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.
$1,450
H 24.61 in W 25.4 in D 29.14 in
TON Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair with Sculptural Frame in Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Magda Sépová for TON, lounge chair, fiberglass, fabric, coated steel, Czechoslovakia, 1962 This armchair by Magda Sépová embraces the aesthetic sensibility that prevailed in the 195...
Steel
$1,200
H 31.75 in W 26.25 in D 21 in
Saarinen for Knoll Executive Chair in Vibrant Red Upholstery c. 1970's
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Saarinen Executive chair in unusual red upholstery, on bright metal legs. This example is in very fine, original, clean and ready to use condition, showing only light cosmetic...
Metal
$3,850
H 34 in W 25.75 in D 22 in
George Nelson Desk or Office Chair, Very Rare, New Red Boucle Knoll Upholstery
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Very rare George Nelson desk chair, freshly reupholstered in a crimson Knoll Classic boucle.
Aluminum
$4,135 / item
H 35.44 in W 32.29 in D 31.5 in
Nanna Ditzel & Jørgen Ditzel, Red Dennie Chair by One Collection
By Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel, Onecollection
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
One collection has relaunched the easy chair, Dennie, which was designed by Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel in 1956 for Fritz Hansen. The Dennie chair is nicely complemented by a footstool a...
Steel
$661Sale Price|20% Off
H 33.86 in W 22.05 in D 20.87 in
Herman Miller Office Chair, Red Fabric, Mid-Century Modern, Circa 1986
By Herman Miller
Located in bari, IT
Herman Miller office chair in red fabric from late 1980s.
Metal
$590
H 33.08 in W 20.28 in D 23.63 in
EA105 chair, by Charles Eames for ICF, 1960s with swivel seat and red fabric
By Charles Eames, ICF De Padova
Located in Milano, Lombardia
EA105 chair, designed by Charles Eames for ICF 1960s, with swivel seat. Seat and backrest joined in a single, slightly curved frame, upholstered in the original red fabric. The chrom...
Aluminum
$450
H 31.5 in W 26 in D 24.5 in
Vintage Knoll Eero Saarinen Red Upholstered Fiberglass Tulip Arm Chair
By Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Knoll Eero Saarinen Red Upholstered Fiberglass Tulip Arm Chair. Item features a fiberglass seat, original red upholstery, original labels, quality American craftsmanship. Doe...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Studio APA for Lenzi Lounge Chair in Red Upholstery
By Lenzi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Studio APA for Lenzi, club chair model 'M538', fabric, metal, brass, Italy, 1960s This dynamic armchair originates from Italy and features a well-proportioned construction of sharp ...
Metal, Brass
$4,200
H 34.65 in W 31.5 in D 33.86 in
Marco Zanuso for Arflex 'Martingala' Easy Chair in Coral Red Upholstery
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Zanuso for Arflex, easy chair, model 'Martingala', fabric, chromium metal, Italy, 1950s. This eccentric easy chair, designed by Italian designer Marco Zanuso in the 1950s, is...
Metal, Chrome
Artifort 410 Chair by Theo Ruth, 1950s
By Artifort, Theo Ruth
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Amazing Artifort model 410 Chair. This comfortable chair is designed by Theo Ruth in the beginning of the 50's. This original chair is completely restored with new fabric and new fo...
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.
