Details

Named by George Nelson for Model No. 5596, the Coconut Chair draws on the form of an inverted shard of coconut shell. The white outer shell paired with dark upholstery and a three-legged base echo the coconut’s contrasting surfaces and three germination pores.

Within the Nelson office, designer George Mulhauser first introduced the idea for the chair; former staff recall it among the portfolio with which the Pratt Institute graduate applied to join the studio.

The seat shell integrates seat, backrest and armrests into a single, three-layer element. Until 1963 the outer shell was formed from bent sheet steel—its weight considered acceptable for lobby settings where frequent movement was unlikely. Upholstery comprised a layer of polyurethane foam, with covers offered in leather or various textiles; imitation leather was used between 1955 and 1978.

Early bases welded the legs to supporting struts, with a continuous tubular steel element forming both the front edge of the shell and the two front legs. In 1963, production transitioned to three separate aluminium legs with rungs, joined by rivets for safety. Shortly thereafter, the shell material changed from sheet steel to lighter fibreglass-reinforced polyester.

- Model: No. 5596 Coconut Chair (and Stool)
- Designer: George Nelson
- Producer: Herman Miller
- Country: USA
- Year: 1955–1963
- Materials: Original upholstery, steel

Brand & Designer

George Nelson

Color

Black

Style

Mid-Century Modern

Material

Leather

Condition

Good

Dimensions (cm)

102.0W x 81.0D x 82.0H

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