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.
Classic Herman Miller Aeron Chair Stool With Arms Adjustable
By Herman Miller
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a rare and hard to find classic Herman Miller chair Aeron Stool Arms Adjustable Dimension: Tallest 55.5 h shortest 50 shortest x 21 d x 26 w size B Original ...
Metal, Steel
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
1950s Do More Swivel Office Chair Gio Ponti Industrial USA Mid-Century Modern
By Gio Ponti
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, 1950s Do More office chair mid-century modern industrial era. Domore Chair Company Inc founded in 1922 by William S. Ferris in El...
Steel
1960s EST Modern Office Leather Task Chair Grafton, WI
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration Industrial office by EST leather task chair Grafton, WI Circa the 1960s. Stamped by maker Aluminum with new leather upholste...
Aluminum
Emilio Ambasz Knoll Stacking Office Chair Plastic and Metal
By Knoll, Emilio Ambasz
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Emilio Ambasz for Knoll Office Chair stackable ergonomic modern design. Price per chair. Maker stamped. Plastic with metal frame 31.25 tall x 24.5 w 20d Seat 17.5 A...
Metal
1970s Deluxe Brewer Desk Chair Doctor Stool Del Tube Corp
By Gio Ponti
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Modern ergonomic deluxe Medical Brewer Doctor Stool Blue Chair Office Desk Del Tube Corp E. F. Brewer Company Menomonee Falls, W...
Metal
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.
