Designcraft

A modern classic, plain and simple

Introduced in 1955, the Nelson Coconut Lounge Chair is just one example of the burst of creativity that emerged from George Nelson's design studio and changed the look and feel of American furniture in the mid-20th century.

Once Herman Miller founder, D.J. De Pree, had convinced Nelson to become his director of design, a warm personal and professional relationship between the two led to a stunning range of products, including the Marshmallow Sofa and the first L-shaped desk, a precursor to today’s workstation, and this chair.

Its three-point triangular cushion evokes a chunk of coconut: Nelson said that it looked like one of eight slices of a whole coconut. The third corner (the one that forms the backrest) is just slightly longer than the two on the sides. That’s where the comfort comes from.

Because of its unique, striking design, the Nelson Coconut Lounge Chair is part of permanent collections in museums worldwide. Because of the comfort that Nelson provided in his design, it’s also part of the “permanent collection” in homes and offices. The chair, as we produce it today, is true to Nelson’s original design, materials and detailing: a modern classic, plain and simple.