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.
$7,950
H 32 in W 28.5 in D 89 in
1957 Arne Jacobsen Fritz Hansen of Denmark Sofa Model 3300/4 4-Seat Sofa Knoll
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Model 3300/4 sofa, designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen of Denmark. This examples was produced circa 1957. While it is more common to see the single-seater...
Metal
George Nelson for Herman Miller 0639 Mid Century Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller 0639 Mid Century Sofa This sofa measures: 95.5 wide x 30.5 deep x 27.25 inches high, with a seat height of 15.75 and arm height of 22 inches Good Vi...
Upholstery
George Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller, c.1950s, USA. Newly upholstered in a high pile rich green mohair. The seating system features three cushioned seats and a white laminate side...
Steel
$2,317
H 33.47 in W 81.89 in D 37.41 in
Matteo Grassi Sofa Designersofa Italian Design Ledersofa Vintage Couch #0387
By Matteo Grassi
Located in Garching a. d. Alz, DE
Matteo Grassi Designersofa Guter Zustand. Minimale Gebrauchsspuren am Holzrahmen Nichtraucherhaushalt Keine Haustiere Leder ist im tadellosen Zustand. Abmessungen: Breite...
Leather, Wood
$8,457
H 31.89 in W 86.62 in D 33.08 in
Original Hans Kaufeld Sofa RH 302 Robert Haussmann Bauhaus Couch
By Robert Haussmann, Hans Kaufeld
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und äußerst seltenes Dreisitzersofa von Hans Kaufeld aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Design (Modell: RH 302) stammt von Robert Haussmann und wu...
Steel, Chrome
Mid-Century Sofa by Arthur Elrod
By Arthur Elrod
Located in Pasadena, CA
Elegant and glamorous sofa designed by Arthur Elrod for the Cody House in Palm Springs, circa 1960s. Re-imagined in a chic metallic gray linen. A pair o...
Fabric
$1,684
H 33.08 in W 71.66 in D 33.47 in
1x Original Walter Knoll Zweisitzer Sofa Design Couch Jason Leder
By Walter Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eins von zwei wunderschönen Zweisitzer Sofas vom deutschen Qualitätshersteller Walter Knoll zum Verkauf an. Insgesamt stehen zwei baugleiche Sofas in einem sehr ähnlichen ...
Leather
Hans J. Wegner GE-300/4 Sofa Getama Denmark 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Handewitt, DE
GE-300 / 4 sofa, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1960s for Getama Denmark. Legs in solid oak and original blue Kvadrat wool fabric. Needs a new upholstery/fabric. Ask for price (if int...
Oak
Jules Heumann Sofa for Metropolitan Furniture
By Jules Heumann, Metropolitan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sofa by California native Jules Heumann for the San Francisco based company, Metropolitan Furniture, c.1970's. The sofa features a lacquered white frame and newly upholstered cushion...
Mohair, Upholstery
$9,850 / item
H 31.5 in W 113.78 in D 39.38 in
Extra Deep Fully Upholstered Sofa With Minimalist Design & Ergonomic Proportions
Located in New York, NY
This extra deep sofa explores proportion through mass, softness, and continuous curvature. The design is defined by its monolithic silhouette, gently r...
Velvet, Foam, Wood
Vintage Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Offered here is a rare and highly collectible “Model 0693” Sofa, designed by George Nelson as part of his visionary Modular Seating System for Herman Miller, produced between 1956 an...
Metal
Stylish Scandinavian Modern Sofa in the Style of Kaj Gottlob
By Kaj Gottlob
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three-seat sofa in the style of Kaj Gottlob, Denmark. A Sleek design with winged arm rests and three overstuffed removable cushions. This comfortable mid-century modern green sofa ma...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Frame Sofa
By Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long sofa with simple Mid-Century Modern Knoll inspired design. Three seats on chrome frame. Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Chrome
Design Institute of America Sectional Sofa
By Design Institute America
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three piece semi circle sofa made by Design Institute of America. Vinyl seats with aluminum legs. Each piece measures 99" wide. Please confirm locat...
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This attractive vintage modern sofa boasts a single overstuffed cushion covered in a plush royal blue upholstery. The unique drum shaped legs add to the allure. A straight line midce...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Italian Style Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This four seat midcentury sofa features comfortable two cushion design complete with unique vintage fabric. Slender Italian style legs giv...
Fabric
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.
