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.
Gorgeous Restored Eames Herman Miller Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simply stunning restored Eames lounge chair and ottoman by Herman Miller. Spectacular color and grain detail on the outer shell...
Metal, Aluminum
Classic 1960s Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For the discerning collector, a gorgeous original Herman Miller edition Eames lounge chair and ottoman. Acquired from original owners. Beautiful patina while still intact with no lea...
Leather
1970s Mid Century Chair and Ottoman Styled After Herman Miller
By Herman Miller
Located in North Hollywood, CA
✨ Mid-Century Walnut & Black Leather Lounge Set ✨ This stunning mid-century lounge chair and ottoman set is a refined nod to the iconic designs of Herman Miller. Featuring supple bl...
Leather, Walnut
1960s Mid Century Chair and Ottoman Styled After Herman Miller
By Herman Miller
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century chair and ottoman designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1960s. This beautiful chair and ottoman was styled after Herman Miller. This set features a walnut ...
Leather, Walnut
$3,200
H 34.5 in W 24.5 in D 19.5 in
Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Executive Lounge Chair - Two Available
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Executive Lounge Chair in brown leather with polished aluminum frames and four-star bases. This is is the lounge version. Please message if interested in...
Chrome
Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Handsome classic Eames lounge chair and ottoman. Executed in rosewood and black leather. Cast aluminum bases, with adjustable “domes of silence” leveling glides. Extremely comfortabl...
Aluminum
$3,699
H 29.5 in W 32.5 in D 35.75 in
1970s Mid Century Recliner Chair and Ottoman Styled After Herman Miller
By Herman Miller
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century chair and ottoman designed and manufactured in the United States circa 1970s. This beautiful chair and ottoman was styled after Herman Miller. This set features a walnut ...
Leather, Walnut
$8,626 / set
H 32.29 in W 33.08 in D 33.08 in
Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, model 670/671, Herman Miller, USA, 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Charles and Ray Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, model 670/671 manufactured by Herman Miller, USA Rosewood veneer shell with feather filled buttoned original chocolate leather uphol...
Leather, Rosewood
$7,595 / set
H 33.5 in W 32.5 in D 33.5 in
Mid Century Modern Ray & Charles Eames Rosewood Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful and iconic design by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller in Rosewood and Black Leather 1981 with the ottoman which has a new leather seat. Classic design which will never...
Steel, Chrome
Classic Mid Century Plycraft Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Plycraft, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Plycraft Mr. style lounge chair and ottoman, executed in bent plywood, vinyl faux leather, chrome and steel. The chair swivels and tilts on its center pole support, which is ...
Upholstery, Plywood
A Pair of Mid-Century 'Bambino' Armchairs by Howard Keith
By Howard Keith
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A pair of Mid-Century 'Bambino' armchairs designed by Howard Keith for HK Furniture. Solid beech, re-upholstered in grey bouclé, stamped 'HK' to underside. Dimensions: H 88cm W 66cm...
Bouclé, Beech
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Armchairs Attributed to Antonio Gorgone
By Antonino Gorgone
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A pair of mid-century armchairs attributed to Antonio Gorgone. Solid Elm angular frame with a brick red frabric re-upholstery. Dimensions: H 95cm W 65cm D 68cm Seat H 36cm W 57cm D...
Elm
Pair of Bentwood Chairs by the Villiers Brothers
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A pair of late 20th century bent birch plywood chairs by the Villiers Brothers. Floating seat and tapered back rest with makers label to underside of each chair. There were as few as...
Birch
A Pair of Solid Oak Arts & Crafts Armchairs
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A pair of early 20th century Arts & Crafts Armchairs. Solid oak with a green fabric re-upholstery. Dimensions: H 78cm W 63cm D 52cm Seat H 35cm W 52cm D 48cm
Oak
Pair of Art Deco 'Cloud' Chairs
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A pair of Art Deco 'Cloud' Chairs by Harry & Lou Epstein. Birdseye Maple veneered with moss green fabric re-upholstery.
Fabric, Birdseye Maple
Mid-Century Danish Coffee Table
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A mid-century coffee table. Two tiered with lower magazine rack. Solid teak. Dimensions: H 44.5cm W 130cm D 57.5cm Origin: Danish Date: Circa 1960 Item Number: 2111243 All of o...
Teak
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.
