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Edward Wormley 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
Pair of Mahogany Sofas / Daybeds by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Pair of Mahogany Sofas / Daybeds by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Pair of Mahogany Sofas / Daybeds by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

$32,000 / set

Pair of Mahogany Sofas / Daybeds by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley

Located in Dallas, TX

A rare pair of mahogany framed sofas / daybeds designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Reupholstered in Zink / Sappheo / Cypress.

Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley Mid-Century Sofa, Leopard Print Vinyl, Walnut Legs, USA
Edward Wormley Mid-Century Sofa, Leopard Print Vinyl, Walnut Legs, USA

Edward Wormley Mid-Century Sofa, Leopard Print Vinyl, Walnut Legs, USA

$25,500

Edward Wormley Mid-Century Sofa, Leopard Print Vinyl, Walnut Legs, USA

By Edward Wormley

Located in Queens, NY

American Mid-Century three seat sofa, upholstered in a brown and black leopard print vinyl with two removable seat cushions, resting on three sets of square walnut legs. (EDWARD J WO...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ivory Velvet Sofa w Hexagonal Walnut Legs, 1950s
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ivory Velvet Sofa w Hexagonal Walnut Legs, 1950s

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ivory Velvet Sofa w Hexagonal Walnut Legs, 1950s

$11,000

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Ivory Velvet Sofa w Hexagonal Walnut Legs, 1950s

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An elegant Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa (1950s), produced in Berne, Indiana, and embodying the designer's celebrated ability to balance refined modernism with timeless comfort. Res...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Edward Wormley Three-Seat Sofa, Striped Upholstery, Mid-Century Design
Edward Wormley Three-Seat Sofa, Striped Upholstery, Mid-Century Design

Edward Wormley Three-Seat Sofa, Striped Upholstery, Mid-Century Design

$14,800

Edward Wormley Three-Seat Sofa, Striped Upholstery, Mid-Century Design

By Edward Wormley

Located in Queens, NY

American Mid-Century 3-seat sofa with beige, light green, and brown striped upholstery with three back and three seat cushions. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE COMPANY).  

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery

Dunbar Sofa by Edward Wormley on Brass Legs
Dunbar Sofa by Edward Wormley on Brass Legs

Dunbar Sofa by Edward Wormley on Brass Legs

$5,500

Dunbar Sofa by Edward Wormley on Brass Legs

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Chicago, IL

Fully restored in beautiful fog grey mohair over polished brass legs. Sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950s.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa

$16,795

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa This sofa measures: 86 wide x 29 deep x 27.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 22.75 inches ...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Handsome Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa Model 4906 Mid-Century Modern
Handsome Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa Model 4906 Mid-Century Modern

Handsome Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa Model 4906 Mid-Century Modern

$9,600Sale Price|20% Off

Handsome Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa Model 4906 Mid-Century Modern

By Edward Wormley

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Handsome even arm sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with brass legs. Model 4906. This piece retains its original fun fur teddy bear fabric in usable condition. The foam in cushions ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa in Dijon Colored Mohair
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa in Dijon Colored Mohair

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa in Dijon Colored Mohair

$15,600Sale Price|20% Off

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa in Dijon Colored Mohair

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Dallas, TX

Beautifully updated and restored. The iconic bracket back sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This has been reupholstered in a stunning high-quality mohair. Color is listed as "Dijon"...

Category

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

Materials

Mohair, Mahogany

Edward Wormley Open Frame Sofa, Dunbar, USA, 1950s
Edward Wormley Open Frame Sofa, Dunbar, USA, 1950s

Edward Wormley Open Frame Sofa, Dunbar, USA, 1950s

$8,293

Edward Wormley Open Frame Sofa, Dunbar, USA, 1950s

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Lewes, East Sussex

A very rare two-seat Edward Wormley open frame sofa, made by Dunbar, in the USA, 1950s. Newly reupholstered in high quality fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.

Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Bracket Back Sofa
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Bracket Back Sofa

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Bracket Back Sofa

$16,000

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 486 Bracket Back Sofa

By Edward Wormley

Located in Dallas, TX

A rare bracket back model 486 sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored and reupholstered.

Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 495 Sofa, Mahogany, Mid-Century
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 495 Sofa, Mahogany, Mid-Century

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 495 Sofa, Mahogany, Mid-Century

$17,500

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 495 Sofa, Mahogany, Mid-Century

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Dallas, TX

This sofa has beautiful lines and a gently curved back. A true classic. The fabric is original and in very good condition. It is a rich and high-quality texture that looks like embro...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Party Sofa Model 5407 in Black Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Party Sofa Model 5407 in Black Leather

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Party Sofa Model 5407 in Black Leather

$15,500

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Party Sofa Model 5407 in Black Leather

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Toledo, OH

Iconic 1950's party sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. This is the Model 5407 Chesterfield style sofa in black leather. Original leather. The wide arms and long le...

Category

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

Materials

Leather

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa

$6,095

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Bracket Back Sofa This sofa measures: 91 wide x 32 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 23 inches Great Vintage C...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Sectional Velvet Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA
Mid-Century Modern Sectional Velvet Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA

Mid-Century Modern Sectional Velvet Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA

$48,000

Mid-Century Modern Sectional Velvet Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

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 Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Walnut, Upholstery

Dunbar Angle Sofa #4756 on Aluminum Legs
Dunbar Angle Sofa #4756 on Aluminum Legs

Dunbar Angle Sofa #4756 on Aluminum Legs

$14,000

Dunbar Angle Sofa #4756 on Aluminum Legs

By Edward Wormley

Located in Dallas, TX

A gutter back armless sofa on aluminum legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt, Lush, Foggy velvet.

Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Edward Wormley Bracket-Back Sofa for Dunbar, Mahogany & Bouclé, 1950s
Edward Wormley Bracket-Back Sofa for Dunbar, Mahogany & Bouclé, 1950s

Edward Wormley Bracket-Back Sofa for Dunbar, Mahogany & Bouclé, 1950s

$11,994

Edward Wormley Bracket-Back Sofa for Dunbar, Mahogany & Bouclé, 1950s

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in San Diego, CA

Introducing the newly restored Bracket-Back three-seat sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar—a refined expression of mid-century modern design that balances architectural presence with e...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut, Bouclé

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

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Janus Sofa

$23,395

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Janus Sofa

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Janus Sofa This sofa measures: 82 wide x 36 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height 17 inches Great Vintage Condition - Upholstery is in Exc...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley and Produced by Dunbar
Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley and Produced by Dunbar

Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley and Produced by Dunbar

$9,500

Sofa Designed by Edward Wormley and Produced by Dunbar

By Edward Wormley

Located in Stamford, CT

A newly upholstered sofa made by Dunbar and designed by Edward Wormley, circa 1965.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Walnut

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

Edward Wormley Slipper Sofa for Dunbar

$7,500

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.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Bentwood, Upholstery

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

$45,495 / set

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...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Edward Wormley Sofa, Edward Wormley Estate Weston Ct
Edward Wormley Sofa, Edward Wormley Estate Weston Ct

Edward Wormley Sofa, Edward Wormley Estate Weston Ct

$16,500

Edward Wormley Sofa, Edward Wormley Estate Weston Ct

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Westport, CT

Edward Wormley, three-seat sofa polished brass leg from Wormley Weston Ct estate. Chenille fabric, model 5512.

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Ed Wormley for Dunbar Sofa
Ed Wormley for Dunbar Sofa

Ed Wormley for Dunbar Sofa

$5,400

Ed Wormley for Dunbar Sofa

By Edward Wormley

Located in Southampton, NJ

Sofa designed by Ed Wormley for Dunbar model 4906 reupholstered in Maharam Kvadrat grey wool textured hopsack. Backrests are down & seat is high quality foam with hand tied frame spr...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Wool, Wood

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

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 Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Edward Wormley Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa in Brown Tufted Fabric
Edward Wormley Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa in Brown Tufted Fabric

Edward Wormley Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa in Brown Tufted Fabric

$16,400

Edward Wormley Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa in Brown Tufted Fabric

By Edward Wormley

Located in Queens, NY

American mid-century 3-seat sofa with brown button tufted fabric upholstery, and two removable seat cushions resting on a floating wooden base. (EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR FURNITURE C...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Midcentury #5526 Wormley Dunbar Armless Sofa
Midcentury #5526 Wormley Dunbar Armless Sofa

Midcentury #5526 Wormley Dunbar Armless Sofa

$7,120Sale Price|20% Off

Midcentury #5526 Wormley Dunbar Armless Sofa

By Edward Wormley

Located in Pasadena, TX

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 still preserving the nostalgic touch of intimacy, warmth, and detail. Wormley attended the Art Institute of Chicago in 1926. After attending there he worked for Marshall Field`s Design Studio in 1930, and then a year later he began working for Dunbar. His collaboration with Dunbar made him a household name for decades. His first Dunbar chairs, produced in 1932, were reproductions of antique designs, but when they became popular Wormley augmented the set with new pieces to form a full line of furniture for almost every room in the house. He was given a contract under which he would produce two lines of furniture each year, one traditional and one modern 5526 Knowland vintage 6 ft midcentury Dunbar armless sofa...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Wool

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Party Sofa Model 5407 in Dark Gray Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Party Sofa Model 5407 in Dark Gray Leather

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Party Sofa Model 5407 in Dark Gray Leather

$16,000

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Party Sofa Model 5407 in Dark Gray Leather

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Dallas, TX

Edward Wormley's iconic party sofa for Dunbar. Reupholstered in dark gray leather. A super comfortable sofa with loads of style. A design class...

Category

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

Materials

Leather

Edward Wormley sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Edward Wormley 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 sofas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sofas 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 sofas by Dunbar, Knoll, and Adrian Pearsall. Prices for Edward Wormley sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,000 and can go as high as $48,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,000.

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Questions About Edward Wormley Sofas
  • What materials did Edward Wormley use?
    1 Answer
    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.

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