Herman Miller

(active since 1905)

Herman Miller Inc is a world-famous manufacturer, producing home furnishing and office equipment. The company was founded in the USA in 1905 and has produced high-class design pieces of furniture since then. Both stylish and functional, exceptional pieces by the manufacturer soon became synonymous with comfort, convenience and bold brevity.

Founded in 1905, the company was first called the Star Furniture Co and specialized in producing home furniture. In 1919, the company’s name was changed to the Michigan Star Furniture Co and later, as Herman Miller, the company’s president’s father-in-law, bought 51% of the company’s shares, his name was added to the brand’s title. In 1923, Michigan Star Furniture Co was changed to Herman Miller Furniture Company, and then, in 1960 the name was shortened to Herman Miller, Inc. Initially it was bedroom suites in historic revival styles that brought fame to the young prosperous manufacturer. At first it only produced traditional wood furniture, and it was so until 1930, when the company’s new employee, designer Gilbert Rohde, came up with a brilliant series of modernist pieces that became an instant success. Throughout the company’s long and rich history lots of prominent designers joined the firm and experimented with the furnishing’s styles and shapes.

Each time pieces by Herman Miller were presented at notable global expositions, they were in the spotlight. In 1933 at the Century of Progress exposition in Chicago, the manufacturer debuted a collection of new design furniture pieces. As time went by, the company hired various talented designers, architects and inventors, including Robert Propst, Isamu Noguchi and Alexander Girard. Some furniture pieces, created under these prominent artisans’ guidance, became the company’s most notable and recognizable.

One of the most famous pieces is the Eames lounge chair and ottoman, designed by Charles and Ray Eames. Along with the Noguchi table, Marshmallow sofa and Ball clock the Eames lounge chair are the most distinguishable design icons produced by Herman Miller. It is Herman Miller, who stands behind the invention of the so well-known office cubicle. 

Herman Miller is known not only for its exceptional home and office furnishing, so to say design pieces, but also for the policy, run by the company. The firm is known to have engaged several campaigns, promoting sustainability, as well as lots of initiatives, that help the company follow the principles of environmentally sustainable design and production. 

Nowadays stunning pieces by the world-famous American manufacturer are kept in permanent collections of the most important museums all over the globe and could be found in the finest homes and offices. Noble and elaborate items by Herman Miller are still in high demand and sought after.