The architect Pierre Guariche was one of the leading modern furniture and lighting designers of postwar France. Guariche can, in some ways, be thought of as the French version of Charles Eames: with his lean and angular chairs and slender, sculptural table lamps, he helped introduce a new aesthetic to the country’s interiors — and he was an eager pioneer in the use of new industrial materials and production techniques that emerged in the 1950s.
Guariche studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris (the national design academy) under René Gabriel — a designer known for his quality, mass-produced furnishings, who served as a director of the postwar Ministry of Reconstruction. Two years after graduating in 1949, Guariche opened his own design firm, and he was soon creating pieces for numerous companies, including the lighting manufacturer Disderot.
Wood and metal were rationed in the years following the war and Guariche learned to do more with less. His chairs of the early 1950s include several designs with narrow, softly angular wooden frames; others, like the Tonneau chair, feature a single piece of molded plywood set atop metal legs. His lamps of the period are likely his best-known works. They include delicate compositions of slender steel tubes, and more flamboyant pieces such as the Kite lamp, with its curved metal reflector panel.
Always on the lookout for new materials, Guariche spent several years in the mid-1950s operating a firm making furniture in fiberglass and other plastics, along with Joseph André Motte and others. After 1957 — when Guariche was named head of design for the Belgian company Meurop and given a brief to create stylish, up-to-date chairs and cabinets — he began to look to America for ideas.
In the mid-1960s, Guariche produced several lines of deeply upholstered, rounded lounge chairs inspired by the Space Age look, and gave them names like Jupiter, Polaris and Luna. While Guariche always kept pace with his times, throughout his career he showed a consistent talent for producing elegant, eye-catching forms using a minimum of materials.
Find vintage Pierre Guariche furniture today on 1stDibs.
Pierre Guariche for Meurop Set of Three 'Coquillage' Dining Chairs, 1960
By Pierre Guariche, Meurop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful set of three 'Coquillage' chairs by Pierre Guariche for Meurop, Belgium, 1960s, seats made of light gray plastic, frames made of black lacquered metal
Metal
Space Age Design "M" Armchair by Pierre Guariche for Meurop, 1950's
By Pierre Guariche, Meurop
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Space Age Design "M" Arm Chair by Pierre Guariche for Meurop. Made in the Netherlands, 1950's period. This armchair is made in black lacquered steel frame a...
Metal
SK640 2-Seater Sofa by Pierre Guariche for Steiner , France, 1950s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
This iconic SK640 2-Seater Sofa (High-Back Settee) was designed in the 1950s (circa 1957) by the acclaimed French modernist master Pierre Guariche and produced by the prestigious Fre...
Wood
$2,369Sale Price / set|25% Off
Elegant Set of Five Chairs by Pierre Guariche - 1950s Vintage Design
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant Set of Five Chairs by Pierre Guariche - 1950s Vintage Design Discover the timeless appeal of this exclusive set of two chairs designed by renowned French designer Pierre Gua...
Plastic
$7,428 / item
Large G1 Floor Lamp by Pierre Guariche
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large G1 floor lamp by Pierre Guariche. Designed and manufactured in France. Enameled aluminum, metal, brass. Wired for U.S. standards. This is a current production of the magisteria...
Aluminum, Brass, Metal
Large Pierre Guariche 'G1' Wall Lamp for Sammode Studio in Green
By Pierre Guariche, Sammode
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Pierre Guariche 'G1' wall lamp for Sammode Studio in green. Originally designed by Pierre Guariche in 1951, this monumental wall lamp is newly produced in an authorized re-ed...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Pierre Guariche 'G13' Wall or Ceiling Light for Sammode Studio in White
By Sammode, Pierre Guariche
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Guariche 'G13' wall or ceiling light for Sammode Studio in white. Originally designed by Pierre Guariche, this iconic lamp is a newly produced authorized re-edition by Sammod...
Aluminum, Steel
VOLANTE Side Table by Pierre Guariche, France, 1960s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
A side table designed by Pierre Guariche for Steiner, part of the VOLANTE series. Characterized by its minimalist construction, the table features a slender metal frame paired with a...
Wood
Pierre Guariche, Sofa, Fabric, Steel, France, 1954
By Airborne International, Pierre Guariche
Located in High Point, NC
A blue fabric and chrome-plated steel sofa designed by Pierre Guariche in 1954 and produced by Airborne International, France, c. 1950s. Dimensions (inches): 31” H x 83” W x 42” D ...
Steel
Small Pierre Guariche 'G13' Ceiling or Wall Lamp for Sammode Studio in Gray
By Pierre Guariche, Sammode
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Small Pierre Guariche 'G13' ceiling or wall lamp for Sammode Studio in gray. Originally designed by Pierre Guariche, this iconic lamp is a newly produced authorized re-edition by S...
Aluminum, Steel
Pierre Guariche G24 Table Lamp in Green and White for Sammode Studio
By Pierre Guariche, Sammode
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Guariche G24 table lamp in green and white for Sammode studio. Originally designed by Pierre Guariche in 1953, this iconic lamp is newly p...
Metal, Brass
Stool French Design of the 1950s by Pierre Guariche for Meurop
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Stool, French design of the 1950s by Pierre Guariche for Meurop. coating to change
Metal
1950s Volante Table by Pierre Guariche for Steiner (1 of 2)
By Steiner, Pierre Guariche
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Volante table in laminate with metal legs by Pierre Guariche for Steiner.
Metal
Tonneau Chair by Pierre Guariche, Grey Velvet, Modern Design, 1950s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Stratford, CT
There are five Tonneau chairs available, recently upholstered in grey velvet. The seat is made of laminated wood, and the legs are made of black enameled regular iron tubing.
Metal
$1,665Sale Price / set|40% Off
Set of 3 MCM Brass & Lucite Wall Sconces by Pierre Guariche for Luminai
By Luminaire, Pierre Guariche
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of 3 wall lights by Pierre Guariche from the Luminaires lamp company with original sales tags. Crafted with a blend of brass and lucite, these lights feature a Googie-inspired st...
Brass
Large Pierre Guariche 'G1' Floor Lamp for Sammode Studio in Black
By Sammode, Pierre Guariche
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Pierre Guariche 'G1' floor lamp for Sammode studio in black. Originally designed by Pierre Guariche in 1951, this iconic floor lamp is newly produced authorized re-edition by...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Papyrus Chair by Pierre Guariche, France, 1950s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Designed in the 1950s by the influential French modernist Pierre Guariche and manufactured by Steiner, the "Papyrus" chair (Model G10) is an icon of mid-century French design. Its ha...
Metal
Large Pierre Guariche 'G13' Wall or Ceiling Light for Sammode Studio in White
By Sammode, Pierre Guariche
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Pierre Guariche 'G13' wall or ceiling light for Sammode Studio in white. Originally designed by Pierre Guariche, this iconic lamp is a newly produced authorized re-edition by...
Aluminum, Steel
$17,500 / set
Troika Grey Armchairs, France 1950's
By Pierre Guariche
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Troika Armchairs on Ski varian legs. In great vintage condition.
Cut Steel
Pair of 'Visiteur' Easy Chairs by Pierre Guariche for Meurop, 1961
By Meurop, Pierre Guariche
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Nice pair of ‘Visiteur’ or ‘Dusseldorf’ easy chairs designed by Pierre Guariche in 1961 and produced by Meurop in Belgium. This series consisted of modular chairs and sofas with or w...
Metal
French Mid-Century Double Tier Steel & Glass Cocktail Table by Pierre Guariche
By Pierre Guariche
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and pure Modernist Statement, a rare French Mid-Century Modern double tier coffee table in black enameled steel and glass with brass details by Pierre Guariche, circa 1950-1960. This original double tiered cocktail table features refined architectural details with a larger top level raised on steel piers and cantilevered over its black steel frame and the lower glass level. Both glass tops are pierced and provide subtle design elements with the top held in place by 4 brass flat round finials and the bottom with 2 brass finials. This piece represents the essence of Modernism: a transparent form which reveals its structure and thus gives a pure aesthetic experience, refined detailing and total functionality. Dimensions: H 15 x W 35.83 x D 17.63; the height of the lower tier is 5.5". Additional References: Balancier Wall Light, Prefacto Armchair & Table, Cerf-Volant Floor Lamp, KIte Floor Lamp, Equilibrium Floor Lamp, Prestige Chairs, Tonneau Chair. Compas Chair...
Brass, Steel
Large Pierre Guariche 'G60' Table Lamp for Sammode Studio
By Pierre Guariche, Sammode
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Pierre Guariche 'G60' table lamp for Sammode Studio. Originally designed by Pierre Guariche, this iconic luminaire is a newly produced authorize...
Brass, Steel
Pierre Guariche 'G13' Wall or Ceiling Light for Sammode Studio in Gray
By Pierre Guariche, Sammode
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Guariche 'G13' wall or ceiling light for Sammode Studio in gray. Originally designed by Pierre Guariche, this iconic lamp is a newly produced authorized re-edition by Sammod...
Aluminum, Steel
$1,413Sale Price / set|25% Off
Elegant Set of 2 Chairs by Pierre Guariche - 1950s Vintage Design
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant Set of 2 Chairs by Pierre Guariche - 1950s Vintage Design Discover the timeless appeal of this exclusive set of two chairs designed by renowned French designer Pierre Guaric...
Plastic
SK640 Armchair by Pierre Guariche for Steiner , France, 1950s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
This iconic High-Back Easy Chair was designed in the 1960s by the pioneer of Polish modernist furniture, Józef Chierowski, and produced by prominent manufacturers such as the Świebod...
Wood
1950s Volante Table by Pierre Guariche for Steiner (2 of 2)
By Pierre Guariche, Steiner
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Volante table in laminate with metal legs by Pierre Guariche for Steiner.
Metal
$912Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Design Robin Chair Set by Pierre Guariche for Meurop, 1950's
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Mid-Century Modern design Robin dining chair set of 2 by Pierre Guariche for Meurop, made in Belgium late 1950's. All original purple fabric on seat on black metal frame base...
Metal
Pierre Guariche Pair of Minotaur Stools, France 1960's
By Pierre Guariche
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Minotaur stools in leather with black enameled steel bases.
Steel
Pierre Guariche, Pair of White Flying Table for Steiner, France, 1955
By Pierre Guariche, Steiner
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Beautiful pair of white flying tables designed by Pierre Guariche for Steiner, 1955 Pierre Guariche (1925-1995) is a legendary French designer from the 2...
Metal
Pierre Guariche (1926-1995), pair of G10 Bis armchairs, Airborne ed., 1953
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Paris, FR
Pierre Guariche (1926-1995), pair of G10 Bis armchairs, Airborne ed., 1953 Ash wood molded plywood, lacquered steel tube and fabric Height 76 × Width 83 × Depth 78 cm Literature:...
Metal
A Set of Three Nesting Tables by Pierre Guariche France 1960s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in HYÈRES, FR
A set of three nesting tables by Pierre Guariche France 1960s. Manufacturer : Les Huchers Minvielles A Formica top and a base in chromed metal. Report : a lack of formica on a tab...
Chrome
$5,650 / set
Pair of Pierre Guariche Style Flush Mount
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Miami, FL
Superb pair of flush mount in the style of Pierre Guariche. Two-light per flush mount, 60 watts max per light. US rewired and in working condition.
Iron
Large Model G13 Flushmount Wall/Ceiling Light by Pierre Guariche
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Model G13 flush mount wall/ceiling light by Pierre Guariche. Originally designed in 1952, this current edition is made in France by Sammode Studio. White perforated metal base,...
Metal
Red dining chair by Pierre Guariche, Belgium, 1980s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Elegant dining chair by Pierre Guariche, featuring a softly curved upholstered seat and slender black metal legs. A refined example of French mid-century modern design, combining com...
Metal
$3,819 / item
G25 Wall Light by Pierre Guariche
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The G25 wall lamp designed by Pierre Guariche will not go unnoticed in your home. It can be used above a dining table, as it was during its designer's lifetime. Or it works equally w...
Metal, Steel
$1,425 / item
Medium G61 Table Lamp by Pierre Guariche
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The G61 table lamp brings new life to a bookcase, coffee table or any place of relaxation. This cube of light with its white lacquered perforated sheet metal cover is available in tw...
Metal, Brass
Set of Pierre Guariche Sofa Bed and Pair of Armchairs for Airborne French Design
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Rare set of French designer Pierre Guariche for Airborne Sofa and lounge chairs. We can split the set. Freshly re-upholstery.
Metal
Pierre Guariche Sofa Bed for Airborne French Design
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
French designer Pierre Guariche. Rare model with golden base Freshly re-upholstery.
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard by Pierre Guariche, Ash Wood, 1955
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant mid-century modern sideboard features a refined ash wood structure, enhanced by two grey lacquered sliding doors and four functional drawers. The clean lines and balance...
Ash
$1,225 / item
Small G60 Table Lamp by Pierre Guariche
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The G60 table lamp designed by Pierre Guariche brings a new and lively identity to a console table, shelf or bedside table. It is available in two sizes (Small and Medium), and its h...
Brass, Steel
$2,019 / item
G50 Table Lamp by Pierre Guariche
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This table lamp G50, uses a diffusing screen that closes a perforated sheet metal drum lined with an opal film, is carried by four brass feet. This lamp returns light to its base liv...
Metal, Brass
Pierre Guariche G24 Table Lamp in Black and White for Sammode Studio
By Sammode, Pierre Guariche
Located in Renens, CH
Designed by Pierre Guariche in 1953, this elegant, delicate and sculptural lamp is perfect for a desk, a console or a bedside table. This iconic lamp is newly produced in an autho...
Aluminum, Brass
Dining Chair for Meurop by Pierre Guariche
By Meurop, Pierre Guariche
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
1960s / Belgium Size W410 D480 H820 SH460 mm Dining chair designed by Pierre Guariche and manufactured by Meurop. The seating has been reupholstered.
Steel
Pierre Guariche G60 Table Lamp in Black and White for Sammode Studio
By Sammode, Pierre Guariche
Located in Renens, CH
Designed by Pierre Guariche on the eve of the 1960s, this elegant, delicate and sculptural lamp is perfect for a console, shelf or bedside table. This iconic lamp is newly produce...
Brass
Pierre Guariche Dining Chair for Meurop, 1960s
By Meurop, Pierre Guariche
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Mid-century dining chairs designed by French designer Pierre Guariche for Belgian furniture maker Meurop in 1960s. Upholstery and black painted metal legs...
Metal