Herman Miller Seating

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.

Herman Miller seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Herman Miller seating 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 seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 642 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 2 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating 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 seating by Charles and Ray Eames, Charles Eames, and Milo Baughman. Prices for Herman Miller seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $150 and can go as high as $50,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,481.

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Questions About Herman Miller Seating

Who is Herman Miller?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Although 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.
What is a Herman Miller chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 29, 2024
A 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 and other mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
Is Herman Miller the same as Eames?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Herman 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.
Does Herman Miller own Knoll?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, 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.
Where is the Herman Miller headquarters?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
The 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.
What is PostureFit from Herman Miller?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
PostureFit 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.
Why is Herman Miller so good?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
Herman Miller is good due to its long history of producing high-quality and enduring designs. 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 and iconic chairs, sofas, tables and other furniture ever. Some of the pieces the company produced are now emblems of 20th-century American design, including the Eames lounge chair and ottoman and George Nelson’s Marshmallow sofa and Coconut chair. Such instantly recognizable furnishings have become timeless staples of modernist decor. Shop a wide range of Herman Miller furniture on 1stDibs.
How do I adjust a Herman Miller chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
How 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.
What is the best Herman Miller chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
The 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.
How do I replace Herman Miller casters?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
How 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.
How do I clean a Herman Miller Aeron?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To 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.
Where is Herman Miller furniture made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Where 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.
How often does Herman Miller have a sale?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Normally, 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.
How do I adjust a Herman Miller Aeron?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
The 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.
Does Herman Miller make clocks?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, 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.
When is Herman Miller’s annual sale?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Herman 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.
Where can I buy Herman Miller chairs?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 29, 2024
You can buy Herman Miller chairs in a number of ways. The company sells chairs directly through their online store and operates a flagship store in New York City. In addition, Herman Miller makes their chairs available through select authorized brick-and-mortar retailers and online platforms. You'll also find a collection of vintage Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
How do I identify a Herman Miller chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
An 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.
Are there fake Herman Miller chairs?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 29, 2024
Yes, 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 manufacturer’s mark can be found under the seat.

On 1stDibs, shop a collection of authentic Herman Miller chairs.
What style of furniture is Herman Miller?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
The style of furniture associated with Herman Miller is mid-century modern. While the manufacturer originally produced bedroom sets in traditional styles, the company eventually changed course, and no other business of its kind did more than Herman Miller to introduce mid-century 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 and iconic chairs, sofas, tables and other furniture. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Herman Miller furniture.

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