Edward Wormley sofa

This is the very rare model 5316 sofa, also referred to as the “New York” sofa, designed by Edward Wormley and produced by DUX in Sweden in 1959. The sofa features a modernist architectural structure with a low profile and clean, rectilinear geometry that is distinctly mid-century in character. The piece is supported by a stained beech frame finished in a dark, reddish-brown tone with subtle sheen, providing a pronounced contrast to the light upholstery. The rear legs rise into extended vertical supports that frame the backrest and continue down into horizontal stretchers for added structural rigidity.

The upholstery is in original wool fabric and appears in two distinct but harmonizing tones: the base structure, arms, and exterior surfaces are clad in a subdued blue-grey, while the seat and back cushions are in a muted mustard or ochre hue. The fabric retains its integrity with some signs of patina and use, including minor surface wear, but remains in good overall condition. A contrasting trim line visually separates the fabric zones, contributing to the compositional balance of the piece.

Edward Wormley, an American designer active primarily in the mid-20th century, was known for bridging American modernism with European and Scandinavian influences. Though best known for his work with Dunbar in the United States, Wormley collaborated with DUX in Sweden in the 1950s and early 1960s, producing a number of pieces that introduced American modernist ideas into Scandinavian furniture design. The 5316 “New York” sofa exemplifies this synthesis, merging Scandinavian materials and precision woodworking with an American sensitivity to modularity and formal restraint.

The DUX company, founded in Malmö in the 1920s, was known for its innovations in upholstery and comfort, and became a key player in mid-century Scandinavian furniture manufacturing. Their collaboration with Wormley yielded a small number of highly refined models, of which the 5316 is among the rarest.

The dimensions are 230 cm in width, 76 cm in depth, and 76 cm in height, with a seat height of 41 cm. These translate approximately to 90.6 inches wide, 29.9 inches deep, and 29.9 inches high, with a seat height of 16.1 inches. A matching pair is available.