Edward Wormley for Dunbar Daybed in Mahogany, Brass, and Blue-Grey Fabric

Edward Wormley for Dunbar, daybed, mahogany, reupholstered fabric, brass-plated aluminum, United States, 1950s.

This rare design by Edward Wormley exemplifies his commitment to creating furniture that balances elegant form with practical functionality. What distinguishes this 1950s daybed is its strikingly intentional shape: precise, architectural, and quietly assertive. The form is linear yet softened by subtle curves, especially in the way the wooden frame wraps gently around the cushions at either end. Wormley’s design resists ornamentation, relying instead on proportion and contour to define its character. The silhouette is low and elongated, creating a horizontal emphasis that feels both grounded and serene. The cylindrical-shaped legs narrow delicately toward the floor, imparting the piece with a certain lightness. This daybed invites multiple interpretations: a seat, a lounger, a minimalist repose.

Edward Wormley (1907–1995), was born in rural Illinois, United States. As a young man, he was passionate about design and enrolled in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1926, but left due to financial issues and began working for an interior design company. He later joined the Dunbar Furniture Company in Indiana, where he served as director of design for almost 40 years. Following World War Two, he became an independent design consultant. Wormley passed away in 1995, but his legacy of creating elegant and high-quality furniture lives on. He was a master in combining classical 20th century design with modern innovations.

Kindly note that the daybed is newly upholstered and is perfectly ready to enjoy for many years. The mahogany type used to produce this piece does not require an export license.