Brand Spotlight
Herman Miller
The company that put the Eames chair in the world — and proved that great design is for everyone.
Brand History
Herman Miller was founded in 1905 in Zeeland, Michigan as a manufacturer of traditional bedroom furniture. The company's transformation into one of the most influential design companies in history began in 1930, when D.J. De Pree took over and committed the company to modernism — a radical decision at a time when most American furniture buyers wanted traditional styles.
The pivotal moment came in 1945, when Herman Miller hired Gilbert Rohde as design director. Rohde introduced the concept of 'unit furniture' — modular pieces that could be combined and reconfigured — and set the company on a path toward functional, democratic design. When Rohde left, De Pree hired George Nelson, who in turn introduced Charles and Ray Eames to the company.
The Eames-Herman Miller partnership produced some of the most iconic furniture of the 20th century: the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (1956), the Eames Molded Plastic Chair (1950), the Eames Storage Unit (1950), and dozens of other pieces that remain in production today. Herman Miller's commitment to quality manufacturing meant that these designs were executed to the highest possible standards — a legacy that makes vintage Herman Miller pieces among the most valuable in the MCM market.
What to Look For
Signature Pieces
Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman
The most iconic chair of the 20th century. Molded plywood shells, hand-stitched leather, and die-cast aluminum. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956.
Approx. Value
$2,000–$8,000 vintage; $5,000+ new
Eames Molded Plastic Chair
The first mass-produced plastic chair, designed in 1950. Available in dozens of base configurations. Fiberglass shells are the most collectible.
Approx. Value
$150–$600 per chair
Nelson Platform Bench
George Nelson's 1946 slat bench — one of the most copied designs in furniture history. Simple, elegant, and extraordinarily versatile.
Approx. Value
$400–$1,500
Eames Storage Unit (ESU)
A modular storage system designed in 1950. Combines steel, wood, and colored panels in a flexible, expandable configuration.
Approx. Value
$1,500–$6,000
Marshmallow Sofa
George Nelson's 1956 sofa with 18 circular cushions on a steel frame. One of the most visually striking pieces in the Herman Miller catalog.
Approx. Value
$3,000–$12,000
Aeron Chair
Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick's 1994 ergonomic masterpiece. The most successful office chair ever made — and a design classic in its own right.
Approx. Value
$300–$1,200 used
Authentication Guide
How to Identify Authentic Pieces
Look for the Herman Miller label: all authentic pieces are marked with a Herman Miller label, tag, or stamp. The label design changed over the decades — earlier labels are more valuable.
Check the Eames pieces for the 'Herman Miller Furniture Company' mark on the underside of the seat shell or on the base.
Examine the construction quality: authentic Herman Miller pieces use high-quality materials — genuine leather (not vinyl), solid aluminum (not plastic), and precision-engineered components.
For Eames Lounge Chairs, check the plywood shells: authentic shells have a warm, honey-toned veneer with visible grain. The leather should be hand-stitched, not machine-sewn.
Look for the correct base: Eames chairs use die-cast aluminum bases with a specific profile. Reproductions often use cheaper aluminum or steel with different proportions.
Check the date code: Herman Miller pieces produced after 1970 often have a date code stamped on the underside. This can help authenticate and date a piece.
Be aware of authorized reissues: Herman Miller still produces many classic designs. These are not vintage but are high-quality and worth owning. They are clearly marked with current production labels.
The HC Perspective
Why We Seek This Brand
Herman Miller pieces are collectible for the same reason they were valuable when new: exceptional design executed to exceptional standards. The Eames Lounge Chair, for example, uses molded plywood shells, hand-stitched leather, and die-cast aluminum — materials and construction methods that have proven their durability over 70 years. Vintage Herman Miller pieces are not just collectibles; they are functional objects that can be used daily and will continue to appreciate in value.
Investment Outlook
Value Over Time
Herman Miller pieces have consistently appreciated in value over the past 30 years, with no sign of slowing. The Eames Lounge Chair, in particular, has seen dramatic price increases — a vintage example in excellent condition that sold for $800 in 1990 might fetch $4,000–$8,000 today. The combination of iconic design, exceptional quality, and continued cultural relevance makes Herman Miller one of the safest furniture investments in the vintage market. Even lesser-known Herman Miller pieces tend to hold their value well.