Edward Wormley Seating
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
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Dunbar Lounge Chairs Model 609 by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of rare lounge chairs model 609 designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Original leather-like vinyl upholstery on Ash frame with brass hardware.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Leather, Ash
Eight Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horseshoe Model 935 Armchairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning and increasingly rare set of eight armchairs by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950's. Wormley served as the design director of DUNBAR for over 30...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood, Walnut
Pair of Lounge Chairs on Brass Legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A classic pair of Dunbar high back lounge chair on brass legs designed by Edward Wormley. Fully restored and upholstered in a deep blue chenille fabric.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Brass
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of mahogany based slipper chairs upholstered in a champagne silk velvet. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pair of Armchairs in Pink Striped Upholstery
By Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, pair of armchairs, stained ash, fabric, United States, 1960s
These armchairs are designed by Edward Wormley for the furniture company Dunbar in the sixtie...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Fabric, Ash
Ten Edward Wormley for Dunbar Horseshoe Model 935 Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning and increasingly rare set of ten armchairs by the esteemed Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950's. Wormley served as the design director of DUNBAR for over 30 y...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood, Walnut
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of slipper chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Fully restored.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Twelve Dunbar Greene
Greene Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An extremely rare set of twelve dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Known as the Greene & Greene chair for it's crafted look with exposed tenon crest rail, rosewood ...
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs in Holly Hunt Great Plains Weave
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of iconic slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. We have reupholstered these in a Holly HUnt Great Plains woven fabric of very high quality. Colors include mainly off-wh...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Slipper Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
“Furniture is needed for practical reasons, and because it must be there, it may as well be as pleasant as possible to look at, and in a less definable psychological way, comforting ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Bouclé, Mahogany
$14,680 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tufted
Party
Club Chair in Black Leather
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, lounge chair model 'Party', leather, wood, United States, 1960s.
Rare black leather 'Party Chair' by American designer Edward Wormley. This armchair has a...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Thebes
Stools in Bouclé, Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare pair of 'Thebes' stools Model no. 5002 designed by Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar of Berne, Indiana. These iconic benches are the epitome of fine craftsmanship. These are in gre...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
Set of 10 Spindle Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A classic set of ten (10) dining chairs, each features solid walnut wood construction, spindle back detail with brass stretchers. Set includes 8 side chairs and 2 armchairs, all reta...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane Back and Brass Armchair
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
Edward Wormley for Dunbar cane back and brass armchair. Circa 1950's.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Cane, Oak
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 Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
$5,200 / set
Mid-Century Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful and elegant pair of armless slipper chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This set appears to have been reupholstered (beautifully and professionally) at some point...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Set of Four Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of four cane back dining chairs with mahogany frames. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Beautifully restored.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Cane
Twelve Edward Wormley Dining Chairs by Dunbar, Restored
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A handsome set of two arm chairs model no. 4593 and ten side chairs model no. 4592, making a full set of twelve chairs. Resigned by Edward Wormley and manufactured by Dunbar, USA. Th...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Brass
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$14,999 Sale Price
20% Off
Edward Wormley Antler Chairs for Dunbar, Model 5580
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design antler dining chairs for Dunbar, Model 5580.
Rare and attractive design chair by Wormley in the height of his design career. Frames are bleached mahogany with...
Category
1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
$12,000 / set
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 Seating
Materials
Leather
Set of 4 Edward Wormley Janus Lounge Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
The Edward Wormley 5701 chair for Dunbar's Janus Collection is a true masterpiece of mid-century modern design. This stunning chair is upholstered in a Holly Hunt's Great Plains heav...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Brass
$28,000 / set
Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of button-tufted slipper chairs on espresso colored frames with loose lumbar pillows designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Company. Please confirm item location (NY or...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Edward Wormley Toadstool for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Amarillo, TX
Edward Wormley
Toadstool ottoman
Dunbar.
Stained oak, enameled steel, wool.
USA
38 D x 15 H inches.
Edward Wormley for Dunbar toadstool ottoman upholstered in wool.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Wool, Wood
Pair of Dunbar Thebes Stools by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully restored pair of Dunbar Thebes stools designed by Edward Wormley.
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Mahogany
$7,500 / set
Pair of Edward Wormley Leather Armchairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
These gorgeous Wormley revolving/swivel lounge chairs model no. 5609, are truly exceptional. Distinctive Design by a Mid-Century Modern Master, showcasing Wormley's signature blend o...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
$19,430 / set
Set of Palle Suenson Side Table in Solid Teak with Edward Wormley Armchairs
By Edward Wormley, Robert Sonneman
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Palle Suenson, side table, teak, Denmark, c. 1940
Striking Scandinavian Modern side table by Danish architect and designer Palle Suenson (1904-1987). This particular table is spec...
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Metal
Pair of Edward Wormley armchairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of Edward Wormley armchairs
Category
1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$6,600 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs in French Fabric
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of iconic slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. We have reupholstered these in a French woven fabric of very high quality. Colors include off-white, black , taupe and a...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
A Pair of Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs with tufted upholstery and matching lumbar pillow. The seat issuing square front legs and splayed back legs. Upholstery as is.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Dunbar Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar “Gold Tag” slipper chairs, in a weaved off-white and light wheat colored Chenille fabric. Together with two pillows and tufted button design. Dark w...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Foam, Walnut, Fabric
$9,800 / set
A-frame Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
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 Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
$7,200 / item
Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless button tufted lounge chair of generous proportion having exposed walnut base. Model: 5000.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,600 / item
Architectural Designer Desk Chair By Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Architectural Designer Desk Chair By Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Wood shows some wear. I think will benefit from some touching up from a refinishe...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Wood
Armless Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1957
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 Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Swiveling Barrel Back Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair (2) of continuous arm swivel chairs in laminated walnut having tan button tufted leather cushions and a cruciform stretcher detail.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Leather, Walnut
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar 4872a Lounge Chair With Solid Aluminum Legs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A 1950s model 4872A lounge chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. This chair comes from the recently demolished Edward Mccormick Blair House in Chicago Illinois desig...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Aluminum
Lacquered Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1948
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 Seating
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Category
20th Century Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Armless
Sled
Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1934
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless sofa or bench or banquet on laminated mahogany "sled" feet.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of Four Panel-Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of four (4) mahogany panel-back chairs retaining their original leather upholstery. Dunbar item no. 6337.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Mahogany, Leather
A-frame Armchair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A horseshoe back armchair with white leather upholstery and ebonized mahogany frame.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Model 6328 Elegant Dunbar High Back Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized mahogany dining chair with twisted front legs, with an upholstered high back rest and oval seat.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Upholstery
Highback Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Seating
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Dunbar Model No. 294W Desk Chair / Dining Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Deland, FL
The Model No. 294W chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar is the intersection of sophistication and quality. The frame is crafted from mahogany and the seat is found in period upholstery.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Edward Wormley seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Edward Wormley seating 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 seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating 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 seating by Dunbar, Milo Baughman, and Adrian Pearsall. Prices for Edward Wormley seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $760 and can go as high as $119,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,500.
Creators Similar to Edward Wormley
Questions About Edward Wormley Seating
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024Edward 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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