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 Bamboo Dining Table Base by John McGuire, 1970s Organic Modern Design
By John McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
McGuire organic modern elongated hexagonal bamboo dining table base, designed by John McGuire for an oval glass top. This rare table base, crafted entirely by hand, is constructed of...
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
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
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
$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 Hollywood Regency Oak and Bamboo Rattan Dining or Game Table
By McGuire
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hollywood Regency Organic Modern game table, breakfast table, or dining table By McGuire USA, Circa Late 20th Century Carved oak, with bamboo rattan apron. Measures: 4...
Bamboo, Rattan, Oak
$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
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
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, England
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
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
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
McGuire Organic Modern Octagonal Blonde Bamboo Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A monumental bespoke organic modern octagonal dining table crafted in the California coastal style by McGuire artisans in San Francisco, California. The table features a large and sculptural iron base painted Golden Gate orange for authenticity. The base is constructed with eight leg columns of bundled bamboo, each comprised of multiple poles lashed together ending with a height adjustable foot. The table is crafted in a octagonal configuration linked by diagonal stretchers radiating inwards, creating a mandala-like wheel geometry when viewed from above. The joinery is hand-tied with an attractive cream toned leather rawhide lacing at every joint. The table is very heavy and sturdy having excellent joinery and craftsmanship. The bamboo itself is has a rich variegated tortoiseshell finish in rich tones of light brown, blonde, and amber with a desirable aged patina. The table is topped by a rare large, and thick piece of McGuire octagonal...
Iron
Vintage Sheaf of Wheat Table by John and Elinor McGuire
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The "Sheaf of Wheat" dining table by McGuire Furniture is an iconic piece featuring a round glass top and a pedestal base made of bundled rattan poles. The base is cinched at the cen...
Bamboo, Glass
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Glass Octagonal Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A monumental octagonal dining table crafted in the California Coastal Organic Modern style by artisans at McGuire, San Francisco, CA. The sculptural table features a massive iron fra...
Iron
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
Baker McGuire Fretwork Dining Table
By Baker Furniture Company, McGuire
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
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
John 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
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
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
$8,050Sale Price|30% Off
McGuire Mid Century Modern Octagonal Bamboo Glass Dining Table Boho Chic 74"
By McGuire
Located in Dayton, OH
Monumental mid century modern dining table by McGuire Furniture. The table features octagonal form with a complex geometric base consisting of bamboo poles bundled and connected wit...
Bamboo, Rattan, Glass
McGuire Labeled Organic Modern Cerused Rattan Glass Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic genuine signed rattan bamboo dining table made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The table features a dramatic hourglass or bundled form of p...
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
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
Very Large Octagonal Glass Top Leather Strapped Bamboo McGuire Dining Table
By McGuire, Ficks Reed
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very large 80" round octagonal beveled glass top leather strapped bamboo McGuire dining table.
Leather, Bamboo, Glass
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
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
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
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
McGuire Blonde Organic Modern Octagonal Bamboo Dining Table Base for Glass Top
By McGuire, John McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Large McGuire Blonde 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. Designed to be used with a 74 in. round or octagonal glass top, this striking geometric piece has an iron frame. Crafted entirely by hand by McGuire artisans, the frame is covered with natural bamboo poles with a cerused/limed finish that are lashed together with McGuire's signature leather rawhide laces. Horizontal bamboo members radiate from a center support and join eight outer bamboo supports with a series of bamboo stretchers to create its attractive geometric form. McGuire Octagonal Dining Table...
Iron
Large McGuire Organic Modern Octagonal Bamboo Dining Table Base for Glass Top
By McGuire, John 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. Designed to be used with a 74 in. round or octagonal glass top, this striking geometric piece has an iron frame. Crafted entirely by hand by McGuire artisans, the frame is covered with natural bamboo poles that are lashed together with McGuire's signature leather rawhide laces. Horizontal bamboo members radiate from a center support and join eight outer bamboo supports with a series of bamboo stretchers to create its attractive geometric form. McGuire Octagonal Dining Table...
Iron
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Pencil Reed Round Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A beautifully crafted round dining table constructed from stacked pencil reed rattan in the California coastal organic modern style by artisans at McGuire, San Francisco, CA. The pie...
Rattan, Reed, Hardwood, Formica, Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF)
Barbara Barry for McGuire Mahogany & Brass Expanding Dining Table with 2 Leaves
By Barbara Barry, McGuire
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
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
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 McGuire Rattan Sheaf of Wheat Form Dining Table, Original White Lacquer
By John and Elinor McGuire, 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
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
John McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Dining Table Base, for Glass Top
By McGuire, John McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Genuine McGuire bamboo dining table base, for use with a round or square glass tabletop. This organic modern table base, designed by John McGuire, features spotted leopard bamboo and...
Iron