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
Serving cabinet, Le Corbusier, Pierre Guariche, Firminy, circa 1965
By Pierre Guariche
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Serving cabinet designed by Le Corbusier and produced by Pierre Guariche for the Firminy Housing Unit, circa 1965. This model is part of the Unités d'Habitation program developed af...
Wood
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
Shelving unit by Pierre Guariche for Negroni, La Plagne, 1960s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Shelving unit designed by Pierre Guariche for the development of La Plagne ski resort, produced by Negroni in the 1960s. Made of pine wood, it features an open structure organized w...
Plywood
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
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
$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
$3,400
H 67 in W 18 in D 18 in
Shelving Unit or Bookcase, Modern Chrome Shelving, Midcentury Design, C 1960
Located in New York, NY
A fantastic square, chrome shelving unit from the 1960's. Finished all around. Can be floating in a room for decorative objects. Glass shelves ar...
Chrome
$4,582
H 59.06 in W 170.67 in D 16.54 in
Danish Modular 5-Bay Rosewood Wall Unit by Kai Kristiansen for FM, 1960s.
By Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modular 5-Bay Rosewood/Palisander Wall Unit by Kai Kristiansen for FM, 1960s. Large and impressive Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern shelving system, Model FM Reolsystem, that ...
Rosewood
$2,625 / 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
$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 Hans J. Wegner, Arne Vodder, Kurt Østervig, Henning Kjærnulf
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
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
Amuneal's Collector's 1 Bay Shelving Unit
By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
This single bay version of Amuneal’s Collector’s shelving unit features solid machined brass fittings and posts in a warm brass finish. The unit mou...
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
$5,640
H 90.56 in W 159.06 in D 13 in
Olinto Shelving Unit by Kazuhide Takahama for B&B Italia / C&B Italia, 1960s
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Six-module cabinet in lacquered wood with height-adjustable shelves. Manufactured by B&B Italia, Olinto design. Measurements of a single module 230 h x 67 x 33 cm. Total length 404 c...
Wood, Lacquer
Italian Wall Unit, 1960s
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular wall unit with 5 shelves, 1 box with two sliding doors and 3 drawers, and 1 box with two sliding doors and another door. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FO...
Wood
$2,585
H 67.33 in W 63.19 in D 15.75 in
Danish Modern 2-Bay Modular Oak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado 1960s.
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern 2-Bay Modular Oak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern 2 bay shelving system model Cado with back panels. This is a original vint...
Oak
Italian wall unit, 1960s
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular wall unit in wood and brass consisting of 4 shelves and 1 box with folding door containing 1 shelf and storage space. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR ...
Brass
$1,645
H 77.96 in W 31.5 in D 18.9 in
Danish Modern 1-Bay Modular Oak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado 1960s.
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern 1-Bay Modular Oak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern 1 bay shelving system model Cado with back panel. This is a original vinta...
Oak
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 Meurop, Pierre Guariche
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 Meurop, Pierre Guariche
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 Meurop, Pierre Guariche
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 Pierre Guariche, Meurop
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