Herman Miller is a prominent American furniture company with a rich history that spans over a century. Founded in 1905, the company has evolved from producing traditional furniture to becoming a leader in modern design. The Herman Miller logo has undergone a few changes since its inception. The evolution of its logo reflects changes in design trends and the company’s adaptation to market needs and its commitment to modernist principles. The article delves into the history and evolution of the Herman Miller logo.
The Genesis of the Herman Miller Logo (1946 – 1959)
In 1946, the Herman Miller logo was designed by Irving Harper and featured a bold, stylised letter “M” in red. This was the first letter of one of the company’s founders’ surnames that looked like a bow tie to symbolise aristocracy. The deep neckline of the graphical element added to its premium status.
The brand name was written across the emblem in black and in lowercase. And since the letter “M” formed the emblem in the middle, the letters “iller” appeared to the right. The logo was initially printed in red with a wood-grain texture, which was later simplified to solid colours.
(1959 – 1968)
In 1959, the logo elements were retained, but the colour palette was changed. Designed by George Nelson & Co., the colour palette featured black and white with the uppercase brand name and the emblem appearing in white against a black rectangular background. The contrasting colours added a sense of sophistication to the logo and aligned the logo with the business style.
(1968 – 1999)
In 1968, the logo was redesigned by John Massey, who placed a smaller “M” emblem in black to the left part of the logo. The brand name in a black, bold, lowercase, sans-serif typeface was placed against a white background. The size of the “M” symbol was reduced to check the stack visual imbalance of the earlier logos.
(1999 – Present)
In the 1999 logo redesign, the “M” symbol in white was placed within a red circle. Designed by Brian Edlefson and Steve Frykholm, this design made the brand name in capitals using the typeface FF Meta. Both words of the brand name are now written together in red without any space in between to symbolise the unity of the product line designed for the workspace.
(2024 – Present)
To celebrate its centenary, Herman Miller unveiled a new brand identity crafted by Brooklyn-based design studio Order Bureaux. Here, while the iconic “M” symbol is drawn in red on a white background and without the surrounding red circle. Also, the brand name was written using the sans-serif Söhne typeface. This rebrand emphasises flexibility across various platforms and mediums.
The Elements of the Herman Miller Logo
Font
The Herman Miller logo features the concise, medium-weight brand name written in the traditional sans-serif typeface Söhne. This typeface bears a resemblance to commercial fonts like Sequel Sans and Celeb MF, with only minor modifications.
Colour
The colour palette of Herman Miller’s logo predominantly utilises a vibrant shade of red, which is often associated with qualities such as passion, power, and confidence.
The History of Herman Miller
Herman Miller began as the Star Furniture Company in Zeeland, Michigan, which focused on designing high-quality, traditional-style bedroom suites. In 1909, the company was renamed Michigan Star Furniture Company, and in 1919, Dirk Jan De Pree (D.J. De Pree) was appointed the president. Recognising the need for change and growth, D.J. De Pree convinced his father-in-law, Herman Miller, to purchase a majority stake in the company in 1923. This led to the rebranding of the company as Herman Miller Furniture Company.
The Great Depression posed significant challenges for Herman Miller. In response to declining sales, D.J. De Pree sought the help of designer Gilbert Rohde in 1927. Rohde encouraged the company to shift away from traditional styles and embrace modern design principles that aligned with the evolving lifestyles of Americans. The company’s first major modern furniture pieces debuted at the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago in 1933.
In 1945, after discovering George Nelson’s work through a magazine article, D.J. De Pree hired him as the first design director. Nelson’s leadership marked a new era for Herman Miller and led to iconic designs such as the Nelson Platform Bench. It also led to the introduction of a new corporate identity represented by a stylised logo.
The post-war period saw significant growth for Herman Miller. The company became synonymous with modern design through collaborations with influential designers like Charles and Ray Eames. These designers created groundbreaking pieces such as moulded plywood chairs and the Eames Lounge Chair.
In 1960, Herman Miller officially incorporated as Herman Miller, Inc., which further consolidated its position in the market. During this time, Herman Miller also ventured into office furniture with products like the Action Office, designed by Robert Propst. These products revolutionised workspace ergonomics and flexibility.
In the late 20th century and into the 21st century, Herman Miller continued to innovate while expanding its product lines and global presence. The company introduced environmentally sustainable practices and focused on health-oriented designs through its healthcare division. In 2021, Herman Miller became part of the MillerKnoll collective, which further enhanced its capabilities in contemporary interior furnishings.
Interesting Facts About Herman Miller
- Herman Miller was founded in 1905 as the Star Furniture Company in Zeeland, Michigan. The company underwent a significant transformation when it became known as the Herman Miller Furniture Company in 1923. This was when D.J. De Pree convinced his father-in-law, Herman Miller, to purchase a majority stake in the business.
- In the early 1930s, during the Great Depression, D.J. De Pree hired designer Gilbert Rohde as the company’s first design director. Rohde’s influence marked a key shift from traditional furniture to modern design. It aligned with the changing lifestyles of Americans who were moving from rural to urban settings.
- Herman Miller is renowned for its collaborations with influential designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, and Isamu Noguchi. These partnerships led to the creation of iconic pieces like the Eames Lounge Chair and the Nelson Platform Bench, which have become staples of modern furniture design.
- In 1968, Herman Miller launched the Action Office system, which revolutionised workspace design by introducing flexible office environments that catered to the needs of white-collar workers. This innovation laid the groundwork for contemporary office furniture solutions.
- Herman Miller has a long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company was one of the first in its industry to adopt eco-friendly practices. These included the use of renewable materials and reducing waste in the manufacturing processes.
- The company has consistently been at the forefront of ergonomic design. It created products that prioritise user comfort and health. For instance, the Aeron chair, introduced in 1994, focused on ergonomics and became one of the best-selling office chairs worldwide.
- Herman Miller’s designs have transcended mere functionality; they have influenced art and culture significantly. The company’s furniture has been featured in museums and exhibitions globally, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.
- In 2021, Herman Miller became part of the MillerKnoll collective, which expanded its reach and influence in modern interior furnishings.
- The company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023 with various events to highlight its legacy and ongoing innovation in design.
Finally
The Herman Miller logo and its variants over the years are a testament to the company’s enduring legacy in modern design. Each iteration reflects broader trends in graphic design while maintaining core elements that resonate with its heritage. The consistent use of the “M” symbol throughout its history underscores Herman Miller’s commitment to innovation and quality in furniture design.