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 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
George Nelson Modular Group Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
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
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
1970s Ray Wilkes Chiclet 2-Seater for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Ray Wilkes
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Iconic MCM Ray Wilkes for Herman Miller "Chiclet" love seat or sofa. Named for the four large rectangular Chiclets gum-shaped foam elements that make up the sofa. Very comfortable, h...
Metal
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
George Nelson Modular Sofa by Herman Miller, 1966
By Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nelson modular sofa by Herman Miller, 1966.
Chrome
$18,715
H 28.35 in W 135.83 in D 29.93 in
George Nelson for Hermann Miller Modular 3-Seater Sofa, 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Naples, IT
Modular 3-seater sofa designed by George Miller in 1956. The sofa incorporates a system of modules that allows you to choose the seating arrangement, the coffee table and chest of dr...
Leather, Wood
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
$5,000
H 26 in W 60.5 in D 33 in
1999 Charles Pfister for Knoll Settee Loveseat from IBM Headquarters Model 1052C
By Charles Pfister, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Tuxedo Love Seat Settee, Model 1052C, designed by Charles Pfister for Knoll in 1971. This example dates to 1999. The piece retains its original upholstery, which ...
Steel
$4,900
H 31 in W 100 in D 100 in
Mid Century Modern Boxy Modular Parsons Style L Shaped Sofa with Chaise Lounge
By Milo Baughman, Parsons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage five piece modular sofa in need of recovering. Design lines for days. Measurements below. Single chair W33 D35.5 Corner piece W 34 D35.5 Ottoman W33 D35
Fabric
Chic Large French 1950s Sofa by Maison Leleu
By Maison Leleu
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chic large French 1950s sofa by Maison Leleu, Paris.
Upholstery, Oak
Chic Large French 1950s Sofa by Maison Leleu
By Maison Leleu
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chic large French 1950s sofa by Maison Leleu, Paris.
Upholstery, Oak
The 'Verneuil' Mohair Sofa by Design Frères
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Verneuil' sofa is the latest addition to our exclusive Design Frères line. inspired by Jean-Michel Frank's timeless Art Deco aesthetic, it is built to the highest standards of c...
Steel
Comfortable Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Milo Baughman for Directional
By Directional, Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Comfortable lounge chair and ottoman by Milo Baughman for Directional. Labeled with original tag. Measurements listed are for the armchair. The ottoman is 32 in. wide x 25 in. deep...
Upholstery
Set of 4 modern dining chairs by Mark Goetz for Herman Miller
By Mark Goetz Herman Miller, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 modern dining chairs by Mark Goetz for Herman Miller. Very comfortable. Standard 18 in. seat height. Stackable.
Metal
Set of 4 modern dining chairs by Mark Goetz for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Mark Goetz Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 modern dining chairs by Mark Goetz for Herman Miller. Very comfortable. Standard 18 in. seat height. Stackable.
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.
