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.
Set of ‘VOLANTE’ Side Tables for Steiner by Pierre Guariche
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
The "Volante" side table set was designed by renowned French designer Pierre Garliche for Steiner. Its light structure, combining a minimalist steel frame with a thin tabletop, symbo...
Steel
$14,200 / item
Pierre Guariche For Tefrac Meurop 'Prefacto" Side Table
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Long Island City, NY
Pierre Guariche for Trefac Meurop 'Prefacto' side table with a biomorphic oak table top sitting on bent lacquered metal legs.
Metal
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 Pierre Guariche, Trefac
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
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
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
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
Burlwood Side Table, France 1950's
Located in New York, NY
Live edge burl wood side table on tripod tapered legs.
Burl
$1,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 20.5 in W 19.5 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Modern Side Tables by Pierre Vandel, France, 1970s
By Pierre Vandel
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, A pair of side tables, designed and signed by Pierre Vandel. Fabulous clean modern lines. Paris France circa late 1970s. Maker signature present. Dimensions...
Aluminum, Brass
Side Tables by Jorge Zalszupin, 1960s, Set of 2
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Elegant and organic, the Pétale side tables by Jorge Zalszupin are true icons of 1960s Brazilian design. Inspired by nature, their petal-shaped tops and light bases embody the perfec...
Palisander, Rosewood, Plywood
Unavailable|$1,501
H 13.78 in W 13.78 in D 33.47 in
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Pierre Guariche, France, c. 1950s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in London, GB
A small French black iron and glass coffee table attributed to Pierre Guariche.
Metal
French Designer, Side Table, Metal, Wood, France, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and tubular metal side table likely designed and produced in France, c. 1930s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Moderate surface scratches...
Metal
Side table by Jacques Adnet, 1950s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A small side table by Jacques Adnet, featuring a square black leather-wrapped top edged in a continuous row of brass nailhead studs — a hallmark of Adnet's signature stitched-leather...
Metal
$505Sale Price|20% Off
H 20.08 in W 16.54 in D 16.54 in
Mid-Century Modern French Folding Side Table, Metal, Circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
French folding table made by unknown designer. Manufactured in France, circa 1960. In great original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful p...
Metal
$419Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 15.16 in W 19.49 in D 15.95 in
Pair of Pierre Vandel Paris side tables, 1970s
By Pierre Vandel
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Pair of Pierre Vandel Paris side tables circa 1970, black lacquered aluminum structure, gold band inclusion, original beveled glass resting on black rubber glides. All in good condi...
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century French Metal Tripod Side Table
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century French Metal Tripod Side Table This elegant mid-20th century iron tripod side table features a removable clear glass top, supported by a decorative pedestal base a...
Iron
Mactan stone side table by Pierre Magnussen Ponte
Located in London, GB
Mactan stone side table by Pierre Magnussen Ponte A highly sought-after postmodern coffee or side table by Pierre Magnussen Ponte. Featuring a sculptural Mactan stone base with thre...
Stone
Prouve Style Wood and Metal Side Table, 1960s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A minimalist gem with serious personality. This mid-century occasional table features a warm walnut top perched on a Prouve style green metal base with tripod legs. It’s the perfect ...
Iron
Antique French Side Table, Brown Wood and Metal, 1900s Construction
Located in High Point, NC
A 1900s side table from France, raised in brown wood. It was built with the kind of solid, straightforward construction meant to outlast its maker. Its condition reflects real age ra...
Metal
$28,000
H 23.63 in W 31.5 in D 47.25 in
Volante, Draped Form Sculptural Side Table in Cast Polished Bronze
By Katz Studio
Located in San Jose del Cabo, BCS
The Volante Side Table, an exquisite piece from the Levitaz Collection, embodies the fusion of artistry and functionality. Its design is a striking visual metaphor for grace and fluidity, reminiscent of fabric caught in a gentle breeze. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the table appears to defy gravity, with its golden surface reflecting light in a way that enhances its undulating form. The brilliance of the Bronze finish adds a touch of opulence, while the table's sculptural presence anchors it firmly as a centerpiece in any room. As a part of the Levitaz Collection, the Volante Side Table stands as a testament to Katz Studio's commitment to pushing the boundaries of design. The collection itself is known for its daring exploration of dynamic forms and the interplay between natural fluidity and the static function of furniture. Each piece within the collection, including the Volante Side Table, is not only a functional item but also a piece of conversational art...
Bronze
$5,083 / set
H 13 in W 25.6 in D 25.6 in L 13 in
Pair of T23 A Arrondie Basse Side Tables in Elm by Pierre Chapo, France
By Chapo Creation, Pierre Chapo
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of T23 A Arrondie basse side tables by Pierre Chapo, France in elm wood. This 5cm thick top triangle coffee table was designed in the early 1960s and has some beautiful woodwork...
Elm
$6,259
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
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
Side table by Pierre Guariche for Trefac / Meuro
By Trefac, Meurop, Pierre Guariche
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
Sold
H 137.8 in W 15.56 in D 15.56 in
Small side table ’VOLANTE’ for Seige Steiner by Pierre Guariche , 1960s , France
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Small side table ’VOLANTE’ for Seige Steiner by Pierre Guariche , 1960s , France There are 3 holes in the top plate. Please check image.
Metal
Sold
H 7.49 in W 13.78 in D 13.78 in
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
Sold
H 13.98 in W 15.56 in D 15.56 in
Pair of " Volante" Side Tables by Pierre Guariche for Steiner, France, 1950
By Siege Steiner, Pierre Guariche
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Pair of " Volante " black side tables by Pierre Guariche, edited by Steiner. Composed of a tubular base in black lacquered metal, and a tray lined with black formica. Original form...
Metal
Pierre Guariche ”VOLANTE” Table for Steiner, 1950s
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Pierre Guariche «VOLANTE» table for Steiner, 1950s. Side table designed by Pierre Guariche. Simple design with a melanin-coated wooden top and black painted steel legs. The labe...
Iron
Sold
H 13.98 in W 15.56 in D 15.56 in
Set of 6 " Volante" Side Tables by Pierre Guariche for Steiner, France, 1950
By Pierre Guariche, Steiner
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Set of 6 black side tables " Volante " by Pierre Guariche, edited by Steiner. Composed of a tubular base in black lacquered metal, and a tray in black formica. Label of the manufac...
Iron
Pierre Guariche ≪VOLANTE≫ Table for Steiner
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
1950s / France Size W395 D395 H355 mm The VolanteSide table designed by Pierre Guariche. Made of melanin-applied wooden top and black painted steel legs.
Iron
Sold
H 13.98 in W 15.56 in D 15.56 in
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
Pair of Pierre Guariche "VOLANTE" Tables for Steiner
By Steiner, Pierre Guariche
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Pierre Guariche "VOLANTE" tables for Steiner. Designed in 1950. Pair of the black one and the white one.
Metal
Pierre Guariche, Black Side Table for Steiner, France, 1950
By Pierre Guariche, Steiner
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Beautiful small black side table designed by Pierre Guariche for Steiner, 1950s Pierre Guariche (1925-1995) is a legendary French designer from the 20th century. He gave a personal ...
Metal
Pierre Guariche, Little Side Table, 1965
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Pierre Guariche Little side table Minvielle edition Very good condition Measures: H 18 x Lon 35 x lar 35 cm.
Wood
Sold
H 16.5 in W 26.8 in D 20.5 in
"Prefacto" Side Table by Pierre Guariche for Trefac Meurop, circa 1950, France
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Girona, Spain
"Prefacto" side table by Pierre Guariche for Trefac Meurop Rare original Condition Tabletop in massive oak Lacquered metal tube legs circa 1950, Fr...
Metal
Prefacto Side Tables by Pierre Guariche for Trefac
By Pierre Guariche
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
The Prefacto low side table was designed by Pierre Guariche and made by Trefac in the early 1950s We offer you two different tables. The one in clear red is repainted and it seems ...