Edward Wormley Armchairs
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.
36
to
2
34
2
36
36
36
29
36
33
2
17
9
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
42
36
4
8
1
5
1
3
1
31
16
13
10
10
31
30
652
301
214
100
96
Number in Set: Set of 2
Creator: Edward Wormley
Pair of Dunbar Armchairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar armchairs with brass handles and brass feet.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Early 1940s Edward J. Wormley Elegant Armchairs for Dunbar in Dark Expresso x 2
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early 1940s Edward J. Wormley Elegant Neoclassical Style occasional arm chairs for Dunbar model No. 116B. As shown in "The Other Face of Modernism" book on Wormley , and in the 1940s...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair Edward Wormley Lounge chairs model 4872A for Dunbar, 1948. Gray, Brass Legs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful pair of lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1948. Expertly reupholstered in a light gray wool blend fabric. The original legs are made of solid brass. T...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Pair Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Y" Modernist Lounge Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Pair Dunbar Lounge Chairs designed by Edward Wormley,,Retains early 'D' metal badge label,, minor damage to caning ( see photo),, E...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Cane, Wood
Dunbar Edward Wormley Pair of Janus line armchairs mahogany mid century Berne
By Edward Wormley
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Carved detailed Dunbar, Berne IN design by Edward Wormley.
Needs reupholstery
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of walnut and leather armchairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Refinished and reupholstered.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Pair of Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of ash and rosewood armchairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Matching set of four side chairs available separately.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Ash, Rosewood
Edward Wormley Pair of Outstanding Armchairs for Dunbar in Velvet Midcentury
By Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stunning pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar armchairs. Dark African mahogany frames with intersecting brushed steel cross stretchers. Newly upholstered in a white textured velvet.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Leather and Walnut Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this handsome pair of armchairs features solid walnut frames whose curvaceous armrests contrast well with the strong lines of the legs. The sea...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Pair Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5480 Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An iconic Edward Wormley design, the ‘A-Frame' chair is a wonderful example of Wormley’s expertise in mixing materials into sophisticated, architectural forms.
Employing dark stain...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Bentwood
Set of "Y" Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
A set of "Y" armchairs, designed by the Iconic Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, fitted with new caning, walnut frame work fully restored, stained in d...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Club Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stunning pair of oak framed chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, referred to as “Edward’s Chair”. New fabric and great original finish. Chairs...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Caned Back Linen Seat Wooden Dining Armchairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century dining armchairs with wooden frames, woven striped beige, gray, and orange linen upholstered seats, and caned backs. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Linen, Upholstery
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pulled Feather Patterned Upholstery Wooden
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century dining armchairs with dark stained wooden frames, purple, gold and brown pulled feather patterned upholstered seats, and caned...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Dunbar Leather and Brass Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley, 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Dunbar Leather and Brass Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley, 1960. Original leather.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Pair of Ed Warley for Dunbar Deep Lounge Arm Club Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Ed Warley for Dunbar Deep Lounge Arm Club Chairs
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of Dunbar Lounge Chairs Model 609 by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of rare lounge chairs model 609 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Original leather-like vinyl upholstery on Ash frame with brass hardware.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Ash
Pair of Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs with Brass Handles
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful pair of dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ( model 4710A ). These chairs have been newly restored, refinished and reupholstered, and are in excellent ready...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs with Brass Handles
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Listed are a pair of elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar dining chairs with arms and brass handles. These are in need of restoration, perfect if your looking to add to your set. Also c...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Pair of Armchairs in Green Velvet Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, pair of armchairs, beech, velvet, United States, 1960s
These armchairs are designed by Edward Wormley for the furniture company Dunbar in the sixties. The...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Beech
Pair of Edward Wormley for "Dunbar" Armchairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural pair of Edward Wormley chairs for Dunbar. Walnut frames have been newly refinished in deep chocolate and vintage grey leather is in excellent condition. Great shape and co...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Edward Wormley Pair of Arm Chairs in Leather with Mahogany Bases 1960s 'Signed'
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Pair of arm chairs reupholstered in brown leather with dark mahogany bases by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American 1960's (original Dunbar label on bottoms).
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Pair of Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection pair of armchairs. Very rare pair of chairs all redone, newly refinished and reupholstered in a velvet. Beautiful elegant chair with except...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Armchairs, Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in East Hampton, NY
Pair of Edward Wormley, signed Dunbar armchairs (to underside) known as "Edward's Chair," these handsome examples have stained oak frames and stainless steel stretchers. Very high qu...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
1950s Sculpted "Janus" Dining Height Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. Each chair features sculpted dark mahogany frames and the original putty suede upholstery wi...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of 1950s high back lounge chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar features iconic Mid-Century design and comfortably sculpted seat backs. Spacious seats with plush vintage fabr...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Armchairs in Pink Striped Upholstery
By Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, pair of armchairs, stained ash, fabric, United States, 1960s
These armchairs are designed by Edward Wormley for the furniture company Dunbar in the sixtie...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Ash
Pair of Dunbar Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Dunbar lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Side Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beautiful pair of Edward Wormley armchairs. Great side chairs for any room or as dining chairs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Walnut Dining Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural and finely detailed armchair in walnut having a floating seat and back cushions, retaining the original black leather upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Teak
Pair of Swiveling Barrel Back Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair (2) of continuous arm swivel chairs in laminated walnut having tan button tufted leather cushions and a cruciform stretcher detail.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley Walnut Open-Arm Lounge Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Two architectural open arm lounge chairs in walnut by Dunbar, with green and blue horizontal stripe upholstery.
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Dunbar Occasional Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Incredible Edward Wormley design from the celebrated Janus Collection. This modern take on the Arts and Crafts movement employs an unprecedented level of hand finishing, complicated ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut
Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An architectural and substantial armchair having an exposed walnut "A"-shaped frame supporting an upholstered seat and generous floating and curving back.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Janus High Back Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of 'Janus' high back chairs with the original blue silk faille upholstery, on light walnut legs with cloud lift stretchers.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Pair of Rare Armchairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of upholstered armchairs fluted with dark fluted mahogany legs and "tusk" arm supports.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Edward Wormley armchairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Edward Wormley armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs 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 armchairs by Dunbar, Charles and Ray Eames, and Milo Baughman. Prices for Edward Wormley armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $760 and can go as high as $38,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,800.
Creators Similar to Edward Wormley
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Edward Wormley Furniture
Edward Wormley Sofas
Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
Edward Wormley Dining Room Chairs
Edward Wormley Chairs
Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs
Edward Wormley Benches
Edward Wormley Club Chairs
Edward Wormley Swivel Chairs
Edward Wormley Settees
Edward Wormley Stools
Edward Wormley Ottomans and Poufs
Edward Wormley Side Chairs