Pioneering self-taught industrial designer, writer and teacher Gilbert Rohde helped define the earliest phase of modernism in the United States. He is one of the most influential figures of 20th-century design and is credited with helping legendary mid-century modern furniture manufacturer Herman Miller avert financial disaster during the Great Depression.
Born in New York City, Rohde studied painting at the Art Students League after high school. He found lucrative employment, first as a political cartoonist and then as a catalog illustrator for American department stores. He was particularly enthralled with drawing furnished interiors.
Rohde began to design furniture in his spare time. He traveled to the Bauhaus school in Germany and the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris, and drew on the Art Deco movement and the work of designers such as Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann in his early pieces. Rohde opened his own studio in 1929 and secured private and commercial commissions. His clients would come to include formidable furniture makers Heywood-Wakefield and Troy Sunshade, and his innovative bentwood furnishings for them were practical and intended for the modern consumer.
In 1930, Rohde met Herman Miller founder D.J. De Pree in the company’s Michigan showroom during a business trip. By then, Rohde had a long list of prominent clients and his furniture had been exhibited in museums and galleries. Herman Miller was weathering a devastating slowdown in business, and the American furniture industry had generally been hit hard by the Great Depression.
Rohde boldly informed De Pree that the brand’s furniture had become outdated, which was part of the reason the company was in financial jeopardy. Homes had become smaller and could no longer accommodate the large Gothic– and Victorian–style furnishings and traditional reproductions of period bedroom suites that Herman Miller was offering at the time, Rohde explained.
Rohde secured a contract to design for the Michigan manufacturer. He championed the use of exotic woods and tubular steel, and created streamlined, unadorned bedroom furniture for Herman Miller — collections that included convenient vanities, which were unconventional pieces for De Pree’s company back then.
In 1933, Rohde oversaw the design of two bedrooms featuring sleek Herman Miller furniture — including innovative storage pieces he designed — as part of an International–style exhibit at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. The installation garnered acclaim for De Pree’s brand all over the world and afforded Rohde the opportunity to execute on his visionary ideas in front of a global audience. Rohde later designed lighting, seating and more for Herman Miller and was extensively involved in the company's marketing strategy and other areas of the business.
In 1942, Herman Miller, anticipating a postwar economic boom, began to produce office furniture for the first time, but its legacy is in the home. Working with legendary designers such as Ray and Charles Eames, Isamu Noguchi and Alexander Girard, the manufacturer fostered some of the boldest expressions of what we now call mid-century modern style.
Find vintage Gilbert Rohde coffee tables, lounge chairs, table lamps and other items on 1stDibs.
Gilbert Rohde Set of 4 Chrome Art Deco Dining Chairs in Soft New Chestnut Fabric
By Gilbert Rohde, Troy Sunshade Company
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Hailing from the 1930s is this timelessly sleek Art Deco set of 4 chrome Gilbert Rohde Model Z dining chairs freshly redone in new softly textured chestnut fabric. Gilbert Rohde piec...
Steel, Chrome
$2,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pr Art Deco Art Moderne Dressers by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller c 1930's
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Chic pair of streamline Art Moderne dressers designed by Gilbert Rohde, for Herman Miller c 1936. The dressers feature opposing right and left c...
Birdseye Maple, Walnut
Art Deco Machine Age Torchiere Floor Lamp by Rohde for Mutual Sunset Lamp Co.
By Gilbert Rohde, Mutual Sunset Lamp Co.
Located in New York, NY
Rare Gilbert Rohde designed torchiere floor lamp, made by the Mutual Sunset Lamp Co. c 1934. This lamp is in the harder to find brown and chrome color way, however this example show...
Steel, Chrome
Art Deco Machine Age Lounge Chair designed by Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade
By Troy Sunshade Company, Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Art Deco, Machine Age lounge chair designed by Gilbert Rohde for the Troy Sunshade Company circa 1930's. The chair features a sexy tubular chrome frame with large upholstered ...
Chrome
Art Deco Machine Age Sofa Designed by Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade Company
By Troy Sunshade Company, Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Art Deco Machine Age sofa designed by Gilbert Rohde for the Troy Sunshade Company, circa 1930's. The couch features a sexy tubular chrome fram...
Chrome
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Model 4140 Upholstered Chest Dresser - Pair
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Model 4140 Mid Century Upholstered Chest Dresser - Pair Each dresser measures: 44.25 wide x 19 deep x 34.5 high Restored - Mint Condition! Ready to ...
Upholstery, Wood
Art Deco Art Moderne Streamline Gilbert Rohde Herman Miller Vanity c 1930's
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Art Deco, Art Moderne vanity designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, circa 1936. The vanity features a bank of three drawers, which supports a floating glass top surface,...
Glass, Birdseye Maple, Walnut
$2,304Sale Price / item|40% Off
Two-Tone Geometric Art Deco Side Table by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Two-tone, two-tier Art Deco side table made of Pearwood. Fantastic side profile with a great geometric round Cantaleviered Stacking table, and curio display for any small decorative ...
Wood
$7,995Sale Price / item|35% Off
Herman Miller by Gilbert Rohde Art Deco Four Door 10 Drawer Buffet
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Art Deco burl mahogany sideboard buffet - the classic Burl buffet or sideboard has an elegantly curved front panel with f...
Steel
Rare Gilbert Rohde Side Tables, Paldao Wood & Leather Legs, 1940s
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of rare Gilbert Rohde side tables in Paldao wood. Tapered legs are covered in leather and secured with Brass Nails. Original Herman Miller tags on underside of each table.
Brass
Pair of Cabinets by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of model 4140 chest of drawers designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller in mahogany and mohair.
Mohair, Mahogany
Gilbert Rohde Art Deco Cabinet 1930s Herman Miller Mid Century Modern Refinished
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Art Deco Cabinet, designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, American, circa 1930s. This is from Rohde's Modular East Indian Laurel Line of furniture, which was Herman ...
Metal
Gilbert Rohde Art Deco Bookshelf by Herman Miller Refinished
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Art Deco Bookcase, designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, American, circa 1930s. Part of Rohde's modular East Indian Laurel Group. This piece is currently being ref...
Metal
Gilbert Rohde, Slipper Chair, Fabric, Wood, USA, 1940s
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in High Point, NC
A beige fabric and stained wood slipper chair designed by Gilbert rohde and produced by Haywood Wakefield, USA, 1940s. Seat height 16”.
Fabric, Wood
1930s Art Deco Brazilian Rosewood Chest Designed by Gilbert Rohde
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Buffalo, NY
1930s Art Deco Brazilian rosewood chest designed by Gilbert Rohde. Amazing quality and design, slightly bowed front design, five drawers behin...
Nickel
Gilbert Rohde, Mid-Century Modern, Dressers, Leather, Stained Wood, 1940s
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller, Mid-Century Modern, Leather, Stained Wood, Dressers, Nightstands, 1940s Pair of Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller "Model 4140" chests of drawers having g...
Leather, Wood
Art Deco Palladio Fall Front Desk by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller c. 1940’s
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and sophisticated drop front desk designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller as part of the much sought after Palladio series, circa 1940’s. The desk features a burl veneer ...
Wood, Burl
Gilbert Rohde Art Deco Cabinet 1930s Herman Miller Mid Century Modern Refinished
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Art Deco Cabinet, designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, American, circa 1930s. This is from Rohde's Modular East Indian Laurel Line of furniture, which was Herman ...
Metal, Nickel
$1,500Sale Price / item|40% Off
Rare Gilbert Rohde Machine Age Chrome, Enamel and Wood Desk or Table Lamp
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a rare and handsome desk or table lamp by the American master designer, Gilbert Rhode. This chrome, enamel and lacquer example epitomizes machine age style is dates from arou...
Metal, Enamel, Chrome
Early Gilbert Rohde for Heywood Wakefield Bentwood Coffee Table
By Heywood-Wakefield Co., Gilbert Rohde
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Gilbert Rohde for Heywood Wakefield Steam Bent Maple Coffee Table, C. 1930. Featuring a floating, laminated steam bent Maple surface, flared upturned ends, rectangular Maple lift, ...
Plywood, Maple
$1,104Sale Price|40% Off
Art Deco Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman Geometric Side Table
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Single Gilbert Rohde Side table for Brown Saltman 1940s made of Pearwood. Fantastic Side Profile with a great geometric round Cantaleviered Stacking table, and curio display for any ...
Pearwood
$19,500 / set
Rare Pair Gilbert Rohde Dressers for Herman Miller
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of Gilbert Rohde Dressers for Herman Miller. Early rare Gilbert Rohde Dressers model 4010 made by Herman Miller. Four Drawer dressers with turned wooden knobs having so...
Brass
Art Deco Extendable Paldao Series Walnut & Leather Dining Table by Gilbert Rohde
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
A rare and striking Art Deco "Paldao Series" dining table designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, featuring walnut construction with inlaid curvilinear detailing and a leather-c...
Leather, Walnut
Art Deco Dresser by Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller, 1930s
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Raleigh, NC
This stunning dresser showcases Gilbert Rohde's signature aesthetic, combining highly polished birds-eye maple with rich walnut construction. The piece brilliantly balances mid-centu...
Birdseye Maple
Gilbert Rohde Art Deco Open Display Shelf for Herman Miller, 1937
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Open Display or Bookshelf. Newly refinished and ready to go! Perfect for your amazing collection! Pe...
Mahogany
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Display Cabinet from Formal Dining Room Line
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gilbert Rohde formal dining room display/ China cabinet. Designed in the mid 1930's, unique design that has glass corners and combination of exotic ...
Stainless Steel
$9,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Three Pc. Set of Art Deco Paldao Line Rohde for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Incredible suite of Gilbert Rohde design Paldao line, circa 1940's made by Herman Miller. This set has been professionally refinished, and is in virtually immaculate condition. Rare ...
Wood, Burl
Gilbert Rohde Slipper Lounge Chairs Reupholstered In Your Fabric Art Deco Era
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Atlanta, GA
Curvaceous Slipper Lounge Chairs, designed by Gilbert Rohde, American, circa 1940s. These chairs are currently being refinished and reupholstered. The price noted includes wood refin...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,800Sale Price|26% Off
Gilbert Rohde Slipper Chair
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
The Gilbert Rohde slipper chair designed for Herman Miller, having an upholstered round seat supporting a separate upholstered back all on four turned legs.
Upholstery
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Stacking Tables in Burl Acacia
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Bernville, PA
Professionally restored Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller stacking tables in Burl Acacia. Rare set of 3 stacking tables from the Paldao Group for Her...
Paldao
Gilbert Rohde Blue Mirror Table Clock for Herman Miller, 1933
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller blue mirror table clock. Rohde introduced a series of clocks in the early 30's that are some of the most amazing des...
Aluminum
Art Deco Secretary Cabinet Desk in Book Matched Walnut by Gilbert Rohde
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
This rare and captivating Art Deco Drop Front Secreter Desk in Book-matched Hand-Rubbed Walnut is by the esteemed furniture designer Gilbert Rohde and originates from the United Stat...
Walnut
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Early Dresser, 1932
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Coronado, CA
A superb dresser designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller. This was one of Rohde's first designs (No. 2185 Bedroom Group)for Herman Miller in 1932. This early piece is in wonderfu...
Bakelite, Birdseye Maple, Mahogany
Gilbert Rohde Petite Cabinet Model 4020 ( Bar Cabinet )
By Gilbert Rohde, Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare cabinet by Gilbert Rohde on the petite side for scale. Model 4020 for Kroehler. All the pieces from this collection were designed with space saving in a room in mind. The sh...
Birdseye Maple
Pair of Art Deco Walnut & Holly Hunt Upholstery Lounge Chairs by Gilbert Rohde
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
This bold and refined pair of Art Deco Slipper/Lounge Chairs in Walnut and Holly Hunt Upholstery were created by the esteemed designer Gilbert Rohde and originate from the United Sta...
Fabric, Walnut
Art Deco Machine Age Chrome and Black Torchiere Uplight Floor Lamp, Ca. 1930's
By Walter Von Nessen, Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Rare Machine Age, Art Deco chrome and black uplight, torchiere, in very good, original, clean and working condition. Circa 1930's design in the style of Rohde, Deskey, Von Nessen etc...
Brass, Chrome
$2,800Sale Price|41% Off
Vanity by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A sculptural vanity by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller. Floating top with leatherette covered 'wings'. Angled base cabinets contain three drawers with original padded leatherette cov...
Faux Leather, Mahogany
Gilbert Rohde for Mutual Sunset Lamp Company Brass Umbrella Floor Lamp, 1930s
By Gilbert Rohde, Mutual Sunset Lamp Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gilbert Rohde for Mutual Sunset lamp Company, unlacquered brass umbrella floor lamp with silk shade, all original, 1930s. Timeless rarity. P...
Brass
Gilbert Rohde Table Clock
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gilbert Rohde Clock Model #4706 Chrome Plated Aluminum and Glass Manufactured by Herman Miller Clock Co. An Iconic example of Art Deco Design
Chrome
$3,840Sale Price / set|40% Off
Art Deco Two-Tone Geometric Side Tables by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman, Pair
By Gilbert Rohde, Brown Saltman
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Two-tone Gilbert Rohde Side table for Brown Saltman 1940s made of Pearwood. Fantastic Side Profile with a great geometric round cantalevered stacking table and curio display for any ...
Wood
$7,800 / set
Pair of Gilbert Rohde Nightstands #3770
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A practical pair of nightstands in brazilian rosewood, designed by Gilbert Rohde model # 3770
Brass
Gilbert Rohde Art Deco Paldao Cabinet Refinished Drop Front Secretary Bookcase
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Art Deco Cabinet, designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, American, circa 1930s. This piece is currently being refinished and will look wonderful when completed. Thi...
Metal
Gilbert Rohde, Paldao Sideboard
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gilbert Rohde sideboard from the “Paldao” series. Features a pedestal base, pull-out cutting surfaces and four cabinets with carved nobs. In...
Paldao
Stunning Gilbert Rohde Art Deco Rosewood Dressing Table, Poof and Mirror
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning and quite rare Gilbert Rohde Art Deco rosewood dressing table, pouf and mirror, purchased recently from an amazing estate, folks originally purchased new from Herman Miller ...
Nickel
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Art Deco Mahogany Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Art Deco or Mid-Century Modern mahogany nightstands By Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller USA, 1930s Measures: 18"W x 12"D x 25.5"H. Newly refinished. Ver...
Mahogany
Art Deco Handrubbed Burled Walnut Nightstand by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and understated nightstand was realized by Gilbert Rohde, one of the most celebrated and influential designers of the 20th century in the United States- in 1936. Handcra...
Walnut
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Paldao Group Bookcase, Newly Refinished
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in South Bend, IN
An extremely rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern bookcase cabinet By Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, "Paldao Group" USA, 1940s Exotic book-matched paldao wood, with ebonized ...
Glass, Wood
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Executive Office Group Desk 1942
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Chicago, IL
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Executive Office Group Desk, 1942 Teak veneer executive desk with brass-plated steel pulls, vinyl accents, and six drawers including two sliding trays...
Brass
Pair of ‘Z’ Tubular Steel Stools by Gilbert Rohde, USA, 1940s
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculptural pair of “Z” stools attributed to Gilbert Rohde, USA, circa 1940s. Rohde, a pivotal figure in American modernism and an early design director for Herman Miller, played a...
Steel
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Rohde Floor Lamp for Mutual Sunset Lamp Company
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Very rare example not often seen on the market. Gilbert Rohde design for Mutual Sunset Lamp Company. This example shows some cosmetic wear, ...
Aluminum, Chrome, Iron
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Art Deco Vanity or Desk, 1930s
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Art Deco or Mid-Century Modern vanity or desk By Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller USA, 1930s Mahogany, with black leatherette drawer fronts and black lacquered...
Faux Leather, Mahogany, Lacquer
Gilbert Rohde Streamline Art Deco Cabinet Credenza Server
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern compact art deco two door credenza server cabinet by Gilbert Rhode. Burl wood front doors mahogany case.
Mahogany, Burl
Gilbert Rohde 4140 Tall Chest for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Hanover, MA
Beautifully refinished mahogany tall boy chest of four drawers by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller's 4140 collection with original off-white "leather cloth" (Fabrikoid) padded drawers. Top drawer is fitted with vide poche sliding and removable tray. See pages from original 1941 Herman Miller catalog...
Faux Leather, Mahogany
Gilbert Rohde 4140 Dresser for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Hanover, MA
Beautifully refinished mahogany chest of three drawers by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller's 4140 collection with original off-white "leather cloth" (Fabrikoid) padded drawers. Top drawer is fitted with vide poche sliding and removable tray and has original label. See pages from original 1941 Herman Miller catalog...
Faux Leather, Mahogany
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
Gilbert Rohde Lounge Chair Herman Miller Co. Model No. 3689 1936
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Camden, ME
A Gilbert Rohde classic chrome plated lounge chair model number 3689 Eaasy chair designed for Herman Miller in 1936. Freshly re-upholstered in a thick dark grey boucle and very comfo...
Steel, Chrome
Gilbert Rohde For Herman Miller Modern Upholstered Chest 4140 - Art Deco Style
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Kennesaw, GA
A rare find! This is an original upholstered walnut chest by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller. It is the design piece model 4140 that is considered the transition from Art Deco to Ame...
Leather, Walnut
Art Deco Era Chrome Nesting Tables Gilbert Rohde design for Troy Sunshade Co.
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Seldom seen set manufactured by Troy Sunshade Co. designed by Gilbert Rohde. Chromed steel tube with laminate wood tops. Smaller table has protruding feet to keep it in place betwe...
Steel
Art Deco Server Étagère by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller C1930
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and hard to find server/étagère cabinet by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller. C1930 early days of Gilbert and Herman Miller collaboration. Two drawers stacked alongside two doors with two large open shelves...
Aluminum
C. 1941 Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Paldao Cabinet with Sliding Glass Doors
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a ‘Paldao’ Burled-Acacia and Glass Cabinet, designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller in 1940. This example dates to around 1941. It was produced in the USA, and was fe...
Wire
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Paldao Group Bookcase, Newly Refinished
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in South Bend, IN
An extremely rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern bookcase cabinet By Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, "Paldao Group" USA, 1940s Exotic book-matched paldao wood, with ebonized ...
Glass, Wood