Leather Wrapped Cocktail Table by William Haines

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. Stergis. Created as a bespoke furnishing for one of Hollywood’s most celebrated tastemakers, the table embodies the refined glamour and disciplined modernism that defined Haines’ most sought-after interiors.

Handcrafted in solid wood and luxuriously wrapped in finely finished leather, the table features a gracefully contoured, tray-form top with subtly upturned edges, lending both functional elegance and sculptural distinction. The richly patinated leather surface exhibits a warm, suede-like character developed over decades, enhancing its depth, texture, and visual sophistication. A finely detailed gold embossed border frames the top, underscoring the meticulous craftsmanship throughout.

The table is supported by slender, radiused legs and a recessed apron, creating a light, architectural profile that reflects Haines’ signature balance of comfort, restraint, and modern proportion. Every element speaks to the bespoke nature of the piece, from its embossed gilt and tailored surfaces to its carefully resolved joinery.

Originally commissioned for George Cukor—one of Hollywood’s most influential directors—this table represents a rare intersection of design history, film legacy, and master craftsmanship. Furniture produced for Cukor’s residence under Haines’ direction remains among the most coveted examples of mid-century Hollywood Regency and modernist design.

An ideal cocktail table, and statement accent, this piece offers remarkable versatility for both residential and gallery settings. Its distinguished provenance, exceptional materials, and timeless form make it a museum-quality example of custom American design from Hollywood’s Golden Age.

A rare and highly collectible work by William Haines, created for one of his most prominent clients and executed by Stergis, this table stands as both a functional furnishing and a lasting work of design history. This table can be seen in situ on page 103 of the definitive book on Haines’ work: Class Act William Haines Legendary Hollywood Decorator.