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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Creator: Edward Wormley
Returnable Items Only
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Club Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
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
Scarce Large Scale Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Edward Wormley designed for Dunbar Furniture.
Large scale highback lounge chairs featuring a carved front cushion, exaggerated size, over short, stubby mahogany legs accented wit...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Oak Armchairs, Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Modern sculpted oak club or lounge armchairs with unique original upholstery in geometric design
By Edward Wormley for Dunbar
USA, circa 1960s
...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
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 Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Pair of rare Edward Wormley Model "7211" lounge chairs, recently reupholstered in beige and gold marble-patterned tufted chenille with walnut stained frame and legs (circa 1975, for ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pull-Up Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar pull-up lounge chairs. Model 971 Jansus line collection.
Wormley's Boutique line. Original chocolate brown leather with...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather
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
Leather-Embossed Ash Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
1960s Leather Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Lacquered mahogany legs with newly reupholstered button tufted seat and back. ...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
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
Pair of "Janus" Wing Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of "Janus" wing chairs by Edward Wormley
A pair of wing chairs by Edward Wormley restored in a luxurious Rogers & Goffigan Belgian linen fabric. The mahogany base has been blea...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
Materials
Linen, Mahogany
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
Pair of Edward Wormley "Bucket Seat" Leather and Mahogany Club Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar camel leather and mahogany armchairs. Original channeled leather seats and backs with mahogany legs and stretchers. Rare design from Wormley and Dun...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Lounge Chairs in Mahogany and Velvet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of diminutive lounge chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, (circa 1947, USA). Pair includes brass caster wheels, which can easily be added or removed for better stability, as sho...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
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
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 Lounge Chairs
Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Tufted Lounge Chair for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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
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
Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This comfortable pair of Mid-Century slipper chairs feature the iconic design of Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Vintage fabric on simple modern frames make an impressive addition to home...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of Classic Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Frames redone in high gloss black lacquer finish. New upholstery. ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
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
Pair of Edward Wormley Walnut Open-Arm Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Lounge Chairs
Materials
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 Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
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
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
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
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
Pair of Edward Wormley Mahogany and Grey Wool Barrel Back Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar barrel back arm chairs in mahogany and blue/gray wool upholstery. Great understated design that reveals unique qualities, would...
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
Highback Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Attributed White Upholstered Lounge Chairs - a Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair White Upholstered Lounge Chairs in the style of Edward Wormley. Dimensions: H: 31 inches: W: 31 inches: D: 34 inches - Seat Height:...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Lounges Chairs in Knoll Boucle
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar pair of lounges chairs in Knoll Boucle, Newly reupholstered with solid oiled walnut cradle bases.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Walnut
Pair of Vintage Dunbar Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs feature stylish slipper design by iconic designer Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Bronze finish metal legs make a unique statement wh...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
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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Edward Wormley Stools
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Edward Wormley Side Chairs