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An exceptional and rarely seen Split Arm Sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this striking four-seat sofa captures the sophistication, architectural clarity, and extraordinary craftsmanship that made the Wormley-Dunbar partnership one of the defining collaborations of American Mid-Century Modern design.
The first thing that sets this sofa apart is its remarkable silhouette. Wormley breaks apart the traditional upholstered sofa form, allowing the arms to visually separate from the body and creating the distinctive split-arm profile that gives the piece its sculptural character. Viewed from the side, the arms angle subtly outward, while the long, low body seems almost suspended between them. The result is a sofa that feels substantial and luxurious without appearing heavy.
The architecture becomes even more impressive when viewed from the back. Solid mahogany bracket-style legs rise vertically along the rear of the sofa, becoming an exposed structural and decorative element rather than simply disappearing beneath the upholstery. This beautifully considered detail gives the sofa an exceptionally handsome profile from every direction and makes it particularly well suited for floating in the center of a room.
The sofa has been newly upholstered in a rich, dark green velvet, a color and texture that beautifully complement Wormley’s restrained modernist lines. The velvet shifts subtly with the light, ranging from deep olive and forest green to warmer moss tones, emphasizing the geometry of the frame and cushions.
Two exceptionally long seat cushions provide a clean, uninterrupted horizontal line, while four individual back cushions and matching side cushions soften the architectural frame. Its generous proportions allow the sofa to comfortably seat four people, making it not only a significant piece of collectible design but a genuinely usable sofa for a living room, library, office, or sophisticated commercial interior.
Edward Wormley possessed a rare ability to combine modernism with luxury. His furniture for Dunbar Furniture Corporation was never modern simply for the sake of being modern. Instead, Wormley drew upon traditional furniture making, fine materials, careful proportions, and architectural structure to create pieces that feel equally appropriate in a 1950s modernist house or a contemporary interior today.
This sofa is a particularly compelling example of that philosophy. The dramatic split arms, exceptionally long proportions, exposed mahogany supports, low profile, and tailored upholstery transform what could have been a simple four-seat sofa into an architectural object.
Rare Edward Wormley designs of this scale and visual presence are increasingly difficult to find. For collectors of important American Mid-Century Modern furniture, this is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a distinctive Wormley design that is both highly functional and visually commanding.
Newly upholstered and ready for its next interior.
Note: We also have the matching loveseat that is currently getting finished in the same velvet.
Details
Designer: Edward Wormley
Manufacturer: Dunbar Furniture Corporation
Model: Split Arm Sofa
Period: Mid-Century Modern
Country: United States
Upholstery: Newly upholstered dark green velvet
Wood: Solid mahogany exposed supports / legs
Dimensions: 107.5" L x 31" D x 31" H -- Seat H: 19.5"
Condition: Newly upholstered; vintage frame professionally prepared for continued use
An exceptional and rarely seen Split Arm Sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, this striking four-seat sofa captures the sophistication, architectural clarity, and extraordinary craftsmanship that made the Wormley-Dunbar partnership one of the defining collaborations of American Mid-Century Modern design.
The first thing that sets this sofa apart is its remarkable silhouette. Wormley breaks apart the traditional upholstered sofa form, allowing the arms to visually separate from the body and creating the distinctive split-arm profile that gives the piece its sculptural character. Viewed from the side, the arms angle subtly outward, while the long, low body seems almost suspended between them. The result is a sofa that feels substantial and luxurious without appearing heavy.
The architecture becomes even more impressive when viewed from the back. Solid mahogany bracket-style legs rise vertically along the rear of the sofa, becoming an exposed structural and decorative element rather than simply disappearing beneath the upholstery. This beautifully considered detail gives the sofa an exceptionally handsome profile from every direction and makes it particularly well suited for floating in the center of a room.
The sofa has been newly upholstered in a rich, dark green velvet, a color and texture that beautifully complement Wormley’s restrained modernist lines. The velvet shifts subtly with the light, ranging from deep olive and forest green to warmer moss tones, emphasizing the geometry of the frame and cushions.
Two exceptionally long seat cushions provide a clean, uninterrupted horizontal line, while four individual back cushions and matching side cushions soften the architectural frame. Its generous proportions allow the sofa to comfortably seat four people, making it not only a significant piece of collectible design but a genuinely usable sofa for a living room, library, office, or sophisticated commercial interior.
Edward Wormley possessed a rare ability to combine modernism with luxury. His furniture for Dunbar Furniture Corporation was never modern simply for the sake of being modern. Instead, Wormley drew upon traditional furniture making, fine materials, careful proportions, and architectural structure to create pieces that feel equally appropriate in a 1950s modernist house or a contemporary interior today.
This sofa is a particularly compelling example of that philosophy. The dramatic split arms, exceptionally long proportions, exposed mahogany supports, low profile, and tailored upholstery transform what could have been a simple four-seat sofa into an architectural object.
Rare Edward Wormley designs of this scale and visual presence are increasingly difficult to find. For collectors of important American Mid-Century Modern furniture, this is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a distinctive Wormley design that is both highly functional and visually commanding.
Newly upholstered and ready for its next interior.
Note: We also have the matching loveseat that is currently getting finished in the same velvet.
Details
Designer: Edward Wormley
Manufacturer: Dunbar Furniture Corporation
Model: Split Arm Sofa
Period: Mid-Century Modern
Country: United States
Upholstery: Newly upholstered dark green velvet
Wood: Solid mahogany exposed supports / legs
Dimensions: 107.5" L x 31" D x 31" H -- Seat H: 19.5"
Condition: Newly upholstered; vintage frame professionally prepared for continued use
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Wood Care
Keep the furniture in a cool, dry place
Avoid furniture's direct exposure to rain, sun or wind
Avoid placing hot objects directly on the piece to prevent undesirable marks or permanent circles.
Avoid placing objects that may cause scratches to the surface
Clean using water only in small quantities and apply it with soft, damp cloth
After damp cloth wipe with a soft, dry cloth
You can use other liquids that are especially for cleaning wood furniture. Take into account the type of wood and follow the manufacturer's instructions
Upholstery Care
Do not expose directly to sunlight to provide greater durability colors
Exchange both side pads, the seat and backrest, to obtain uniform wear
Shake the cushions regularly to remove dust and to maintain the stability of the form
Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner in good condition
Use a textile fabric cleaning substance according to and following the manufacturer's instructions
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