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.
$9,800 / set
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley design swivel lounge chairs for Dunbar, model #5609 Refinished and reupholstered in a cotton velvet fabric.
Upholstery
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An oversized, comfortable lounge chair and ottoman. Manufactured by Dunbar.
Upholstery
Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Collection
By Edward Wormley
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Stylish and elegant slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar ca' 1950's. Upholstered in Fret custom Italian silk velvet, luxurious to the touch, (samples available). Chocolate bra...
Mahogany
$14,000 / set
Edward Wormley Tear Drop Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A wonderful matched pair of tear drop lounges model #5106. Professionally re-upholstered.
Upholstery, Walnut
Set of Six Mid Century Dining Chairs Drexel Precedent by Wormley
By Drexel, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Chic set of six dining chairs designed by Edward Wormley as part of the classic Precedent Line, for Drexel. The set includes two arm chairs, and four side chairs, they are in very go...
Upholstery, Wood
$14,000 / set
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...
Brass
Pair of Vintage Caneback Side Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Fine Pair of Vintage Dunbar Chairs by Edward Wormley. Dimensions are approximate. Will confirm.
Wood
Edward Wormley Alexandria Chair by Dunbar, Mid-Century, 1955
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Alexandria Chair. Newly refinished and re-upholstered. Elegant and Beautiful Design that makes any space!
Upholstery, Wood
$3,400Sale Price|22% Off
Slipper Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
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...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1961
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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 ...
Leather
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Chair / Bench
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A bench / side chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Mahogany base with rosewood stretchers. Fully restored and upholstered in Holly Hunt fabric.
Fabric
Pair of Cane Back Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully restored pair of sculptural cane back chairs with mohair upholstery by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany
$7,140Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Pull-Up Lounge Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar pull-up lounge chairs. Model 971 Jansus line collection. Wormley's Boutique line. Original chocolate brown leather with...
Leather
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Chair in Jack Lenor Larsen
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
Introducing a dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. The chair features a sculpted dark mahogany frame and Jack Lenor Larsen upholstery wi...
Mahogany, Upholstery
$8,500 / set
Four Dining Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A set of four Edward Wormley for Dunbar high back dining chairs with mahogany bases. Fully restored and reupholstered.
Mahogany
$2,750Sale Price|50% Off
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chair circa 1950s with Original Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Comfortable armless lounge slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in beautiful plaid upholstery. A true collectors piece with no modifications and in excellent vintage condition....
Walnut
$14,000 / set
Set of Four Edward Wormley Dining Chairs for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four dark walnut dining armchairs with tapered legs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The seat cushions have been reupholstered with blue and green velvet with a lin...
Upholstery, Walnut, Velvet
Caned and Ebonized Arm Chair Designed by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Stamford, CT
A sharp looking ebonized chair with caned side panels designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Walnut
$12,000 / set
Edward Wormley Antler Chairs for Dunbar, Model 5580
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in San Francisco, CA
Edward Wormley design antler dining chairs for Dunbar, Model 5580. Rare and attractive design chair by Wormley in the height of his design career. Frames are bleached mahogany with...
Cane, Mahogany
$4,800 / set
Pair of Edward Wormley Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in Westport, CT
Pair Edward Wormley Dark Walnut and off white cord chairs for Drexel co,fabric in and off white ultra suede.
Fabric, Wood
$3,600 / item
Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An armless button tufted lounge chair of generous proportion having exposed walnut base. Model: 5000.
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Janus High Back Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of 'Janus' high back chairs with the original blue silk faille upholstery, on light walnut legs with cloud lift stretchers.
Walnut, Upholstery
Pair of "Alexandria" Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this 1960s pair of "Alexandria" armchairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. They feature elegantly sinuous frames sculpted from solid mahogany with black satin ...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,960Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Edward Wormley Mahogany and Grey Wool Barrel Back Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar barrel back arm chairs in mahogany and blue/gray wool upholstery. Great understated design that reveals unique qualities, would...
Mahogany
Edward Wormley Toadstool for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Amarillo, TX
Edward Wormley Toadstool ottoman Dunbar. Stained oak, enameled steel, wool. USA 38 D x 15 H inches. Edward Wormley for Dunbar toadstool ottoman upholstered in wool.
Wool, Wood
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Janus Chair in Mohair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Dallas, TX
A dining height Janus armchair designed by Mid-Century Modern master Edward Wormley. The chair features a sculpted dark mahogany frame and mohair upholstery with button-tufted backs....
Mohair, Mahogany
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...
Brass
Channel Back Lounge Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
An unusual and early design by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. This channel back lounge chair has mahogany trim and aluminum legs. Fully restored and reupholstered in Designtex / Lambert ...
Aluminum
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Swivel Chair, C. 1950s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Westport, CT
A swivel lounge chair designed by the iconic Edward Wormely for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1950-1959. Completely restored, fitted with new high-grade hand cut foam with all insides full...
Velvet, Mahogany
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs are reupholstered in a Maharam Mohair.
$6,650Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 30.5 in W 31 in D 32.5 in
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs and Ottoman
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chairs and Ottoman Ottoman Measurements: 29.25 length 25.25 depth 17.25 height
Acrylic, Wood
$5,395Sale Price / set|35% Off
H 37.75 in W 21.75 in D 18.25 in
Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, 4 Side-Chairs & 2 Arm-Chairs
By John Widdicomb
Located in Huntington, NY
A Set of 6 John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern dining chairs, 4 side-chairs & 2 arm-chairs Measure: Seat height 17.5.
Naugahyde, Walnut
$4,762Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 31.75 in W 23 in D 28.5 in
Pair of Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now we have an absolutely stunning pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. These chairs have been freshly reupholstered in a wonderful nubby white boucle...
Bouclé
$2,750Sale Price|50% Off
H 32.5 in W 22.75 in D 29 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chair circa 1950s with Original Upholstery
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Comfortable armless lounge slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar in beautiful plaid upholstery. A true collectors piece with no modifications and in excellent vintage condition....
Walnut
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs, 1960s
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture, circa 1960s, embodying the pinnacle of mid-century elegance. Wormley, Dunbar's legendary design director, crafte...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$3,250
H 29.25 in W 27.5 in D 36.5 in
Edward J. Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman circa 1950s for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward J. Wormley lounge chair and ottoman for Dunbar circa 1950s on solid brass castors. The lounge chair has a trapezoid shape, wider in the front (27.5" W) and tapers to the back....
Upholstery
$2,995 / set
H 39.75 in W 22 in D 23 in
Drexel Heritage Chippendale Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs, Set of Six
By Drexel
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding set of six of Chippendale or Georgian style dining chairs By Drexel Heritage USA, 1992 Carved solid mahogany frames, with ivory Damask upholstered seats. Measures:...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining Chairs
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rare set of 8 Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dining chairs in great condition. Upholstery as found, re-upholstery available.
Mahogany
$6,850
H 30 in W 28.5 in D 32 in
Swivel Lounge Chair, Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Almost White, Expertly Restored
By Edward Wormley
Located in Kansas City, MO
Edward Wormley for Dunbar swivel lounge chair. Expertly restored and reupholstered. Deep, comfortable chair on a beautiful mahogany base. No expense was spared in both the original m...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar Club Chair
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Single Edward J. Wormley for Dunbar club chair with older re-upholstery on thick tapered legs. Unrestored, ready for new upholstery, legs show age, should be refinished. Email for up...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Edward Wormley Set of 14 Dining Room Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of 14 dining chairs, in stained pine and leather, by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, United States, 1950s. Large set of 14 side chairs in dark stained wood and black leather uphols...
Leather, Wood, Pine
Sold
H 32 in W 22 in D 22 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Y Back Captains Chairs - Rosewood + Leather + Cane
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Decatur, GA
Pair of Edward Wormley for Dunbar Y Back Captains chairs, circa 1950s. Rare rosewood examples. All original finish on the sculpted and bentwood frames. Original cane is 100% complete...
Leather, Cane, Rosewood
Cane Back Wing Chair by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
A cane back wing chair designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.
Mahogany
Set of Eight Edward Wormley Dining Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of eight dining chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA, c.1960s. The seat cushions are upholstered in a tufted tan Naugahyde which is a beautiful contrast to the rich mahogany ...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Naugahyde
Sold
H 32.75 in W 24.5 in D 25.5 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Captain Chairs In Holly Hunt Great Plains
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
One of Edward Wormley's most famous and elegant chairs. A timeless masterpiece. The Captain Chair. We have fully restored to highlight the beautiful polished brass, cane back, curve...
Brass
Edward Wormley Cube Lounge Chair
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley Cube Lounge Chair Reupholstered Tapering Steel Legs
Upholstery
Edward Wormley Leather Arm Chairs
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Set of 4 Leather arm chairs designed by Edward Wormley manufactured by Dunbar beautiful robins egg blue leather accented by brass studs
Leather
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Lounge Chair and Ottoman Tapering Steel Legs
Upholstery
Edward Wormley Swivel Armchair
By Edward Wormley
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Edward Wormley Patinated Leather Swivel Arm Chair An early form manufactured by Dunbar
Leather
Pair of Janus Lounge Chairs by Edward Wormley
By Edward Wormley
Located in Chicago, IL
A chic and playful pair of mid-20th century Janus lounge chairs designed by Edward Wormley for American furniture manufacturer Dunbar, with walnut ...
Walnut
Edward Wormley Lounge Chair for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Edward Wormley Janus Collection Lounge chair and ottoman for Dunbar, model 5701 Walnut Frame with brass detail hardware, Reupholstered ...
Brass
Set of Six Edward Wormley for Dunbar Caned Dining Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Labeled set of six mid-century modern caned dining chairs featuring new modern boucle upholstery redux. Iconic chairs designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar having walnut frames in an angular design with an ebonized finish. The rectangular back has a cane inset...
Bouclé, Cane, Wood