Herman Miller
American
No other business of its kind did more than the Herman Miller Furniture Company to introduce modern design into American homes. Working with legendary designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Alexander Girard, the Zeeland, Michigan-based firm fostered some of the boldest expressions of what we now call mid-century modern style. In doing so, Herman Miller produced some of the most beautiful, iconic and, one can even say, noblest chairs, sofas, tables and other furniture ever.
Founded in 1923, Herman Miller was originally known for grand historicist bedroom suites: heavily ornamented wood furniture that appealed to a high-minded, wealthier clientele. The company — named for its chief financial backer — began to suffer in the early 1930s as the Great Depression hit, and D.J. De Pree, the company’s CEO, feared bankruptcy. In 1932, aid came in the form of Gilbert Rohde, a self-taught furniture designer who had traveled widely in Europe, absorbing details of the Art Deco movement and other modernist influences. After persuading De Pree that the growing middle class required smaller, lighter household furnishings, Rohde set a new course for Herman Miller, creating sleek chairs, tables and cabinetry that were the essence of the Streamline Moderne style.
Rohde died suddenly in 1944. The following year, De Pree turned to George Nelson, an architect who had written widely about modern furniture design. Under Nelson’s leadership, Herman Miller would embrace new technologies and materials and audacious biomorphic forms.
Some of the pieces the company produced are now emblems of 20th century American design, including the Eames lounge chair and ottoman and Nelson’s Marshmallow sofa and Coconut chair. Such instantly recognizable furnishings have become timeless — staples of a modernist décor; striking, offbeat notes in traditional environments.
Find a range of vintage Herman Miller office chairs, desks, coffee tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
| Average Sold Price |
| $3,160 |
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| Related Creators |
Set of 8 Mid-Century Modern Walnut Wood Shell Dining Chairs by Charles Eames
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A complete set of molded plywood dining chairs designed by Charles Eames and produced by Herman Miller. These feature beautifully grained ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller
Materials
Steel
Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Original Yellow and Rosewood, 3rd Generation
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in San Diego, CA
Just restored! This incredible 3rd generation Eames Lounge chair and ottoman have been restored with refinished rosewood shells, new shock mounts, and brand new yellow leather and do...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller
Materials
Aluminum
H 32 in W 32.75 in D 15 in
Customized Bruce Burdick Executive Desk With Marble Side Tables, 1980's
By Herman Miller, Bruce Burdick
Located in Culver City, CA
Step into a new era of workspace elegance with this custom Bruce Burdick desk system, a masterpiece of innovation, style, and craftsmanship that embodies the legacy of modern design....
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Herman Miller
Materials
Carrara Marble, Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller CSS Modular Wall Unit in Walnut & Aluminum
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, modular wall unit model 'CSS', walnut, aluminium, glass, United States, 1959
Herman Miller introduced George Nelson’s Comprehensive Storage...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller
Materials
Aluminum
H 100.4 in W 231.5 in D 19.3 in
Set of Six George Nelson for Herman Miller Walnut Dining Chairs
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller teak and upholstered dining chairs. We also have the matching dining table, please inquire for details. All items ar...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller
Materials
Teak
Circa 1960s-70s American Circular Table by Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A circular dining or work table, made by Herman Miller, c.1960s-70s. Designed by Charles Eames. Mid century modern Aluminum Group, 4 prong chrome base with white laminate top with bl...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Pair of Charles and Ray Eames Herman Miller Walnut DCW chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Herman Miller DCW ( dining chair wood ) chairs . From the Charles and Ray Eames office design studio . Both chairs are Walnut . Estate fresh in original worn finish .
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller
Materials
Plywood
George Nelson for Herman Miller Sofa in Light Brown Patterned Upholstery
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, sofa, model ‘5671’, fabric, metal, designed in 1955 and produced in 1956-78.
This wonderful midcentury sofa is designed by the renowned American ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller
Materials
Metal
H 27.17 in W 89.38 in D 30.32 in
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A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture
The prolific manufacturer has partnered with many of the world’s top designers since opening its doors in 1923. Here are some of the company’s greatest hits, which helped transform the American home and office.
Herman Miller Got Its Start in the Office, but Its Legacy Is in the Home
The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.
1970s Corporate America Has Never Looked So Chic
Photographer Susan Ressler revisits the office life of decades past, whose style still resonates.
Vincent Van Duysen Imbues Minimalism with Warmth
The Antwerp-based designer lends his unique touch to homes, boutiques and offices in Belgium, the United States and Germany, as well as furniture for B&B Italia and Molteni.
Herman Miller furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Herman Miller furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Herman Miller furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Herman Miller were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Charles and Ray Eames, Edward Wormley, and Milo Baughman. Prices for Herman Miller furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,800 and can go as high as $9,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,450.
Questions About Herman Miller
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021The best Herman Miller chair is going to vary by owner. There have been many revered chairs and other seating manufactured by the legendary American furniture company over the years. Chairs by Herman Miller are often alluring in appearance, comfortable, and long-lasting. 1stDibs offers a variety of vintage and new Herman Miller chairs that are contemporary in design and durable.
- Who is Herman Miller?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Although many modern furnishings bear his name, Herman Miller is not a furniture designer. It is the name of a manufacturer — the business was originally called the Michigan Star Furniture Company and produced bedroom sets in traditional styles. When the company's general manager D.J. De Pree purchased the manufacturer in 1923 with his father-in-law's help, he showed his gratitude by renaming it after his benefactor: Herman Miller. Today, the firm is best known for iconic mid-century modern furniture designed by the likes of George Nelson, Ray and Charles Eames, and others. Herman Miller chairs, tables, storage cabinets and more helped usher in a new era of design characterized by sleek lines, bold colors and luxurious materials.
- What is a Herman Miller chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 29, 2024A Herman Miller chair is a chair produced by the American furniture company Herman Miller.
The firm is best known today for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, which includes a range of armchairs, office chairs and other seating. Vintage Herman Miller chairs such as the Eames lounge chair, the Coconut chair and the Eames Executive chair are widely celebrated by design enthusiasts all over the world, while the Aeron chair, which was created by ergonomics pioneers Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick in the 1990s, is the quintessential computer chair and a best seller.
Shop a collection of Herman Miller chairs and other mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Herman Miller is the official retailer and manufacturer of the iconic Eames lounge chairs. Inspired by 19th-century English club chairs, interior design enthusiasts highly covet the distinctive-shaped Eames chair. Shop a collection of vintage Eames chairs and other goods from Herman Miller on 1stDibs.
- Does Herman Miller own Knoll?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, the noted furniture brand Herman Miller acquired Knoll in 2021 and announced a new name, MillerKnoll. The new name is meant to take advantage of the long history and reputation that each brand brings to the table and to introduce a new, stronger joint effort to the public. Shop a collection of Herman Miller and Knoll furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Herman Miller headquarters is located in Zeeland, Michigan. It opened in 1905 as the Star Furniture Company. The public company's stock trades on the NASDAQ exchange under the initials MLKN. On 1stDibs, you can find a selection of Herman Miller furniture.
- Why is Herman Miller so good?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Herman Miller is good due to its long history of producing high-quality and enduring designs. No other business of its kind did more than the Herman Miller Furniture Company to introduce modern design into American homes. Working with legendary designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Alexander Girard, the Zeeland, Michigan-based firm fostered some of the boldest expressions of what we now call mid-century modern style. In doing so, Herman Miller produced some of the most beautiful and iconic chairs, sofas, tables and other furniture ever. Some of the pieces the company produced are now emblems of 20th-century American design, including the Eames lounge chair and ottoman and George Nelson’s Marshmallow sofa and Coconut chair. Such instantly recognizable furnishings have become timeless staples of modernist decor. Shop a wide range of Herman Miller furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022PostureFit from Herman Miller is a kit available as an accessory for Aeron chairs and stools. Its purpose is to provide extra support at the base of the spine to help encourage better posture. The kit doesn't fit all Aeron chairs, making it important that you carefully read the information about compatible models before making a purchase. Shop a range of Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024To tell what model your Herman Miller is, look for the manufacturer's label, usually found in an inconspicuous area. You'll see the brand name and a number on the tag. The first three characters of this number represent your piece's style number. By cross-referencing them with information published on trusted online resources, you can determine which model your furniture is. Shop a wide variety of Herman Miller furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How to replace Herman Miller casters depends on the chair. In most cases, you will need a pipe wrench and an Allen wrench to remove the current casters, and a mallet and a lubricant to install the new wheels. Follow the replacement instructions provided by Herman Miller to ensure best results. Find a selection of Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To clean a Herman Miller Aeron chair, follow the specific directions provided by the company. Generally, you can use a soft cloth moistened with water and mild dish soap to wipe off the arms, base and frame. Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove debris from the upholstery. Shop a range of Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How to adjust a Herman Miller chair depends on the model. Over the years, the company's furniture has employed many different mechanisms. Current styles of their well-known Aeron chair have a lever on the right for adjusting the seat height and one on the left that controls the seat tilt. A separate lever allows you to raise and lower the arms. You'll find a collection of Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Where Herman Miller furniture is made depends on the piece. Up until 2007, a factory in Zeeland, Michigan, produced nearly all of the company's furniture. In 2007, the company acquired a factory in Ningbo, China, and in the early 2010s, they established a manufacturing location in the United Kingdom. On 1stDibs, you can find a selection of Herman Miller furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 29, 2024Yes, there are fake Herman Miller chairs. Because of the brand's popularity, some unscrupulous manufacturers create replicas and try to pass them off as authentic Herman Miller pieces. Others simply borrow elements of the style, producing chairs that look very similar. To identify a real Herman Miller chair, look for a label or medallion that shows the brand's logo or name in the correct font. Normally, the manufacturer’s mark can be found under the seat.
On 1stDibs, shop a collection of authentic Herman Miller chairs. - Does Herman Miller make clocks?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Herman Miller makes clocks. Founded in 1927, the Herman Miller Clock Company specialized in traditional clock design. Today, Herman Miller is known for their mid-century and contemporary style clocks. Browse a selection of Herman Miller’s clocks and furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024You can tell what Herman Miller chair you have by using the model number. To find it, look under the seat for the brand tag and locate the number on it. The first three digits are your chair's model number. Research these digits using trusted online resources to learn more about your piece. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Herman Miller chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Normally, Herman Miller has two sales each year. The first takes place in the spring, and the second is usually in the fall around the start of shopping for the holiday season. Year-round, other online platforms may offer discounts on Herman Miller. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Herman Miller furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Yes, the Herman Miller Aeron chair is very comfortable. The chair has many points of adjustability to help ensure comfort. You can tilt, raise and lower the seat height and adjust the tilt and height of the arms.
Manufactured by iconic mid-century brand Herman Miller and codesigned by ergonomics pioneers Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick in 1994, the Aeron is known for its high quality and fully customizable seat height and depth, arms and recline. It's available in three sizes: A, B and C. According to the company, A, with roughly 17 inches between the arms, is ideal for people under five foot four and under 150 pounds; C, with 20.5 inches between the arms, is for those taller than six foot three and weighing up to 300 pounds; while B suits everyone in between. Of course, the right choice comes down to personal preference.
Find Aeron chairs and other Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The style of furniture associated with Herman Miller is mid-century modern. While the manufacturer originally produced bedroom sets in traditional styles, the company eventually changed course, and no other business of its kind did more than Herman Miller to introduce mid-century modern design into American homes. Working with legendary designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Alexander Girard, the Zeeland, Michigan-based firm fostered some of the boldest expressions of what we now call mid-century modern style. In doing so, Herman Miller produced some of the most beautiful and iconic chairs, sofas, tables and other furniture. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Herman Miller furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Herman Miller chairs are so good for a few reasons. Working with legendary designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Alexander Girard, the Zeeland, Michigan-based Herman Miller Furniture Company fostered some of the boldest expressions of what we now call mid-century modern style. Many online reviewers praise how adjustable the maker's desk chairs are, reporting that they are able to fine-tune the position of many parts of the chairs to ensure their comfort. In addition, people point to the quality of both the materials and the construction and state that the chairs hold up to the effects of daily use in home offices and professional workplaces. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Herman Miller chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 29, 2024You can buy Herman Miller chairs in a number of ways. The company sells chairs directly through their online store and operates a flagship store in New York City. In addition, Herman Miller makes their chairs available through select authorized brick-and-mortar retailers and online platforms. You'll also find a collection of vintage Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
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