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.
“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
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
$1,001
H 40.56 in W 24.02 in D 24.02 in
Sayl Ergonomic Office Chair by Yves Behar for Herman Miller, Black
By Yves Behar, Herman Miller
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Sayl Ergonomic Office Chair with Casters Measures : 61x61cm - SH (Variable) : 54 cm - TH (Variable) : 103cm Inspired by suspension bridges, the frameless design of this task chair p...
Aluminum, Steel
$425
H 35 in W 19 in D 22 in
Herman Miller Setu Side Chair Metal Mesh Desk Office Swivel Chair - Single
By Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Herman Miller Setu Swivel Side Chair. Circa 21st Century, Pre-owned. Measurements: 35" H x 19" W x 22" D x 19" Seat height.
Metal
$1,200
H 38.5 in W 28 in D 24 in
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
$400 / item
H 33.1 in W 25.1 in D 24 in
2014 Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller Setu Grey Mesh Desk Chair in Grey Mesh
By Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Setu Desk Chair, originally designed by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller in 2009. These particular examples were produced in the United States and date to the year 2014. The de...
Aluminum
$725 / item
H 34.75 in W 25 in D 31.5 in
2016 Alberto Meda for Vitra Physix Desk Chair in Black Mesh 14x Available
By Alberto Meda
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Physix Desk Chair, originally designed by Alberto Meda for Vitra in 2012. These particular examples were produced in 2016. The design features a lightweight, flexible frame...
Aluminum
$795 / item
H 38 in W 23.25 in D 22.25 in
2015 Gray Vitra ID Mesh Desk Chairs by Antonio Citterio Polished Arms / Bases
By Vitra, Antonio Citterio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (multiple chairs are available, but they are each sold separately) Vitra ID Mesh chair, designed by Antonio Citterio. These chairs...
Aluminum
Setu Office Chair by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Studio 7.5 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Setu Chair defines flexibility, moving with the user, with a clean aesthetic that suits nearly any home or office space. It’s no accident that this chai...
Aluminum
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
Herman Miller Ergonomic Aeron Side/Guest or Desk Chair Size B, in Carbon Mesh
By Herman Miller, Don Chadwick
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
Herman Miller Ergonomic Aeron Side/Guest or Desk Chair Size B in Nickel Mesh
By Herman Miller, Don Chadwick
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
Antonio Citterio for Vitra Ergonomic ID Mesh Black Office Desk Chair, Brand New
By Antonio Citterio, Vitra
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The ergonomic ID mesh office desk chair designed by Antonio Citterio for Vitra successfully combines comfort, technology, and elegance. Features a soft seat and supportive backrest ...
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Black Mesh Executive Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning Authentic Mid-Century Modern eames aluminum group executive chair. A timeless design Classic and Contemporary with Innovative ...
Aluminum, Steel
Steelcase Amia Executive Ergonomic Office Chair Fully Adjustable in Gray Fabric
By Steelcase
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Amia is a versatile ergonomic office chair designed to handle long hours of sitting. Features adjustable LiveLumbar technology inside its backrest that responds to the movement of yo...
Steel
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.
