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Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

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.

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Creator: Herman Miller
George Nelson and Robert Propst Action Office Roll-Top Desk for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Robert Propst, George Nelson
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Incredible Action office (Ao1) desk designed by Georde Nelson and Robert Propst which was produced by Herman Miller from 1964 to 1968. Action Office was the world’s first open-plan...
Category

1960s Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

Herman Miller Office Desk
By Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modern office desk by Herman Miller. Made in 1993 while retaining the mid-century modern style. Large wood top with metal hardware. Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

George Nelson Swag Leg Desk Classic Midcentury Design, / Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
George Nelson/Herman Miller Swag Leg Desk. Classic midcentury Design, / Newer production made, with the same style and quality as when it w...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Chrome

George Nelson Walnut Executive and Typewriter Desk Set
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, Executive Office Group desk model 9959 and typewriter return desk model 4751 by George Nelson for Herman Miller features a dark walnut finish with steel legs, alu...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Desk Action Office 1, George Nelson, Herman Miller, Large Version
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Bern, CH
Design classic desk Action Office 1, George Nelson, Herman Miller, large version. Offered is a rare original design classic rarity, the desk Action Office 1. Model 64 902. Designe...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller Table Desk
By Herman Miller, Bruce Burdick
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
This highly innovative design by Bruce Burdick uses an aluminum beams, glass, and cast aluminum to suspend all the necessary components. Beautiful pos...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Herman Miller Zebra Wood and Chrome Desk Designed by Peter Protzman
By Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful iconic, Mid-Century Modern desk designed by Peter Protzman and manufactured by Herman Miller. This design was only produced for a handful of years and is definitely a diffi...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Zebra Wood

George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Corner Executive Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Mid Century Walnut Corner Executive Desk This desk measures: 60 wide x 30 deep x 29.75 high, with a chair cleara...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal, Chrome

George Nelson Action Office Architect's Roll-Top Desk for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dallas, TX
Striking black and walnut roll-top architect's desk with three drawers and hidden file storage. Produced in 1964 by the Herman Miller company for the Action Office Series...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller Drop-Leaf Desk Model 4754, ca. 1955
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
George Nelson for Herman Miller Drop-Leaf Desk Model 4754, ca. 1955. Professionally restored in showroom condition, this beautiful desk has a drop leaf on the left side with all orig...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

U-Shape Burdick Desk for Herman Miller with Floating Table
By Herman Miller, Bruce Burdick
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...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Onyx, Granite, Aluminum

George Nelson for Herman Miller Steelframe Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller steelframe desk, model 4111 black frame with Herman Miller orange drawer fronts and okra colored sides laminate pl...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Desk by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Robert Propst
Located in Madrid, ES
Action Office desk, model 64 902, designed by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller from the 1960s. Base made of chrome-plated aluminum with wh...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Art Deco Vanity, 1936
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
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...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood, Birdseye Maple

Early George Nelson for H. Miller Desk '4658', Rare Black Lacquer /Green Leather
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
George Nelson for Herman Miller, desk model '4658', walnut, steel, leather, United States, 1946 Rare Color Configuration... Early example,, Unmolested,, all original condition... ...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Early George Nelson Desk / Return, Child's Desk, Modernist, Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early George Nelson desk / return, child's desk, Modernist, Herman Miller, Retains original Herman Miller foil label, 4 drawers, pencil dividers, steel frame, minor pitting (lower right side bottom). Original designed for larger desk, return, typewriter desk...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

George Nelson Home Office Desk Model 4658 for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Dallas, TX
George Nelson & Associates Home Office desk, model 4658 Manufactured by Herman Miller USA, 1946 This example is constructed of combed oak, chrome-plated steel, aluminum, and leat...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Yellow & Black Steel Frame Desk Model 4111 by George Nelson Herman Miller Mint
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Yellow & black steel frame desk Model 4111 by George Nelson Herman Miller Mint.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

1950s George Nelson Swag Leg Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Swag leg desk, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Colorful cubbyholes and molded drawers allow for a tidy and streamlined workspace. O...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
George Nelson Desk for Herman Miller, 1960s The Top has a very floating appearance.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Action Office 1' Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early George Nelson Action Office 1 desk in original condition with minor wear. George Nelson for Herman Miller, polished aluminum, plastic laminate, ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Elusive Modernist Action Office Desk or Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rarely seen modernist action office desk or conference table by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Purchased from prominent Buffalo NY architect. Beautiful figured walnut wood top mino...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

1960s Action Office Standing Desk by George Nelson, Herman Miler production
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Robert Propst
Located in Renens, CH
1960s Action Office Standing Desk by George Nelson, Herman Miler production George Nelson, architect, designer and author is famous for several ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

1960s Walnut and Leather Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Glendale, CA
1960s walnut and leather desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Executed in walnut with leather lift top (with key) covering center filing compartment, which illuminates and contai...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson by Herman Miller Laminated Aluminum Design 1950s Rare Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brescia, IT
George Nelson by Hermann Miller 1950s Laminated wood, aluminum base Rare model.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

George Nelson Home Desk for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Hudson, NY
Walnut with original custom white leather writing surface and sliding floating doors, small drawers in maple. Storage and drop down typing table with original perforated aluminum fil...
Category

1940s American Modern Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Vintage Herman Miller Table or Desk with Knoll Walnut Top
By Herman Miller
Located in Pasadena, TX
A vintage dining or conference table or a desk. Beautiful Knoll top made of American Walnut on a Herman Miller aluminum segmented base. We have 8 available.  
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Bruce Burdick for Herman Miller Desk
By Herman Miller, Bruce Burdick
Located in Sheffield, MA
Bruce Burdick executive desk for Herman Miller features aluminium frame base and file drawers. Desk is topped by long rectangular piece and a se...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Writing Desk by George Nelson
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A single pedestal writing desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller with a built-in pivoting lamp. Lamp is 18" H.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

George Nelson Herman Miller Drop Leaf Gate Leg Dining Table or Desk
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
A rarer find in original black finish. Clever design by George Nelson for Herman Miller Measures: 40" depth 29.75" height. 64.75" long unfolded 41.5" half folded 18.5" folded.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Eames for Herman Miller Student Desk Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Fulton, CA
Eames for Herman Miller formed fiberglass desk chair. Desk top flips up for easier seating. Retains Herman Miller labels. Vibrant blue upholstery...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Herman Miller desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Herman Miller desks and writing tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Herman Miller desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables by George Nelson, Paul McCobb, and Dunbar. Prices for Herman Miller desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at £441 and can go as high as £11,937, while a piece like these, on average, fetch £5,139.
Questions About Herman Miller Desks and Writing Tables
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    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 on 1stDibs.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Whether 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, 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.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    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 mark is under the seat. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly vetted Herman Miller chairs.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    You 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, 2022
    No, Herman Miller is not a Fortune 500 company. Fortune creates their list by ranking companies based on their annual revenues for each fiscal year. Herman Miller's revenues have yet to reach a high enough level for them to appear on the list. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Herman Miller furniture.

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