Founded in 1905 as Star Furniture Co., Herman Miller has long been a cornerstone of modern design. The company’s name became synonymous with innovation during the mid-20th century, thanks to collaborations with renowned designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Alexander Girard, and Robert Propst. Iconic creations like the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, the Marshmallow Sofa, Noguchi Table, and the Mirra Chair have cemented Herman Miller’s reputation as a leader in both aesthetic and functional design. Today, Herman Miller is a global brand with showrooms spanning multiple countries, embodying a commitment to craftsmanship and timeless modernity.
The updated visual identity of Herman Miller, crafted by Brooklyn-based design studio Order, reflects both continuity and refinement. The redesign respects the brand’s heritage while modernizing its visual language for a contemporary audience.
The Icon and Wordmark: A Balanced Update
For decades, the brand has been symbolized by its distinctive icon, created by Irving Harper. Inspired by the elegance of Herman Miller’s furniture, the icon has been a hallmark of the company’s identity. Since the late 1990s, this emblem has been paired with the HermanMiller wordmark (styled without a space) set in FF Meta, a typeface designed by Erik Spiekermann. This pairing became emblematic of corporate sophistication, with the FF Meta typeface and the Aeron chair symbolizing office culture in the early 2000s.
In the new identity, Order replaces FF Meta with Söhne, a sans-serif typeface by Klim Type Foundry. Söhne draws inspiration from Akzidenz-Grotesk and Helvetica, two classic typefaces that resonate with Herman Miller’s enduring design legacy. While this change reduces the nostalgic appeal of FF Meta, it is a deliberate and balanced choice, signaling both modernity and a connection to the brand’s storied past.
The icon itself has undergone subtle adjustments. No longer enclosed in a red circle, the symbol itself is now rendered in red and aligned with the wordmark. Its curved lines have been delicately refined, preserving its recognizability while enhancing its elegance. In standalone applications, the icon serves as a versatile graphic motif, anchoring the visual identity.
Color Palette and Typography
The updated color palette draws inspiration from Herman Miller’s historical product designs. Rich and varied hues complement the primary brand color, Herman Miller Red, which remains central to the identity. This thoughtful integration of color connects the brand’s visual system to its product heritage while offering versatility for modern applications.
Söhne also serves as the primary corporate typeface for promotional materials, banners, posters, and the official website. Its utilitarian nature is paired with a distinct character that reflects the brand’s historical essence while presenting a fresh perspective. This typographic choice underscores the balance between tradition and innovation.
A Flexible and Cohesive Visual System
The new visual identity is designed with flexibility in mind, offering a cohesive language that adapts to different contexts. Depending on the combination of elements, the brand can project either a bold, striking image or a subdued, approachable tone. This duality ensures that the identity accommodates both corporate precision and warm, human-centric imagery. Throughout these expressions, Herman Miller’s legacy and iconic designs are celebrated without overshadowing the introduction of contemporary motifs.
Order’s redesign of Herman Miller’s visual identity strikes an impressive balance between honoring the brand’s rich history and positioning it for a modern audience. The thoughtful updates to the logo, typography, and color palette create a system that is both expressive and grounded, ensuring that Herman Miller remains a symbol of design excellence for years to come.