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.
McGuire Organic Modern Rectangular Bamboo Dining Table 8 Ft.
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Genuine large 8 foot long bamboo glass top dining table made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The table base has an iron frame painted golden gate ...
Iron
Vintage Mid Century Dorothy McGuire Sheaf of Wheat Bamboo and Glass Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A vintage Dorothy McGuire Sheaf of Wheat dining table. This lovely mid century dining table features a glass and bamboo constructio...
Bamboo, Glass
Vintage McGuire Bamboo Oval Dining Table with Beveled Glass, San Francisco
By McGuire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined and highly desirable vintage dining table by McGuire Furniture, designed and manufactured in San Francisco, California, exemplifying the brand’s iconic use of natural mater...
Bamboo, Glass
Genuine McGuire Palasan Rattan Pedestal Dining Table Base for Glass Top, Marked
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A genuine McGuire organic modern bamboo rattan pedestal dining table base, designed for use with a round glass tabletop. This beautiful piece from McGuire's Palasan Collection featur...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
McGuire Organic Modern Oval Bamboo Rattan Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Genuine McGuire bamboo rattan dining table made in the California coastal organic modern style. The table features a large elongated...
Iron
$2,720Sale Price|20% Off
Genuine McGuire Organic Modern Palasan Rattan Pedestal Dining Table Base, Marked
By John and Elinor McGuire, 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
Very Large Octagonal Glass Top Leather Strapped Bamboo McGuire Dining Table
By Ficks Reed, McGuire
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very large 80" round octagonal beveled glass top leather strapped bamboo McGuire dining table.
Leather, Bamboo, Glass
Elinor McGuire NP-10 Center / Dining Table
By John and Elinor McGuire, 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
McGuire Organic Modern Blonde Bamboo Hexagonal Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous McGuire organic modern hexagonal base dining table featuring a large round glass top. This is an early McGuire model #MCBA17 crafted with a geometric iron frame hand-wrapped...
Iron
McGuire Bamboo and Oak Expandable Parsons Table
By McGuire
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Versatile McGuire parsons table of bamboo and oak showcases the brand’s signature blend of natural materials and refined craftsmanship. The square table features a rich oak top frame...
Bamboo, Wood
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Rattan Round Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Genuine McGuire round dining table featuring a square base. The base is created from an iron frame painted golden gate orange for authencity...
Iron
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Rattan Hexagonal Dining Table Base for Glass Top
By John McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Genuine McGuire organic modern bamboo rattan hexagonal dining table or center table base. This organic modern table base includes seven optional brass caps and was designed to be use...
Iron, Brass
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Rectangular Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stunning bamboo rectangular dining table made in the California organic modern style by McGuire. This is a genuine McGuire model # MCBA22 with an iron frame painted golden gate orange for authenticity. The table features a geometric design base measuring 46 inches wide and 21 inches deep covered with tobacco colored bamboo poles...
Iron
McGuire Organic Modern Rectangular Bamboo Dining Table Base for Glass Top
By John McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
McGuire Organic Modern Rectangular Bamboo Dining Table Base for Glass Top (not included) designed by John McGuire. Created for use with a rectangular glass top, the base features eig...
Iron
American modern bamboo and glass round dining table by McGuire, 1970s
By McGuire
Located in MIlano, IT
USA modern bamboo and glass round dining table by McGuire, 1970s Dining table with round top in bevelled glass. The bamboo base narrow in the center and widens on the sides. At the c...
Bamboo, Glass
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Rattan Square Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Genuine McGuire bamboo rattan dining table made in the California organic modern style. The table features a rare, bespoke glazed fi...
Iron
McGuire Organic Modern Round Rattan Oak Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand McGuire organic modern round dining table crafted from oak with a reeded rattan finish. The large table features an oak pedesta...
Iron
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Rattan Hexagonal Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing genuine McGuire organic modern bamboo rattan dining table or center table featuring a hexagonal base. Genuine McGuire, not a reproduction with an iron frame painted golden gate orange...
Iron
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
McGuire Organic Modern Blonde Bamboo Rectangular Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Large genuine McGuire rectangular dining table made in the California coastal organic modern style. Crafted from an iron frame painted...
Iron
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Glass Top Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Genuine McGuire dining table or breakfast table made in the California coastal organic modern style. The stylish table features an iron frame base painted golden gate orage for authe...
Iron
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Dining Table Base for Glass Top
By John McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A natural beauty. 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 b...
Iron
Vintage McGuire “ Sheaf of Wheat “ Bamboo And Glass Top dining room Table
By McGuire
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage McGuire “ Sheaf of Wheat “ Bamboo And Glass Top dining room Table.
Bamboo
John McGuire BA-13 Bamboo Dining Table
By John McGuire, McGuire
Located in Highland, IN
The bamboo tables are one of John McGuire's signature designs for McGuire of San Fransisco, the company he started with his wife Elinor. McGuire furniture is made to last generations...
Steel
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
Vintage Mid Century Dorothy McGuire Sheaf of Wheat Bamboo and Glass Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A vintage Dorothy McGuire Sheaf of Wheat dining table. This lovely mid century dining table features a glass and bamboo constructio...
Bamboo, Glass
McGuire Organic Modern Rectangular Bamboo Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Genuine McGuire bamboo dining table made in the Califonia Coastal organic modern style. The bespoke table features a rare design seldom seen with simple X form stretchers conjoining the legs. The table has an iron base painted golden gate orange for authenticity then covered with bamboo poles lashed together with cream-colored leather rawhide laces. The base is topped with a thick, heavy pane of McGuire glass having a wide beveled edge. Sturdy and strong with excellent joinery and craftsmanship. The design is simple, grounded in organic materials with a desirable aged patina on the bamboo and leather finish. From an estate in the Napa Valley, CA. Erin Lane Estate is a 1stdibs partner and diamond seller...
Iron
McGuire Organic Modern Round Glass and Rattan Pedestal Dining Table
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Designed for use with a glass top, this bamboo rattan pedestal dining table base is marked McGuire San Francisco and has the original cerused washed finish. The organic modern base i...
Rattan, Leather, Glass, Bamboo
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
Organic Vintage Bamboo Dining Table Sheaf of Wheat Mc Guire c 1970
By McGuire
Located in Vienna, AT
Organic vintage sheaf of wheat bamboo dining table or center table by Mc Guire circa 1970 United States. Inspired by nature the table shows an organic shape l...
Bamboo, Glass
McGuire for Baker Furniture Mid Century Bamboo and Glass Hexagonal Dining Table
By Baker Furniture Company, McGuire
Located in Franklin Park, IL
McGuire for Baker Furniture Mid Century Bamboo and Glass Hexagonal Dining Table This dining table measures: 80 wide x 80 deep x 29.25 high, with a chair clearance of 28.5 inches Al...
Bamboo, Glass
McGuire Organic Modern Hexagonal Bamboo Dining Table Base for Round Glass Top
By John McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Stunning organic modern spotted bamboo dining table base for glass top designed by John McGuire. The dining table base, crafted entirely by hand, features bamboo poles lashed in place with McGuire's signature leather rawhide laces and has an iron frame. Horizontal bamboo members radiate from a center support of bundled bamboo and join six outer bamboo supports with a series of bamboo stretchers to create its attractive geometric form. Genuine McGuire bamboo tables...
Iron
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Glass Breakfast Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Genuine McGuire breakfast dining table made in the California coastal organic modern style. The table features an iron frame painted golden gate orange for authenticity. Completely c...
Iron
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Iron Frame Round Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Genuine McGuire organic modern round dining table featuring a hexagonal shaped base. The iron base is painted golden gate orange for authenticity and then covered with bamboo poles l...
Iron
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Pedestal Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous organic modern glass top dining table or center table made by McGuire. The table features a bamboo rattan pedestal base with a w...
Leather, Rattan, Glass
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
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
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Rattan Rectangular Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome bamboo rattan rectangular dining table made in the California organic modern style by McGuire. Genuine McGuire model #MCBA22 with an iron frame painted golden gate orange...
Iron
Mehitabel McGuire Twisted Pedestal Bamboo Dining Table MidCentury Boho 1970s
By McGuire
Located in London, GB
An iconic design from the 1970s, originally designed by Arthur Edwards for Mehitabel Philippines and distributed widely by John McGuire. Original label on the base. Two table bases, ...
Glass, Bamboo
Campaign Style Double Pedestal Dining Table by McGuire Bamboo Bases & Glass Top
By McGuire, John 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
$6,200Sale Price|20% Off
McGuire Organic Modern Double Pedestal Bamboo Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Large and rare bespoke dining table made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire, San Francisco. The table features double pedestal supports with a large rectangula...
Iron
McGuire Bamboo and Glass Dining Table
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Red Lion, PA
McGuire oval clear glass table on wheat sheaf-wrapped bamboo oval base, glass
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
Classic Mid-Century Modernist, Regency Bamboo Dining Table by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Mid-Century Modernist, Hollywood Regency dining table by McGuire of San Francisco. Beautiful bundle of wheat form constructed of bamboo, age appropriate wear. Top measures 25...
Bamboo
Vintage Bamboo and Leather with Glass Top Dining Table by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Organic Modern Bamboo and Leather with Glass Top Dining Table by McGuire The Vintage Organic Modern Bamboo and Leather with Glass Top Hexagonal Dining Table by McGuire exemp...
Leather, Bamboo
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
Vintage McGuire California Circular Glass & Bamboo Dining Table, USA, circa 1970
By John and Elinor McGuire, 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
Elinor McGuire NP-12 Elliptical Dining Table
By John and Elinor McGuire, 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