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.
Sublime Pair of Large-Scale Vintage Rattan and Cane Basket Loungers by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
An absolutely breathtaking pair of large-scale organic lounge chairs by McGuire, circa 1980. Staggering warmth, color range and texture. Beautiful examples from an extremely limited ...
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
Staggering Pair of Organic Grasshopper Chairs in Cane and Oak by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
An unforgettable pair of large-scale Organic Modern Grasshopper style club chairs by Steven Volpe for McGuire. Heavy, masterfully conceived solid oak frame finished in a walnut stain...
Cane, Oak
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Rattan Lounge Chair With Ottoman
By McGuire
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century Organic Modern style lounge chair with ottoman By McGuire USA, Circa Early 21st Century Bamboo rattan form hardwood frame, with upholstered seat and bac...
Upholstery, Rattan, Bamboo
Pair of McGuire Rattan Wicker Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing pair of barrel back form rattan wicker lounge chairs or club chairs made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The rare chairs feature a strong ...
Fabric, Wicker, Rattan
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
Pair of American Rattan Barrel Armchairs by McGuire, San Francisco
By McGuire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of vintage armchairs designed and manufactured in San Francisco, California by McGuire of San Francisco. These iconic chairs feature the brand’s signature rattan craftsmanship w...
Fabric, Bamboo
Pair of Barbara Barry for McGuire Caned Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By Barbara Barry, McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish and rare pair of large lounge chairs or club chairs with matching ottoman designed in the California coastal organic modern style by Barbara Barry for McGuire. The chairs fea...
Leather, Fabric, Cane, Rattan
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
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
1980s McGuire Rattan Green Beige Chair Ottoman, Set of 2
By McGuire
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite rattan set in vibrant bamboo print upholstery. The ultra rare set exudes an air of luxury and refinem...
Leather, Upholstery, Rattan
Chic Restored Pair Modern Cathedral Back Loungers by McGuire, circa 1975
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent lounge chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and installation ready. New cu...
Leather, Cane, Rattan
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
Jacques Garcia for McGuire Mid Century Woven Raffia Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Jacques Garcia, McGuire
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jacques Garcia for McGuire Mid Century Woven Raffia Lounge Chairs - Pair Each lounge chair measures: 28 wide x 37 deep x 35 high, with a seat height of 17 inches We take our photos...
Upholstery, Raffia
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
Pair Thomas Pheasant McGuire Rattan Lounge Chairs + Ottoman
By Thomas Pheasant, McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare pair of large lounge chairs or club chairs designed in the California coastal organic modern taste by Thomas Pheasant for McGuire. The set includes 2 lounge chairs and 1 matchin...
Bronze
Fabulous Pair of Caramel Rattan and Cane Club Chairs - 2 Pair Available
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent club chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and installation ready. Expert c...
Cane, Rattan
Exquisite Restored Pair of Modern President's Loungers by McGuire, circa 1985
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fabulous pair of large-scale lounge or club chairs from a coveted low production series by McGuire Furniture, circa 1980. This series is a modern interpretation of the classic 1930...
Cane, 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 McGuire Wicker Rattan Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous pair of rare, woven wicker rattan lounge chairs made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The large chairs feature a pole rattan frame complet...
Fabric, Wicker, Rattan
Pair of Exquisitely Aged Espresso Cane Club Chairs by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
An absolutely unforgettable pair of large-scale custom cane and rattan lounge chairs by McGuire. Staggering warmth, color range and texture. Highlights of the natural cane veneer rev...
Cane, Rattan
Pair, Barbara Barry McGuire Mid-Century Modern Caned Lounge Chairs Refinished
By McGuire, Barbara Barry
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
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
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
Barbara Barry for McGuire Caned Lounge Chairs - Pair and Ottoman
By Barbara Barry, McGuire
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for McGuire Caned Lounge Chairs - Pair and Ottoman Each chair measures: 31.75 wide x 26 deep x 40.25 high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 17 inches The ottoman ...
Upholstery, Cane
McGuire, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, Large Lounge Chairs, USA, 1960s
By McGuire
Located in Stamford, CT
McGuire, Bamboo, Rattan, Gilt Metal, Fabric, Large Lounge Chairs, USA, 1960s Pair of organic modern oversized lounge chairs produced in small numbers by McGuire in the middle of the...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
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
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
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
Barbara Barry for McGuire Rattan Fretwork Lounge Chairs - Pair
By McGuire, Barbara Barry
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for McGuire Rattan Fretwork Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 32.5 wide x 28 deep x 30.25 high, with a seat height of 19.5 and arm height/chair clearance of 30...
Upholstery, Rattan
Mid-Century McGuire Bamboo and Fabric Lounge Chair, 1970s
By McGuire
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage upholstered arm chair with leather wrapped bamboo frame by McGuire, 1970s.
Fabric, Bamboo
Davis Allen Square Chair and Ottoman by McGuire
By Davis Allen, McGuire
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