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Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

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 Mid Century Slipper Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century slipper lounge chairs, Pair Each chair measures 23 wide x 32 deep x 32 high with a seat h...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Channel Back Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An unusual and early design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This channel back lounge chair has mahogany trim and aluminum legs. Fully restored and reupholstered in Designtex / Lambert ...
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of 1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane back Chairs model 5700a
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Pair of 1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar Cane back Chairs model 5700a. The continuous laminated ash legs wrap around the entire chair and form t...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Mahogany

Pair of Blue Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
1950's Classic American mid-century Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs model #127. With its timeless yet fashion-forward appeal these chairs are one of the most recognized desi...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Edward Wormley Teardrop Chairs for Dunbar, Model 5106
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design "Teardrop" lounge chairs, Model 5106 for Dunbar Furniture. Uniques shape chairs newly upholstered on polished and lacquered solid brass legs, ready to install.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Tufted Lounge Chair for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern lounge chair designed by American furniture designer, Edward J. Wormley, for Dunbar in the United States, circa 1950s. T...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chair circa 1950s with Original Upholstery
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Comfortable armless lounge slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in beautiful plaid upholstery. A true collectors piece with no modifications and in excellent vintage condition....
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chair and ottoman model 6142
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swiveling Lounge Chair and Ottoman. Early 60's design only produced for a short time! Never having seen one before is always a perk for a Mid-Century Deal...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs Manufactured by Dunbar Furniture Original Striped Fabric in clean condition Mahogany laminated base Marked Dunbar Fabric under seat cushion
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Mid Century Edward Wormley Dunbar Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-century modern stunning, beautiful, high quality lounge chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture. In stunning original upholstery fabric and high-density foam. An exceptional...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Edward Wormley For Dunbar "Morris" Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar multi position recliner known as the "Morris" chair. Classic reinterpretation the lounge chair has three positions. Mahogany in dark, original finish...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley "Janus" Boucle Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Dunbar ArmChair 5513 Ottoman by Edward Wormley. Great Original Fabric!!
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Outstanding example of the Dunbar armchair model 5513 and matching ottoman. Both pieces retain the original fabric with the foam cushioning expertly replaced. The frames have been ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Edward Wormley Mr. lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mr Chair and Ottoman Tapering steel legs ottoman is 13"h x 25" x 29"
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Cognac Leather Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Southampton, NJ
Janus Collection lounge chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Ebonized sculpted walnut arms and legs with an exposed frame, and red upholstery with a button tufted back and curved seat...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Edward Wormley, Lounge Chairs, Beech, Fabric, Drexel, United States, 1940s
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of beech, and white fabric lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley and produced by Drexel, United States, 1940s. Seat Height (inches...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Edward J. Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman circa 1950s for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward J. Wormley lounge chair and ottoman for Dunbar circa 1950s on solid brass castors. The lounge chair has a trapezoid shape, wider in the front (27.5" W) and tapers to the back....
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Dunbar Lounge Chair designed by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for efficient shipping quote to your location. Mid Century Modern Lounge Chair. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge Chair This lounge chair measures: 29.25 wide x 34.5 deep x 28.25 high, with a seat height of 16.5 and arm height/chair clearance 23 inch...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Chair and Footstool, C. 1950s
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Historic set of lounge chair and ottoman designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, reupholstered in embossed velvet by Holly Hunt. Walnut refinishe...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
We have fully restored this beautiful chair and added Holland & Sherry upholstery. This is such a dramatic chair for the place that you need a chair with interest. It will not disapp...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany

1950 s Edward Wormley Dunbar Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Southampton, NJ
1950s armchair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar fully restored with new textured cotton upholstery. Solid walnut base legs & stretchers. Signed.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Cotton, Walnut

Pair of Edward Wormley "Bucket Seat" Leather and Mahogany Club Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar camel leather and mahogany armchairs. Original channeled leather seats and backs with mahogany legs and stretchers. Rare design from Wormley and Dun...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Edward Wormley Dunbar Mid Century Modern Walnut High Back Lounge Chair Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Frame High Back Lounge Chair and Ottoman. Item features an angled stretcher base, solid wood frame, beautiful wood grain, original label, clean moder...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, United States, c. 1980
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York City, NY
Lounge chair and ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar (Signed) Janus Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar (Signed) Janus Chairs These were reupholstered at one point. May desire to have these reupholstered. Beautiful natural wood grain. Some wear to...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tilt-Back Sheridan Lounge Chair in Walnut Cane Brass
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant lounge chair was designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in the late 1960s and was only produced for a very short time. The frame is crafted from solid American claro waln...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Edward Wormley slipper chairs for Dunbar with dark mahogany bases and original black velvet upholstery. The upholstery has faded to an interesting shade of aubergine. Includes downfi...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid Century Lounge Chair with Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar mid century lounge chair with Jack Lenor Larsen Fabric This chair measures: 24 wide x 30.5 deep x 30.75 high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height/cha...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood

Vintage 1940s Edward Wormley for Drexel "Precedent" Lounge Chairs - A Set of 2
By Edward Wormley
Located in Monrovia, CA
Vintage 1940s Edward Wormley for Drexel "Precedent" Lounge Chairs - 2 Pieces Vintage Original Finish On The Wood Frames As Well As Original Vintage Upholstery On The Cushions. All Original Nylon Cording That Zig-Zags Between The Framing. These Vintage Lounge Chairs Does Have Normal Wear To The Wood Frames Throughout The Years Of Use. There Are Some Scuffs Here and There, Some Chipping To The Finish Here And There, and As For The Cushions It Too Is The Original Vintage Upholstery and Still Has A Lot Of Comfort To Them. There Are No Rips, Tears or Holes In The Original Upholstery. The Upholstery Is A Vintage Goldenrod Color Over All. The Webbing Is In Excellent Condition. These Chairs Are Very Comfortable, And Stable. Dimensions Are: Thirty-One and a Half Inches Deep by Twenty-Four Inches Wide by Twenty-Eight and a Half...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Edward Wormley Walnut Open-Arm Lounge Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Two architectural open arm lounge chairs in walnut by Dunbar, with green and blue horizontal stripe upholstery.
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 1038 Mid Century Wingback Lounge Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 1038 Mid Century Wingback Lounge Chair This lounge chair measures: 29.5 wide x 30 deep x 45 high, with a seat height of 21 and arm height/chair clear...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Edward Wormley Mahogany and Grey Wool Barrel Back Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar barrel back arm chairs in mahogany and blue/gray wool upholstery. Great understated design that reveals unique qualities, would...
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of rare Edward Wormley Model "7211" lounge chairs, recently reupholstered in beige and gold marble-patterned tufted chenille with walnut stained frame and legs (circa 1975, for ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley Slipper Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Mid Century Slipper Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent Mid Century Slipper Lounge Chairs - Pair Each lounge chair measures: 24 wide x 29 deep x 31 high, with a seat height of 16.25 inches All pieces ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair Dunbar Lounge Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley, 1960
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Dunbar Lounge Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley, 1960. Walnut legs restored and newly reupholstered in blue boucle.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tufted Party Club Chair in Black Leather
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, 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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Ash

Gorgeous Dunbar Arm Chair Edward Wormley Mid-century Modern
By Edward Wormley
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous Dunbar chair designed by Edward Wormley. This lovely chair was reupholstered in a salmon chenille about 20 years ago and still looks great. The back cushion is filled with...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Edward Wormley Faceted Lounge Chair with Ottoman for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley Faceted Lounge Chair with Ottoman for Dunbar. A nice compact design with the desirable ottoman that sit on hexagon formed legs. Manner of Milo Baughman This chair ne...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar 4872a Lounge Chair With Solid Aluminum Legs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Edward Wormley lounge chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Edward Wormley lounge chairs 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 lounge chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original lounge chairs 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 lounge chairs by Dunbar, Charles and Ray Eames, and Herman Miller. Prices for Edward Wormley lounge chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,250 and can go as high as $44,995, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,200.
Questions About Edward Wormley Lounge Chairs
  • 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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