William Haines Designs’ ‘Malibu’ chair oozes midcentury style

In Partnership With William Haines Designs

A retrospective sensibility underpins William Haines Designs, where an appreciation of the past is balanced with a forward-looking approach to form and function. The studio’s enduring appeal lies in this dialogue between heritage and usability, with pieces conceived not as static artefacts but as living elements within contemporary interiors.

The story begins in the late 1930s, when William Haines – then one of Hollywood’s most prominent actors – shifted his focus from the screen to interior design. At the height of his film career, Haines was named the top box office attraction in the United States in the 1930 Quigley Poll. Yet it was his instinct for design, first realised through commissions for actor friends, that would define his lasting legacy.

Early projects quickly established his reputation. Among them were the interiors for Jack Warner’s Beverly Hills residence and the visionary ‘Desert Living Room’ at the Golden Gate International Exposition of 1939-1940. The latter brought together custom-designed furniture, a silver and turquoise fireplace, experimental acrylic lighting and a painting by Georgia O’Keeffe – an early expression of Haines’ distinctive blend of glamour, modernity and craftsmanship.

This design language continued to evolve through landmark residential commissions. The 1950 Sidney and Frances Brody Residence in Westwood remains a defining example of Hollywood modernism, while Sunnylands – created in 1966 for Walter and Leonore Annenberg in Rancho Mirage – endures as a site of cultural and political significance, hosting world leaders in a setting shaped by Haines’ refined aesthetic.

William Haines Designs &lsquo;Malibu&rsquo; furniture and 'Wave Table' — Pieces from the ‘Malibu’ collection (right), including the chair, a sofa and ottomans, as well as a ‘Wave Table', all from William Haines Designs

Following Haines’ death in 1973, his collaborator Ted Graber carried the practice forward, preserving its ethos while extending its reach, including work on the White House for President Ronald Reagan. Today, under the direction of Peter Schifando, the studio continues to draw from its extensive archives, ensuring that original designs remain in continuous production.

This continuity finds new expression in the reimagining of the ‘Malibu Chair'. Now reissued with a mirror-polished 316 stainless steel frame, the piece translates a midcentury silhouette into a material language suited to contemporary living. Resistant to salty air and adaptable across indoor and outdoor settings, it reflects a practical evolution without compromising on character.

William Haines Designs &lsquo;Crescent Chair' and 'Malibu Chair' — A ‘Crescent Chair' (left), a reissued 1955 design, alongside a ‘Malibu Chair' (right), both from William Haines Designs

With its tufted upholstery and sculptural profile, the ‘Malibu Chair' retains the softness and craftsmanship synonymous with Haines’ work. In 316 stainless steel, it acquires a new clarity – one that speaks to both its origins and its ongoing relevance.

Midcentury furniture aficionados are also encouraged to explore the ‘Crescent Chair'. This piece was originally designed in 1955 for Hollywood producer and director Mervyn LeRoy, who produced the original The Wizard of Oz, a film the US Library of Congress cites as the most watched ever. William Haines Designs truly is steeped in history.

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Gavin Hastings is Bespoke Copywriter at Wallpaper* and has a wealth of experience from the luxury space, having previously worked with high-end brands including COS, Zegna, and Gucci to create impactful, modern content.