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.
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Upholstered Slipper Chairs
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wonderful pair of art deco, slipper, lounge chairs by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller features a rounded profile with upholstered seat and back in a woven blue linen blend.
Fabric, Mahogany
$1,061 / set
H 22.05 in W 23.63 in D 35.44 in
Pair of Vintage Italian Mid-Century-Modern Lounge Chairs or Club Chairs, 1970s
Located in Zagreb, HR
Pair of vintage Italian Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs or club chairs. Beautiful and unique shape, made entirely from foam with a plastic floor. 1970-1975 production, reupholstered...
Upholstery, Foam
$10,395 / set
H 33 in W 28 in D 30 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 4688 Mid Century Lounge Chairs - Pair
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 4688 Mid Century Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 28 wide x 30 deep x 33 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height/chair ...
Upholstery, Wood
$5,595 / set
H 27 in W 29.25 in D 27.5 in
Pair Mid Century Modern Restored Lounge Chairs George Nelson for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular and rare early pair of steel framed lounge chairs, #5080 by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Totally restored to their original glory. New cotton velvet upholstery with ...
Steel
$3,400
H 31 in W 29 in D 34 in
Pair of Barrel Back Tub Swivel Lounge Slipper Chairs Milo Baughman Style
By Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern pair of Milo Baughman style barrel back tub lounge slipper chairs.
Upholstery
Pair of Lounge Chairs for Design Studio 1980c
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of 1980s Kagan-Style Lounge Chairs – Reupholstered with Solid Wood Legs Key Features • Design: Inspired by Kagan’s iconic curved-back silhouette with rounded arms for ergonomic...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair Parsons Lounge Chairs, 1980
By Parsons
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Parsons Lounge Chairs, 1980. Original ultra-suede upholstery shows minor wear, consistent with age and use
Ultrasuede
$18,500 / set
H 33 in W 35 in D 30 in
Michael Wolk for Directional Pair of Swivel Lounge Chairs, USA, 1970s
By Michael Wolk
Located in New York, NY
Michael Wolk for Directional pair of swivel lounge chairs in light gray Sensuede with elegantly curved wraparound arms which taper down towards the bottom and resting on a black wood...
Wood, Ultrasuede
$17,400 / set
H 31.5 in W 29.14 in D 29.14 in
Pair of Modernist Lounge Chairs, by Martin Eisler, Brazilian Mid-Century Design
By Martin Eisler
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This pair of lounge chairs designed by Martin Eisler showcase the mid-century modern Brazilian style with a classic yet innovative design that harmonizes form and function. These pi...
Fabric
$5,658 / set
H 27.56 in W 31.5 in D 32.29 in
Pair of George Nelson Armchairs for Herman Miller - Fully Reupholstered
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of George Nelson Armchairs for Herman Miller - Fully Reupholstered Elegant pair of armchairs designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, an iconic collaboration that helped de...
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.
