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 Rattan Dining Game Table Base Braided Wicker Sheaf of Wheat
By McGuire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage McGuire Rattan Bamboo Dining Game Table Base Braided Wicker Sheaf of Wheat. Dimensions: 28 H x 25 D.
Wicker, Rattan
Elinor McGuire NP-10 Center / Dining Table
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
This elegant piece is the perfect center table, and can also serve as a dining table. One of Elinor McGuire's most iconic and enduring designs for McGuire of San Fransisco, the NP-10...
Rattan, Glass
Baker McGuire Fretwork Dining Table
By McGuire, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Baker McGuire Fretwork Dining Table This dining table measures: 54 wide x 54 deep x 29 inches high, with a chair clearance of 28.5 inches We take our photos in a controlled lightin...
Metal
McGuire Three Tier Ebonized Rattan Rolling Bar Cart
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Germantown, MD
McGuire three tier ebonized rattan rolling bar cart in excellent vintage condition. Measures: 25.5" in diameter and stands 30" tall.
Rattan, Paint
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Dining Table Base for Oval Glass Top
By McGuire, John McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Genuine McGuire organic modern seven-leg bamboo dining table base for glass tabletop. Designed by John McGuire, this rare circa 1970s table base, crafted entirely by hand, is constru...
Iron
Pair of Maguire Round Reed & Cane Three Tier Gallery Top Serving Tables Stands
By McGuire, Ficks Reed
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Maguire Round Reed & Cane Three Tier Gallery Top Serving Tables Stands on Casters MINT!
Brass
Vintage McGuire California Circular Glass & Bamboo Dining Table, USA, circa 1970
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in London, GB
Vintage McGuire California Circular Glass & Bamboo Dining Table, USA, circa 1970 Circular glass top dining table constructed in iconic McGuire California leather wrapped bamboo. Exc...
Leather, Bamboo, Glass
McGuire Model 69 Rattan Coffee Table
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
This handsome early organic modern design by Leonard Linden A.I.D. for McGuire of San Fransisco comes from the 1959 "Style 6" design series. It has a top and shelf supported by a ra...
Rattan, Formica
McGuire "Sheaf of Wheat" Stacked Hourglass Rattan End Table, Pair
By McGuire
Located in Van Nuys, CA
A pair of rattan side tables by McGuire feature sculptural organic modern hourglass design and glass tops. The McGuire "Sheaf of Wheat" Stacked Rattan End Table is an elegantly Organ...
Rattan, Glass
McGuire Console Table Richard Hannum Huxley Collection Faux Bamboo Cherry Wood
By McGuire
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Bohemian Chic McGuire Console Table, Hallway Table or Sofa Table. Features a floating restored Cherry Wood Top combined with faux bamboo legs and rawhide decor, mo...
Iron
$2,808 / item
Bamboo coffee table by Lyda Levi for McGuire, 1960s
By McGuire
Located in Milano, IT
Bamboo coffee table by Lyda Levi for McGuire, 1960s Spelendid coffee table with two glass shelves and bamboo frame. Chipped corner present in glass. Measurements 124x52 h42 cm
Bamboo, Glass
Vintage McGuire Rattan Sheaf of Wheat Form Dining Table, Original White Lacquer
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage Hollywood Regency McGuire rattan sheaf of wheat form glass top dining table or breakfast table designed in the 1960s. Beveled edge glass top has few minor scratches. Glass i...
Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Oak Cocktail Coffee Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish organic modern rattan cocktail or coffee table made in the California coastal taste by McGuire artisans. The square table features an oak veneered top showcasing the lovely w...
Leather, Rattan, Oak
McGuire Round Oak Leather Glass Top Cocktail Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish organic modern round cocktail coffee table crafted from thick oak poles showcasing rich wood grains. The table features a midcentury geometric design of intersecting squares....
Leather, Glass, Oak
McGuire Rattan Coffee Table with Glass Top
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
Elinor McGuire designed coffee table for McGuire of San Fransisco, the company she started with her husband John. McGuire furniture is made to last generations. Not only is the desig...
Leather, Rattan
McGuire Mid Century Rattan and Brass Coffee Table
By McGuire
Located in Franklin Park, IL
McGuire Mid Century Rattan and Brass Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 42 wide x 42 deep x 17.25 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as mu...
Brass
Elinor McGuire NP-12 Elliptical Dining Table
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
One of Elinor McGuire's most iconic and enduring designs for McGuire of San Fransisco, the NP-12 dining table has a base of rattan gathered at the waist like a sheaf of wheat that su...
Rattan, Glass
Restored Mcguire Corseted Hour Glass Rattan Coffee Table and Side Tables Set
By McGuire
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored rattan blends vintage charm with modern comfort. A pair of rattan side tables and coffee table by McGuire feature sculptural organic modern hourglass design...
Rattan, Glass
1970s McGuire Rattan Chinoiserie Down Round Glass Dining Set, Set of 5
By McGuire
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, dining set you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, i...
Rattan, Glass
Large Glass Top Bamboo & Leather Straps Frame Dining Conference Table by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Large rectangle glass top bamboo & leather straps frame dining conference table by McGuire.
Leather, Bamboo, Glass
Sculptural glass bamboo desk or dining table by Mc Guire, United States 1970
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Renens, CH
Sculptural designer desk or table attributed to John and Elinor McGuire for McGuire furniture company. Designed around 1970-1980 this stunning desk features a thick oval glass top w...
Bamboo, Glass
Elegant Restored Vintage Circular Dining Table by McGuire - 44" Diameter Base
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exceptional circular dining or center table by McGuire, circa 1990. The table base is 44 inches in diameter. Stout, heavy steel frame construction veneered in bamboo; leather wra...
Steel
1970 McGuire Rattan Games Flip Top Extension Dining Table and Four Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Denver, CO
McGuire comprising revolving flip top games and dining table with two woven rattan side chairs and two armchairs. Chairs feature McGuire "M" logo inlay in back of each chair seat (se...
Textile, Bamboo, Rattan
McGuire Oak Flip Top Square Games or Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-century modern flip top square table that could serve as a games table, center table or expandable dining table. The table measures 32 inches...
Oak
Bamboo Coffee Table by McGuire, 1980s
By McGuire
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage bamboo 'sheaf of wheat' coffee table with a smoked glass top. Produced by McGuire. Good condition. Lovely timeless piece. 1980s, United States Dimensions: Height 46cm/18...
Bamboo, Smoked Glass
Round Wheat Bamboo Sheaf Base Coffee Table Mid-Century Modern McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern white wash finish bamboo sheaf base coffee table by McGuire.
Bamboo
Large McGuire Organic Modern Octagonal Bamboo Dining Table Base for Glass Top
By John McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Large McGuire Octagonal Bamboo Dining Table Base for Glass Top. A genuine McGuire organic modern table base, designed by breakthrough innovator John McGuire for McGuire San Francisco...
Iron
McGuire Bamboo and Glass Dining Table
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Red Lion, PA
McGuire oval clear glass table on wheat sheaf-wrapped bamboo oval base, glass
Bamboo, Glass
$2,720Sale Price|20% Off
Genuine McGuire Organic Modern Palasan Rattan Pedestal Dining Table Base, Marked
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A genuine McGuire organic modern rattan pedestal dining table base, designed for use with a round glass tabletop. This beautiful piece is from McGuire's Palasan Collection, featuring...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
McGuire Coastal Modern Bamboo & Laced Rawhide Racetrack Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Toluca Ter, CA
Monumental bamboo and laced rawhide pedestal base dining table by McGuire from the 1980s. The beveled glass top measures 92" x 54", accommodating 8 guests comfortably and up to 10 as...
Leather, Bamboo, Glass
Thomas Pheasant for McGuire Faux Bois Bronze Center Dining Table
By McGuire, Thomas Pheasant
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A refined modern round glass and bronze pedestal table, designed by Thomas Pheasant for McGuire, San Francisco. The distinctive table features a thick sculptural pedestal base crafte...
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern McGuire Cane, 6 Piece Dining Set
By McGuire
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century Modern McGuire cane - 6 piece dining set Mid-Century Modern original McGuire pink and white woven rattan armchairs with Classic McGuire white...
Fabric, Cane, Rattan, Glass
Campaign Style Double Pedestal Dining Table by McGuire Bamboo Bases & Glass Top
By John McGuire, McGuire
Located in Topeka, KS
Spectacular vintage Campaign style double pedestal dining table composed of golden gate orange painted metal substrates, bamboo, natural rawhide leather wraps, & a rectangular be...
Metal
Barbara Barry for McGuire Mahogany & Brass Expanding Dining Table with 2 Leaves
By McGuire, Barbara Barry
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for McGuire Mahogany and Brass Expanding Dining Table with 2 Leaves This table measures: 48 wide x 47.75 deep x 29 inches high, with a chair clearance of 26.5 inches, ...
Brass
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Serving Cart Buffet with Expandable Top
By McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
McGuire organic modern rattan bamboo and oak expandable serving cart buffet. An original McGuire design circa 1964, this serving cart features a wonderful combination of oak and ratt...
Brass
McGuire Organic Modern Cerused Rattan Bamboo Drinks Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic rattan bamboo cocktail drink table or coffee table made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire. The table features an hourglass form of bundled rattan with ...
Rattan, Glass
"McGuire" 1970s Dining Room Set in Black Lacquered Rattan
By McGuire
Located in Roma, RM
"McGuire" 1970s dining room set in black lacquered rattan Complete of: – Trolley with extendable top bar cart server buffet (dimensions: 110 x 5...
Rattan, Glass
Large Elegant Restored Vintage Circular Dining or Center Table by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exceptional restored large circular dining or center table by McGuire, circa 1980. Stout, heavy steel frame construction veneered in bamboo; leather wrapped detail in the iconic M...
Steel
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
McGuire Sculptural Rattan & Bamboo "Sheaf of Wheat" Oval Console Table
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Chicago, IL
McGuire Sculptural Rattan & Bamboo “Sheaf of Wheat” Oval Console Table Base An exceptional example of Organic Modern design, this authentic vintage McGuire sculptural table base—mode...
Bamboo, Glass
McGuire Hollywood Regency Bamboo Pedestal Coffee Table, Circa 1970s
By McGuire
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Hollywood Regency Organic Modern pedestal coffee table By McGuire of San Francisco USA, Circa 1970s Bamboo base in sheaf of wheat form, with thick beveled g...
Bamboo, Glass
1970s McGuire Cart Server Buffet in rattan with extendable wooden top and wheels
By McGuire
Located in Roma, RM
1970s McGuire Cart Server Buffet made in rattan with extendable wooden top and wheels. Dimensions: 110 W x 77 H x 57 D
Leather, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Rattan Glass Top Coffee Table, Circa 1970s
By McGuire
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century Hollywood Regency Organic Modern coffee or cocktail table By McGuire USA, Circa 1970s Bamboo form rattan, with leather wrapping, and glass top. Measure...
Bamboo, Rattan, Glass
Bamboo and leather coffee table Mcguire by frank kaufeld 1960s
By McGuire
Located in Milano, IT
Mcguire bamboo and leather coffee table by Frank kaufeld 1960s. Low coffee table designed by Frank Kaufeld for McGuire in the 1960s. The table features a bamboo frame with leather t...
Leather, Bamboo, Glass
McGuire Mid Century Bamboo & Burled Laminate Side End Table
By McGuire
Located in Franklin Park, IL
McGuire mid century bamboo & burled laminate side end table Side table measures: 27 wide x 27 deep x 17.75 high All pieces of furnit...
Bamboo, Laminate
McGuire Antalya Leather Four-Tier Rattan Étagère Plant Stand
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A chic organic modern four-tiered étagère or plant stand made by artisans at McGuire, San Francisco, CA. The rare piece features a tall and open silhouette comprised of four rattan p...
Leather, Rattan
Mc Guire Wood Extendable Round Table, Diameter 113 cm
By McGuire
Located in IT
Table in walnut wood by Mc Guire, 113 cm in size, extendable by 45 cm. The extended table has an oval shape, reaching 158cm when open. The table can be combined with the Mc Guire ...
Wood
Small McGuire Bamboo Leather & Glass Side End Table
By McGuire
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Classic versatile McGuire side or end table having an organic modern bamboo and leather base measuring 15 x 15 with a 1.5" thick larger glass top.
Bamboo, Glass
McGuire 104 B Corner/ End Table
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
A great example of John and Elinor McGuire's sensibility– combining organic modern materials with a restrained modernist form, this rattan table supports a glass top and a mahogany l...
Rattan, Glass
Davis Allen Coffee Table by McGuire
By Davis Allen, McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
This handsome design by Davis Allen design for McGuire of San Fransisco was created to accompany the "Square" sofa and lounge chairs. It is executed in rattan and cane wicker with a ...
Cane, Rattan, Glass
American mid-century modern rattan and white wood coffee table by Mcguire, 1960s
By McGuire
Located in MIlano, IT
American mid-century modern rattan and white wood coffee table by Mcguire, 1960s Rectangular rattan coffee table. The top is made of white pai...
Rattan, Wood
McGuire Wheat Sheaf Coffee Table, White Rattan & Glass, Mid-Century
By McGuire
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Radiating sculptural elegance and laid-back glamour, this white-painted McGuire “Wheat Sheaf” coffee table reinterprets a classic mid-century silhouette with light-reflective, coasta...
Rattan, Glass, Bamboo
Vintage Coastal McGuire Bundled Bamboo Center Hall Table With Specimen Stone Top
By McGuire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A breathtaking fusion of organic elegance and natural artistry, this vintage McGuire center hall table features their iconic bundled bamboo base paired with a truly stunning specimen...
Marble