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Rohde boldly informed De Pree that the brand’s furniture had become outdated, which was part of the reason the company was in financial jeopardy.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.
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
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
$2,304Sale Price / item|40% Off
Two-Tone Geometric Art Deco Side Table by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman
By Gilbert Rohde, Brown Saltman
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
1940s Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Paldao Collection Modern Design Game Table
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A modern “Paldao” Game Table designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, 1940s. Burl wood in contrasting colors and tapered wooden legs wrapped in muted green leatherette adorned wi...
Wood
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Amorphous Kidney Paldao Desk..Art Deco/Modernist
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Buffalo, NY
Important American desk manufactured by Herman Miller, a kidney shaped desk designed by Gilbert Rohde circa 1941 for his Paldao line. This desk pack everything you need. Exotic pal...
Brass
$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
$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
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
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 Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
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
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
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
$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
Gilbert Rohde Mid-Century American Paldao Collection Dressing Table
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century American dressing table featuring 4 hinged compartments on the frame's top which is conjoined with a book-matched paldao wood colum...
Brass
$2,800Sale Price|41% Off
Vanity by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
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
Nightstand by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern nightstand by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller circa 1930s. Featuring a recessed top, two shelves, and a black drawer. Fully ma...
Walnut
Two Paldao Line Art Deco End Tables by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, C 1940
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
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
Pair of Nightstands by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
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
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 by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, 1933
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A low table or bench with a rectangular mahogany top floating a bent chromed steel base with sled feet.
Steel
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
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
Side Table Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman
By Gilbert Rohde, Brown Saltman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gilbert Rohde Side Table for Brown Saltman 1940s made of birch wood. Geometric round cantilevered table and curio display for small decorative items.
Birch
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
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 Art Deco Rolling Chrome Bar Cart for Troy Sunshade, circa 1933
By Troy Sunshade Company, Gilbert Rohde
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
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
Black rolling chrome and wood bar cart by Gilbert Rohde for Troy Sunshade
By Gilbert Rohde, Troy Sunshade Company
Located in Kleinburg, ON
This extremely rare bar cart is a rare and original example of American Art Deco design, by the renowned designer Gilbert Rohde in the 1930s. Rohde was a pioneer of modernism and wor...
Chrome
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
Pair of Jacobean Style Nightstands
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Jacobean style rustic mahogany and reclaimed oak side table, the rectangular planked and breadboard top above a molded frieze, on bobbin turned and block legs joined by a boarded t...
Wood
Pedestal Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller, Usa, 1955
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pedestal desk designed in 1955 by George Nelson for Herman Miller, USA. Teak wood top with two drawers underneath and polished aluminium bases.
Aluminum
$3,295 / set
H 26.5 in W 29.5 in D 16 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Art Deco Cloud Tables Attributed to Gilbert Rohde
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Mid-Century Modern sculptural "Cloud" form tables in the style of Gilbert Rohde. Tapered and reeded legs in a dark stained walnut with an organic cloud form glass to...
Brass
Fine French 1940s Ebony Macassar Game Table
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine French Art Deco game table/gueridon with a Macassar ebony sunburst and sycamore marquetry top, and brass star details. Legs are faux Macassar ebony finish.
Brass
Pair of Rustic Dark Oak Nightstands
Located in Westwood, NJ
A rustic-style nightstand with an oak parquetry top that is mirrored on the two shelves below. It has one frieze drawer with a mirrored herringbone pattern and Fine Verde Bronze hand...
Wood
Art Deco Vanity in the style of Desky and Rohde
By Donald Deskey
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well-crafted luxurious dark book matched mahogany Art Deco vanity with round mirror, and three drawers having polished brass pulls. The piece has a unique curved end and angle...
Mirror, Wood
U-Shape Burdick Desk for Herman Miller with Floating Table
By Bruce Burdick, Herman Miller
Located in Pasadena, TX
A vintage U-shaped desk designed by Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller. This enormous desk has three separate surface tops: 84"x 44" glass top, a round onyx top, and a dark granite Geig...
Onyx, Granite, Aluminum
$3,400 / set
H 22 in W 18 in D 21 in
Pair of Art Deco Burl Wood End Tables Nightstands with Brass Hardware Pulls
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of very nice Mid-Century Modern or Art Deco end tables in burl walnut with brass hardware.
Brass
$4,400 / set
H 20.75 in W 22.25 in D 15.15 in
Danish Designer, Side Tables, Wood, Brass, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and brass side tables likely designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 20.75"H x 22.25"W x 15.15"D ...
Brass
1940s Round Wood Side Table
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Miami, FL
1940s Round Wood Side Table. In the style of Gilbert Rohde.
Wood
Swedish Art Deco Dressing Table Vanity
Located in Atlanta, GA
Unique Art Deco dressing table with foldable mirrors. Ample storage on the sides and pull-out drawer in the center.
Mirror, Teak
Pair of Brutalist Modern Walnut Nightstands
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This midcentury pair of sculpted front nightstands adds distinctive brutalist modern style and spacious bedside storage. Interior cabinet offers a shelf for additional organization o...
Walnut
Sold
H 59.5 in W 51.5 in D 16.75 in
1934 Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Furniture Co. Mod Drum Vanity with Mirror
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
An early 20th century Drum Vanity with Mirror designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, 1934. Original maker’s label, top right drawer. White holly, red English elm, yellow-poplar, mirrored glass, chrome-plated tubular steel, and Bakelite. Introduced at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair in the famed House of Tomorrow, the design reflects the era’s fascination with modern living and forward-thinking design. Its cylindrical form, tubular steel legs, and lacquered finishes are directly influenced by Bauhaus principles, while its mirrored surface and elegant proportions evoke the sophistication of Art Deco. Rohde’s design elevated the vanity from a utilitarian item to a symbol of feminine elegance, echoing the allure of 1930’s film stars and their luxurious dressing rooms. An example of this vanity is in the permanent collection of Yale University and has been featured in several past exhibitions focused on modern American design and industrial aesthetics. A unique opportunity to own a museum quality furniture...
Steel
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Paldao Desk
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Paldao Desk – Model 4106 (Mid-20th Century) Rare and iconic single-pedestal desk designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, crafted in Zeeland, Mich...
Brass
Sold
H 15.5 in W 17.75 in D 35.5 in
Art Deco White Mahogany 2-Tier Coffee Table by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original Streamline Art Deco coffee table designed by Gilbert Rohde for the Brown Saltman furniture company. The table showcases a striking double-arched design blending rounded arch...
Wood
Modernist Mahogany and Glass Coffee or Cocktail Table by Gilbert Rohde
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Van Nuys, CA
A sleek Modernist mahogany and glass coffee or cocktail table by Gilbert Rohde showcasing his signature streamlined aesthetic. The rich mahogany frame features clean lines and elegan...
Glass, Mahogany
Sold
H 21.8 in W 24 in D 12 in
Pair of Art Deco / Modernist "CIRCLE" tables by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Pair of Art Deco / Modernist "CIRCLE" tables designed by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman.. This classic Art Deco design was first introduced by Donald Deskey (Radio City Mu...
Wood
Sold
H 22 in W 26.5 in D 12 in
Art Deco Two-Tone Geometric Side Tables by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman, Pair
By Brown Saltman, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored rattan, blending style vintage charm with modern comfort. Two-tone Gilbert Rohde Side table for Brown Saltman 1940s made of Pearwood. Fantastic side profile...
Wood
Craftsman Side Table Gilbert Rohde for Heywood Wakefield
By Gilbert Rohde, Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in New York, NY
American Craftsman Style Table by Gilbert Rohde for Heywood Wakefield. Heywood Wakefield Pricilla Rub Side Table design credited to Gilbert Rohde, 1930. Solid rock maple side table w...
Maple
Gilbert Rohde Paldao Coffee Table Model #4186
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Lynn, MA
Uncommon biomorphic design coffee table model #4186 designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller. Made from Paldao wood with original brown leatherette base.
Paldao
Sold
H 29.5 in W 64 in D 38 in
Art Deco Dining Table in Book-Matched Walnut and Lacquer Custom by Gilbert Rohde
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
This highly elegant Art Deco Dining Table in Book-Matched Walnut and Black Lacquer Custom by Gilbert Rohde originates from the United States, Circa 1940. This dining table features a...
Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 16 in W 36 in D 17 in
Art Deco 2-Tier Mahogany Arch Coffee Table by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Van Nuys, CA
The Art Deco Streamline mahogany coffee/cocktail table by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman. The table showcases a striking round arched silhouette on a square geometric base bringing ...
Mahogany
Art Deco 2-Tier Mahogany Coffee Table by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Van Nuys, CA
The Art Deco Streamline mahogany coffee/cocktail table by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman. The table showcases a striking round half-moon silhouette on a square geometric base bringi...
Mahogany
Sold
H 16 in W 44 in D 44 in
The Mid Century Modern "Cloud" coffee table by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Winnetka, IL
An early Gilbert Rhode coffee table "The large " Cloud " table created in warm Acacia burl wood .It has been protected by a conforming gl...
Burl