HermanMiller is an American premium furniture brand and manufacturer best known for pioneering modern furniture, ergonomic office seating, and workplace design. Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan, USA, the company has become one of the world’s most influential names in industrial design. HermanMiller is particularly recognized for collaborating with legendary designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Isamu Noguchi, and Bill Stumpf, creating furniture pieces that have become icons of modern design. Since 2021, HermanMiller has operated as one of the flagship brands within the MillerKnoll collective. 1

HermanMiller began as the Michigan Star Furniture Company, a traditional bedroom furniture manufacturer established in 1905. In 1923, company president Dirk Jan (D.J.) De Pree persuaded his father-in-law, Herman Miller, to purchase the company. It was then renamed Herman Miller Furniture Company in his honor.

Initially, the company produced traditional furniture. Its direction changed dramatically during the 1930s when De Pree hired designer Gilbert Rohde, who introduced modern, functional design principles. This decision positioned HermanMiller as one of the earliest American manufacturers dedicated to modern furniture.

During the 1940s and 1950s, design director George Nelson recruited many influential designers, including:

• Charles Eames
• Ray Eames
• Alexander Girard
• Isamu Noguchi
• Robert Propst

Their collaborations established HermanMiller as one of the defining companies of twentieth-century furniture design. 3

HermanMiller’s philosophy centers on the belief that good design improves people’s lives. The company combines:

• Human-centered design
• Ergonomic research
• Sustainability
• Innovation
• Long-lasting craftsmanship
• Collaboration with renowned designers

Instead of following short-term furniture trends, HermanMiller emphasizes timeless products that remain functional and relevant for decades. 4

Aeron Chair (1994)

Perhaps HermanMiller’s most recognizable product, the Aeron Chair revolutionized office seating.

Features include:

• Breathable Pellicle mesh
• PostureFit lumbar support
• Adjustable ergonomics
• Lightweight design
• Multiple size options

It became one of the world’s most successful ergonomic office chairs and remains a benchmark for premium seating. 2

Embody Chair

Designed for intensive computer work, the Embody Chair focuses on:

• Spine alignment
• Pressure distribution
• Dynamic support
• Improved circulation

The chair is popular among professionals, programmers, designers, and gamers.

Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman

Introduced in 1956, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is widely regarded as one of the greatest furniture designs ever created.

Designed by Charles and Ray Eames, it combines:

• Molded plywood shell
• Premium leather upholstery
• Luxurious comfort
• Timeless aesthetics

It remains one of HermanMiller’s signature products.

Mirra Chair

Known for:

• Flexible back support
• Sustainable materials
• Highly adjustable ergonomics
• Active sitting posture

Sayl Chair

Designed by Yves Béhar, the Sayl Chair features:

• Suspension back
• Lightweight construction
• Affordable ergonomic design
• Distinctive frameless appearance

Cosm Chair

A modern ergonomic chair with:

• Auto-Harmonic Tilt
• Instant fit adjustments
• Responsive support
• Minimal manual controls

Beyond chairs, HermanMiller has significantly influenced workplace design through products such as:

• Action Office
• Ethospace
• Canvas Office Landscape
• Modular workstations
• Height-adjustable desks
• Collaborative furniture

The Action Office system, developed by Robert Propst, helped popularize modular office environments and transformed workplace planning.

HermanMiller also manufactures premium residential furniture, including:

• Dining chairs
• Lounge chairs
• Sofas
• Coffee tables
• Desks
• Storage systems
• Lighting
• Outdoor furniture

Many of these pieces are considered modern design classics.

HermanMiller has long emphasized environmentally responsible manufacturing by:

• Increasing recycled material use
• Reducing carbon emissions
• Designing products for durability and repairability
• Using renewable energy in operations
• Improving product recyclability

The company has been recognized for integrating sustainability into its design and manufacturing practices.

Over its history, HermanMiller has worked with many influential designers, including:

• Charles Eames
• Ray Eames
• George Nelson
• Isamu Noguchi
• Alexander Girard
• Robert Propst
• Bill Stumpf
• Don Chadwick
• Yves Béhar
• Jeff Weber

In 2021, HermanMiller merged with Knoll to form MillerKnoll, creating one of the world’s largest modern furniture companies. HermanMiller continues to operate under its own brand identity while benefiting from the combined portfolio and resources of the new parent company.

HermanMiller products are sold in more than 100 countries through:

• Authorized dealers
• Retail stores
• Online sales
• Commercial workplace partners
• Design showrooms

Its furniture is widely used in:

• Corporate offices
• Universities
• Hospitals
• Government facilities
• Hotels
• Residential homes

HermanMiller is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading premium furniture brands. The company is especially known for:

• Exceptional ergonomics
• High-quality materials
• Long product lifespan
• Iconic industrial design
• Innovation in workplace furniture
• Strong resale value

Many of its products are part of permanent collections in major design museums, reflecting their lasting influence on modern furniture and industrial design.

1. About Us – Herman Miller
2. The quintessential ergonomic office chair just got its boldest update in three decades
3. How to Identify an Original Eames Chair vs. Replicas
4. Inside Herman Miller’s Vast Archives