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 Grosfeld House Ebonized Wood, Upholstered Side or Slipper Chairs MCM
By Grosfeld House
Located in North Miami, FL
These elegant vintage Grosfeld House Hollywood Regency side or slipper chairs have an unusual beaded wood detail, that is pierced carvings to the apron of the front of the chairs. Th...
Upholstery, Wood
1960's Vintage Grosfeld House Lounge Chairs Or Settees, Black Wood, Upholstered
By Grosfeld House
Located in North Miami, FL
These armless, wide and comfortable newly restored RARE black wood and upholstered Grosfeld House vintage 1960s Hollywood Regency meets modern dramatic and sexy lounge chairs are sculptural from every angle. They have a flair, a classic sense and refinement to them. They echo the original way they were upholstered in the 1960s only with new off-white to off chenille silk velvet upholstery. The wood frames have all been newly stained black. The curve of the bases and frame flow. We have never seen another pair like these. They are very sculptural and are on the rare side. The buttons are boundless and in multitudes as they were in the original upholstery from the 60's. The seat depth is 20.5". They are like mini settees...
Upholstery, Wood
MIlo Baughman Style Chrome Cube Scoop Leather Side Chairs WIth Studs, 1970's
By Milo Baughman
Located in North Miami, FL
This pair of iconic vintage architectural MIlo Baughman style chrome cube scoop side chairs are from the 70's. They have all been restored with a fine grade of burgundy leather and t...
Chrome
Vintage Smoked Lucite Bend Bench By Spiros Zakas, 1960's
By Spiros Zakas
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful large overscale rare vintage sculpted smoked gradient lucite bench with squared off arms is the work of a Greek designer from Atlanta in the 60's named Spiros Zakas. H...
Upholstery, Lucite
Vintage James Peade Drexel Abacus Chromed Steel and Upholstered Side Chair
By Drexel, James Peade
Located in North Miami, FL
This unusual and newly upholstered and chrome side chair has wonderful period wheels. This is designed by James Peade for Drexel's Viewpoint 70 Collection...
Chrome, Steel
Vintage 1960's Mastercraft Brass Greek Key Lounge Or Side Chairs
Located in North Miami, FL
These iconic and collectable vintage Mastercraft brass Greek Key lounge or side chairs are always highly desirable. They are from the 60's and were produced in Italy by Mastercraft. ...
Brass
Niels Møller Model 75 Chair in Black Oak with Danish Cord, 1960s Mid-Century
Located in Hannover, DE
Niels Møller Chair, Model 75 – Black Edition, 1960s Price is for one chair. Up to 4 side chairs and 1 armchair available. 📩 DM if you’re interested in the full set. Beautifully cra...
Oak
A Dansk MID-CENTURY-MODERN Scandinavian CHAIR by KAI KRISTIANSEN, Denmark 1950
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in PARIS, FR
An astonishing, thin & elegant chair with compass legs, Modernist, Free Form, Dansk, Scandinavian, compass legs and structure in rosewood, seat in black imitation leather, rare "...
Wood
Italian mid-century modern chair with armrest in straw black wood steel, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern chair with armrest in straw, black wood and steel, 1960s Chair with Vienna straw seat and backrest with black painted wood trim. The frame is made of curve...
Steel
Elise Chair with Black Wooden Legs and Metal Detail
Located in Freamunde, PT
Elise chair is a portrait of refined elegance and modern comfort, designed to elevate any dining setting. Its gracefully contoured backrest and plush, cushioned seat offer exceptiona...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Minimalist Halston Chair in Black Louro Wood
Located in Freamunde, PT
Halston Chair is a seamless blend of refined elegance and modern craftsmanship, designed to elevate any dining space. With its sleek wooden frame, plush ...
Metal, Brass, Stainless Steel
Mid-century chair, black and wood, Elliotts of Newbury, England
By Elliots of Newbury
Located in Valladolid, ES
Amazing Mid-century design chair, made by the English factory Elliots of Newbury, in Berkshire. It is structured with teak wood and is upholstered in black leather with a satin finis...
Leather, Wood
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.
