George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail 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
Mid Century George Nelson for Herman Miller Slatted Bench Maple Blonde
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful mid century George Nelson Herman Miller slatted bench with Amazing Patina. This bench is 72.25" Long Slatted coffee table or bench. Blonde bench...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Maple, Lacquer
Six Foot George Nelson Classic Slat Bench 1950's Original Signed!
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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Maple
Midcentury George Nelson Slatted Bench for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
An American Midcentury-Modern classic. This slatted bench was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. It comprised of maple with ebonized legs. A design of balance, symmetry, an...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Maple
George Nelson Long Slat Bench Black Finish Herman Miller Mid-Century Modern 1950
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Miami, FL
Original George Nelson early long slat bench in ebonized Birch Wood designed in the 1950s and manufactured by Herman Miller.
Great for a Hallway Bench where Kids can change Shoes an...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood, Birch
George Nelson Swag Leg Cocktail Table for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The Herman Miller pedestal cocktail or end table, designed by George Nelson, showcases a sleek and modern aesthetic. It features a black Formica-style top, providing a durable and st...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Aluminum
MidCentury George Nelson Sling Table for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Produced for only 4 years this exceptionally rare "Sling Table" is in wonderful vintage condition. Featuring a rounded granite top on chromed legs. A perfe...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Granite, Steel, Chrome
Steel Frame Coffee Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Steel frame with laminate top, rare piece of history. Tagged on bottom.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Steel
George Nelson, Rare Coffee Table, Walnut, USA, 1946
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in High Point, NC
A very rare modular walnut coffee table, Model 4651, designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller in 1946.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Walnut
White Pedestal Coffee Side Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, USA, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Vienna, AT
This iconic circular white 5452 pedestal coffee or side table was designed by George Nelson and made by Herman Miller, USA 1960s.
It features a White laminate top and enameled steel...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Steel
George Nelson Extendable Coffee Table with Removable Trays for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson expandable coffee table for Herman Miller, c.1950s, USA. The unique table features a stained maple table top and four ebonized legs. The two shorter sides of the table ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Laminate, Maple
Pedestal Coffee Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, USA, 1954
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pedestal side or coffee table designed in 1954 by George Nelson for Herman Miller, USA. White laminate top with polished aluminum base. See our other matching small table with wooden...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson for Herman Miller Coffee Table on Hairpin Legs, 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in South Bend, IN
A stylish Mid-Century Modern coffee table
By George Nelson for Herman Miller
USA, 1950s
White laminate top, with walnut trim, and brass finished steel hairpin legs.
Measures: 28....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Style Pedestal End Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautifulmid century modern pedestal table by Herman Miller can be used as a coffee or end table, and features the sleek and simple design of mid-century designer George Nelson....
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Metal
Vintage George Nelson Herman Miller Steel Frame White Coffee Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful clean signed example of this form. All original. White laminate top. Original white finish. Style of Florence Knoll.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Metal
George Nelson, Pair of Low Tables with Curved Iron Structure
By George Nelson
Located in Milano, IT
COD-1439
George Nelson
Pair of low tables with curved iron structure and glass top resting on small colored spheres.
UK manufacture, 1950s.
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Iron
George Nelson Coffee Table in White by Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is George Nelson's signature end table, characterized by clean lines and practicality. The metal base pedestal looks almost organic as it rise...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Wrought Iron Coffee Table by George Nelson for Arbuck
By George Nelson, Arbuck
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1950s. Glass top with iron frame. Indoor or outdoor use.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wrought Iron
George Nelson Rare Protype Bench / Coffee Table for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A early and rare Nelson coffee table / bench with white rectangle Laminate top having black legs typical of the Nelson slat bench coffee table. This table was not produced in large n...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
George Nelson for Herman Miller Extension Coffee Table Model 4652
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, model 4652, Primavera coffee table by George Nelson for Herman Miller pulls out on each end as an extension of surface or to reveal two stored removable trays 21 x 16 inches with white formica tops. The table top is natural white mahogany...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Formica, Mahogany
George Nelson Black Pedestal Table by Vitra
By George Nelson, Vitra
Located in Madrid, ES
Pedestal table, originally designed by George Nelson in 1954, with four-branched base in black lacquered aluminum. Tabletop in black laminate with a visible edge in birch veneer. Pro...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Aluminum
George Nelson Model 4652 Extension Coffee Table by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Highland, IN
This early George Nelson design features two extensions with reversible and removable tray tables. Closed, it is a modestly scaled table. Opened the surface nearly doubles, and the t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood, Formica
Rare George Nelson Coffetable with Castors
By George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
From the steelframe series.
LOCATED IN HAMBURG
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Metal
George Nelson / Herman Miller White Laminate and Steel Rectangular Coffee Table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century rectangular coffee / cocktail table with a white laminate top resting on a minimalist black steel base. (GEORGE NELSON / HERMAN MILLER)
Blue stain on white lami...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Metal, Steel
1959 George Nelson for Herman Miller No 5752 Rectangular Coffee Table in Teak
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a very rare and unusual coffee table by George Nelson. This is the model number 5752 coffee table by George Nelson and Associates, which was produced by Herman Mil...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood, Oak, Teak
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Writing Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller
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A single pedestal writing desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller with a built-in pivoting lamp. Lamp is 18" H.
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slatted Cocktail Table or Bench style of George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple yet elegant design with generous walnut slats creating either a cocktail table or a bench, maybe at the foot of your bed. Very sturdy sitting on turned legs. Legs unscrew for ...
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H 15.5 in W 60 in D 18.5 in
Mid Century Modern Slatted Walnut Cocktail Table in the Manner of George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple yet elegant design with 12 walnut slats from one side to the other. Makes either a fantastic cocktail table or a low bench. Very solid on turned legs. In excellent vintage con...
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H 14.75 in W 59 in D 19 in
Mid Century Slat Bench Coffee Table Made in Yugoslavia C 1950s
By George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Iconic slat bench coffee table, bench made in Yugoslavia, after George Nelson, circa 1950/1960's. Constructed of solid wood, in very good, original, clean and ready to use condition,...
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Mid-20th Century Macedonian Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Mid-Century Slat Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern slat bench or coffee table in black. Tapered legs with brass caps.
Please confirm location.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Mid Century Modern Sculptural Slatted Teak Cocktail Table style George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic slatted cocktail table in teak wood in the style of George Nelsons iconic design. Rare to find in Teak. Turned legs with brass sabots. In excellent vintage condition with m...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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H 15 in W 60 in D 18 in
George Nelson Slatted Bench Model #4690
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nelson Birch slatted Bench
An early example C.1950
Original Finish
Category
1950s American Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Birch
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.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Walnut
George Nelson Stool for Herman Miller, USA, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
George Nelson Stool for Herman Miller, USA - 1960s in all original condition with the rare brown base
George Nelson (1908-1986) was an American industrial designer and architect who...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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1950's George Nelson for Herman Miller Gate Leg Dining Table
By George Nelson
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Iconic George Nelson design for Herman Miller gate leg table.
2 fold wide wood hinged tops with double gate legs.
The odd discoloration of one le...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Walnut
Classic Modernist Slat Bench / Table after George Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist Slat Bench / Table after George Nelson , A bit more unusual than most with the leg mount separators,, Beautiful warm tones of woods. Quality construction..Great des...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood, Walnut
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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Metal
Previously Available Items
George Nelson for Herman Miller Slatted Bench
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful midcentury George Nelson Herman Miller slatted bench. This original vintage bench is 48" long. Slatted coffee table...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Lacquer
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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Maple
Georges Nelson 1960 coffee table
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Perpignan, FR
Rare table datant des années 60 réalisée par le designer George Nelson
Très bon état general . Entièrement d'origine .
Fabricant Herman Miller . Etiquette présente sous le plateau d...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller Slatted Bench Maple Blonde
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful midcentury George Nelson Herman Miller slatted bench. This bench is 60" Long Slatted coffee table or bench. Blonde bench top with Black Lacquer ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Maple, Lacquer
Rare George Nelson Expanding Coffee Table 4652
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Designed by George Nelson in 1946 for his first modern collection for Herman Miller, this rare coffee table expands with a pair of pull out drawers each with its own two sided tray. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Formica, Mahogany
George Nelson Slat Bench Coffee Table for Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A platform slat bench or coffee table with a premavera toned wood top and satin black legs. A classic and well crafted piece by iconic designer George Nelson and manufactured by the ...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Wood
Mcm Large Platform Slat Bench or Coffee Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
A true one-of-a-kind design! MCM large platform slat bench or coffee table by George Nelson for Herman Miller, circa 2004. The bench is in good condition with some knicks and dings d...
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21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Maple
H 14.5 in W 72 in D 18.5 in
White Laminated Plywood & Aluminum 1970s Pedestal Table by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Vitra
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This side table was designed by George Nelson for the Herman Miller collection and was sold by Vitra since 1960s. Aluminum base and wood with white laminated top surface.
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1970s German Space Age Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Aluminum
Iconic George Nelson #4691 Vintage Slat Bench for Herman Miller Uncommon 68"
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in St. Louis, MO
A true Mid-Century Modern classic, this timeless c. 1960s model #4691 slat bench designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller has that sought after warm patina to the maple slats on e...
Category
1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Maple
H 13.95 in W 68.19 in D 18.44 in
Maple Top Platform Bench or Coffee Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
An icon of mid-century modernism, the Nelson Platform Bench with ebonized wood base offers utility and beauty. It can serve as a seat or a table, with units able to be ganged togethe...
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Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood, Maple, Paint
H 14.5 in W 60 in D 18.5 in
Early Platform Bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller, Not a Reissue
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Early primavera finish slat platform bench designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This is a 1950s original and not the later reissue. Beautiful patina. Show some signs of use in the form of small dents and scratches but nothing that distracts from the beauty of this sixty year old icon...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Wood
Vintage George Nelson Herman Miller Slat Bench
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic and timeless slat bench with ebonized legs by George Nelson for Herman Miller ca' 1950's. Original unrestored condition, nice, warm patina. The bench is sturdy and ready to...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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George Nelson coffee and cocktail tables for sale on 1stDibs.
George Nelson coffee and cocktail 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 coffee and cocktail tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original coffee and cocktail 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 coffee and cocktail tables by John Widdicomb, Henredon, and Paul Mayen. Prices for George Nelson coffee and cocktail tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,013 and can go as high as $6,900, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,800.
Creators Similar to George Nelson
Questions About George Nelson Coffee and Cocktail Tables
- 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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