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.
Vintage teak desk by Pierre Guariche, 1960s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in MONTESSON, FR
This vintage desk was designed by Pierre Guariche in the 1960s. The structure is in black lacquered metal. The feet are in wood. Cabinet and top are in teak. The table is in original...
Metal
Desk 620 by Pierre Guariche ARP, 1960’s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in LYON, FR
Pierre Guariche Desk Model 620 1960s desk by Pierre Guariche ARP (plastic arts workshop) for Minvielle, made of mahogany and laminate. Clean lin...
Mahogany
Pair of end tables by Pierre Guariche for La Plagne, circa 1965
By Pierre Guariche
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Pair of sofa end tables in varnished Oregon pine, designed by Pierre Guariche for Hôtel Le France in La Plagne, circa 1965. These end tables feature the clean, minimalist lines chara...
Pine
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
$2,058Sale Price|20% Off
Pierre Guariche desk in teak and lacquered steel, France 1960
By Pierre Guariche
Located in LYON, FR
Let yourself be seduced by this emblematic desk by Pierre Guariche, a centerpiece of the 60s. With its neat and vintage aesthetic, it embodies French design, combining warm teak wood with a designer sculptural metal base with teak ends. This smart piece of furniture is designed for everyday life, with three cleverly designed drawers, one of which has a lock for secure storage of your most precious documents. The refurbished top is matt varnished, it offers a perfectly flat and protected surface. The desk has small marks of patina which enrich its character and authenticity. This Pierre Guariche desk...
Teak
$4,400
H 35.44 in W 82.09 in D 19.69 in
Low Sideboard in Oak, Mid Century Modern, Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf, Hans J. Wegner, Arne Vodder, Kurt Østervig
Located in Odense, DK
A sculptural low rectangular classic sideboard / cabinet in oak with plenty of storage and a beautiful carved front design. Made by a Danish cabinetmaker in the 1960s. Four doors, i...
Oak
$2,644 / set
H 23.82 in W 21.07 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Chinese Elm Butterfly Handle Bedside Side End Lamp Wine Tables Cupboards
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of Chinese elm side table cabinets with oversized brass butterfly doors A very good look...
Elm
Solid Pine Wood Display Cabinet Sideboard, Mid-19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
A Belgian mid-19th century, red painted store display cabinet. A large and imposing antique Canadian pine display cabinet vitrine, woodcarving in...
Wood, Pine
Danish Rosewood Desk by Arne Vodder 1960.
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian Desk. 2 x 2 drawers on the front (with keys). Very beautiful workmanship. Elegant and sober design. The boxes are connected to the furniture structure by magni...
Brass
Pair of Walnut Nightstands by John Kapel for Glenn of California
By Glenn of California, John Kapel
Located in San Mateo, CA
Pair of walnut nightstands designed by John Kapel for Glenn of California. These feature a book or magazine holder on the inside of a large single door. The inside has one adjustabl...
Laminate, Walnut
Vittorio Dassi Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboard Bar Cabinet
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A 1950s Italian mid-century modern dry bar or cabinet designed by Vittorio Dassi. The top surface and outside bottom shelf are a very dark green glass. The doors and sides are rosew...
Brass
Pierre Jeanneret Desk, 1950s Chandigargh
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Spectacular pigeonhole desk by Pierre Jeanneret. Made for the Chandigarh project. Used in the administrative buildings in Chindigargh, Sector 1. Angular leg and bookcase back. The word - OFFICE - stenciled on years ago designating it to one of the buildings. One of the most iconic pieces of modern design. Dark green leather top. Single pull out drawer on front left. Looks stunning from every angle. Great piece to float in a room. Desk in excellent vintage condition. Last 5 images are the original photos - pre-restoration. Armrest clearance is 26". Jeanneret Chandigargh Book - Jacques Dworczak...
Leather, Teak
Teak Desk, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Teak desk made in Denmark in the 1960s. There are 6 spacious drawers at the front, and at the back of the bar. Very good condition, after professional renovation. Dimensions: H 73...
Teak
$3,950 / set
H 29 in W 30 in D 20.5 in
Vintage Modern Pair Nancy Corzine Mirror Silver Leaf Cabinets End Night Tables
By Nancy Corzine
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Vintage Modern Pair Of Nancy Corzine Mirror Silver Leaf Cabinets End / Night Tables With Cream Velvet Lined Interiors.
Mirror
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.5 in W 48.5 in D 24.5 in
Danish Modern Teak Desk by Georg Petersens, 3 Drawers, 1960s
By Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish modern teak desk with three drawers that have teak handles and a rectangular base. The drawers easily slide and are clean. original vintage condition and ready for use. Shows ...
Teak
Two Door Cabinet End Side Table by Adrian Pearsall
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in New York, NY
Architectural two door cabinet designed by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates. The cabinet features two swing out doors, which open to reveal two interior drawers, and open storage...
Iron
$13,260
H 35.44 in W 36.82 in D 19.3 in
Mid-Century Modern Record Player Cabinet by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma, Carlo Hauner
Located in New York, NY
This Caviuna Record Player was produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte in the 1950s, whose designs were made by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler. This typology was part of the storage furniture from the period, appearing in several interior projects published in the most known design and lifestyle magazines. It was part of modular furniture, commonly assembled with shelves, flower boxes, and bar compartments. Extraordinarily complex and hand-crafted, the wood pieces produced by Forma Móveis e Objetos de Arte in Brazil in the 1950s have unique construction details, very distinctive of any production of the time in Brazil. This Record Player is composed of two hanging doors...
Hardwood
Modular Cabinet by Pierre Guariche for La Plagne, France, 1970s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
A rare modular cabinet designed by Pierre Guariche for the French resort project La Plagne. This versatile piece can be used horizontally as a low console, display bench, or TV stand...
Wood
French Pierre Guariche executive desk for Minvielle, 1960'S
By Pierre Guariche
Located in LYON, FR
1960s executive desk by Pierre Guariche ARP (atelier de recherches plastiques) for Minvielle in mahogany (1955) Simple design but very well-proportioned lines with its suspended ‘mah...
Steel
Pair of chests by Pierre Guariche for La Plagne, circa 1965
By Pierre Guariche
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Pair of Oregon pine chests, designed by Pierre Guariche for Hôtel Le France in La Plagne, around 1965. Each chest the clean, modernist lines characteristic of Guariche's work. Each...
Pine
Pierre Guariche Secretaire 1960
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Pierre Guariche - High sideboard/desk Edition Meurop Teak 1960 Dimensions : l120 x p 47 x H 116cm Ref : Price : 1800€.
Wood
Sold
H 92.92 in W 12.6 in D 13.78 in
Wall Mounted Cabinet by Pierre Guariche for la Plagne, circa 1968
By Pierre Guariche
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Hanging cabinet designed by Pierre Guariche: rectangular in shape, it is made of pine plywood with two white melamine hinged doors. Provenance: furniture designed by Pierre Guariche...
Plywood
Sold
H 34.26 in W 47.25 in D 19.3 in
Minimalistic 'Model 1260' cabinet by Pierre Guariche for Meurop, 1961
By Pierre Guariche, Meurop
Located in Ranst, VAN
Minimalistic 'Model 1260' cabinet by Pierre Guariche in 1961, made in Belgium by Meurop. It's crafted from warm teak wood with a modern twist from the black metal frame and aluminum ...
Metal, Aluminum
Pierre Guariche, High Sideboard/Desk Edition Meurop Teak, 1960
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Pierre Guariche - High sideboard/desk Edition Meurop Teak 1960 Dimensions : l120 x p 47 x H 116cm Ref : Price : 1900€.
Wood
Pierre Guariche, Sideboard, France, circa 1960
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Pierre Guariche, Sideboard, Edition Minvielle, Opening with 4 drawers and 2 lacquered sliding doors, Wood, France, circa 1960. Measures: 180 x 86 x 46 cm. The architect P...
Wood
Mid-century Teak bookcase by Pierre Guariche for Meurop, 1960's
By Pierre Guariche, Meurop
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Vintage teak bookcase by Pierre Guariche for Meurop in the 1960s. Nine spacious compartments to store or display your books, magazines.... Also ideal for displaying your collections....
Steel
Sold
H 33.86 in W 70.87 in D 18.51 in
Modernist teak sideboard by Pierre Guariche for Meurop, 1960's, model "1864"
By Pierre Guariche, Meurop
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Modernist teak sideboard by Pierre Guariche for Meurop in the 60's, model "1864". With aluminium handles and black metal legs. This sideboard consists of 2 doors and 4 drawers. Alumi...
Metal
Small Sideboard Pierre Guariche, 1950s
By Pierre Guariche, Studio A.R.P. (Joseph-André Motte, Michel Mortier and Pierre Guariche)
Located in Antwerp, BE
Small sideboard with a special French fifties basic industrial character. Featured metal framed base black lacquered with on top a volume cabinet sideboard in wood and lacquered whit...
Metal
Teak Pierre Guariche Sideboard
By Meurop, Pierre Guariche
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Beautiful sideboard designed by Pierre Guariche for Meurop from Belgium. This sideboard has a door with a shelf behind it and four drawers. The Minimalist black metal legs and the ch...
Metal