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Willy Guhl Furniture

Swiss, 1915-2004

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.

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Creator: Willy Guhl
Willy Guhl Loop Table
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Willy Guhl Loop table is an icon of Swiss modernist furniture design. The Loop Table (also known as the Beach Table) was designed by Swiss in...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Midcentury Large Sculptural Willy Guhl Tilted 'Soup Cup' Saucer Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Richmond, VA
An iconic 'Soup Cup' Tilted Saucer Planter by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl for Eternit. This lovely planter with decades of European patina sourced from a French estate is equally beau...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete, Composition

Midcentury Willy Guhl Eternit Concrete Hourglass Spindel Garden Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Richmond, VA
An iconic 'Spindel’ Planter by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl for Eternit. This lovely planter with decades of European patina sourced from a French estate is equally beautiful indoors o...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Vintage Willy Guhl Concrete Loop Chair, 1970s, Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Malibu, US
Iconic vintage Loop Chair by Swiss neo-functionalist and industrial design pioneer Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland, circa 1970. A mid-century classic like no other, the Loop Ch...
Category

1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Rare Pair of Willy Guhl Hourglass Planters, Switzerland 1960s
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Malibu, US
Vintage pair of rarely seen vintage Hourglass Planters by Swiss neo-functionalist and industrial design pioneer Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland, ...
Category

1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Willy Guhl Large 'Diablo' Planters, Switzerland 1960s
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Malibu, US
Iconic vintage 'Diablo' Planters by Swiss neo-functionalist and industrial design pioneer Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland, circa 1970. Made from fibre-cement, these pieces have...
Category

1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Willy Guhl Saucer Planter on Stand
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
31" Willy Guhl saucer planter on stand for Eternit Floating saucer planter on base Sculptural garden vessel The base can be flipped upside down for use ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl for Eternit Concrete Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Willy Guhl for Eternit concrete planters.
Category

1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

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....
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Willy Guhl Fiberglass Bench, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Malibu, US
Stunning floating bench designed by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland, circa 1960. Made of reinforced fiberglass and steel tubular frame. Incredible patina to both ...
Category

1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Steel

Large Willy Guhl Diabolo Planters - 38” high
By Willy Guhl
Located in Charleston, SC
Large pair of the classic Willy Guhl diabolo planters- sold individually. 38” high
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Gigantic Willy Guhl Table Lamp
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gigantic Willy Guhl concrete table lamp with beautiful patina. New square linen shade
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Hourglass "Diabolo" Planter by Willy Guhl and Anton Bee, 1950s Switzerland
By Eternit, Anton Bee, Willy Guhl
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Hourglass "Diabolo" Planter by Willy Guhl and Anton Bee, 1950s Switzerland "Diabolo" planter with a fabulous different polychrome patina. It was designed by Willy Guhl and Anton ...
Category

1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Willy Guhl Extra Large Concrete Planter for Eternit, Switzerland 1960's
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Willy Guhl planter in original condition. Made from concrete on mesh for Swiss company Eternit, circa 1960's. This massive planter is large enough t...
Category

1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Fiberglass Bench, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Malibu, US
Stunning floating bench designed by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland, circa 1960. Made of reinforced fiberglass and steel tubular frame. Incredible patina to both ...
Category

1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Steel

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...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Architectonic spindle planter by Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland 1950s
By Eternit, Anton Bee, Willy Guhl
Located in ECHT, NL
Mid century spindle planter. designed by Anton Bee and Willy Guhl. Manufactured by Eternit SA, Switzerland in the 1950s. The planter is made from fibre reinforced cement. It has been...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Space Age Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Dog House by Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland, 1960s
By Willy Guhl
Located in Antwerp, BE
Minimalism; Brutalist Dog House; Willy Guhl; 1960s; Switzerland; Eternit AG; Shelter; Outdoor Furniture; Concrete; Cement; Cellulose; Dog house by Willy Guhl for Eternit Switzerland...
Category

1960s Swiss Brutalist Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete, Cement

Willy Guhl Hexagonal Planter - Eternit AG, Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Bern, CH
Rare Hexagonal Planter by Swiss Architect, Willy Guhl. Produced by Eternit SA, Switzerland ca. 1960 - 1969. Concrete fibre construction. Beautiful patination with no structural damag...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Modular Concrete Bookcase
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural concrete bookcase by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Handmade in Switzerland in the early 1960s. Produced by Eternit. Set consists of 10 concrete cubes and one concrete shelf...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl New Production Spindel Hourglass Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Massive hourglass planters by Swiss designer Willy Guhl. Newly produced. Largest size made by Willy Guhl. Handmade in the same factories as the vintage planters. Made of thin fibrous...
Category

2010s Swiss Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Ovoide armchair by Willy Guhl for Eternit 1950s
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in PARIS, FR
The Ovoid armchair designed by Willy Guhl in the 1950s illustrates this Swiss industrial design pioneer's interest in Eternit, the fibro-cement originally developed for roofs and pip...
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Pair of Vintage Loop Armchairs by Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland, 1950
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in PARIS, FR
Loop armchair by Willy Guhl for the Swiss company Eternit. Their collaboration began in the early 1950s with a desire on the part of the Swiss firm to create garden furniture from th...
Category

1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Willy Guhl Concrete Chairs Pair
By Willy Guhl
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
Willy Guhl's concrete garden chairs with tulip-style seats are exemplary pieces that epitomize innovative design and outdoor sophistication. Crafted with concrete, these chairs showc...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Pair of Willy guhl XL planters, 1960
By Willy Guhl
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Patinated pair of Willy Guhl planters. These planters are higher than the average Willy Guhl Planters. Beautiful patina over the years
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Concrete Tree Planter by Willy Guhl, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Massive concrete tree planter by Willy Guhl. Tall planter with 4 post feet raising the planter slightly off the ground. Very good condition. Perf...
Category

1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

A pair of Willy Guhl planters. Switzerland 1960s
By Willy Guhl
Located in VILLERS-SUR-MER, FR
A pair of big Willy Guhl planter, cone model, edition Eternit Suisse 60s
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Swiss Design Bank Stühle, or Bench Chairs by Willy Guhl, Set of six, 1960s
By Willy Guhl
Located in Renens, CH
A set of of six “Bank Stühle”, or Bench Chairs by Willy Guhl (also known for the Loop Chairs for Eternit AG), produced during the 1960s in Switzerland. The name Bench Chair is deriv...
Category

1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cane, Ash

Willy Guhl 1960's Marmite Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Willy Guhl Marmite Planter produced for Eternit AG, circa 1960's is a true masterpiece for discerning collectors and enthusiasts of tim...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Six fibre cement planters, by Willy Gühl, Eternit AG, France, circa 1971
By Willy Guhl
Located in Paris, FR
Six planters or cache-pots in the form of cauldrons, « Marmite » model. Tripod base. Very fine natural patina.
Category

1970s French Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Willy Guhl for Eternit Modernist Concrete Garden Chairs Switzerland 1974, Signed
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Mortsel, BE
Introducing an extraordinary trio of Modernist concrete garden chairs with the accompanying table by the renowned Willy Guhl for Eternit. These pieces proudly bear the distinct Etern...
Category

1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Hourglass Pots
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Wonderful collection of concrete hourglass planters by the Swiss Architect, Willy Guhl. Great age, patina and coloring. Iconic sculptural planter or garden object. This listing is fo...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

1960s Large Red Willy Guhl Rectangular Concrete Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Crafted by willy guhl in switzerland during the 1960s, these rectangular concrete box planters exhibit a weathered rich red paint, adorned with a beautifully aged patina. Measuremen...
Category

1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Willy Guhl Small Handkerchief Planter by Eternit (multiple available)
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Baambrugge, NL
Beautifully shaped handkerchief planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Manufactured by Eternit AG, who produced all of Guhl's designs. (two available, price per piece). Made from fi...
Category

1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Other

Two Concrete planters designed by Willy Guhl for Ethernit, 1960ies
By Willy Guhl
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
A pair of beautiful fiber cement saucer planters with a metal tripod stand from bend and welded steel. Two planters available, sold seperately, Price is per planter Designed by ...
Category

1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete, Steel

Vintage Willy Guhl Urn 16.5"
By Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage willy guhl white urn with distinct weathered patina. Willy guhl (1915-2004) was a swiss industrial designer renowned for his groundbreaking con...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Olive Jar Planter, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete olive jar planter by Willy Guhl in a beautiful brick red color. Simple and elegant design perfect for any garden or patio. Excellent patina and vintage condition. Manufactur...
Category

1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Vintage Willy Guhl Urn 12.5"
By Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage willy guhl white urn with distinct weathered patina. These planters are unique and rare. Willy guhl (1915-2004) was a swiss industrial designer...
Category

19th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Antique Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Vintage Willy Guhl Urn 21"
By Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage willy guhl white urn with distinct weathered patina. These planters are unique and rare. Willy guhl (1915-2004) was a swiss industrial designe...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Triangular Tooth Planters (multiple available)
By Willy Guhl
Located in Baambrugge, NL
Beautifully shaped triangular Tooth planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. (three available, price per piece). Made from fiber cement, the planters are lightweight and durable in a...
Category

1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Other

Jardinières Diabolo Willy Guhl Et Antonn Bee Pour Eternit Années 50/60
By Willy Guhl
Located in PARIS, FR
In 1951, Eternity AG collaborated with designers and asked Willy Guhl and his students to work on new plant containers. Eternit, developed for the man...
Category

1950s Swiss Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Guhl Chair by Willy Guhl '1. Edition, Special Sealed, Safe Surface'
By Willy Guhl
Located in Zürich, CH
Willy Guhl was a Swiss furniture designer and became one of the most important representatives of the 20th century Swiss neofunctionalism. Between 1941 and 1980 Guhl taught at the Sc...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Modern Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Concrete Planter by Willy Guhl for Eternit, Switzerland ca. 1960s
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
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
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Vintage Willy Guhl Urn 17"
By Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage willy guhl white urn with distinct weathered patina. Willy guhl (1915-2004) was a swiss industrial designer renowned for his groundbreaking con...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Square Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A truly exceptional piece for collectors and vintage enthusiasts - the rare vintage square willy guhl planter. With its unique and uncommon design, this planter is a true gem that is...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

A pair of Willy Guhl planters. Switzerland 60's
By Willy Guhl
Located in VILLERS-SUR-MER, FR
A very rare pair of planters Willy Guhl, large model diabolo, edition Eternit Switzerland 50s.
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

1960s Black Lacquered Bankstuhl Chairs by Willy Guhl for Stendig, Set of 6
By Stendig Co., Willy Guhl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of 6 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 silhou...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Cane

Willy Guhl Steel and Concrete Design Bench, Switzerland, 1950s
By Willy Guhl
Located in leucate, FR
Mid-century floating bench designed by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl. Seater concrete monocoque is in good condition and the tubular steel base has been completely restored, sanded and...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete, Steel

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.
Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Trio of Authentic Modernist Spindel Planters by Willy Guhl - Sold as a Set
By Willy Guhl
Located in Austin, TX
A fine trio of Mid-Century Modern hour-glass shaped spindel planter pots or urns of composition cement - in varying heights - for an indoor or outdoor garden, garden room, or terrace...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Composition

A pair of Willy Guhl planters. Switzerland 1960s
By Willy Guhl
Located in VILLERS-SUR-MER, FR
A pair of very nice Willy Guhl red painted planters, diabolo model, Eternit Switzerland 60s edition
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Willy Guhl Loop Chair 1st edition with original wood 1950
By Willy Guhl
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible original from the 50s Loop Chair by Willy Guhl with wood in the base in perfect conditions. Fantastic.
Category

1950s Brazilian International Style Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl "Diabolo" Planter (1960's) (20")
By Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Discover the willy guhl hourglass planter – a medium-sized masterpiece by swiss architect willy guhl. Standing 19” inches tall with an 18-inch diameter, its eye-catching hourglass sh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

1960s Willy Guhl Vintage Red Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The willy guhl vintage red planter from the 1960s, crafted in switzerland. Its vibrant red hue and exquisite patina make it a sought-after collector's piec...
Category

1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Willy Guhl Concrete Vase, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful concrete vase by Willy Guhl. Thick walls with years of patina in a soft blue color. Delicate and classic lines that start with a thin tapered base and rise to a billowed ou...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

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. Beautiful patinas. Great vintage condition. 3 available as shown in this listing. Priced ind...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Atomic Tripod Planters, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare and beautiful atomic concrete planters by Willy Guhl for Eternit. Heightened egg-shaped bowl with a three-legged base. Teeth ridges along the upper rim. Wonderful patina intersp...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Concrete

Willy Guhl Concrete Vase, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Spectacular concrete vase by Willy Guhl. Extremely rare model. Slightly tapered neck with pronounced lip spout. Made of fiber cement. Painted in a beige color with years of patina. B...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture

Materials

Cement

Willy Guhl furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Willy Guhl furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of stone and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Willy Guhl furniture, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 465 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 5 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Willy Guhl were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Eternit, Anton Bee, and Ludwig Walser. Prices for Willy Guhl furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $425 and can go as high as $145,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,800.

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