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Edward Wormley Sectional 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 Midcentury Sectional Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar midcentury sectional sofa This sofa measures: 165 wide x 29 deep x 28.5 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm h...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Party Sofas by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in Original Leather
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful pair of party sofas designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in original buttery soft light tan leather.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Leather

Sectional Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Sectional Sofas

Materials

Velvet, 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 Sectional Sofas

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Dunbar Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Sectional Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

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 Sectional Sofas

Materials

Brass

Related Items
Stunning Modernist Angled Sofa Attributed to Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Modernist angled sofa attributed to Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Solid brass legs, Amazing quality, construction and design. Retains original fabric. in need or restoration.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa, early design with great scale, spring seating system, reupholstered and rebuilt reupholstered with wool ...
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1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

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Upholstery

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa
H 31.5 in W 100 in D 37 in
Vintage Walnut Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Exceptional vintage walnut sofa designed by Edward Wornley and manufactured Dunbar in the United States, circa 1960s. Features an ergonomic structu...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Dunbar Tete a Tete Sofa by Edward Wormley, 1960
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Dunbar Tete a Tete Sofa by Edward Wormley, 1960. Newly reupholstered in a beautiful cut velvet. Tete a Tete is also on casters. Measures 91" long, 2...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Velvet

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 Sectional Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Edward Wormley light beige Tuxedo Sofa for Dunbar, USA 1960s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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 Sectional 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 Sectional Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Janus Sofa #6329 by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Sectional Sofas

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar, The Party Sofa, Model 5407, for Reupholstery.
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Oakland, CA
Mid-century sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Party sofa, Model 5407, United States, 1950. Crafted with a solid wood frame and inner spring seats, this sofa is upholstered ...
Category

1650s American Mid-Century Modern Antique Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Edward Wormley for Dunbar 'Oasis' Sofa in Camel Wool
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 'Oasis' sofa, model '5200', reupholstered in The Sign 'Sea Breeze' 430 flax wool, mahogany, United States, 1952 The 'Oasis' sofa (1952) is designed by Ed...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Edward Wormley Bracket Back Sofa, Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Raleigh, NC
Classic bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley produced by Dunbar. Newly upholstered in mohair velvet with new foam.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

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 Sectional Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Down

Previously Available Items
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Split Arm Sofas
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Split Arm Sofas with bracket back supports in solid mahogany with exposed brass screws. We reupholstereded with Great ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Dunbar Oasis Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Early and rare oasis sofa model #5200 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Pair available.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Dunbar Oasis Sofa by Edward Wormley
Dunbar Oasis Sofa by Edward Wormley
H 30 in W 104 in D 52 in
Dunbar Oasis Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Early and rare oasis sofa model #5200 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored and upholstered in Donghia mohair.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Mohair

Dunbar Oasis Sofa by Edward Wormley
Dunbar Oasis Sofa by Edward Wormley
H 30 in W 104 in D 52 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 6329A Large Angled Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
The larger of the two sizes, this model 6329A angled sofa retains its original fabric in wonderful condition. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Mahogany stretcher base.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-Century Modern Dunbar E. Wormley 3PC Sectional Sofa with Rare Corner Unit
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in West Hartford, CT
Magnificent, newly upholstered Dunbar Mid-Century Modern sectional sofa, three pieces in all, with one of the pieces being the rare Edward Wormley beechwood mahogany corner unit. The...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Textile, Beech, Mahogany

Mid-Century Modern Dunbar E. Wormley 3 Pc Sectional Sofa with Rare Corner Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in West Hartford, CT
Magnificent, newly upholstered Dunbar Mid-Century Modern sectional sofa, three pieces in all, with one of the pieces being the rare Edward Wormley beechwood corner table. The gold up...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Beech, Fabric, Textile

Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofas
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofas, model no.488, features slight curved back and angled wing arms. Reupholstered with gre...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Sectional Sofa with Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, L Shape, Reversable
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Four piece sectional sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. Curved center / corner section plus two seat section, one seat section and one ottoman. This can be configured...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

Huge Sectional Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar (Upholstery needed)
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare sectional sofa designed by Edward Wormley, manufactured by Dunbar. The sofa consists of three parts - two three-seater and one one-seater - which can be put together arbitrarily...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa Set 5526-3 and 5525 Mid-Century Modern Sectional
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Company sofa set of two, featuring 5526-3 (double cushion, armless) sofa and 5525 (Left-Arm) sofa. Dunbar 5525 / “Knowland” collection...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Materials

Textile, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Angled "Janus" Sofa Model 6329
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Houston, TX
Gorgeous and unique modern wide angle sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar for their "Janus" collection, model #6329. In original upholstery.
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Mid-Century Modern Rare Dunbar Two-Piece Sectional Sofa by Edward Wormley, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a fantastic, two-piece, sectional sofa, on a unique, wooden base, by Dunbar. In original nubby oatmeal wool blend fabric. In excellent condition. The dimens...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sectional Sofas

Edward Wormley sectional sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Edward Wormley sectional 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 sectional sofas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sectional sofas by Edward Wormley were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sectional sofas by Dunbar, Paul McCobb, and Craft Associates. Prices for Edward Wormley sectional sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $5,195 and can go as high as $48,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $22,250.

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