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 Rectangular Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic set of 22 rectangular planters by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit. Painted years ago in greyish/blue and worn down by years of Eur...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
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...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
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...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Concrete
Tropical 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...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl Large Shallow Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
tabletop Willy Guhl large scale shallow planter.
Priced individually.
Category
1950s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
Concrete Marmite Planters by Willy Guhl
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic sculptural concrete planters by Willy Guhl. Large jug with handles on both sides and resting on 3 feet. Great patina to each pie...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
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...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl Tapered Planter
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Conical architectural planter designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit. Made from cast cement, this monumental garden pot can accommodate large shrubs or e...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl Vintage Tilted Planters
By Willy Guhl
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
As of the mid-20th century, the work of Willy Guhl was a revolutionary feat of industry and design with a distinct style that transcends decades. True to form and function, Guhl worked with a mixture of cement and asbestos from Eternit. The lightweight material was groundbreaking, uncompromising form and structure with an emphasis on functionality. These beautiful tilted planters...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Composition
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.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl Massive Concrete Pond
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impressive concrete sculpture by Willy Guhl. Largest piece of Willy Guhl on the planet. Over 7 feet long and over 4 feet wide. Original French advertisement from 1962 showing the pon...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl Square Tiered Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great sculptural planter by Willy Guhl. Square frame raised on indented square base. All one piece. Good vintage condition and patina.
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
Set of 4 Willy Guhl Concrete Lamps
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic set of rare concrete lamps by Willy Guhl for Eternit. 4 lamps in different heights. Circular cutouts allow light through. One bulb inside each lamp with hand switch on the ...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl Pair of Troughs
By Willy Guhl
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
As of the mid-20th century, the work of Willy Guhl was a revolutionary feat of industry and design with a distinct style that transcends decades. True to form and function, Guhl work...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Composition
Rare, Very Large Architectural Planter by Willy Guhl
By Willy Guhl
Located in New York, NY
Rare, very large planter / jardinière / architectural element in fiber concrete by Willy Guhl.
The piece is a Minimalist sculpture in a sleek, t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Concrete
Rare Willy Guhl for Eternit Stackable Planters Mid-Century
By Willy Guhl
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare stackable planters by Willy Guhl for Eternit. Each one stamped on the bottom. Three yellow and three grey or concrete available. Planters have ...
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Willy Guhl Bird Bath
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Willy Guhl bird bath made of cement. Unique shape and large size. Over three feet long. Great sculpture and object. Could be used for succule...
Category
1950s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
Pair of Willy Guhl Elephant Ear Planters with Original Patina
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in Paris, FR
Set of two large elephant ear planters done in the 1960s by Willy Guhl, with a wonderful original garden patina.
Category
1950s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
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...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
Large Domed Dog House by Willy Guhl
By Willy Guhl
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
Designed by Willy Guhl, you have here a modern kennel for your beloved dog. The house is designed in fibrated cement by Eternit Switzerland in the 1960s. The two-piece dome-shaped sh...
Category
1960s Swiss Other Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
Rectangular Willy Guhl Concrete Mirror, 1960s Switzerland
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous rectangular Willy Guhl concrete mirror. Concrete vessel originally produced at the Eternit factory in Switzerland in the 1960’s and mir...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
1960s French Concrete Planter By Willy Guhl
By Willy Guhl
Located in High Point, NC
A concrete planter made in France, circa 1960, designed by Willy Guhl. A gentle tilt, which casts this sumptuously sculpted planter slightly askew, provides a playful yet graceful de...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Concrete
1960s French Concrete Planter By Willy Guhl
By Willy Guhl
Located in High Point, NC
Step back in time with this iconic 1960s French Concrete Planter by Willy Guhl. Perfect for adding a touch of historical elegance and modernist charm to any garden or indoor space, t...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl for Eternit Concrete Marmite Planters, 1960s
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit AG concrete Marmite planters with two handles on both sides resting on three feet., Switzerland, 1960s. These chic ...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Concrete
Concrete Pedestal Bowl Planter by Willy Guhl, 1960's, Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Concrete Pedestal Bowl Planter by Willy Guhl, 1960's, Switzerland
H 20.5" x D 47"
FDV11384
*Wear consistent with age and use.
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl Table Lamp
By Willy Guhl
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Willy Guhl concrete cube made into a table lamp with linen shade and teak wood.
Priced individually.
Wonderful blue-is patina
Measure: Shade 12.25" x 12...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl Concrete Planter - Eternit AG, Switzerland #1
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Bern, CH
Monumental concrete flower pot by Swiss designer, Willy Guhl. Solid concrete made in Switzerland 1960 - 1970. Produced by Eternit AG.
Tapered structure with a ribbed upper section ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Minimalist 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 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
Large Willy Guhl Adjustable Planters, 1960s Switzerland (2 Available)
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in Malibu, US
Wonderful cement bowl planters designed by Willy Guhl for Eternit in Switzerland circa 1960s.
The bowl can be angled a multitude of ways due to it being a separate entity from the b...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl Concrete Cube Side Table, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural concrete cube side table by Swiss architect Willy Guhl. Handmade in Switzerland in the early 1960s. Produced by Eternit. Age and weather has given this piece an inimitable...
Category
1960s Swiss 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 Handkerchief Planter, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural planter by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit. Rare design with a nice patina with colors from beige to red. Made of fibre cement. Great coloring. Unique standalone sc...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl Concrete Cube Side Table, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic modular fiber cement cube by Swiss Architect Willy Guhl, for Eternit. Amazing scale and patina to each cube. Great as a side table, for holding b...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement, Concrete
Willy Guhl Orange Pod Chairs, Pair
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in New York, NY
Iconic "pod" chairs designed by Willy Guhl and realized by Eternit, circa 1950s in Switzerland.
Orange in color. Handled for ease of movement. Handmade with cast fiber cement and ...
Category
1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl Rare Shape Large Planters, Pair
By Willy Guhl
Located in New York, NY
Swiss designer and architect Willy Guhl for Eternit, 1960s.
Pair of yellow coated wide vessel planters with classic Guhl diablo spindle shape base.
Rare shape, not seen anywhe...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Concrete
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.
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Cement
Willy Guhl for Eternit, Mid-Century Modern Concrete Garden Handkerchief Planter
By Eternit, Willy Guhl
Located in London, GB
Willy Guhl for Eternit, a very rare 21 inch tall Mid-Century Modern sculptural concrete garden Handkerchief elephant ear planter. It looks like a large seed pod and will look very sp...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Concrete
Large Planter in the Shape of Flower Pots by Willy Guhl for Eternit
By Willy Guhl
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Large planter designed by famous Swiss artist, designer and architect Willy Guhl. The planter has the archetypical shape of flower pots, but is much larger. It is 40 cm (15.75 in) hi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Concrete
Willy Guhl Rectangular Swiss Midcentury Planter for Eternit
By Willy Guhl
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Rectangular planters designed by Swiss architect Willy Guhl for Eternit.
The planters are made of moulded cement. The holes in its bottom allow for water drainage.
These planters a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Willy Guhl Furniture
Materials
Concrete
Pair of Midcentury Willy Guhl Round Outdoor Planters Designed in Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of midcentury Willy Guhl rounded-body planters. These planters were designed by Swiss neo-functionalist designer Willy Guhl (1915-2004) for Eternit during the 1950s, Switzerla...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss 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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