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.
Osvaldo Borsani Modus Chairs for Tecno, Stackable Design, Italy, 1978
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in bari, IT
This model was presented in January 1972 in Cologne as the first product of the Tecno Project Center, an innovative initiative by Borsani that marked a change in the landscape of Ita...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Office Chair by MIM Rome, Italy, 1961
By MIM Roma
Located in bari, IT
Office chair with armrests black lacquered metal frame and upholstered with 3d black texture MIM production early 60s
Metal
Ico Parisi Mid-Century Modern Chairs for MIM Rome, Italy, 1974
By MIM Roma, Ico Parisi
Located in bari, IT
Bentwood and fabric chairs with swivel steel base designer Ico Parisi for Mim (Rome) prod. Italy 1970 Possibility of single purchase
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs by MIM Roma, Italy, 1968
By MIM Roma
Located in bari, IT
Set of two chairs with tubular structure in chromed steel seat in fabric MIM Roma 1960s production.
Stainless Steel
Italian Tecno Set of Four Mid-Century Modern Armchairs, 1982
Located in bari, IT
Italian tecno set of four armchairs form 80s
Metal
George Coslin Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair, Leather & Steel, 1965
By 3V Arredamenti, George Coslin
Located in bari, IT
tubular metal frame, seat and back covered in leather, production 3V designer Geroge Coslin 1960s Bibliography Manufacturer's catalogue, Trevi Spa, cover photo When you purchase vin...
Steel
George Nelson Desk or Office Chair, Very Rare, New Red Boucle Knoll Upholstery
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Very rare George Nelson desk chair, freshly reupholstered in a crimson Knoll Classic boucle.
Aluminum
EA105 chair, by Charles Eames for ICF, 1960s with swivel seat and red fabric
By Charles Eames, ICF De Padova
Located in Milano, Lombardia
EA105 chair, designed by Charles Eames for ICF 1960s, with swivel seat. Seat and backrest joined in a single, slightly curved frame, upholstered in the original red fabric. The chrom...
Aluminum
1970 Red Charles Eames Upholstered Swivel Office Chair for Herman MIller
By Charles Eames
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a very striking swivel office chair by legendary designer Charles Eames and made by Herman Miller in 1970. This example retains its original red upholstery which is in very g...
Aluminum
1958, Ray and Charles Eames Red Adjustable Tilt Office Chair with Five Wheels
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach, check last pictures on this listing and/or find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Red Alu chair 117. This beautiful office chair is mobile, rotating and adjustable in height (picture #1 and #2) and can tilt. The upholstery has a velour quality (#14). The chair shows traces of wear, like some damage of the fabric at the corners of the backrest (#11 and #12) and some tiny stains (#10 and #15). Originally the armrests was glossy, but lost some shine (#10) and has some stains (#13 and #16) and scratches . The base and armrests show some traces of wear. More Eames Alu...
Aluminum
One Red Executive Knoll Pollock Chair
By Charles Pollock, Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
First designed in 1963, Charles Pollock’s timeless design continues to be produced by Knoll in a variety of finishes. The Pollock executive chair features what the designer describ...
Metal
2006 Herman MillerEames Armless Aluminum Group Side / Desk Chair In Red Fabric
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group armless desk or side chair, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1958. These particular examples were produced by Herman Miller in the USA ...
Aluminum
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.
