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Edward Wormley Loveseats

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
Pair of Edward Wormley Dunbar Love Seats Sofas Jack Lenor Larsen
Pair of Edward Wormley Dunbar Love Seats Sofas Jack Lenor Larsen

Pair of Edward Wormley Dunbar Love Seats Sofas Jack Lenor Larsen

By Edward Wormley

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Excellent pair of Edward Wormley designed for Dunbar love seat sofas. They retain their original Jack Lenor Larsen velvet fabric in close to excellent...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Loveseat Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Loveseat Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Loveseat Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Stunning signed Dunbar 2 seater loveseat sofa. This piece is upholstered in it's original celery green woven wool in very nice to excellent condition. The loose seat cushions are qui...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Edward Wormley Pair of Sofas / Settees
Edward Wormley Pair of Sofas / Settees

Edward Wormley Pair of Sofas / Settees

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Highland, IN

These lovely, lightly scaled sofas or loveseats designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, are not only an uncommon form, having a matched pair available is also very rare. They are stru...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Loveseat Settee Sofa
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Loveseat Settee Sofa

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Loveseat Settee Sofa

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Mahogany Loveseat Settee Sofa This loveseat measures: 51 wide x 32.5 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 22.5 inc...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Modern Tweed & Mahogany Bracket Back Sofa

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By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Dayton, OH

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Atomic Era Bracket Back Sofa, circa 1950s. Features streamlined track arms, original tweed plaid button tufted upholstery and two large seat cushions. The...

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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa M#261 with Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa M#261 with Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa M#261 with Original Jack Lenor Larsen Upholstery

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley, Jack Lenor Larsen

Located in St. Louis, MO

Classic mid-century modern sofa designed by Edward Wormley from his 1958 Dunbar - Conversation Pieces Collection, this sofa model #261 still has its original Jack Lenor Larsen colorf...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

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Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar “Tête-à-Tête” Sofa, Model 5009, circa 1955 Mid Century
Edward Wormley for Dunbar “Tête-à-Tête” Sofa, Model 5009, circa 1955 Mid Century

Edward Wormley for Dunbar “Tête-à-Tête” Sofa, Model 5009, circa 1955 Mid Century

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Philadelphia, PA

An elegant and sculptural Tête-à-Tête sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1955. This iconic mid-century design exemplifies Wormley’s mastery of proportion and his abili...

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Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Loveseats

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Pair of Mahogany Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Pair of Mahogany Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Pair of Mahogany Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Chicago, IL

A sophisticated pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern armchairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. Elegant yet simple, the chairs are crafted with solid mahogany framing f...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Loveseats

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Edward Wormley Model 4907 Sofa by Dunbar
Edward Wormley Model 4907 Sofa by Dunbar

Edward Wormley Model 4907 Sofa by Dunbar

$12,000

H 29 in W 108 in D 36 in

Edward Wormley Model 4907 Sofa by Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Highland, IN

In our opinion, this Ed Wormely design for Dunbar is one of the most spectacular sofas ever made. Modern, classic, and timeless... this form transcends styles, genres and eras. Nine ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

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Danish 1960s Midcentury Settee in Teak and Leather
Danish 1960s Midcentury Settee in Teak and Leather

Danish 1960s Midcentury Settee in Teak and Leather

By Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen, France & Daverkosen

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Beautiful and elegant small 1950s easy style Danish settee with the frame, legs and armrests in solid teak. Very high design quality and workmanship. The piece is unmarked but the de...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Teak, Leather

Edward Wormley for Dunbar 6392A Mid Century Janus Sofa
Edward Wormley for Dunbar 6392A Mid Century Janus Sofa

Edward Wormley for Dunbar 6392A Mid Century Janus Sofa

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edward Wormley for Dunbar 6392A Mid Century Janus Sofa This sofa measures: 103 wide x 34 deep x 31.25 inches high, with a seat height of 16 inches Great Vintage Condition - Sofa Ba...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Upholstery

Edward Wormley Slipper Sofa for Dunbar
Edward Wormley Slipper Sofa for Dunbar

Edward Wormley Slipper Sofa for Dunbar

$7,500

H 32.5 in W 73 in D 30.5 in

Edward Wormley Slipper Sofa for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Denton, TX

Edward Wormley slipper sofa for Dunbar with off white upholstery and ebonized bentwood legs. Older restoration.

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1950s Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Settee or Sofa
1950s Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Settee or Sofa

1950s Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Settee or Sofa

By Paul McCobb

Located in St. Louis, MO

Paul McCobb for Planner Group loveseat, settee or sofa. Upholstery needs to be updated as it has stains, foam is good. Price includes refinishing of legs. Measures: Seat 16" H, arm 1...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

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Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Janus Sofas - Pair
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Janus Sofas - Pair

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Janus Sofas - Pair

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Janus Sofas - Pair Each sofa measures: 82 wide x 36 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height 17 inches Great Vintage Condition - Upholstery i...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Loveseats

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'LC2' Black Leather Settee Sofa Loveseat by Le Corbusier for Cassina, Signed
'LC2' Black Leather Settee Sofa Loveseat by Le Corbusier for Cassina, Signed

'LC2' Black Leather Settee Sofa Loveseat by Le Corbusier for Cassina, Signed

$9,500Sale Price|24% Off

H 26.5 in W 51 in D 27.5 in

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By Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Cassina

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This incredibly comfortable Le Corbusier for Cassina 'LC2' two-seat loveseat sofa, signed (see pics, in gorgeous thick Italian black leather on chrome steel frame is in beautiful vin...

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1990s Italian Bauhaus Edward Wormley Loveseats

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Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Edward Wormley
Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Edward Wormley

Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Edward Wormley

$5,110

H 27.5 in W 87 in D 31.5 in

Dunbar Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Edward Wormley

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

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 Loveseats

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut Sofa
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut Sofa

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut Sofa

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 97 wide x 33 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 28 inches Fair Vintage Conditio...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Edward Wormley Dunbar Sofa
Edward Wormley Dunbar Sofa

Edward Wormley Dunbar Sofa

$4,130

H 28 in W 96 in D 32.5 in

Edward Wormley Dunbar Sofa

By Edward Wormley

Located in Norwalk, CT

An elegant Mid-Century Modern sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, embodying the designer's signature balance of refined sophistication and exceptional comfort. With its clean...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Midcentury Settee, possibly Finn Juhl /Niels Vodder
Midcentury Settee, possibly Finn Juhl /Niels Vodder

Midcentury Settee, possibly Finn Juhl /Niels Vodder

By Finn Juhl

Located in Richmond, VA

Great, sleek midcentury settee recently upholstered. No markings but very similar to Niels Vodder's model NV53.

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Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Loveseats

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Previously Available Items
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Loveseat in Grey Velvet, circa  1950s
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Loveseat in Grey Velvet, circa  1950s

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Loveseat in Grey Velvet, circa 1950s

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Westport, CT

Mid-Century Modern Loveseat designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored and reupholstered in grey cotton velvet by Holly Hunt. Other designers...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

Gondola Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, 1950s
Gondola Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, 1950s

Gondola Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, 1950s

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Chicago, IL

A Gondola sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar’s Janus Collection in the 1950s. This sculptural sofa features angled arms and a floating back attached to the base with walnut s...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Mid-Century 1950s Designed Dunbar for Modern Love Seat or Settee
Edward Wormley Mid-Century 1950s Designed Dunbar for Modern Love Seat or Settee

Edward Wormley Mid-Century 1950s Designed Dunbar for Modern Love Seat or Settee

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in St. Louis, MO

Edward Wormley love seat or settee from his Dunbar for Modern collection, one of his early fully modern furniture collections. This love seat ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Vintage Walnut Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Vintage Walnut Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Vintage Walnut Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Sold

H 31.25 in W 90.25 in D 35 in

Vintage Walnut Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Exceptional vintage walnut sofa designed by Edward Wornley and manufactured by Dunbar in the United States, circa 1960s. It features an ergonomic s...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Settee
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Settee

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Settee

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid-century settee. The settee measures: 48.5 wide x 32 deep x 28 high, with a seat height of 16 inches and arm height of 23.25 inches. All pieces of ...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Dunbar Midcentury Loveseat with Larsen Fabric by Edward Wormley
Dunbar Midcentury Loveseat with Larsen Fabric by Edward Wormley

Dunbar Midcentury Loveseat with Larsen Fabric by Edward Wormley

By Edward Wormley

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A well constructed handcrafted midcentury love seat with original Jack Lenor Larsen 2 way nap velvet fabric sitting on ebony tone mahogany legs a...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Velvet

Edward Wormley Loveseat "Short Sofa" Terry Chenille Fabric
Edward Wormley Loveseat "Short Sofa" Terry Chenille Fabric

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 Loveseats

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 6329A Angled Sofa
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 6329A Angled Sofa

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 6329A Angled Sofa

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Pawtucket, RI

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 6329A Angled Sofa. Completely restored.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Dunbar Chesterfield Sofa
Dunbar Chesterfield Sofa

Dunbar Chesterfield Sofa

Sold

H 23.5 in W 102 in D 36 in

Dunbar Chesterfield Sofa

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Chicago, IL

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chesterfield sofa, reupholstered in spinney beck leather.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Leather

Loveseat or Settee by Edward Wormley Restored to Perfection Knoll Upholstery
Loveseat or Settee by Edward Wormley Restored to Perfection Knoll Upholstery

Loveseat or Settee by Edward Wormley Restored to Perfection Knoll Upholstery

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Kansas City, MO

Rare armless love seat by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Classic Wormley floating bracket design with mahogany legs. This very comfortable settee has been fully restored and reupholstere...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Settee or Loveseat, New Upholstery and Excellent
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Settee or Loveseat, New Upholstery and Excellent

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Settee or Loveseat, New Upholstery and Excellent

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Kansas City, MO

Elegant love seat designed by Edward Wormley. Reupholstered in an ivory cotton and wool blend Kravet fabric. All new foam, down and batting. Seat cushions are foam and back cushions ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Dunbar Short Sofa
Dunbar Short Sofa

Dunbar Short Sofa

Sold

H 30 in W 54.5 in D 28.5 in

Dunbar Short Sofa

By Edward Wormley

Located in San Francisco, CA

Edward Wormley design short sofa for Dunbar on a mahogany bracket foot frame and a double barrel back. Completely refinished and newly upholstered in deep...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

Materials

Mahogany, Wool

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Love Seat Sofa
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Love Seat Sofa

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Love Seat Sofa

Sold

H 29 in W 68 in D 33 in

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Love Seat Sofa

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Hanover, MA

Chic early 1960's two cushion love seat sofa with original upholstery and original Dunbar decking, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Two down fill...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Loveseats

Edward Wormley loveseats for sale on 1stDibs.

Edward Wormley loveseats 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 loveseats, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original loveseats by Edward Wormley were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider loveseats by Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates, and Milo Baughman. Prices for Edward Wormley loveseats can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,000 and can go as high as $19,200, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $9,000.

Creators Similar to Edward Wormley

Questions About Edward Wormley Loveseats

  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    Edward Wormley used a variety of materials over the course of his career. Among them were laminated wood, brass, marble and silk. Not an axiomatic modernist, Wormley deeply appreciated traditional design, and consequently, his vintage seating, storage cabinets, bar carts and other work have an understated warmth and a timeless quality that sets them apart from other furnishings of the era. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Edward Wormley furniture.