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 range of McGuire Furniture on 1stDibs.
Set of Four McGuire Rattan Laced Rawhide Barrel Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic set of four McGuire barrel back design rattan dining armchairs made in the California coastal organic modern style. The chairs feature a woven laced rawhide back in geometric ...
Leather, Rattan
McGuire Contemporary Stacked Bamboo Rattan and Laminate Top Side Table
By McGuire
Located in Germantown, MD
McGuire Contemporary Stacked Bamboo Rattan and Laminate Top Side Table. Dark gray top with tan color frame. Measures 24" in width at the back, 14.5" in width at the front, 27" in dep...
Bamboo, Rattan, Laminate
1970 McGuire Rattan Games Flip Top Extension Dining Table and Four Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Sheridan, CO
McGuire comprising revolving flip top games and dining table with two woven rattan side chairs and two armchairs. Chairs feature McGuire "M" logo inlay in back of each chair seat (se...
Textile, Bamboo, Rattan
Pair McGuire Lacquered Rattan Taborette Drum Drink Tables
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Chic pair of black lacquered rattan taborette drum form drinks tables or stools crafted in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The tables feature a pole ...
Leather, Rattan, Oak
Baker McGuire Fretwork Dining Table
By Baker Furniture Company, McGuire
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Baker McGuire Fretwork Dining Table This dining table measures: 54 wide x 54 deep x 29 inches high, with a chair clearance of 28.5 inches We take our photos in a controlled lightin...
Metal
McGuire Rattan 3 Seat Sofa
By McGuire
Located in Dallas, TX
Fantastic vintage McGuire of San Francisco Model C-1 sofa, featuring a thick, bent pole rattan frame with gracefully curved back. The rattan is lashed together with leather rawhide l...
Leather, Rattan
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Pedestal Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous organic modern glass top dining table or center table made by McGuire. The table features a bamboo rattan pedestal base with a w...
Leather, Rattan, Glass
Large Glass Top Bamboo & Leather Straps Frame Dining Conference Table by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large rectangle glass top bamboo & leather straps frame dining conference table by McGuire.
Leather, Bamboo, Glass
Elegant Set of 8 Vintage Cane Dining Chairs by Jacques Garcia for McGuire
By Jacques Garcia, McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fabulous set of eight (8) dining chairs by Jacques Garcia for McGuire. Stout expertly crafted hardwood form veneered in cane; handsome brass sabots accent the leg. Sturdy and extre...
Brass
McGuire bamboo and Lucite Sofa
By McGuire
Located in Miami, FL
McGuire Bamboo and lucite Sofa.
Fabric, Bamboo, Lucite
Elegant Restored Set of 10 Cane Dining Chairs Jacques Garcia for McGuire
By Jacques Garcia, McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fabulous set of ten (10) dining chairs by Jacques Garcia for McGuire, circa 2010. Stout expertly crafted hardwood form veneered in cane; handsome brass sabots accent the leg. Sturd...
Brass
McGuire Rattan Lounge Chair
By McGuire
Located in Franklin Park, IL
McGuire Rattan Lounge Chair This chair measures: 34.25 wide x 33 deep x 32.5 high, with a seat height of 22 and arm height/chair clearance of 28.5 inches We take our photos in a co...
Upholstery, Rattan
Four McGuire Arm Chairs with White Washed Finish, Great Scale for Comfort Chic.
By McGuire
Located in Buchanan, MI
Four McGuire arm chairs with white washed finish, great scale for comfort. Upholstery in pristine condition. Would look good in a library, office or...
Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Lacquered Rattan Foot Stool Bench
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Bespoke lacquered rattan footstool or bench seat made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The stool features a robust pole rattan frame having a styli...
Leather, Faux Leather, Rattan
McGuire Three Tier Ebonized Rattan Rolling Bar Cart
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Germantown, MD
McGuire three tier ebonized rattan rolling bar cart in excellent vintage condition. Measures: 25.5" in diameter and stands 30" tall.
Rattan, Paint
Pair, Barbara Barry McGuire Mid-Century Modern Caned Lounge Chairs Refinished
By Barbara Barry, McGuire
Located in Miami, FL
A Pair of fully restored large, caned Rattan Lounge Chairs designed by Barbara Barry and made in the USA by the McGuire Furniture Company in Tropical Coastal Design. Features linked ...
Leather, Fabric, Cane, Bamboo, Rattan
McGuire Pair of Arm Lounge Dining Chairs, Custom Finish
By McGuire
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of McGuire Rattan arm chairs. 3 pairs available. Note the beautiful custom finish and embroider upholstery.
Upholstery, Rattan
McGuire "Sheaf of Wheat" Stacked Hourglass Rattan End Table, Pair
By McGuire
Located in Van Nuys, CA
A pair of rattan side tables by McGuire feature sculptural organic modern hourglass design and glass tops. The McGuire "Sheaf of Wheat" Stacked Rattan End Table is an elegantly Organ...
Rattan, Glass
Vintage McGuire Rattan Dining Game Table Base Braided Wicker Sheaf of Wheat
By McGuire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage McGuire Rattan Bamboo Dining Game Table Base Braided Wicker Sheaf of Wheat. Dimensions: 28 H x 25 D.
Wicker, Rattan
McGuire Rattan Coffee Table with Glass Top
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
Elinor McGuire designed coffee table for McGuire of San Fransisco, the company she started with her husband John. McGuire furniture is made to last generations. Not only is the desig...
Leather, Rattan
Vintage Bamboo & Leather Straps Side Table / Footstool By McGuire Furniture
By McGuire
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice vintage bamboo and leather strap side table / footstool with glass top by McGuire Furniture Companmy, circa 1970s. A beautifully crafted vintage McGuire side table or foo...
Leather, Bamboo, Glass
Set of Four McGuire Rattan Target Upholstered Dining Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A handsome set of four genuine labeled "Target" upholstered back dining armchairs made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire, San Francisco, California. The set c...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan
Stellar Restored Set of 8 Rattan Parquetry Bistro Chairs by McGuire, circa 1975
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent unique set of dining chairs is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored, newly upholstered...
Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Oak Cocktail Coffee Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish organic modern rattan cocktail or coffee table made in the California coastal taste by McGuire artisans. The square table features an oak veneered top showcasing the lovely w...
Leather, Rattan, Oak
Organic Modern Chippendale Style Cerused Rattan & Brass Coffee Table By McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a great looking organic modern chippendale style cerused rattan glass top coffee table by McGuire out of California. The brass capped legs add a nice touch. It most likely da...
Brass
McGuire Organic Modern Round Glass and Rattan Pedestal Dining Table
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Designed for use with a glass top, this bamboo rattan pedestal dining table base is marked McGuire San Francisco and has the original cerused washed finish. The organic modern base i...
Rattan, Leather, Glass, Bamboo
Stellar Restored Set of 10 Rattan Parquetry Bistro Chairs by McGuire, circa 1975
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent unique set of dining chairs is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored, newly upholstered...
Rattan
A Set of Four Iconic McGuire Rattan Cracked Ice Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A set of four iconic McGuire Cracked Ice rattan dining chairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire in 1968. The design is famous for its rattan oval back that frames sma...
Leather, Cane, Rattan
Elegant Restored Vintage Circular Dining Table by McGuire - 44" Diameter Base
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exceptional circular dining or center table by McGuire, circa 1990. The table base is 44 inches in diameter. Stout, heavy steel frame construction veneered in bamboo; leather wra...
Steel
Set of Four McGuire Rattan Chinese Officials Hat Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic set of four rattan dining chairs made by McGuire. The chairs are made in the manner and style of a Chinese Ming officials hat chair crafted from rattan poles lashed together...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan
McGuire Three Tier Natural Rattan Bamboo and Leather Rolling Bar Cart
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Germantown, MD
McGuire three tier ebonized rattan rolling bar cart in excellent vintage condition. Measures: 25.5" in diameter and stands 30" tall. Lower tier has a 13" clearance and the middle t...
Rattan, Paint
Forbes for McGuire Campaign Style Oak Officer's Chair
By Eleanor Forbes, McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare campaign style officer's chair or sling chair designed in the mid-century by Eleanor Forbes for McGuire. The chair features a cube-shaped oak frame reinforced with leather rawhi...
Brass
Pair of McGuire "Dornick" Side Tables or Nightstands
By McGuire
Located in Dallas, TX
Great looking pair of end tables or nightstands by McGuire. The Dornick table.
Wicker, Wood
Beautiful Oak, Rattan and Cane Commode by McGuire, circa 1970- Pair Available
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent commode is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready. A ...
Brass
Bamboo Coffee Table by McGuire, 1980s
By McGuire
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage bamboo 'sheaf of wheat' coffee table with a smoked glass top. Produced by McGuire. Good condition. Lovely timeless piece. 1980s, United States Dimensions: Height 46cm/18...
Bamboo, Smoked Glass
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
McGuire Rattan Target Design Cocktail or Occasional Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exceptional McGuire two-tier cocktail table, coffee table, or occasional table designed by Elinor McGuire. The table features a rattan frame with McGuires iconic target design on eac...
Leather, Cane, Rattan, Glass
$875Sale Price / set|30% Off
Oak & Rattan Round Side Table by McGuire Furniture Co.
By McGuire
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice oak and rattan round side table by McGuire Furniture Co. of San Francisco, circa 1970s. This hard to find table is in very good vintage condition and measures 24"D x 21"H; it ...
Leather, Rattan, Oak
McGuire Rattan Oak Campaign Style Folding Drink Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare organic modern campaign style folding drinks table crafted by McGuire artisans in California. The table features a thick pole rattan X frame that features an open fretwork desig...
Brass
American modern armchairs by Lyda Levi for McGuire Company, 1970s
By McGuire
Located in MIlano, IT
American modern armchairs by Lyda Levi for McGuire Company, 1970s Pair of armchairs with padded seat and back cushions upholstered in geometric-patterned fabric. The frame, legs, and...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Beautiful Pair of Oak, Rattan and Cane Campaign Commodes by McGuire, circa 1970
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent pair of commodes are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ...
Brass
Elinor McGuire M-86 Rattan & Cane Chair
By John and Elinor McGuire, 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
Pair Of Vintage McGuire Rattan Round Drum Form Side Tables
By McGuire
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of McGuire drum-shaped side tables, specifically known for their use of rattan and bamboo in an Organic Mid Century style. The round tables with a circular base and top conjoi...
Rattan, Leather, Wood
1970s McGuire Rattan Chinoiserie Down Round Glass Dining Set, Set of 5
By McGuire
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, dining set you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, i...
Rattan, Glass
Set of Eight Thomas Pheasant for McGuire Rattan Dining Chairs
By Thomas Pheasant, McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous set of eight wicker rattan dining chairs designed by Thomas Pheasant for McGuire. The chairs feature a distinctive oak frame embellished with fine woven wicker and topped wi...
Leather, Wicker, Rattan, Oak
Pair of McGuire Cerused Rattan Mohair Library Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive pair of rattan library armchairs made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The chairs feature a pole rattan frame with a custom ordered cer...
Leather, Mohair, Rattan
Large Round Bamboo Glass Top MCM Dining Dinette Table by McGuire MINT!
By Ficks Reed, McGuire
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large round bamboo 3/4" glass top MCM dining Dinette table by McGuire MINT!
Bamboo, Glass
1980s McGuire Rocking Rattan Stacked Swivel Tulip Chairs, Set of 5
By McGuire
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning chairs you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The Iconic stacked rocking rattan swivel chairs are a...
Upholstery, Rattan
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Bamboo Base Glass Top Coffee Table by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in New York, NY
Chic, voguish style Hollywood Regency coffee table having a waited form faux bamboo base, circular plate glass top. The table is in very good original condition showing only light co...
Bamboo, Glass
McGuire Console Table Richard Hannum Huxley Collection Faux Bamboo Cherry Wood
By McGuire
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Bohemian Chic McGuire Console Table, Hallway Table or Sofa Table. Features a floating restored Cherry Wood Top combined with faux bamboo legs and rawhide decor, mo...
Iron
McGuire Rattan Target Design Glass-Top Occasional Table
By McGuire
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fine John Elinor McGuire occasional table with a square glass top over a honeyed brown Leather bound rattan frame with X motif sides accented with target designs with concentric gilt...
Rattan, Glass, Leather
Stunning, Unusual Pair Rattan/ Bamboo Arm Chairs, Attrib to Danny Ho Fong
By Danny Ho Fong, McGuire
Located in Buffalo, NY
Matching Pair Curved High Back Stylized Rattan Arm Chairs, Attributed to Danny Ho Fong (Designer) Made by Mcguire,, seats in need of restoration.. Hand Delivery avail to New York C...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
American modern sofa by Lyda Levi per McGuire Company, 1970s
By McGuire
Located in MIlano, IT
American modern sofa by Lyda Levi per McGuire Company, 1970s Three-seater sofa with seat and backrest made of padded, fabric-covered cushions. The frame, legs, and armrests are made ...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Elegant Mid-Century Modern Console Table by Lyda Levi, Italy, 1970s
By McGuire
Located in Argelato, BO
Elegant and rare Console by Lyda Levi for McGuire, 1970s
Wood
$3,800 / item
McGuire Woven Resin Wicker Garden Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing woven resin wicker patio and garden dining table designed by Thomas Pheasant for McGuire. The large round table has a 1.5 inch thick top supported by a square base with a sub...
Steel
$2,720Sale Price|20% Off
Genuine McGuire Organic Modern Palasan Rattan Pedestal Dining Table Base, Marked
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A genuine McGuire organic modern rattan pedestal dining table base, designed for use with a round glass tabletop. This beautiful piece is from McGuire's Palasan Collection, featuring...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
Set of Six McGuire Coral Wicker Rattan Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Spectacular set of six coral toned wicker rattan dining chairs made by McGuire in the California organic modern taste. These rare chairs feature a rattan frame covered with woven wic...
Fabric, Wicker, Rattan
Pair of Laura Kirar for McGuire Rattan Raffia King Benches
By McGuire, Laura Kirar
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish pair of lacquered rattan and raffia grass cloth benches or diminutive daybeds designed by Laura Kirar for McGuire. Known as ring benches they feature an oak frame with rattan clad borders and inset with raffia grasscloth...
Velvet, Raffia, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Leather Library Armchair
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome McGuire library armchair made in the organic modern style. The armchair features a pole rattan construction with leather rawhide laces with a rich dark stain finish. The gen...
Leather, Rattan
McGuire Bamboo and Glass Dining Table
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Red Lion, PA
McGuire oval clear glass table on wheat sheaf-wrapped bamboo oval base, glass
Bamboo, Glass
Dramatic Restored Pair of Cerused Oak and Brass Commodes by McGuire, circa 1970
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent married pair of commodes is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely instal...
Brass