Few would argue with the statement that Dorothy Draper was the most influential American interior decorator of the past century. They might make a case for Elsie de Wolfe, who had banished heavy dark furnishings and finishes from late Edwardian-era rooms, or plump for Sister Parish, and her easeful gentrified look. But Draper simply was the face of decorating. Savvy, decisive and trim — she looked the part. And her 1939 book Decorating Is Fun! and a regular column for Good Housekeeping maintained that public image. As did, of course, her work.
Born to wealth in Tuxedo Park, New York, Draper received little formal schooling but did travel extensively in Europe, where she refined her eye and tastes. Draper invented the interior design style known these days as Hollywood Regency. She loved bold vibrant color, which she deployed in unusual combinations (pink paired with eggplant was a favorite). She had a penchant for black-and-white checkered floors.
Draper liked a room to have a statement piece on the wall, preferably a plaster scrollwork-framed mirror. But most of all Draper liked such things as huge moldings brimming with Baroque detail; upholstery fabrics with overscaled florals, such as her signature print called “Cabbage Rose.” Draper could keep it simple. Many of her chairs are unfussy slipper or club chairs, with maybe a little tufting. Her cabinets and other case pieces are equally elegant — the quiet España chest, which has three drawers with round brass pulls, has been a staple of classic decorating ever since Draper designed it in 1953.
During a heyday of production in the mid-1950s, Heritage entered into a partnership with Draper, while Frank Lloyd Wright created several lines of furniture for Henredon — the works by both designers, which included Draper's España line and Viennese furnishings group, were marketed under the Heritage-Henredon name owing to a cross-licensing agreement between the brands.
Because of her passion for scale and grand gestures, most of Draper’s commissions were for hotels, resorts and apartment towers. In these spaces, she could follow her whim and produce such extravagances as the massive, playfully modernist chandelier in the lobby of the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia; the wildly Baroque fireplace in the lounge of New York’s Hampshire House; and the towering lacquered doors of the Arrowhead Springs Hotel in California. The woman thought big.
Browse a collection of vintage Dorothy Draper furniture on 1stDibs.
$3,800 / set
ONE authentic Dorothy Draper Espana Drawers
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Winnetka, IL
ONE authentic Dorothy Draper Espana hree- drawer chest of drawers made of ebonized mohogany with painted gilt accents. The back is finished so that you can "float " them,. The top dr...
Brass
Set of Three Dorothy Draper Espana Chests in Black Bean
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare and dramatic set of three matching lacquered España chest or bunching chests designed by Dorothy Draper. Mid-century chests of drawers made in the glamorous Hollywood Regency pe...
Metal
Authentic Dorothy Draper España Chest Lacquered in Pink & Gold circa 1955
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Saint Louis, MO
This chic three drawer España bunching chest by Dorothy Draper is without a doubt the most iconic piece of 20th century Hollywood Regency furniture. Sexy. Elegant. Whimsical. As popu...
Brass
Dorothy Draper Lacquered Viennese China Cabinet for Henredon, circa 1963
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Dorothy Draper Viennese collection China cabinet designed for Henredon, circa 1963. Shown in pink lacquer, this particular one is sold but we have another available for custom refinishing in any color combination desired (please allow 8 to 10 weeks for refinishing time). Price includes refinishing. The Dorothy Draper Viennese collection for Henredon debuted in 1963. The scroll cornice of the cabinet recalls some of the mill work Dorothy designated in some of her hotel design work. The base has a bombe form and very stylized brass hardware. The cabinet has a slim depth, allowing it to fit in tighter spaces. This piece adds glamour and beauty to any kitchen or dining space. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Photographed with and also currently available within our shop- Suzanne Geismar swan leda lounge chairs in mink velvet and ivory parchment swans. French Art Deco style shagreen and ebony coffee table with silver sabots. Pair of Dorothy Draper España side tables in original black and gold lacquer. Maison Bagués style neoclassical brass bar cart, circa 1970. Feldman brass lotus candle holders...
Brass
Dorothy Draper Viennese Collection Ivory Chest with Gold Incised Drawers
By Dorothy Draper, Henredon
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Hollywood glamour then and now, this Viennese Collection chest of drawers was designed by the Queen of Hollywood Regency - Dorothy Draper - in the early 1960s and features solid brass rectangular pulls centered amidst incised rectangles set in an octagonal drawer front pattern, circa 1960. Dorothy Draper's incised pattern purposefully blurs the rectangular drawer fronts and instead focuses the admirer on the glamorous honeycomb pattern outlined in gold lacquer and finished with glowing solid brass drawer pulls. She transforms a large, functional three drawer chest into an artistic object with golden shapes and textures. The pattern also interlocks in pairs or sets of three, so these chests look especially grand in sets. The piece is finished on all sides which allows it to float in a room. As they say, the eye has to travel and this Dorothy Draper Viennese chest...
Brass
Authentic Dorothy Draper España Chest in Ivory White Chocolate, circa 1955
By Dorothy Draper, Heritage Furniture, Heritage-Henredon
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Authentic Dorothy Draper España chest, shown in Ivory White Chocolate. The crème de la crème - the most iconic of Hollywood Regency glam - is ...
Brass
Authentic Dorothy Draper Espana Chest in Emerald Green
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Authentic Dorothy Draper España chest, shown in Emerald Green. The crème de la crème - the most iconic of Hollywood Regency glam - is Dorothy Draper's España bunching chest. Dorothy Draper (1889-1969), America's most famous decorator, produced her most sought after and iconic pieces - the España bunching chest and the España cabinet...
Brass
Authentic Dorothy Draper Espana Chest in Black Bean, circa 1955
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Authentic Dorothy Draper España chest, shown in black bean. The crème de la crème - the most iconic of Hollywood Regency glam - is Dorothy Dra...
Wood
Dorothy Draper Lacquered Viennese Secretary Desk for Henredon, circa 1963
By Dorothy Draper, Henredon
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Everyone can have a taste of iconic Dorothy Draper Hollywood Regency style with this perfectly sized and oh so elegant Viennese Collection Secretaries Desk Breakfront. Regal. Whimsical and gregarious flair. The scroll cornice of the cabinet recalls some of the mill work Dorothy designated in her iconic hotel design work. A more petite version of Dorothy Draper's Viennese China...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Dorothy Draper Espana Cabinets for Heritage Henredon, circa 1955
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A pair of one-of-a-kind cabinets designed by Dorothy Draper (1889-1969) - America's most famous decorator - for her España line. After touring Spain for inspiration, Dorothy Draper produced her most sought after and iconic pieces: the España bunching chest and the España cabinet...
Wood
Dorothy Draper Viennese Chest in Black Lacquer with Gilt Trim and Hardware
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Chest or Dresser, designed by Dorothy Draper for Henredon's Viennese Line, American, circa 1950s. This chest has recently been completely restored in black lacquer and gold l...
Metal
Mid-Century Dorothy Draper Chest of Drawers for España in Gilt & Black Lacquer
By Dorothy Draper
Located in New York, NY
This iconic Mid-Century Modernist chest of drawers, designed by the renowned American decorator Dorothy Draper for her famed España collection, is a hallmark of elegant and dramatic ...
Giltwood, Lacquer
Dorothy Draper "Espana" Chest of Drawers by Heritage-Henredon
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an iconic Dorothy Draper "Espana" Chest of Drawers created and signed by "Heritage-Henredon". We have had the chest refinished in a black lacquer and it is in excellent cond...
Brass
Authentic Dorothy Draper España Chest Lacquered in Black Bean & Gold circa 1955
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Saint Louis, MO
This chic three drawer España bunching chest by Dorothy Draper is without a doubt the most iconic piece of 20th century Hollywood Regency furniture. Sexy. Elegant. Whimsical. As popu...
Brass
1955 Vintage Dorothy Draper España Cabinet with Red Interior
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1955 Sensational Vintage Espana Cabinet Chest by Dorothy Draper for Heritage Henredon Red interior with shelf 28 h x 15 d x 27.25 w Original preowned condition unrestored Refer to al...
Wood
Dorothy Draper Viennese Collection Chest Lacquered in Ivory, circa 1963
By Dorothy Draper, Henredon
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Exquisite Dorothy Draper Viennese collection chest professionally refinished in ivory lacquer and embellished with original acanthus leaf motif back plates. Brass hardware was profes...
Brass
Pair of Dorothy Draper for Heritage Espana Chests / Commodes, Mid-Century Modern
By Heritage-Henredon, Dorothy Draper
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Heritage Espana Chests by Dorothy Draper, Stamped, Mid Century Modern A pair of stunning fully refinished chests or nightstand tables by Heritage for Dorothy Draper in a fine ebony lacquered finished with brass circular pulls. Each having the signature three recessed drawer on a bracket base. Fine fully refinished condition. The pair branded. Chests 31.5H 38W 20D The most iconic of Hollywood Regency glam - is Dorothy Draper's España bunching chest. Dorothy Draper (1889-1969), America's most famous decorator, produced her most sought after and iconic pieces - the España bunching chest and the España cabinet - after touring Spain for inspiration at the invitation of the Spanish government whom wished to spark interest in Spain's culture through furnishings emblematic of its rich history and traditions. The España chest is the most readily recognized and certainly the most well-known piece representative of midcentury Hollywood Regency style. Most recently, a pair was featured in the “Sex in the City...
Brass
Pair of Authentic Dorothy Draper Espana Chests in Traditional Black Bean
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Authentic Dorothy Draper España chests, shown in black bean. The crème de la crème - the most iconic of Hollywood Regency glam - is Dorothy Dr...
Wood
Vintage Dorothy Draper “Espana” Chest of Drawers
By Dorothy Draper
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This iconic "Espana" chest of drawers, designed by the legendary Dorothy Draper for Heritage Furniture, is a quintessential masterpiece of Hollywood Regency glamour. Originally conce...
Wood, Paint
$6,000Sale Price|47% Off
Dorothy Draper Viennese Collection Display Cabinet
By Dorothy Draper, Henredon
Located in Chicago, IL
Impressive cabinet from Draper's 1963 Viennese collection for Henredon. Features bombe base with three drawers, splayed feet and intricately chased brass drop pulls. Above base i...
Brass
Pair of Dorothy Draper Serpentine Chests in Ivory Lacquer with Nickel Pulls
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Stunning vintage Dorothy Draper serpentine cabinets in ivory lacquer with dark mahogany bases & beautiful silver nickel over bronze scroll pulls, circa 1940s. Great examples of Dorot...
Lacquer
Dorothy Draper 3 Drawers Dresser Chest w/ Ring Pulls
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Dorothy Draper 3 Drawers Dresser Chest w/ Ring Pulls
Brass
Dorothy Draper Hollywood Regency Espana four-door marble top credenza
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a black and gold Hollywood Regency Lacquered chest by Henredon and design by Dorothy Draper in the mid-1950s. This credenza has a natural Italian travertine inserted marble t...
Wood
Dorothy Draper Espana Chests, Slate & Wood, Hollywood Regency, 1950s
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of reddish-orange with gold trim Espana chests designed for Henredon by the premiere decorator, Dorothy Draper in the mid 1950s. They are finished ...
Slate
$24,500 / set
H 30.5 in W 36 in D 17 in
Fabulous Restored Pair of Vintage Cream Raffia Chests by Baker, circa 1975
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
Stunning examples from a difficult to find series by Baker Furniture, circa 1975. Expertly crafted hardwood case construction with stylish base detail, veneered in raffia. Handsome solid brass hardware mark the drawers. Textured jewelry...
Brass
$14,200
H 88.5 in W 49 in D 19 in
Dorothy Draper Lacquered Viennese Secretary Desk for Henredon, circa 1963
By Dorothy Draper, Henredon
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Everyone can have a taste of iconic Dorothy Draper Hollywood Regency style with this perfectly sized and oh so elegant Viennese Collection Secretaries Desk Breakfront. Regal. Whimsical and gregarious flair. The scroll cornice of the cabinet recalls some of the mill work Dorothy designated in her iconic hotel design work. A more petite version of Dorothy Draper's Viennese China...
Metal, Brass
$1,190
H 33.08 in W 31.11 in D 18.12 in
Empire Chest of Drawers With Four Drawers Made In Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This exquisite Empire chest of drawers boasts a timeless design and is crafted from rich mahogany, reflecting the elegance of the 1840s. With its stately presence and intricate deta...
Mahogany
$16,500 / set
H 28 in W 40 in D 18 in
Stunning Restored Pair of Olivewood Chests by Henredon, circa 1980
By Henredon
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent chests are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and completely installation ready. A...
Ash, Olive
Authentic Dorothy Draper Espana Chest in Black Bean, circa 1955
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Authentic Dorothy Draper España chest, shown in black bean. The crème de la crème - the most iconic of Hollywood Regency glam - is Dorothy Dra...
Wood
John Stuart Chrome and Lacquered Chest of Drawers
By John Stuart Inc.
Located in Hanover, MA
Vintage 1970s three drawer chest of drawers retailed by John Stuart in the style of Milo Baughman. Three drawers with chrome hardware float above the floor in a parsons form lacquere...
Chrome
$7,100 / set
H 31 in W 30 in D 16 in
Hollywood Regency Pair of Black and Gold Dorothy Draper Style Chests of Drawers
Located in Dallas, TX
This pair of Hollywood Regency Dorothy Draper Espana style chests, features Classic black and gold styling. Restored each chest is made of wood with a lacquered finish, feature a set...
Wood
$7,800 / set
H 30.5 in W 30 in D 20 in
Dorothy Draper España Style Pair of Nightstands Customizable in Any Color
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Perfect for standard size bedrooms, smaller entry spaces or offices, these vintage Hollywood Regency Dorothy Draper España style nightstands / dressers are a perfect choice to add some high-style glamour, circa 1960. The nightstands feature three dovetailed drawers, yet the carved fronts give the illusion of six smaller, individual drawers. Timeless Dorothy Draper design. In terms of utility, the drawers facilitate convenient bedside storage...
Lacquer
$6,475
H 31.75 in W 38.25 in D 18.25 in
Mid-Century Dorothy Draper Chest of Drawers for España in Gilt & Black Lacquer
By Dorothy Draper
Located in New York, NY
This iconic Mid-Century Modernist chest of drawers, designed by the renowned American decorator Dorothy Draper for her famed España collection, is a hallmark of elegant and dramatic ...
Giltwood, Lacquer
MCM Black Nightstands Styled After Dorothy Draper
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents In the style of Dorothy Draper Black Sculptural Nightstands 21 h x 14.88 w x 16.38 Preowned original vintage condition Refer to images listed Delivery to LA PS OC
Wood
$52,500
H 52 in W 57 in D 17 in
19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Coromandel Lacquer Cabinet by Maison Forest
By Maison Forest
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Beautiful Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Louis XVI Style Coramandel Lacquer Cabinet By Maison Forest By Maison Forest A fine marble top above a single bronze mounted drawe...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
$9,800 / set
H 26 in W 27.5 in D 15 in
Pair of Dorothy Draper Espana Cabinets for Heritage Henredon, circa 1955
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A pair of one-of-a-kind cabinets designed by Dorothy Draper (1889-1969) - America's most famous decorator - for her España line. After touring Spain for inspiration, Dorothy Draper produced her most sought after and iconic pieces: the España bunching chest and the España cabinet...
Wood
Sold
H 86 in W 67 in D 18 in
Hollywood Regency Era Dorothy Draper Cabinet Viennese Collection for Henredon
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This glazed walnut cabinet was designed by Dorothy Draper for Henredon as part of her Viennese Collection. It has Dutch styling with its highly stylized styling and bombe base. The i...
Mirror, Walnut
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lacquered Espana Chests by Dorothy Draper
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic pair of mid-century modern lacquered three drawer commode chests designed by Dorothy Draper. The Espana chests are fronted by three large drawers decorated with gilt square sh...
Metal
Authentic Vintage Dorothy Draper ‘España’ Dresser Chest
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Round Rock, TX
Authentic vintage ‘España’ chest of drawers designed by Dorothy Draper for Herendon / Heritage. Designed in 1955, this example is in black lacquer with parcel gilt and brass hardware. This one would be perfect for an entry way or little nook needing a surface area and storage. Draper produced her most sought after and well known items - the España bunching chest...
Brass
Dorothy Draper España Chest
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage iconic Dorothy Draper España there drawer cream and brown chest of drawers.
Steel
Stunning Dorothy Draper Viennese China Cabinet Hutch for Henredon
By Henredon, Dorothy Draper
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Impressive cabinet from Draper's 1963 Viennese collection for Henredon. Features bombe base with three drawers, splayed feet and intricately chased brass drop pulls. Above the base is a vitrine section with two arched top doors...
Brass
Sold
H 26 in W 27.5 in D 15 in
1950's Espana Slate Top Locking Cabinet by Dorothy Draper for Heritage-Henredon
By Heritage-Henredon, Dorothy Draper
Located in West Chester, PA
The iconic Espana locking cabinet designed by Dorothy Draper for Heritage Henredon circa 1955. Original "Castilian Red" painted finish and key included.
Slate, Brass
Dorothy Draper Heritage España Small Cabinet
By Heritage-Henredon, Dorothy Draper
Located in Stamford, CT
Dorothy Draper for Henredon Heritage small scale España cabinet. Newly painted in white hand painted finish with silver accents. New white wooden top. O...
Wood
Pair of Dorothy Draper Hollywood Regency Chests
By Dorothy Draper, Henredon
Located in Dallas, TX
Spectacular, rare pair of Hollywood Regency chests by Dorothy Daper. From her 1960's Viennese Collection for Henredon, this "original ...
Brass
1950s Vintage Dorothy Draper "Espana" Chest of Drawers Dresser
By Heritage-Henredon, Dorothy Draper
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful vintage “España” chest of drawers by Dorothy Draper for Heritage Henredon. This beautiful dresser features a black finish with six drawers, each with 2 round brass rings to...
Brass, Gold Leaf
Sold
H 31.5 in W 38 in D 20 in
Authentic Dorothy Draper Espana Chest and Seldom Seen Mirror / Heritage Henredon
By Heritage-Henredon, Dorothy Draper
Located in Buffalo, NY
Authentic Dorothy Draper España chest, shown in original Black lacqure. The crème de la crème - the most iconic of Hollywood Regency glam - is Dorothy Draper's España bunching chest. Dorothy Draper (1889-1969), America's most famous decorator, produced her most sought after and iconic pieces - the España bunching chest and the España cabinet...
Brass
Iconic Hermes Orange & Gold Cabinet with Slate Top by Dorothy Draper
By Dorothy Draper
Located in Hopewell, NJ
The iconic Espana design cabinet in a striking Hermes orange with gold decoration and black slate top. Stamped Dorothy Draper for Henredon. In great condition and timeless.
Slate
Vintage Lacquered "España" Chests of Drawers by Dorothy Draper
By Heritage-Henredon, Dorothy Draper
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful vintage lacquered “España” chests of drawers by Dorothy Draper for Heritage Henredon in the United States, circa 1950s. These chests of drawers are built from the highest q...
Brass, Gold Leaf