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Rohde boldly informed De Pree that the brand’s furniture had become outdated, which was part of the reason the company was in financial jeopardy.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.
$6,880Sale Price|20% Off
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
$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, Mid-Century Modern, Dressers, Leather, Stained Wood, 1940s
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Stamford, CT
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
Rare Gilbert Rhode 1930s Modernist Brass and Glass Table Lamp
By Gilbert Rohde, Troy Sunshade Company
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare Gilbert Rhode 1930s modernist Art Deco brass and glass table lamp, amazing design, retains (seldom seen) original lamp shade.
Brass
Art Deco Leather Faux Shagreen Night Stands By Gilbert Rohde
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of customized, art deco nightstands or end tables designed by Gilbert Rohde feature rounded edges typical of his streamlined American moderne designs. These satinwood nighstands...
Leather, Satinwood
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
Dry Bar or Bar Cabinet by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, 1941
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Gilbert Rohde No. 4190 Paldao Group Cabinet features two sliding glass doors concealing two adjustable glass shelves and two doors concealing one fixed shelf. Paper manufacturer's la...
Brass
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Three Drawer Chest Dresser Leather Drawer Faces
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare Model 4140 three drawer dresser designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller. Produced in the 1940's this prime example of Art Deco Design is constructed from a wal...
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Nightstands by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Made of original vinyl and mahogany. Tagged. This is a very rare example from Gilbert Rohde who saved the Herman Miller furniture company with his idea to make furniture for the mode...
Faux Leather, Mahogany
Charming Gilbert Rohde for Sunshade chair
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Evanston, IL
Elevate your space with this masterpiece of Art Deco and early modernist design- the stunning Gilbert Rohde Sunshade chair. Originally designed in the 1930's for the Troy Sunshade C...
Chrome
Gilbert Rohde Art Deco Rolling Chrome Bar Cart for Troy Sunshade, circa 1933
By Gilbert Rohde, Troy Sunshade Company
Located in Camden, ME
Rolling chrome bar cart designed by Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade, circa 1933. An example can be found in Steve Kenyon's archive of Gilbert Rohde's ow...
Stainless Steel, Nickel
Art Deco Streamline Lounge Chair Designed by Gilbert Rohde for Heywood Wakefield
By Gilbert Rohde, Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Art Deco lounge chair designed by Gilbert Rohde for Heywood Wakefield, Classic Art Deco streamline design, superior 1930s quality and heavy spring construction. Painted gold wood fra...
Velvet, Wood
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
C. 1941 Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Paldao Burled Acacia Stereo Cabinet
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Paldao Burled-Acacia Stereo Cabinet, Model 4103, designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller in 1941. This example dates to the same time. It was produced in the USA, and w...
Metal
1940s Gilbert Rohde 3-Drawer Dresser in Mahogany and Leatherette Refinished
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 3-drawer dresser with a black and white checkerboard facade, designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller's 4140 collection in 1941. The chest features three padded drawers ...
Steel
Two Paldao Line Art Deco End Tables by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, C 1940
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A pair of Art Deco end tables or nightstands by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, circa 1940. Made from striking cross-banded Paldao wood on ebonised legs, each table has two discr...
Paldao
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
$4,920Sale Price / set|40% Off
Two-Tone Art Deco Side & Coffee Tables Pair by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Two-tone, two-tier Art Deco Pearwood side table pair and coffee table, both designed by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman Furniture company. This fantastic set has a profile with a gre...
Pearwood
$3,900Sale Price / set|40% Off
2-Tone Geometric Art Deco Side & Coffee Table by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Two-tone, two-tier Art Deco Pearwood side table and coffee table, both designed by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman Furniture company. This fantastic set has a profile with a great ge...
Pearwood
1930s Set of 4 Gilbert Rohde Dining Chairs for Heywood Wakefield in Knoll Fabric
By Heywood-Wakefield Co., Gilbert Rohde
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a set of four dining chairs, designed by Gilbert Rohde and produced by Heywood Wakefield. Gilbert Rohde was a hugely influential designer until his passing in 1944...
Fabric, Textile, Wood
$8,804
Gilbert Rohde Floor Lamp
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gilbert Rohde Rare floor lamp by Mutual-Sunset Lamp Manufacturing Company
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Gilbert Rohde 4140 Tall Chest for Herman Miller
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
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
$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
Art Deco Walnut Cabinet with Lucite Pulls & Glass Front by Gilbert Rohde
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Art Deco Documented walnut cabinet designed by Gilbert Rohde circa 1939, showcasing his signature blend of streamlined modernism and warm natural materials. The cabinet feat...
Glass, Lucite, Walnut
$2,970Sale Price / set|40% Off
Two-Tone Geometric Art Deco Side Table by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman, Pair
By Brown Saltman, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Pair of Two-tone, two-tier Art Deco Pearwood side tables designed by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman Furniture company. This fantastic side profile with a great geometric round canti...
Pearwood
$1,560Sale 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 Pearwood side table designed by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman Furniture company. This fantastic side profile with a great geometric round cantilevered s...
Wood
Gilbert Rohde Art Deco Onyx & Copper Lamp
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Rare Gilbert Rohde designed Art Deco onyx lamp with copper base. Has been rewired with twisted brown cloth cord, as designed. Includes original socket with bakelite lamp switch. Sha...
Onyx, Copper
Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade 3 Position Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Gilbert Rohde, Troy Sunshade Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade Chrome and Leather 3 Position Lounge Chair. Rohde did some of his most amazing designs for Troy Sunshade. Designed in 1934 this early example, later m...
Chrome
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
Set of 2 Art Deco Three-Tiered Tables, Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller, USA, 1930's
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing an ultra-rare set of three-tiered end tables designed by the influential Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller. Designed and crafted in the late 1930s this set represents the z...
Glass, Walnut
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Art Deco Vanity or Desk, 1930s
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
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 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
Art Deco Gilbert Rohde Chair in Holly Hunt Leather w/ Tufted Back & Walnut Legs
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Art Deco Machine age side/desk chair was designed by the early modernist legend Gilbert Rohde in the United States circa 1935. It features four rectangular walnut legs- ...
Leather, Walnut
Pair of Chest of Drawers by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A pair of three drawer chests, designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller in the the 1930's. Bleached mahogany cabinets with original padded naugahyde drawer fronts. Great detailing...
Mahogany, Naugahyde
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Paldao Group Bookcases, Newly Refinished
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in South Bend, IN
An extremely rare and exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern bookcase cabinets Designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller "Paldao Group" USA, 1940s Exotic book-matched pald...
Glass, Paldao
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Model 3955 Vanity Stool 1935 Modern Design
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A modern “Vanity Stool or Base, Model 3955” designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, circa 1935. Stamped model number on the underside. Maple wood and original brown leatherette ...
Faux Leather, Wood
Gilbert Rohde Art Deco Cabinet 1930s Herman Miller Refinished Mid Century Modern
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
1930s Art Deco Brazilian Rosewood Six-Drawer Dresser by Gilbert Rohde
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Buffalo, NY
1930s Art Deco Brazilian rosewood six-drawer dresser designed by Gilbert Rohde,, Amazing quality and design, slightly bowed front design. Features six generous size drawers with simp...
Nickel
Pair Streamline Modern Lamps by Gilbert Rohde for Rembrandt Lamp Company
By Gilbert Rohde, Rembrandt Lamp Company
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to message for accurate shipping to your location. Pair Chrome Arch Bridge Lamps. Designed by Gilbert Rohde for Rembrandt Lamps. Unrestored. One lamp has adjustabl...
Steel, Chrome, Nickel
C. 1941 Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Paldao Burled Acacia Speaker Cabinet
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Paldao Burled-Acacia Speaker Cabinet, designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller in 1941. This example dates to the same time. It was produced in the USA, and was featured...
Metal
$3,480Sale Price / set|40% Off
Gilbert Rohde Streamline Art Deco Settee and Lounge Chair Set
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Gilbert Rohde designed streamline settee and lounge chair featuring a matching set both with a floating set and shaped Art Deco speed arms. Measurement...
Wood
Gilbert Rohde Art Deco Dining Table for the Herman Miller Paldao Series
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Dallas, TX
Uncommonly seen 1940s dining / entry table designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller. The table has a beautiful marquetry design inlaid into the top and is accompanied by one leaf....
Faux Leather, Mahogany
$6,350
Gilbert Rohde Side Chair
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Linen blend upholstery with wood legs.
Upholstery, Wood
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Upholstered Slipper Chairs
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wonderful pair of art deco, slipper, lounge chairs by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller features a rounded profile with upholstered seat and back in a woven blue linen blend.
Fabric, Mahogany
$5,440Sale Price / set|32% Off
Gilbert Rohde for Heywood Wakefield Dining Chairs
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Pasadena, TX
A set of six Art Deco dining chairs designed by Gilbert Rohde. Gilbert Rhode Collection, Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution Bentwood and bent plywood...
Wood
Paldao End Table by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern end table having a lower shelf and studded, tapering imitation leather-wrapped legs, the top surfaced with quadrants of bookmatched acacia burl. Designed by Gilb...
Paldao, Burl
Rare East Indian Laurel Art Deco, Machine Age Cabinet by Gilbert Rohde
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare East Indian Laurel Art Deco, Machine Age cabinet by Gilbert Rohde, stunning design and proportion, exceptional quality, wonderful use of richly gr...
Nickel
Unusual 1930s "wave glass" Two-Tier Table by Gilbert Rhode for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual 1930s "wave glass" two-tier table by Gilbert Rhode for Herman Miller. Stunning modernist. Art Deco design, retains original black lacquer finish, minor paint loss and scratch...
Cut Glass, Wood
Gilbert Rhode Streamline Art Deco Cabinet Sideboard/Buffet
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Westport, CT
Gilbert Rhode Art Deco Iconic design streamline sideboard cabinet, 1936 with stepped up top, burled front doors circular cut-out and brushed steel pull. I...
Steel
Gilbert Rohde Rosewood Mirror by Herman Miller
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Highland, IN
A beautiful Gilbert Rohde design by Herman Miller. This vanity mirror appears in the 1940 Herman Miller catalogue as part of the No. 3770 bedro...
Aluminum
Restored Bauhaus Armchair, Mauser, G. Rohde, Chrome, Leather, Germany, 1930s
By Gilbert Rohde, The Mauser Manufacturing Co.
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Restored Bauhaus Armchair. Maker: Mauser Designer: Gilbert Rohde Material: HIgh-Quality Leather, Chrome-Plated Steel Source: Germany Period: 1930-1939 Newly reupholstered in high qu...
Steel, Chrome
C. 1941 Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Paldao Cabinet with Sliding Glass Doors
By Herman Miller, 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 the same time. It was produced in the USA, and was...
Glass, Wood, Paldao
Sculptural Bench by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, 1940s
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An unusual and expressive bench having a sculptural rounded form with patinated brass nailhead trim and a rich embossed silk fabric resting on squared mahogany feet.
Upholstery, Mahogany