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Rohde boldly informed De Pree that the brand’s furniture had become outdated, which was part of the reason the company was in financial jeopardy.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 Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
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
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 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 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
Mid Century Teak Dressing Table from White & Newton, 1960s
By White & Newton
Located in South Shields, GB
A mid century teak dressing table from White and Newton, circa 1960's Complete with a mirror There are six drawers in total - The handles are solid teak The piece stands on solid te...
Teak
1930s Deco vanity table/dressing table
Located in London, Lambeth
Compact Deco dressing table chrome metal frame with mirrored surface and vanity mirror Cc 1930 French
Chrome
$1,087
H 28.75 in W 46.86 in D 18.51 in
Mid Century Dressing Table in Walnut by Alfred COX for Heals, 1950s
By Alfred Cox
Located in South Shields, GB
A mid-century walnut dressing table from Alfred Cox, circa 1950s. These pieces were usually retailed through Heals . The dressing table includes six drawers and a mirror which tilt...
Walnut
Art Deco Teak Dressing Table
Located in Topanga, CA
An Art Deco teak dressing table featuring a beveled mirror at the center. The dresser is designed with a pair of central drawers and side door compartments, combining functionality ...
Teak
![1930's Glamorous French Art Deco Period Parchment [Goatskin] Vanity- Tall Mirror](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/1930s-glamorous-french-art-deco-period-parchment-goatskin-vanity-tall-mirror-for-sale/f_92852/f_395820421714946070898/f_39582042_1714946072504_bg_processed.jpg?width=240)
![1930's Glamorous French Art Deco Period Parchment [Goatskin] Vanity- Tall Mirror](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/1930s-glamorous-french-art-deco-period-parchment-goatskin-vanity-tall-mirror-for-sale-picture-2/f_92852/f_39582042/IMG_1714946126295_master.JPG?width=240)
$1,616Sale Price|50% Off
H 64.5 in W 14.5 in D 47.5 in
1930's Glamorous French Art Deco Period Parchment [Goatskin] Vanity- Tall Mirror
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1930's French Art Deco Parchment Clad w/ Rosewood Ladies Vanity. This is a glamorous piece of furniture. Tall mirrored with 6 drawers. Parisian Estate.
Wood
Art Deco Oak Dressing Table 1925 Holland
Located in Den Haag, NL
Superb Oak dressing table. Amsterdam School style 1925. Marble wood details. Ebony wood handles. Handmade. I also have the two nightstands. Very ...
Oak
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
$1,333Sale Price|36% Off
H 64.57 in W 37.01 in D 16.93 in
French Midcentury Oak Marble Dressing Table Vanity Unit with Three Panel Mirror
Located in Labrit, Landes
Vanity dressing table with three-sided mirror and little two-doors cabinet circa 1960 Adornated floral motif, very stylish Height of the marble-top: 30.71 in. (78 cm) Good vintage c...
Marble, Chrome
French Art Deco Vanity or Dressing Table, 1930s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Deco vanity or dressing table. Design in the style of Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. Striking French design from the 1930s. Black lacquered walnut and burl base wit...
Granite, Marble, Brass
$5,752
H 57.49 in W 38.19 in D 11.82 in
1930s Art Deco Vanity, Mahogany and Burr Mahogany Veneer, France
Located in Girona, Girona
Art Deco vanity in solid wood with mahogany and burr mahogany veneers, French polish. Original thick mirror with oxidation. France, circa 1930 Mirror...
Mirror, Mahogany
Art Deco Walnut Dressing Table circa 1930s
By Harry & Lou Epstein Furniture Co
Located in Dereham, GB
Art Deco Walnut Dressing Table circa 1930s, Very stylish with dark cross grain walnut veneer, & lighter figured walnut veneer Circular...
Walnut
$3,895
H 54.5 in W 48 in D 20 in
George Nelson Leather & Walnut Illuminated Vanity with Mirror & Ottoman for Herm
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions 54.50in H x 48in W x 20in D Desk Height 27in Ottoman 17in H x 22.50in W x 16in D _______________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like br...
Leather, Glass, 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 Art Deco Vanity Table and Stool by Herman Miller
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural Art Deco vanity table and stool from the 4140 collection designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, dating from the late 1930s to the early 1940s. The mid-century desk features a floating top design with a custom shaped glass, leather wrapped "wings" and angled base cabinets. Six drawers with padded leather fronts, provide ample storage space. The original olive green leather upholstery adds a touch of boldness, creating a striking contrast against the blonde mahogany wood. The vanity table is completed with its original matching vanity chair, a true rarity to find. Bring the essence of the museum straight into your home and elevate your space with this exceptional vanity and stool set...
Leather, Mahogany, Glass
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Art Deco Vanity, 1936
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in South Bend, IN
An extremely rare and exceptional Art Deco or mid-century modern vanity or desk By Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller USA, Circa 1936 East Indian laurel wood and birdseye maple...
Glass, Wood, Birdseye Maple
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.
Faux Leather, Mahogany
Gilbert Rohde Vanity / Desk for Herman Miller
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A early vanity or small desk with six angled leatherette padded drawers, floating top design and upturned angled sides with leatherette. Sitting on flared legs the piece is in a dark...
Mahogany
Original Vintage Gilbert Rohde Kidney Shape Cerused Desk
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in North Miami, FL
Extremely rare from the American Art Deco era. This kidney shaped desk in black cerused oak (original finish) with tree drawers and turned legs, in as found condition is a truly a un...
Brass
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Rosewood Vanity
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 1940s Gilbert Rohde designed for Herman Miller Model number 3770 vanity, made of Brazilian rosewood with 3 drawers 3 small storage compartments and glass shelf.
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 56 in D 20 in
Vintage Art Deco Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Mahogany Vanity & Mirror, 1930s
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a gorgeous vanity, made of mahogany and with padded cream drawers and a matching hanging wall mirror, by Gilbert Rohde, circa t...
Mahogany
Gilbert Rohde Mahogany Vanity and Mirror for Cavalier, circa 1931
By Gilbert Rohde, Cavalier
Located in Camden, ME
Gilbert Rohde for Cavalier Art Deco mahogany vanity with a swing out tray and a stepped wall mirror. Looks great.
Walnut
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Mahogany Series Vanity
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mahogany Series vanity designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller. Two matching pieces available as well. Original finish on all three pieces.
Metal
Art Deco Vanity Desk And Mirror Gilbert Rohde for Cavalier
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful American art deco streamline design circa 1930's by Gilbert Rohde. This unusual set of vanity desk with drawers and rotating tray ...
Bakelite, Mirror, Wood
Art Deco Vanity Desk And Mirror Gilbert Rohde for Cavalier
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in Atlanta, GA
Art Deco Vanity Desk And Mirror Gilbert Rohde for Cavalier A beautiful American art deco streamline design circa 1930s by Gilbert Rohde. This rare set of vanity desk with drawers...
Bronze