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.
Pair of Leather Eames DKX-1 Side Chairs for Herman Miller
By Charles Eames
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Pair of orange leather Eames DKX-1 side chairs for Herman Miller with original labels. Two pairs available. Sold as-is. Please note wear in leather upholstery.
Iron
$4,000 / set
H 32 in W 18.5 in D 17 in
1954 Pair of Eames Herman Miller DKR-1 Chairs with Eiffel Bases in Hopsack
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an extremely rare pair of Eames DKR-1 Side Chairs, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1951. The listed price includes the pair. These examples ...
Steel
$2,400Sale Price / set|36% Off
H 32 in W 18.5 in D 18 in
Pair of Early Eames Herman Miller DKR Chairs on Eiffel Tower Bases With Covers
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Ferndale, MI
Completely original and intact Charles and Ray Eames Herman Miller DKR chairs on Eiffel tower base. Original seat covers retain labels show some mino...
Steel
Pair of Eames Molded Plastic Armchairs
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of Herman Miller produced original Eames Molded Shell Chair in a durable, 100 percent recyclable polypropylene. The subtle matte texture of the re-engineered plastic shell maint...
Chrome
1st Generation Charles and Ray Eames Dar Chairs, Pair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
This pair of Dars is in great, vintage condition. Both are Zenith plastics first generation rope edge! Read the history of the iconic fiberglass shell armchair and how Zenith was so ...
Fiberglass
$1,800 / set
H 31 in W 25 in D 25 in
Pair of Charles and Ray Eames Padded Arm Shell Chairs, Two-Tone /Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic pair of Mid-Century Modern padded arm shell chairs,Designed by Charles and Ray Eames, for Herman Miller. Beautiful two-tone, chairs are in really ni...
Aluminum
$4,950 / set
H 31 in W 25 in D 25 in
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Early Pair of Dax Transitional Shell Chairs
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Excellent early example of a pair of Transitional Herman Miller Dax red/orange armshell chairs. All original. Early black X-base with large shock mou...
Fiberglass
Pair of Fine Early DKX Charles Eames Chairs for Herman Miller
By Charles Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
A good early pair. More detail pics available. Seats need to be attached better. Possibly worked on by an upholsterer. All original pieces. Missing the foot glides. They can be...
Metal
$1,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.75 in W 24.63 in D 22.5 in
Pair Bucket Fiberglass Swivel Chairs Charles Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Baltimore, MD
A pair of Mid-Century Modern fiberglass swivel armchairs designed by Charles Eames for Herman Miller. The fiberglass molded bucket tub chair with arms, raised on a fixed aluminum X b...
Aluminum
$800 / set
H 31.25 in W 18.5 in D 22 in
1958 Pair of Herman Miller Eames Fiberglass Dining Shell Chair w/ Chrome H Base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Eames DSX Side Chairs, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in the 1950s. These particular examples were produced by Herman Miller in the USA in 1958. The c...
Steel
MCM Post Modern Herman Miller Vitraviva / ViWtralux wool Eames Chair 1970s
By Herman Miller, Vitra
Located in Basel, BS
Very Rare Vitramat Vitra chairs designed by Wolfgang Müller-Deisig for Herman Miller, with the original label on them! Much like the Panton S chairs that w...
Metal
Pair Mid Century Avocado Green Fiberglass Eames Style stacking Side Chair -2 pcs
By Krueger International, Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Basel, BS
Sold here as a PAIR. We have 6 pairs available. These chairs are really hot. They are original fiberglass stacking mid century eames style side chairs in avocado green. They are very versatile, and they have a rock star fade to them. They are incredibly sturdy, and built to last. The fiberglass seats are in beautiful condition throughout. The bases have some rust, which can either be left as is, de-rusted, or painted. We leave this to you. We like them as they are. Features: -Eames Herman Miller design side chair by Krueger Metal Products...
Metal
MCM Danish Bentwood Dining Chair, One Chair, 1960s (2 Available)
By Thonet, Charles Eames
Located in Basel, BS
Stunning very cool Thonet black and Walnut bentwood dining chair. Two available. These are very sturdy, iconic, comfortable dining chairs. They are also excellent options for use a...
Bentwood
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Danish Adrian Pearsall Style Accent Side Chairs
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Basel, BS
Stunning, very beautiful walnut Pair of side chairs. Price here is for both chairs. These delicate, sculptural chairs have a similar Walnut wood grain and make to Pearsall side chair...
Walnut, Upholstery
Postmodern 1970s Pair of 2 Dining Chairs by Bruno Rey for Dietiker, 1970s
By Bruno Rey, Dietiker
Located in Basel, BS
Iconic and comfortable 1970s Swiss Designer chairs. Suitable for side chairs, accent chairs, dining chairs, etc. Original 1970s labels present. Solid wood-- Original! *Not remakes / ...
Upholstery, Beech
1960s Original Early Verner Panton Cone Swivel Chair + Ottoman SET-- 2 pieces
By Vitra, Verner Panton
Located in Basel, BS
Original Verner Panton Cone Chair and Ottoman, produced by Vitra. Beautiful set. This is the iconic Verner Panton chair in the shape of a cone, upholstered in blue wool and featuri...
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.
