Edward Wormley Furniture
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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Item Ships From: New York
Creator: Edward Wormley
Edward Wormley Dunbar End Table with Shelf, 2 Available
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
A mahogany end table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Two (2) available. Priced individually.
USA, circa 1950. Refinished in an ebony stain.
Dimensions: L 28" L × 19" D × 22" H.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
1950s Solid Walnut Dresser by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An asymmetrical dresser in solid walnut with exposed finger jointed joinery, having a shelved compartment accessed by bi-fold doors flanked by a b...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
1950s Bleached Mahogany Chest of Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and well proportioned eight (8) drawer bleached mahogany cabinet having distinctive laminated end pulls, on tapered dowel legs.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
1950s Dining Height Upholstered Janus Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. Each chair features sculpted dark mahogany frames and the original marble velvet...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
1950s Tufted Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless button tufted lounge chair of generous proportion having exposed walnut base. Model: 5000.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
1960s Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
With a nod to the immense popularity of Charles Eames's swivel lounge chair and ottoman, Wormley capitalized on the popularity of his own stationary, winged lounge chair and ottoman ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather
1960s Leather Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Dunbar leather lounge chair its frame having slightly raised sides as well a slight 'wing' effect to the back together forming channels which the button tufted seat and back cushions...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
1950s Armless Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless slipper chair from the Janus collection with button tufted upholstery and beautifully carved integral walnut base. Model 5775.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Dunbar Extension Dining Table by Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Classic Asia Modern style dining table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This example comes with one 24 in leaf, and the fold up center support leg. As expected from Dunbar, thi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Edward Wormley for "Dunbar" Armchairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Sculptural pair of Edward Wormley chairs for Dunbar. Walnut frames have been newly refinished in deep chocolate and vintage grey leather is in excellent condition. Great shape and co...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Pair of Wormley for Dunbar Long John Tables
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Very rare pair of Long John tables designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Both have been professionally refinished, each has a drawer with the Classic gold D Dunbar metal tag. Offere...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley for Drexel Precedent End Tables
By Edward Wormley, Drexel
Located in Buffalo, NY
Refined simplicity designed by Edward Wormley for Drexel. The end tables are part of the Precedent collection that he produced in the 1950s. Professionally restored, stunning off whi...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley Elegant Sofa Day Bed with Walnut Legs, 1953
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Elegant sofa daybed model no. 5334 with separated back and arm with walnut legs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, 1953.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Foam, Walnut
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus coffee table. The table is walnut with a geometric shape and the centre has five, round, Tiffany Studios glas...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Glass
'A-Frame' Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Mid-Century Modern Classic 'A-Frame' armchair with a woven caned backrest, upholstered black leather seat and brass capped feet. Designed by Edward Wormley, produced by Dunbar in t...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Table and Stool by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An ebonized and polished dark mahogany telephone cabinet or vanity table having a storage drawer and an innovative fold-out bench.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Grand Scale Edward Wormley for Dunbar Parsons Tables in Dark Mahogany
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Hudson, NY
Beautiful pair of Dunbar Parsons tables designed by Ed Wormley. Both tables retain the original Dunbar badge on the underside.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. USA, circa 1950. Signed with brass tag. Features tufted back with piping. Original f...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa with Brass Feet
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s Edward Wormley for Dunbar sofa on brass, tapered legs. The section under the backrest is recessed. Recently restored and reupholstered (last two years). However, there are two ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Occasional Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wonderful ribbon mahogany top has jewel-like iridescence. Solid-brass casters. Small brass knobs to tie down an upholstered cushion, for use as an ottoman/stool. Early Dunbar brass l...
Category
1940s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Dunbar Janus Collection Walnut Table by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Dunbar Janus Collection walnut table by Edward Wormley, with dark chocolate finish circa 1950s. Brass label on underside.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Dunbar Sofa by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Chic gold velvet upholstered sofa with down back and side cushions and sprung seat. Beautifully carved mahogany feet. This is an extremely well built and comfortable sofa, with typic...
Category
1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
1950s "Listen-To-Me" Chaise by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant chaise lounge with an undulating cushion in vintage upholstery with a cherry and maple base and solid brass supports. Model: 4873.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Swiveling Barrel Back Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair (2) of continuous arm swivel chairs in laminated walnut having tan button tufted leather cushions and a cruciform stretcher detail.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Set of Ten Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A classic set of ten (10) dining chairs, each features solid walnut wood construction, spindle back detail with brass stretchers. Set includes 8 side chairs and 2 armchairs, all reta...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Leather
Wall Mounted Shelf by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An Edward Wormley designed shelf in solid walnut supported by two (2) laminated mahogany brackets in the original black lacquer finish. Manufactured by Dunbar in the 1960s. Shelf is ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Wormley for Dunbar Cantilevered End Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Cantilevered end table by Wormley for Dunbar. Original condition, and finish.We have separately listed the other end table, and matching coffee ta...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Lacquered Mahogany Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon pivot-back lounge chair in lacquered mahogany with vintage velvet geometric upholstery. Designed in 1948 by Edward Wormley.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
World Globe by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
The ultimate world globe designed by Edward Wormley for Rand McNally, USA, circa 1950. Features a rotating globe mounted on a walnut base with brass capped legs. Marked "Rand McNally...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
1940s Rocking Chaise Lounge by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An adjustable rocking chaise with caned seat and back with bent ash frame and a cushion upholstered in grey savak with natural leather welting.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cane, Ash
Set of 2 Cantilever End Tables by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
A set of two cantilever top end tables--one with shelf and the other without—for a less "matched" look. Made by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. USA, circa 1950.
Made of mahogany and pr...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
Edward Wormley "Long John" Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Long John" bench/table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar with slat-style top, turned edge and great curved legs. This is the long version.
(Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - wit...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Teak
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Leather Slipper Side Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of slipper, side chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar feature mahogany frames with high backs, upholstered in butterscotch leather.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Mahogany Writing Desk by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An octagonal mahogany writing desk designed by Edward Wormley with a single drawer. Made by Dunbar in the USA, circa 1957.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Round Dining Table in Brazilian Rosewood by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Round dining table in Brazilian rosewood designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, 1960s (Dunbar tag on bottom).
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Coffee Table with Faceted Olive Burl Pedestal Base by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Coffee table No. 6302G with faceted olive burl pedestal base and thick glass top by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, 1963 (Dunbar metal tag on base).
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Glass, Burl
Headboard by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An innovative and elegant king size headboard in darkened mahogany having channeled upholstery, adjustable back rests and two pairs of drop-down arms.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Parsons Style Side Table by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Parsons style side table in walnut by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, American, 1960s (Dunbar tag and label on bottom).
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Armchair by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural and finely detailed armchair in walnut having a floating seat and back cushions that retain their original textured wool upholstery.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Walnut Dining Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural and finely detailed armchair in walnut having a floating seat and back cushions, retaining the original black leather upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Teak
Cork Low Table by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple and elegant square low table with a raised cork top on a mahogany 'Parsons' base.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany, Cork
Low Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A low slipper chair with the original faux alligator texture yellow upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Walnut Low Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rectangular dark walnut low table having a black laminate top and distinctive triangular legs.
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
A Pair of Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs with tufted upholstery and matching lumbar pillow. The seat issuing square front legs and splayed back legs. Upholstery as is.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Architectural Walnut and Black Laminate Console by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in East Hampton, NY
Architectural table No. 5403 in walnut with black laminate top and shelves designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Laminate
Edward Wormley Set of Three Walnut Nesting or Side Tables
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Newly refinished set of two-tone nesting tables by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Light walnut tops, banded in contrasting borders, ebonized legs and brass stretchers. Beautiful grain o...
Category
1960s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Bold Coffee Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Bold mahogany coffee table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. USA, circa 1950. Signed with Dunbar tag. U-shaped legs supporting...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Drop Tambour Front Cabinet by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An innovative and uncommon drop tambour front cabinet of bleached walnut having recessed finger pulls, the cabinet with drawers, shelves and vert...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Dunbar Occasional Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Incredible Edward Wormley design from the celebrated Janus Collection. This modern take on the Arts and Crafts movement employs an unprecedented level of hand finishing, complicated ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Walnut
Edward Wormley Dunbar Woven Front Chest, Mahogany, Brushed Nickel, Signed
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Edward Wormely for Dunbar woven front chest, mahogany and brushed nickel, signed. Medium scale commode, No. 4465, with two woven front sliding doors, two top exterior drawers and a f...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Nickel
Triangular Table by Edward Wormley
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A geometrically pure and finely detailed two-tiered table in bleached walnut of triangular form with distinctive beveled edging at a 45 degree angle.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Walnut Lectern by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A unique and elegant lectern in walnut with a roll top cover and a single drawer.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Parsons End Table by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A bleached walnut 'Parsons' end table.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Asymmetrical Coffee Table by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A low console or table with a spare mahogany frame that supports an asymmetrical top with brass capped feet.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Chesterfield Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A generously proportioned and highly comfortable rare Chesterfield club chair with button tufted upholstery.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Tall Tambour Cabinet with Drawers by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple and refined ebonized mahogany wardrobe having tambour doors with integrated handles a top two (2) drawers with cut out handles.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Tambour Drum Cabinet by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A remarkable end table discreet bar with butterfly hinged top drawers and a tambour cabinet with adjustable shelf.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Nightstands by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of ebonized 'French polish' mahogany nightstands with adjustable inner shelf and opposing hinges.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture
Materials
Brass
Edward Wormley furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Edward Wormley furniture 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 furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture 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 furniture by Dunbar, Paul McCobb, and Herman Miller. Prices for Edward Wormley furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $225 and can go as high as $119,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,846.
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