Like so many artists and designers, husband and wife John McGuire (1920–2013) and Elinor Stevenson (1914–2005) became masters in their trade by accident. For the founders of McGuire Furniture Company, well, furniture wasn’t actually in the plans.
The couple met just before the start of World War II (during which John was in the U.S. Navy and Elinor was a navigation instructor) and got married after it ended. They settled down in San Francisco where John held a couple of jobs — among them selling newspaper ads for the San Francisco Examiner while Elinor worked for Boeing Aircraft. Soon, an old Navy buddy of John’s asked him to help sell a bunch of rattan furniture and, needing the money, John agreed. His side business became so successful that John decided to quit his ad-sales job and work full-time in design.
In 1948, McGuire Furniture Company was born. Alongside the mid-century modern furniture designs then gaining popularity in the United States, John introduced an unconventional idea: traditional armchairs, stools and tables made of natural materials such as bamboo, which was strong yet could be rendered pliable when steamed, that were intended for the indoors rather than the front porch.
The brand’s first success was the now famous Director’s X-Chair by Leonard Linden. The military-campaign-style solid oak folding chair launched in 1956 and saw rattan binded with rawhide strips and a high-grade leather slug seat and back that eliminated the need for a plush cushion. Elinor, too, designed some of the brand’s popular pieces, such as 1968’s Cracked Ice chair. With its rattan oval back a dazzling celebration of geometric forms that give it its charming moniker, the Cracked Ice chair was an instant classic and is one of the brand’s most recognizable designs.
Today, McGuire and another American furniture manufacturer, Baker Furniture Company, comprise Baker Interiors Group. McGuire remains true to the founders’ ideals and commitment to crafting the kind of organic modern furnishings that are synonymous with the warm and relaxed feel of California design. The company has collaborated with interior designers Steven Volpe, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy and Nicole Hollis, and, as of 2019, its luxury furnishings share a 16,500-square-foot showroom with Baker’s in San Francisco. Some of the earliest McGuire Furniture Company designs are part of the permanent collection at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
Find a wide range of vintage John and Elinor McGuire furniture on 1stDibs.
Crackled Finish Signed McGuire Cracked Ice Chairs with Leather Lashing
By John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic Cracked Ice Chair by McGuire. The three are in exceptional condition and have beautiful, in tact, leather lashing. We are only charging for two.. the third is a bonus. A gr...
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
Set of Eight McGuire Rattan "Cracked Ice" Dining Chairs
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Hamburg, PA
An elegant set of eight McGuire "Cracked Ice" Dining Chairs with hand-crafted raw-hide leather binding and caned seats. This impressive set of chairs was designed by John and Elinor ...
Leather, Upholstery, Cane, Rattan
Genuine McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Cracked Ice Dining Arm Chairs, Set of Four
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A set of four iconic genuine McGuire Cracked Ice rattan bamboo dining chairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire in 1968. Each armchair retains a McGuire maker's plaque...
Leather, Cane, Rattan, Bamboo
Set of Six McGuire Organic Modern Gothic Rattan Dining Chairs
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Beautiful set of six genuine McGuire rattan dining chairs, designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire. The design is famous for its rattan Gothic cathedral pattern with inters...
Leather, Rattan, Fabric, Bamboo
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Rattan Sofa
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Organic modern bamboo rattan sofa designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco. The three-seat sofa or settee features a handcrafted bent rattan frame ...
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
McGuire C-1 Rattan Three Seat Sofa
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
This important early design by Elinor McGuire dates from the 1950s. It's from their "Style 1" series, and was offered as this model B-1 loveseat, as a single lounge chair, and also a three seat sofa...
Leather, Upholstery, Rattan
McGuire A-1 Rattan Lounge Chair
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
This important early design by Elinor McGuire dates from the 1950s. It's from their "Style 1" series, and was offered as this model A-1 lounge chair, and also a two or three seat sof...
Leather, Upholstery, Rattan
$1,687Sale Price / set|25% Off
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Rattan Lounge Chairs a pair
By John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Fulton, CA
A pair of organic modern lounge chairs by McGuire. Rattan frames with woven cane and reversible cushions. Very good original condition. Sturdy. 24.25 inches wide. 31.25 inches high....
Cane, Rattan
Set of Six McGuire Woven Rattan Peel Dining Chairs
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
This set of six organic modern dining chairs, designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire, includes two armchairs and four side chairs. The woven rattan dining chairs, handmade...
Wicker, Rattan
Set of Six McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Bamboo Dining Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A rare set of six organic modern M-74 dining chairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco. The handcrafted chairs have their original finish, Co...
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
McGuire 4-Piece Set: Pair of Rattan Wing Lounge Chairs, Ottoman and Side Table
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
This four-piece set by McGuire includes a pair of rattan wing chairs, an ottoman, and a side table with inset glass. The design, by breakthrough inno...
Leather, Rattan, Fabric, Oak
Pair of Organic Modern Rattan Lounge Chairs by Elinor McGuire
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A pair of organic modern rattan lounge chairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco. Oversized for comfort, the chairs feature large handcrafted...
Leather, Rattan
Ficks Reed Bamboo Sheaf Dining Table and Five Swivel Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Hanover, MA
California modern sun room dining set with table and five armchairs. Off-white lacquered bamboo sheaf pedestal base dining table raised on arched supports with a 42 inch round...
Bamboo, Rattan
Set of Four McGuire Rattan Oval Cane Back Dining Armchairs, Organic Modern Style
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A gorgeous set of four genuine McGuire rattan oval cane back dining chairs, designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire. The set of armchairs feature McGuire’s signature rawhid...
Leather, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Set of 4 Elinor and John Mcguire Chairs in Rattan, 1970s
By John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Roma, RM
Set of 4 Elinor and John Mcguire Chairs in Rattan with Leather Bindings And Leather Cushions, 1970 Product Details Set of chairs with ivory leather seat and dark bamboo cane frame D...
Leather, Rattan
Elinor McGuire M-86 Rattan & Cane Chair
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
Elinor McGuire designed this model M-86c occasional chair for McGuire of San Fransisco, the company she started with her husband John. The only thing more impressive than the many su...
Upholstery, Cane, Rattan
$7,196Sale Price / set|20% Off
1960s Mid-Century McGuire Balboa Chairs, Rattan & Upholstery
By John and Elinor McGuire, Leonard Linden, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Chattanooga, TN
These six McGuire Balboa chairs, finished in the richly evocative dark tobacco, are quintessential icons of mid-century organic modern design. Crafted by John and Elinor McGuire in t...
Upholstery, Rattan
Set of Four McGuire Rattan Oval Cane Back Dining Armchairs
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Set of four McGuire rattan oval cane back dining chairs, designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire. The organic modern armchairs have their original tobacco brown finish. Fea...
Leather, Cane, Rattan
Genuine McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Cracked Ice Dining Arm Chairs, Set of Four
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A set of four iconic McGuire Cracked Ice rattan bamboo dining chairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire in 1968. The design is famous for its rattan oval back that fra...
Leather, Cane, Rattan, Bamboo
Elinor McGuire M-71 Occasional Chair
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
Elinor McGuire designed this model M-71 occasional chair for McGuire of San Fransisco, the company she started with her husband John. McGuire furniture is made to last for generation...
Leather, Rattan
McGuire Set of Four Armchairs
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
Another elegant design by Elinor and John McGuire, these armchairs are not only beautiful, but incredibly well built with McGuire's patented method using rawhide binding at the joint...
Leather, Cane, Rattan
$14,500 / set
H 34.5 in W 17.5 in D 19 in
Warm Set of 8 Vintage Honey Bamboo and Caramel Leather Dining Chairs by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fabulous set of eight (8) beautifully aged Organic dining chairs by McGuire, circa 1980. Stout expertly crafted rattan construction accented with handsome caramel woven leather sea...
Rattan, Leather, Bamboo
$5,450 / set
H 36 in W 22 in D 22.32 in
Vintage set of 6 Tropical Vibe McGuire Rattan & Cane Dining Chairs c. 1970s
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in St. Louis, MO
Nice late 1970s vintage set of 6, California casual designed McGuire San Francisco dining chairs made of bent rattan and caning wit...
Upholstery, Cane, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Cerused Rattan Ladder Back Chair
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish rattan ladder back style chair made in the California coastal manner by McGuire San Francisco, CA. The chair features thick rattan poles lashed together with leather rawhide ...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan
$3,072Sale Price|33% Off
H 31 in W 61 in D 29 in
Mcguire Organic Modern Rattan Target Sette Loveseat Custom Upholstered
By McGuire
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Marked: McGuire rattan target settee and or loveseat with new custom white Sunbrella fabric for an organic modern Coastal style. Settee frame has been refinished with minimal wear along with new fabric added to the existing McGuire cushion...
Rattan, Bentwood
$4,495 / set
H 33.5 in W 23.25 in D 24.5 in
1990s McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Oval Lattice Back Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By McGuire
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a beautiful set of six chairs by McGuire, circa the 1990s. Each chair features a classic rattan frame with McGuire’s signature circular lattice back, bl...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan, Hardwood
$5,800 / set
H 44 in W 22.5 in D 22.5 in
Set of Four McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Cathedral Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic set of four organic modern rattan dining chairs made by McGuire. "Cathedral" style dining chairs designed by John McGuire feature a Gothic lancet arch style back with an open ...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Lacquered Rattan Lounge Chair
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Oversized organic modern lounge chair designed by Elinor McGuire in the California coastal style. The chair features a large horseshoe shaped round back with a thick pole rattan fram...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Twisted Rattan Lounge Chair
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Bespoke organic modern twisted rattan lounge chair by McGuire in a fantastic Elphaba green color. The custom ordered chair has an intentionally aged lacquer finish by McGuire artisan...
Leather, Rattan, Oak
Set of Four McGuire Antalya Laced Rawhide Rattan Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic set of four laced rawhide rattan dining chairs made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire. The Antalya chair (model #MCLM44) f...
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
Set of Six McGuire Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a set of six dining chairs, two armchairs and four side chairs, each with its own chocolate brown seat cushion, by McGuire of San Francisco. The chairs’ design blends nat...
Leather, Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Twisted Rattan Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome matching lounge chair and ottoman crafted in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The iconic chair features bent rattan poles twisted together re...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan, Oak
Set of Four McGuire Laced Rawhide Rattan Dining Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Genuine set of four rare McGuire Antalya directors style dining armchairs featuring lattice style laced rawhide woven leather seats and back. Model #MC...
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Bamboo Cane Back Arm Chairs, a Pair
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A pair of McGuire organic modern rattan bamboo cane back arm chairs. These vintage 1970s organic modern chairs were designed in the classic tradition, using beautiful materials simpl...
Leather, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Set of Four McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Bamboo Dining Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A beautiful set of four dining armchairs designed by Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco. The handcrafted chairs have their original tobacco brown finish and feature McGuire’s s...
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
McGuire Set of Eight M-59 "Target" Chairs
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
Elinor McGuire designed this model M-59 occasional chair for McGuire of San Fransisco, the company she started with her husband John. Originally named the "Host" chair, it has become...
Leather, Upholstery, Rattan
Pair of dark-finished bent bamboo chairs – Lyda Levi for Mcguire
By John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Roma, RM
Pair of dark-finished bent bamboo chairs – Lyda Levi for Mcguire San Francisco 1970 Product Details With leather bindings and complete with cushions in Dedar fabric – model “A Joy” c...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Rattan and Leather M-71 Occasional Chair by Elinor McGuire, Pair
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Van Nuys, CA
A pair of vintage McGuire rattan and leather wrapping occasional armchairs or dining chairs, featuring Craftsman details. The chairs were designed by Elinor McGuire and have a rich d...
Leather, Rattan
Elinor McGuire Rattan Target Armchairs or Dining Chairs, a Set of Six
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A beautiful set of six rattan arm chairs or dining chairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire in the California organic modern style. These impeccably crafted chairs di...
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
Set of 8 Vintage McGuire Rattan Dining Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A set of eight McGuire Rattan Dining. Each with a barrel shaped caned back. The chairs all need new cushions and upholstery. There is wear and finish loss on parts of the chairs. Al...
Rattan
Sold
H 33.47 in W 17.72 in D 18.51 in
Elinor And John Mcguire San Francisco 1970 set of 6 Rattan chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Roma, RM
Elinor And John Mcguire San Francisco 1970 set of 6 Rattan chairs with leather bindings, complete with cushions Single chair dimensions 45 W x 85 H × 4...
Brass
Sold
H 31.89 in W 23.63 in D 19.69 in
Pair Of Director’s Chairs By Elinor And John Mc Guire For Lyda Levi
By John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Roma, RM
Pair Of Director’s Chairs By Elinor And John Mc Guire For Lyda Levi Structure in very good condition. Light marks due to use and age on structure and leather seat. Made of bamboo an...
Brass
Elinor McGuire Iconic Cracked Ice Dining Chairs, a Set of 6
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Gorgeous set of six iconic rattan Cracked Ice Chairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire. The design is famous for its rattan oval back that frames smaller rattan pieces bound by rawhide, creating the impression of cracked ice or shattered glass. These beautifully handcrafted dining armchairs with original finish are in very good vintage condition. The organic modern chairs feature generous cane seats, gracefully curved armrests, and elegant legs with corner detail. Chairs retain McGuire maker's plaque and a pearlescent inlaid M signature. Seats are 19" high with cushion. Cushions were recently redone in a beautiful blue and white pattern. Enjoy uncompromising quality and relaxed, timeless style from McGuire San Francisco (now Baker McGuire...
Leather, Cane, Rattan
McGuire St. Germain Rattan Lounge Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Houston, TX
Indulge in luxurious relaxation with a pair of McGuire St. Germain Rattan Lounge Chairs, exuding timeless elegance and unparalleled comfort. Crafted with meticulous attention to deta...
Bamboo, Rattan
Pair of McGuire Rattan Target Back Dining Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Houston, TX
Enhance your dining experience with McGuire Rattan Target Dining Chairs, seamlessly blending comfort and style. Crafted with precision and elegan...
Bamboo, Rattan