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.
George Nelson Modular Group Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Highland, IN
The modular seating group designed by the Nelson office in 1955 is one of our favorite sofa designs. It was designed on a 30" module and offered in a wide variety of configurations. ...
Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller 0639 Mid Century Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller 0639 Mid Century Sofa This sofa measures: 95.5 wide x 30.5 deep x 27.25 inches high, with a seat height of 15.75 and arm height of 22 inches Good Vi...
Upholstery
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
$7,262
H 27.5 in W 110.25 in D 30 in
Mid Century Modern Sofa with Side Tables George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Sofa with Integrated Side Tables for Herman Miller – This exquisite vintage piece, dating back to the 1950s-1960s, epitomizes the functional elegance...
Steel
rare george nelson steel frame sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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 Jens Risom Model 37 Loveseat Sofa For Knoll
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This early Jens Risom model 37 loveseat sofa for Knoll is a classic example of Mid-Century Modern design. The fully upholstered sofa features a high back with rounded edges and reces...
Upholstery, Birch
1960's Mid-Century Modern George Nelson Style Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern couch for sale. It has been professionally reupholstered in new tweed and foam, and is in restored condition. It has a beautiful frame with incredibl...
Metal
Modular Sofa designed by George NELSON for HERMAN MILLER, 1960s
By George Nelson
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Two-seat Sofa designed by George Nelson. U.S.A., Herman Miller, 1960s. Modular Sofa by George Nelson with a strong metal structure including chrome-plated feet. Two vintage red Moha...
Metal
$3,880Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.5 in W 96 in D 34.5 in
Early Four Seater Sofa Designed by Milo Baughman for James, Inc. Mid-Century
By Milo Baughman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Early labelled Milo Bauhgman for James Inc. 4 seater sofa. This sofa is a super early sofa designed by Mr Baughman and does need to be reupholstered. We love the classic sleek line...
Upholstery, Walnut
George Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller, c.1950s, USA. Newly upholstered in a high pile rich green mohair. The seating system features three cushioned seats and a white laminate side...
Steel
Danish Modern Solid Teak "Minerva" Daybed / Sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart
By Peter Hvidt, John Stuart
Located in San Diego, CA
An absolutely gorgeous Danish modern solid teak "Minerva" daybed / sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good original vintage condition with a brigh...
Teak, Chenille
American Mid-Century Modern "Playboy" Armchair Model C-140 by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in San Diego, CA
American mid-century modern "Playboy" armchair model C-140 by Jens Risom, circa 1960s. The chair is in very good original condition with a solid walnut frame and NEW vibrant blue fab...
Upholstery, Walnut
American Mid Century Large Sofa by Adrian Pearsall with Slate Table & Walnut
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in San Diego, CA
This 1960s sofa by Adrian Pearsall features a walnut frame floating over a black plinth base with fabric straps, upholstered back and cushions. Ideal for an interior designer looking...
Slate
American Midcentury Knoll Studio Armchair by Linda & Joseph Ricchio
By Knoll, Joe & Linda Ricchio
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful single armchair by Knoll great condition solid and sturdy. retains medallion with signature and date.
Upholstery, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Slipper Lounge Chair by Jens Risom for Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in San Diego, CA
A classic strapped slipper lounge chair designed by Jens Risom and produced by Knoll Studio. The chair features blonde wood framing with dark gray straps. Very clean and ready to use...
Wood
Lucian Randolph Ercolani Designed “Windsor” Setee for Ercol, England, 1950's
By Ercol, Lucian Ercolani
Located in San Diego, CA
Lucian Randolph Ercolani designed “Windsor” setee for his company Ercol, England, circa 1950’s. Italian born Ercolani moved to the UK where he opened ...
Walnut
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.
