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Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

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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Number in Set: Single Piece
Creator: Edward Wormley
Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Tall Man" Lounge Chair With Brass Legs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An oversized modernist take on an iconic wingback chair by iconic designer Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Features a well proportioned frame with tall seat back over solid patinated bras...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Southampton, NJ
Janus Collection lounge chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Ebonized sculpted walnut arms and legs with an exposed frame, and red upholstery with a button tufted back and curved seat...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Chair, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
A swivel lounge chair designed by the iconic Edward Wormely for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, fitted with new high-grade hand cut foam with all insides full...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

Edward Wormley Yellow Lounge Chair for Dunbar, Reupholstery Needed
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Berlin, DE
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair for Dunbar that also can be used as is but we recomend a new dress for this very comfy chair. Please ask for quotes. *This piece is curated by Original B...
Category

1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Dunbar Janus Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
The Edward Wormley "Janus" armchair is a mid-century modern classic, designed by the renowned American furniture designer Edward Wormley in 1957 for Dunbar Furniture. The chair was p...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Dunbar Lounge Chair designed by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Fraser, MI
Mid Century Modern Lounge Chair. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Pair of 1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane back Chairs model 5700a
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Pair of 1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane back Chairs model 5700a. The continuous laminated ash legs wrap around the entire chair and form t...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar “Big Texan” Oversized Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A very large scale chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs features large scale design, with rolled arms, complete with stubby legs in the back and casters in the front. Unique si...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar 4872a Lounge Chair With Solid Aluminum Legs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s model 4872A lounge chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. This chair comes from the recently demolished Edward Mccormick Blair House in Chicago Illinois desig...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Edward Wormley Mr. lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mr Chair and Ottoman Tapering steel legs ottoman is 13"h x 25" x 29"
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Edward Wormley Dunbar Swivel Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Swivel Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An early swivel chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with oak base and plush mohair upholstery.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Mohair, Oak

Edward Wormley Lounge Chair for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
A nice simple and dramatic armchair lounge chair form by Edward Wormley. Should be purchased with the intent to reupholster. Needs to be softer on inside back.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tilt-Back Sheridan Lounge Chair in Walnut Cane & Brass
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant lounge chair was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the late 1960s and was only produced for a very short time. The frame is crafted from solid American claro waln...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley, Lounge Chairs, Beech, Fabric, Drexel, United States, 1940s
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of beech, and white fabric lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Drexel, United States, 1940s. Measure: seat hei...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Channel Back Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An unusual and early design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This channel back lounge chair has mahogany trim and aluminum legs. Fully restored and reupholstered in Designtex / Lambert ...
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Tall back lounge chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar furniture. Beautiful crisp lines frame the chair with grace and style. Edward Wormley’s designs are still often mimicked ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Linen, Upholstery, Wood

Dunbar Open Frame Lounge or Armchair, circa 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Dunbar open frame lounge or armchair, circa 1960. Newly restored with new upholstery and ebonized mahogany frame. Bears makers label on underside. Measures: H 29.5 in. x W 25.5 in...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Chair and Footstool, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Historic set of lounge chair and ottoman designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, reupholstered in embossed velvet by Holly Hunt. Walnut refinishe...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge Chair with Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century lounge chair with Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric This chair measures: 24 wide x 30.5 deep x 30.75 high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height/cha...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Edward Wormley Lounge Chair #4796 for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormely lounge chair model #4796 produced by Dunbar Furniture Company "Dunbar For Modern" Line, production date of 8/2/1950 - 10/23/1950. The perfect reading chair, very com...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Edward Wormley Black Leather Janus Lounge Chair, Model 5701, Dunbar, 1957
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Edward Wormley black leather Janus lounge ch air, Model 5701, Dunbar, 1957 ash, leather; 33.75 H × 30.5 W × 34 D in; Stitched manufacturer's mark to decking ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Ash

Edward Wormley Yellow Lounge Chair for Dunbar, Reupholstery Needed
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Berlin, DE
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair for Dunbar that also can be used as is but we recomend a new dress for this very comfy chair. Please ask for quotes. *This piece is curated by Original B...
Category

1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

1950's Edward Wormley Dunbar Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Southampton, NJ
1950s armchair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar fully restored with new tribal influenced and textured cotton upholstery. The original signed Dunbar decking has been carefully m...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Cotton, Walnut

Dunbar Wingback Chairs Designed by Edward Wormley in a Custom Cartier Textile
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of early and important wing back chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Professionally restored with new foam, new springs, down-filled seat cushions and upholstered in a...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Club Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Single Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar club chair with older re-upholstery on thick tapered legs. Unrestored, ready for new upholstery, legs show age, should be refinished. Email for up...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus collection lounge chair.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chair circa 1950s with Original Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Comfortable armless lounge slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in beautiful plaid upholstery. A true collectors piece with no modifications and in excellent vintage condition....
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tufted 'Party' Club Chair in Black Leather
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, lounge chair model 'Party', leather, United States, 1960s. Rare black leather 'Party Chair' by American designer Edward Wormle...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather

1950s Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern high-back chair and ottoman set designed by Edward Wormley featuring mahogany bases and original orange upholstery. Made by Dunbar in the USA, circa 1950s.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

1950s Armless Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless slipper chair from the Janus collection with button tufted upholstery and beautifully carved integral walnut base. Model 5775.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

1950s Tufted Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless button tufted lounge chair of generous proportion having exposed walnut base. Model: 5000.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Edward J. Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman circa 1950s for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward J. Wormley lounge chair and ottoman for Dunbar circa 1950s on solid brass castors. The lounge chair has a trapezoid shape, wider in the front (27.5" W) and tapers to the back....
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Morris" Armchairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare and unusual Edward Wormley for Dunbar adjustable back lounge chairs. Known as "Morris" chairs they allow for 3 positions-l...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

1950's Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of 1950s armchairs and ottomans designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar have painted walnut legs with all new foam and upholstery. Priced individually as two chair-and-ottoman sets.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wing Lounge Chair Model 6016
By Edward Wormley
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Edward Wormley for Dunbar wing lounge chair model 6016.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Leather-Embossed Ash Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dorchester, MA
This rarely seen lounge chair, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, sets a green leather-embossed vinyl sling seat into an elegant frame of ash that opposes a rectilinear base with...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Naugahyde, Ash

Edward Wormley For Dunbar "Morris" Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar multi position recliner known as the "Morris" chair. Classic reinterpretation the lounge chair has three positions. Mahogany in dark, original finish...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

1960s Leather Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Dunbar leather lounge chair its frame having slightly raised sides as well a slight 'wing' effect to the back together forming channels which the button tufted seat and back cushions...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Frame High Back Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Edward Wormley for Dunbar walnut frame high back lounge chair and ottoman. Listing includes an angled stretcher base, solid ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

1960s Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
With a nod to the immense popularity of Charles Eames's swivel lounge chair and ottoman, Wormley capitalized on the popularity of his own stationary, winged lounge chair and ottoman ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather

1950s "Listen-To-Me" Chaise by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant chaise lounge with an undulating cushion in vintage upholstery with a cherry and maple base and solid brass supports. Model: 4873.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Rare and Elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Armchair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar lounge chair. Model number 6309, part of the Today and Tomorrow collection, circa 1963. Beautiful channelled mahogany frame with ultra-suede seat and back c...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Slipper chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Newly upholstered in a orange fabric closely matching the original with attention to detail! Solid mahogany frame. Retains the...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Lacquered Mahogany Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon pivot-back lounge chair in lacquered mahogany with vintage velvet geometric upholstery. Designed in 1948 by Edward Wormley.
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Tufted Lounge Chair for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern lounge chair designed by American furniture designer, Edward J. Wormley, for Dunbar in the United States, circa 1950s. T...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Low Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A low slipper chair with the original faux alligator texture yellow upholstery.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Gorgeous Dunbar Arm Chair Edward Wormley Mid-century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous Dunbar chair designed by Edward Wormley. This lovely chair was reupholstered in a salmon chenille about 20 years ago and still looks great. The back cushion is filled with...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Edward Wormley Lounge Chair in Moss Green Wool Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar lounge chair with unique setback front legs, and clad in moss green wool upholstery. Extremely comfortable with deep seat cushion and slight angle of the th...
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wood, Wool

Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Tufted Lounge Chair for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern lounge chair designed by American furniture designer, Edward J. Wormley, for Dunbar in the United States circa 1950’s. This classic lounge chair is reupholstered i...
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Chesterfield Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A generously proportioned and highly comfortable rare Chesterfield club chair with button tufted upholstery.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Highback Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A high backed, button-tufted lounge chair in the original black leather upholstery with mahogany legs and side stretchers.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Edward Wormley lounge chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Edward Wormley lounge chairs 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 lounge chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original lounge chairs 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 lounge chairs by Dunbar, Charles and Ray Eames, and Herman Miller. Prices for Edward Wormley lounge chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,250 and can go as high as $44,995, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,200.

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