Edward Wormley Sofas
American, 1907-1995
As the longtime director of design for the Dunbar furniture company, Edward Wormley was, along with such peers as George Nelson at Herman Miller Inc., and Florence Knoll of Knoll Inc., one of the leading forces in bringing modern design into American homes in the mid-20th century. Not an axiomatic modernist, Wormley deeply appreciated traditional design, and consequently his vintage seating, storage cabinets, bar carts and other work has an understated warmth and a timeless quality that sets it apart from other furnishings of the era.
Wormley was born in rural Illinois and as a teenager took correspondence courses from the New York School of Interior Design. He later attended the Art Institute of Chicago but ran out of money for tuition before he could graduate. Marshall Field hired Wormley in 1930 to design a line of reproduction 18th-century English furniture; the following year he was hired by the Indiana-based Dunbar, where he quickly distinguished himself. It was a good match.
Dunbar was an unusual firm: it did not use automated production systems; its pieces were mostly hand-constructed. For his part, Wormley did not use metal as a major component of furniture; he liked craft elements such as caned seatbacks, tambour drawers, or the woven-wood cabinet fronts seen on his Model 5666 sideboard of 1956. He designed two lines for Dunbar each year — one traditional, one modern — until 1944, by which time the contemporary pieces had become the clear best sellers.
Many of Wormley’s signature pieces — chairs, sofas, tables and more — are modern interpretations of traditional forms. His 1946 Riemerschmid Chair — an example is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art — recapitulates a late 19th-century German design. The long, slender finials of his Model 5580 dining chairs are based on those of Louis XVI chairs; his Listen-to-Me Chaise (1948) has a gentle Rococo curve; the “Precedent” line that Wormley designed for Drexel Furniture in 1947 is a simplified, pared-down take on muscular Georgian furniture. But he could invent new forms, as his Magazine table of 1953, with its bent wood pockets, and his tiered Magazine Tree (1947), both show. And Wormley kept his eye on design currents, creating a series of tables with tops that incorporate tiles and roundels by the great modern ceramicists Otto and Gertrud Natzler.
As the vintage items on 1stDibs demonstrate, Edward Wormley conceived of a subdued sort of modernism, designing furniture that fits into any decorating scheme and does not shout for attention.
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Creator: Edward Wormley
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Four-Seat Sofa in Off-White Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar, sofa, fabric and wood, United States, circa 1970
The white upholstery is a striking combination with the darkened frame that is especially visible at t...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa in Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully updated and restored. The iconic bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This has been reupholstered in a stunning high-quality mohair from "The Sign". This sofa ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Mohair, Mahogany
Edward Wormley light beige Tuxedo Sofa for Dunbar, USA 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Berlin, DE
Edward Wormley Tuxedo sofa for Dunbar, USA 1960s, Labeled. Three-seat sofa with respectively three seat and back cushions. We offer reuphols...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Dunbar Single Arm Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a wonderful example of a period sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. Circa 1960s, it is a single left arm sofa and sits on two wood runne...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dorchester, MA
This elegant sofa is a classic 1950s design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. It features a tufted back and a long bench seat resting on tapered walnut fee...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Sectional Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1960s, USA, two-piece sectional sofa. The sofa features split arm rests and an exposed sculpted ebonized wood frame. This sofa has been fully reupholster...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Edward Wormley Slipper Sofa for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Denton, TX
Edward Wormley slipper sofa for Dunbar with off white upholstery and ebonized bentwood legs.
Older restoration.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Bentwood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa in Dijon Colored Mohair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautifully updated and restored. The iconic bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This has been reupholstered in a stunning high-quality mohair. Color is listed as "Dijon"...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Mohair, Mahogany
Dunbar Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fluted rosewood legs with brass caps.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Janus Sofa #6329 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Pasadena, TX
Janus sofa #6329 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Stunning sofa recently restored in champagne velvet with tufting. Mahogany base.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Open Frame Sofa, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in London, GB
A very rare two-seat Edward Wormley open frame sofa, made by Dunbar, in the USA, 1950s. Newly reupholstered in high quality fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Party Sofa in Original Jack Lenor Larson Fabric by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Classic Dunbar sofa by Edward Wormley that has been ensconced in plastic since leaving the showroom. Thereby preserving the spectacular and timeless fabric of Jack Lenor Larson...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Dunbar Model 7350 Sofas by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Dunbar Model 7350 sofas by Edward Wormley. Vintage 1970’s sofas with more recent grey & pink silk upholstery.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Silk
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Party Sofa Model 5407 in Dark Gray Leather
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Edward Wormley's iconic party sofa for Dunbar. Reupholstered in dark gray leather. A super comfortable sofa with loads of style. A design class...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Leather
Dunbar Wormley 2 Piece Sectional Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Dunbar Wormley 2 piece sectional sofa
1950s
Rare sectional sofa designed by Edward Wormley, manufactured by Dunbar. The sofa consists of two pa...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Walnut
Janus Corner Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A Janus Collection corner sofa produced by Dunbar and designed by Edward Wormley. Model 629A. Upholstered in Rogers and Goffigon fabric.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Walnut
Armless Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless sofa or bench or banquet on laminated mahogany "sled" feet.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley and Produced by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A newly upholstered sofa made by Dunbar and designed by Edward Wormley, circa 1965.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Walnut
Completely Restored Blue Velvet Grand Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa with tapered rosewood legs and newly upholstered in a plush soft blue velvet. Every inch of this grand sofa has been painstakingly restored/replaced a...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Velvet
Dunbar Sofa by Edward Wormley on Brass Legs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Fully restored in beautiful fog grey mohair over polished brass legs. Sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Brass
Midcentury 101in Model 488 Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pasadena, TX
Dunbar
Edward Wormley
Wormley has pioneered in a broad field of design, he was one of those unique designers who was sensitive to the interplay involved in selling modernism and st...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Down
Edward Wormley Sofa, Edward Wormley Estate Weston Ct
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Edward Wormley, three-seat sofa polished brass leg from Wormley Weston Ct estate. Chenille fabric, model 5512.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Brass
12 Foot Dunbar Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Twelve feet long! Custom made Dunbar sofa designed by Edward Wormley. This was reupholstered 10 years ago and has seen very little use since. We have refinished the base since these ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Loveseat "Short Sofa" Terry Chenille Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Edward Wormley loveseat, short sofa catalog page 26 index page 175 model 5406, solid brass polished legs springs foam. Important early design,
1956.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Brass
Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Beautiful Original Condition, Tan Silk Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Tufted seat and back sofa designed by Edward Wormley. Dark stained African mahogany cross stretcher base with floating ends. The silk blend original fabric is in amazingly good condi...
Category
1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Stunning Signed Dunbar Three Seater Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning signed Dunbar 3 seater sofa. This piece is upholstered in it's original celery green woven wool in very nice to excellent condition. The loose seat cushions are quite firm ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-Century Edward Wormley Sculptural Sofa for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar features a tufted sculptural seat back with unique tapered walnut legs. Uniquely covered vintage throw pillows...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
Rare Dunbar Gray Leather Sofa Chaise, Expertly Reupholstered
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa chaise. One arm with a rolled cushion that is attached via a mechanism that the cushion spins. Expertly reupholstered in grey Spinneybeck leather.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa with Brass Feet
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa on brass, tapered legs. The section under the backrest is recessed. Recently restored and reupholstered (last two years). However, there are two ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Brass
La Gondola Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Expertly Restored, Gray Mohair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Edward Wormley's famous La Gondola sofa. One of the best sofa designs of the entire modern design movement. Expertly refinished and reupholstered in a light to medium grey mohair. Pl...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Well Designed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa, Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Very stylish Edward Wormley Dunbar sofa with fabulous solid walnut details . This sofa has bold interesting legs that are rounded at the feet. Reu...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Dunbar Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Chic gold velvet upholstered sofa with down back and side cushions and sprung seat. Beautifully carved mahogany feet. This is an extremely well built and comfortable sofa, with typic...
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Iconic Glam Midcentury Modern Dunbar Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Iconic sleek and sexy Dunbar midcentury modern sofa by Edward Wormley, just reupholstered in an appropriate to the style nubby off-white fabric.
Measures: Seat height 18.5.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Edward Wormley Elegant Sofa Day Bed with Walnut Legs, 1953
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Elegant sofa daybed model no. 5334 with separated back and arm with walnut legs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, 1953.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Foam, Walnut
Three Seat Sofa Designed by Michael Taylor for Baker
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Early and scarcely seen three-seat sofa with fixed back cushions and flared tapering arms designed by Michael Taylor for Baker. A very comfortable sofa with incredibly clean lines. R...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chaise Longue Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Edward Wormley Dunbar Sofa
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Dunbar sofa can be paired as a sectional with matching chaise longue 5525 we have offered in another listing.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A good Mid-Century Modern sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, with flared back and arms and loose back cushions. Square dark walnut legs with round brass foot. The piece was reupholst...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Even Arm Sofa or Settees
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Two-piece Dunbar sofa model number 4908 designed by Edward Wormley. This low profile sofa has down-filled cushions and hand-tied springs and is one of the most comfortable modern pie...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Brass
Midcentury #5526 Wormley Dunbar Armless Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pasadena, TX
Wormley has pioneered in a broad field of design, he was one of those unique designers who was sensitive to the interplay involved in selling modernism and still preserving the nostalgic touch of intimacy, warmth, and detail. Wormley attended the Art Institute of Chicago in 1926. After attending there he worked for Marshall Field`s Design Studio in 1930, and then a year later he began working for Dunbar. His collaboration with Dunbar made him a household name for decades. His first Dunbar chairs, produced in 1932, were reproductions of antique designs, but when they became popular Wormley augmented the set with new pieces to form a full line of furniture for almost every room in the house. He was given a contract under which he would produce two lines of furniture each year, one traditional and one modern
5526 Knowland vintage 6 ft midcentury Dunbar armless sofa...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Wool
Fabulous 2-Piece Edward Wormley Dunbar Long Low Mid-Century Sofa
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous 2 piece long low Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa. This is perfect for you designers who need to reupholster. The bones are magnificent but the fabric needs updating. Long ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Wood, Upholstery
Large Limited Edition Sofa "La Gondola" by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A limited edition "La Gondola" Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Berne, Indiana, produced in 1957. Model 5719 is part of the Janus Collection, seen by man...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Mahogany
Floral Print Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sofa of English inspiration, retaining the original dark olive, coral, brown and beige mock-Asian floral print linen upholstery, on straight dark walnut legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Angled Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An angled sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Beautifully restored with refinished mahogany base and reupholstered in Holly Hunt / Terazzo / Silver Blue. New down pillows.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Fabric
Two-Piece Dunbar Sofa by Edward Wormley, Armless, Brass Legs, Models 4756 & 4828
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Two piece, armless, sectional sofa designed by Edward Wormley, made by Dunbar. A combination of models 4756 and 4828 in the Dunbar Catalog. The backless end on the angled piece (4756...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley sofas for sale on 1stDibs.
Edward Wormley sofas are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Edward Wormley sofas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sofas by Edward Wormley were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sofas by Dunbar, Knoll, and Adrian Pearsall. Prices for Edward Wormley sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,000 and can go as high as $48,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,000.
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