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.
Pair of Vintage McGuire Twisted Rattan Armchairs with Purple Cushions
By McGuire
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of McGuire Twisted Rattan Arm Chairs, with purple upholstered cushions and "McGuire" label to underside. 31.5" H x 28" W x 30.5" D; seat: 19.5" D. Provenance: From an Upper Ea...
Upholstery, Rattan
$6,800 / set
Pair Orange McGuire Teak Portico Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Houston, TX
Originally designed by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy for McGuire of San Francisco, the Portico chair takes a modern approach while saluting a traditional aesthetic. Each solid teak chair fame ...
Velvet, Teak
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
$3,600 / set
Pair of McGuire Bamboo Butterfly Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Raleigh, NC
Pair of McGuire bamboo butterfly chairs featuring reddish tone with washed finish. The distinctive butterfly profile creates wide, angled backs that spread outward from narrow seat ...
Bamboo
$6,589 / set
Pair of armchairs, McGuire San Francisco 1970
By McGuire
Located in Roma, RM
Pair of armchairs McGuire San Francisco 1970 Product details Made of wood and fabric, with leather bindings. Dimensions: 63w x 78h x72d cm Production: McGuire, San Francisco 1970.
Leather, Fabric, Wood
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan and Cane Back Armchair
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A sinuous rattan framed armchair featuring a woven honeycomb cane back crafted in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire. The chair has a gracefully curved pole ratta...
Leather, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Set of 8 Vintage McGuire Bamboo Dining Armchairs, San Francisco
By McGuire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and highly desirable group of vintage bamboo dining armchairs by McGuire Furniture, designed and manufactured in San Francisco, California. We currently have a total of 10 mat...
Fabric, Bamboo
Lyda Levi McGuire director's chair in wood and leather with brass details, 1970.
By McGuire
Located in Roma, RM
Lyda Levi McGuire director's chair in wood and leather with brass details, 1970. Extra large version (the chair is 10 cm wider than the classic direc...
Brass
$2,925Sale Price / set|35% Off
Pair of Laced Rawhide Lounge Chairs form the Antalya Collection by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice pair of laced rawhide lounge chairs form the "Antalya Collection" by McGuire Furniture of San Francisco, circa 2010s. The Antalya lounge chair is one of the most iconic pieces o...
Upholstery, Resin
Vintage McGuire Rattan Lounge Armchair, San Francisco, California
By McGuire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage rattan armchair was designed and manufactured in San Francisco, California by McGuire, one of the most respected names in high-end rattan and organic modern furniture. T...
Fabric, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Barrel-Back Dining Chair
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A beautifully crafted well-preserved McGuire barrel back dining chair, desk chair, games chair, or arm chair featuring one of McGuire's most ...
Brass
$3,784Sale Price / set|20% Off
McGuire, Rattan And Bamboo Set of 4 Armchairs With Orange Cushions
By McGuire
Located in IT
Set of 4 armchairs with bamboo frame and orange silk cushions. The armchairs are all signed Mc Guire, have rattan backs with a very contemporary Viennese weave detail, and have bee...
Bamboo, 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
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
Elinor McGuire M-71 Occasional Chair
By McGuire, John and Elinor 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
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
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
$600Sale Price|25% Off
Barbara Barry for McGuire Caned Dining Desk Arm Chair
By McGuire, Barbara Barry
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details Below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Bentwood, Cane
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
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
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
$1,650Sale Price|40% Off
Caned Lounge Chair by Barbara Barry for McGuire
By Barbara Barry, McGuire
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice caned lounge chair by Barbara Barry for McGuire Furniture of San Francisco, circa 2006. The chair features a field of the caning ...
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
Set of Four McGuire Woven Rawhide Rattan Dining Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare set of four woven leather rawhide and rattan dining armchairs from McGuire's Antalya collection. Hand-crafted in the coastal California modern organic style featuring a thick rattan pole frame covered with a geometric pattern of woven lattice leather rawhide laces. The leather and rattan have a natural warm pecan light...
Leather, Rattan
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
Pair of Barbara Barry for McGuire Rattan Chairs W/ Floral Upholstery
By McGuire
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A pair of Barbara Barry for McGuire rattan arm chairs with cheery, floral upholstered seats. The chairs are stained a dark hue with an open c...
Rattan
McGuire Caned Arm Chair by Barbara Barry, Rattan & Leather, USA
By Barbara Barry, McGuire
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
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
Pair of Curvaceous Bamboo Chairs attributed to McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Curvaceous Rattan Chairs, attributed to The McGuire Company, Asian, circa 1960s. Please see our Gabriella Crespi end table on 1stdibs that would work well with these chairs.
Leather, Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan
$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
Four Chippendale Revival Dining Armchairs
Located in Sheffield, MA
Classic Chippendale style dining armchairs with scroll backs and ball-in-claw feet. Measures: Arm height 26".
Wood
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
1970s McGuire San Francisco Organic Modern Rattan Sofa
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Organic modern rattan sofa designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco. The three-seat sofa or settee features a handcrafted bent rattan frame along w...
Leather, Rattan
$28,500 / set
H 28.5 in W 32.5 in D 30 in
Magnificent Pair of Restored Vintage Rattan and Cane Loungers by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
An absolutely stunning pair of organic lounge chairs by McGuire, circa 1980. Beautiful examples from an extremely limited production series. Expertly crafted hardwood frame construction veneered in pencil reed rattan. Incredible workmanship, detail and quality. Exceptional tone setting pieces that will effectively anchor even the largest of rooms. Memorable chairs designed to highlight a cherished room. EXCELLENT RESTORED CONDITION. Meticulous complete professional restoration. The rattan displays...
Rattan, Hardwood, Cane
Pair of McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Lounge Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire, 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
Vamdrup Stolefabrik Armchair in Teak and Orange Upholstery
By Vamdrup Stolefabrik
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vamdrup Stolefabrik, armchair model 'VS 231', teak and orange fabric, Denmark, 1960s. The armchair with a solid teak frame, raises a handsome original orange upholstery seat. The f...
Fabric, Teak
$4,495 / set
H 35 in W 31 in D 35 in
Vintage McGuire Dark Rattan Leopard Floral Velvet Cushions Lounge Chairs- A Pair
By McGuire
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a vintage pair of McGuire lounge chairs, circa the 1970s. Crafted with McGuire’s signature rattan frames, the chairs feature bold, rounded lines with dis...
Velvet, Rattan, Hardwood
$3,450 / set
H 36 in W 23 in D 22 in
1980s McGuire Style Target Back Stacked Rattan Dining Chairs, Set of 4
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 target back style chairs are a statement p...
Leather, Upholstery, Rattan
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
Rattan pair of Vintage 1960s Armchairs
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Rattan Cane pair of Vintage 1960s Armchairs Italian origin superb design and expertly wound original untouched finish good sized seats and very comfortable solid build and still all ...
Rattan
Late 20th Century Pair of McGuire "Target" Back Arm Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 20th century pair of McGuire “Target” back arm chairs, San Francisco. Stylish design with the distinctive, ever popular “Target” back design. ...
Leather, Fabric, Upholstery, Rattan, Wood
Sold
H 37 in W 22.75 in D 23 in
McGuire Hollywood Regency Organic Modern Bamboo and Cane Armchairs, Pair
By McGuire
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Hollywood Regency Organic Modern bamboo and cane armchairs or dining captain chairs By McGuire of San Francisco USA, Circa 1980s Measures: 22.75"W x 23"D x 37"H...
Upholstery, Bamboo, Cane
Sold
H 37 in W 22.75 in D 23 in
McGuire Hollywood Regency Organic Modern Bamboo and Cane Armchairs, Set of Four
By McGuire
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Hollywood Regency Organic Modern bamboo and cane armchairs By McGuire of San Francisco USA, Circa 1980s Measures: 22.75"W x 23"D x 37"H. Seat height: 19.25"...
Upholstery, Bamboo, Cane
Pair of McGuire Campaign Style Directors Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome pair of mid-century modern campaign or safari style directors chairs designed by Lyda Levi for McGuire. The chairs feature thick oak pole construction lashed together on the...
Brass
Set of Four McGuire Rattan Barrel Back Lounge Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-century set of four barrel back armchairs or lounge chairs crafted in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The chairs feature a thick pole rattan cons...
Leather, Naugahyde, Bamboo, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Bamboo Cane Back Arm Chairs, a Pair
By John and Elinor McGuire, 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
Pair of McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Armchairs and Ottomans
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-century modern pair of round back rattan armchairs with matching ottomans or footstools made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The chairs featur...
Leather, Rattan, Oak
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Barrel Back Armchair
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Classic mid-century modern rattan bamboo armchair made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire. The chair features a thick pole-rattan frame with a gracefully curve...
Leather, Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Cathedral Style Box Armchair
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous square box form rattan armchair made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The rare chair features a pole rattan and oak frame having decorativ...
Leather, Rattan, Oak
McGuire Silver Leaf Butterfly Arm Chair by Edward Tuttle
By Edward Tuttle, McGuire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
McGuire Silver Leaf Butterfly Arm Chair designed by Edward Tuttle with 'McGuire San Francisco' label. This iconic chair features a unique design crafted from rattan and wood, showcas...
Silver Leaf
Pair of Laced Rawhide & Rattan Armchairs by McGuire Furniture.
By John McGuire, McGuire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning pair of vintage, Mid Century armchairs designed and manufactured in San Francisco California by McGuire Furniture. Each chair features a stained rattan frame with upholst...
Hide, Bamboo
Pair of Vintage McGuire Rattan Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Dallas, TX
Fantastic vintage pair of McGuire of San Francisco armchairs, featuring thick, bent pole rattan frames with gracefully curved backs. The rattan is lashed together with leather rawhid...
Leather, Rattan