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 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
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
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
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
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 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
$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
"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
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
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
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
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 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
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 Knoll, Eero Saarinen
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
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
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
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
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
$5,740Sale Price|30% Off
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
$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
Pair of Arthur Umanoff Swivel Slat Stools for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Arthur Umanoff tall swivel bar stools designed for Raymor in the 1960s. These iconic stools feature an iron base with bentwood slatted s...
Metal
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
Edward Ferrell Tufted Back Sofa Damask Sofa
By Edward Farrell
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A beautifully tufted quality built bow back sofa by Edward Ferrell. The Sofa with elegant lines, tufted back and refined pale Champagne Damask style fabric. With Edward Ferrell label...
Fabric, Wood
$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
Leather Wrapped Cocktail Table by William Haines 1940s Custom Design
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This exceptional custom cocktail table was designed by William Haines in the 1940s for legendary Hollywood director George Cukor, and masterfully crafted by noted artisan Stergis M. ...
Gold Leaf
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
Pair of Billy Haines Metal and Glass Cocktail Tables for Kirk Douglas
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This rare pair of metal and glass cocktail tables was designed by legendary Hollywood decorator Billy Haines for actor Kirk Douglas. The...
Metal
Billy Haines Cabinets with Textured Tops, Kirk Douglas Estate, 1950s
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
These Billy Haines cabinets, most likely bedside, with textured tops, from the estate of Kirk and Anne Douglas, exemplify the refined elegance and understated modernism of 1950s Hol...
Wood
Sold
H 24.5 in W 66.25 in D 24 in
William Haines Modern Table with Tortoise Leather Wrapped Top and Modernist Base
By William Billy Haines
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This exceptional modern table by William Haines features a refined leather-wrapped top finished in a rich tortoise stain. Clean, architectural lines define the base, which exhibits a...
Leather, Mahogany
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 William Billy Haines, Dorothy Draper
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