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.
H 52.25 in W 21.5 in D 23 in
Vintage Herman Miller Aeron Classic Stool Armless Chair
By Herman Miller
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a classic Herman Miller Aeron Armless Chair Adjustable Stool Stool Black Mesh Adjustable No Arms Ergonomic with Wheels DIme...
Metal, Steel
H 31 in W 18 in D 18 in
1960s Herman Miller Eames Swivel Office Desk Chair / rare green fiberglass
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage 1960s Herman Miller Eames fiberglass shell office or desk chair. Swivel base with wheels. Seldom seen / green fiberglass Shell in good condition with wonderful exposed fiber...
Aluminum
H 31 in W 18 in D 18 in
1960s Herman Miller Eames Swivel Office Desk Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 1960s Herman Miller Eames fiberglass shell office or desk chair. Swivel base with wheels. Shell in good condition. Base constructed of cast aluminum. Presents nicely in even ...
Aluminum
H 32 in W 18 in D 18 in
Herman Miller Eames PSCC Swivel Desk Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Light yellow fiberglass shell desk chair by Herman Miller. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames. Model PSCC, with swivel base and casters. In good workin...
Aluminum
H 32 in W 24 in D 26 in
Eames Management Office Desk Chair by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous edition of the classic Eames office chair for Herman Miller. Management armchair is executed in polished aluminum and bla...
Aluminum
H 40.16 in W 22.84 in D 24.02 in
1 of 10 Vitra Eames Herman Miller Black Leather Swivel Office Chairs
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller, Vitra
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale 1 of 10 original vintage Charles & Rays Eames, Vitra, Herman Miller high back black leather office swivel ar...
Chrome
H 43 in W 23 in D 19 in
Mid Century Modern Herman Miller Swivel Office Chair Newly Reupholstered
By Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Peter Protzman for Herman Miller High Back Swivel Office Chair on Casters Newly Reupholstered with Black Distressed Italian Leather Circa Mid 20th Century Tagge...
Leather
H 40.25 in W 23 in D 23 in
Eames Herman Miller Aluminum Group black leather swivel tilt executive chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Ferndale, MI
Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Executive Chair Model EA420, designed in 1969 by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller . This chair is stamped 1992 . Soft black leather upholstery ...
Aluminum
H 40.25 in W 23 in D 23 in
Eames Herman Miller Aluminum Group black leather swivel tilt executive chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Ferndale, MI
Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Executive Chair Model EA420, designed in 1969 by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller . This chair is stamped 1992 . Soft black leather upholstery ...
Aluminum
H 40.25 in W 23 in D 23 in
Eames Herman Miller Aluminum Group black leather swivel tilt executive chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Ferndale, MI
Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Executive Chair Model EA420, designed in 1969 by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller . This chair is stamped 1992 . Soft black leather upholstery ...
Aluminum
Herman Miller Rolling Office Chairs, Pair
By Herman Miller
Located in South Bend, IN
A nice pair of rolling office or desk chairs By Herman Miller USA, 2000s A nice pair of rolling office or desk chairs By Herman Miller USA, 2000s Measures: 18" W x 19" D x 3...
Aluminum
Art Deco Executive Office Desk Chair by Art Metal, Circa 1930s
By Steelcase
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare surviving Art Deco Machine Age or Mid-Century Modern executive office desk chair In the manner of Steelcase By Art Metal USA, Circa 1930s Aluminum frame, with green vinyl...
Aluminum
Paul McCobb Planner Group Black and White Lacquer Double Pedestal Desk and Chair
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern double pedestal executive writing desk and spindle back chair By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Solid bla...
Brass
Peter Handler Custom Handmade "Pteranodon" Postmodern Desk Chair, 2008
By Peter Handler
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding custom handmade "Pteranodon" Postmodern office desk chair By Peter Handler for Handler Studio USA, 2008 The Pteranodon c...
Aluminum
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
American Carved Cream Lacquered Solid Maple Spindle Back Side or Desk Chair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous vintage Early American style cream lacquered carved solid maple desk chair, dining chair, or side chair USA, Circa 1970s Measures: 19"W x 17.75"D x 33.5"H. Seat Height: ...
Maple, Lacquer
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
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.
