Like so many artists and designers, husband and wife John McGuire (1920–2013) and Elinor Stevenson (1914–2005) became masters in their trade by accident. For the founders of McGuire Furniture Company, well, furniture wasn’t actually in the plans.
The couple met just before the start of World War II (during which John was in the U.S. Navy and Elinor was a navigation instructor) and got married after it ended. They settled down in San Francisco where John held a couple of jobs — among them selling newspaper ads for the San Francisco Examiner while Elinor worked for Boeing Aircraft. Soon, an old Navy buddy of John’s asked him to help sell a bunch of rattan furniture and, needing the money, John agreed. His side business became so successful that John decided to quit his ad-sales job and work full-time in design.
In 1948, McGuire Furniture Company was born. Alongside the mid-century modern furniture designs then gaining popularity in the United States, John introduced an unconventional idea: traditional armchairs, stools and tables made of natural materials such as bamboo, which was strong yet could be rendered pliable when steamed, that were intended for the indoors rather than the front porch.
The brand’s first success was the now famous Director’s X-Chair by Leonard Linden. The military-campaign-style solid oak folding chair launched in 1956 and saw rattan binded with rawhide strips and a high-grade leather slug seat and back that eliminated the need for a plush cushion. Elinor, too, designed some of the brand’s popular pieces, such as 1968’s Cracked Ice chair. With its rattan oval back a dazzling celebration of geometric forms that give it its charming moniker, the Cracked Ice chair was an instant classic and is one of the brand’s most recognizable designs.
Today, McGuire and another American furniture manufacturer, Baker Furniture Company, comprise Baker Interiors Group. McGuire remains true to the founders’ ideals and commitment to crafting the kind of organic modern furnishings that are synonymous with the warm and relaxed feel of California design. The company has collaborated with interior designers Steven Volpe, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy and Nicole Hollis, and, as of 2019, its luxury furnishings share a 16,500-square-foot showroom with Baker’s in San Francisco. Some of the earliest McGuire Furniture Company designs are part of the permanent collection at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
Find a range of McGuire Furniture on 1stDibs.
$6,800 / set
Pair Orange McGuire Teak Portico Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Houston, TX
Originally designed by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy for McGuire of San Francisco, the Portico chair takes a modern approach while saluting a traditional aesthetic. Each solid teak chair fame ...
Velvet, Teak
Set of Eight McGuire Rattan Target Arm Chairs or Dining Chairs Upholstered Back
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A Set of Eight Genuine McGuire Rattan Target Arm Chairs with Upholstered Back. Designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire, these impeccably crafted arm chairs display a rattan...
Leather, Rattan, Fabric
1980s McGuire All Arm Organic Modern Rattan and Leather Dining Chairs- Set of 6
By McGuire, Baker Furniture Company
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Great set of six all arm chairs by McGuire. Features a wood frame with bamboo like appearance, joints are embellished with leather wrap. Very nice set that could work in a variety of...
Leather, Faux Bamboo, Cane
Vintage McGuire Bamboo Oval Dining Table with Six Matching Chairs, San Francisco
By McGuire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and highly desirable complete vintage dining set by McGuire Furniture, designed and manufactured in San Francisco, California, embodying the brand’s iconic blend of natural ma...
Fabric, Bamboo, Glass
John McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Dining Table Base for Glass Top
By McGuire, John McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Stunning organic modern bamboo dining table base for glass top designed by John McGuire. The octagonal dining table base, crafted entirely by hand, features bamboo poles lashed in pl...
Iron, Brass
Set of 8 Vintage McGuire Bamboo Dining Armchairs, San Francisco
By McGuire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare and highly desirable group of vintage bamboo dining armchairs by McGuire Furniture, designed and manufactured in San Francisco, California. We currently have a total of 10 mat...
Fabric, Bamboo
$3,600 / set
Pair of McGuire Bamboo Butterfly Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Raleigh, NC
Pair of McGuire bamboo butterfly chairs featuring reddish tone with washed finish. The distinctive butterfly profile creates wide, angled backs that spread outward from narrow seat ...
Bamboo
Set of Six Genuine McGuire "Cracked Ice" Rattan Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An exceptional genuine labeled set of six McGuire "Cracked Ice" rattan armchairs (Model # MCM90) featuring the signature namesake open fretwork backs in an oval frame. Each iconic ch...
Leather, Cane, Rattan
Pair of McGuire Rattan Wicker Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing pair of barrel back form rattan wicker lounge chairs or club chairs made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The rare chairs feature a strong ...
Fabric, Wicker, Rattan
Set of Six McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Bamboo Dining Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A rare set of six organic modern M-74 dining chairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco. The handcrafted chairs have their original finish, Co...
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
Pair McGuire Cerused Oak Rattan Nightstands End Tables
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exquisite pair of cerused oak and rattan nightstands, or end tables made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. These rare tables feature a thick pole ra...
Brass
Set of Four McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Bar Stools
By McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A set of four genuine McGuire handcrafted organic modern barstools, marked McGuire San Francisco. The stools feature thick rattan poles, a cathedral arch splat, and McGuire's signatu...
Brass
Set of Four McGuire Rattan Oval Cane Back Dining Armchairs, Organic Modern Style
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A gorgeous set of four genuine McGuire rattan oval cane back dining chairs, designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire. The set of armchairs feature McGuire’s signature rawhid...
Leather, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Set of Four McGuire Organic Modern Lacquered Rattan Bar Stools
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Bespoke set of four counter height non-swivel barstools crafted in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The stools feature a thick pole rattan frame havin...
Leather, Faux Leather, Rattan, Wood
Set of Four McGuire Rattan Target Upholstered Dining Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A handsome bespoke set of four genuine rattan "Target" upholstered back dining chairs made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The set consists of fou...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan, Raffia
Pair of Barbara Barry for McGuire Caned Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By Barbara Barry, McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish and rare pair of large lounge chairs or club chairs with matching ottoman designed in the California coastal organic modern style by Barbara Barry for McGuire. The chairs fea...
Leather, Fabric, Cane, Rattan
Warm Set of 8 Vintage Honey Bamboo and Caramel Leather Dining Chairs by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fabulous set of eight (8) beautifully aged Organic dining chairs by McGuire, circa 1980. Stout expertly crafted rattan construction accented with handsome caramel woven leather sea...
Rattan, Leather, Bamboo
Set of 2 director’s chairs in bamboo and black leather, Lyda Levi for McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Roma, RM
Set of 2 director’s chairs in bamboo and black leather, McGuire San Francisco 1970 Product Details Made with leather bindings and details in burnished brass. Dimensions: 60 W × 80 H ...
Brass
Set of Eight McGuire Rattan "Cracked Ice" Dining Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Hamburg, PA
An elegant set of eight McGuire "Cracked Ice" Dining Chairs with hand-crafted raw-hide leather binding and caned seats. This impressive set of chairs was designed by John and Elinor ...
Leather, Upholstery, Cane, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Lacquered Rattan Lounge Chair
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Oversized organic modern lounge chair designed by Elinor McGuire in the California coastal style. The chair features a large horseshoe shaped round back with a thick pole rattan fram...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan
Set of Six McGuire Organic Modern Gothic Rattan Dining Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Beautiful set of six genuine McGuire rattan dining chairs, designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire. The design is famous for its rattan Gothic cathedral pattern with inters...
Leather, Rattan, Fabric, Bamboo
Pair of Organic Modern Rattan Lounge Chairs by Elinor McGuire
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A pair of organic modern rattan lounge chairs designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco. Oversized for comfort, the chairs feature large handcrafted...
Leather, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Blonde Bamboo Hexagonal Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous McGuire organic modern hexagonal base dining table featuring a large round glass top. This is an early McGuire model #MCBA17 crafted with a geometric iron frame hand-wrapped...
Iron
Chic Restored Pair Modern Cathedral Back Loungers by McGuire, circa 1975
By McGuire
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent lounge chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and installation ready. New cu...
Leather, Cane, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Rattan Lounge Chair With Ottoman
By McGuire
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional mid-century Organic Modern style lounge chair with ottoman By McGuire USA, Circa Early 21st Century Bamboo rattan form hardwood frame, with upholstered seat and bac...
Upholstery, Rattan, Bamboo
Set of Four McGuire Laced Rawhide Rattan Dining Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Genuine set of four rare McGuire Antalya directors style dining armchairs featuring lattice style laced rawhide woven leather seats and back. Model #MC...
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Glass Top Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Genuine McGuire dining table or breakfast table made in the California coastal organic modern style. The stylish table features an iron frame base painted golden gate orage for authe...
Iron
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Brass Cocktail Table 4.5 Ft
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A refined, genuine signed McGuire rattan and rawhide coffee or drinks table pairing a rattan pole base with a thick, beveled floating glass top. The table features a trestle-like str...
Brass
Organic Modern Chippendale Style Cerused Rattan & Brass Coffee Table By McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a great looking organic modern chippendale style cerused rattan glass top coffee table by McGuire out of California. The brass capped legs add a nice touch. It most likely da...
Brass
$2,720Sale Price|20% Off
Genuine McGuire Organic Modern Palasan Rattan Pedestal Dining Table Base, Marked
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A genuine McGuire organic modern rattan pedestal dining table base, designed for use with a round glass tabletop. This beautiful piece is from McGuire's Palasan Collection, featuring...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
Set of Six McGuire Woven Rattan Peel Dining Chairs
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
This set of six organic modern dining chairs, designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire, includes two armchairs and four side chairs. The woven rattan dining chairs, handmade...
Wicker, Rattan
Pair of McGuire Organic Modern X-Base Rattan End Tables, Glass Tops included
By McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair of genuine McGuire organic modern rattan bamboo end tables. The square end tables or side tables feature a rattan frame with an x-base, trefoil brass leg caps and clear glass to...
Brass
1980s McGuire Twisted Rattan Green Beige Chairs and Ottoman, Set of 3
By McGuire
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 1980s with this exquisite twisted McGuire rattan set in green upholstery. The ultra rare set exudes an air of luxury and refine...
Upholstery, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Iron Frame Round Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Genuine McGuire organic modern round dining table featuring a hexagonal shaped base. The iron base is painted golden gate orange for authenticity and then covered with bamboo poles l...
Iron
1970Two McGuire Director’s Chairs
By McGuire
Located in IT
Set of two McGuire Director’s Chairs. Crafted with a black-lacquered oak and bamboo frame, these chairs feature leather seats and backs. The brass det...
Leather, Bamboo, Oak
Barbara Barry for McGuire Rattan or Wicker Arm Desk, Dining or Occasional Chair
By McGuire, Barbara Barry
Located in St. Louis, MO
Barbara Barry designed for McGuire Furniture of San Francisco. Dark stained Rattan dining chair, can be used as a desk chair or Occasional chair. All original, light touch up. Label.
Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Lattice Rattan Brass Glass Cocktail Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An authentic, labeled 20th century organic modern rattan and brass coffee or cocktail table made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire Furniture of San Francisco,...
Brass
$3,250 / set
Set of Six McGuire Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a set of six dining chairs, two armchairs and four side chairs, each with its own chocolate brown seat cushion, by McGuire of San Francisco. The chairs’ design blends nat...
Leather, Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan
$7,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Six Barbara Barry for McGuire Rattan and Cane Dining Chairs
By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry, McGuire
Located in Peabody, MA
Set of six dining armchairs designed by Barbara Barry for Baker/McGuire. Their regency influenced rattan frames are woven with a fine double mesh caning and feature arched vents in t...
Cane, Rattan, Upholstery
Set of Seven McGuire Rattan Cane Belden Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome set of seven rattan barrel back dining chairs made in the California organic modern coastal style by McGuire artisans. The Belden chairs feature a gracefully curved horsesho...
Brass
Lyda Levi McGuire director's chair in wood and leather with brass details, 1970.
By McGuire
Located in Roma, RM
Lyda Levi McGuire director's chair in wood and leather with brass details, 1970. Extra large version (the chair is 10 cm wider than the classic direc...
Brass
Vintage Bamboo & Leather Straps Side Table / Footstool By McGuire Furniture
By McGuire
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice vintage bamboo and leather strap side table / footstool with glass top by McGuire Furniture Companmy, circa 1970s. A beautifully crafted vintage McGuire side table or foo...
Leather, Bamboo, Glass
Set of Five Cerused Rattan Dining Chairs with Bamboo Table by McGuire
By McGuire
Located in Shippensburg, PA
SET OF FIVE LEATHER-BOUND CERUSED RATTAN DINING CHAIRS WITH LEATHER-BOUND BAMBOO DINING TABLE Designed by McGuire of San Francisco chairs with brass plaques retained to the undersi...
Brass
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Modern Barbara Barry for Baker / McGuire Rattan, Oak & Raffia Sideboard Buffet
By Barbara Barry, McGuire
Located in Chino Hills, CA
A refined and architecturally elegant sideboard / buffet designed by Barbara Barry for Baker / McGuire, exemplifying the designer’s signature organic modern aesthetic. This substanti...
Raffia, Rattan, Oak
Very Large Octagonal Glass Top Leather Strapped Bamboo McGuire Dining Table
By McGuire, Ficks Reed
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very large 80" round octagonal beveled glass top leather strapped bamboo McGuire dining table.
Leather, Bamboo, Glass
McGuire Organic Modern Bamboo Rattan Sofa
By John and Elinor McGuire, McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Organic modern bamboo rattan sofa designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco. The three-seat sofa or settee features a handcrafted bent rattan frame ...
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Oval Bamboo Rattan Dining Table
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Genuine McGuire bamboo rattan dining table made in the California coastal organic modern style. The table features a large elongated...
Iron
$6,800 / set
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Living Room Suite
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish matching rattan living room suite consisting of a settee, two lounge chairs, and a coffee table made by McGuire artisans in the California coastal organic modern style. The s...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan, Oak
Pair of McGuire Cerused Rattan Mohair Library Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive pair of rattan library armchairs made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The chairs feature a pole rattan frame with a custom ordered cer...
Leather, Mohair, Rattan
Jacques Garcia for McGuire Mid Century Woven Raffia Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Jacques Garcia, McGuire
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jacques Garcia for McGuire Mid Century Woven Raffia Lounge Chairs - Pair Each lounge chair measures: 28 wide x 37 deep x 35 high, with a seat height of 17 inches We take our photos...
Upholstery, Raffia
McGuire Organic Modern Rectangular Bamboo Dining Table 8 Ft.
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Genuine large 8 foot long bamboo glass top dining table made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The table base has an iron frame painted golden gate ...
Iron
McGuire Bamboo and Oak Expandable Parsons Table
By McGuire
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Versatile McGuire parsons table of bamboo and oak showcases the brand’s signature blend of natural materials and refined craftsmanship. The square table features a rich oak top frame...
Bamboo, Wood
Set of Four McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Cathedral Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic set of four organic modern rattan dining chairs made by McGuire. "Cathedral" style dining chairs designed by John McGuire feature a Gothic lancet arch style back with an open ...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan
Vintage McGuire Bamboo Oval Dining Table with Beveled Glass, San Francisco
By McGuire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined and highly desirable vintage dining table by McGuire Furniture, designed and manufactured in San Francisco, California, exemplifying the brand’s iconic use of natural mater...
Bamboo, Glass
McGuire Bamboo Bar Stools with Leather Seats, 1970s Bohemian Style
By McGuire
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Leather, Bamboo
American modern bamboo and glass round dining table by McGuire, 1970s
By McGuire
Located in MIlano, IT
USA modern bamboo and glass round dining table by McGuire, 1970s Dining table with round top in bevelled glass. The bamboo base narrow in the center and widens on the sides. At the c...
Bamboo, Glass
Barbara Barry McGuire Rattan Oak Raffia Sideboard Buffet
By Barbara Barry, McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exceptional sideboard server or buffet designed by Barbara Barry for Baker/McGuire. The sideboard features a large oak case with rattan borders and splayed legs. The case has a woven...
Brass
McGuire 4-Piece Set: Pair of Rattan Wing Lounge Chairs, Ottoman and Side Table
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
This four-piece set by McGuire includes a pair of rattan wing chairs, an ottoman, and a side table with inset glass. The design, by breakthrough inno...
Leather, Rattan, Fabric, Oak
McGuire Vintage Set of Eight Chinese Chippendale Caned Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive mid century set of eight armchairs crafted in mahogany with reed wrapped joints featuring stylized Chinese Chippendale oval backs, caned seats, Asian style brackets, stret...
Reed, Mahogany
Set of Six McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Cathedral Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive set of six rattan dining armchairs made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The cathedral style was designed by John McGuire and features ...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan