Decades prior to the mass popularity of neo-industrial cement floors and furniture taking shape, there was Willy Guhl. The Swiss creative is considered one of the first “industrial” designers in his home country. He pioneered a rugged, organic style of modern furniture and decor — stylish planters, shapely seating and lots more — that remains widely coveted by many today.
Guhl was born in 1915 in Stein am Rhein and worked as a carpenter before beginning studies at the Zurich School of Applied Arts (known today as the Zurich University of the Arts), where he would go on to teach for nearly 40 years.
While Guhl is well-known for his range of provocative garden elements as well as his patio and outdoor furniture, today’s legion of mid-century modern enthusiasts are likely familiar with the designer’s iconic Loop chair (introduced in 1954). For this sculptural seat and other furnishings, Guhl tended toward industrial materials, which he bent and shaped into organic forms for a striking juxtaposition. Much of his work is crafted from either concrete or Eternit, a mixture of cement and asbestos developed by the Belgian company Etex, which, in the 1950s, commissioned Guhl and his students at the School of Applied Arts to conceive planters in the material. The resulting vessels — some hourglass-shaped, some in the form of handkerchiefs, all suitable for indoors or exteriors — remain some of Guhl’s most collectible pieces.
Guhl’s affiliation with the Swiss “neo-functional” movement centered on the idea of simplifying design without sacrificing form. According to Guhl, his mission was “achieving the most with the minimum of effort.”
In addition to his work as a designer, Guhl left his mark on subsequent creatives through his 39-year tenure at his alma mater, where he was instructor to the likes of Robert Haussmann, Kurt Thut and Bruno Rey. Modern-day shoppers at IKEA owe Guhl a debt of gratitude too. He was an early advocate of flat-pack furniture, championing its ability to make good design more widely accessible.
At its core, though, Guhl’s work was inherently human-centric: “At the center of my efforts, I put people and their living requirements,” he once said. “My products must be useful to people.” Guhl died in 2004 at the age of 89.
Find a range of vintage Willy Guhl furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Willy Guhl Petite Concrete Urn, 1960s Switzerland
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Petite concrete urn by Willy Guhl in a beautiful red patina. Urn has a delicate cement ridge around the mouth and two handles right under the upper rim. The body of the jar tapers do...
Concrete
Vintage Willy Guhl Large Tilt Concrete Planter - Mid-Century Modern Sculpture
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This vintage Willy Guhl shallow concrete bowl planter embodies the timeless elegance of Swiss mid-century modern design. Crafted in the 1960s–70s, the piece is part of Guhl’s celebra...
Concrete
Willy Guhl Round Pedestal Planter, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A unique 1960s pedestal planter by Willy Guhl. Crafted from a special fiber-cement that makes it lightweight, yet durable. Pedestal has a hollow interior with a circle shaped opening...
Concrete
$1,200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Stackable Willy Guhl Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique Stackable Willy Guhl planters Sold and priced individually Switzerland, 1960s
Concrete
$3,000 / item
Willy Guhl Chalice Shaped Planter, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique concrete planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Planter in the shape of a chalice. Base is also faceted. Beautiful patinas. Great vintage condition. 2 available as shown in th...
Concrete
Willy Guhl Monumental Chalice Planter, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning concrete planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Faceted edges around the top and bottom. Planter in the shape of a chalice. Good vintage condition. Decades of age and patina...
Concrete
$2,000 / item
Willy Guhl 24" Diabolo Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete diabolo planter by Swiss Designer Willy Guhl. Varying degrees of patina to each planter. Available in multiple sizes and quantities. *8 avai...
Cement
Rare, Very Large Architectural Planter by Willy Guhl
By Willy Guhl
Located in New York, NY
A Rare, very large planter / jardinière / architectural element in fiber concrete by Willy Guhl. The piece transcends its genre and is a Minimalist...
Concrete
Massive Willy Guhl Olive Jar Planter, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oversized concrete olive jar planter by Willy Guhl with great patina and prominent presence. Simple and elegant design perfect for any garden or patio. Excellent patina and vintage c...
Concrete
$9,500
Petite Willy Guhl Lamps
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Pair of petite scale lamps by Willy Guhl with new linen shade and concrete base. Teak wood and newly rewired Wonderful patina. Priced as a pair.
Concrete
$1,289
Planter, Willy Guhl
By Willy Guhl
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
Large and beautiful old garden pot / jardiniere, by the legendary Swiss designer Willy Guhl. A good conical design and with fantastic weathered patina....
Cement
Willy Guhl Mid-20th Century Rectangular Eternit Cement Box Planter
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This authentic mid-20th century rectangular box planter by Swiss designer Willy Guhl is a striking example of modernist garden design executed in Eternit fiber cement. Known for his ...
Cement
$2,200 / item
Rectangle Willy Guhl Mirror
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rectangle Willy Guhl mirror with fantastic patina'd thick signature cement frame and new mirror 2 sizes available / multiple quantities.
Cement
Willy Guhl Concrete Box with Lid, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural concrete crate by Willy Guhl. Handmade in Switzerland, in the 1960s. Rounded rectangular frame with indented ridge. With matching removable lid/cover. Great for outside st...
Cement
Willy Guhl Olive Jar Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning concrete olive jar planter by Willy Guhl with great patina and coloring. Amazing depth to the piece due to the layers of yellow, green and b...
Concrete
$11,000 / set
Pair of Willy Guhl Lamps
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Pair of Table Lamps by Willy Guhl with wonderful patina New linen shade. Priced as a pair.
Cement
Set of 2 Sculptural Triangular Planters by Willy Guhl, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 2 sculptural standing triangular concrete planters by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl. Can be placed upside down or right side. up. Beautiful patina with worn green and white paint...
Concrete
$1,250 / item
Willy Guhl Concrete Trough Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete trough planters by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Just under 24" long. Factory drilled drainage holes. Perfect depth for narrow spaces. 33 availa...
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit Concrete Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Willy Guhl for Eternit concrete planters.
Concrete
$2,500 / set
Willy Guhl Two-Piece Flower Pot
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique sculptural concrete planter by Willy Guhl with 2 pieces. Base is a round disc that holds the flower pot. The cylindrical flower pot...
Concrete
Midcentury Mode Round Planter Designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit in Switzerland
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Round planter designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit in Switzerland. Beautiful patina. The upper part inclines slightly, for better vision of the plants and flowers in it.
Cement
Mid-Century Modern Flat Planter by Willy Guhl for Eternit
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This planter is designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit of Switzerland. It is flat and slightly oblong and has a beautiful patina throughout. 1960s. Three available, listed separately.
Cement
Pair of Willy Guhl for Eternit ‘Diablo’ Concrete Spindle Planters, Circa 1968.
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and iconic pair of ‘Diablo’ concrete spindle planters designed by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, circa 1968. These sculptural planters feature Guhl’s signature hourgl...
Concrete
$12,800 / item
Willy Guhl Concrete Vase, 1960s (Pair) Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Ventura, CA
Stunning pair of concrete vases by Willy Guhl. Extremely rare model. Slightly tapered neck with pronounced lip spout. Made of fiber cement. Painted in beige color with years of pati...
Concrete
Willy Guhl Light Up Concrete Side Table, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning concrete side table with built in lamp by Eternit. Made in Swizterland. Newly rewired. Gorgeous piece of collectible design. Can be used indoors...
Concrete
Willy Guhl and Robert Pansart Red Pod Chair in Cement, 1969
By Willy Guhl, Robert Pansart
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Extremely rare iconic pod chair attributed to Willy Guhl, Many experts agree that this Pod Chair is actually the work of Robert Pansart, better known for his mirrors than for this ma...
Cement
$2,000 / item
Willy Guhl Ridged Bin Planters, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique ridged planters by Willy Guhl in the shape of a trash bin. Indented handles on both sides. Different coloring and patina for each of the three planters available as shown. Fun...
Concrete
Willy Guhl Concrete and Glass Side Table, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Industrial Willy Guhl concrete table for Eternit, fitted with new pieces of glass for each shelf. This table is made using a unique concrete fiber cement that is reminiscent of the p...
Concrete
Willy Guhl Concrete Urn, 1960s Switzerland
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete urn by Willy Guhl. Rare model. Excellent cream and grey patina. Urn has a delicate cement ridge around the mouth as well as around the widest part of the jar giving it depth...
Concrete
$2,800 / set
Willy Guhl Two-Piece Flower Pot
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique sculptural concrete planter by Willy Guhl with 2 pieces. Base is a round disc that holds the flower pot. The large cylindrical flow...
Concrete
Willy Guhl Corner Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Massive green corner planter by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl. Gorgeous planter for indoors or outside. Excellent patina. Never seen this piece before. La...
Cement
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
A Large Biomorphic Planter by Willy Guhl, Switzerland, c.1960
By Willy Guhl
Located in Chicago, IL
A large, exceptional garden planter designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit in Switzerland circa 1960, known as a biomorphic or 'Clam Shell' planter. Resembling the architect's iconic ele...
Cement
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Willy Guhl Diabolo Planter, Fiber Cement, Mid-Century Modern
By Willy Guhl
Located in Atlanta, GA
Bring iconic mid-century design into your space with this striking Willy Guhl Painted Diabolo Planter. Originally created in the 1950s by renowned Swi...
Concrete
$1,450 / item
Willy Guhl Half Moon Wall Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare concrete planters by Willy Guhl with factory drilled holes to hang on the wall. Semi circular front with faceted edges in back. Great vintage condition. 4 available. Priced indi...
Cement
Willy Guhl Concrete Box with Lid, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural and substantial concrete box by Willy Guhl. Handmade in Switzerland, in the 1960s. Square frame with removable lid. Beveled sides and rust stains on top of lid give this p...
Cement
Mid-Century Modern Round Planter by Willy Guhl for Eternit in Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Round planter designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit in Switzerland. Beautiful patina. The upper part inclines slightly, for better vision of the plants and flowers in it.
Cement
Willy Guhl Large Elephant Ear Handkerchief Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A Willy Guhl Elephant Ear or handkerchief planter with great color and Lichen. The planter is in good condition although there is a chip of out one edge and a crack running down towa...
Concrete
Pair of Willy Guhl–Style Triangular Garden Planters with Distressed Blue Paint
By Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Pair of large triangular garden planters attributed to Willy Guhl, featuring broad planting basins, gently tapered walls and softly rounded corners. Their low, expansive proportions ...
Cement
1 large Eternit saucer planters designed by Willy Guhl with wrought iron base.
By Willy Guhl
Located in Mouscron, WHT
1 large Eternit saucer planters designed by Willy Guhl with wrought iron base.
Concrete, Wrought Iron
Willy Guhl Mid-Century Modern Rectangular Fiber Cement Planter Box
By Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This authentic Willy Guhl mid-century modern rectangular planter box is a sculptural and highly collectible example of Swiss European outdoor design, produced in durable Eternit fibe...
Cement
Rare Willy Guhl Fiber Cement Rectangular Planter with Aged Patina
By Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A rare and authentic Willy Guhl rectangular planter, crafted from durable Eternit fiber cement, showcasing a beautifully weathered patina with layers of chipping green, white, and gr...
Cement
$1,200 / item
Willy Guhl Concrete Vases
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique set of concrete sculptures by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Concrete vases/planters rarely seen. Cool sculptural piece for indoors or outside. Great standalone piece of art. Gre...
Concrete
Pair of Medium Willy Guhl Lamps
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Pair of medium sized Willy Guhl table lamps with great natural patina. Newly Rewired. New Linen Shade.
Cement
Pair of Medium Willy Guhl Lamps
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Pair of medium sized Willy Guhl table lamps with great natural patina. Newly Rewired. New Linen Shade.
Cement
Willy Guhl for Eternit Large Concrete Biomorphic Planters, 1960s
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit large biomorphic or clam shell shaped concrete planters or jardinières, Switzerland, 1960s. These exquisite planters are made from weather-resistan...
Concrete
Willy Guhl Spindle Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large spindle or diabolo planter designed by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Originally made in three sizes, this planter is the medium size at 32 inches tall. An iconic hourglass form to add sculptural flare to the garden. This all-weather planter...
Cement
Modular Side Table by Willy Guhl for Eternit AG, Switzerland, 1954
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Antwerp, BE
Willy Guhl’s modular cubic side table for Eternit AG, handmade in Switzerland in 1954. This rare piece exemplifies Guhl’s groundbreaking design approach, crafted with precision from ...
Concrete, Cement
Willy Guhl Bowl Planter, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic cement dish by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit. Original light grey patina with a rusted metal ring handle on one side giving it a nice bit of character. Simple and ...
Cement
Willy Guhl Concrete Urn, 1960s Switzerland
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete urn by Willy Guhl. Rare model. In a beautiful washed out patina from layers of finishes worn down over the years. Urn has a delicate cement ridge around the mouth as well as...
Concrete
$5,000 / item
Willy Guhl Concrete Table Lamp, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning concrete Willy Guhl lamp by Eternit with teak top cover. Concrete made in Swizterland. Newly fitted as a lamp, re-wired with a new custom linen shade and light diffusor on t...
Concrete
Concrete Planter by Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland ca. 1960s
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Geneva, CH
Large eternit planter by Willy Guhl produced by Eternit AG, Switzerland ca. 1960s Original shape. 85 x 85 x 19 cm
Concrete
$1,800 / item
Willy Guhl Petite Box Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great sculptural box planters by Willy Guhl for Eternit. Made of fiber cement. Two with a lot of patina, and two on the cleaner side. Great petite planters. Perfect size. 4 available...
Concrete
Vintage Willy Guhl Tilt Planter Bowl – Mid-Century Modern Swiss
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This large vintage “Tilt” planter bowl is an iconic design by Swiss modernist Willy Guhl, produced by Eternit in Switzerland during the mid-20th century. Known for his innovative use...
Concrete
$2,800
Willy Guhl Cauldron
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Wonderful cauldron "Marmite" planter designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit Fantastic patina with bulbous shape and 2 handles Switzerland, 1960s
Concrete
1960s Black Lacquered Bankstuhl Chairs by Willy Guhl for Stendig, Set of Four
By Stendig Co., Willy Guhl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Bankstuhl caned dining chairs, designed by Willy Guhl. This simple solid model of dining chair is composed of a wood frame with a caned seat and back. This sil...
Cane, Wood, Lacquer
$11,000 / set
Pair of Willy Guhl Lamps
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Pair of Table Lamps by Willy Guhl with wonderful patina Medium in size / short and wide in shape New linen shade. Priced as a pair.
Cement
$3,800 / item
Extra Large Willy Guhl Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Extra large concrete bowl planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit. Gorgeous patina.
Cement
Swiss Planter by Willy Guhl, Produced by Eternit Brazil, 1960s
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in New York, NY
This vase is part of the series of Eternit fiber-cement vases designed by Willy Guhl (1915–2004), the industrial design pioneer in Switzerland who also created the remarkable Loop ch...
Cement
Willy Guhl, Pair of Fibre Cement Urn-Shaped Planters, 1950s-1960s
By Willy Guhl
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This pair of planters is a fibre cement model designed in the 1950s and 1960s by Willy Guhl (1915-2004). These elegant planters are grey – leaning towards blue – with a patina result...
Other
Willy Guhl planter 1st edition brazilian white concrete circa 1950 pair
By Willy Guhl
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Willy Guhl fibroconcrete brazilian white circa 1950 pair of planters signed ETERNIT.
Concrete