The journey from elaborate to simplistic design began gradually in the furniture industry. The mid-century, that is, the period from 1940 to 1060 saw great developments in the art of furniture making and some masterpieces that are yearned for till date.
One such artifact designed by then Design Director Herman Miller, the George Nelson Bench continues to be a landmark with its remarkable history as an innovative artifact that changed modern furniture. The geometric-inspired design displays beautiful graphics through its seemingly simple structure. The platform bench has slats arranged parallel with space between them and makes the top of the table. The other is supported by ebony trapezoidal legs.
The table expresses simplicity in the most exquisite way. Simply constructed of wood, the table can beautifully enhance a room’s décor. The Nelson bench was initially designed for the purpose of seating people in the waiting area. However, in recent decades, it has been known for its incredible versatility.
Over the years many furniture manufacturers have come up with their variants such as aluminum legs, narrow slats, colorful platform and much more. The reproductions are being made based on the taste and preferences of the people. With the average population finding the Nelson bench more apt for a coffee table than a simple waiting area bench, manufacturers are flirting a bit with the design to give it that fresh look consumers love.
However, with replicas you have to be careful. Either you get a birch or solid wood. Buying one with a sheet does not guarantee a good period of durability. But if it is simply for decoration rather than utility purposes, there is nothing wrong with getting a veneered platform bench.
The George Nelson Bench has been widely used as a garden bench and coffee table since its reproduction. However, new modes of use are gaining prominence over time. Today this versatile piece finds unique use in kitchens and bathrooms. Strange right? Not really. Since the bench is quite simple and easy to handle, it can be used in various places in the house without worrying about its safety. Also, it comes in different sizes to suit the different demands of the consumer base.
The enigmatic presence of this item has made it a furnishing accessory in itself. You can make your empty hallway visibly interesting just by being there. If we talk about gardens and patios, it is perhaps the most perfect complement. In bedrooms, you can use it as a footrest by resting it against the foot of the bed.
When the masterpiece was made in the 1940s, it was counted as the simplest concept among the three other popular mid-century classics. However, now the Nelson bench has become a cult among decoration lovers. Combining the Nelson bench with a Saarinen matrix chair, a Swan chair or a Marshmallow sofa is an incredible idea. If you have a fairly simple rectangular dining table, you can accentuate it with this bench by replacing it with chairs. As an afterthought, this combo would look quite nice on large patios and gardens.