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.
Barbara Barry for McGuire Rattan Cane Settee and Armchair
By Barbara Barry, McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare pair of exceptional cane and rattan living room suite designed by Barbara Barry for McGuire in San Francisco, CA. The set is comprised of an "Open Oval Caned Banquette" (MCU10...
Leather, Fabric, Cane, Rattan
Pair of McGuire Cerused Organic Modern Twisted Rattan Settee and Lounge Chair
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A rare pair of exceptional rattan seating hand-crafted by McGuire artisans in San Francisco, CA. The living room suite is comprised of a settee and matching lounge chair. The set fea...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan, Oak
$3,767 / set
H 33.86 in W 23.63 in D 17.72 in L 33.86 in
Set 4 Mid-Century Rattan Dining Chairs, French Riviera Style
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Presenting an exceptional set of Mid-Century rattan chairs that perfectly embodies the relaxed elegance of the French Riviera style. These chairs stand out for their architectural si...
Rattan
$4,900 / set
H 37 in W 51.57 in D 33 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Bamboo Set of Lounge Patio with Settee and Rocking
Located in Miami, FL
Set of lounge patio with one two seats sofa and two big rotative armchairs. It´s very spacious and comfortable. Height to the seat: 16.14in Armchair measurements: H: 39.37in ...
Bamboo
$2,450 / set
H 34.5 in W 21.5 in D 20 in
Pair of McGuire Style Brighton Pavilion Rattan and Cane Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Pair of Vintage Brighton Pavilion McGuire Style Chinese Chippendale Rattan and Split Reed Chairs with Caned Seats attributed to McGuire. Brighton Pavilion refers to the Royal Pavilio...
Rattan
1970s McGuire San Francisco Organic Modern Rattan Sofa
By McGuire, John and Elinor 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 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
$6,450 / set
H 36 in W 30 in D 32 in
1980s McGuire Twisted Rattan Green Beige Chairs and Ottoman, Set of 3
By McGuire
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite twisted McGuire rattan set in green upholstery. The ultra rare set exudes an air of luxury and refine...
Upholstery, Rattan
$975
H 37.88 in W 23.88 in D 21 in
Barbara Barry for McGuire Rattan or Wicker Arm Desk, Dining or Occasional Chair
By Barbara Barry, McGuire
Located in St. Louis, MO
Barbara Barry designed for McGuire Furniture of San Francisco. Dark stained Rattan dining chair, can be used as a desk chair or Occasional chair. All original, light touch up. Label.
Rattan
McGuire Bercut Chocolate Leather And Rattan Lounge Chair
By McGuire
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Designed with McGuire's signature blend of refined craftsmanship and organic materials, the Bercut lounge chair offers a sophisticated take on relaxed contemporary seating. The sculp...
Leather
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
McGuire Umbria Rattan and Wicker Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By McGuire
Located in Franklin Park, IL
McGuire Umbria Rattan and Wicker Lounge Chair with Ottoman The chair measures: 33 wide x 43 deep x 38 high, with a seat height of 19 inches and arm height/chair clearance of 23.5 in...
Upholstery, Wicker, Rattan
Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture Sofa
By Barbara Barry, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture Sofa This sofa measures: 79 wide x 34 deep x 34.75 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm height of 25 inches We take our photos in a con...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage McGuire Rattan Wicker Case Living Room Set – 5 Pieces
By McGuire
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are proud to offer a rare vintage McGuire living room set, featuring a sofa, a pair of lounge chairs, and matching ottomans. This complete suite highlights McGuire’s celebrated bl...
Upholstery, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Living Room Suite
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish matching rattan living room suite consisting of a settee, two lounge chairs, and a coffee table made by McGuire artisans in the California coastal organic modern style. The s...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan, Oak
McGuire Sofa and Chair Private offer as discussed
By McGuire
Located in Miami, FL
McGuire Sofa and Chair Private offer as discussed in messages as per your offer of $3500 for the sofa and $600 for the club chair. All descriptions and c...
Fabric, Wicker, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Cathedral Sofa and Lounge Chair
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous living room set consisting of a sofa and a matching lounge chair by McGuire. Made in the California organic modern style featuring rattan pole frames having a gothic lancet arch cathedral design on the back and sides. The frames have a waisted form that gracefully flares out on the ends giving the pieces a distinctive profile. The exposed joints are lashed together with leather rawhide laces. The seats are topped with fitted loose seat cushions that are thick and very comfortable. The rattan has a lovely warm honey finish. The fabric shows well and appears new. Excellent joinery and craftsmanship from an estate in Malibu, CA. Lounge chair measures 26.5" wide, 26.5" deep, 29.5" high, with an 18 inch high seat. Makers plaque on bottoms of chairs and pearl M...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan, Oak
Stunning Basket Weave Rattan / Reed Sofa and Chairs by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning 3 piece matching set.. Sofa and 2 chairs.. Art Deco Style,Made by Mcguire ,San Francisco. Superior quality and construction.. retain McGuire...
Wicker, Rattan, Reed
Sold
H 30 in W 69 in D 27 in
McGuire 4 Piece Set Sofa Love Seat Chair Ottoman Open Square Basket Design
By McGuire
Located in Westport, CT
McGuire sofa, love seat, club chair and ottoman set in a square open basket design, covered in original white duck fabric, square design construction wit...
Fabric, Bamboo, Foam