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.
Michael van Beuren San Miguelito Lounge Chair
By Michael van Beuren, Domus
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, an original San Miguelito Lounge Chair, crafted in solid mahogany and most likely produced in the late 1950s or early 1960s. Originally part of a matching se...
Leather
First Chair by Stefano Giovannoni for MAGIS
By Stefano Giovannoni, Magis
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, First model chair by the Italian designer Stefano Giovannoni for Magis, these chairs belonged to the assets of the international LEGO from the operating plant...
Plastic, Fiberglass
Michael van Beuren San Miguelito Lounge Chair for Domus, Mexico, circa 1950
By Michael van Beuren, Domus
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, an original “San Miguelito” lounge chair designed by Michael van Beuren for Domus in Mexico, circa 1950s. Crafted in solid mahogany, this example has been pr...
Jute, Hardwood
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs, circa 1960s
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
This striking pair of Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs, circa 1960s, features beautifully restored mahogany frames with elegant tapered legs and brass-capped feet. The sculptural des...
Brass
Pair of Model 905 Armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1970s
By Cassina, Lodovico Meneghetti
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
An authentic pair of Model 905 armchairs designed by Lodovico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, circa 1970s. These chairs retain their original black saddle leather upholstery, beauti...
Leather, Wood
Paimio Chair Style after Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
We didn't want to let them go, we generally don't have replicas in our gallery but this pair of chairs were begging to be restored. The previous owner told us that his parents acquir...
Metal
Michael Anastassiades After Chair Burgundy Ash for Fritz Hansen
By Michael Anastassiades, Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
The After series is a chair and table series designed by Michael Anastassiades, reimagining familiar forms with contemporary clarity and sculptural elegance. The series' name, After,...
Ash, Plywood
Michael Anastassiades After Chair White Pigmented Ash for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Michael Anastassiades
Located in New York, NY
The After series is a chair and table series designed by Michael Anastassiades, reimagining familiar forms with contemporary clarity and sculptural elegance. The series' name, After,...
Ash, Plywood
Hans Wegner 'CH23' Chair in Walnut Oil & Natural Papercord for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner 'CH23' Chair in Walnut Oil & Natural Papercord for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His fi...
Papercord, Walnut
Marcel Gascoin 'C-Chair' Dining Chair in American Walnut for GUBI
By Gubi, Marcel Gascoin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Marcel Gascoin 'C-Chair' Dining Chair in American Walnut for GUBI Originally, designed in 1947, this authorized re-edition from GUBI features the same elegant shape and sturdy cons...
Cane, Oak
Mauro Pasquinelli 'Mauro' Wood Dining Chair in Walnut for Established & Sons
By Established & Sons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mauro Pasquinelli 'Mauro' Wood Dining Chair in Walnut for Established & Sons The stackable 'Mauro' chair was first created as a prototype in 1976 by Italian designer Mauro Pasquinel...
Walnut
ICO Dining Chair in Natural Walnut by Stamford Modern
By Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
The ICO Dining Chair The ICO Dining Chair is a sophisticated reinterpretation of Ico Parisi’s modernism, where sculptural form meets everyday functionality. Defined by its signature...
Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Oak, Walnut
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.
