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.
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
H 28 in W 65 in D 26 in
Peter Protzmann Zebrawood and Chrome Credenza for Herman Miller
By Peter Protzmann
Located in Pasadena, TX
Credenza designed by Peter Protzmann for Herman Miller in the 1970s. This was a limited production run. Made from exotic African zebra-wood and supported by a chrome frame and three ...
Zebra Wood
Exotic, Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Credenza by Peter Protzman
By Peter Protzmann
Located in Pemberton, NJ
This beautifully designed credenza was produced in 1970 and 1971 only. The top is made of bent ply African zebrawood with a highly figured grain. The drawers are a smoked transparen...
Chrome
$6,200
H 29.75 in W 72 in D 21 in
Leif Jacobsen Style, Mid-Century Modern, Credenza, Burlwood, Canada, 1950s
By Herman Miller
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Style Sideboard / Credenza / Cabinet, Burlwood Mid-century cabinet with all original hardware and wood from the time...
Chrome
Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Credenza
By Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Herman Miller Mid Century Rosewood Credenza This credenza measures: 74.25 wide x 20 deep x 28.75 inches high Good Vintage Condition - Credenza Stain is Faded Throughout. Small Area...
Rosewood
$18,000
H 29.5 in W 80.7 in D 15.7 in
Mid Century Modern Credenza in Brazilian Hardwood by Jorge Zalszupin, 1960
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922–2020) in the 1960s, this credenza reflects the designer’s refined approach to proportion, material richness, and functional clarity within Brazilian...
Metal
$8,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.5 in W 65 in D 33 in
Magnificent Peter Protzman Zebra Wood Chrome Desk Mid Century Modern
By Peter Protzmann
Located in Pemberton, NJ
This iconic desk, designed by Peter Protzman for Herman Miller, was only manufactured for two years from 1970-1971. Making it a rare, limited production item. The smooth, curved edge...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Richard Young for Merrow Associates Chrome Credenza
By Richard Young, Merrow Associates
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a beautiful Mid-Century Modern credenza, designed by Richard Young for Merrow Associates. It has chrome legs and pulls. ...
Chrome
$13,900
H 33.5 in W 97 in D 18.5 in
Early 1950s Rosewood George Nelson /Herman Miller Thin Edge Cabinet / Credenza
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
George Nelson for Herman Miller Thin Edge Cabinet / credenza in rosewood,, original porcelain hand pulls,, seldom seen extension table to left side Produced by Herman Miller in 195...
Porcelain, Rosewood
Mid-Century Danish Rosewood and Chrome Credenza
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A striking Mid-Century Danish credenza crafted from richly figured rosewood and accented with a sleek chrome base. This piece exemplifies classic Scandinavian modern design, blending...
Wood
Midcentury Rosewood Credenza
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long Mid-Century Modern sideboard with cabinet storage. Rich rosewood grain throughout with accenting aluminum hardware. Please confirm location NY or NJ.
Rosewood
Danish Modern Rosewood Credenza, Mid-Century, Circa 1970
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
1970s Danish Modern rosewood credenza or cabinet. 4 drawers, 1 sliding door, which opens to storage compartment with adjustable height shelf. Beautiful rosewood grain and color. O...
Rosewood
1950s Walnut and cane executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
Walnut, cane, brass, and rosewood executive desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950s. Massive desk with executive proportions. Large 72"x38" desktop surface with imp...
Brass
Jules Wabbes Credenza by Le Mobilier Universel, Belgium, 1960s
By Mobilier Universel, Jules Wabbes
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
Credenza or sideboard designed by Jules Wabbes for Le Mobilier Universel, Belgium, circa 1960s. Floating solid wenge top, chrome plated cabinet frame and handles. Two black lacquere...
Chrome
1960s Rosewood Dining Table by Poul Norreklit for Georg Petersens
By Poul Nørreklit, Georg Petersens
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
Elevate any space with this stunning Danish Modern rosewood dining table by Poul Nørreklit for Georg Petersens, crafted in Denmark around the 1960s. This mid-century modern masterpie...
Chrome
1970s Eames for Herman Miller Rosewood Segmented Base Table
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
Square rosewood segmented base table by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, circa 1970s. Stunning rosewood veneer surface on polished aluminum base. Square 36"x36" top, comfor...
Aluminum
1960s Rosewood Oval Table in the Style of Florence Knoll
By Florence Knoll
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
Vintage rosewood table or desk on chrome base, in the style of Florence Knoll's "Table Desk" designed in 1961. Large rosewood surface with stunning grain and figure. Chrome base in...
Chrome
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.
