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.
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
Todd Hase Designed Hollywood Sofa
By Todd Hase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic modern details with old Hollywood Glam designed by Todd Hase. Add some modern elements to your living space. This Classic sofa will work well with many styles of interiors an...
Textile
Martin Borenstein Sofa
By Martin Borenstein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sofa by Martin Borenstein, USA, c.1950s. The sofa has been newly upholstered in a beautiful Italian velvet alpaca with tan suede trim. The sofa features a walnut side table with thre...
Chrome
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
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
Restored George Nelson Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
Sofa designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Newly upholstered in a ticking striped fabric with chrome legs. Measures: 81". Arm height 21"
Fabric
Todd Hase Designed Wren Sofa
By Todd Hase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Modern details with fabulous curved shapes designed by Todd Hase. Add some Modern Elements to your Living Space. This classic sofa will work well wit...
Textile
$1,681
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
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
ClassiCon Model Satyr Sofa Design by ForUse
By ForUse
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Model Satyr designed by ForUse. Manufactured by Classicon. This object is a rare and unique version from the pre production with a raw steel base from the year 2005. The cover is a ...
Metal, Steel
Vladimir Kagan Bilbao Sofa for Weiman
By Weiman, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Denton, TX
Vladimir Kagan Bilbao freeform sofa for Weiman. Organic design with black and tan micro fiber fabric. This design was inspired by the Guggenheim ...
Upholstery, Wood
Sculptural Vintage Cloud Sofa
Located in Denton, TX
Cloud freeform sofa in black microfiber fabric.
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley Slipper Sofa for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Denton, TX
Edward Wormley slipper sofa for Dunbar with off white upholstery and ebonized bentwood legs. Older restoration.
Bentwood, Upholstery
Rolf Benz for Cy Mann Designs 2600 Chaise Longue
By Rolf Benz, Cy Mann
Located in Denton, TX
Supple lipstick red leather with brass and silver accents. The pillow is magnetized to stay in place , please see video.
Metal
Rosewood Hans Olsen Sofa for Vatne Mobler
By Vatne Møbler, Hans Olsen
Located in Denton, TX
Brazilian rosewood Hans Olsen 4 seater sofa for Vatne Mobler. The cushions are reversible one side has a pattern the other is plain. Please see pic...
Fabric, Rosewood
Hans Wegner for Getama Lounge Chairs
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Denton, TX
Rare Hans Wegner lounge chairs constructed in oak with grey upholstery by GEMTANA. Danish modern styling with the rustic quality of oak.
Upholstery, Oak
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.
