When you have a certain budget, Herman Miller is a name you cannot avoid when choosing an office chair.
During World War II, many of Europe’s finest designers sought refuge in the United States, marking the final chapter of the Bauhaus era. These designs from the Bauhaus school were largely experimental. It was American companies that transformed these creative concepts into tangible products, bringing the tale to a full circle.
At that time, the United States boasted a maestro of its own: Charles Eames. His association with the world-renowned office furniture company, Herman Miller, was profound.
A Brief History of the Brand
- In 1905, the Star Furniture Company began operations in Zeeland, Michigan, primarily manufacturing high-quality traditional-style bedroom suites.
- By 1919, D.J. De Pree was nominated as the president of the Michigan Star Furniture Company.
- In 1923, D.J. De Pree persuaded his father-in-law, Herman Miller, to acquire a majority stake in the Michigan Star Furniture Company, which subsequently rebranded as Herman Miller Furniture Company. De Pree continued the company’s tradition of crafting household furniture.
- 1942 saw the launch of the Executive Office Group by Gilbert Rohde, signaling Herman Miller’s entry into the office furniture market. This product line was modular and versatile, laying the foundation for future system furniture. Meanwhile, Charles and Ray Eames were commissioned by the U.S. Navy to develop lightweight molded plywood leg splints.
- Following Gilbert Rohde’s demise in 1944, De Pree sought a new design director. After coming across an article about George Nelson and his storage wall design in Life Magazine in 1945, De Pree hired him as the company’s first design director.
With the arrival of Nelson and the Eames duo, Herman Miller was poised for design excellence. The company’s vision was brought to life through the collective efforts of these titans in the design world.
Iconic Products
Eames Molded Fiberglass Chair (Designed in 1950)
A paragon of durability, functionality, and elegance, this chair encapsulates the industrial spirit of its time, along with hints of the Bauhaus aesthetic. The metallic base and clean lines of the seat-back are reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower. Some variants are foldable, catering to diverse seating needs. Today, replicas of this classic design often grace fast-food establishments.
This leisure chair, colloquially known as the “Eames Chair” (or “Yimsi Chair” in China), has become a staple in interior design projects worldwide. Its enduring design, evident from the popular walnut wood frame paired with black leather upholstery, has ensured its timeless appeal. While Charles Eames is rightfully celebrated for his designs, it’s worth noting that many of Herman Miller’s iconic products were co-designed with his wife, Ray Eames.
The Aeron Chair (Launched in 1994)
This chair embodies innovation. With its innovative Pellicle elastomeric suspension, the chair eliminates pressure points that hinder blood circulation. The suspension system also replaces traditional foam and fabric, addressing heat and moisture buildup where the body contacts the seat. Notably, the Aeron offers adjustable lumbar support mimicking the natural stance. Having personally experienced this chair, I can vouch for its supreme comfort.
Embody Chair
The design originated from a simple observation – the lack of physical harmony between humans and their tech devices. Recognizing the increasing hours people spent on electronic devices, the Embody chair was crafted to enhance health and well-being, ensuring smooth blood circulation. Its futuristic design, often referred to as the “spine chair” due to its resemblance to the human spine, is both industrial and forward-thinking.
In Conclusion
Herman Miller, one of the most popular office furniture brands globally, boasts a successful business model with extensive distribution channels, not just in the U.S., but also in China. While they have an online presence, including a flagship store on Tmall, their customer service speed might not always be up to par. In Europe, Herman Miller’s production, marketing, and sales rights have been acquired by VITRA. Therefore, many Herman Miller products in Europe bear the VITRA brand.
Source: Herman Miller Official Website.
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