George Nelson Lounge Chairs
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
Iconic George Nelson ‘Coconut’ Lounge Chair
By Vitra, George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson, ‘Coconut’ lounge chair, fiberglass, leather upholstery, steel, United States, design 1955, later production
The ‘Coconut’ lounge chair is one of George Nelson’s iconi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Early, Metal Shell ! Coconut Chair by George Nelson in Brown Upholstery, 1955
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
The Shell of 99% of the coconuts is Plastic, This early one has a metal back and is designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Fully restored and upholstered
The super rare, orig...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal
Swag Leg Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller - 1950s, La Fonda, Space Age
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
Swag Leg Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller - 1950s
This iconic Swag Leg Chair was designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller in the 1950s. The chair is characterized by its ...
Category
20th Century Bauhaus George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass
George Nelson For Herman Miller First Generation Coconut Chair and Ottoman
By George Nelson
Located in Seattle, WA
The Coconut chair was designed in 1955 by the American architect, industrial designer, author, editor and teacher George Nelson. Unlike the later editions, the first generation has a...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal
Early Rare Prototype for N° 5490 Chaise Lounge, George Nelson, 1953
By George Nelson
Located in Culver City, CA
Nestled in the sun-soaked haven of Florida, tucked away in the eccentric estate of a wealthy collector, this forgotten relic of mid-century modern design lay dormant for years, waiting for its moment to shine once again.
This collector had a treasure trove of mid-century marvels, lovingly amassed by a collector with an eye for the extraordinary. Among the coveted pieces, we unearthed a true gem—a rare, early prototype frame for a George Nelson Chaise Lounge...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Early Coconut Chairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller in Shearling
By George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of early metal back Coconut chairs designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Fully restored and upholstered in shearling.
Category
1950s Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Sheepskin
Pair Restored Mid Century Modern Lounge Chairs George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular and rare early pair of steel framed lounge chairs, #5080 by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Totally restored to their original glory. New cotton velvet upholstery with ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, 1950s
By Vitra, George Nelson
Located in Antwerp, BE
Introducing the Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, an iconic piece of modern design that combines comfort, elegance, an...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Rare Pair of 1. Edition Metal Shell Coconuts
By George Nelson
Located in Munich, DE
designed by george nelson in 1955 and made by herman miller.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal
George Nelson, Rare Lounge Chair, Fabric, USA, 1940s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in High Point, NC
A rare wood and beige grey bouclé fabric model 4688 lounge chair designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, c. 1940s.
Seat height: 18.5”
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
George Nelson, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Steel, Velvet, USA, 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of white-lacquered steel, wood and beige velvet fabric lounge chairs designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, USA, 1950s.
Seat height: 14.15”
Reupholstered i...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
2007 Coconut Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Vitra in Black Leather
By Vitra, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single Coconut Lounge Chair, designed by George Nelson. This handsome lounge chair is composed of a molded reinforced plastic shell, with an upholstered black leather seat ...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Plastic
George Nelson Early Model '4688' Wingback Lounge Chairs for Herman Miller, 1940s
By George Nelson
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning and exceptionally uncommon pair of George Nelson model '4688' wingback lounge chairs designed for Herman Miller in the 1940s. These petite lounge chairs embody understated...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Linen, Wood
Pair. George Nelson for Herman Miller Cube Arm Chairs Model 4774
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated, chic, voguish pair of lounge chairs designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller circa 1950s. The chairs feature solid maple frames with thick upholstered seats and bac...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Maple
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...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Original George Nelson Coconut Chair, Vitra, Black Leather, White Shell, Chrome
By George Nelson
Located in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Original George Nelson Coconut Chair, Vitra, Black Leather, White Shell, Chrome
Coconut lounge chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, manufactured by Vitra. Black leather...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Rare & Original George Nelson Steel Frame Lounge Chairs Pair Herman Miller 1950s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Super rare! George Nelson for Herman Miller steel frame chairs, model 5080 Easy Lounge Chairs. Original painted frames with solid wood arms. Orig...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
George Nelson "Coconut" Lounge Chair for Vitra
By George Nelson
Located in Edmonton, AB
This iconic midcentury modern lounge chair was designed by George Nelson in 1956.
This chair is a recent production.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Early Herman Miller Coconut Chair Designed by George Nelson in 1956
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Early Herman Miller Coconut lounge chair.
Manufactured ca. in 1960. Upholstery in brown fabric, coated shell from bent steel, chromed plated ste...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Lounge Chairs, Model 5681, by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by George Nelson, this pair of clean-lined model 5681 lounge chairs were produced by Herman Miller from 1956 to 1967. Raised on square chrome legs, the upholstered club seat...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Brown Leather Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra
By Vitra, George Nelson
Located in Doornspijk, NL
The Coconut chair was designed in 1955 by the American architect, industrial designer, author, editor and teacher George Nelson. Obviously he took his inspiration from a coconut that...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Vintage MCM George Nelson 5476 Lounge Chair for Herman Miller Fuchsia Fabric
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage MCM (a.k.a.) Mid-Century Modern 5476 lounge chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Comprised of a walnut frame and fuchsia...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of George Nelson 5681 Loose Cushion Group Lounge Chairs US 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of George Nelson Loose Cushion Group lounge chairs US 1960s
Original Condition with hardened foam. We recommend to reupholster.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric
George Nelson Coconut Chair in Alexander Girard Minicheck
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic coconut chair designed by George Nelson. A low-slung lounge profile with spacious seat for superior comfort. Triangular fiberglass shell rests on architectural brushed-steel t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass
George Nelson Pair Chairs for Herman Miller, Oversized, Velvet, circa 1965
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pair George Nelson chairs for Herman Miller, circa 1965
Stylish oversized chairs in petrol velvet with brushed steel feet. They are in good original condition with no major flaws and ready to use. Labelled at the bottom. Main focus of these chairs certainly lies on the very desirable and scarce size of 37" x 37" and 27" height. They are very elegant yet comfortable. Will ship crated...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Armchair by George Nelson for Herman Miller Restored
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
George Nelson armchair in new blue Maharam fabric. Blonde Primavera frame in excellent condition.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Midcentury George Nelson Cubist Lounge Chair Model 4774
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this George Nelson designed armchair Model 4774. This very Cubist design was manufactured by Herman Miller during the 1950s. Featuring solid birch wood with...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Lounge Chairs
George Nelson Rare High Back Chair
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nelson rare high back chair
A high back lounge chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Model #5469, this lounge chair is one of t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chrome, Steel
Open-Arm Ebonized Lounge Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, this rare lounge chair, model 4774, features an open ebonized birch frame. Its strong rectangular lines acce...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Birch
George Nelson Coconut Chair and Ottoman
By George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather chair and ottoman with metal base.
Category
1950s Vintage George Nelson Lounge Chairs
George Nelson lounge chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
George Nelson lounge chairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of George Nelson lounge chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original lounge chairs by George Nelson were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider lounge chairs by Florence Knoll, Russell Woodard, and Ward Bennett. Prices for George Nelson lounge chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,200 and can go as high as $14,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,758.
Creators Similar to George Nelson
Questions About George Nelson Lounge Chairs
- 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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