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.
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
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 Vitra, Antonio Citterio
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
Steelcase Think V2 Ergonomic Executive Chair New Model Grey Fabric, Brand New
By Steelcase
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Think chair is an ergonomic office chair that makes you feel good from the first moment you sit to the last. A recipient of numerous awards, fully redesigned and fully adjustable. It...
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 Gray Office Chair Fully Adjustable, Brand New
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 respond to the movement of you...
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
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
“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
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
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
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
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.
