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Billy Baldwin Furniture

American, 1903-1983

Billy Baldwin had the unusual distinction of being the first man to break the glass ceiling of interior decoration, which before WWII was ruled by a coterie of ladies. 

The look that Baldwin championed in the mid-century was entirely American: classical in foundation, but modern in spirit, free of ostentation and unconcerned with trends. “Be faithful to your own taste,” he used to tell clients, “because nothing you really like is ever out of style.”

By the 1960s, just about every American taste-making blue blood was Baldwin's client, including Jackie Onassis, Pamela Harriman, Nan Kempner, Bunny Mellon and Babe Paley. If you ever wondered who was responsible for Diana Vreeland’s unforgettable “garden in hell” crimson drawing room, it was Billy B, as his friends called him.

“I always say I love color better than people,” he once remarked. He also loved cotton, calling it “his life,” detested damask and satin, and claimed to have “made a lady out of wicker.” His quips were legendary.

Unlike most decorators of his era, Baldwin believed that every project should feature furnishings already belonging to the client, so that the client’s personality would manifest in the room’s atmosphere. That atmosphere would emerge out of Baldwin’s selection of other furnishings — both old and new, American, European and Asian — and his choice of colors, mix of patterns and keen sense of proportion and scale.

If good antiques were beyond a client’s budget, Baldwin advised buying top contemporary pieces, rather than reproductions. What was important was quality, as well as comfort. A resolute anti-snob, Baldwin detested pretentious people. He believed decorating was a collaborative adventure embarked on with the client.

Embracing of new materials, including fake leather and plastic, in the mid-1950s, Baldwin covered the walls of Cole Porter’s tony Waldorf Astoria suite in tortoise shell vinyl. For that project, possibly his masterwork, he also designed floor-to-ceiling brass étagères, as he felt it “would be extravagant to do built-in bookcases for an apartment in a hotel.” His enthusiasm for chintz slipcovers prompted Porter to threaten, “Don’t you dare slipcover these pianos!” When the hotel suite was published, the étagères began showing up everywhere. Baldwin was not pleased. “If I find that something I am doing is becoming a trend, I run from it like the plague,” he declared.

For the New York City apartment of William and Babe Paley in the St. Regis hotel, Baldwin covered the damaged walls in a shirred geometric fabric, which started another trend. Among other much-copied design signatures were low slipper chairs, swing arm brass lamps, dark-hued rooms, rattan-wrapped Parson’s tables and arresting orchestrations of brilliantly patterned cotton prints.

When he turned 70, Baldwin retired and a few years later decamped to Nantucket where he had often summered, and which he loved in part for its strong, clear New England light. When he died at 80, he had influenced a generation of American decorators and shaped the tastes of Americans on a mass-scale, even those who never knew his name.

Browse a wide range of vintage Billy Baldwin furniture on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Billy Baldwin
Slipper Chairs Billy Baldwin Design, Pair
By Sherrill Furniture Company, Billy Baldwin
Located in Southampton, NJ
Classic pair of Slipper Chairs designed by Billy Baldwin manufactured by Sherrill Furniture. Exceptionally well maintained ready for use. Seats: 19" H.
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Set of Six Billy Baldwin for Bielecky Brothers Cane Dining Chairs
By Billy Baldwin, Bielecky Brothers
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic set of six rattan cane wrapped and lacquered dining chairs designed by Billy Baldwin for Bielecky Bros (Model #C7650). The organic modern chairs feature a wood frame wrapped w...
Category

20th Century American Organic Modern Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Brass

Billy Baldwin Large Whitewash Oak and Glass Coffee Table
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Miami, FL
Billy Baldwin designed whitewashed oak frame coffee table with inset glass top circa 1980s.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Glass, Oak

Sublime Set of 8 Caramel Cane Dining Chairs by Baldwin for Bielecky Brothers
By Bielecky Brothers, Billy Baldwin
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent Organic dining chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: meticulously professionally restored and completely install...
Category

1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Cane, Hardwood

Billy Baldwin for Bielecky Brothers Mid Century Rattan Cane Brass Tuxedo Sofa
By Bielecky Brothers, Billy Baldwin
Located in Countryside, IL
Billy Baldwin for Bielecky Brothers Mid Century Rattan, Cane and Brass Tuxedo Sofa This sofa measures: 84.25 wide x 32.5 deep x 26.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm he...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Brass

Exquisite Restored Cane Tuxedo Sofa by Bielecky Brothers - Pair Available
By Billy Baldwin, Bielecky Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent sofa is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative, meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready. Expert...
Category

1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Brass

Sublime Set of 12 Caramel Cane Dining Chairs by Baldwin for Bielecky Brothers
By Bielecky Brothers, Billy Baldwin
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent Organic dining chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: meticulously professionally restored and completely install...
Category

1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Cane, Hardwood

Bielecky Brothers Exquisite Set of Eight Rattan Dining Chairs by Billy Baldwin
By Billy Baldwin, Bielecky Brothers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An exceptional set of dining chairs designed by Billy Baldwin for Bielecky Brothers, circa 1975. Stout solid hardwood frame construction painstakingly veneered in hand-wrapped rattan...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Hardwood

Pair of Red Brick X Base Billy Baldwin Mid Century Modern Window Benches MINT!
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Red Brick X Base Billy Baldwin Mid Century Modern Window Benches MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Vintage Billy Baldwin Brass Etagere With Green Lacquered Shelves
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A vintage brass Billy Baldwin etagere with five dark green lacquered shelves.
Category

Mid-20th Century Regency Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Brass

Billy Baldwin Bielecky Brothers MCM Rattan Cane Brass Lounge Chairs & Ottoman
By Bielecky Brothers, Billy Baldwin
Located in Countryside, IL
Billy Baldwin for Bielecky Brothers Mid Century Rattan Cane and Brass Lounge Chairs with Ottoman Each chair measures: 25.5 wide x 27 deep x 32.5 high, with a seat height of 17.5 inc...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Brass

Billy Baldwin Side Table in Oak with Inset Granite Top, 1980s
By Billy Baldwin, Paul M. Jones
Located in New York, NY
Architectural side table in oak with inset black granite top by Billy Baldwin for Luten-Clarey-Stern (LCS), American 1980's  
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Oak

Delicious Set of 10 Caramel Cane Chairs by Billy Baldwin for Bielecky Brothers
By Billy Baldwin, Bielecky Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent Organic dining chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: meticulously professionally restored and completely install...
Category

1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Cane, Hardwood

Pair of Billy Baldwin X bases decorative Upholstered benches c1970s MINT
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Billy Baldwin X bases decorative Upholstered benches c1970s MINT
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Billy Baldwin Tall Modern Shelf System
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Cream painted wood with single square openwork supports on the front and double ones on the sides. With a glass shelf on the top and seven other glass shelves. All glass shelves .5 i...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Exquisite Pair of Restored Loungers by Billy Baldwin for Bielecky Brothers
By Bielecky Brothers, Billy Baldwin
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent lounge chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored, upholstered and completely in...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Hardwood

Billy Baldon Dining Table
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Chicago, IL
This Billy Baldwin dining table with a 3/4" thick glass top and pickled oak wood frame is a stunning and sophisticated addition to any dining room. The table's sleek design and high-...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Glass, Oak

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Pair Hollywood Regency Slipper Chairs & Ottoman, attributed to Billy Haines
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Set of Four McGuire Rattan Cane Barrel Dining Chairs
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Vintage Coastal Bielecky Brothers Stick Rattan Lounge Chair and Ottoman
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1960s Custom Slipcovered Sofa by DeAngelis for Billy Baldwin
By De Angelis, Ltd.
Located in Dallas, TX
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Previously Available Items
Pair of Green and Brown Mohair X Base Ottomans by Billy Baldwin
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A glamorous pair of green mohair with dark brown velvet piping X base ottomans by Billy Baldwin. Newly upholstered. Measurements: 22” wide, 18” Deep, 18.5” High.
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Pair of Billy Baldwin Style Etageres of Brass and Mahogany
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Locust Valley, NY
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Bielecky Brothers Billy Baldwin Rattan Chest
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous Bielecky Brothers rattan chest designed by Billy Baldwin. This is a timeless classic rattan chest with nice brass hardware. There are a few rattan breaks on the top and the ...
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Pair of Light Blue Flame Stitch X-Base Billy Baldwin Mid Century Modern Benches
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Chicago, IL
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Mid-20th Century North American Hollywood Regency Billy Baldwin Furniture

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Pair of Signed Billy Baldwin White Upholstered Postmodern Slipper Lounge Chairs
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Billy Baldwin in the 1980s, these rarely signed slipper style lounge chairs feature an elegant and simplistic design language with a crease where the seat meets the back....
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1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Billy Baldwin Furniture

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Billy Baldwin Pair of Vintage X-Benches Slightly in as is Condition
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Billy Baldwin pair of vintage x-benches slightly in as is condition.
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Billy Baldwin Furniture

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Fabulous Pair of Billy Baldwin Upholstered X Motif Benches
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Super stylish iconic Billy Baldwin upholstered benches having classic X shaped stretchers. Newly updated with smashing Quadrille grey blue and white faux leopard fabric with brass na...
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1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Billy Baldwin Furniture

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Pair of off White and Brown Velvet x Base Ottomans by Billy Baldwin
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1950’s Glamorous pair off white with dark brown velvet piping X base ottomans by Billy Baldwin. Newly recovered. Measurements: 16” deep, 19” wide, 18” high.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Billy Baldwin Furniture

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Wood, Fabric

Bleached Oak and Travertine Writing Desk by Billy Baldwin 1970s
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Bleached Oak and Travertine Writing Desk by Billy Baldwin 1970s. Diminutive, faux-bleached oak wood and natural travertine stone writing desk or ta...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Billy Baldwin Furniture

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Travertine

Billy Baldwin Studio Ebonized Wood & Glass Coffee Table
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Super chic iconic designed ebonized wood and glass coffee table from the Billy Baldwin Collection.
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21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Billy Baldwin Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Pair of Billy Baldwin X Base Decorator Ottoman Benches in Russet Leather
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Ferndale, MI
Exceptional pair of X leg ottomans or benches in rarely seen button tufted leather cover. Original design by Billy Baldwin. Nicely patinated and original.
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Billy Baldwin Furniture

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Leather

Billy Baldwin Tuxedo Sofa
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Southampton, NJ
Billy Baldwin Tuxedo sofa custom commissioned by the original owner in the late 1970s. Hand block tribal print raw silk upholstery has water damage, professionally cleaned ready for ...
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1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Billy Baldwin Furniture

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Silk

Billy Baldwin Tuxedo Sofa
Billy Baldwin Tuxedo Sofa
H 27 in W 84 in D 41 in

Billy Baldwin furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Billy Baldwin furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Billy Baldwin furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Billy Baldwin were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Laverne Originals, Richard Himmel, and William Katavolos. Prices for Billy Baldwin furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $950 and can go as high as $21,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,500.

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