SubscribeSign In
Everything You Need to Know About 6 of Our Favorite George Nelson PiecesView 3 Photos

Everything You Need to Know About 6 of Our Favorite George Nelson Pieces

Not only did George Nelson design the first pedestrian shopping mall and pioneer modular systems, but he also created an extensive number of products that have become representative of American modernism.
Text by
View 3 Photos

As a designer, teacher, and writer, Nelson saw his work as a series of creative "zaps," which he described as being flashes or sudden realizations that he would translate into design ideas. The first true "zap" occurred in the 1930s when he was studying architecture in Rome. He began traveling Europe in order to interview top architects with the hope of getting his written pieces published. This ended up being one of the best decisions he ever made, as it helped kick off his career. 

George Nelson is shown here in 1965 sitting in a Sergio Rodrigues armchair in Rio. 

George Nelson is shown here in 1965 sitting in a Sergio Rodrigues armchair in Rio. 

After he became Herman Miller's director of design in 1945, he decided to form his own design firm, George Nelson & Associates. From then on, he created a number of lights, furniture pieces, and everyday objects that have become recognizable icons. Below, we’ve gathered some of our favorites and included everything you need to know—plus, you can even shop them.

Lighting the Way


This archival advertisement features George Nelson’s Ball Pendant Light. The beginning of the caption reads: "Airy, lighthearted ‘Bubbles’ and ‘Net Lights,’ designed by George Nelson, make lamps and lighting fixtures that delight the eyes and warm the heart. Their pleasing shapes are fashioned in sturdy, lightweight steel and a special translucent white plastic."

This archival advertisement features George Nelson’s Ball Pendant Light. The beginning of the caption reads: "Airy, lighthearted ‘Bubbles’ and ‘Net Lights,’ designed by George Nelson, make lamps and lighting fixtures that delight the eyes and warm the heart. Their pleasing shapes are fashioned in sturdy, lightweight steel and a special translucent white plastic."

Putting a Playful Spin on Seating

Herman Miller Nelson Marshmallow Sofa
Herman Miller Nelson Marshmallow Sofa
Design Within Reach
The inspiration for the Nelson Marshmallow Sofa (1956) was launched when an inventor approached George Nelson and Irving Harper with a planned self-skinned injection plastic disc that would be inexpensive to produce and unerringly durable.
Shop

Taking Everyday Objects to a Whole New Level

Nelson Eye Clock
Nelson Eye Clock
Design Within Reach
George Nelson created everyday objects in the 1950s with the mission of bringing modern design into American homes. The prolific designer worked with Vitra to create a variety of wall clocks—one of which is an eye shape that’s rendered in brass and walnut.
Shop
Paige Alexus
Paige Alexus is a content producer and blogger at Dwell who loves the ocean, vintage textiles, and midcentury design.

Published

Get the Dwell Newsletter

Be the first to see our latest home tours, design news, and more.