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Rohde boldly informed De Pree that the brand’s furniture had become outdated, which was part of the reason the company was in financial jeopardy.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.
$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
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
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
$2,520Sale Price|30% Off
Geometric Art Deco 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
Art Deco Extendable Paldao Series Walnut & Leather Dining Table by Gilbert Rohde
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
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
$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
$1,680Sale Price|30% Off
Blond Geometric Art Deco Side Table by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Blond, 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 stac...
Pearwood
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
Stunning Gilbert Rohde Art Deco Rosewood Dressing Table, Poof and Mirror
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
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 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
$3,850Sale Price / set|30% Off
Blond Geometric Art Deco Side & Coffee Table by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Blond, 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 geome...
Pearwood
Maple Bar Cart by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, c.1940s
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gilbert Rohde maple bar cart, c.1940s, USA for Herman Miller. This playful piece features two glass shelves and one maple shelf at the bottom to hold all your barware and bottles. Th...
Glass, Maple
Art Deco Handrubbed Burled Walnut Nightstand by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
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 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 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 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 Mid-Century Dressing Table, Paldao Wood, 1950s Design
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
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
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 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 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
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
$1,820Sale Price / item|30% 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 Pearwood side table designed by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman Furniture company. This fantastic side profile with a great geometric round cantilevered s...
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
$4,550Sale Price / set|30% 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
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
Unusual 1930s "wave glass" Two-Tier Table by Gilbert Rhode for Herman Miller
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
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
$4,548Sale Price|25% Off
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
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
Pair of Baker Neoclassical End Tables or Nightstands
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant pair of Neoclassical end tables or night stands, by Baker, American, circa 1980s. Like all Baker furniture, they are extremely well made wi...
Wood
$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
Pair of John Stuart Neoclassical Nightstands End Tables
By John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern end tables by John Stuart. Dark walnut finish. Solid Brass Pulls. One drawer stands with shelves.
Walnut
Swedish Art Deco Dressing Table Vanity, Teak & Mirror, Circa 1930s
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
Mid-Century African Mahogany Vanity or Desk by E. Gomme for G-Plan
By Ebenezer Gomme, G-Plan
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century modern vanity/desk designed by E. Gomme for G-Plan in the United Kingdom, circa 1950s. This exquisite vanity is a true masterpiece and features four intricately crafted drawers...
Brass
Dining or Game Table by Charles Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A square dining or game table with an ash top, on folding steel legs. Model DTM.
Steel
$1,150 / set
H 45 in W 29.5 in D 19.75 in
1960s Swedish White Lacqured Vanity Set by Torsten Totti Laakso for Asko
By Asko
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century white lacquered " AKKA " vanity set by Finnish designer Torsten Totti Laakso for the Swedish Asko company, 1960s.The company was known for their high quality pieces and t...
Fabric, Glass, Wood
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
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
Modern Game Table
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
Beautiful hand crafted game table in Pristine Vintage Faux Shagreen material defines this incredibly functional piece. This table offers a subtle hint of luxury, especially when pair...
Shagreen, Faux Leather
Pair of Cerused Oak Nightstands
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of American Mid-Century Modern cerused oak nightstands.
1930's Art Deco Gilbert Rohde Side Table for Brown Saltman
By Brown Saltman, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Burbank, CA
Original 1930's Art Deco side table for sale. It was designed by Gilbert Rohde for Brown Saltman, and is very solidly built. It has the original light wood finish, and is made of sol...
Mahogany
Gilbert Rohde, Rare Paldao End Tables, Walnut, USA, 1940s
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Stamford, CT
Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller, Rare "Paldao" End or Side Tables, Walnut, USA, 1940s Rare pair of fully refinished end tables, side tables, or bedside tables from the "Paldao" collect...
Walnut
Sold
H 29 in W 68 in D 40 in
Art Deco Extendable Paldao Series Walnut & Leather Dining Table by Gilbert Rohde
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
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
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 18 in W 20.75 in D 18 in
Pair of Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Rare End Tables in Laurel & Steel 1930s
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Troy, MI
A rare pair of side tables designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller circa 1933 Early modernist design with square tops in East Indian Laurel Supported by inset bent steel legs o...
Steel
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 22 in W 26.5 in D 12 in L 22 in
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
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 Gilbert Rohde, Brown Saltman
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 Heywood-Wakefield Co., Gilbert Rohde
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