Plenty of prolific designers started off on slightly different tracks than those on which they ended up, but rarely did they begin their careers in a totally separate industry like William “Billy” Haines did. Before he gained a reputation as a furniture designer and decorator to Hollywood’s biggest and brightest, Haines was himself a star of the silver screen.
After leaving his native Virginia as a young man, Haines earned modeling and acting jobs in New York City and then won a Goldwyn Studios talent contest in the early 1920s. The next frontier was California, where he would go on to appear in more than 50 films. His acting career was halted abruptly in 1933, allegedly because he refused to leave his partner, British footballer Jimmy Shields, at the request of his representation at MGM Studios. Whether it was the fact that Haines was one half of Hollywood’s first openly gay marriage or that there were other factors at play, MGM cofounder Louis B. Mayer canceled his contract.
Luckily for Haines, he had nurtured a side career that kept him on Hollywood’s radar: He was a prominent antiques dealer on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles. Haines dedicated himself full-time to both dealing and designing furniture as soon as his tenure as a leading man came to an end.
Haines collaborated with the era’s biggest names in architecture and created a desert living room for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco that featured walls made of California Joshua wood and a painting by Georgia O’ Keeffe. He paid close attention to lighting design, employed hand-painted wallpaper and favored featuring Chinese ceramics alongside Chippendale chairs and ottomans for entertaining. His most famous clients included Joan Crawford, Carole Lombard, Betsy Bloomingdale and more. Crawford played a significant role in kick-starting his career when she commissioned Haines to decorate her entire home in Brentwood.
Haines was such an esteemed tastemaker that he’s among those credited with having cemented Hollywood Regency as a reputable design style. (Its origins are owed to influential interior decorator Dorothy Draper.) While he gravitated toward the look of chinoiserie and English furniture, his signature was low-level seating and giltwood accents. Haines’s interior design style was so in vogue that Nancy Reagan became one of his biggest fans and eventually enlisted Ted Graber, Haines’s successor following his death in 1973, to decorate several private and public rooms in the White House.
Find a collection of vintage William Haines lounge chairs, lighting fixtures and other furniture on 1stDibs.
William Haines, Fluted Column Floor Lamp, from the Estate of Jack Warner, 1939
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A monumental Neoclassical column floor lamp in oak, its shaft turned and fluted in the manner of a Doric or Tuscan column, rising from a stepped square plinth base to a molded capit...
Brass
Billy Haines Architectural Table Lamp with Grand Tour Bronze Figure of Narcissus
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking architectural table lamp by William "Billy" Haines, the former MGM leading man turned preeminent Hollywood decorator whose interiors defined mid-century American glamour f...
Metal, Bronze
William Haines Lattice-Back Armchair, Estate of George Cukor, 1940s
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This armchair by William Haines exemplifies the designer's signature blend of Hollywood Regency glamour and clean-lined sophistication, its open X-lattice arms and back framed in war...
Upholstery, Wood
Billy Haines Mid-Century American Purple Upholstered Ottoman
By William Billy Haines
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century American black lacquered ottoman featuring a button tufted, upholstered seat in dark purple, standing on 4 curved splayed legs. (BILLY HAINES) Matching slipper chair: REG...
Lacquer
1940s Modern Lounge Chairs by William Billy Haines, Upholstered Oak
By William Billy Haines
Located in San Francisco, CA
Two large scale lounge chairs designed by William "Billy" Haines. Each chair has an upholstered seat and curved tufted backrest which are joined by a gently curved tapering exposed o...
Upholstery, Oak
$7,000 / set
A Pair of Wooden Columns, William Haines
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This collection presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Los Angeles design history. The house, originally designed by Paul Williams in 1933 was given the Haines touch when his...
Wood
A Pair of Neoclassical Style Consoles with Ocher Travertine Tops by Billy Haines
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This collection presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Los Angeles design history. The house, originally designed by Paul Williams in 1933 was given the Haines touch when his...
Travertine
Pair of William Haines Chinese Urn Table Lamps, Estate of Kirk Douglas, 1960s
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant pair of Chinese inspired table lamps was designed by legendary Hollywood decorator William Haines, dating to the 1960s, and sourced from the estate of iconic actor Kirk ...
Porcelain, Wood
"Gemütlich" Leather Clad Table and 4 Burgundy Brentwood Chairs by William Haines
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This collection presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Los Angeles design history. The house, originally designed by Paul Williams in 1933 was given the Haines touch when his clients a young family of five purchased and moved in in 1963. Haines made appropriate changes to the structure and being at the top of his game, both the architectural changes and the custom furnishings clearly illustrate this. He discreetly added a projection room to the front of the house so that the cleverly concealed projectors made for a movie going experience in the living room. Other Haines touches abound in this, a wonderful and thoughtful interior perfectly capturing a moment in time when life was glamorous. This set still in tact consists of the "good times" table surrounded by a set of 4 chairs, a variation on the "Brentwood" chair with an all upholstered back with channel quilting and biscuit tufted seating. Because Haines had a keen eye for detail the chairs also have a wonderful "cut" in the front legs accented with black enamel. The biscuit tufting on the seats is classic while the channeling on the backs make these unique. The table top is wrapped in tooled Ocher leather and rests on a hand carved base featuring 3 dolphin...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Modernist Mahogany Dining Table by Billy Haines, Estate of Kirk Douglas
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This exceptional modernist mahogany dining table by legendary designer Billy Haines exemplifies his distinctive blend of glamour and architectural precision. The table is crafted in ...
Mahogany
William Billy Haines Biscuit Tufted Ledge Back Sofa
By William Billy Haines
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptional 122" long biscuit-tufted, ledge-back sofa by iconic mid-century designer William “Billy” Haines. Upholstered in high-grade velvet, the sofa is both luxurious and remar...
Wrought Iron
Billy Haines Hollywood Regency Mahogany Swivel Lounge Chairs in Cream Bouclé
By William Billy Haines
Located in Saint Louis, MO
These crème de la crème Hollywood Regency swivel lounge chairs came directly from the mind and imagination of Billy Haines recognized as the most glamorous of all designers during th...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Mahogany
William (Billy) Haines — Pair of Swivel Stools, c. 1955
By William Billy Haines
Located in Chicago, IL
William (Billy) Haines — Pair of Swivel Stools, c. 1955 Upholstery, painted wood Dimensions: 12 h × 21 dia in (30 × 53 cm) A sophisticated pair of low swivel stools by legendary Holl...
Upholstery, Wood
William Haines Brass Bench, Tufted Faux Leather, Saber Legs, 1960
By William Billy Haines
Located in Hanover, MA
1960’s solid brass frame bench with six solid brass curved klismos legs and a densely button tufted seat cushion newly upholstered (March 2006) in black faux leather. Hollywood glam ...
Brass
William Haines, Gemütlich, Coffee Table, United States, 1951
By William Billy Haines
Located in New York, NY
This charming occasional table clad in green "tortoiseshell" leather has a broad round top with a sloping underside and four legs. The table and legs are entirely covered in the orig...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Custom Billy Haines Lamps from the Ted Graber Estate, circa 1960s
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An exceptional and rare pair of custom table lamps designed by legendary Hollywood decorator William "Billy" Haines, created for the estate of Ted Graber—Haines’ protégé and success...
Metal
A Pair of Large Custom Mirrors, designed by William Haines
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This collection, purchased directly from the heirs of the estate presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Los Angeles design history. The house, originally designed by Paul Williams in 1933 was given the Haines touch when his clients a young family of five...
Mirror, Wood
A Two Cushion Sofa on Runner Legs, William Haines
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This collection presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Los Angeles design history. The house, originally designed by Paul Williams in 1933 was given the Haines touch when his clients a young family of five...
Fabric, Walnut
George III Mahogany Lattice Back Armchair
Located in Huntington, NY
George III Mahogany Lattice back armchair. Seat with new top fabric. The rectangular lattice back above an upholstered tight seat with mahogany arms on sq...
Mahogany, Oak
Pair of Classical Fluted Columns
Located in New York, NY
Pair of wood fluted columns with gilt band on base. Columns show their age beautifully. Small cracks in base that do not effect their struc...
Giltwood, Wood
$1,885 / set
H 20.5 in W 24.5 in D 18.5 in
1990s Billy Baldwin X Style Upholstered Red Benches Ottomans– a Pair
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a pair of striking ottomans, circa the 1990s. This set features a bold abstract floral upholstery in rich tones of red, olive, taupe, and cream. The cu...
Fabric, Hardwood
French Grand Tour Ormolu Lamp
Located in Tampa, FL
A French grand tour ormolu lamp with four eagles. Lamp has a marble base and comes with its black paper shade with gold on the inside that reflects light. The lampshade measures ten ...
Marble
French Reconstruction Armchair, 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
One of a kind French Reconstruction Armchair, 1940, post-war modernist design. Structure in solid oak. Condition report : the chair show si...
Cane, Mahogany
1940s Pair of Rare Armchairs, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with some signs of use - Original fabric upholstery with signs of use - Suitable for new upholstery.
Upholstery, Wood
Upholstered Ottoman
Located in Madison, MS
This lovely upholstered ottoman features black, white, and tan stripes and four black painted legs. It is in great shape and seems practically new...
Fabric, Wood
Sculptural Lounge Chair in Solid Oak 1940s
Located in Meer, VAN
Sculptural Lounge Chair in Solid Oak, Europe, 1940s. Truly wonderful large lounge chair in solid oak with a very distinct sculptural design. As an early mid century modernist piece ...
Fabric, Oak
Finely Upholstered Custom Ottoman
Located in Forney, TX
A fine classically inspired custom contemporary ottoman. Luxuriously hand-upholstered, using various fabrics, and a tassel fringe base. Rectangular in shape. This finely detailed and wonderfully decorative ottoman will bring a touch of elegance to any room. Provenance: From the estate of Lonnie Alfred "Bo" Pilgrim. (May 8, 1928 – July 21, 2017) He was the co-founder of Pilgrim's Pride, which at one time was one of the largest chicken producers in the United States. Pilgrim co-founded Pilgrim's Pride when he opened a feed store...
Upholstery
Swedish modern lounge chair by Sven Staaf, Sweden 1940s
By Almgren & Staaf, Sven Staaf
Located in Hägersten, SE
Lounge chair attributed to Sven Staaf. Likely produced by Almgren & Staaf during the 1940-50s. Beige/grey wool fabric and beech legs. Great oversized back rest and overall beautiful ...
Wool, Beech
$2,450 / set
H 36 in W 19.5 in D 19 in
A pair of brass mounted open armchairs in the manner of Billy Haines circa 1950.
By William Billy Haines
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of brass mounted open armchairs in the manner of Billy Haines circa 1950.
Brass
$6,500 / set
H 27 in W 35.75 in D 31 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chairs Attributed to Billy Haines
By William Billy Haines
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This exceptional pair of mid-century modern lounge chairs, attributed to William “Billy” Haines, captures the essence of Hollywood Regency glamour blended with clean, sculptural mid-...
Velvet, Walnut
Faux Bamboo Arm Chair by William Haines, Estate of Kirk Douglas 1960s
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking example of mid-century Hollywood design, this William Haines bamboo arm chair blends traditional elegance with playful sophistication. Featuring finely carved stylized bam...
Upholstery, Wood
Leather-Wrapped Game Table and Chairs by Billy Haines, 1960s
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A rare and exquisitely tailored leather-wrapped game table and four chairs designed by legendary Hollywood decorator Billy Haines, created circa 1960s for the Beverly Hills residence...
Brass
Sold
H 27 in W 36 in D 32 in
Mid-Century Walnut with Mist Gray Mohair & Brass Lounge Chairs by Billy Haines
By William Billy Haines
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite pair of Mid-Century Modernist lounge chairs by Billy Haines, crafted in America circa 1950, embodies sophistication and clean modernist design. Built from rich walnut,...
Brass
1950's Mid-Century Modern Billy Haines Slipper Lounge Chair
By Dorothy Draper, William Billy Haines
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original Midcentury Modern slipper chair for sale. This is an original lounge chair by Billy Haines. It has been refinished in a walnut finish, and was previously reupholster...
Suede, Wood
Sold
H 26 in W 33 in D 24 in
Mid-Century Walnut & Pale Aquamarine Velvet Slipper Chair by Billy Haines
By William Billy Haines
Located in New York, NY
This stylish and beautifully proportioned Mid-Century Modernist Slipper Chair Attributed Billy Haines originates from the United States, Circa 1950. It features a large upholstered s...
Velvet, Walnut
Modern Designer Klismos Chair by Billy Haynes
By William Billy Haines
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Modern Designer Klismos Chair by Billy Haynes and reimagined by Randy Esada Designs for PROSPR. It features a classic klismos form and cloud form white f...
Wood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 42 in D 18 in
Brass Klismos Saber Leg Desk Table by William Billy Haines Walnut and Cane 1950s
By William Billy Haines
Located in Troy, MI
Remarkable and rare saber leg desk table by Hollywood legend William Billy Haines circa 1950s Walnut and brass construction with single drawer and cane...
Brass
Sold
H 28.5 in W 20.5 in D 19 in
Pair of Vintage Sleek Tufted Leather Klismos Chairs Designed by William Haines
By William Billy Haines
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Vintage Sleek Tufted Leather Klismos Chairs Designed by William Haines, circa: 1950s. Solid Brass and Brass Patina Frames that aged well, these Sleek Comfortable Chairs Styli...
Brass
Sold
H 32.875 in W 19.25 in D 20.5 in
William “Billy” Haines Brass Campaign Tufted Leather Dining Chairs MCM
By William Billy Haines
Located in Atlanta, GA
William "Billy" Haines (American, 1900-1973), circa 1950. A pair of Iconic Hollywood Regency, conceived by the father of Hollywood Regency glamour—William “Billy” Haines. The fram...
Brass
Modernist Inlaid Cocktail Table, Designed by William Haines
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This collection, purchased directly from the heirs of the estate presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Los Angeles design history. The house, originally designed by Paul Wil...
Aluminum
A Quilted Chaise/Sofa designed by William Haines
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This William Haines designed chaise/sofa is a classic example of Haines' design genius. A relatively simple form Haines would very often embellish the shapes by using a custom quilt...
Textile, Wood
Pair of Green Fern Ledgeback Seniah Chairs by William Haines
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This chair is a classic design by William Haines. Every Haines interior included at least one pair of these chairs and eventually someone in his office commented that they should ca...
Fabric, Wood