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.
Prefacto side table by Pierre Guariche
By Pierre Guariche
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie table d’appoint dite prefacto, modèle crée en 1951 pour airborne.
Metal
"Prefacto" Side Table by Pierre Guariche for Trefac Meurop, circa 1950, France
By Trefac, Pierre Guariche
Located in Girona, Spain
"Prefacto" side table by Pierre Guariche for Trefac Meurop Rare original condition. Table top in massive oak. Lacquered metal tube legs. circa 1950, Fr...
Metal
Aquilon Teak Coffee Table by Pierre Guariche, Les Huchers-Minvielle, 1960
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Saint Ouen, France
Aquilon teak coffee table by Pierre Guariche, Les Huchers-Minvielle, 1960 Rare Aquilon furniture by Pierre Guariche Pierre Guariche (1926 - 1995) is one of the legendary French designers of the 1950s, who left his mark on his era with purely aesthetic, functional and accessible pieces. A graduate of the École nationale supérieure des Arts décoratifs, he published his first designs on his own, including the famous Rotaflex lamp, which he exhibited at the Salon des Arts ménagers and then at the Salon des Artistes décorateurs. It was a great success with the public, and soon attracted the interest of publishers. Pierre Guariche went on to create furniture, lighting and decorative objects for Airborne, Pierre Disderot and Steiner. In 1954, he also joined forces with decorators Michel Mortier and Joseph-André Motte, with whom he founded the Atelier de recherche plastique. ARP went on to create furniture for Charles Minvielle's living room, dining room and bedroom. At the end of the 1950s, as artistic director of the Belgian furniture company Meurop, he gradually turned to interior design. In 1965, he was awarded the Prix René Gabriel. Pierre Guariche's original creations have become iconic pieces such as the Amsterdam chair...
Glass, Teak
“Flying” coffee table by Pierre Guariche for Steiner
By Pierre Guariche
Located in LYON, FR
Famous Small Coffee table known as the “Flying table” from Pierre Guariche's Steiner collection. Typical of the 1950s and the creations of this French designer. Composed of a white ...
Laminate, Mahogany
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
Pierre Guariche, Set of 2 Aquilon Side Tables, Les Huchers-Minvielle, 1960
By Les Huchers-Minvielle 1, Pierre Guariche
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Pierre Guariche (1926-1995) Set of two square coffee or side tables from the Aquilon series manufactured by Les Huchers-Minvielle, circa 1960 each formed from a cross base in teak wi...
Laminate, Teak
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
Pierre Guariche : Coat rack for La Plagne Ski Resort, circa 1968
By Pierre Guariche
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Wall-mounted coat rack composed of a plywood panel veneered in blond mahogany, with four aluminum hooks. This model was designed by Pierre Guariche for the interior fittings of the...
Plywood
Pierre Guariche : Coat rack for La Plagne Ski Resort, circa 1968
By Pierre Guariche
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Wall-mounted coat rack composed of a plywood panel veneered in blond mahogany, with four aluminum hooks. This model was designed by Pierre Guariche for the interior fittings of the...
Plywood
Pierre Guariche Original Prefacto Coffee Table, circa 1952, France.
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare original Pierre Guariche coffee table Prefacto model, edited by Meurop circa 1952. Oak plywood and black enameled metal. Dimensions: 68 cm W, 51 cm D, 42 cm H. Good original con...
Oak
A Modular Table by Pierre Guariche for la Plagne, circa 1968
By Pierre Guariche
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Crafted by the visionary Pierre Guariche, this versatile table seamlessly transforms into a coffee table, a desk, or even a dining table to suit your needs. Meticulously constructed...
Plywood
Volante Side Table by Pierre Guariche for Steiner Éditeur, France, 1960s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in New York, NY
The large cocoon table lamp reflects the Castiglioni brothers’ playful approach to form and material. A steel frame is wrapped in a resin cocoon, creating a soft, diffused glow that ...
Steel, Metal
Set of 2 Aquilon Teak Side Table by Pierre Guariche, Les Huchers-Minvielle, 1960
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Saint Ouen, France
Set of 2 Aquilon teak side table by Pierre Guariche, Les Huchers-Minvielle, 1960 Rare Aquilon furniture by Pierre Guariche Pierre Guariche (1926 - 1995) is one of the legendary French designers of the 1950s, who left his mark on his era with purely aesthetic, functional and accessible pieces. A graduate of the École nationale supérieure des Arts décoratifs, he published his first designs on his own, including the famous Rotaflex lamp, which he exhibited at the Salon des Arts ménagers and then at the Salon des Artistes décorateurs. It was a great success with the public, and soon attracted the interest of publishers. Pierre Guariche went on to create furniture, lighting and decorative objects for Airborne, Pierre Disderot and Steiner. In 1954, he also joined forces with decorators Michel Mortier and Joseph-André Motte, with whom he founded the Atelier de recherche plastique. ARP went on to create furniture for Charles Minvielle's living room, dining room and bedroom. At the end of the 1950s, as artistic director of the Belgian furniture company Meurop, he gradually turned to interior design. In 1965, he was awarded the Prix René Gabriel. Pierre Guariche's original creations have become iconic pieces such as the Amsterdam chair...
Fabric, Teak
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
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
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
Expandable Dining Table by Pierre Guariche & A.R.P
By Pierre Guariche
Located in New York, NY
Expandable dining table by Pierre Guariche & Atelier de Recherche Plastique Table with ash extension by Pierre Guariche for Les Huchers Minvielle, 1955. Revarnished tray in perfe...
Metal
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
Set of 6 Volante coffee tables by Pierre Guariche for Steiner 1950
By Steiner, Pierre Guariche
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Set of 6 coffee tables by Pierre Guariche for Steiner in the fifties Iconic Volante model Black tubular structure in metal, top in teak covered with black and white Formica Small tr...
Metal
Pierre Guariche Metal and wood Square French Mid-Century Side Table
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pierre Guariche (1926–1995) Side table Manufactured by Steiner France, 1950s Metal, formica Measurements 39 cm x 39 cm x 36h cm 15.36 in x 15.36 in x 14.18 in Provenance Private c...
Metal
$13,500
Pierre Guariche Coffee Table
By Pierre Guariche
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
Pierre Guariche’s Coffee Table, from 1953, is a refined example of mid-century French modernism, showcasing his mastery of form, function, and material. With its clean lines and prec...
Brass
French 1950’s Pierre Guariche small coffee table
By Pierre Guariche
Located in London, GB
A small French black iron and glass coffee table attributed to Pierre Guariche.
Metal
Ceramic Coffee Tables by Les 2 Potiers, France, 1960s
By Les 2 Potiers
Located in Paris, FR
Coffee tables by ceramists Jacques and Michèle Serre, aka Les 2 Potiers, active in France between 1956 and 1970.
Ceramic
Rare Marble Side Table From France, Circa 1950
Located in Nashville, TN
Rare Marble Side Table From France, Circa 1950. Unusual model with a smaller top. Iron construction. Nice wear and use.
Marble, Iron
Vintage Charlotte Perriand Side Table From France, Circa 1950
Located in Nashville, TN
Vintage Charlotte Perriand Side Table From France, Circa 1950. Steel base with original pine top. Nice patina and wear.
Pine
Teak Coffee Table by Pierre Jeanneret
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pierre Jeanneret coffee table model PJ-TB-04-A from Chandigarh India, circa early 1960s. This form for this table was created from a design by Charlotte Perriand in 1938 for the BCC and l’Equipement de la Maison. Elegant design of three symmetrical legs and circular table. Top connected to base with three screws. literature: Mary McLeod, ed., Charlotte Perriand: An Art of Living, New York, 2003, p. 136, fig. 8 for a 'L’Equipement de la Maison' prospectus Le Corbusier Pierre Jeanneret: The Indian Adventure...
Teak
Early Pierre Chapo Elm Side Table
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Houston, TX
A sculptural mid century accent table with a warm wood finish and architectural tripod base- minimal, elegant, and quietly dramatic. Clean, architectural lines, mortise-and-tenon j...
Wood
$6,473
H 16.54 in W 26.78 in D 20.08 in
Pierre Guariche Original Prefacto Coffee Table, circa 1952, France.
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare original Pierre Guariche coffee table Prefacto model, edited by Meurop circa 1952. Oak plywood and black enameled metal. Dimensions: 68 cm W, 51 cm D, 42 cm H. Good original con...
Oak
Burlwood Side Table, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Live edge burl wood side table on tripod tapered legs.
Burl
$1,632Sale Price|20% Off
H 17 in W 25 in D 52 in
c1960's Mid Century Modern Chrome/ Steel with Glass Coffee/ Cocktail Table
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1960's Mid Century Modern Chrome and Steel Coffee/ Cocktail Table. Beautiful modern design.
Metal
Fine French 1960s Round Gueridon or Side Table by Pierre Paulin
By Pierre Paulin
Located in Long Island City, NY
With a cast aluminum pedestal and a rosewood round top. Designed by Pierre Paulin, edited by Artifort.
Aluminum
$1,333
H 19.3 in W 36.62 in D 17.72 in
20th Century Coffee Table by Pierre Guarichin Glass, Black and Gold Metal, 1950s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in FR
This striking coffee table by Pierre Guariche from the 1950s seamlessly blends modern design with functional elegance. Featuring a sleek glass top, this table is supported by a sophi...
Metal
Mid Century 2-Tier Coffee Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
Mid century 2-tier coffee table Walnut with 2 levels for storage. Tapered legs. 32"W x 32"D x 18"H.
Walnut
Sold
H 13 in W 31.5 in D 21.26 in
Pierre Guariche, Low Coffee or Side table, Galerie MAI, France, c. 1950s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Side table designed by Pierre Guariche, produced by Galerie MAI in Paris, c. 1950s. Made entirely of oak with clean, functional lines. Early edition. Shows signs of age and use, incl...
Oak
Sold
H 28.75 in W 51.19 in D 31.5 in
Pierre Guariche Adjustable Extension Dining Table – Mid-Century French Design
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Pierre Guariche Adjustable Extension Dining Table – Mid-Century French Design, Circa 1950. Presenting an elegant adjustable extension dining table designed by the renowned French d...
Metal
Sold
H 70.87 in W 29.93 in D 31.5 in
Design desk by Pierre Guariche, edited by Maison Minvielle, circa 60
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Renens, CH
Desk by Pierre Guariche, French design Mahogany desk comprising two pedestals opening onto five drawers linked by a black-lacquered metal spacer bar, all resting on four straight l...
Metal
A Modular Table by Pierre Guariche for la Plagne, circa 1968
By Pierre Guariche
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Crafted by the visionary Pierre Guariche, this versatile table seamlessly transforms into a coffee table, a desk, or even a dining table to suit your needs. Meticulously constructed...
Plywood
Side table by Pierre Guariche for Trefac / Meuro
By Pierre Guariche, Meurop, Trefac
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This beautiful kidney shaped side table was designed by Pierre Guariche for Trefac / Meurop Belgium in the fifties. The wooden top is fixed on a black metal tripod base. It has the ...
Metal
Sold
H 16.15 in W 26.78 in D 20.48 in
French Wooden Mid Century "Airbourne" Coffee Side Table by Pierre Guariche 1950s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare French mid century sculptural coffee side table in oak wood and white lacquered metal by Pierre Guariche for Aibourne France, 1950s. In good vintage condition with patina f...
Metal
Rare Pierre Guariche coffee table for Meurop
By Pierre Guariche, Meurop
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
Rare Pierre Guariche coffee table for Meurop. Look at the beautiful design of the metal frame. It is in perfect condition.
Metal
Sold
H 29.53 in W 63.39 in D 27.96 in
Pierre Guariche. Desk in teak and lacquered metal. 1960s. LS56631534M
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pierre Guariche, by. Desk in teak with its lacquered metal base. Black laminate top. French work realized in the 1960s. Dimensions: H 75 x W 161 x D 71 cm Reference: LS56631534M
Metal
A Modular Table by Pierre Guariche for la Plagne, circa 1968
By Pierre Guariche
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Crafted by the visionary Pierre Guariche, this versatile table seamlessly transforms into a coffee table, a desk, or even a dining table to suit your needs. Meticulously constructed...
Plywood
Coffee table in wood by Perfacto Pierre Guariche
By Pierre Guariche
Located in PARIS, FR
Coffee table in wood and metal, model 'Perfacto' by designer Pierre Guariche (1926–1995) in the 1950s (1957). Wooden tabletop, free-form black lacquered metal base. Pierre Guariche (...
Metal
Pair of Bedside Tables by Pierre Guariche, circa 1968
By Pierre Guariche
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
To complement your decor inspired by La Plagne, this pair of nightstands is an ideal choice. Their versatile design, serving as both nightstands and seats, was conceived by the reno...
Plywood
1950s French coffee table by Pierre Gauriche
By Pierre Guariche
Located in London, Lambeth
Stunning French mid -Century glass and tubular steel coffee table by Deasigner Artist Pierre Gauriche Cc 1950s
Metal