At Design Within Reach, the focus is on making the home a sanctuary. They believe in sourcing and creating pieces that are meant to move with you, lasting a lifetime—passing seamlessly from one home to the next, across generations. Since their founding, they’ve become a symbol of meticulously crafted, timeless modern furniture. By providing access to authentic, high-quality design, they’ve genuinely opened the door to stylish, durable furnishings for everyone.

The founder, Rob Forbes, dreamed up the idea in San Francisco in 1998. He was inspired by his experience furnishing his London apartment with sleek, classic designs. However, he quickly realized that iconic pieces from designers like Eames, Le Corbusier, and Saarinen were often out of reach for most—either due to high costs or long waits. Determined to change that, Rob and a small team purchased 20 containers of inventory, mailed out catalogs, and waited for orders to come in.

The response was overwhelming. Architects, interior designers, and everyday consumers eagerly embraced the concept—and brands like Herman Miller, which Rob had previously struggled to access, responded positively. Within just a year, Design Within Reach was offering classic Herman Miller favorites like the Eames Lounge Chair and Aeron Chair directly to customers for the first time. In 2015, they became part of the Herman Miller family, continuing their mission to bring authentic modern design within reach for all.