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.
$900 / set
H 40.5 in W 18.5 in D 22 in
2024 Pair of Herman Miller Eames Plastic Counter Stools with Chrome Bases
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Eames Plastic Counter stools, which were developed by Herman Miller in 2015. These particular examples were produced in 2024. The stools are comprised of chrome bas...
Chrome
$560Sale Price|20% Off
H 44.5 in W 24 in D 18 in
1 Midcentury H Miller Eames Fiberglass Stool with H-Base
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Pasadena, TX
Charles and Ray Eames Charles and Ray married in 1941 and moved to California where they continued their furniture design work with molding plywood. During the war, they were commissioned by the Navy to produce molded plywood splints, stretchers, and experimental glider shells. In 1946, Evans Products began producing the Eameses` molded plywood furniture. Their molded plywood chair was called "the chair of the century" by the influential architectural critic Esther McCoy. Soon production was taken over by Herman Miller, Inc ., who continues to produce the furniture in the United States to this day. Another company, Vitra International, manufactures furniture in Europe. The Eameses continued to create new furniture designs into the 1970s. Examples include the molded plastic or fiberglass chairs from the early 1950s and the famous lounge chair and ottoman from 1956. Sturdy, comfortable and elegant office furniture was created in the 1960s, as well as seating designed for Dulles and O`Hare Airports. This Tandem Sling Seating is still in use in airports around the world today. 1948 designed Herman Miller Eames vinyl...
Chrome
$1,100 / set
H 38.5 in W 20.5 in D 21.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Pair of Bar Stools
By Arne Jacobsen
Located in Toledo, OH
Stunning pair of midcentury Danish modern barstools designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen. They are done in a beautiful rich ebonized bent wood seat...
Oak
$2,350 / set
H 31.5 in W 24.02 in D 24.02 in
Pair of Herman Miller White Fiberglass Charles & Ray Eames "PSW" Barstools
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful pair of barstools designed by Charles & Ray Eames, featuring off-white fiberglass shell seats mounted on elegant maple swivel dowel bases. The shells retain their original ...
Steel
Pair of Fritz Hansen Ant Seats High Bar Stools Chairs
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Fritz Hansen Ant Seats high bar stools chairs in white.
Chrome
Mid-Century Vintage Swivel Bar Stools 1970s
Located in Baltimore, MD
A beautiful set of four mid-century modern bar stools circa 1970s. Each with a high back, padded backrest and swivel padded seats made of vinyl upholstery in a dark brown color. The ...
Upholstery
C. 1962 Herman Miller Eames Drafting Shell Chair 622NS
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Drafting Shell Chair, Model 622NS, designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller. It is a rather scarce design and is difficult to find in the vintage marke...
Steel
Set of Eames upholstered side chairs by Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Highland, IN
This set of side chairs by Charles and Ray Eames are post-war classics. The seats are elephant hide gray fiberglass with olive green naugahyde upholstery and they sit on cast aluminu...
Aluminum
$582 / item
H 31.11 in W 23.23 in D 19.69 in
1948, Ray & Charles Eames for Herman Miller, Fiberglas Stacking Side Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Metal, Chrome
Pair of Mid-Century Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
These stylish and unusual mid-century stools feature sturdy iron hairpin frames, comfortable seating, and sleek faux-leather upholstery. Angular backrest supports peak above the cush...
Iron
Pair of Mid-Century French Stools
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of Mid-Century French stools which have been reupholstered in a neutral fabric finished with gilded legs. Circa 1940.
Linen, Giltwood
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Space Age Armchairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of Mid-Century Italian comfortable futurist armchairs. Reupholstered in grey Dedar upholstery with metal legs. Circa 1970.
Metal
Pair of Mid-Century French Maison Jansen Style Curule Stools
By Maison Jansen
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of elegant Mid-Century French wrought iron curule stools attributed to Maison Jansen. They are in the Neo-Classical style and feature cast swan heads and feet with embellishment...
Iron
Pair of 20th Century Armchairs by Vincent Cafiero for Knoll International
By Vincent Cafiero
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of 20th Century Knoll International oak framed armchairs designed by Vincent Cafiero. Circa 1950.
Oak
Pair of Mid-Century Italian "Sedia Jacaré" Folding Chairs by Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A pair of Mid-Century Italian brass and leather 'Sedia Jacaré' folding chairs. Designed by Gabriella Crespi in 1975.
Brass
Set of Six 20th Century Italian Chairs by Alessandro Becchi
By Alessandro Becchi
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Beautiful set of six 20th Century Italian dining chairs by Alessandro Becchi. Mid-Century in style. Upholstered with rattan. Circa 1970.
Rattan, Wood
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.
