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.
Vintage Herman Miller Aeron Classic Stool Armless Chair
By Herman Miller
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a classic Herman Miller Aeron Armless Chair Adjustable Stool Stool Black Mesh Adjustable No Arms Ergonomic with Wheels DIme...
Metal, Steel
$1,250 / item
H 41 in W 27 in D 16.75 in
Herman Miller Aeron Chair Size B Fully Adjustable Brand New, Carbon Mesh Fabric
By Don Chadwick, Herman Miller
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Aeron chair size (B) fully loaded with all adjustments by Herman Miller. It's the best and most admired and recognized ergonomic office chair ever made. Its innovative design and support for a range of postures, activities, and body types, have made and kept Aeron an icon. Combining a deep knowledge of human-centered design with cutting-edge technology, the chair is engineered with state-of-the-art adjustability, to help you maintain the optimal seating posture. Please note I have eight chairs available, selling them individually (the price listed is for one chair) Specification and adjustments: Breathable fabric adapts to everybody and keeps you cool and comfortable. Pellicle mesh fabric, carbon classic weave seat and back. Adjustable seat height from 16" to 20.5" Adjustable lumbar support stabilizes the base of the spine. Black leather arm pads, height and pivot adjustable allow for a custom fit. Adjustable tilt tension, limiter and upright back lock Forward tilt lock Medium chair size: B Aluminum frame and base in graphite color. Weight capacity: 350 lbs. Designed by: Don Chadwick and Bill Stumpf...
Metal, Aluminum
“Aeron” office chair by Herman Miller 2000s
By Herman Miller
Located in Padova, IT
Since the mid-20th century, the Herman Miller brand has become synonymous with designer furniture and ergonomic, high-performance office chairs. Thanks to collaborations with renowne...
Metal
Classic Herman Miller Aeron Chair Stool With Arms Adjustable
By Herman Miller
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a rare and hard to find classic Herman Miller chair Aeron Stool Arms Adjustable Dimension: Tallest 55.5 h shortest 50 shortest x 21 d x 26 w size B Original ...
Metal, Steel
$425
H 35 in W 19 in D 22 in
Herman Miller Setu Side Chair Metal Mesh Desk Office Swivel Chair - Single
By Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Herman Miller Setu Swivel Side Chair. Circa 21st Century, Pre-owned. Measurements: 35" H x 19" W x 22" D x 19" Seat height.
Metal
$1,200
H 38.5 in W 28 in D 24 in
Mirra 2 Office Chair by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, Made in the Usa in 2015
By Studio 7.5 1, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Mirra 2 Office Chair by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Made in the USA in 2015, this gray office chair...
Metal
Don Chadwick Bill Stumpf for Herman Miller Equa 2 swivel tilt task chair
By Herman Miller, Don Chadwick
Located in Ferndale, MI
Herman Miller swivel , tilt , height adjustable office / desk / task chair . The Equa chair designed by Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick who famously 10 years later collaborated on the c...
Aluminum
$600
H 38 in W 24 in D 26 in
Herman Miller Ergonomic Aeron Side/Guest or Desk Chair Size B, in Carbon Mesh
By Herman Miller, Don Chadwick
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Herman Miller Aeron side/guest or desk chair size (B) by Herman Miller. It's the best and most admired and recognized ergonomic office chair ever made. Its innovative design and supp...
Metal
$600 / item
H 38 in W 24 in D 26 in
Herman Miller Ergonomic Aeron Side/Guest or Desk Chair Size B in Nickel Mesh
By Herman Miller, Don Chadwick
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Herman Miller Aeron side/guest or desk chair size (B) by Herman Miller. It's the best and most admired and recognized ergonomic office chair ever made. Its innovative design and supp...
Metal
Setu Office Chair by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Studio 7.5 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Setu Chair defines flexibility, moving with the user, with a clean aesthetic that suits nearly any home or office space. It’s no accident that this chai...
Aluminum
Eames for Herman Miller EA124 Aluminum Group Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Astoria, NY
Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller EA124 Aluminum Group Lounge Chair, with geometric upholstery on aluminum base, with "Eames Office" label. 39.5" H x 24.5" W x 26" D; seat: 14...
Aluminum
Promemoria Caffe Ufficio Executive Chair, Leather Upholstered Seat
By Promemoria
Located in Astoria, NY
Promemoria Caffe Ufficio Executive Chair, leather upholstered seat, caned back. 35" H x 25" W x 25" D; seat: 21" H. Provenance: From a 480 Park Avenue Collection.
Leather, Cane, Oak
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Series 7 Style Side Chairs, 3
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Astoria, NY
Set of Three Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Series 7 Style Side Chairs, plywood shells on tubular chrome legs. 31" H x 17.75" W x 15" D; seat: 17" H. Provenance: The Morningside ...
Chrome
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Series 7 Side Chairs, 3
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Astoria, NY
Set of Three Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Series 7 Style Side Chairs, plywood shells on tubular chrome legs. 31" H x 17.75" W x 15" D; seat: ...
Chrome
George Nelson for Herman Miller Slat Bench, Model 4690
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Astoria, NY
George Nelson for Herman Miller Slat Bench, model 4690, maple slats on ebonized base, label to underside. 14" H x 48" W x 18.5" D. Provenance: An East 87th Street Collection.
Wood, Maple
Jehs + Laub for Fritz Hansen Space Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Jehs & Laub, Fritz Hansen
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Markus Jehs and Jurgen Laub for Fritz Hansen "Space" Lounge Chairs, blue upholstered molded white plastic seats on white enameled steel bases, with "Republic of Fritz Hansen ...
Enamel, 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.
