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.
$2,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28 in W 21.5 in D 26 in
Scandinavian Cantilever Set of Three Mid centurychairs century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Scandinavian Cantilever orange set of 3 chairs ,very comfortable the back rest is adjustable and it can be adjust like the show on the photos .
Chrome
$9,900 / set
H 30.75 in W 24.5 in D 26.5 in
Warren McArthur, Arm Chairs, Steel, Vinyl, United States, 1930s
By Warren McArthur
Located in High Point, NC
A set of steel and vinyl chairs, created by Warren McArthur, United States, 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.75"H x 24.5"W x 26.5"D Seat...
Steel
Herman Miller Modern Stacking Armchairs, Set of Four
By Herman Miller
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding set of four Modern stacking armchairs or office chairs By Herman Miller USA, 1998 Tubular aluminum and chrome frames, with upholstered seats and backs. Measures: 2...
Aluminum, Chrome
George Nelson for Herman Miller Model 4663 Chairs
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A matched pair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Model 4663 chairs sit firmly in the midcentury era, with clean lines, balanced proportions, and a focus on comfort. Solid ...
Upholstery, Wood
$247 / set
H 34.26 in W 21.66 in D 20.87 in
3er Set original Drabert Stühle Konferenzstuhl Armlehnen Vintage
By Drabert
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein schönes 3er Set Drabert Armlehnstühle zum Verkauf an. Die Stühle wurden nur wenig genutzt weshalb sich die Polster in einem guten bis sehr guten Zustand befinden. Der ...
Steel, Chrome
Set of 4 chairs in the style of S33 by Mart Stam - 1960s
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
Beautiful set of four chairs in the style of S33 by Mart Stam. They feature a black chrome frame and black leather seats and backs. Very good vintage condition. No damage, but some...
Chrome
$9,950 / set
H 30.71 in W 25.6 in D 24.02 in
Set of Four Paddle Armchairs by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, DE
Exceptional set of four armchairs designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. The chairs feature a refined sculptural form and have been newly upholstered in premium black aniline l...
Chrome
$2,079 / set
H 40.95 in W 24.41 in D 23.63 in
Original 3er Set Stuhl Fritz Hansen Oxford Arne Jacobsen Bürostuhl
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 3er Set Fritz Hansen Stühle zum Verkauf an. Die Stühle wurden von Arne Jacobsen entworfen, einem der einflussreichsten Designer unserer Zeit. Sie bestech...
Steel, Chrome
$924 / set
H 30.32 in W 23.63 in D 18.9 in
Original 4er Set Howe 40/4 Stuhl David Rowland Midcentury Stapelstuhl
By David Rowland, Howe
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes und äußerst seltenes 4er Set Stapelstühle von Howe zum Verkauf an. Die Stühle sind unter dem Modellnamen 40/4 bekannt und wurden von David Rowland entwor...
Metal
Group Of Four Brno Style Chrome Chairs
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The Classic Mies van der Rohe 1929-1930 design. Three matching in Natural color Faux-Leather and one in gray corduroy type fabric. The chrome arms curve into the legs and back suppor...
Chrome
Set of Eight Bert England Midcentury Swivel Steel Armchairs
By Bert England
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing set of eight Mid-Century Modern office desk armchairs by Bert England for Stow Davis. These executive desk chairs feature a flat bar Milo Baughman style steel frame with a ch...
Steel
MCM Leather Perch Chair by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-Century Modern leather perch stool or chair designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Versatile chair with adjustable hand-stitched leather seat hav...
Aluminum, Steel
21st Century Set of Four Woodard Sculptura Garden Dining Armchairs
By Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic 21st century re-released set of four molded wire Sculptura dining armchairs by Woodard. The chairs have a custom shimmery grey finish that sparkles and shines. Each chair has ...
Wire
Set of Four Eames for Herman Miller Swivel Shell Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dazzling mid-century set of four padded swivel chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. The fiberglass shells are upholstered in a rare g...
Steel
Pair of Geiger for Herman Miller Leather Cube Chairs
By Herman Miller, Geiger International
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sleek pair of leather cube chairs by Geiger International for Herman Miller. Iconic cube chair design made famous by Harvey Probber with a modern seam around the sides and back fitte...
Leather, Hardwood
Set of Four Midcentury Space Age Style Italian Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Attractive set of four mid-century modern space age style dining chairs crafted in Italy. The chairs feature a wooden frame upholstered with a modern metallic style teal naugahyde fa...
Brass
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.
Erin Lane Estate is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, and its team of furniture restorers, art curators, professional appraisers and Asia specialists sources prime vintage and antique furniture from the finest estates in Northern and Southern California. Erin Lane Estate specializes in Hollywood Regency, McGuire, Chinese and Japanese pieces.
