George Nelson

George Nelson

Description
Description

George Nelson is synonymous with mid-century modern design. Recognized for his innovative furniture concepts, he introduced pieces that merged functionality with minimalist aesthetics. Among his iconic creations are the Coconut Chair, Marshmallow Sofa, and the Ball Clock, each embodying simplicity, yet making a statement. Nelson's designs often feature organic shapes, sleek lines, and materials that emphasize both form and function. Found in many contemporary homes, offices, and design museums, his creations remain timeless. Retailers and design stores globally showcase Nelson's pieces, a testament to their enduring appeal and versatility in various interior settings.

History
History

George Nelson emerged as a defining figure in mid-century modern design. In the 1950s and 1960s, he worked with Herman Miller, crafting iconic pieces like the Coconut Chair and Marshmallow Sofa. He emphasized functionality combined with sleek aesthetics. A versatile designer, Nelson ventured into architecture, exhibitions, and graphic design, always showcasing his innovative approach. His influence has left an indelible mark on the design landscape, cementing his legacy in the realm of furniture and beyond.

Future
Future

George Nelson products continue to resonate with modern audiences, emphasizing timeless aesthetics and functionality. As sustainability and modular designs gain traction, expect Nelson-inspired pieces to incorporate eco-friendly materials and adaptable features. Collaborations with contemporary designers might bring fresh takes on classics like the Ball Clock or Bubble Lamps. In essence, George Nelson's enduring design principles will meld seamlessly with evolving trends, ensuring his legacy remains relevant and influential in future furniture landscapes.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What product is George Nelson most famous for?

George Nelson is most famous for his "Nelson Ball Clock," a quintessential mid-century modern design. Introduced in the 1950s, its whimsical yet sophisticated arrangement of multicolored balls as hour markers epitomizes Nelson's innovative approach to design. He also created other iconic pieces, but the Ball Clock remains a standout symbol of his design legacy.

How do you clean a George Nelson lamp?

To clean a George Nelson lamp, first, turn off and unplug it. Gently dust the lampshade using a soft feather duster or a dry microfiber cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap solution and a soft cloth, wringing out excess moisture. Wipe gently, then dry with a clean cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

How did George Nelson's architectural background influence his approach to furniture design?

George Nelson's architectural background instilled in him a holistic view of design, seeing furniture as integral to space. This perspective emphasized functional problem-solving, ensuring each piece had purpose and utility. His understanding of structure and materials, rooted in architecture, led to innovative, durable designs that harmoniously blended form and function.

Furniture

* Under Development *

9.45” | 24 cm (Diameter)
9.45” | 24 cm (Diameter)
2.5” | 6.4 cm
2.26 lb | 1.03 kg
1950
Nelson Asterisk Clock
24.000
24.000
6.400
1.030
1950.00
20
https://p3d.in/e/ZIymM
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Asterisk ClockPerspective view of a 3D model of the Nelson Asterisk ClockPerspective view of a 3D model of the Nelson Asterisk Clock
13" | 33 cm (Diameter)
13" | 33 cm (Diameter)
2.25” | 5.7 cm
3 lb | 1.36 kg
1949
Nelson Ball Clock
33.000
33.000
5.700
1.360
1949.00
350
https://p3d.in/e/nDKM4
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Ball ClockView of the Nelson Ball Clock in 3D available for downloadView of the Nelson Ball Clock in 3D available for download
12”-23.5” | 30.5-60 cm
12.75”-26.75” | 32-68 cm
12.75”-26.75” | 32-68 cm
1952
Nelson Ball Pendant Lamps
60.000
68.000
68.000
1952.00
20
https://p3d.in/e/4LFrx
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Ball Pendant Lamps3D model of the Nelson Ball Pendant Lamps viewed in perspective3D model of the Nelson Ball Pendant Lamps viewed in perspective
23.75” | 60 cm
18” | 46 cm
18.5” | 47 cm
1952
Nelson Bedside Table
60.000
46.000
47.000
1952.00
0
https://p3d.in/e/X6dNh
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Bedside TableView of the Nelson Bedside Table in 3D available for downloadView of the Nelson Bedside Table in 3D available for download
14” | 36 cm
18.5” | 47 cm
48"-72” | 122-183 cm
1946
Nelson Bench - Metal Legs
36.000
47.000
183.000
1946.00
300
https://p3d.in/e/ybUDc
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Bench - Metal Legs3D model of the Nelson Platform Bench Metal Leg viewed in perspective3D model of the Nelson Platform Bench Metal Leg viewed in perspective
52.5”-61.5" | 133-156 cm
10.5”-15" | 27-38 cm (Diameter)
1952
Nelson Cigar Floor Lamps
156.000
38.000
1952.00
80
https://p3d.in/e/8eDGH
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Cigar Floor Lamps3D model of the Nelson Cigar Floor Lamp viewed in perspective3D model of the Nelson Cigar Floor Lamp viewed in perspective
15.25” | 39 cm
75” | 191 cm
33” | 84 cm
1950
Nelson Daybed
39.000
191.000
84.000
1950.00
200
https://p3d.in/e/Zcnwu
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Daybed3D model of the Nelson Daybed viewed in perspective3D model of the Nelson Daybed viewed in perspective
27.25” | 69 cm
75” | 191 cm
33” | 84 cm
1950
Nelson Daybed - Back Bolsters
69.000
191.000
84.000
1950.00
150
https://p3d.in/e/MEYek
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Daybed - Back BolstersView of the Nelson Daybed with Back Bolsters in 3D available for downloadView of the Nelson Daybed with Back Bolsters in 3D available for download
27.25” | 69 cm
75” | 191 cm
33” | 84 cm
1950
Nelson Daybed - Side Bolster
69.000
191.000
84.000
1950.00
150
https://p3d.in/e/Pu3np
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Daybed - Side BolsterPerspective view of a 3D model of the Nelson Daybed with Side BolsterPerspective view of a 3D model of the Nelson Daybed with Side Bolster
13.39” | 34 cm
29.92” | 76 cm
2.76” | 7 cm
4.41 lb | 2 kg
1957
Nelson Eye Clock
34.000
76.000
7.000
2.000
1957.00
60
https://p3d.in/e/oJ2mW
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Eye Clock3D model of the Nelson Eye Clock viewed in perspective3D model of the Nelson Eye Clock viewed in perspective
52.5”-57.5" | 133 -146 cm
1952
Nelson Pear Floor Lamps
146.000
1952.00
0
https://p3d.in/e/AQHyS
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Pear Floor LampsView of the Nelson Pear Floor Lamp in 3D available for downloadView of the Nelson Pear Floor Lamp in 3D available for download
16” | 40.6 cm
28.5” | 72.4 cm (Diameter)
28.5” | 72.4 cm (Diameter)
4.43 ft2 | .41 m2
1954
Nelson Pedestal Coffee Table
40.600
72.400
72.400
0.41
1954.00
0
https://p3d.in/e/maERm
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Pedestal Coffee TableView of the Nelson Pedestal Coffee Table in 3D available for downloadView of the Nelson Pedestal Coffee Table in 3D available for download
21.5” | 54.6 cm
17” | 43.2 cm
17” | 43.2 cm
1954
Nelson Pedestal Side Table
54.600
43.200
43.200
1954.00
10
https://p3d.in/e/m7XiN
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Pedestal Side TablePerspective view of a 3D model of the Nelson Pedestal Side TablePerspective view of a 3D model of the Nelson Pedestal Side Table
17.72” | 45 cm (Diameter)
17.72” | 45 cm (Diameter)
1.18” | 3 cm
2.21 lb | 1 kg
1957
Nelson Petal Clock
45.000
45.000
3.000
1.000
1957.00
20
https://p3d.in/e/rCfmD
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Petal ClockPerspective view of a 3D model of the Nelson Petal ClockPerspective view of a 3D model of the Nelson Petal Clock
14” | 36 cm
18.5” | 47 cm
48"-72” | 122-183 cm
1946
Nelson Platform Bench
36.000
47.000
183.000
1946.00
300
https://p3d.in/e/fxLNU
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Platform BenchPerspective view of a 3D model of the Nelson Platform BenchPerspective view of a 3D model of the Nelson Platform Bench
16.93” | 43 cm (Diameter)
16.93” | 43 cm (Diameter)
4” | 10.2 cm
2.21 lb | 1 kg
1961
Nelson Polygon Clock
43.000
43.000
10.200
1.000
1961.00
0
https://p3d.in/e/rIEkK
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Polygon ClockView of the Nelson Polygon Clock in 3D available for downloadView of the Nelson Polygon Clock in 3D available for download
13.39” | 34 cm (Diameter)
13.39” | 34 cm (Diameter)
2.36” | 6 cm
2.26 lb | 1.03 kg
1957
Nelson Popsicle Clock
34.000
34.000
6.000
1.030
1957.00
0
https://p3d.in/e/2Sfag
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Popsicle Clock3D model of the Nelson Popsicle Clock viewed in perspective3D model of the Nelson Popsicle Clock viewed in perspective
7”-22” | 18-56 cm
17.5”-50” | 44.5-127 cm
17.5”-50” | 44.5-127 cm
1952
Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamps
56.000
127.000
127.000
1952.00
70
https://p3d.in/e/Ilm04
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Saucer Pendant LampsView of the Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamps in 3D available for downloadView of the Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamps in 3D available for download
22.84” | 58 cm (Diameter)
22.84” | 58 cm (Diameter)
2.36” | 6 cm
8.89 lb | 4.03 kg
1957
Nelson Spindle Clock
58.000
58.000
6.000
4.030
1957.00
40
https://p3d.in/e/tFbw5
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Spindle ClockPerspective view of a 3D model of the Nelson Spindle ClockPerspective view of a 3D model of the Nelson Spindle Clock
23.62” | 60 cm (Diameter)
23.62” | 60 cm (Diameter)
2.76” | 7 cm
15.43 lb | 7 kg
1955
Nelson Star Clock
60.000
60.000
7.000
7.000
1955.00
30
https://p3d.in/e/WSs3s
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Star ClockView of the Nelson Star Clock in 3D available for downloadView of the Nelson Star Clock in 3D available for download
18.9” | 48 cm (Diameter)
18.9” | 48 cm (Diameter)
2.76” | 7 cm
4.41 lb | 2 kg
1949
Nelson Sunburst Clock
48.000
48.000
7.000
2.000
1949.00
150
https://p3d.in/e/eFmNF
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Sunburst Clock3D model of the Nelson Sunburst Clock viewed in perspective3D model of the Nelson Sunburst Clock viewed in perspective
29.13” | 74 cm (Diameter)
29.13” | 74 cm (Diameter)
2.76” | 7 cm
19.84 lb | 9 kg
1958
Nelson Sunflower Clock
74.000
74.000
7.000
9.000
1958.00
100
https://p3d.in/e/E7xoA
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Sunflower ClockPerspective view of a 3D model of the Nelson Sunflower ClockPerspective view of a 3D model of the Nelson Sunflower Clock
29.375” | 74.5 cm
48” | 121.9 cm (Diameter)
48” | 121.9 cm (Diameter)
12.6 ft2 | 1.17 m2
82 lb | 37.2 kg (Package)
1958
Nelson Swag Leg Dining Table - Round
74.500
121.900
121.900
1.17
37.200
1958.00
5
https://p3d.in/e/CvhLm
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Swag Leg Dining Table - RoundView of the Nelson Swag Leg Dining Table (Round) in 3D available for downloadView of the Nelson Swag Leg Dining Table (Round) in 3D available for download
29.4” | 75 cm
54” | 137 cm
36” | 91 cm
13.5 ft2 | 1.3 m2
1958
Nelson Swag Leg Work Table
75.000
137.000
91.000
1.30
1958.00
60
https://p3d.in/e/F8kEh
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Swag Leg Work TableView of the Nelson Swag Leg Rectangular Work Table in 3D available for downloadView of the Nelson Swag Leg Rectangular Work Table in 3D available for download
35” | 89 cm
63” | 160 cm
89.5” | 227 cm
1954
Nelson Thin Edge Bed
89.000
160.000
227.000
1954.00
100
https://p3d.in/e/0xZ7s
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Thin Edge Bed3D model of the Nelson Thin Edge Bed viewed in perspective3D model of the Nelson Thin Edge Bed viewed in perspective
28.75” | 73 cm
34” | 86 cm
18.5” | 47 cm
1952
Nelson Three-Drawer Chest
73.000
86.000
47.000
1952.00
10
https://p3d.in/e/ypbq2
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Three-Drawer ChestView of the Nelson Three-Drawer Chest in 3D available for downloadView of the Nelson Three-Drawer Chest in 3D available for download
29.92” | 76 cm (Diameter)
29.92” | 76 cm (Diameter)
2.76” | 7 cm
17.64 lb | 8 kg
1957
Nelson Turbine Clock
76.000
76.000
7.000
8.000
1957.00
40
https://p3d.in/e/gRmg3
GUIDE
3D
Nelson Turbine ClockView of the Nelson Turbine Clock in 3D available for downloadView of the Nelson Turbine Clock in 3D available for download
28.5” | 72 cm
60” | 152 cm
30” | 76 cm
12.5 ft2 | 1.2 m2
1950
Nelson X-Leg Table
72.000
152.000
76.000
1.20
1950.00
60
https://p3d.in/e/Pf87u
GUIDE
3D
Nelson X-Leg TablePerspective view of a 3D model of the Nelson X-Leg TablePerspective view of a 3D model of the Nelson X-Leg Table
Nelson Daybed - Back Bolsters

The Nelson Daybed with back bolsters is versatile, hence easy to transition from sofa to bed by removing the end bolsters. It is elegant, practical and easy to assemble and move around, thus making it suitable for small apartments. You can place the bed in a range of spaces around the home.

The Nelson Daybed with Back Bolsters has an overall height of 27.25” (69 cm), width of 75” (191 cm) and depth of 33” (84 cm). The Nelson Daybed with Back Bolsters has a seat height of 15.25” (39 cm).

Dimensioned drawings of the Nelson Daybed with Back Bolsters with labeled height, width, depth and seat height measurements
The Nelson Daybed with back bolsters is versatile, hence easy to transition from sofa to bed by removing the end bolsters. It is elegant, practical and easy to assemble and move around, thus making it suitable for small apartments. You can place the bed in a range of spaces around the home.

The Nelson Daybed with Back Bolsters has an overall height of 27.25” (69 cm), width of 75” (191 cm) and depth of 33” (84 cm). The Nelson Daybed with Back Bolsters has a seat height of 15.25” (39 cm).

Dimensioned drawings of the Nelson Daybed with Back Bolsters with labeled height, width, depth and seat height measurements
Nelson Daybed - Back Bolsters
Height:
27.25” | 69 cm
Width:
75” | 191 cm
Length:
Depth:
33” | 84 cm
Seat Height
15.25” | 39 cm
Weight:
Area:
Materials
Solid walnut or white ash frame and legs; high density foam cushions
Designer
George Nelson
Year
1950

Drawings include:
Nelson Daybed - Back Bolsters front elevation, side, plan

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Nelson Cigar Floor Lamps
Elevation drawing of the Nelson Cigar Floor Lamp compared to the size of a typical living room armchair

The Nelson Cigar Floor Lamp is designed with a thin tube leading up to an oval shaped bubble at the top and a circular flush base. Designed by George Nelson in 1952, the floor lamp is meant to be lightweight and complementary to the Nelson Pear Floor Lamp. The Nelson Cigar Floor Lamp is created from a lightweight steel skeleton, with a brushed metal base and a soft plastic bubble shade. Created to mimic the silk-covered lamps of Sweden, the design was accomplished through the use a translucent white plastic spray that was developed by the U.S. military for World War II.

Nelson Cigar Floor Lamps range in overall height between 52.5”-61.5" (133-156 cm) and diameters between 10.5”-15" (27-38 cm).

Dimensioned drawings of the various sizes of Nelson Cigar Floor Lamps measuring heights and diameters
The Nelson Cigar Floor Lamp is designed with a thin tube leading up to an oval shaped bubble at the top and a circular flush base. Designed by George Nelson in 1952, the floor lamp is meant to be lightweight and complementary in form to the Nelson Pear Floor Lamp.

Nelson Cigar Floor Lamps range in overall height between 52.5”-61.5" (133-156 cm) and diameters between 10.5”-15" (27-38 cm).

Dimensioned drawings of the various sizes of Nelson Cigar Floor Lamps measuring heights and diameters
Nelson Cigar Floor Lamps
Height:
52.5”-61.5" | 133-156 cm
Width:
10.5”-15" | 27-38 cm (Diameter)
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Small
Height:
52.5” | 133 cm
Diameter: 10.5” | 27 cm

Medium
Height:
57.5” | 146 cm
Diameter: 13” | 33 cm

Large
Height:
61.5” | 156 cm
Diameter: 15” | 38 cm

Materials
Plastic polymer; steel frame and base
Designer
George Nelson
Year
1952

Drawings include:
Nelson Cigar Floor Lamps side elevations, plans

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Nelson Platform Bench - Metal Legs
Drawing of the Nelson Platform Bench with Metal legs with a man sitting for scale

The Nelson Platform Bench with Metal Legs is a multi-functional rectangular midcentury bench that can be used flexible as a seat, as a table, or as a supporting base as necessary. Designed by George Nelson in 1946, the Nelson Platform Bench is constructed using finger-jointed solid maple or walnut connections and is set on slender chrome legs. A design variation with trapezoidal wooden legs is also available.

The Nelson Platform Bench comes in three lengths: a short bench of 48” (121.9 cm), mid-sized at 60” (152.4 cm), and a long length of 72” (182.9 cm). The bench has a height of 14” (35.6 cm) with a depth of 18.5” (47 cm).

Dimensioned drawings of the Nelson Platform Bench with Metal Legs showing front, side, and plan views
The Nelson Platform Bench with Metal Legs is a multi-functional mid-century bench that can be used flexible as a seat, a table, or as a supporting base. Designed by George Nelson in 1946, the Nelson Platform Bench is constructed using finger-jointed wood connections set on slender chrome legs.

The Nelson Platform Bench comes in three lengths: a short bench of 48” (121.9 cm), mid-sized at 60” (152.4 cm), and a long length of 72” (182.9 cm). The bench has a height of 14” (35.6 cm) with a depth of 18.5” (47 cm).

Dimensioned drawings of the Nelson Platform Bench with Metal Legs showing front, side, and plan views
Nelson Platform Bench - Metal Legs
Height:
14” | 36 cm
Width:
Length:
48"-72” | 122-183 cm
Depth:
18.5” | 47 cm
Weight:
Area:

Length (Small): 48” | 122 cm
Length (Medium): 60” | 152 cm
Length (Large): 72” | 183 cm

Materials
Maple or walnut slats; chrome metal legs
Designer
George Nelson
Year
1946

Drawings include:
Nelson Platform Bench - Metal Legs front elevation, front (man sitting), side, plan, front/plan (long), front/plan (short)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Nelson Swag Leg Rectangular Work Table
Front elevation of the Nelson Swag Leg Rectangular Work Table with a desk lamp and Apple iMac computer for scale

The Nelson Swag Leg Rectangular Work Table is a walnut veneered desk with sculptural legs created by swagging (pressure curving) metal tubes. Designed by George Nelson in 1958 as an exploration of how to make table legs more fluid, the Nelson Swag Leg Rectangular Work Table uses a minimal combination of tabletop and stretcher elements to give the table structure while keeping the eye focused on the beauty of the legs.

The Nelson Swag Leg Rectangular Work Table has a width of 54” (137.2 cm), depth of 36” (91.4 cm), and overall height of 29.4” (74.7 cm).

Set of dimensioned drawings of the Nelson Swag Leg Rectangular Work Table measuring desk height, width, and depth
The Nelson Swag Leg Rectangular Work Table is a walnut veneered desk with sculptural legs created by swaging (pressure curving) metal tubes. Designed by George Nelson in 1958, the Nelson Swag Leg Rectangular Work Table is an exploration of how to make table legs more fluid.

The Nelson Swag Leg Rectangular Work Table has a width of 54” (137.2 cm), depth of 36” (91.4 cm), and overall height of 29.4” (74.7 cm).

Set of dimensioned drawings of the Nelson Swag Leg Rectangular Work Table measuring desk height, width, and depth
Nelson Swag Leg Rectangular Work Table
Height:
29.4” | 75 cm
Width:
54” | 137 cm
Length:
Depth:
36” | 91 cm
Weight:
Area:
13.5 ft2 | 1.3 m2
Materials
Chrome steel legs, walnut or laminate top
Designer
George Nelson
Year
1958

Drawings include:
Nelson Swag Leg Rectangular Work Table front elevation, front (objects), side, plan

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamps
Scale illustration of the Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamps compared to other pendant lights

The Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamps are a collection of four mid-century saucer-shaped lighting fixtures made by stretching a translucent plastic film over an internal steel wire skeleton. Inspired by silk and paper hanging lamps, George Nelson created the Nelson Pendant Lamps in 1952 as a diverse collection of shapes and sizes that could be used individually or grouped together for a myriad of uses and environments. Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamps comes in four distinct sizes from small to x-large.

The small Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamp has a diameter of 17.5” (44.5 cm) and height of 7” (18 cm). The medium pendant has a diameter of 25” (63.5 cm) and height of 10” (25 cm). The large pendant has a diameter of 35” (89 cm) and height of 14” (36 cm). The x-large pendant has a diameter of 50” (127 cm) and height of 22” (56 cm). The small, medium, and large Nelson Saucer Pendant lamps have a cord length of 6’ (1.83 m), while the x-large lamps have a length of 9’ (2.7 m).

Dimensioned drawings of the Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamp with variations for small, medium, large and x-large sizes
The Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamps are a collection of four mid-century saucer-shaped lighting fixtures designed by George Nelson (1952) made by stretching a translucent plastic film over an internal steel wire skeleton. Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamps comes in four distinct sizes from small to x-large.

The small Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamp has a diameter of 17.5” (44.5 cm) and height of 7” (18 cm). The medium pendant has a diameter of 25” (63.5 cm) and height of 10” (25 cm). The large pendant has a diameter of 35” (89 cm) and height of 14” (36 cm). The x-large pendant has a diameter of 50” (127 cm) and height of 22” (56 cm). The small, medium, and large Nelson Saucer Pendant lamps have a cord length of 6’ (1.83 m), while the x-large lamps have a length of 9’ (2.7 m).

Dimensioned drawings of the Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamp with variations for small, medium, large and x-large sizes
Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamps
Height:
7”-22” | 18-56 cm
Width:
17.5”-50” | 44.5-127 cm
Length:
Depth:
17.5”-50” | 44.5-127 cm
Weight:
Area:

Small:
Diameter: 17.5” | 44.5 cm
Height: 7” | 18 cm

Medium:
Diameter: 25” | 63.5 cm
Height: 10” | 25 cm

Large:
Diameter: 35” | 89 cm
Height: 14” | 36 cm

X-Large:
Diameter: 50” | 127 cm
Height: 22” | 56 cm

Cord Length: 6’ | 1.83 m (Small-Large), 9’ | 2.7 m (XL)
Bulb: LED, CFL, incandescent E26, 60W Small (Max) - 150W Large (Max)

Materials
Plastic polymer, steel frame
Designer
George Nelson
Year
1952

Drawings include:
Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamps side elevation (small), side (medium), side (large), side (x-large)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads