Skip to main content

Gilbert Rohde Dressers

American, 1894-1944

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Rohde boldly informed De Pree that the brand’s furniture had become outdated, which was part of the reason the company was in financial jeopardy.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.

9
to
9
9
9
9
6
1
9
8
4
4
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
9
7
4
3
3
9
9
53
119
85
81
68
Creator: Gilbert Rohde
Pr Art Deco Art Moderne Dressers by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller c 1930's
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
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...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Walnut

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...
Category

1940s American Modern Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Rare Pair Gilbert Rohde #3770 Six-Drawer Dressers
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This rare design for Herman Miller features a curved case in opulent tropical wood veneer with sold hardwood handles, in a masculine streamlined design, with the surprising addition ...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Stainless Steel

Gilbert Rohde 4140 Dresser for Herman Miller 3 Available
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Hanover, MA
We have a total of three available of these beautifully refinished mahogany chests 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...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Faux Leather, Mahogany

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...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Faux Leather, Mahogany

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...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Nickel

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...
Category

20th Century American Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Mahogany, Naugahyde

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...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Nickel

Pair of Gilbert Rohde Matching Dressers
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A matching pair of Dresser's by Gilbert Rohde, using book matched brazilian rosewood veneer, model # 3770 Three huge drawers in each cabinet make this a very useful design.
Category

1940s American Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Brass

Related Items
Mid Century Six Drawer Dresser by Distinctive Furniture by Stanley 1950/1960’s
By Distinctive Furniture By Stanley
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional mid century dresser made by the noted American manufacturer Distinctive Furniture by Stanley, circa 1950/1960’s. The dresser features two banks of three deep drawers, whi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Palladio Fall Front Desk by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller c. 1940’s
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Wood, Burl

Pair of Paul McCobb Planner Group Maple Six Drawer Double Dressers
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair of Paul McCobb planner group maple & black six drawer dressers, 1950's. Featuring classic Paul McCobb modular design including four rectangula...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Enamel

George Nelson Thin Edge Double Dresser, Chest, Santos Palisander, Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
George Nelson thin edge double dresser, chest, Santos Palisander, Herman Miller. In 1944, Life magazine published an extensive article...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Palisander

Midcentury George Nelson Three Drawer Cabinet for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Gorgeous BCS chest of drawers in original brown ash designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. This is a very early version with plated metal pulls not aluminum and unusual finished back. This versatile unit is a perfect small dresser, nightstand, or end table. George Nelson, Alexander Girard, and Charles and Ray Eames headed the Herman Miller department for many ground breaking...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Display Cabinet from Formal Dining Room Line
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
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 ...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Stainless Steel

1930s Art Deco Commode in Burl Walnut by Osvaldo Borsani Per Atelier Di Varedo
By Osvaldo Borsani, Gaetano Borsani
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Majestic and elegant chest of drawers by Osvaldo Borsani produced in the Varedo Atelier of his father Gaetano Borsani , original in every part, with bakelite handles, 1930s Art Deco chest of drawers, commode , in burl walnut with mirror, polished to wax. Excellent condition. Measures cm: D 53, W 120, H 100. mirror cm: W 90 H 75. About Osvaldo Borsani Osvaldo Borsani (born 1911, Varedo, Italy–died 1985, Milano, Italy) was an Italian designer and architect, born into a family of furniture makers with along and well established artisanal tradition. His father, Gaetano Borsani, owned his own furniture shop, the Atelier di Varedo, where the 16-year-old Osvaldo received his first training. At that time, the designer of the atelier was the architect Gino Maggioni, who brought with him influences of the early 20th century Jugendstil movement from Vienna and who instilled in the young Borsani an appreciation for the arts and crafts and furniture making. Osvaldo Borsani first studied fine arts at Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera in Milan, graduating in 1931, and then pursued studies in architecture at Politecnico di Milano, where he graduated in 1936. In 1933, two years before graduating as an architect, Borsani designed the Casa Minima project for the V Triennale di Milano (Milan Triennial), along with architects Cairoli and Varisco. This project earned him a silver medal for its Rationalist code and geometries, and he received positive reviews from the critic Edoardo Persico of Casabella magazine. Villa Borsani And Other Prominent Architectural Work In 1937, Osvaldo Borsani designed Villa Presenti in Forte dei Marmi, a sea town in Tuscany where the Italian aristocracy and industrial elite would build their houses, a project that displayed the same rationalistic rigor displayed in Casa Minima, but softened by the use of mediterranean finishes and materials. Villa Borsani designed by Osvaldo Borsani. Varedo, Italy Villa Borsani. Varedo, Italy In 1943, Osvaldo designed and built his own house, the Villa Borsani, in Varedo, which, despite being conceptualized under strict Rationalist principles, incorporated objects and art of younger artists that communicate a freer approach to the human expression. The Villa Borsani project involved artists such as Adriano Spilimbergo, Fausto Melotti, Lucio Fontana (who made the ceramic fireplace and the ceramic Madonna), and Agenore Fabbri (who made the bronze statue in the staircase). To this day, Villa Borsani has been preserved with most of its original furniture and it remains with Osvaldo Borsani’s family along with the extensive archives of his work. Osvaldo Borsani As a Successful Product and Furniture Designer After Villa Borsani, Osvaldo continued to develop many projects for the Milanese bourgeoisie, frequently with many of the same artists whom he employed for his villa. A particularly strong relationship was the one that Osvaldo developed with artist Lucio Fontana, a close friend since the time of the Accademia de Belle Arti di Brera, and whom Borsani assigned to make a large metal balcony for the Tecno company in 1956. Osvaldo Borsani’s design work, just as his larger architectural projects, which he also considered design work, very often incorporated elements created by other artists and designers such as: Roberto Crippa, Arnaldo and Giò Pomodoro, Agenore Fabbri, Fausto Melotti, Andrea Cascella...
Category

1920s Italian Art Deco Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Mirror, Walnut, Burl

6-Drawer Silver Trim Mirrored Dresser
Located in New York, NY
Custom 6-drawer silver trim mirrored dresser with Lucite knobs. Customization is available in different sizes, finishes, and hardware.
Category

2010s American Modern Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Silver Leaf

Oak Parquetry Six Drawer Dresser
Located in Westwood, NJ
A light oak parquetry six-drawer dresser in dawn finish. This beautiful hand-carved oak dresser includes six drawers with mirrored herringbone starburst ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Rustic Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Wood

Oak Parquetry Six Drawer Dresser
Oak Parquetry Six Drawer Dresser
H 33 in W 72 in D 20 in
Gilbert Rohde 4140 Vanity for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Hanover, MA
Beautifully refinished mahogany vanity/coiffeuse by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller with original off-white "leather cloth" (Fabrikoid) top and padded drawers. Kneehole: 26" high x 22" wide x 17.5" deep See our separate listings for other pieces from this same collection. See pages from original 1941 Herman Miller catalog.
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Faux Leather, Mahogany

Vintage George Nelson Tall Dresser by Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fantastic vintage Herman Miller tall dresser created by legendary American designer George Nelson. Featuring six ample pull-out drawers, this is the ultimate storage solution for any...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Metal, Brass

George Nelson for Herman Miller 5 Drawer Mid-Century Modern Dresser, circa 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Denville, NJ
Highboy dresser by George Nelson for Herman Miller, c.1950’s. This five-drawer dresser features a walnut frame with sculpted original chrome plated metal pulls. Top drawer features s...
Category

1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Previously Available Items
Gilbert Rohde Chest of Drawers for Herman Miller in Birdseye Maple and Mahogany
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in San Diego, CA
Gilbert Rhode designed this gorgeous dresser in birdseye maple and mahogany. It has the perfect balance of the fine craftsmanship and rich materials characteristic of the Art Deco e...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Mahogany

Gilbert Rohde Chest of Drawers for Herman Miller in Birdseye Maple and Mahogany
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in San Diego, CA
Gilbert Rhode designed this gorgeous and highly glossed dresser is executed in birdseye maple and maghogany. It has the perfect balance of mid century modern simplicity and the fine ...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Mahogany

Pair of Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Chests of Drawers
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of Herman Miller model number 4140 dressers designed by Gilbert Rohde from their Modern Bedroom Group. Constructed of a walnut top, sides, frame and legs with a dark gloss piano mahogany veneer, beautifully refinished. There are three large drawers with padded off-white "leather cloth" (fabrikoid) upholstery squares on the faces. Top drawers are fitted with vide poche sliding and removable tray. Both have the original label. See page from original 1941 Herman Miller catalog...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Faux Leather, Mahogany, Walnut

Gilbert Rohde Dresser Chest of Drawers Mid-Century Modern Art Deco
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a dresser or chest of drawers designed by Gilbert Rohde. The USA, circa the 1930s. Beautiful clean modern lines from the art deco period. Birds eye burl...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Burl

Gilbert Rohde Nightstand Small Cabinet Mid-Century Modern Art Deco
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a nightstand or small cabinet designed by Gilbert Rohde. The USA circa the 1930s. Beautiful clean modern lines from the art deco period. Birds eye burl...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Burl

Pair of Herman Miller Gilbert Rohde Machine Age Padded Front Art Deco Dressers
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Hudson, NY
Beautifully 1940s refinished mahogany cabinets with original naugahyde padded drawer fronts by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller. Very nice condition with a tear of the original pads o...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Naugahyde, Mahogany

Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller 'Paldao' Burl Dresser Cabinet, 1940s, Signed
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fully-restored Classic and collectible burl wood dresser cabinet by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller was part of his 1941 'Paldao' line of streamline modernist and modular furnit...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Paldao

Rohde for Herman Miller Dresser as is
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Classic Art Deco dresser, Cadet designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller. This example is selling as is, as found. It has been painted, in antique red, and wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Ash, Walnut

Rohde for Herman Miller Dresser as is
Rohde for Herman Miller Dresser as is
H 32.5 in W 48 in D 19.25 in
Art Moderne Low Boy Dresser Set by Gilbert Rohde
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Art Moderne dresser set of two by Gilbert Rohde. This low boy dresser features a walnut finish with a black lacquer floating base completed with de...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Wood

Pair of Herman Miller Paldao Dresser-Cabinets by Gilbert Rohde
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Substantial at 42" high and 40" wide, these cabinets have good presence and mostly original finish with deep yellow-orange hues and lovely natural patina. Original custom fitted inte...
Category

1940s American Machine Age Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Wood, Burl

Midcentury Gilbert Rohde Chest
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury chest with folding front by American designer Gilbert Rohde. Round carved handle on front, dovetailed drawer, and black interior. Very handsome piece!  
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Gilbert Rohde Chest
Midcentury Gilbert Rohde Chest
H 41.5 in W 40.13 in D 17 in
Art Deco Chest of Drawers by Gilbert Rohde
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Rare vintage Art Deco chest of drawers model number 3626 and 3627 designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller. Bird's-eye maple case construction with walnut details. Highly function...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gilbert Rohde Dressers

Materials

Birdseye Maple, Walnut, Burl

Gilbert Rohde dressers for sale on 1stDibs.

Gilbert Rohde dressers 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 Gilbert Rohde dressers, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original dressers by Gilbert Rohde were created in the Art Deco style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider dressers by and Donald Deskey. Prices for Gilbert Rohde dressers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $10 and can go as high as $14,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,848.

Recently Viewed

View All