Herman Miller Nelson 72" Wide Platform Bench
designed by George Nelson

At A Glance:
Introduced in 1946, the Nelson platform bench was part of George Nelson's first collection for Herman Miller and still stands as a benchmark of modern design. Like much of Nelson's work, the platform bench has clean, rectilinear lines, reflecting his architectural background and his insistence on what he calls "honest" design - that is, making an honest visual statement about an object's purpose.

As presented in the 1948 Herman Miller furniture catalog, the platform bench "is primarily a high base for deep and shallow cases, but it also serves as a low table for extra seating." The 1955 catalog states that the bench "has proved to be one of the most flexible and useful units in the collection." The bench was reintroduced in 1994.

Also available in 48" and 60" versions to better fit your space.

Check out the Platform Bench 24" Cushion and Platform Bench 36" Cushion to add cushy comfort to the bench.

What's To Like:
The Platform Bench is a multiple-use piece of furniture. Use it as: a place for your guests to sit and take off their shoes; a coffee table; a display base for artwork, plants, and nick-knacks; or as a bench for a waiting area or your office. The beauty of this design is that it will, without a doubt, look good in any of those settings.

What's Not to Like:
You won't want to sit on this bench for long - it's hard and slatted. Designed that way by George Nelson to keep uninvited visitors from lingering in his office for too long, the bench can be made comfortable by the addition of one of the Platform Bench cushions mentioned above.

The Bottom Line:
This multipurpose bench, with its simple and functional lines, has become a collector's item. Used in all kinds of different settings for different purposes - or just to be a nice thing to look at, the Nelson Platform Bench is a classic example of mid-century modern's unique perspective of objects and how they relate to people. It's the perfect way to add seating and art to your home at the same time.

Details:

• Overall: 14" h x 72" w x 18.5" d
• Supports up to 300 pounds evenly distributed
• Crafted from solid maple for strength
• Slats are spaced to let air and light through
• Seat is finished with a clear-coat lacquer
• Choose from Ebonized Wood or Chrome base
• Wood base legs are finger-jointed for superior strength
• Legs have metal leveling glides

The Herman Miller Nelson Platform Bench is also known by the following manufacturer Item Numbers: PB, PB.48W, PB.60W, PB.72W, PB.48M, PB.60M, PB.72M.