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.
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
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
Authentic Dorothy Draper España Chest in Ivory White Chocolate, circa 1955
By Heritage-Henredon, Heritage Furniture, Dorothy Draper
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
H 30.5 in W 25.75 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Period Empire Mahogany and Gilt Chest of Drawers, Denmark, circa 1800
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish late 18th Century pair of period empire chest of drawers. This rare pair was recently found here in the USA, which makes them very attractive because of the new UN/US import restriction of rare and protected wood sorts. More to the point, it is highly unlikely to locate a pair of chests...
Bronze
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
H 32.5 in W 36 in D 19 in
Stunning Restored Pair of Walnut Chests by Michael Taylor for Baker, circa 1960
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent chests are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Completely installation ready. An exquisite pair of chests designed by th...
Walnut
H 21 in W 14.88 in D 16.38 in
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
H 29.53 in W 30.71 in D 14.97 in
Louis XV Style Black Lacquer Chest of Drawers
By La Maison London
Located in London, Park Royal
Pair of Louis XV style chest of drawers,Night stands made by La Maison London Black lacquered with bronzes handles and filigree. Serpentine legs 2 x drawers per commode.
Bronze
H 33 in W 40 in D 21.5 in
Antique Italian Arte Povera Chest, Handcrafted Pinewood, Circa 1870
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black-grey, antique Italian single chest, commode in the Arte Povera technique, made of hand crafted painted Pinewood in good condition. The Tuscan cabinet, cupboard is composed wi...
Metal
H 44 in W 38.5 in D 18 in
Dorothy Draper Espana Style Hollywood Regency Tall Chest of Drawers
By Dorothy Draper, Heritage-Henredon
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Dorothy Draper Espana for Henredon Heritage style tall chest. This Hollywood Regency five-drawer dresser features original white/cream lacquer finish with carved g...
Brass
H 48 in W 36 in D 19 in
Max Kuehne Style Floral Incised Tall Chest of Drawers with Brass Strapping
By Max Kuehne
Located in Hanover, MA
Modernist chest of five drawers by Henredon, the faces of which have been decoratively incised with a pattern of flowers and embellished with solid brass strapping, circa 1959. Top two drawers have removable dividers and a vide poche tray. I believe these were inspired by Japanese Isho-Dansu chests. Very clean inside and out. Patination to brass. Ebonized finish beautifully restored. Ready to place. We also have listed separately the companion long low chest of drawers...
Brass
H 30 in W 62 in D 19 in
Max Keuhne Style Chest of Drawers with Incised Flowers and Brass Strapping
By Max Kuehne
Located in Hanover, MA
Henredon long low modernist chest of six drawers, three by three, each face of which has been decoratively incised with a pattern of flower and embellished with solid brass ribbon motif, circa 1959. Reminiscent of furniture designed by Max Keuhne...
Brass
H 31.25 in W 32 in D 17 in
Vintage Black and Gold Dorothy Draper Style Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
This chest has three drawers with brass Campaign style hardware and incised design highlighted in gold. Professionally lacquered in black.
Wood
H 26 in W 27.5 in D 15 in
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
H 31.5 in W 38 in D 18.5 in
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
H 32 in W 38 in D 19 in
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
H 84 in W 60 in D 16 in
Stunning Dorothy Draper Viennese China Cabinet Hutch for Henredon
By Dorothy Draper, Henredon
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
H 28.5 in W 39 in D 19.25 in
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
H 31.75 in W 54 in D 18.25 in
1950s Vintage Dorothy Draper "Espana" Chest of Drawers Dresser
By Dorothy Draper, Heritage-Henredon
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
H 31.5 in W 38 in D 20 in
Authentic Dorothy Draper Espana Chest and Seldom Seen Mirror / Heritage Henredon
By Dorothy Draper, Heritage-Henredon
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
H 31.75 in W 38 in D 20 in
Vintage Lacquered "España" Chests of Drawers by Dorothy Draper
By Dorothy Draper, Heritage-Henredon
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
H 30.5 in W 44 in D 18.5 in
Viennese Collection Dressers by Dorothy Draper for Henredon, circa 1960, Signed
By Henredon, Dorothy Draper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A gorgeous restored pair of rare 'Viennese Collection' dressers by Dorothy Draper for Henredon, designed and made in the early 1960s, this ...
Brass
H 31.5 in W 38 in D 20 in
Espana Chest by Dorothy Draper for Heritage Henredon
By Heritage-Henredon, Dorothy Draper
Located in Dallas, TX
Authentic Espana chest in traditional black bean color designed by Dorothy Draper for Henredon. This Hollywood Regency three drawer chest has incised design and gold accents with ori...
Brass
H 28.5 in W 39 in D 19.25 in
Dorothy Draper Viennese Collection Chest Lacquered in Ivory, circa 1963
By Henredon, Dorothy Draper
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
H 28.5 in W 39 in D 19.25 in
Pair of Dorothy Draper Viennese Collection Chests Lacquered in Ivory, circa 1963
By Dorothy Draper, Henredon
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Exquisite pair of Dorothy Draper Viennese collection chests professionally refinished in ivory lacquer and embellished with acanthus leaf motif back plates. Brass hardware was profes...
Brass
H 28.5 in W 39 in L 28.5 in
Dorothy Draper Viennese Collection Chests for Henredon
By Dorothy Draper, Henredon
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully restored, a pair of Dorothy Draper chests of drawers for Henredon Viennese collection. Dorothy Draper's been heralded "America's most ...
Brass