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

Edward Wormley Model 4907 Sofa by Dunbar

$12,000

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 Sofas

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Dunbar Sofa
Edward Wormley Dunbar Sofa

Edward Wormley Dunbar Sofa

$12,000

Edward Wormley Dunbar Sofa

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

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 Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

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 Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

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

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 for Dunbar model 4623 Sofa
Edward Wormley for Dunbar model 4623 Sofa

Edward Wormley for Dunbar model 4623 Sofa

$14,000

Edward Wormley for Dunbar model 4623 Sofa

By Edward Wormley

Located in Dallas, TX

A rare model 4623 sofa with bleached mahogany base designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored and reupholstered in mohair.

Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Mohair

Rare Dunbar Sofa Model 5316 by Edward Wormley. Original Orange Upholstery
Rare Dunbar Sofa Model 5316 by Edward Wormley. Original Orange Upholstery

Rare Dunbar Sofa Model 5316 by Edward Wormley. Original Orange Upholstery

$22,500

Rare Dunbar Sofa Model 5316 by Edward Wormley. Original Orange Upholstery

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Kansas City, MO

Very rare and desirable sofa Model 5316 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. This completely original example is in very good condition. No tears, holes or stains to the o...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Aluminum

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

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

$8,077

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 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

Edward Wormley 1950s Mid-Century Designed Dunbar for Modern 3 Seat Sofa
Edward Wormley 1950s Mid-Century Designed Dunbar for Modern 3 Seat Sofa

Edward Wormley 1950s Mid-Century Designed Dunbar for Modern 3 Seat Sofa

$3,500

Edward Wormley 1950s Mid-Century Designed Dunbar for Modern 3 Seat Sofa

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in St. Louis, MO

Edward Wormley three seat on tapered walnut legs is from his Dunbar for Modern collection, one of his early fully modern furniture collections. This sofa, was reupholstered by the original owners, in the late 90s to fit their new southwest decor...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

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 Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

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 Brown Tufted Floating Three-Seat Sofa
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Brown Tufted Floating Three-Seat Sofa

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Brown Tufted Floating Three-Seat Sofa

$16,400

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Brown Tufted Floating Three-Seat Sofa

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

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Armless “Morris” Settees
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Armless “Morris” Settees

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Armless “Morris” Settees

$11,900 / set

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Armless “Morris” Settees

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Rare pair of settees designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. Settees feature an armless profile complete with two mahogany "sled" like legs. These occasionally come up in so...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Bentwood

Edward Wormley Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa with Leopard Print Vinyl
Edward Wormley Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa with Leopard Print Vinyl

Edward Wormley Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa with Leopard Print Vinyl

$25,500

Edward Wormley Mid-Century Three-Seat Sofa with Leopard Print Vinyl

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

1950s 98" Edward Wormley for Dunbar 5526 armless sofa Mohair and Wool
1950s 98" Edward Wormley for Dunbar 5526 armless sofa Mohair and Wool

1950s 98" Edward Wormley for Dunbar 5526 armless sofa Mohair and Wool

$12,500

1950s 98" Edward Wormley for Dunbar 5526 armless sofa Mohair and Wool

By Edward Wormley

Located in Virginia Beach, VA

A 1950s iconic armless sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture model 5526. Reupholstered in a green mohair base with neutral diagonal striped wool loose cushions. A ver...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Mohair

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar no. 4756 wing shaped sofa in Mohair and Brass
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar no. 4756 wing shaped sofa in Mohair and Brass

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar no. 4756 wing shaped sofa in Mohair and Brass

$10,500

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar no. 4756 wing shaped sofa in Mohair and Brass

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Virginia Beach, VA

A rare offering from Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. This wing shaped sofa, model 4756, was reupholstered in a moss colored mohair and sits on 10" solid brass stiletto legs. Ele...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Brass

Dunbar Edward Wormley Deep Blue Alpaca Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Dunbar Edward Wormley Deep Blue Alpaca Sofa Mid-Century Modern

Dunbar Edward Wormley Deep Blue Alpaca Sofa Mid-Century Modern

$16,000

Dunbar Edward Wormley Deep Blue Alpaca Sofa Mid-Century Modern

By Edward Wormley

Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI

SALE ONE WEEK ONLY Rare Mid-Century Rich Royal Blue Alpaca Three-seat Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar sits on square chrome legs. It has one tufted seat cushion and three loose ba...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

vintage sofa Edward Wormley Dux sofa "New York"
vintage sofa Edward Wormley Dux sofa "New York"

vintage sofa Edward Wormley Dux sofa "New York"

$14,397Sale Price|20% Off

vintage sofa Edward Wormley Dux sofa "New York"

By Edward Wormley, Dux of Sweden

Located in Lemmer, NL

vintage sofa Edward Wormley Dux sofa "New York" Rare sofa by American designer Edward J. Wormley, designed in 1952 for Dunbar Furniture USA. Produced at Ljungs Industrier / DUX C...

Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Reupholstered Edward Wormley “New York” Sofa for Dunbar, DUX, Mid-Century Modern
Reupholstered Edward Wormley “New York” Sofa for Dunbar, DUX, Mid-Century Modern

Reupholstered Edward Wormley “New York” Sofa for Dunbar, DUX, Mid-Century Modern

$17,996

Reupholstered Edward Wormley “New York” Sofa for Dunbar, DUX, Mid-Century Modern

By Dux of Sweden, Edward Wormley

Located in Göteborg, SE

A elegant “New York” (model 5316) sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, produced at Ljungs Industrier / DUX in the 1950s. This iconic mid-century modern piece features a beauti...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Fabulous 2-Piece Edward Wormley Dunbar Long Low Mid-Century Sofa
Fabulous 2-Piece Edward Wormley Dunbar Long Low Mid-Century Sofa

Fabulous 2-Piece Edward Wormley Dunbar Long Low Mid-Century Sofa

$10,000 / set

Fabulous 2-Piece Edward Wormley Dunbar Long Low Mid-Century Sofa

By Edward Wormley

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Fabulous 2 piece long low Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa. This is perfect for you designers who need to reupholster. The bones are magnificent but the fabric needs updating. Long ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

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

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

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa Mid Century Modern
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa Mid Century Modern

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa Mid Century Modern

$9,900

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bracket Back Sofa Mid Century Modern

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Exceptional 1950s Mid-Century Modern bracket back sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, ( it has no label or maker’s mark). This iconic piece showcases Wormley’s timeless sophi...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Ed Wormley for Dunbar Sofa
Ed Wormley for Dunbar Sofa

Ed Wormley for Dunbar Sofa

$6,950

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

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 Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

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

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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