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.
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
1980s McGuire Beige Gold Herringbone Rattan Chairs, Set of 4
By McGuire
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning rattan dining chairs you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The Iconic chairs are a statement piece...
Leather, Upholstery, Rattan
Vintage Barbara Barry McGuire Rattan "Cambria" Armchair, Newly Upholstered
By McGuire
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Barbara Barry McGuire Rattan "Cambria" Armchair, Newly Upholstered Offered for sale is a vintage rattan Barbara Barry Cambria armchair from McGuire Furniture. The chair has ...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan
Vintage Coastal McGuire Rattan and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 4
By McGuire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your dining experience with this exceptional set of four vintage dining chairs by the renowned McGuire Furniture company. Embodying a sophisticated coastal aesthetic, these chairs showcase the masterful use of rattan and cane McGuire is celebrated for, featuring sturdy frames accented with intricate wrapped joinery. The design strikes a perfect balance between relaxed, organic texture and refined elegance, making them a standout addition. Ideal for a sun-drenched dining room, a chic breakfast nook, or even repurposed as stylish accent chairs in a living room or office, this set brings timeless designer quality and natural charm to any interior. This vintage McGuire set is presented in great vintage condition, displaying minor scuffs and blemishes that are consistent with their age and history, enhancing their authentic appeal. Each chair measures approximately 21 inches wide, 20 inches deep (with a seat depth of 17 inches), and 35.5 inches high, featuring a comfortable seat height of 19.5 inches. Their versatile form factor complements a range of decor styles, from classic coastal and bohemian chic to Hollywood Regency or mid-century modern-inspired spaces. Don't miss the chance to own a piece of design history – acquire this beautiful McGuire dining chair set...
Upholstery, Rattan
Barbara Barry for Baker McGuire Tobacco Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By McGuire, Barbara Barry
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for Baker McGuire Tobacco Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 24 wide x 23.75 deep x 39 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 19.5 inches ...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
$2,150Sale Price / set|40% Off
McGuire Rattan and Bamboo Cafe Side Chairs with Palm Tree Print Seats, Signed
By McGuire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant set of four (4) wicker McGuire cafe chairs (signed) that can be used indoor or out. Fabricated from woven wicker that has been finished in a black color with palm tree dec...
Fabric, Wicker, 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 Caned Arm Chair by Barbara Barry, Rattan & Leather, USA
By McGuire, Barbara Barry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Crafted from rattan, the chair is accented by meticulously hand-laced joint bindings at each joint—a patented McGuire hallmark that ensures both structural integrity and a rich, tact...
Leather, 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
Thomas Pheasant for McGuire Organic Modern Club Chair & Ottoman
By Thomas Pheasant, McGuire
Located in Southampton, NJ
An impressive organic modern "Club Chair" with ottoman by Thomas Pheasant for McGuire with comfy silhouette & interesting textured deep Verdigris caste bronze Faux Bois frame...
Bronze
$2,000 / set
Pair of McGuire Midcentury Oak Demilune Stools
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare pair of McGuire oak stools or side tables crafted from solid oak. Very well-made solid construction stools featuring a curved frame. When arranged side by side the stools form a...
Oak
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
Breathtaking McGuire Cane Sofa in the Style of Michael Taylor- Pair Available
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent sofa is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: meticulously professionally restored, expertly upholstered and completely inst...
Cane, Hardwood
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
Set of Four McGuire Rattan Oval Cane Back Dining Armchairs
By John and Elinor McGuire, 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 John and Elinor McGuire, 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
McGuire Mackintosh Style Organic Modern Rattan Dining Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sculptural set of four gorgeous rattan dining armchairs made in the manner and style of McGuire and Mackintosh. The rattan frames have a lovely intentionally aged patina with a bleac...
Fabric, Rattan
Pair of McGuire Rattan Leona Loop Back Dining Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Elegant set of three McGuire rattan loop back dining armchairs made in the California coastal organic modern style. One of McGuire's most iconic and beautiful chair styles designed b...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan
1990s Mcguire Art Deco Style Wood Case Club Chairs, Set of 2
By McGuire
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Extremely rare! Dramatic pair of organic wood case barrel back club chairs by McGuire. The chairs feature a slight barrel form rattan and wood frame. Fully upholstered with thick fil...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair, McGuire Bamboo Wood Bouclé Fabric Upholstery Ottomans Mid-Century Modern
By Maitland Smith, McGuire
Located in Miami, FL
Fully Restored McGuire Furniture Pair of rectangle upholstered Ottomans, known for blending natural materials with refined craftsmanship. The Ottomans, Stools feature lightly textur...
Bamboo, Wood, Leather, Bouclé
Set of Eight McGuire Balboa Organic Modern Rattan Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Featuring Craftsman details, the strong, simple lines of this set of eight Balboa rattan dining chairs make a statement. Architectural and incredibly detailed, the organic modern cha...
Leather, Rattan
Classic McGuire Bamboo Armchair with Upholstered Seat
By McGuire
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Never goes out of style McGuire bamboo armchair having neutral upholstered seat. Arm height 26"
Upholstery, Bamboo
Pair of McGuire Bamboo Lounge Chairs, Original Finish, No Cushions
By McGuire
Located in West Palm Beach, US
Title: Pair of McGuire Bamboo Lounge Chairs, Original Finish, No Cushions Description: Elegant pair of bamboo lounge chairs attributed to McGuire, circa 1970s–80s. Crafted with the brand’s signature attention to form and proportion, each chair features sculptural rattan framing with intricate bent and wrapped cane details. The open fanback design and circular side elements highlight McGuire’s timeless coastal-modern aesthetic. Presented in their original natural finish and sold without cushions. Structurally sound with light wear consistent with age and use, offering an airy, organic warmth ideal for interiors or covered patios. Keywords: McGuire bamboo chairs, rattan lounge chairs, coastal modern, California design, vintage bamboo furniture...
Leather
Classic Set of 4 McGuire Whitewashed Handcrafted Barrel Back Rattan Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Classic set of 4 McGuire barrel back whitewashed rattan armchairs having stylish newly upholstered seats in a striking cotton decorated with Chinese blu...
Cotton, Rattan
Davis Allen Square Chair and Ottoman by McGuire
By McGuire, Davis Allen
Located in Highland, IN
This strikingly handsome Davis Allen design for McGuire of San Fransisco is the model RW-12A "Square Chair" and RW-51P ottoman. It is a cube chair executed in rattan and cane wicker ...
Upholstery, Cane, Rattan
Four McGuire Arm Chairs with White Washed Finish, Great Scale for Comfort
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