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.
Vintage McGuire Trellis Sofa in Sister Parrish Upholstery
By Sister Parish, McGuire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional vintage sofa from the iconic McGuire Furniture Company represents the pinnacle of 1970s coastal luxury. Featuring McGuire’s signature hand-bent rattan construction w...
Upholstery, Rattan
McGuire C-1 Rattan Three Seat Sofa
By John and Elinor McGuire, 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 B-1 loveseat, as a single lounge chair, and also a three seat sofa...
Leather, Upholstery, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Rattan Sofa
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Organic modern bamboo rattan sofa designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco. The three-seat sofa or settee features a handcrafted bent rattan frame ...
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Pencil Reed Rattan Sofa Settee
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exceptional and rare McGuire modern organic rattan sofa. Crafted in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans from bundled pe...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan, Oak
$3,600
McGuire Rattan Sofa
By McGuire
Located in Dallas, TX
Iconic 3 seat rattan sofa by McGuire. Solid construction, rawhide corner wraps, bullseye back, great quality and form, circa mid-late 20th century.
Rattan
McGuire bamboo and Lucite Sofa
By McGuire
Located in Miami, FL
McGuire Bamboo and lucite Sofa.
Fabric, Bamboo, Lucite
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
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Barbara Barry for McGuire Boxback Sofa
By Barbara Barry, McGuire
Located in Dallas, TX
Limited edition McGuire boxback sofa by Barbara Barry. This timeless design is classic in form and scale, with a gunmetal wood frame and a gracefully curved back that ensures comfort...
Upholstery, Wood, Down
American modern sofa by Lyda Levi for McGuire Company, 1970s
By McGuire
Located in MIlano, IT
American modern sofa by Lyda Levi for McGuire Company, 1970s Three-seater sofa with seat and backrest composed by squared cushions upholstered in floral fabric. The structure, legs a...
Fabric, Rattan
$2,595
McGuire Rattan Sofa
By McGuire
Located in Franklin Park, IL
McGuire Rattan Sofa This sofa measures: 66.5 wide x 33 deep x 33.25 inches high, with a seat height of 22 and arm height of 29 inches We take ou...
Upholstery, Rattan
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
American mid-century rattan beige floreal fabric sofa by McGuire Company, 1970s
By McGuire
Located in MIlano, IT
American modern rattan and beige floreal fabric sofa by McGuire Company, 1970s. Two-seater sofa with seat and back made by cushions upholstered in beige fabric with floral motifs. Th...
Fabric, Rattan
Vintage Coastal Palm Print Rattan Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your living space with this exquisite vintage coastal rattan sofa, a stunning fusion of tropical elegance and timeless craftsmanship. Featuring a beautifully curved rattan frame with a rich honey-toned finish, this piece captures the essence of mid-century island living. The plush cushions are adorned with a bold palm print...
Fabric, Upholstery, Rattan
Set of Four McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Bar Stools
By McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A set of four genuine McGuire handcrafted organic modern barstools, marked McGuire San Francisco. The stools feature thick rattan poles, a cathedral arch splat, and McGuire's signatu...
Brass
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
$4,495 / set
H 33.5 in W 23.25 in D 24.5 in
1990s McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Oval Lattice Back Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By McGuire
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a beautiful set of six chairs by McGuire, circa the 1990s. Each chair features a classic rattan frame with McGuire’s signature circular lattice back, bl...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan, Hardwood
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
McGuire Organic Modern Twisted Rattan Lounge Chair
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Bespoke organic modern twisted rattan lounge chair by McGuire in a fantastic Elphaba green color. The custom ordered chair has an intentionally aged lacquer finish by McGuire artisan...
Leather, Rattan, Oak
$5,800 / set
H 44 in W 22.5 in D 22.5 in
Set of Four McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Cathedral Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic set of four organic modern rattan dining chairs made by McGuire. "Cathedral" style dining chairs designed by John McGuire feature a Gothic lancet arch style back with an open ...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan
Midcentury Organic Modern Bent Rattan Sofa Demilune Ends
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Divine midcentury organic modern bamboo rattan sofa or settee with demilune or crescent shaped ends. The bentwood rattan frame features a channel back conforming seat cushion with ne...
Fabric, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Fine Vintage Sofa With Custom Upholstery
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Light and very well made Two cushion sofa with gentle sloping arm and tapered wood legs. Solid feeling and comfortable with plush feather wrap seat cushion. The refined raised white-...
Fabric, Wood
Set of Four McGuire Organic Modern Lacquered Rattan Bar Stools
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Bespoke set of four counter height non-swivel barstools crafted in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The stools feature a thick pole rattan frame havin...
Leather, Faux Leather, Rattan, Wood
McGuire Organic Modern Twisted Rattan Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome matching lounge chair and ottoman crafted in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The iconic chair features bent rattan poles twisted together re...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan, Oak
Vintage Boho Ficks Reed Woven Rattan Sofa
By Ficks Reed
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Indulge in the enduring charm of this vintage Boho Ficks Reed Woven Rattan Sofa, a superb example of classic tropical design. Ficks Reed is renowned for its high-quality rattan furni...
Fabric, Cane, Rattan
Vintage Boho McGuire Bent Rattan Sofa
By McGuire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning example of high-style vintage design, this McGuire-inspired sofa or settee brings a touch of organic elegance to any interior. Masterfully crafted from bent rattan and fin...
Bamboo, Rattan, Lacquer
McGuire Rattan Wicker Case Sofa
By McGuire
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a vintage McGuire sofa; it showcases the brand’s signature blend of California casual elegance and masterful craftsmanship. The frame is meticulously handcrafted from natural rattan, featuring the iconic McGuire rawhide...
Fabric, Wicker, Rattan
Vintage Coastal McGuire Trellis Rattan Sofa
By McGuire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bring breezy coastal sophistication to your living space with this stunning Vintage McGuire Trellis Rattan Sofa. Featuring the iconic McGuire lattice design and exquisite craftsmansh...
Fabric, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Twisted Rattan Sofa
By McGuire
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Fabulous twisted rattan sofa by McGuire.
Upholstery, Rattan
Late 20th Century Vintage Coastal McGuire Demilune Bent Rattan Sofa
By McGuire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace coastal elegance with this Vintage McGuire Demilune Bent Rattan Sofa, a quintessential piece of American craftsmanship. Crafted by McGuire with meticulous attention to detail...
Upholstery, Rattan
Sold
H 32.68 in W 52.76 in D 33.47 in
American modern rattan and beige floreal fabric sofa by McGuire Company, 1970s
By McGuire
Located in MIlano, IT
American modern rattan and beige floreal fabric sofa by McGuire Company, 1970s. Two-seater sofa with rectangular seat in woven rattan with leather laces, with armrests, also in woven...
Fabric, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Raffia Sofa Settee
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome rattan sofa settee made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire. The sofa features a thick pole rattan frame with double-walled sides and back of woven can...
Leather, Fabric, Grasscloth, Cane, Raffia, Rattan
McGuire B-1 Rattan Two Seat Sofa
By John and Elinor McGuire, 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 B-1 loveseat, as a single lounge chair, and also a three seat sofa...
Leather, Upholstery, Rattan
Vintage McGuire San Francisco Woven Rattan Sofa for Baker Furniture
By McGuire, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage McGuire San Francisco Woven Rattan Sofa for Baker Furniture with Loose Cushions Offered for sale is a vintage Mcguire San Francisco woven rattan sofa for Baker Furniture wit...
Fabric, Rattan, Foam, Wood
Vintage Coastal McGuire Limited Edition Wide Ribbon Rattan Sofa
By McGuire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning vintage Coastal sofa. Made by the iconic McGuire group. Chic wide ribbon rattan in a limited edition design. Acquired from a Palm Beach...
Rattan
1980s McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Daybed or Sofas, a Pair
By McGuire
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer an organic, modern-looking set of two daybeds or sofas designed by John McGuire, circa the 1990s. McGuire designs mix incredible materials, forms, and texture to create both chic and timeless furniture; moreover, his brand has an innate sense of everything that defines California casual...
Rattan, Oak
Pair of McGuire Rattan Wicker Case Sofa Settee Daybeds
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing pair of organic modern coastal style case sofas, settees, or daybeds by McGuire. These rare and labor intensive sofas were only made for a short time by McGuire and feature a...
Wicker, Rattan, Oak