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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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Creator: Edward Wormley
Dealer: Modest Designs
Dunbar Chrome and Walnut Occasional Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Chic and rarely seen Edward Wormley design that can function as a lamp table, end table or small cocktail table. Dunbar label on bottom.
Category

1960s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Chrome

(2) Dunbar Early Modern Mahogany Bookcases, model 3312
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Introduced in 1933, these wonderful two-drawer open bookcases are from one of Edward Wormley’s first Modern collections for Dunbar Furniture. The streamlined design feels as fresh a...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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

Walnut, Rosewood

Tambour Door Cabinet by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Model 959
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A chic and versatile cabinet with blond tamowood top and burnt almond walnut tambour doors on a dark mahogany case. Nice details like the razor-thin brass door pulls, and dappled var...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Swiveling Stool
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sweet early Wormley modern design makes a perfect vanity or desk chair. The fully upholstered seat swivels over dark stained mahogany legs joined by dowel stretches, with capped...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Brass Bench #5428
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Architectural rectangular bench in brass square tube with upholstered seat, designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Hand-polished brass, upholstered in a Bergamo brown wool mohair.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar 3-Tier Side Table
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Architectural Edward Wormley design in mahogany with curved bentwood drawer pull, gallery trimmed top, reverse leg taper, and leather capped feet. An interesting modern update on an Arts & Crafts form. Works equally well as side or occasional table or nightstand. Dunbar metal...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley, Early Pair Side Tables model 4774A
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Perfect, architectural 3-tier mahogany side tables by Edward Wormley. This simple, streamlined design typifies Wormley’s restrained modern style of the 1940s. The pair retains thei...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Set of Four Dunbar Side Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Edward Wormley for Dunbar dining chairs, models 6038 & 6037 in dark mahogany frames with original Jack Lenor Larsen fabric. Two arm and two side chairs, supported by brass spacers, w...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Side Table Model # 5425
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Occasional table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, model 5425. Rosewood and Walnut folding x-base with removable mahogany tray top. Labeled with Dunbar gold metal tag
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Rosewood, Mahogany

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

Early Dunbar Cocktail Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An early example of Edward Wormley's transition to modern furniture design. Mahogany frame with inset leather top. Dunbar brand to underside.
Category

1940s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Leather

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Chest with Natzler Ceramic Pulls
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model 5770 Janus Collection chest of drawers featuring brass pulls with inset purple-blue demi-lune Natzler ceramic tiles, and exaggerated dovetail knuckle joints on tops, sides, and...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Related Items
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain's "Y" Chair, ca. 1955
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain's "Y" chair, ca. 1955. Professionally restored walnut frame with new back caning and new upholstered seat with super soft and luxurious ivory wool f...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair Edward Wormley for Dunbar "Y" Modernist Lounge Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Pair Dunbar Lounge Chairs designed by Edward Wormley,,Retains early 'D' metal badge label,, minor damage to caning ( see photo),, E...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Leather, Cane, Wood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover one of Edward Wormley's most famous and elegant chairs. A timeless masterpiece, The Captain Chair. We have fully restored this iconic piece to its original splendor, highlighting the beautiful polished brass, cane back, and curved wood frame. The seat has been meticulously reupholstered in Holland & Sherry performance fabric, ensuring both durability and sophistication. Elevate your space with a piece that embodies the essence of mid-century modern luxury. Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain Chairs
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain Chairs
H 32.75 in W 24.5 in D 25.5 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut Magazine Tree Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Utrecht, NL
Magazine tree, model 4765 by American designer Edward Wormley executed in birch and sap grain walnut, designed in 1947 for Dunbar Furniture USA. A very special, functional and aesth...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Birch, Walnut

A Large Early Nineteenth Century Mahogany Architectural Bookcase
Located in London, GB
With stepped and moulded cornice above grilled doors enclosing adjustable shelves, the base with further grilled doors, with adjustable shelves. Stamped M Willson. Further Literatur...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bleached and Glazed Walnut Parsons End Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegantly simple bleached and glazed walnut square Parsons end table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Walnut, Rosewood and Aluminium Inlaid End Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley figured walnut Parsons style side table with unusual aluminium inlaid legs. Incised corners start at the top and move all the way down the legs with aluminium inlay. R...
Category

1960s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Edward Wormley Brass Bench for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sophisticated brass square frame bench designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Very good original condition, Model #5428.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Dunbar Cocktail Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Dunbar cocktail table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Coffee table in two tone walnut with lower shelf and brass stretcher. Very good original condition. Very light wear to ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Dunbar Cocktail Table
Dunbar Cocktail Table
H 22 in W 48 in D 28 in
Edward Wormley "a Chair" for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare chair in mahogany with solid brass legs. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Edward Wormley "a Chair" for Dunbar
Edward Wormley "a Chair" for Dunbar
H 29.75 in W 21 in D 25 in
Walnut and Teak Coffee Table or Bench by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Walnut and teak coffee table or bench designed by Edward Wormley, produced by Dunbar. Expertly refinished. The walnut top is inlayed with a teak veneer design (see photos). We also h...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Teak, Walnut

Edward Wormley Midcentury Magazine Rack for Dunbar in Brass and Wood Brown, 1950
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Milano, IT
A timeless Classic. The Dunbar production relies on designer Edward Wormley to design this elegant magazine rack, which at the same time serves as a cabinet or coffee table. The pec...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Model 4423 Three-Tier Mahogany End Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An early, c. 1944, design by Edward Wormley, beloved for its forward thinking minimalist form, and comfortable practicality. The three tiers are supported by an architectural frame ...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair Dunbar Three-Tier Mahogany End Tables, c. 1940s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Chic and supremely practical side tables employing perfect proportions, further elevated with the typical Edward Wormley details and exquisite craftsmanship. The extra height and nar...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair Edward Wormley for Dunbar Side Tables, Model 279
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare and sophisticated lamp tables in dark stained mahogany. The simple, architectural configuration is surprisingly contemporary for a 70 year old design. Original finish, with rect...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Pair Mahogany End Tables
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An early example of Edward Wormley's sophisticated modernism. Stepped two-tier end tables with subtle Chinoise elements to the carving of the base. These retain the original dark mah...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair Edward Wormley for Dunbar Model 5480 Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An iconic Edward Wormley design, the ‘A-Frame' chair is a wonderful example of Wormley’s expertise in mixing materials into sophisticated, architectural forms. Employing dark stain...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Leather, Bentwood

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection Chest with Natzler Ceramic Pulls
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model 5770 Janus Collection chest of drawers featuring brass pulls with inset purple-blue demi-lune Natzler ceramic tiles, and exaggerated dovetail knuckle joints on tops, sides, and...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley Pedestal Bar Cabinet in Olive Burl model 6302D
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pedestal Cabinet/ Dry Bar by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, introduced in 1963, in natural olive burl with hinged door and dark mahogany interior cabinet. Original paper label on bottom.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Olive

Dunbar Two-Tier Walnut Occasional Table with Cane Shelf
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
C. 1950, this interesting and rarely seen design uses subtle details in carving and materials to elevate its functionalist form into something sculptural. A great example of designer...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Pair of Walnut Side Tables by Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simple, perfectly proportioned two-tiered walnut side tables, designed by Edward Wormley. Model 4533 from 1945. Both tables retain paper labels and Dunbar brand.
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Walnut Side Tables by Dunbar
Pair of Walnut Side Tables by Dunbar
H 20.5 in W 20 in D 35 in
Early Dunbar Mahogany Coffee Table
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simple early modern design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar distinguishes itself my it’s great proportions, chunky geometric shape, and wonderful dappled mahogany veneer. Original finish...
Category

1940s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Early Dunbar Mahogany Coffee Table
Early Dunbar Mahogany Coffee Table
H 15 in W 49 in D 22 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Occasional Table with Tray
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
From the 1957 Janus line, this elegant side or snack table has a burl Carpathian elm top on dark stained mahogany tripod base. Dunbar gold metal tag to the underside. Tray is 18" ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Elm

Rare Edward Wormley Rosewood and Brass Floor Lamp for Hansen
By Edward Wormley, Hansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful, subtle floor lamp, with three-sided, tapering shaft and brass base and fixtures. Three-way cluster socket. Fantastic design. Stamped "Hansen, New York" to underside of base.
Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

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.
Questions About Edward Wormley Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    Edward Wormley used a variety of materials over the course of his career. Among them were laminated wood, brass, marble and silk. Not an axiomatic modernist, Wormley deeply appreciated traditional design, and consequently, his vintage seating, storage cabinets, bar carts and other work have an understated warmth and a timeless quality that sets them apart from other furnishings of the era. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Edward Wormley furniture.

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