American Mid-Century Modern "Marshmallow” Sofa, George Nelson, 1956
By George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Designed by George Nelson and Irving Harper in 1956, the Marshmallow Sofa is known for its construction of individual, circular upholstered discs mounted on a steel frame. The discs ...
Metal, Steel
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
George Nelson Vanity Stool Model 4672 for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Hanover, MA
George Nelson vanity bench stool model N° 4672 for Herman Miller, designed 1946. Aluminum rods, foam, original fabric covering. Original Herman Miller label present. Produced by ...
Aluminum
1950s Custom Ball Tripod Table Lamp Pair Style Nelson
By George Nelson
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s MCM Style of George Nelson Ball Tripod Lamps 25.5 h x 12.25 diameter Custom piece Preowned unrestored vintage condition Refer to images Local delivery is available. LA OC Palm ...
Metal
Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa
By Irving Harper, George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
George Nelson Office – Limited Edition Marshmallow Sofa Designed by Irving Harper for the George Nelson office, this multicolored Marshmallow Sofa is a limited edition piece manufact...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1970s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Renens, CH
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1960s Stool from the Pedestal series by George Nelson, with cover in playful orange vinyl.
Metal
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1970s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Renens, CH
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1960s Stool from the Pedestal series by George Nelson, with cover in playful orange vinyl.
Metal
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Renens, CH
Vintage Design Nelson Swivel Pedestal Stool for Herman Miller, 1960s Stool from the Pedestal series by George Nelson, with cover in playful orange vinyl.
Metal
George Nelson (1908-1986) for Herman Miller "Modern Management Group" Cabinet;
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful example of mid-century cabinet by a rpioneering American industrial designer who served as the Director of Design for the American furniture Company Herman Miller. He shape...
Steel
$1,250 / set
1960s Molded Scoop Chairs by Sam Avedon set of 8
By George Nelson, Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Bensalem, PA
Set of eight original chairs by Sam Avedon for Aladdin Plastics around 1962. please look at pictures and video for overall detail and condition. Feel free to reach out with any quest...
Plastic
$3,425
Cocoon Cascade Lamp
By Achille Castiglioni, Aloys F. Gangkofner, George Nelson, Flos, Kaare Klint
Located in München, DE
Very nice Cocoon cascade lamp from the 1950s. Wonderful and contemporary design. A highlight for every room. A warm and comfortable light is created. Condition: Very good vintage c...
Metal
Vitra Ball Clock in Orange by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Vitra
Located in New York, NY
These items are currently only available in the United States. Belief in progress and growing economic prosperity were central aspects of the American way of life around 1950. Every...
Metal
George Nelson Coffee Table With Extensions and Trays, 1949
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson Table, 1949 Herman Miller Measurements in inches: 32 high x 19 wide x 20 deep Condition: excellent vintage, contact us for a full condition report Please con...
Wood
George Nelson Orange Ball Clock for Howard Miller, circa 1950
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic vintage ball clock designed by George Nelson and Irving Harper for Howard Miller.
Brass
Sold
H 33.86 in W 53.15 in D 29.14 in
George Nelson Brown Orange and Steel Marshmallow Sofa, 1980s, Herman Miller
By George Nelson
Located in Valladolid, ES
Stunning and funny Marshmallow sofa by George Nelson and made by Norman Miller. In steel structure and brown and orange color leatherette cushions.
Steel
George Nelson Cigar Floor Lamp, circa 1950
By George Nelson
Located in Culver City, CA
George Nelson cigar floor lamp, circa 1950 Stretched parchment paper over steel form.
Parchment Paper
Cocoon lamp by George Nelson, Italy 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Hannover, DE
An absolute rarity! A cocoon pendant lamp designed by George Nelson in the 1960s. The lampshade is made of original resin. It is in good vintage condition. The shade has no holes o...
Resin
Sold
H 29.53 in W 33.47 in D 17.52 in
Two 1950s Steel Frame Orange and Lemon Cabinets by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A pair of vibrant 1950s "Steel Frame" cabinets by George Nelson for Herman Miller. In wood and steel with original lemon, orange and olive paintwork and black melamine surface, th...
Steel
George Nelson Coconut Lounge Chair in Maharam Mode Goldenrod Fabrics
By George Nelson
Located in Seattle, WA
This is a late 2010s production of the Coconut Chair, Designed by George Nelson's design studio. Introduced in 1956, the Coconut Lounge Chair is one artifact of the burst of crea...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Saucer Cocoon Pendant Lamp by George Nelson, 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Hagenbach, DE
A cocoon hanging lamp made In the 1960s by George Nelson. The material of the lamp is transparent resin. The light requires one E27 light bulb.
Resin
George Nelson M.M.G. Cabinet
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Nelson design for Herman Miller, Modern Management Group (M.M.G.), 6 drawer case in tangerine with white laminate top. This series was designed to add a color palette to interiors r...
Aluminum, Steel, Metal
Monumental George Nelson Bubble Pendant Lamp
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
The largest bubble lamp Howard Miller ever produced. Measures: 25 inches in diameter. Not in current production! Designed by George Nelson, very early production, retains original Ho...
Metal
George Nelson for Howard Miller Grandfather Clock
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a George Nelson floor clock for Howard Miller Clock Company, model number 622. Solid oak case concealing lucite front and cover for all brass works, weights and pendulum. Chi...
Brass
George Nelson Lounge Chair for Herman Miller 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Rare with unusual colors lounge chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, Zeeland, Michigan. Steel legs and frame, vinyl fabric, labeled to underside.
George Nelson Steel Frame Cabinet by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Classic Mid-Century Modern George Nelson cabinet. Features one top drawer and a bottom sliding door cabinet. In original condition.
Metal
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Style Slat Bench
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage slatted wood long coffee table dates from the 1960s and features a black lacquered base. It is very similar to the iconic slat bench designed by George Nelson for Herman...
"MMG" Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1957
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Desk from the series "Modern Management Group," designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in 1957 (manufactured from 1957-1962).
Metal
Scarce early/ original George Nelson Hanging "Cigar Bubble Lamp -
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Original ,Vintage,, NOT NEW REPRODUCTION! .Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Bubble light will add a touch of softness and luminosity to any interior! Delightful cigar shape hanging p...
Metal
George Nelson Primavera Mid Century Modern Headboard for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Miami, FL
REDUCED FROM $2,150.....Part of the Herman Miller Collection, early 1950s, this headboard by George Nelson is in the sought after Primavera wood. A storage headboard, it's padded bac...
Wood
Bitossi & George Nelson "Meridian" Ceramic Clock for Howard Miller & Raymor
By Bitossi, Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid Century modern ceramic clock designed by Bitossi & George Nelson for Howard Miller & Raymor circa 1950’s. This iconic collaboration is part of the “Meridian” collection and featu...
Ceramic
George Nelson Low Credenza with Orange Lacquer Doors
Located in New York, NY
Very nice low credenaza by George Nelson for Herman Miller. The cabinet features orange lacquer sliding doors on both sides, and is suitable for use as a room divider.
Steel
1950's Original Early Nelson Pear Bubble Pendant Lamp by Howard Miller
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful rare shape early production Pear shape , George Nelson Bubble Hanging Lamp circa 1950's nice patina original condition no tears original label needs to be hardwired , we ...
Metal
George Nelson BCS Series Cabinet for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful walnut George Nelson Cabinet with original porcelain pulls and cast aluminum legs. From the BCS series, but often mis-referenced as from the Thin Edge Series. Nearly flaw...
Aluminum
Sold
H 32 in W 26.25 in D 28.28 in
Pair of 1979 Charles Pollock for Knoll Burnt Orange Executive Chairs
By Charles Pollock, George Nelson, Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
About Charles Pollock After graduating from Pratt Institute and working with George Nelson, Charles Pollock assembled a portfolio of designs and presented them to Florence Knoll and ...
Stainless Steel
Charles Pollack for Knoll Orange Tweed Executive Chair w/ Height Tension Knob
By Charles Pollock, George Nelson, Knoll
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Chair seat height adjusts from 18"-23” About Charles Pollock After graduating from Pratt Institute and working with George Nelson, Charles Pollock assembled a portfolio of desi...
Stainless Steel
Mid Century Modern George Nelson Style Atomic Oval Hanging Bubble Lamp
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern George Nelson Style Atomic Oval Hanging Bubble Lamp George Nelson designed the first bubble lamps in 1947. These lamps, with their simple sculptural shapes, were ...
Metal
Meridian Italian Modern Ceramic Wall Clock by Bitossi for Howard Miller, 1963
By Bitossi, Raymor, Howard Miller, Aldo Londi, George Nelson
Located in Miami, FL
The large majority of the pottery faces were designed by Aldo Londi and the Bitossi production was then passed on to Howard Miller Clock Co. of Zeeland, Wisconsin, to be branded. At ...
Ceramic, Pottery
Cocoon Pendant light, Friedel Wauer for Goldkant Leuchten, 1960s
By Goldkant Leuchten, Friedel Wauer, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Tobia Scarpa, George Nelson
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Cocoon pendant lamp, organic form. Design by Friedel Wauer. Manufactured by Goldkant Leuchten, Germany in the 1960s. A thin steel framework covered with sprayed resin, which gives a...
Steel
Cocoon Pendant light, Friedel Wauer for Goldkant Leuchten, 1960s
By Goldkant Leuchten, Friedel Wauer, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Tobia Scarpa, George Nelson
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Cocoon pendant lamp. Design by Friedel Wauer. Manufactured by Goldkant Leuchten, Germany in the 1960s. A thin steel framework covered with sprayed resin, which gives a Fiberglass lo...
Steel
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.