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.
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
George Nelson Leather & Walnut Illuminated Vanity with Mirror & Ottoman for Herm
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
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
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 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
$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
George Nelson/ Alexander Girard Hanging Wall Vanity
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
George Nelson and Alexander Girard Hanging Drop down lighted Vanity. Beautiful graphic design on the front panel. Panel opens down to reveal a mirror, small drawers and lights that...
Mirror, Wood, Walnut
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
$8,000 / item
H 55.91 in W 53.15 in D 19.69 in
21st Century American Walnut Veneer Vanity Desk with Mirror and Carrara Marble
By Merve Kahraman
Located in Istanbul, TR
"La Nouvelle Vanité" is a make up desk made of American walnut veneer with an arc shaped mirror behind, designed by Merve Kahraman design studio. This work/makeup desk...
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
Dutch Mahogany Vanity Dresser with Tri-Fold Mirror
Located in Voorburg, NL
Gorgeous original Dutch mahogany vanity dresser with tri-fold mirror, circa 1950s. The vanity features beautiful mahogany wood grain, nice carved wood details, and a large tri-fold m...
Mirror, Mahogany
$12,600
H 71.2 in W 54.4 in D 16 in
Italian Mid-Century Vanity Console by Cesare Lacca with Mirror in Burl Walnut
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Code: FH27 Majestic vanity dressing table console with mirror, 1950s by Cesare Lacca per La Permanente Mobili Cantù , in burl walnut folder. La...
Mirror, Walnut, Burl
Art Deco Satin Birch Dressing Table
Located in London, GB
A superb Art Deco Satin Birch dressing table. This was made in England, it dates from the 1930’s. The quality is outstanding, this has a stylish and practical design. The base has l...
Mirror, Birch
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
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
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
Art Deco Wrought Iron Vanity
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural hand hammered and forged Art Deco Desk/Vanity/Console in the style of Edgar Brandt circa 1930s. Mixed materials.
Aluminum, Copper, Wrought Iron
Art Deco Mahogany Vanity Dresser With Mirror
By Beautility
Located in Pasadena, TX
An Art Deco vanity made by Beautility featuring beautifully grained mahogany and a stylish flowing design. The dresser comprises of mirror, two large drawers,a jewelery drawer and t...
Mahogany
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
Gilbert Rohde Art Deco Vanity Table and Stool by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
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
Sold
H 5.75 in W 30 in D 18.5 in
George Nelson Mid-Century Modern Walnut Flip Top Jewelry Chest or Vanity, 1950s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern bleached walnut flip top jewelry chest or vanity with mirror By George Nelson for Herman Miller USA, 1950s Measures: 30" W x 18.5" D x...
Mirror, Walnut
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
Sold
H 63 in W 45 in D 21.88 in
Early Herman Miller French Louis XVI Carved Walnut Vanity with Mirror, 1920s
By Herman Miller
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique French Regency Louis XVI style vanity dresser with mirror By Herman Miller, "The All Walnut Line" USA, Circa 1920s Carved walnut, with inlaid ...
Brass
Sold
H 29.75 in W 78 in D 19.5 in
Vanity with Two Four-Drawer Chests by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
George Nelson vanity in combed oak for Herman Miller. Two four-drawer dressers sit on each side of the drop in vanity. The vanity top lifts to reveal the...
Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller Dresser with Built-In Vanity
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Handsome little four-drawer dresser featuring original finish with lovely natural patina and rich, warm tone. The top drawer features the rare, optional flip-open vanity...
Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 56 in D 20 in
Vintage Art Deco Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Mahogany Vanity & Mirror, 1930s
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
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
George Nelson Thin Edge Rosewood Vanity for Herman Miller, 1960
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Hamburg, PA
A three piece vanity with two chests that can be separated or configured as a vanity. This thin edge rosewood vanity has beautiful rich wood grain, original porcelain pulls and steel legs. The George Nelson vanity...
Steel
Herman Miller Vanity Set by Gilbert Rohde
By Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early post modern design by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller. Features a beautiful bleached black oak & a nice golden oak contrast, molded plywood & leather handles and legs.
Oak, Glass