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Peter Protzman Desk for Herman Miller

$3,250List Price

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Herman Miller

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.

Action Desk by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller

$4,476

H 28.35 in W 49.61 in D 31.89 in

Action Desk by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller

By George Nelson, Robert Propst, Herman Miller

Located in Madrid, ES

Action Office desk, model 64 902, designed by George Nelson & Robert Propst for Herman Miller from the 1960s. Base made of chrome-plated aluminum with white plastic protectors. L...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Writing Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller

$11,500

H 29.5 in W 60 in D 40 in

Writing Desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A single pedestal writing desk by George Nelson for Herman Miller with a built-in pivoting lamp. Lamp is 18" H.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Action Office 1' Desk

$8,500

H 29.75 in W 60 in D 27 in

George Nelson for Herman Miller 'Action Office 1' Desk

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Early George Nelson Action Office 1 desk in original condition with minor wear. George Nelson for Herman Miller, polished aluminum, plastic laminate, w...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1950

$49,400

H 27.96 in W 51.59 in D 27.76 in

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1950

By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler

Located in New York, NY

A desk designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler and produced by Móveis Artesanal in the 1950s. The piece has a top in pau-marfim wood supported on iron feet, two drawers on the l...

Category

Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Early George Nelson Desk / Return, Child's Desk, Modernist, Herman Miller

$3,200

H 26.5 in W 34.5 in D 16 in

Early George Nelson Desk / Return, Child's Desk, Modernist, Herman Miller

By George Nelson, Herman Miller

Located in Buffalo, NY

Early George Nelson desk / return, child's desk, Modernist, Herman Miller, Retains original Herman Miller foil label, 4 drawers, pencil dividers, steel frame, minor pitting (lower right side bottom). Original designed for larger desk, return, typewriter desk...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

American mid-century modern wood laminate desk George Nelson Herman Miller 1960s

$4,711

H 34.65 in W 38.98 in D 28.55 in

American mid-century modern wood laminate desk George Nelson Herman Miller 1960s

By Herman Miller, George Nelson

Located in MIlano, IT

American mid-century modern wood laminate desk George Nelson Herman Miller 1960s Desk or writing desk in wood and metal. The top is in white laminate, with a smaller upper top suppor...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Important Mid Century Executive Desk by Ico Parisi for MIM 1958

$13,192Sale Price|20% Off

H 28.75 in W 82.68 in D 36.62 in

Important Mid Century Executive Desk by Ico Parisi for MIM 1958

By Ico Parisi

Located in Rome, IT

This large Terni executive desk was designed by Ico Parisi in 1958 for MIM (Mobili Italiani Moderni) Rome, Italy, with a rectangular tabletop, The desk contains a three drawer block ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Ico Parisi for Mim Roma, Italy, 1950s

$10,248

H 28.35 in W 82.68 in D 37.41 in

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Ico Parisi for Mim Roma, Italy, 1950s

By Ico Parisi

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Ico Parisi for Mim Roma, Italy, 1950s

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Erich Stratmann, Germany, 1950

$5,654

H 29.93 in W 75.2 in D 31.5 in

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Erich Stratmann, Germany, 1950

By Erich Stratmann

Located in Brussels, BE

Mid-Century Modern Desk by Erich Stratmann, Germany, 1950

Category

Vintage 1950s Desks

Materials

Wood

Important Mid Century Executive Desk by Ico Parisi for MIM 1958

$16,491

H 28.75 in W 82.68 in D 36.62 in

Important Mid Century Executive Desk by Ico Parisi for MIM 1958

By Ico Parisi

Located in Rome, IT

This large Terni executive desk was designed by Ico Parisi in 1958 for MIM (Mobili Italiani Moderni) Rome, Italy, with a rectangular tabletop, The desk contains a three drawer block ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables

Materials

Wood

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Custom Desk Soft Edges VDG 26 PR

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a Custom Desk Soft Edges VDG 26 PR. Constructed with birch plywood and formica top in white and black colors. Features a pull out drawer in walnut wood. Cleve...

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Formica, Plywood

Modernism Frank Kyle & Pepe Mendoza Luxurious Desk Dry Bar Mexico 1950s

By Pepe Mendoza, Frank Kyle

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, Custom Sculptural Desk Dry Bar in Rosewood and Parchment Bronze applications designed by FRANK KYLE. Made Mexico circa 1950s. Malachite hardware by PEPE MENDO...

Category

Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Malachite, Brass, Bronze, Gold Leaf

1950s Edmond J Spence Cedar Side Table from Mexico

By Edmond J. Spence

Located in Chula Vista, CA

1950s Edmond J Spence Cedar Nightstand from Mexico tall tapered legs Two pull out drawers, lovely pull handles. Cedar Wood. Maker stamped. 21.75 w x...

Category

Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

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1950s Frank Kyle and Pepe Mendoza Mahogany Faux Bamboo Table Mexico City

By Pepe Mendoza, Frank Kyle

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a Modernism Frank Kyle and Pepe Mendoza Accent Table Faux Bamboo Mexico circa the 1950s Unmarked, no label present. Handle stamped. Mahogany wood. Restored....

Category

Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

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Parsons Metal Wrapped Desk Writing Table Modern

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration a parsons metal wrapped desk / writing table. Modern design. :legs can be removed for safe and easy shipping. Dimensions: 47.5" W x 23.88" D x 30.13" H Del...

Category

2010s Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Constellation Side Table John Keal Brown Saltman

By John Keal, Brown Saltman

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a Mid-Century Modern "Constellation" side table designed by John Keal for the Californian furniture manufacturer Brown Saltman. It features an enameled copper...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Enamel

The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.

A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture

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.