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.
$5,000
H 34 in W 54 in D 31 in
1975 George Nelson for Herman Miller Action Office II Series Roll-Top Desk
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Herman Miller Action Office II Series roll-top desk, designed by George Nelson in 1965. This example dates to 1975 and is dated as such. The piece features a rich walnut-ve...
Aluminum
$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
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
$3,200
H 26.5 in W 34.5 in D 16 in
Early George Nelson Desk / Return, Child's Desk, Modernist, Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early George Nelson desk / return, child's desk, Modernist, Herman Miller, Retains original Herman Miller foil label, 4 drawers, pencil dividers, steel frame, minor pitting (lower right side bottom). Original designed for larger desk, return, typewriter desk...
Aluminum, Steel
Peter Protzman, Unique Writing Desk, Zebrawood, Chrome, USA, 1970s
By Peter Protzmann, Herman Miller
Located in Stamford, CT
Peter Protzman, Herman Miller, American Mid-Century Modern, Rare Writing Desk, Zebrawood, Chrome, USA, 1970s A unique writing design designed by Peter Protzman for Herman Miller tha...
Lucite, Zebra Wood
$8,000
H 33 in W 64 in D 32 in
Rare Version of Herman Miller George Nelson Action Office Series Roll Top Desk
By George Nelson
Located in Pasadena, TX
Herman Miller George Nelson George Nelson (1908-1986) was an important modernist whose work cut across the fields of interior, industrial and exhibition design. Nelson studied architecture at Yale University in the 1920s, and in the next two decades earned a strong reputation as a writer on design for Architectural Forum, Interiors and Fortune. Herman Miller George Nelson Action Office...
Aluminum
Vintage Mid Century Modern Designer Desk in Paul McCobb Style
By Paul McCobb
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Add a touch of mid-century modern sophistication to your workspace with this vintage designer desk in the style of Paul McCobb. Known for his minimalist design and functional beauty,...
Wood
$4,765
H 34.65 in W 38.98 in D 28.55 in
American mid-century modern wood laminate desk George Nelson Herman Miller 1960s
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in MIlano, IT
American mid-century modern wood laminate desk George Nelson Herman Miller 1960s Desk or writing desk in wood and metal. The top is in white laminate, with a smaller upper top suppor...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wooden Desk with Drawers, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wooden Desk with Drawers, 1960s
Wood
$7,290
H 30.32 in W 98.23 in D 35.44 in
Large Varnished Wood Executive Desk, in the style of Florence Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Large Varnished wood executive desk, in the style of Florence Knoll.
Metal
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Art Deco Vanity or Desk, 1930s
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Art Deco or Mid-Century Modern vanity or desk By Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller USA, 1930s Mahogany, with black leatherette drawer fronts and black lacquered...
Faux Leather, Mahogany, Lacquer
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid maple, with original bras...
Brass
John Van Koert Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Cherry Wood Roll Top Desk, 1959
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern roll top writing desk By John Van Koert for Drexel USA, 1959 Sculpted cherry wood, with original brass hardware. Measures: 30"W x 22"D x 46.25"H...
Brass
Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Solid Maple Desk With Built-in Bookcase
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Mid-Century Modern writing desk with built-in bookcase By Heywood Wakefield USA, 1950s Sculpted solid maple, in original "Champagne" finish. Measures: 44"W x ...
Maple
Harold Schwartz for Romweber Mid-Century Modern Oak Dresser or Credenza, 1950s
By Harold Schwartz, Romweber Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern sculpted oak tambour door sideboard, credenza, or dresser By Harold Schwartz for Romweber USA, 1950s Measures: 66"W x 21"D x 36.75"H. Good original ...
Oak
Paul McCobb Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Black Lacquered Desk, Refinished
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional minimalist Mid-Century Modern writing desk By Paul McCobb for Winchendon Furniture, "Planner Group" USA, 1950s Black lacquered solid maple, with original brass hard...
Brass
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.
