herman Miller, Primavera line, circa 1950s. We love that these are the same size but hav...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Metal
Glass Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid walnut open cabinet or vitrine with three adjustable glass shelves and a solid glass paneled back.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Glass, Walnut
1950s George Nelson for Herman Miller BCS Walnut Three Drawer Cabinet (no bench)
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an uncommon Walnut Cabinet with four drawers, Model 4606, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This design was part of George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series. T...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Metal
1950 George Nelson Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series Two Door Cabinet in Walnut
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a two-door cabinet designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller circa 1950. This is a gorgeous original example, which appears remarkably intact. As not...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Brass
C. 1954 George Nelson for Herman Miller Three Drawer Cabinet 34x24x18 in
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an uncommon Walnut Cabinet with three drawers, Model 4603, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1946. This design was part of George Nelson's Basic Cabinet Series. ...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Steel
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller Bureau /Cabinets
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller bureau cabinet storage units, polished handles light colored birch with and black feet.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Metal, Chrome
C. 1955 George Nelson for Herman Miller Basic Cabinet Series Drop-Front Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a George Nelson for Herman Miller Basic Series Secretary Chest, circa 1955. The Basic Cabinet Series, or BCS, was a collection of wood storage solutions developed by Nelson i...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Cabinets
Materials
Zinc
George Nelson cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.
George Nelson cabinets 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 cabinets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original cabinets 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 cabinets by Herman Miller, Harvey Probber, and American of Martinsville. Prices for George Nelson cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,100 and can go as high as $16,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,973.
Creators Similar to George Nelson
Questions About George Nelson Cabinets
- 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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