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.
George Nelson for Herman Miller Steel Frame Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller, c.1950s, USA. Newly upholstered in a high pile rich green mohair. The seating system features three cushioned seats and a white laminate side...
Steel
George Nelson for Herman Miller 0639 Mid Century Sofa
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson for Herman Miller 0639 Mid Century Sofa This sofa measures: 95.5 wide x 30.5 deep x 27.25 inches high, with a seat height of 15.75 and arm height of 22 inches Good Vi...
Upholstery
Restored George Nelson Sofa
By George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
Sofa designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Newly upholstered in a ticking striped fabric with chrome legs. Measures: 81". Arm height 21"
Fabric
Classic Jens Risom Three Seat Sofa Ca' 1960's
By Jens Risom
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic three seat sofa by Jens Risom, ca' 1960's. Sculpted and recessed walnut base, model #2516. Freshly reupholstered and ready to be enjoyed for many years. The cushions are re...
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,300Sale Price|40% Off
H 24 in W 82.5 in D 33 in
Mid Century Danish Modern 3 Seat 205 Sofa by Børge Mogensen Sofa Green
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern 3 seat sofa by børge mogensen sofa. Great Scandinavian Modern Borge Mogensen model 205 low slung three-seat sofa. Manufactured by Frederica Stolefabrik in 1...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,344
H 29.53 in W 35.83 in D 30.71 in
Three Seater Sofa, Model AP 18S, Designed by Hans J. Wegner, 1960s
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
The three-seater sofa, Model AP 18S, upholstered in green wool fabric and with dark wood legs, was designed by the Danish architect Hans J. Wegner in 1960. Wegner, known for his uniq...
Wool, Wood
$7,950
H 32 in W 28.5 in D 89 in
1957 Arne Jacobsen Fritz Hansen of Denmark Sofa Model 3300/4 4-Seat Sofa Knoll
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Model 3300/4 sofa, designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen of Denmark. This examples was produced circa 1957. While it is more common to see the single-seater...
Metal
Vintage Sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Offered here is a rare and highly collectible “Model 0693” Sofa, designed by George Nelson as part of his visionary Modular Seating System for Herman Miller, produced between 1956 an...
Metal
George Nelson Modular Group Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Highland, IN
The modular seating group designed by the Nelson office in 1955 is one of our favorite sofa designs. It was designed on a 30" module and offered in a wide variety of configurations. ...
Steel
$10,566
H 29.53 in W 90.56 in D 32.29 in
Florence Knoll - Vintage Sofa Knoll International, Mid-Century Modern 1954
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Vintage sofa by Florence Knoll, designed in 1954 for Knoll International – a true icon of modernist furniture and architectural elegance. With its clean lines, balanced proportions, ...
Steel, Chrome
Midcentury Barcelona Daybed Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe for Knoll
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Barcelona couch daybed for Knoll International, USA, 1980s. One of the most iconic and enduring modernist des...
Chrome
Jens Risom Side Chairs for Knoll (Two Available)
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Knoll Jens Risom chairs. Simple classic and honest design made this side or dining chair so popular that its still in production today. Made from solid walnut wood and natural cotto...
Cotton, Walnut
Herman Miller Geiger International Pair of Easy Chairs
By Børge Mogensen, Herman Miller, Geiger International
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Rare Herman Miller Geiger International Pair of Easy Chairs . Camden Series. Perfect reception or side chairs. Beautiful velvety striped fabric. Very comfortable, sturdy, and ready...
Upholstery, Wood
Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa
By Herman Miller, George Nelson, Irving Harper
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
George Nelson Office – Limited Edition Marshmallow Sofa Designed by Irving Harper for the George Nelson office, this multicolored Marshmallow Sofa is a limited edition piece manufact...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Charlotte Guest Chair by Bernhardt Design
By Bernhardt Design
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautifully sculpted chair speaks the language of simplicity, presenting a uniform aesthetic featuring precise angular lines juxtaposed with organic curved forms. Perfect side chair ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Midcentury Knoll Barcelona Chair in Special Order Stainless Steel
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Authentic Midcentury Modern Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll – Premium Stainless Steel Version Offered for sale is an iconic Barcelona Chair, designed by Ludwig Mies ...
Stainless 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.
