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.
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
Eames Executive Chair Time-Life Lobby Chair Herman Miller Mid Century
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, the iconic Eames Executive Chair, also widely known as the Time-Life Lobby Chair. It was designed in 1960 by the famous husband-and-wife design team, Charles ...
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
Herman Miller Aeron Chair Size B Fully Adjustable Brand New, Carbon Mesh Fabric
By Herman Miller, Don Chadwick
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Aeron chair size (B) fully loaded with all adjustments by Herman Miller. It's the best and most admired and recognized ergonomic office chair ever made. Its innovative design and support for a range of postures, activities, and body types, have made and kept Aeron an icon. Combining a deep knowledge of human-centered design with cutting-edge technology, the chair is engineered with state-of-the-art adjustability, to help you maintain the optimal seating posture. Please note I have eight chairs available, selling them individually (the price listed is for one chair) Specification and adjustments: Breathable fabric adapts to everybody and keeps you cool and comfortable. Pellicle mesh fabric, carbon classic weave seat and back. Adjustable seat height from 16" to 20.5" Adjustable lumbar support stabilizes the base of the spine. Black leather arm pads, height and pivot adjustable allow for a custom fit. Adjustable tilt tension, limiter and upright back lock Forward tilt lock Medium chair size: B Aluminum frame and base in graphite color. Weight capacity: 350 lbs. Designed by: Don Chadwick and Bill Stumpf...
Metal, Aluminum
“Aeron” office chair by Herman Miller 2000s
By Herman Miller
Located in Padova, IT
Since the mid-20th century, the Herman Miller brand has become synonymous with designer furniture and ergonomic, high-performance office chairs. Thanks to collaborations with renowne...
Metal
Don Chadwick Bill Stumpf for Herman Miller Equa 2 swivel tilt task chair
By Herman Miller, Don Chadwick
Located in Ferndale, MI
Herman Miller swivel , tilt , height adjustable office / desk / task chair . The Equa chair designed by Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick who famously 10 years later collaborated on the c...
Aluminum
Mirra 2 Office Chair by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, Made in the Usa in 2015
By Herman Miller, Studio 7.5 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Mirra 2 Office Chair by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Made in the USA in 2015, this gray office chair...
Metal
Uncommon Desk Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. USA. Reupholstered in curly lambchop boucle
Bouclé
Herman Miller Ergonomic Aeron Side/Guest or Desk Chair Size B, in Carbon Mesh
By Don Chadwick, Herman Miller
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Herman Miller Aeron side/guest or desk chair size (B) by Herman Miller. It's the best and most admired and recognized ergonomic office chair ever made. Its innovative design and supp...
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.
