Nelson Bench
Nelson's 1946 slatted ash bench, from his Fortune magazine office, in two lengths and two colours
1220 × 353 × 469 mm
Source: spec sheet PDF — 1220 mm bench (the priced preset, 355 x 1220 x 470 mm)
1946
GBP 820, Nelson Bench, Natural ash, size 355 x 1220 x 470 mm (first Recommendations preset; the Configure panel after Edit shows the same GBP 820), Vitra UK shop, 2026-10-15
Description
Overview
The Nelson Bench is the slatted ash bench that George Nelson designed in 1946 for his office at Fortune magazine. Vitra's page says it can be used as a bench or a low table and comes in two lengths.
Construction
- Solid ash slatted seat with a lacquer finish
- Base in ash, black, lacquer finish
- Two seat finishes, natural or black, both lacquered
Specifications
- Shorter bench, fact sheet: 1220 mm long, 469 mm deep, 353 mm high
- Longer bench: 1837 mm long, with the same depth and height
Story
A bench for the Fortune office
Vitra's text says George Nelson designed the Nelson Bench for his office at "Fortune" magazine in 1946, and that its clean linear aesthetic reflects his background as an architect.
More than a seat
Like many design classics, the text continues, the bench has multiple uses: a surface for seating, storage or display. Vitra's page also calls it a low table, and offers it in two lengths and two colour versions.
More by George Nelson
Coconut Chair
Nelson's 1955 lounge chair: a white shell cut like an eighth of a coconut, on a chrome base
Home Desk
Nelson's 1958 writing desk with a walnut-veneer surround, white top and multicoloured compartments
Nelson Platform Bench
George Nelson's slatted bench of 1947, a seat, a low table or a base for the Basic Cabinet Series.
Nelson Cube Sofa
A 1968 George Nelson sofa balancing a strict wood frame with tailored cushions.