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 McGuire Rattan Oak Raffia Sideboard Buffet
By Barbara Barry, McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exceptional sideboard server or buffet designed by Barbara Barry for Baker/McGuire. The sideboard features a large oak case with rattan borders and splayed legs. The case has a woven...
Brass
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Modern Barbara Barry for Baker / McGuire Rattan, Oak & Raffia Sideboard Buffet
By Barbara Barry, McGuire
Located in Chino Hills, CA
A refined and architecturally elegant sideboard / buffet designed by Barbara Barry for Baker / McGuire, exemplifying the designer’s signature organic modern aesthetic. This substanti...
Raffia, Rattan, Oak
1970s McGuire Oak Chest of Drawers
By McGuire
Located in IT
Oak chest of drawers by McGuire, 1970s. The piece features eight all-wood drawers, complete with original handles and locks, all in excellent condition. Designed to be placed also as...
Wood
1960s Chippendale Style Blue Painted Rattan Shelf / Etagere by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a rattan shelving unit or etagere by McGuire out of San Francisco. It is marked and in very good condition. The piece has glass shelves th...
Rattan, Paint
John McGuire Rattan and Oak Chest
By John McGuire, McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
John McGuire designed chest in oak and rattan with brass pulls for McGuire of San Fransisco, the company he started with his wife Elinor. McGuire furniture is made to last generatio...
Rattan, Oak
Vintage Costal Signed McGuire Lacquered Rattan Dresser
By McGuire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning vintage Coastal dresser. Made by the iconic McGuire group. A beautiful black lacquered oak cabinet with rattan trim. Chrome plated h...
Chrome
Elegant Restored Oak and Rattan Campaign Chest by McGuire, circa 1970
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent chest is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready. St...
Brass
Sleek Meticulously Restored Cream Lacquer Commode by McGuire, circa 1970
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent commodes are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready. A stunning restored example from a difficult to find case series by McGuire, circa 1970. Sleek, expertly crafted hardwood case construction with side mounted rattan legs detailed in the iconic firm rawhide. Fabulous heavy solid brass hardware accent the drawers. An exceptional piece designed to accent an important space. Excellent Restored Condition. The chest has been professionally cleaned and re-lacquered in heavy Cream. The solid brass hardware has been professionally polished and displays beautiful patina. There are a pair of these unusual...
Brass
Beautiful Oak, Rattan and Cane Commode by McGuire, circa 1970- Pair Available
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent commode is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready. A ...
Brass
Dramatic Restored Pair of Cerused Oak and Brass Commodes by McGuire, circa 1970
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent married pair of commodes is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely instal...
Brass
Beautiful Pair of Oak, Rattan and Cane Campaign Commodes by McGuire, circa 1970
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent pair of commodes are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ...
Brass
Elegant Pair of Cerused Oak and Rattan Campaign Chests by McGuire, circa 1970
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent pair of commodes is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation r...
Brass
Midcentury McGuire Faux Bamboo Bar Cart
By McGuire
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Dynamic faux bamboo bar cart with well grained oak panels, reed wrapped corners, finished all around, recessed casters and slide out service space. Signed McGuire in the drawer.
Reed, Oak
Elegant Restored Cerused Oak and Rattan Campaign Chest by McGuire, circa 1970
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent commode is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready. ...
Brass
$19,500
H 34 in W 42 in D 22 in
Beautiful Oak, Rattan and Cane Commode by McGuire, circa 1970- Pair Available
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent commode is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready. A ...
Brass
Modern Burl Buffet Sideboard
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern burl buffet sideboard with four doors framed by a beveled edge, with interior drawers and shelves and finished in a lightly distressed rustic warm h...
Wood
$39,000 / set
H 34 in W 42 in D 22 in
Beautiful Pair of Oak, Rattan and Cane Campaign Commodes by McGuire, circa 1970
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent pair of commodes are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ...
Brass
19th Century French Oak Sideboard Buffet
Located in Round Top, TX
French oak sideboard buffet featuring three central drawers flanked by two paneled doors with inviting deep patina. Original French brass hinges and pulls remain; locks may operate ...
Oak
$1,842
H 29.53 in W 39.38 in D 18.12 in
French Riviera Chest of Drawers in Rattan, Bamboo and Brass, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century French Riviera style dresser in bamboo and woven rattan, completed with solid brass knobs. This charming organic dresser was hand-made in Italy during the 1970s...
Brass
19th Century Bleached Oak Sideboard Buffet from France
Located in Round Top, TX
19th century French sideboard crafted in oak and finished with a bleached surface that highlights the natural grain of the wood. The cabinet features carved panel doors decorated wit...
Oak
$4,188
H 35.04 in W 78.94 in D 15.56 in
Spanish Credenza Sideboard Massive Oak & Wrought Iron Buffet, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Large Spanish credenza sideboard dresser buffet, made circa 1960 The four doors of this sideboard are carved with medieval-themed decorations. You can admire coats of arms, helmets, ...
Wrought Iron
Early 19th Century French Bleached Oak Sideboard Buffet
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 19th century French sideboard crafted in oak and finished with a bleached surface, giving the wood a lighter appearance suited for modern interiors. The cabinet features carved...
Metal
Bamboo Rattan Decorative Shelf Etagere
By Ficks Reed, McGuire
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Bamboo Rattan decorative shelf Etagere.
Bamboo, Rattan, Reed
Vintage Post Modern Lacquered Dresser by Roger Rougier
By Maison Rougier, Roger Rougier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Lacquered Wood, Black Rubber Accents This postmodern lacquer dresser makes an instant statement with its crisp white finish and bold...
Rubber, Wood
Mid-19th Century French Bleached Oak Sideboard Buffet
Located in Round Top, TX
Mid-19th-century French bleached oak sideboard with a three-drawer over two-door configuration. The drawers open with large, decorative drop-handle pulls that add strong visual chara...
Oak
Early 19th Century Tall French Bleached Oak Sideboard Buffet
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 19th century tall French sideboard crafted in oak and finished with a bleached surface that gives the wood a lighter appearance. The cabinet features carved panel doors with fl...
Oak
Barbara Barry for McGuire Rattan Lowboy Dresser
By Barbara Barry, McGuire
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for McGuire Rattan Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 80 wide x 22 deep x 34 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition - Very Minor Areas of Finish Wear. Cane is in E...
Rattan
McGuire Oak Rattan Sideboard Buffet with Serving Trays
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare mid-century modern oak and rattan sideboard or buffet made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The sideboard features an oak case with radiant, r...
Brass
McGuire Oak & Bamboo Writing Desk
By McGuire
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-century modern desk with light wash color that highlights the woodgrain and brass drawer drop handles. The neutral finish makes this desk more contemporary than its dark brown an...
Oak
Vintage McGuire San Francisco Oak and Rattan Chest
By McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Hard to find Mid-Century Modern oak and rattan double chest by McGuire. The expertly crafted oak case has side mounted rattan legs reinforced with stretchers underneath. Rattan is de...
Brass
McGuire Furniture Company Faux Bamboo Low Dresser
By McGuire
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
McGuire furniture company faux bamboo low dresser Additional information: Materials: Faux Bamboo, Oak Color: Yellow Brand: McGuire Designer:...
Oak
McGuire Furniture Company Faux Bamboo Highboy Dresser
By McGuire
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
McGuire Furniture Company Faux bamboo highboy dresser Additional information: Materials: Faux Bamboo Color: Yellow Brand: McGuire Designer: McGuire Period: 2010s Styles: Ch...
Faux Bamboo
McGuire Organic Modern Oak Rattan Writing Table Desk
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Elegant organic modern writing table or desk designed by Elinor McGuire in the California coastal style. The desk features an oak frame with split rattan accents on the borders givin...
Brass
Sold
H 29.73 in W 72.45 in D 18.12 in
Usa Mid-Century Rattan Sideboard by Levi for McGuire Company San Francisco, 1970
By McGuire
Located in MIlano, IT
Usa mid-century Rattan sideboard by Levi for McGuire Company San Francisco, 1970s Sideboard with rectangular top in green rattan. The structure is made u...
Rattan
Versatile McGuire Rattan Cabinet Server
By McGuire
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A multi functional handsome rattan server cabinet on brass casters having two tiers, lower doors that open to storage, handsome leather lace wraps, and b...
Leather, Rattan
McGuire Rattan Oak Knee Hole Writing Table Desk
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-Century Modern rattan and oak knee hole writing table or desk designed by Eleanor Forbes for McGuire. Classic styling featuring an oak hardwood case with split rattan trim. Front...
Faux Bamboo, Rattan, Oak
Sold
H 30.32 in W 16.93 in D 16.93 in
Midcentury Sheaf Of Wheat Rattan Floor Pedestal By Mcguire, 1970s
By McGuire
Located in Hilversum, NL
This decorative and organically stylish stand has been cinched into a sheaf of wheat.
Rattan
Elegant Restored Oak and Rattan Campaign Chest by McGuire, circa 1970
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent chest is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready. St...
Brass