The History of Herman Miller

Recently we talked about Charles and Ray Eames, a couple whose unique style and creativity greatly influenced modern design.  Today we'll be taking a closer look at Herman Miller, the American manufacturer that still sells some of the Eames products to this day and one of the first companies to begin producing modern furniture.  Herman Miller is now considered one of the most influential and prolific manufacturers of the modernist style.

Formerly known as Star Furniture back when it was founded in 1905, Herman Miller initially focused mainly on high-quality bedroom furniture.  In 1919, the company was renamed to The Michigan Star Furniture Company by its president Dirk Jan De Pree.  It wasn't until 1923 that De Pree and his father-in-law Herman Miller would purchase over fifty percent stock in the company and give the company its more familiar name.

Due to the Great Depression Herman Miller began to expand its furniture line with the help of designer Gilbert Rohde, debuting its modernist style in 1933 and subsequently opening showrooms in 1941.  Once architect George Nelson joined the company following Rhode's passing, Herman Miller would experience exponential growth after recruiting famed designers like Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, and Alexander Girard.

This update is brought to you by CA Modern Home.  We sell many different Herman Miller modern design furniture products as well as pieces by some of its famous designers like Isamu Noguchi. Call 800.605.1859 for more information.