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 Rosewood Thin Edge Group Dresser
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Spectacular rosewood Thin Edge collection model 5221 eight-drawer dresser, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. Drawer fronts show off gorgeous figured rosewood selection, fi...
Rosewood
Brown Eames for Herman Miller Vintage Fiberglass Shell Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We have eleven original 1960s Eames fiberglass shell chairs with original H bases. Narrow mount. Lovely rich brown color. These have their original finish and are gorgeous, gleaming,...
Fiberglass
Parchment Eames for Herman Miller Vintage 1960s Fiberglass Shell Chairs
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multiple Available. Original Molded Fiberglass Shell Chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Vintage shell chairs are prized for their attractive patina, distinct thread texture and beautiful depth of color seen in the fiberglass material. Shell is stamped with the Herman Miller emblem underneath. Dated to the 1970s. OAM boasts one of the largest collections of vintage Eames fiberglass shell chairs in New York City. We maintain a comprehensive selection of colorways, including rare and sought-after colors, in multiple quantities, enabling you to mix and match a set effortlessly. Shells are available for purchase individually, or we can offer guidance on assembling a set. For large sets, our extensive inventory ensures that the set has a cohesive and streamlined look. We only send out the finest vintage examples. A close inspection ensures each shell is free of chips, cracks, or defects. We replace the rubber shockmounts that attach the chairs to the base. Finally, the chairs are carefully polished to enhance the original finish. Our meticulous restoration process ensures the chairs are comfortable, stable and is an added value included in your purchase. The Eames Shell Chair was designed on the principle of adaptability, to accommodate a variety of uses and settings. Our shell chairs are shown on original zinc-finish bases, referred to as "H bases" by Eames enthusiasts. In addition to this classic...
Fiberglass
Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller Early Aniline Dye Red LCW Chair 1950s
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Red aniline dye LCW lounge chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames and manufactured by Herman Miller. The aniline-dyed wood is vibrant and rich, showcasing the dramatic grain undern...
Plywood
Original Eames Fiberglass Shell Chairs by Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 1960s molded fiberglass side shell chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Gleaming shells are in original condition, each with a distinct thready texture...
Fiberglass
Eames for Evans Aniline DCM
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scarce, early red aniline dye DCM dining chairs, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, made by Evans for Herman Miller. Molded plywood has great age, wearing its original patina handsom...
Plywood
Stephen Frykholm Picnic Poster for Herman Miller
By Stephen Frykholm
Located in Highland, IN
For years Steve Frykholm, the in-house graphic designer for Herman Miller created posters for their annual summer employee picnic. This example from 1979 typifies his bold graphic st...
Paper
‘Summer Picnic’ Print by Stephen Frykholm for Herman MIller, 1971
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Authentic limited-run screen print using the orginal 1971 screen.
Paper
Herman Miller Summer Picnic August 20, 1971 - Watermelon Screen Print
Located in Houston, TX
Original Herman Miller Summer Picnic screen printed lacquer ink and lacquer finish print. August 20, 1971 annual company picnic poster is a...
Lacquer, Ink
William Conlon, "Untitled", Poster, Annual Community Holiday Festival, 1985
By William Conlon
Located in Downingtown, PA
Poster for the 15th Annual Community Holiday Festival (1985), William Conion This massive, signed poster by American abstract artist William Conlon is an exceptional example of late...
Paper
Original Vintage Poster, Boris Bucan 'DILEMA', 1972
By Boris Bucan
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Original vintage poster, Boris Bucan 'DILEMA', 1972 Artist: Boris Bucan Year: 1972 Dimensions: 88 × 48 cm Condition: Excellent condition Format: Unlinen backed...
Paper
Eames 670 Lounge Chair vintage poster Attributed to Irving Harper, 1960s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Vintage Eames Lounge Chair poster
Paper
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.
