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An exceptional vintage sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, representing one of the most important collaborations in American Mid-Century Modern design. Wormley was celebrated for combining the clarity and restraint of modernism with exceptional comfort, traditional craftsmanship, and luxurious materials—and this sofa is a particularly elegant example of that philosophy.
The design has a beautifully restrained architectural silhouette, with a long 90-inch profile, slim back, broad track arms, tailored loose seat cushions, and remarkably clean proportions. Rather than relying on ornament, Wormley allows proportion, construction, and subtle detailing to define the piece. The sofa sits lightly above the floor on slender brass legs, creating a striking contrast between the substantial upholstered body and its delicate base.
The sofa has been professionally reupholstered in Maharam Hearth, color Downfield (466536–009), a sophisticated deep olive-green textile with a beautifully tactile, finely textured surface. The rich earthy color works particularly well with the warm brass legs and gives the sofa a distinctly elevated mid-century presence without overwhelming Wormley’s understated design.
Maharam Hearth is a substantial upholstery textile composed of 32% wool, 31% acrylic, 30% cotton, and 7% polyester, with a durability rating of 80,000 double rubs Wyzenbeek. It is an excellent choice for a collectible sofa intended to actually be lived with—rich and luxurious in appearance while durable enough for regular use.
Beneath the upholstery is the type of construction for which Dunbar furniture became renowned. The sofa retains its substantial hardwood frame and heavy-duty Dunbar spring construction, providing a level of structure and longevity rarely encountered in contemporary upholstered furniture. Importantly, the original Dunbar fabric decking beneath the removable seat cushions has been preserved, maintaining an original element of the sofa while the exterior upholstery has been completely renewed.
The two generous seat cushions provide a relaxed counterpoint to the tailored geometry of the frame, while subtle button tufting beneath the cushions and carefully executed piping emphasize the quality of the upholstery work. From the front, side, or three-quarter view, the design remains exceptionally resolved—a hallmark of Wormley’s best furniture.
Edward Wormley’s work for Dunbar occupies a unique place in postwar American design. While many of his contemporaries pursued increasingly austere interpretations of modernism, Wormley embraced comfort, craftsmanship, and historical references alongside modern forms. The result was furniture that felt sophisticated rather than severe and that continues to work beautifully in both modernist and more traditional interiors.
At 90 inches long, this is a substantial and highly usable sofa, yet its low profile, narrow arms, elevated brass legs, and disciplined proportions keep it visually light. Newly upholstered and ready for use, it is an outstanding example of vintage Edward Wormley furniture for Dunbar and a sophisticated investment piece by one of the defining American designers of the 20th century.
Designer: Edward Wormley
Manufacturer: Dunbar Furniture
Origin: United States
Period: Mid-20th Century / Mid-Century Modern
Upholstery: Maharam Hearth, Downfield 466536–009
Base: Brass legs
Construction: Hardwood frame with heavy-duty Dunbar spring construction
Original Detail: Original Dunbar fabric decking retained beneath the seat cushionsDimensions: 90” L × 32” D × 28.5” H
Seat Height: 16.5”
An exceptional vintage sofa designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, representing one of the most important collaborations in American Mid-Century Modern design. Wormley was celebrated for combining the clarity and restraint of modernism with exceptional comfort, traditional craftsmanship, and luxurious materials—and this sofa is a particularly elegant example of that philosophy.
The design has a beautifully restrained architectural silhouette, with a long 90-inch profile, slim back, broad track arms, tailored loose seat cushions, and remarkably clean proportions. Rather than relying on ornament, Wormley allows proportion, construction, and subtle detailing to define the piece. The sofa sits lightly above the floor on slender brass legs, creating a striking contrast between the substantial upholstered body and its delicate base.
The sofa has been professionally reupholstered in Maharam Hearth, color Downfield (466536–009), a sophisticated deep olive-green textile with a beautifully tactile, finely textured surface. The rich earthy color works particularly well with the warm brass legs and gives the sofa a distinctly elevated mid-century presence without overwhelming Wormley’s understated design.
Maharam Hearth is a substantial upholstery textile composed of 32% wool, 31% acrylic, 30% cotton, and 7% polyester, with a durability rating of 80,000 double rubs Wyzenbeek. It is an excellent choice for a collectible sofa intended to actually be lived with—rich and luxurious in appearance while durable enough for regular use.
Beneath the upholstery is the type of construction for which Dunbar furniture became renowned. The sofa retains its substantial hardwood frame and heavy-duty Dunbar spring construction, providing a level of structure and longevity rarely encountered in contemporary upholstered furniture. Importantly, the original Dunbar fabric decking beneath the removable seat cushions has been preserved, maintaining an original element of the sofa while the exterior upholstery has been completely renewed.
The two generous seat cushions provide a relaxed counterpoint to the tailored geometry of the frame, while subtle button tufting beneath the cushions and carefully executed piping emphasize the quality of the upholstery work. From the front, side, or three-quarter view, the design remains exceptionally resolved—a hallmark of Wormley’s best furniture.
Edward Wormley’s work for Dunbar occupies a unique place in postwar American design. While many of his contemporaries pursued increasingly austere interpretations of modernism, Wormley embraced comfort, craftsmanship, and historical references alongside modern forms. The result was furniture that felt sophisticated rather than severe and that continues to work beautifully in both modernist and more traditional interiors.
At 90 inches long, this is a substantial and highly usable sofa, yet its low profile, narrow arms, elevated brass legs, and disciplined proportions keep it visually light. Newly upholstered and ready for use, it is an outstanding example of vintage Edward Wormley furniture for Dunbar and a sophisticated investment piece by one of the defining American designers of the 20th century.
Designer: Edward Wormley
Manufacturer: Dunbar Furniture
Origin: United States
Period: Mid-20th Century / Mid-Century Modern
Upholstery: Maharam Hearth, Downfield 466536–009
Base: Brass legs
Construction: Hardwood frame with heavy-duty Dunbar spring construction
Original Detail: Original Dunbar fabric decking retained beneath the seat cushions
Dimensions: 90” L × 32” D × 28.5” H
Seat Height: 16.5”
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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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