Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Slipper Settee — Tufted Gold Velvet, United States, Circa 1955–1965

The Piece

An exquisite example of Hollywood Regency mid-century design, this slipper-style settee dates to circa 1955–1965. Draped in plush gold velvet upholstery with a sculptural asymmetrical backrest, it embodies the era’s blend of glamour and modernity—perfectly balancing opulence with architectural restraint.

With its compact footprint, gently curved silhouette, and textural upholstery, this piece was likely designed as an entryway or boudoir loveseat, merging comfort with showpiece appeal.

Design & Construction

→ Form & Style:
A low-backed, single-arm settee with an elegant sloped back rising to one side—an evolution of the classic chaise longue—adapted for the mid-century interior. Its clean, structured lines and graceful rise give it a sense of movement and sophistication.

→ Upholstery:
Original golden olive velvet in a mixed pattern of cut damask and channel ribbing, a hallmark of late-1950s Hollywood Regency and boutique decorator furniture. The lush textile captures and diffuses light, adding warmth and glamour.

→ Frame:
Solid hardwood construction with spring-supported seat and ebonized tapered legs, typical of American and Italian-inspired furniture from this period.

→ Finish & Patina:
The velvet shows gentle age wear and authentic patina consistent with six to seven decades of careful use, contributing to its vintage character.

Dimensions

Width: 42"
Depth: 23"
Height (to top of backrest): 31"
Seat Height: 17"
(Measurements within ½ inch)

History & Provenance

This form emerged in the postwar design boom of the 1950s, when American decorators and boutique manufacturers such as Paul McCobb, Grosfeld House, and Tomlinson Sophisticate drew inspiration from French Art Deco and Regency Revival motifs.

The asymmetrical back and rich velvet palette reflect the Hollywood Regency aesthetic—a style popularized by designers like Dorothy Draper and William Haines, who favored drama, texture, and sensual curvature in residential interiors.

Settees like this were often placed in dressing rooms, lobbies, or sitting nooks, bridging functional seating and sculptural decor.

Condition

In very good vintage condition, with firm structure and stable legs. The velvet upholstery displays mild wear, slight pile flattening, and minor tonal variation typical for original fabric of this age. No tears or structural issues present.

This settee is a highly desirable statement piece, ideal for boutique interiors, dressing areas, or art deco–inspired spaces. Its unique silhouette, rich textile, and warm tone make it equally suited to contemporary and period styling.

Product Details

Why It’s Special

This settee embodies mid-century Hollywood glamour at its finest—lush, sculptural, and intimate. Its compact form, asymmetrical rise, and golden velvet upholstery make it not only a collectible piece of American design history but also a timeless focal point for any curated interior.