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.
$13,900
H 31 in W 69 in D 30 in
Rare Midcentury Leather Sofa Designed by Arne Vodder, Denmark, circa 1960
By Arne Vodder
Located in Nashville, TN
Rare midcentury leather sofa designed by Arne Vodder, Denmark, circa 1960. Original black leather upholstery. Produced by Ivan Schlechter, Denmark.
Leather
Vintage Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Offered here is a rare and highly collectible “Model 0693” Sofa, designed by George Nelson as part of his visionary Modular Seating System for Herman Miller, produced between 1956 an...
Metal
$3,956
H 27.56 in W 86.62 in D 37.41 in
Mid-Century Modern Leather Sofa by Jacques Charpentier, France
By Jacques Charpentier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sofa from the 1970s in original condition Leather cushions over a brushed steel base Designer Jacques Charpentier Sofa is convertible in a bed , mattress missing.
Stainless Steel
Midcentury Tubular Leather Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic midcentury style loveseat with a mix of Industrial steel tubing and natural leather. Great style for a fraction of the designer price! Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Chrome
Vintage Danish Model 800 Leather Sofa by Hans Olsen
By CS Møbler, Hans Olsen
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage Danish model 800 leather sofa by Hans Olsen, designed in 1958 for CS Mobler. This was made in Denmark, and dates from around the 1960’s. It is of amazing quality,...
Leather, Teak
$15,500
H 26.78 in W 85.04 in D 31.3 in
Illum Wikkelsø Model V11 Leather Sofa for Holger Christiansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Utrecht, NL
This freestanding sofa, better known as “Model V11” is considered among the masterpiece designs of Illum Wikkelsø. The Danish designer created the “V11” series in 1965 whilst working...
Leather, Wood
rare george nelson steel frame sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Munich, DE
nice sofa from the steel frame series. an icon of modern design. shows signes of previous use, but has no defects and the white leather has nice patina.
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Leather Sofas by Georg Thams, Danish Design
By Georg Thams
Located in San Francisco, CA
Extra long Danish sofas with original leather upholstery that are very comfortable. One of the sofas has a different cushion from the other 8, though it appears to be a close match. ...
Leather, Rosewood
$2,683
H 31.89 in W 80.32 in D 32.68 in
1960s, Danish design by Aage Christensen, 3-seater sofa, leather.
By Aage Christiansen
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design by Aage Christensen. 3-seater sofa. Original black furniture leather, teak wood legs. Manufactured by Danish furniture maker Eran Møbler in about 1965-70s. Origi...
Leather, Teak
$34,790
H 29.14 in W 66.93 in D 35.44 in
'Mole' Sofa in Leather, By Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The 'Mole' sofa, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, is not only an iconic piece of mid-20th century Brazilian furniture but also a crowning achievement in the designer's illustrious caree...
Leather, Hardwood
Desert Modernism Occasional Ottomans / Poufs Albert Frey USA
By Albert Frey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1903 - 1998 Frey was an architect whom resided in Palm Springs California. The few pieces of furniture that he did for his interiors are not mass produced. Only a hand-full of his pi...
Wood
Set of Eight Custom Dining / Occasional Stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great set of stools. Quality made with tan leather seats and galvanized steel architectural bases. Original vintage condition, minor wear with a nice patina consistent with age and...
Steel
American Studio Craft Occasional Chairs Walnut + Cord Irving Sabo
By Irving Sabo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original design. Limited. Surviver. Handcrafted solid walnut with cord. Fine original vintage condition. Normal wear with nice patina consistent with age and use. Solid and sturdy...
Cord, Wood
JMF Occasional Chair Ecart International
By Ecart International
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jean-Michel Frank design. Limited reissue. Solid wood with wrapped rattan. Original vintage condition. Solid and sturdy. Presents well for any decor as an accent or desk chair..
Rattan, Wood
Occasional Parchment Chair Carlo Bugatti Palazzetti Italy
By Carlo Bugatti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Limited license production by Palazzetti Italy. Mahogany wood construction with parchment (goat skin) seat and backrest. Original vintage condition showing minor wear / patina c...
Parchment Paper, Mahogany
Architectural Black Steel Table with Patina for Dining or Work
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great table for any occasion. For dining or work. Original vintage condition showing a wonderful patina with minor wear, some light scratches. Solid and sturdy.
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.
