Rare George Nelson for Herman Miller Sling Sofa, Model 6832 in Rohleder Velvet

Details

Description

An extraordinary, true museum-grade rarity for the serious 20th-century design collector. Designed by George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller … Read more An extraordinary, true museum-grade rarity for the serious 20th-century design collector. Designed by George Nelson & Associates for Herman Miller in 1963, the Sling Sofa (Model 6832) is renowned for its architectural, space-age silhouette, suspended tension seating, and sculptural chrome-plated tubular steel frame.

While Model 6832 was originally produced in limited numbers exclusively in leather options (most commonly standard black or brown leather), this particular example has been bespoke upholstered in luxurious custom Chocolate Mohair/Velvet by Rohleder. The rich, deep chocolate textile dramatically softens the industrial minimalism of the polished chrome superstructure, creating a tactile, warm contrast that highlights the sofa's sweeping side profiles. This custom Rohleder execution makes it a one-of-a-kind variation, offering an ultra-rare alternative to standard leather models for collectors seeking uncompromised luxury and singular provenance.

Key Specifications & Design Details
Designer: George Nelson & Associates
Manufacturer: Herman Miller (Zeeland, Michigan)
Model: 6832 Sling Sofa
Design Year / Production Period: Introduced in 1963 and produced through the mid-1960s.
Materials: Tubular chrome-plated steel frame, internal webbed sling support structure, plush three-cushion seat and back upholstered in custom Chocolate Rohleder Velvet.
Silhouette: Suspended hammock-style sling cradle anchored by minimalist vertical rear leg posts and sweeping bent-chrome perimeter rails.

About George Nelson & Herman Miller
George Nelson (1908–1986) was a founding father of American Modernism and one of the most transformative figures in 20th-century industrial design. Serving as the Design Director for Herman Miller from 1947 to 1972, Nelson was responsible for defining the aesthetic of post-war corporate and residential environments. Beyond his own iconic creations, such as the Marshmallow Sofa, the Coconut Chair, the Platform Bench, and the Ball Clock-- Nelson recruited and mentored an elite roster of legendary talent that shaped Herman Miller into a global powerhouse of modern furniture design.

During his tenure at Herman Miller, Nelson worked alongside and brought in monumental design icons, including: Charles and Ray Eames (Molded Plywood Lounge Chairs, ESU Units, Aluminum Group), Alexander Girard (Head of Textile Division, bold graphic interior tapestries),Isamu Noguchi (The iconic glass-topped Noguchi Coffee Table), Bill Stumpf & Don Chadwick (Pioneers in ergonomic seating).

Alongside contemporaries like Florence Knoll, Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Jens Risom, Paul McCobb, and Edward Wormley, Nelson’s vision redefined American Mid-Century Modernism. The Model 6832 Sling Sofa represents Nelson's mature period, blending the structural honesty of international-style tubular metalwork with the expressive, sculptural lounge forms that defined the late Space Age era.

Condition & Collector Notes
Preserved in excellent vintage condition. The chrome-plated tubular steel frame retains its original luster, polish, and integrity with minimal, honest age-appropriate patina. The newly upholstered Rohleder chocolate velvet is pristine, offering maximum plushness, structural support, and architectural presence. See less