Herman Miller
American
No other business of its kind did more than the Herman Miller Furniture Company to introduce modern design into American homes. Working with legendary designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Alexander Girard, the Zeeland, Michigan-based firm fostered some of the boldest expressions of what we now call mid-century modern style. In doing so, Herman Miller produced some of the most beautiful, iconic and, one can even say, noblest chairs, sofas, tables and other furniture ever.
Founded in 1923, Herman Miller was originally known for grand historicist bedroom suites: heavily ornamented wood furniture that appealed to a high-minded, wealthier clientele. The company — named for its chief financial backer — began to suffer in the early 1930s as the Great Depression hit, and D.J. De Pree, the company’s CEO, feared bankruptcy. In 1932, aid came in the form of Gilbert Rohde, a self-taught furniture designer who had traveled widely in Europe, absorbing details of the Art Deco movement and other modernist influences. After persuading De Pree that the growing middle class required smaller, lighter household furnishings, Rohde set a new course for Herman Miller, creating sleek chairs, tables and cabinetry that were the essence of the Streamline Moderne style.
Rohde died suddenly in 1944. The following year, De Pree turned to George Nelson, an architect who had written widely about modern furniture design. Under Nelson’s leadership, Herman Miller would embrace new technologies and materials and audacious biomorphic forms.
Some of the pieces the company produced are now emblems of 20th century American design, including the Eames lounge chair and ottoman and Nelson’s Marshmallow sofa and Coconut chair. Such instantly recognizable furnishings have become timeless — staples of a modernist décor; striking, offbeat notes in traditional environments.
Find a range of vintage Herman Miller office chairs, desks, coffee tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
| Average Sold Price |
| $3,413 |
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| Related Creators |
Rosewood Thin Edge Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller, Beautiful Example
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Stunning George Nelson for Herman Miller Brazilian Rosewood Thin Edge cabinet. Two doors with the original adjustable shelf. Porcelain pulls and cast aluminum legs. The figuring in t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller
Materials
Aluminum
H 34.5 in. W 30 in. D 19.75 in.
Gilbert Rohde Slipper Chair for Herman Miller, circa 1940s
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in San Diego, CA
Gilbert Rohde slipper chair for Herman Miller, circa 1930s. Wonderful Art Deco, slipper, lounge chair by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller features a rounded profile with upholstered s...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller
Materials
Upholstery, Foam, Mahogany
George Nelson for Herman Miller Sofa in Light Brown Patterned Upholstery
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nelson for Herman Miller, sofa, model ‘5671’, fabric, metal, designed in 1955 and produced in 1956-78.
This wonderful midcentury sofa is designed by the renowned American ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller
Materials
Metal
H 27.17 in. W 89.38 in. D 30.32 in.
George Nelson Herman Miller Rosewood Thin Edge Eight Drawer Dresser
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Ferndale, MI
Beautifully grained Rosewood cabinet with two rows of four drawers. Early style turned aluminum pulls on each drawer. Cabinet standing on for turned aluminum legs. This is a classic ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller
Materials
Aluminum
H 30.75 in. W 46.75 in. D 18.5 in.
Early Pair of George Nelson Herman Miller Nightstands from the Thin Edge Group
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of George Nelson design "Thin Edge" group nightstands for Herman Miller. Nicely figured rosewood grain cabinets on tapering aluminum legs . Multi adjustable shelf above drawer w...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller
Materials
Aluminum
H 23.75 in. W 17.75 in. D 18.5 in.
1970s Midcentury Orange Sofa Compact by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Detroit, MI
Charles and Ray Eames designed the Eames Sofa Compact in 1954 based on a built-in sofa the couple had designed for their Pacific Palisades home in the 1940s. This freestanding version has been in continuous production ever since. This vintage Eames Sofa...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller
Materials
Steel, Chrome
H 35 in. W 72 in. D 30 in.
Pair of Eames Herman Miller Bar Stools in Alexander Girard Black White Check
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Ferndale, MI
Excellent and basically brand new Eames for Herman Miller barstools. Client bought the set and decided to go in a different direction. I traded ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller
Materials
Steel
H 46 in. W 18 in. D 17 in.
Early Herman Miller Eames 650 Dining Table with Rare White Base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A large dining table produced by Herman Miller and designed by Charles and Ray Eames. This table features the early five star base which was also used on the Eames lounge chair. Only...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller
Materials
Aluminum
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A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture
The prolific manufacturer has partnered with many of the world’s top designers since opening its doors in 1923. Here are some of the company’s greatest hits, which helped transform the American home and office.
The 16 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about to how they came to be.
Herman Miller Got Its Start in the Office, but Its Legacy Is in the Home
The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.
1970s Corporate America Has Never Looked So Chic
Photographer Susan Ressler revisits the office life of decades past, whose style still resonates.
Vincent Van Duysen Imbues Minimalism with Warmth
The Antwerp-based designer lends his unique touch to homes, boutiques and offices in Belgium, the United States and Germany, as well as furniture for B&B Italia and Molteni.
Herman Miller furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Herman Miller furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Herman Miller furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Herman Miller were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Charles and Ray Eames, Knoll, and Edward Wormley. Prices for Herman Miller furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at £107 and can go as high as £55,287, while a piece like these, on average, fetch £2,315.
Questions About Herman Miller
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021The best Herman Miller chair is going to vary by owner. There have been many revered chairs and other seating manufactured by the legendary American furniture company over the years. Chairs by Herman Miller are often alluring in appearance, comfortable, and long-lasting. 1stDibs offers a variety of vintage and new Herman Miller chairs that are contemporary in design and durable.
- Who is Herman Miller?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Although many modern furnishings bear his name, Herman Miller is not a furniture designer. It is the name of a manufacturer — the business was originally called the Michigan Star Furniture Company and produced bedroom sets in traditional styles. When the company's general manager D.J. De Pree purchased the manufacturer in 1923 with his father-in-law's help, he showed his gratitude by renaming it after his benefactor: Herman Miller. Today, the firm is best known for iconic mid-century modern furniture designed by the likes of George Nelson, Ray and Charles Eames, and others. Herman Miller chairs, tables, storage cabinets and more helped usher in a new era of design characterized by sleek lines, bold colors and luxurious materials.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Herman Miller is the official retailer and manufacturer of the iconic Eames lounge chairs. Inspired by 19th-century English club chairs, interior design enthusiasts highly covet the distinctive-shaped Eames chair. Shop a collection of vintage Eames chairs and other goods from Herman Miller on 1stDibs.
- What is a Herman Miller chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Herman Miller chair is a chair produced by the American furniture company Herman Miller. The firm is best known today for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, which includes a range of armchairs, office chairs and other seating. Vintage Herman Miller chairs such as the Eames lounge chair, the Coconut chair and the Eames Executive chair are widely celebrated by design enthusiasts all over the world, while the Aeron chair, which was created by ergonomics pioneers Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick in the 1990s, is the quintessential computer chair and a best seller. Shop a collection of Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Herman Miller headquarters is located in Zeeland, Michigan. It opened in 1905 as the Star Furniture Company. The public company's stock trades on the NASDAQ exchange under the initials MLKN. On 1stDibs, you can find a selection of Herman Miller furniture.
- Does Herman Miller own Knoll?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, the noted furniture brand Herman Miller acquired Knoll in 2021 and announced a new name, MillerKnoll. The new name is meant to take advantage of the long history and reputation that each brand brings to the table and to introduce a new, stronger joint effort to the public. Shop a collection of Herman Miller and Knoll furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022PostureFit from Herman Miller is a kit available as an accessory for Aeron chairs and stools. Its purpose is to provide extra support at the base of the spine to help encourage better posture. The kit doesn't fit all Aeron chairs, making it important that you carefully read the information about compatible models before making a purchase. Shop a range of Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How to adjust a Herman Miller chair depends on the model. Over the years, the company's furniture has employed many different mechanisms. Current styles of their well-known Aeron chair have a lever on the right for adjusting the seat height and one on the left that controls the seat tilt. A separate lever allows you to raise and lower the arms. You'll find a collection of Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To clean a Herman Miller Aeron chair, follow the specific directions provided by the company. Generally, you can use a soft cloth moistened with water and mild dish soap to wipe off the arms, base and frame. Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove debris from the upholstery. Shop a range of Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How to replace Herman Miller casters depends on the chair. In most cases, you will need a pipe wrench and an Allen wrench to remove the current casters, and a mallet and a lubricant to install the new wheels. Follow the replacement instructions provided by Herman Miller to ensure best results. Find a selection of Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Where Herman Miller furniture is made depends on the piece. Up until 2007, a factory in Zeeland, Michigan, produced nearly all of the company's furniture. In 2007, the company acquired a factory in Ningbo, China, and in the early 2010s, they established a manufacturing location in the United Kingdom. On 1stDibs, you can find a selection of Herman Miller furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Normally, Herman Miller has two sales each year. The first takes place in the spring, and the second is usually in the fall around the start of shopping for the holiday season. Year-round, other online platforms may offer discounts on Herman Miller. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Herman Miller furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Herman Miller actually has two sales each year rather than one annual sale. The specific dates of the sales vary. However, most years, the sales take place once in the spring and once in the fall. You may find Herman Miller available for discounted prices on other online platforms year-round. Find a collection of Herman Miller furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can buy Herman Miller chairs in a number of ways. The company sells directly through their online store and operates a flagship shop in New York City. In addition, Herman Miller makes their chairs available through select brick-and-mortar retailers and online platforms. You'll find a collection of Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, there are fake Herman Miller chairs. Because of the brand's popularity, some unscrupulous manufacturers create replicas and try to pass them off as authentic Herman Miller pieces. Others simply borrow elements of the style, producing chairs that look very similar. To identify a real Herman Miller chair, look for a label or medallion that shows the brand's logo or name in the correct font. Normally, the mark is under the seat. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly vetted Herman Miller chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Whether or not a Herman Miller Aeron chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal perception. The chair does have many points of adjustability to help ensure comfort. You can tilt, raise and lower the seat height and adjust the tilt and height of the arms. Shop a selection of Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The way to adjust a Herman Miller Aeron chair depends on which part you wish to reposition. To raise or lower the seat, use the paddle-shaped lever found on the right side of the chair. Reach for the lever on the left side to tilt the seat. A lever on the base of the arms controls the arm height, and you can modify the arm angle by pivoting the arm pad. You'll find a selection of Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022An easy way to identify a Herman Miller chair is to examine the underside of the seat. Many pieces feature a label or medallion that bears the brand name in the correct font or the logo. In addition, Herman Miller chairs come with a certificate of authenticity. On 1stDibs, find a selection of expertly vetted Herman Miller chairs.
- Does Herman Miller make clocks?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Herman Miller makes clocks. Founded in 1927, the Herman Miller Clock Company specialized in traditional clock design. Today, Herman Miller is known for their mid-century and contemporary style clocks. Browse a selection of Herman Miller’s clocks and furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023To tell if your Herman Miller chair is real, look for the legendary manufacturer’s specific logomarks on the product (these logomarks can be found on the company’s official website). There is also the manufacturing label, which is usually found under the seat. All of the classic Herman Miller designs are paired with a certificate of authenticity. Some designs may also have a medallion attached to certify their authenticity. You can then check trusted online resources to determine if the information on the label is correct for the style of chair. Because there are many convincing reproductions out there, you may also wish to have a certified appraiser assist you with the authentication process. Shop a collection of authentic Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can buy used Herman Miller chairs from many sources. One option is to purchase from a local seller or from a vintage shop or auction house. Many online platforms, including 1stDibs, offer gently-used Herman Miller chairs, as well. Buying from a reputable store or platform can help to ensure that you receive an authentic chair. You'll find a collection of expertly vetted Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
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