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.
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
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
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
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
$13,572
H 32.29 in W 62.6 in D 38.98 in
LOVELY HOWARD & SON'S / CHAIRS LTD TWO SEAT SOFA FEATHER FILLED SEAT CUSHIONs
By Howard & Sons Ltd, Howard and Sons, Howard Chairs Ltd.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super comfortable Howard & Son's / Howard Chairs LTD sofa with the inside back left leg stamped Please...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Pair of Mid-Century Poltrona Frau Leather Swivel Stools
By Paltrona Frau
Located in Norwalk, CT
These stylish mid-century stools were designed by Poltrona Frau, the famed Italian furniture maker known for their leather upholstered pieces. The stools have been crafted from solid...
Leather, Wood, Teak
Pair of Knoll Saarinen Swiveling Tulip Base Stools
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of Knoll Saarinen Swiveling Tulip Base Stools. Circa 1970's. Designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll the maker. Mid-Century Modern Style. Recovered b...
Aluminum
$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
S.S. United States Pair of Polished Aluminum Swivel Stools
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of adjustable polished aluminum and steel stools from the doctor's office aboard the famed SS United States. #ssus
Aluminum, Steel
$3,000
H 32 in W 72 in D 30 in
Mid Century Carl Malmsten Style Swedish Gold Velour Curved Back Tufted sofa
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Carl Malmsten Style Swedish Gold Velour curved back sofa. Very nice designed Swedish sofa with tufted back. Gold Velour that shows fading otherise good vintage Condition....
Velvet, 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
Restored Knoll D’Urso Swivel Lounge Chair in Boucle & Leather
By Joseph D'Urso, Knoll
Located in Toluca Ter, CA
Authentic Knoll D'Urso swiveling lounge chair by Paul D’Urso, reupholstered in a gray green boucle with an off white leather seat cushion. The barrel-style seat hovers above a polished aluminum base, reminiscent of Eero Saarinen’s iconic mid century modern Tulip table...
Aluminum
$8,200
H 25 in W 85 in D 32.5 in
Biscuit Tufted Sofa by Maurice Bailey, Burnt Gold Velvet, 1960s Design
By Maurice Bailey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 1970s Biscuit Tufted Sofa by Maurice Bailey for Monteverdi and Young in a burnt gold crushed velvet upholstery. In good vintage condition with a nice patina throughout. V...
Velvet, Walnut
$4,800
H 30 in W 64.5 in D 30 in
Danish Midcentury Sofa Two-Tone Wool with Teak Legs and Wood Accents 1950s
By Kurt Olsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very Classic and ultra cool Danish three-seat sofa epitomizing the 1950s and reminiscent of Kurt Olsen's design style. Built on a sturdy beech wood frame and raised on solid teak leg...
Wool, Teak
Lovely Pair of Midcentury X-Base Ottoman Stools by Billy Baldwin
By Billy Baldwin
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Pair of Billy Baldwin ottoman or benches with X-bases and thick top cushion. Stools have a tufted top cushion with vintage lattice weave green an...
Upholstery
$2,795 / set
H 35 in W 26 in D 26 in
Pair of Hollywood Regency Mid Century Button Tufted Slipper Chairs
By William Billy Haines
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautifully designed and just reupholstered with camel colored ultrasuede. Great style with simplicity and comfort. In excellent restored condition with minimal wear.
Ultrasuede
Sold
H 27 in W 26 in D 26 in
Pair of Mid-Century Curved Slipper Chairs w/ Bouclé Upholstery by Billy Haines
By William Billy Haines
Located in New York, NY
This pair of mid-century modernist button-back slipper chairs epitomizes the glamorous yet understated aesthetic of legendary designer William "Billy" Haines. Crafted in America circ...
Fabric, 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
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
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 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
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
Sold
H 31 in W 144 in D 33 in
Biscuit Tufted, Guava Colored, Curved Three Piece Sectional 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 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. Here's a perfect example of glamorous! This sectional originally designed for a bay window in the living room consists of 3 pieces, the two end sections and a center section that is backless. It has been meticulously restored to its original appearance including the choice of color. The fabric from Romo emulates the original color perfectly. This sectional is pure Haines. Having said that in 30 years I have never run across a circular design before. The square tufting, or biscuit tufting is a steadfast Haines detail as are the walnut runner legs. The sofa can be used as a smaller two piece sofa and a curved floating ottoman...
Fabric, Wood