What is Hollywood Regency style? Hollywood Regency is a glamorous American interior design style that emerged in Southern California during Hollywood's Golden Age, roughly the 1930s to the 1950s. Inspired by the opulent homes and film sets of movie stars, it mixes classic Regency and neoclassical furniture shapes with high drama: bold colors, lacquered and mirrored finishes, gold and brass accents, velvet and other lavish fabrics, black-and-white contrast, animal prints, chinoiserie and statement lighting. The look is luxurious but playful and eclectic, made to feel like a stage set for entertaining. Today it's often called Hollywood glam, or simply glam decor.
This guide covers the history of Hollywood Regency, its key characteristics, the color palette, furniture and materials, how it differs from Art Deco and mid-century modern, and how to decorate a living room, bedroom or dining room in Hollywood Regency style without overdoing it.
The History of Hollywood Regency
Hollywood Regency grew up alongside the American movie making industry. As film stars became the celebrities of the Golden Age, they wanted homes that looked as glamorous as their films. Former silent-film actor turned decorator William "Billy" Haines designed interiors for many Hollywood stars from the 1930s, and New York decorator Dorothy Draper popularized a bold, theatrical version of the look in hotels and homes across the country.
The style borrowed from the English Regency period of the early 19th century (with its neoclassical lines and Greek and Roman motifs), from French and Chinese influences such as chinoiserie, and from Art Deco, which was popular at the same time. The name "Regency moderne" was sometimes used for the architecture. After falling out of favor in the minimalist decades, Hollywood Regency returned in the 2000s, and it's back again as glam, maximalism and color have become popular.
Who was Dorothy Draper?
Dorothy Draper (1889–1969) is often called one of the first professional American interior decorators. She was famous for "Modern Baroque" interiors with oversized black-and-white checkerboard floors, bold colors like pink, aqua and emerald, large-scale floral chintz, dramatic plaster moldings and lacquered furniture. Her best-known project is the redecoration of The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia, completed after World War II.
Key Characteristics of Hollywood Regency Style
- Glamour and drama: the overall effect should feel luxurious, theatrical and inviting.
- Bold colors: jewel tones such as emerald, sapphire and amethyst, plus pink, turquoise, red and black.
- High contrast: black and white, often as checkerboard flooring or striped walls.
- Metallic and glass accents: gold, brass, gilded frames, mirrored finishes, glass and acrylic.
- Lacquer and high gloss: lacquered cabinets, glossy walls and ceilings that amplify light.
- Lavish fabrics: velvet, silk, satin, faux fur and tufted upholstery.
- Animal prints: zebra, leopard and tiger on rugs, pillows and upholstery.
- Chinoiserie and global motifs: pagoda shapes, Ming-style tables, hand-painted wallpaper, ginger jars.
- Statement lighting: crystal chandeliers, oversized lamps and sculptural sconces as functional art.
- Neoclassical and eclectic shapes: curved sofas, slipper chairs, Greek key motifs, sunburst mirrors.
The Hollywood Regency Color Palette
| Role | Colors |
|---|---|
| Base | Crisp white, black, cream, soft pink |
| Bold colors | Emerald, sapphire, turquoise, fuchsia, red, purple |
| Metallics | Gold, brass, silver, mirrored glass |
| Pattern | Black-and-white stripes and checks, animal prints, chinoiserie, large florals |
A classic Hollywood Regency room pairs a high-contrast base (white walls with black accents, or a dark lacquered wall) with one or two jewel tones and plenty of gold.
Hollywood Regency Furniture and Materials
- Seating: velvet sofas with curved or tufted backs, slipper chairs, tufted ottomans and chaise lounges.
- Tables: mirrored or lacquered coffee tables, glass-and-brass side tables, Ming-style consoles and pedestal tables.
- Storage: lacquered or mirrored dressers and chests, bamboo-motif cabinets and pieces with gold hardware.
- Mirrors: sunburst mirrors, gilded frames and mirrored walls or furniture to add shine.
- Lighting: crystal chandeliers, oversized lamps with pleated shades, sconces with shades or crystal drops.
- Materials: lacquer, brass, glass, acrylic (Lucite), marble, velvet, silk and faux fur.
- Floors and walls: black-and-white checkerboard floors, bold wallpaper, glossy paint and dramatic moldings.
Luminous finishes and gold details are an easy way into the look. A pale dresser with a shell-inspired finish and a matching mirror, like the Nacre Mother-of-Pearl Inspired Dresser & Mirror Set, brings soft shine and glamour to a bedroom; a golden wall, a pleated lamp and perfume bottles finish the vignette.
Hollywood Regency vs Art Deco vs Mid-Century Modern
| Style | Era | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Art Deco | 1920s–1930s | Geometric and streamlined: zigzags, sunbursts, chevrons, exotic woods, chrome and stylized forms |
| Hollywood Regency | 1930s–1950s | More ornate, eclectic and playful: neoclassical shapes, bold color, lacquer, mirrors, animal prints, chinoiserie |
| Mid-century modern | 1940s–1960s | Simple, organic and functional: tapered legs, teak and walnut, minimal ornament |
Art Deco is more geometric and modern; Hollywood Regency is more maximalist and decorative, and freely mixes periods. Mid-century modern favors restraint over Hollywood Regency's opulence. See our Art Deco interior design guide and our mid-century modern furniture guide.
How to Decorate in Hollywood Regency Style
- Start with contrast. Black-and-white floors, striped walls or a black lacquered accent wall create the backdrop.
- Choose one or two bold colors. Emerald and pink, or turquoise and gold, rather than every jewel tone at once.
- Add shine. Mirrored furniture, gilded frames, brass hardware, glass and lacquer reflect light and add glitz.
- Layer luxurious fabrics. Velvet upholstery, silk curtains, faux fur throws and tufted pieces.
- Add a statement light. A crystal chandelier or oversized lamps are the jewelry of the room.
- Bring in pattern. An animal-print rug or pillows, chinoiserie wallpaper or a large floral.
- Use symmetry. Paired lamps, chairs and sconces give the drama a classic structure.
- Display decorative objects. Ginger jars, coral, sculpture, coffee table books and a cocktail tray.
- Edit. Hollywood Regency is opulent, but each piece should still have room to shine.
Hollywood Regency Room Ideas
Living room
A curved velvet sofa, a pair of slipper chairs, a mirrored or lacquered coffee table, a glass-and-brass bar cart, an animal-print rug, a crystal chandelier and a large gilded mirror over the fireplace.
Bedroom
A tall tufted headboard, satin or silk bedding, a mirrored or shell-finished dresser, a vanity with a lighted mirror, a faux fur throw and a pair of glamorous lamps. Picture the classic image of film stars in satin bathrobes at a dressing table. See our makeup vanity guide.
Dining room
A lacquered or glass dining table, velvet dining chairs with gold legs, chinoiserie wallpaper, a crystal chandelier and a mirrored sideboard. See chandelier height over a dining table.
Entryway and powder room
Small spaces are ideal for the full look: a checkerboard floor, bold wallpaper, a sunburst mirror and a brass sconce. See our entryway ideas.
How to Get Hollywood Regency on a Budget
- Paint a door, ceiling or accent wall in a high-gloss jewel tone; see our accent wall ideas.
- Swap hardware for brass knobs and pulls.
- Add velvet pillows, a faux fur throw and an animal-print rug.
- Hang a gilded or sunburst mirror.
- Spray-paint thrifted lamps and frames gold.
- Use peel-and-stick checkerboard tiles or wallpaper.
Hollywood Regency Style FAQ
What makes something Hollywood Regency?
A mix of glamour and classic shapes: bold color, high contrast, metallic and mirrored finishes, lacquer, velvet, animal prints, chinoiserie and statement lighting.
What years are considered Hollywood Regency?
Roughly the 1930s through the 1950s, during Hollywood's Golden Age, with revivals since the 2000s.
What is the difference between Hollywood Regency and Art Deco?
Art Deco is geometric and streamlined; Hollywood Regency is more ornate, eclectic and playful, mixing neoclassical shapes with bold color, mirrors and pattern.
Is Hollywood Regency a brand or a style?
It's a style, not a brand, though many retailers use the term to describe glam furniture.
What is glam decor?
Glam decor is a modern take on Hollywood Regency: luxurious materials, metallic accents, mirrored and glass surfaces, velvet and a polished, dramatic feel.
What was Dorothy Draper famous for?
Bold, theatrical interiors with black-and-white floors, vivid colors, oversized florals and dramatic moldings, most famously at The Greenbrier resort.
How do you identify Hollywood Regency lamps?
Look for oversized bases in brass, lacquer, ceramic or glass, often with pagoda, palm, Greek key or faux bamboo motifs, topped with pleated or drum shades.
Hollywood Regency style is about confident glamour: bold color, shine, luxurious fabrics and a dash of playfulness. Choose a high-contrast base, add metallic and mirrored accents, and let one statement piece steal the scene. Explore related looks in our maximalist decor guide and guide to interior design styles.