Image source: Vitra — Nelson Bench
© Vitra and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research.
Nelson Bench
Nelson's 1946 slatted ash bench, from his Fortune magazine office, in two lengths and two colours
1220 × 353 × 469 mm
1946
Approx. $1,000 (reference price; varies by region and retailer)
Official product information
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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.
Image source: Vitra — Nelson Bench · © Vitra and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy
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

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Nelson Swag Leg Armchair
A flexible two-part shell sits on George Nelson's pressure-formed steel legs.

Nelson Cane Bench
George Nelson's 1952 bench with a natural cane top and solid wood frame

Nelson Basic Cabinet Series
Modular storage with standardized proportions and configurable details


