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.
Ire Mobler 3 Seater Sofa 1960's
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
Sofa made by Ire Mobler, founded in 1939 in Skillingaryd, Småland, southern Sweden.Ire design sofas from Sweden, with contours shaped in oak and fabrics that are a perfect match.The ...
Oak, Fabric
Hans Olsen Settee
By Hans Olsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rare settee model 800/2 by Hans Olsen for CS Mobler. The settee is reupholstered in a vintage powder teal wool fabric. Tapered teak legs.
Wool, Teak
Mid-Century Italian Modular Sofa
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Mid-Century Italian modular sofa with metal legs. Reupholstered with off-white Decortex upholstery. Circa 1970. Modules can be sold in different quantities upon request, measuring ...
Metal
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
Carson Sofa by Collector
Located in Geneve, CH
Carson sofa by Collector Materials: Fully upholstered in fabric. Solid walnut feet. Dimensions: W 140 x D 81 x H 70 cm Your favorite sofa will be th...
Upholstery, Walnut
Boss Design Sofa LAYLA 1990s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Boss Design Sofa LAYLA 1990s
Chrome
Plush Modular Modern Sofa in Maharam Beck
Located in Nyack, NY
The Plush Modular Modern Sofa boasts extremely luxurious proportions: a low back, massive seat cushions, an ultra-thin deck, and some of the most indulgently comfortable cushions we'...
Fabric
Harmony Modern Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
A refined mix of texture and material, the sofa is soft-lined yet sophisticated in an oatmeal melange woven fabric with subtle rust threading. Channel-tufted arms with a slightly ang...
Metal
Parker 2 Seats Sofa by Domkapa
Located in Geneve, CH
Parker 2 Seats Sofa by Domkapa Materials: Polished stainless steel, velvet (Alban 2940). Dimensions: W 230 x D 110 x H 88 cm. Also available in different materials. Please contact us. The most recent addition to Domkapa’s sofa collection, Parker expresses a straightforward aesthetics complemented by generous and welcoming proportions. Resting on slender wood or metal feet, the wide armrest allows great comfort combined with the fully padded double cushions on the back. The back and seat of this sofa have one thing in common: geometric and elegant vertical lines that elongate the design for a contemporary piece. Fitting in residential and contract projects, Parker sofa...
Stainless Steel
Retro Armless Sofa in Maharam Beck
Located in Nyack, NY
Our armless sofa features a deep bench seat, and split back cushions sit atop an ultra-thin deck elevated on cylindrical steel legs to create a sleek, retro feel. Made in America, an...
Fabric
Vintage Parson’s Style Club Chair
Located in Alhambra, CA
Mid-century lounge armchair. Reupholstered with geometric and gold patterned fabric. Fresh plush cushions are comfortable and practical. 1960's/70's style barrel-back frame. The perf...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Italian Brass and Leather Armchairs, Pair
Located in Alhambra, CA
Pair of vintage 1990s Italian lounge chairs. Feature newly upholstered natural leather and transparent brass powder coat finish. Unique detached geometric-shaped base and arms. In fl...
Steel
Antique Arts and Crafts Era Armchair with Built-In Bookcase
Located in Alhambra, CA
Original 1920's hand-crafted oak and leather armchair. Likely early 20th century American or English craftsman style design. Leather back is brass tacked to the coffin-shaped oak sea...
Brass
Set of Chaddok Lounge Swivel Chairs, Pair of 2
Located in Alhambra, CA
Pair of swivel lounge chairs by Chaddock Furniture, Ferguson Copeland collection. Comfortable and stylish, this set is great for a relaxed mid-centu...
Fabric, Wood
Refurbished Mid-Century Bassick Armless Steno Chair
By Rehab Vintage Interiors
Located in Alhambra, CA
Completely refurbished 1960's/70's Bassick steno. Refinishing of the steel frame and leather reupholstery performed by our workshop in east LA. Chair back and seat cushion upholstere...
Steel
Refurbished 1960s McDowell Craig Armchairs with Black Leather Upholstery
By Mcdowell-Craig
Located in Alhambra, CA
Pair of armchairs by McDowell Craig from the 1960s. Features brushed steel base with new black leather upholstery. Steel frame has been stripped and clear lacquered. Sleek addition t...
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.
