Modern Icons: The Great Nelson Bench
Mid-Century Platform Bench Adds Style and Function to Just About Any Space
Designed by George Nelson in 1946, the Nelson Bench is one versatile and hard-working piece of furniture. We've talked about George Nelson here before (see links at the bottom of this ideabook). He was a master at creating mid-century modern furnishings, from pendant lights to clocks; marshmallow sofas to benches. Today we'll take a look at how Houzz designers are using his platform bench today.
Aren't the touches of green combined with the wood, white and windows just sublime here? The bench is a great part of this modern ensemble, and I wonder if it inspired the aesthetic of the staircase across from it.
Placing a bench in this hallway transforms it into a MoMA-esque gallery. The base is made of ebonized wood. The bench is also available with more slender metal legs, but of the two, this version is the modern icon.
Here the bench functions as a clever perch for artwork. This designer has planned out the furniture, artwork and lighting very well. This image shows the entryway in this loft.
Here the bench is an excellent choice for a coffee table. It looks wonderful with a Womb Chair.
Here is the bench in an Eichler house. I noticed the other day that Houzz member baffler had a wonderful photostream that includes several modern homes. Here are more of his Eichler images.
To see more George Nelson furnishings in action, check out Modern Icons: George Nelson Clocks and Modern Icons: Nelson Pendant Lights.
If you click on this image, I've tagged some of the other iconic pieces that punctuate this light and airy open floor plan.