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
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
Why Bazaa?
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We deliver Australia wide, including regional and remote areas. Every delivery is fully insured for damage or loss, so you’re covered from dispatch to arrival.
Prefer to collect in person? Every purchase includes a free local pickup option from the seller. Enter your postcode above to view delivery options and pricing tailored to your location. You’ll be kept informed at every stage so you know exactly when your item is arriving.
We work with trusted couriers and professional movers to ensure your items arrive safely. Smaller pieces typically arrive within 7 days, while larger items are delivered within 7 to 14 days with full tracking provided.
We deliver Australia wide, including regional and remote areas. Every delivery is fully insured for damage or loss, so you’re covered from dispatch to arrival.
Prefer to collect in person? Every purchase includes a free local pickup option from the seller. Enter your postcode above to view delivery options and pricing tailored to your location. You’ll be kept informed at every stage so you know exactly when your item is arriving.
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Every transaction is encrypted and protected from checkout to delivery. Your payment is only released to the seller once the item is safely on its way to you.
Every transaction is encrypted and protected from checkout to delivery. Your payment is only released to the seller once the item is safely on its way to you.
Curated Selection
Each piece on Bazaa is chosen for its quality, design, and originality. We partner with some of the best Australian sellers, curating not just beautiful furniture but also the people behind it. No mass production, just character.
Each piece on Bazaa is chosen for its quality, design, and originality. We partner with some of the best Australian sellers, curating not just beautiful furniture but also the people behind it. No mass production, just character.
Kinder Purchase
Buying vintage is a smarter and more sustainable way to furnish your space. You’re giving timeless pieces a second life while reducing waste.
Buying vintage is a smarter and more sustainable way to furnish your space. You’re giving timeless pieces a second life while reducing waste.
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All purchases are backed by our Buyer Protection Guarantee. If your item arrives damaged, we’ll make it right with a full refund, a free return, or by covering the cost of repairing it. Your satisfaction and peace of mind are our priority.
All purchases are backed by our Buyer Protection Guarantee. If your item arrives damaged, we’ll make it right with a full refund, a free return, or by covering the cost of repairing it. Your satisfaction and peace of mind are our priority.